<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 3, 1998
REGISTRATION NUMBER 333-52225
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
-----------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-----------
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS.)
OKLAHOMA 1311 73-1539475
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD (IRS EMPLOYER ID NO.)
JURISDICTION OF INDUSTRIAL
INCORPORATION OR CLASSIFICATION CODE
ORGANIZATION) NUMBER)
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS.)
OKLAHOMA 1311 22-2663839
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD (IRS EMPLOYER ID NO.)
JURISDICTION OF INDUSTRIAL
INCORPORATION OR CLASSIFICATION CODE
ORGANIZATION) NUMBER)
5727 SOUTH LEWIS AVENUE, SUITE 700
TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74105
(918) 749-5666
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES.)
AGENT FOR SERVICE
MICHAEL K. PAULK, PRESIDENT
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
5727 SOUTH LEWIS AVENUE, SUITE 700, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74105
(918) 749-5666
COPIES TO:
WILLIAM S. CLARKE, ESQUIRE
WILLIAM S. CLARKE, P.A.
457 NORTH HARRISON STREET, SUITE 103, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540
(609) 921-3663
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the Effective Date of this Registration Statement.
-----------
IF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE BEING OFFERED IN
CONNECTION WITH THE FORMATION OF A HOLDING COMPANY AND THERE IS COMPLIANCE
WITH GENERAL INSTRUCTION G, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX: [_]
-----------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
REGISTERED PER NOTE PRICE FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
11 1/8% Series B Senior
Secured Notes due 2005(1).... $235,000,000 100% $235,000,000 $69,325
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of 11 1/8% Series B
Senior Secured Notes due
2005(1)...................... (2) (2) (2) (2)
</TABLE>
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Issuer of the notes registered hereby is Gothic Production
Corporation. The guarantees registered hereby are made by Gothic Energy
Corporation.
(2) No additional consideration will be received for the guarantees of the
Notes registered hereby.
THE CO-REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE CO-REGISTRANTS
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 SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 3, 1998
PROSPECTUS
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
ALL OUTSTANDING
11- 1/8% SERIES A SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2005
($235,000,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OUTSTANDING)
FOR
11- 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2005
($235,000,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
OF
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF)
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00PM, EST, July 7, 1998, unless extended.
Gothic Production Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the "Company"),
hereby offers (the "Exchange Offer"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange up to an aggregate
principal amount of $235.0 million of its 11- 1/8% Series B Senior Secured
Notes due 2005 (the "Exchange Notes") for an equal principal amount of its
outstanding 11- 1/8% Series A Senior Secured Notes due 2005 (the "Outstanding
Notes" and, together with the Exchange Notes, the "Notes"), in integral
multiples of $1,000. The Exchange Notes are substantially identical (including
principal amount, interest rate, maturity and redemption rights) to the
Outstanding Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to this Exchange
Offer, except for certain transfer restrictions and registration rights
relating to the Outstanding Notes and except for certain interest provisions
relating to such rights. The Outstanding Notes have been, and the Exchange
Notes will be, issued under an Indenture dated as of April 21, 1998 (the
"Indenture"), among the Company and Gothic Energy Corporation ("Parent"), and
The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). See "Description of the
Notes." There will be no proceeds to the Company from this offering; however,
pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 21, 1998 (the
"Registration Rights Agreement") among the Company, Parent and the Initial
Purchasers (as defined) of the Outstanding Notes, the Company will bear certain
offering expenses.
The Notes mature on May 1, 2005 and bear interest at the rate of 11- 1/8% per
annum, payable semiannually in cash on May 1 and November 1 of each year,
commencing November 1, 1998. The Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 1, 2002, at the Make-
Whole Price (as defined) and at any time on and after May 1, 2002, at the
redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages (as defined). The Company may also redeem at its option at
any time prior to May 1, 2001 up to 33- 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount
of the Notes at a redemption price of 111.125% of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
redemption, with the proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined),
provided that at least 66- 2/3% of the original aggregate principal amount of
the Notes remains outstanding following such redemption. Upon a Change of
Control (as defined), the Company will be required to offer to purchase all
outstanding Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of purchase. See "Description of the Notes."
The Notes rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future
Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company and rank pari passu in
right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined)
of the Company. The Notes are collateralized by a second priority lien against
substantially all of the Company's natural gas and oil properties, second only
to the lien securing the Credit Facility (as defined). See "Description of the
Notes--Security." The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior basis
by Parent, the sole shareholder of the Company. Borrowings under the Credit
Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the
natural gas and oil properties of the Company. The Notes are effectively
subordinated to the indebtedness of the Company under the Credit Facility to
the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 14 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS TO BE
CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND IN EVALUATING AN
INVESTMENT IN THE EXCHANGE NOTES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE 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 JUNE , 1998
<PAGE>
The Company will accept for exchange any and all validly tendered
Outstanding Notes on or prior to 5:00PM, EST, on July 7, 1998, unless extended
(the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of Outstanding Notes may be withdrawn at any
time prior to 5:00PM, EST, on the Expiration Date; otherwise such tenders are
irrevocable. The Bank of New York is acting as Exchange Agent in connection
with the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any
minimum principal amount of Outstanding Notes being tendered for exchange, but
is otherwise subject to certain customary conditions.
The Exchange Notes will bear interest from the date of issuance (or the most
recent Interest Payment Date (as defined) to which interest on such Exchange
Notes has been paid), at a rate equal to 11 1/8% per annum and on the same
terms as the Outstanding Notes. Interest on the Exchange Notes will be payable
semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year commencing November 1, 1998.
Accrued interest on the Outstanding Notes that are tendered in exchange for
the Exchange Notes will be payable on or before November 1, 1998. Outstanding
Notes that are accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest on and
after the date on which interest on the Exchange Notes will begin to accrue.
The Outstanding Notes were sold (the "Offering") by the Company on April 21,
1998 to the Initial Purchasers in a transaction not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in reliance upon
the exemption provided in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The Company sold
to the Initial Purchasers $235.0 million principal amount of Outstanding
Notes. The Initial Purchasers subsequently placed the Outstanding Notes with
qualified institutional buyers in reliance upon Rule 144A under the Securities
Act. Accordingly, the Outstanding Notes may not be re-offered, resold or
otherwise transferred in the United States unless so registered or unless an
applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
is available. The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder in order to
satisfy the obligations of the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement
to file a registration statement with respect to the Outstanding Notes.
Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") set forth in no-action letters issued to third
parties, the Company believes that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to this
Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by
a holder who is not an affiliate of the Company without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act,
provided that the holder is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its ordinary
course of business and is not participating in and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes. Persons wishing to
exchange Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offer, must represent to the
Company that such conditions have been met.
Each broker/dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant
to the Exchange Offer (a "Participating Broker/Dealer") must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes.
The Letter of Transmittal for the Exchange Offer states that by so
acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker/dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may
be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes
received in exchange for Outstanding Notes where such Outstanding Notes were
acquired by such broker/dealer as a result of marketmaking activities or other
trading activities. The Company has agreed to make this Prospectus available
to any Participating Broker/Dealer for use in connection with any such resale
for a period of up to one year from the date on which the registration
statement, of which this Prospectus forms a part, is declared effective. See
"Plan of Distribution."
The Company does not intend to list the Exchange Notes on any national
securities exchange or to seek the admission thereof to trading on The Nasdaq
Stock Market. The Initial Purchasers have advised the Company that they intend
to make a market in the Exchange Notes; however, they are not obligated to do
so and any market-making may be discontinued at any time without notice.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that an active public or other market
will develop for the Exchange Notes or as to the liquidity of or the trading
market for the Exchange Notes.
i
<PAGE>
Any Outstanding Notes not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer will
remain outstanding. To the extent that any Outstanding Notes of other holders
are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's ability to sell
untendered Outstanding Notes could be adversely affected. Following
consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of Outstanding Notes will
continue to be subject to the existing restrictions upon transfer thereof.
The Company expects that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to this Exchange
Offer will be issued in the form of a Global Exchange Note (as defined
herein), which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC") and registered in its name or in the name of Cede & Co., its
nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Note representing the
Exchange Notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof to qualified
institutional buyers will be effected through, records maintained by DTC and
its participants. After the initial issuance of the Global Exchange Note,
Exchange Notes in certificated form will be issued in exchange for the Global
Exchange Note on the terms set forth in the Indenture. See "Description of
Exchange Notes--Global Exchange Note; Book-Entry Form."
No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give
information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus,
and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Company. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
security other than the Exchange Notes offered hereby nor does it constitute
an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Exchange
Notes to any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such
an offer or solicitation to such person. Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create
any implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any
date subsequent to the date hereof.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Commission in Washington, DC, a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act
with respect to the securities offered by this Prospectus. Certain of the
information contained in the Registration Statement is omitted from this
Prospectus, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and
exhibits and schedules relating thereto for further information with respect
to the Company and the securities offered by this Prospectus. Gothic 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 Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information are available for inspection
at, and copies of such materials may be obtained upon payment of the fees
prescribed, therefore, by the rules and regulations of the Commission from the
Commission at its principal offices located at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street N.W., Room 1024, Washington, DC 20549, and at the Regional Offices of
the Commission located at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and at 7 World Trade Center, Suite
1300, New York, New York 10048. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room of the Commission by calling 1-800-
SEC-0330. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, including Gothic, that file
electronically with the Commission. In addition, the Common Stock of Gothic
("Common Stock") is traded on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol
GOTH, and such reports, proxy statements and other information may be
inspected at the offices of The Nasdaq National Market, 1735 "K" Street
Northwest, Washington, DC 20006.
So long as Gothic is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act, it is required to furnish the information required to be filed
with the Commission to the Trustee and the holders of the Notes. Gothic has
agreed that, even if it is entitled under the Exchange Act not to furnish such
information to the Commission, it will nonetheless continue to furnish
information that would be required to be furnished by Gothic by Section 13 of
the Exchange Act to the Trustee and the holders of the Notes as if it were
subject to such periodic reporting requirements.
ii
<PAGE>
In addition, the Company has agreed that for so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding and are "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule
144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, they will make available to any
prospective purchaser of the Notes or beneficial owner of the Notes in
connection with any sale thereof the information required by Rule 144A
(d)(4)(i) under the Securities Act.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Gothic's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, Gothic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 1998, and Gothic's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated May 16, 1996,
Form 8-K/A filed July 30, 1996, Form 8-K dated December 27, 1996, Form 8-K
dated February 18, 1997, Form 8-K/A filed June 6, 1997, Form 8-K dated
April 16, 1997, Form 8-K dated June 30, 1997, Form 8-K dated September 9,
1997, Form 8-K/A filed October 3, 1997, Form 8-K dated November 25, 1997, Form
8-K dated January 23, 1998, Form 8-K/A filed January 30, 1998, Form 8-K/A
filed February 6, 1998, Form 8-K/A filed February 25, 1998, Form 8-K/A filed
April 8, 1998, Form 8-K dated March 31, 1998 and Form 8-K dated April 27, 1998
and filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, are incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus.
All documents filed by Gothic pursuant to Section 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 Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part
with respect to registration of the Exchange Notes, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus
to the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus, or in any other
subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference, modifies or replaces such statement.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a
copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus (not including exhibits to the information that are
incorporated by reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated
by reference into the information that this Prospectus incorporates). Written
or telephone requests for copies of such material should be directed to Gothic
Energy Corporation, 5727 South Lewis Avenue, Suite 700, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105
(telephone (918) 749-5666).
iii
<PAGE>
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS
OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this
Prospectus are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements under
the following headings: "Prospectus Summary--Business Strategy," "Risk
Factors--Future Capital Requirements," "--Uncertainty of Estimates of Reserves
and Future Net Revenues; Significant Undeveloped Reserves," "--Volatility of
Oil and Natural Gas Prices and Markets," "--Replacement of Reserves,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources," "--Changes in Prices and
Inflation," "Business and Properties--Business Strategy," "--Development and
Exploitation," and "--Exploration." Such forward-looking statements relate to
Gothic's (as defined) capital requirements, business strategy, ability to
attain and maintain profitability and cash flow, dependence upon the
acquisition of and ability to acquire additional oil and gas properties or
entering into joint oil and gas well development arrangements, access to debt
and equity capital and availability of joint venture development arrangements,
estimates as to its needs for additional capital and the times at which such
additional capital will be required, expectations as to the sources of this
capital and funds, ability to successfully implement its business strategy,
ability to identify and integrate successfully any additional producing oil
and gas properties it acquires and whether such properties can be operated
profitably, ability to maintain compliance with covenants of its various loan
documents and other agreements pursuant to which securities have been issued,
ability to borrow funds or maintain levels of borrowing availability under
credit arrangements, statements about Proved Reserves or borrowing
availability based on Proved Reserves and future net cash flows and the
present value thereof and Supplementary Oil and Gas Information in Note 13 to
Notes to the December 31, 1997 Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company
cautions readers that various risk factors described in this Prospectus (see
"Risk Factors") could cause the Company's operating results to differ
materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the
Company and could adversely affect the Company's ability to pursue its
business strategy and repay the Notes.
iv
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information, financial statements and other data appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the
"Company" are to Gothic Production Corporation, all references to "Parent" are
to Gothic Energy Corporation, and all references to "Gothic" are to Parent and
its subsidiaries, including the Company. Unless otherwise indicated, all
financial and quantitative information provided in this Prospectus on a "pro
forma basis" give effect, on the date and for the periods indicated, to certain
acquisitions effected by Gothic during 1997, the Amoco Acquisition (as defined
herein) and related financings, the completion of the Recapitalization (as
defined herein) and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
The estimated proved reserve information included or incorporated in this
Prospectus with respect to Gothic and the Amoco Acquisition properties is based
on reports by Lee Keeling & Associates, Inc. Certain terms relating to the
natural gas and oil business and other terms are defined in the "Glossary."
THE COMPANY
The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and owns all the natural
gas and oil assets of Gothic. Gothic is an independent energy company primarily
engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation, exploration and
production of natural gas and oil. Gothic commenced natural gas and oil
operations in 1994 with a business strategy emphasizing acquisitions of long-
lived, proved producing natural gas properties with significant development and
exploitation potential. As a result of this strategy, Gothic has grown
primarily through 14 acquisitions of producing natural gas and oil properties
(including the Amoco Acquisition) for total consideration of $337.8 million.
Reflecting this successful growth, Gothic is currently pursuing a business
strategy emphasizing the development and exploitation of its existing asset
base, maintenance of low cost operations and selective strategic acquisitions.
As of December 31, 1997, Gothic had, on a pro forma basis, proved reserves of
331.1 Bcfe, of which approximately 92% were natural gas, with a pro forma PV-10
of approximately $298.8 million. These reserves, of which 82% were classified
as proved developed, had an estimated Reserve Life of approximately 10.5 years.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, on a pro forma basis, Gothic had revenues
of $72.7 million and EBITDA of $53.6 million. For the quarter ended March 31,
1998, on a pro forma basis, Gothic had revenues of $15.5 million and EBITDA of
$10.2 million.
Gothic's natural gas and oil reserves and acreage are principally located in
the Anadarko, Arkoma and Permian/Delaware basins, which are historically
prolific basins with multiple producing horizons and long-lived reserves. These
basins generally provide significant development and exploitation potential
through low-risk infill drilling and the implementation of new workover,
drilling and recompletion technologies. Gothic has initiated a comprehensive
development and exploitation program designed to increase its natural gas and
oil reserves, production, earnings, cash flow and net asset value by enhancing
proved producing reserves and converting proved undeveloped reserves to proved
producing reserves. During the nine months ended March 31, 1998, since the
inception of this program, Gothic drilled 16 wells, 15 of which have been
completed and are producing. In addition, Gothic has entered into a
participation agreement involving the drilling of substantially all of its
undeveloped acreage with Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake") which
will support the Company's comprehensive development and exploitation program.
Gothic has not engaged in any material exploration activities but intends to
devote a limited amount of capital in the future to pursue "controlled-risk"
exploration opportunities.
On a pro forma basis, at December 31, 1997, Gothic held an interest in
627,708 gross acres (319,579 net acres) and had an interest in 1,387 gross
wells (631 net wells). Gothic serves as operator of approximately 710 of the
wells in which it has an interest. Operated wells account for approximately 75%
of the PV-10 of Gothic's pro forma proved reserves as of December 31, 1997.
1
<PAGE>
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Gothic's objective is to increase its reserves, production, earnings, cash
flow and net asset value through a growth strategy that includes (i)
developing, exploiting and exploring its natural gas and oil properties, (ii)
maintaining a low operating cost structure, and (iii) acquiring strategic
natural gas and oil properties in a disciplined manner.
Development, Exploitation and Exploration
Gothic seeks to maximize the value of its natural gas and oil properties
through development drilling, workovers, recompletions, reductions in operating
costs and enhanced operating efficiencies. Gothic's core areas are
characterized by properties with multiple pay zones that allow for integrated
analysis of stratigraphic, seismic and well control data to identify
development and exploitation opportunities. Through such analysis Gothic has,
as of March 31, 1998, identified 194 development and exploitation projects
within its properties, of which 114 have been assigned proved undeveloped
reserves. Gothic's 1998 development drilling program includes plans to spend
approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million to drill approximately 30 to 40 wells,
many of which are infill development wells on proved undeveloped locations.
Gothic also continually evaluates and pursues exploitation opportunities,
including workover and recompletion projects. Gothic intends to devote a
limited amount of capital in the future to pursue "controlled-risk" exploration
opportunities by drilling on undeveloped acreage in areas in close proximity to
producing properties. Gothic believes geological and geophysical data,
including 3D and 2D seismic surveys acquired in the Amoco Acquisition, will
enable it to reduce costs and risks associated with drilling activities
throughout its core areas.
Maintain Low Cost Operations
Gothic is able to directly control operating and drilling costs as the
operator of wells comprising approximately 75% of the PV-10 of pro forma proved
reserves as of December 31, 1997. In addition, Gothic has been able to reduce
per unit operating costs by eliminating unnecessary field and corporate
overhead costs and by divesting marginal and non-strategic properties with
limited development potential. Lease operating expenses have decreased 57%,
from $1.29 per Mcfe of production in 1995 on a historical basis to $0.55 per
Mcfe for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 on a pro forma basis. Further,
general and administrative expenses per Mcfe of production have decreased 90%,
from $1.15 per Mcfe to $0.10 per Mcfe over the same period. Gothic intends to
further improve the efficiency of and reduce the operating costs associated
with well operations through the use of advanced wireless technology licensed
to Gothic as part of the Amoco Acquisition. This technology enables Gothic to
remotely monitor well operations, thereby reducing the need for on-site
monitoring personnel. Gothic intends to deploy this technology throughout many
of its producing properties in the Anadarko and Arkoma basins.
Strategic Acquisitions
Gothic intends to pursue additional strategically attractive acquisitions to
the extent its capital structure allows. With the recent completion of the
Amoco Acquisition, however, Gothic has reduced the emphasis on acquisitions in
its current business strategy. Gothic has increased its reserves through
acquisitions, having added 424.9 Bcfe through 14 acquisitions, since November
1994, at a total acquisition cost of $337.8 million, or an average cost of
$0.80 per Mcfe. Gothic utilizes a disciplined acquisition strategy, focusing
its acquisition efforts on producing natural gas properties within its core
areas with (i) relatively long-lived natural gas production, (ii) quantifiable
development and exploitation potential, (iii) low risk exploration potential,
(iv) historically low operating expenses or the potential to reduce operating
expenses, (v) close proximity to Gothic's existing production or in areas where
Gothic has the ability to develop operating economies of scale and (vi)
geological, geophysical and other technical and operating characteristics with
which management of Gothic has expertise. Gothic applies strict economic and
reserve risk criteria in evaluating acquisitions of natural gas and oil
properties and companies.
2
<PAGE>
THE RECAPITALIZATION
On April 27, 1998, Gothic completed a series of transactions intended to
recapitalize Gothic through (i) the creation of the Company and transfer of all
of Gothic's natural gas and oil assets to the Company, (ii) the issuance by
Parent of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, (iii) the sale of assets for
$20.0 million, subject to closing adjustments, (iv) the execution of a
participation agreement granting a 50% interest in substantially all of
Gothic's undeveloped acreage, (v) the issuance by Parent of the Senior Secured
Discount Notes (as defined), (vi) the issuance by the Company of the Notes and
(vii) the repayment and/or refinancing of substantially all of Gothic's then
existing debt and preferred securities (together, the "Recapitalization").
Certain transactions undertaken in the Recapitalization are described in
greater detail below:
Corporate Restructuring
The Company was organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. At the
closing of the Recapitalization, Parent transferred to the Company its
ownership of all its natural gas and oil properties. The Company's natural gas
and oil assets secure its obligations under the Credit Facility and the Notes.
The Chesapeake Transaction
On April 27, 1998, Gothic completed several agreements with Chesapeake,
pursuant to which Gothic (i) executed a participation agreement granting a 50%
interest in substantially all of Gothic's undeveloped acreage, (ii) sold for
$20.0 million, subject to closing adjustments, a 50% interest in Gothic's
natural gas and oil properties in the Arkoma basin, and (iii) sold 50,000
shares of Parent's Series B Preferred Stock, having a liquidation value of
$50.0 million, and ten-year warrants to purchase, at an exercise price of $0.01
per share, 2,439,246 shares of Parent's Common Stock. In addition to providing
Parent with additional capital to facilitate the completion of the
Recapitalization, the Chesapeake Transaction is intended to provide technical
expertise, a historic drilling track record and the financial resources to
implement the Company's comprehensive development and exploitation program in
the Mid-Continent region.
Financing Transactions
The following financing transactions were also completed as part of the
Recapitalization:
11 1/8% Senior Secured The Company sold $235.0 million principal amount of
Notes.................... the Notes.
14 1/8% Senior Secured
Discount Notes...........
Parent sold approximately $60.2 million initial
principal amount ($104.0 million principal amount
at maturity) of 14 1/8% Senior Secured Discount
Notes due 2006 (the "Senior Secured Discount
Notes") secured by the outstanding capital stock of
the Company held by Parent.
Series B Preferred Stock
and Warrants.............
Parent sold 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred
Stock, having a liquidation preference of $50.0
million, and ten-year common stock purchase war-
rants exercisable at $0.01 per share to purchase
2,439,246 shares of Common Stock.
Arkoma Property Sales..... Gothic sold for $20.0 million, subject to closing
adjustments, a 50% interest in the Company's natu-
ral gas and oil properties in the Arkoma basin.
3
<PAGE>
Credit Facility........... The Company entered into the Credit Facility which
will provide, among other things, for an initial
borrowing availability to the Company of approxi-
mately $25.0 million.
Repayments and Redemptions
The net proceeds of approximately $350.5 million from the Recapitalization
described above were applied to repay or redeem the following:
12 1/4% Senior Notes...... These notes, outstanding in the principal amount of
approximately $99.3 million, were redeemed for ap-
proximately $102.3 million, inclusive of a 1% re-
demption premium and accrued interest.
Series A Preferred These shares were redeemed for $38.7 million, in-
Stock.................... clusive of a 1% redemption premium and payment-in-
kind dividends through the redemption date.
Existing Credit The Bridge Note with an outstanding principal bal-
Facility................. ance of $56.5 million as of April 27, 1998 was re-
paid. The Revolving Loan with an outstanding prin-
cipal balance of $149.9 million as of April 27,
1998 was repaid.
THE AMOCO ACQUISITION
On January 23, 1998, Gothic purchased from Amoco Production Company, a
subsidiary of Amoco Corporation, natural gas producing properties located in
the Anadarko and Arkoma basins of Oklahoma (the "Amoco Acquisition"). The
consideration paid consisted of $237.5 million in cash, subject to certain
post-closing adjustments, warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of Gothic's
common stock exercisable at $3.00 per share, and the transfer of certain
producing properties owned by Gothic having a value of less than $1.8 million.
The purchase had an effective date of December 1, 1997. The Amoco Acquisition
involved interests in 821 gross wells, operation of 291 of the properties and
approximately 240.0 Bcfe of proved reserves with a PV-10 of approximately
$230.1 million as of December 31, 1997. Of the proved reserves acquired, 96%
were natural gas and 71% were producing with net daily production of
approximately 60 Mmcfe. The cash portion of the consideration for the Amoco
Acquisition was financed with approximately $216.4 million of borrowings under
Gothic's Existing Credit Facility, including $156.4 million borrowed under a
three-year Revolving Loan and $60.0 million borrowed under a six-month Bridge
Loan. In addition, Gothic issued 37,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of
Parent with an aggregate liquidation preference of $37.0 million both to pay a
portion of the cash consideration for the Amoco Acquisition and to pay related
fees and expenses. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
4
<PAGE>
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
THE OUTSTANDING NOTE........ The Outstanding Notes were sold by the Com-
pany on April 21, 1998, to Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette Securities Corporation and CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp. (collectively, the "Initial
Purchasers") pursuant to a Purchase Agreement
dated April 21, 1998 (the "Purchase Agree-
ment"). The Initial Purchasers subsequently
resold the Outstanding Notes to qualified in-
stitutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A un-
der the Securities Act.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS... Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Com-
pany, Parent and the Initial Purchasers en-
tered into a Registration Rights Agreement
dated April 21, 1998 (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"), which grants the holders
of the Outstanding Notes certain exchange and
registration rights. The Exchange Offer is
intended to satisfy such exchange and regis-
tration rights, which terminate upon the con-
summation of the Exchange Offer. If applica-
ble law or applicable interpretations of the
staff of the Commission do not permit the
Company to effect the Exchange Offer, the
Company has agreed to file a shelf registra-
tion (the "Shelf Registration Statement")
covering resales of the Outstanding Notes.
See "The Exchange Offer--Resale of Exchange
Notes" and "--Shelf Registration Statement."
THE EXCHANGE OFFER..........
The Company is offering to exchange $1,000
principal amount of the Exchange Notes for
each $ 1,000 principal amount of Outstanding
Notes. As of the date hereof, $235.0 million
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding
Notes are outstanding. The Company will issue
the Exchange Notes to holders on July 7, 1998
(the "Exchange Date").
Based on an interpretation of the staff of
the Commission set forth in no action letters
issued to third parties, the Company believes
that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer in exchange for Outstanding
Notes may be offered for resale, resold and
otherwise transferred by any holder thereof
(other than any such holder which is an "af-
filiate" of the Company within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without
compliance with the registration and prospec-
tus delivery provisions of the Securities
Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are
acquired in the ordinary course of such hold-
er's business and that such holder does not
intend to participate and has no arrangement
or understanding with any person to partici-
pate in the distribution of such Exchange
Notes.
Each Participating Broker/Dealer must ac-
knowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
in connection with any resale of Exchange
Notes. The Letter of Transmittal for the Ex-
change Offer states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker/dealer will not be deemed to admit
that it is an "underwriter" within the mean-
ing of the Securities Act. This Prospectus,
as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, may be used by a broker/dealer
in connection with resales of Exchange Notes
received in exchange for Outstanding Notes
where such Outstanding Notes were acquired by
such broker/dealer as a result of market-mak-
ing activities or other
5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
trading activities. The Company has agreed to
make this Prospectus available to any Partic-
ipating Broker/Dealer for use in connection
with any such resale for a period of up to
one year from the date the registration
statement, of which this Prospectus forms a
part, is declared effective. See "Plan of
Distribution."
Any holder who tenders in the Exchange Offer
with the intention to participate, or for the
purpose of participating, in a distribution
of the Exchange Notes could not rely on the
position of the staff of the Commission enun-
ciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation
(available April 13, 1989) or similar no-ac-
tion letters and, in the absence of an exemp-
tion therefrom, must comply with the regis-
tration and prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act in connection with the
resale transaction. Failure to comply with
such requirements in such instance may result
in such holder incurring liability under the
Securities Act for which the holder is not
indemnified by the Company.
EXPIRATION DATE............. 5:00PM, EST, on July 7, 1998
INTEREST ON THE NOTES....... The Exchange Notes will bear interest from
the date of issuance of the Exchange Notes.
Interest on the Outstanding Notes that are
tendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes
that has accrued from April 27, 1998, the
date of issuance of the Outstanding Notes,
through the Exchange Date will be payable on
or before November 1, 1998.
Procedures for
Tendering Outstanding
Notes.................. Each holder of Outstanding Notes wishing to
accept the Exchange Offer must complete, sign
and date the accompanying Letter of Transmit-
tal, or a facsimile thereof, in accordance
with the instructions contained herein and
therein, and mail or otherwise deliver such
Letter of Transmittal, or such facsimile, to-
gether with the Outstanding Notes and any
other required documentation to the Exchange
Agent at the address set forth herein. By ex-
ecuting the Letter of Transmittal, each
holder will represent to the Company that,
among other things, the holder or the person
receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not
such person is the holder, is acquiring the
Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of
business and that neither the holder nor any
such other person has any arrangement or un-
derstanding with any person to participate in
the distribution of such Exchange Notes. In
lieu of physical delivery of the certificates
representing Outstanding Notes, tendering
holders may transfer Notes pursuant to the
procedure for book-entry transfer as set
forth under "The Exchange Offer--Procedures
for Tendering."
Special Procedures for
Beneficial Owners...... Any beneficial owner whose Outstanding Notes
are registered in the name of a
broker/dealer, commercial bank, trust company
or other nominee and who wishes to tender
should contact such registered holder
promptly and instruct such registered holder
to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on
such owner's own behalf, such owner must,
prior to completing and executing the Letter
of Transmittal and delivering its Outstanding
Notes, either make appropriate arrangements
to register ownership of the Outstanding
Notes in such owner's name or obtain a prop-
erly completed bond power from the registered
holder. The transfer of registered ownership
may take considerable time.
Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures............. Holders of Outstanding Notes who wish to ten-
der their Outstanding Notes and whose Out-
standing Notes are not immediately available
or who cannot deliver their Outstanding
Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other
documents required by the Letter of Transmit-
tal to the Exchange Agent (or comply with the
procedures for book-entry transfer) prior to
the Expiration Date must tender their Out-
standing Notes according to the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth in "The Ex-
change Offer--Guaranteed Delivery Proce-
dures."
Withdrawal Right........ Tenders may be withdrawn at any time prior to
5:00PM, EST, on the Expiration Date pursuant
to the procedures described under "The Ex-
change Offer--Withdrawal of Tenders."
Acceptance of
Outstanding Notes and
Delivery of Exchange
Notes.................. Subject to certain conditions, the Company
will accept for exchange any and all Out-
standing Notes that are properly tendered in
the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00PM, EST, on
the Expiration Date. The Exchange Notes is-
sued pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
delivered on the Exchange Date. See "The Ex-
change Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer."
Federal Income Tax
Considerations......... The exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer
should not be a taxable event for federal in-
come tax purposes. See "Certain U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations."
Effect on Holders of
Outstanding Notes...... As a result of the making of this Exchange
Offer, the Company will have fulfilled one of
its obligations under the Registration Rights
Agreement, and, with certain exceptions noted
below, holders of Outstanding Notes who do
not tender their Outstanding Notes will not
have any further registration rights under
the Registration Rights Agreement or other-
wise. Such holders will continue to hold the
untendered Outstanding Notes and will be en-
titled to all the rights and subject to all
the limitations applicable thereto under the
Indenture, except to the extent such rights
or limitations, by their terms, terminate or
cease to have further effectiveness as a re-
sult of the Exchange Offer. All untendered
Outstanding Notes will continue to be subject
to certain restrictions on transfer. Accord-
ingly, if any Outstanding Notes are tendered
and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trad-
ing market of the untendered Outstanding
Notes could be adversely affected. See "Risk
Factors--Exchange Offer Procedures."
Exchange Agent.......... The Bank of New York.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
SECURITIES OFFERED.......... $235.0 million principal amount of 11 1/8%
Series B Senior Secured Notes (the "Exchange
Notes").
MATURITY DATE............... May 1, 2005.
INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT
DATES...................... Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue at
the rate of 11 1/8% per annum, payable
semiannually in cash in arrears on May 1 and
November 1 of each year, commencing November
1, 1998.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION......... The Exchange Notes will be redeemable at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part,
at any time prior to May 1, 2002 at the Make-
Whole Price and at any time on and after May
1, 2002, at the redemption prices set forth
herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
redemption. In addition, the Company may, at
its option, redeem prior to May 1, 2001 up to
33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of
the Notes at 111.125% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
redemption, from the net proceeds of one or
more Equity Offerings, provided that at least
66 2/3% of the original aggregate principal
amount of the Notes remains outstanding fol-
lowing such redemption. See "Description of
the Notes--Optional Redemption."
MANDATORY REDEMPTION........ None, except as set forth below under "Change
of Control Offer."
RANKING..................... The Exchange Notes will rank senior in right
of payment to all existing and future Subor-
dinated Indebtedness of the Company and will
rank pari passu in right of payment with all
existing and future Senior Indebtedness of
the Company. The Exchange Notes will be col-
lateralized by a second priority lien against
substantially all of the Company's natural
gas and oil properties, second only to a lien
securing the Credit Facility. See "Descrip-
tion of the Notes--Security." Borrowings un-
der the Credit Facility will be secured by a
first priority lien on substantially all of
the natural gas and oil properties of the
Company. The Exchange Notes will be effec-
tively subordinated to the indebtedness of
the Company under the Credit Facility to the
extent of the value of the assets securing
such indebtedness. After giving effect to the
transactions described herein, the Company
will have no indebtedness outstanding under
the Credit Facility and permitted borrowings
under a Bank Credit Facility will be ini-
tially limited by the terms of the Notes to
approximately $30.0 million. Neither the Com-
pany nor Parent will have any other outstand-
ing Senior Indebtedness other than the Notes
and the Senior Secured Discount Notes. Sub-
ject to certain limitations set forth in the
Indenture, the Company and its subsidiaries
may incur additional Senior Indebtedness and
other indebtedness. See "Description of the
Notes--Ranking."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEE................... The Exchange Notes will be unconditionally
guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by
Gothic Energy Corporation.
SECURITY.................... The Exchange Notes will be secured by a sec-
ond priority lien against substantially all
of the Company's natural gas and oil proper-
ties, second only to the lien securing the
Credit Facility. See "Description of the
Notes--Security."
CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER..... Upon a Change of Control, the Company will be
required, subject to certain conditions, to
offer to repurchase all outstanding Notes at
101% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase. See "Description of the Notes--
Change of Control."
CERTAIN COVENANTS........... The Indenture governing the Notes (the "In-
denture") contains certain covenants, includ-
ing, but not limited to, covenants limiting
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
with respect to the following: (i) operations
of Parent; (ii) incurrence of additional in-
debtedness; (iii) restricted payments; (iv)
sales of assets; (v) liens; (vi) mergers and
consolidations; (vii) sale and leaseback
transactions; (viii) payment restrictions af-
fecting subsidiaries; (ix) issuance and sale
of subsidiary stock; (x) transactions with
affiliates; (xi) lines of business; and (xii)
the filing of certain periodic reports. See
"Description of the Notes--Certain Cove-
nants."
EXCHANGE OFFER;
REGISTRATION RIGHTS;
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES......... The Company has agreed to use its best ef-
forts to file with the Commission on or prior
to 45 days after the date of issuance of the
Outstanding Notes and cause to become effec-
tive a registration statement (the "Exchange
Offer Registration Statement") on or prior to
120 days after such date with respect to the
Outstanding Notes and, upon the Exchange Of-
fer Registration Statement becoming effec-
tive, to offer the holders of the Outstanding
Notes the opportunity to exchange their Out-
standing Notes for a like principal amount of
Exchange Notes with terms substantially iden-
tical to the Outstanding Notes. If the Com-
pany fails to file the Exchange Offer Regis-
tration Statement, or if the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement does not become effec-
tive within the periods specified, the Com-
pany will be required to pay Liquidated Dam-
ages to the holders of the Outstanding Notes.
See "Description of the Notes--Registration
Rights; Liquidated Damages."
All capitalized terms used in this Prospectus with respect to the Exchange
Notes and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth under
"Description of Notes."
RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection
with the Exchange Offer and in evaluating an investment in the Exchange Notes,
see "Risk Factors."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
<PAGE>
SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL,
OPERATING AND OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVE DATA
The summary historical financial information presented below has been derived
from the financial statements of Gothic for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 included herein and from the unaudited financial
statements of Gothic for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 which
are incorporated herein by reference. The pro forma financial information of
the Company and Gothic give effect to the 1997 Acquisitions, the Amoco
Acquisition and related financings, the completion of the Recapitalization and
the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom. The historical
financial data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
the related notes thereto of Gothic included elsewhere in this Prospectus and
incorporated herein by reference. The summary pro forma combined financial
information presented below should be read in conjunction with the pro forma
Combined Condensed Financial Statements of Gothic and the Company and notes
thereto. The pro forma combined financial data are not necessarily indicative
of the operating results or financial position that would have been achieved
had the transactions to which they give pro forma effect been effective at the
date or during the periods presented or of the results that may be obtained in
the future. The reserve data set forth below is presented as of December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1997. The pro forma reserve data of the Company and
Gothic as of December 31, 1997 gives effect to the Amoco Acquisition and the
Recapitalization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
1996 1997 1997
------- -------- -----------------
GOTHIC GOTHIC COMPANY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total operating revenue................. $11,447 $ 23,263 $72,691 $ 72,691
Operating expense(2).................... 4,807 10,361 16,132 16,132
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense................................ 2,856 5,791 29,619 29,619
General and administrative expense...... 1,782 2,318 2,918 2,918
Interest expense and amortization of
debt issue costs....................... 1,528 8,800 35,881 27,286
Loss before extraordinary item.......... (1,515) (3,677) (11,529) (2,934)
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(3)............................... $ 4,858 $ 10,584 $53,641 $ 53,641
Net cash provided by operating activi-
ties................................... 2,596 7,069 N/A N/A
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense(3).. 3.2x 1.2x 1.5x 2.0x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4)... -- 0.6x 0.6x 0.9x
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
-----------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
1997 1998 1998
------- -------- -----------------
GOTHIC COMPANY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total operating revenue.................. $ 6,282 $ 17,102 $15,544 $ 15,544
Operating expense(2)..................... 2,803 4,664 4,390 4,390
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense................................. 1,235 7,444 6,289 6,289
General and administrative expense....... 547 655 655 655
Interest expense and amortization of debt
issue costs............................. 1,186 8,033 9,080 6,895
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.. 528 (4,051) (5,227) (3,042)
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(3)................................ $ 2,932 $ 11,525 $10,241 $ 10,241
Net cash provided by operating activi-
ties.................................... 1,896 2,244 N/A N/A
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense(3)... 2.5x 1.4x 1.1x 1.5x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4).... 1.3x 0.5x 0.4x 0.6x
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
--------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
---------------------
GOTHIC GOTHIC COMPANY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...................... $ 3,294 $ 4,102 $ 3,947
Working capital................................ 290 1,098 943
Total assets................................... 346,720 325,673 323,118
Total debt..................................... 310,638 295,155 235,000
Stockholders' equity .......................... (17,437) 10,908 68,508
ACNTA(5)....................................... 314,024 267,715 267,560
Ratio of ACNTA to total debt(5)................ 1.0x 0.9x 1.1x
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
-------------------
1996 1997 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Production:
Oil (Mbbls)................................... 164 176 416
Natural gas (Mmcf)............................ 3,404 6,583 29,006
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)................ 4,388 7,639 31,502
Average sales prices:
Oil (per Bbl)................................. $21.27 $20.18 $18.00
Natural gas (per Mcf)......................... 2.03 2.11 2.17
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)............. 2.37 2.28 2.24
Expenses (per Mcfe):
Lease and operating expenses(6)............... $0.85 $0.73 $0.44
General and administrative.................... 0.41 0.30 0.09
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(7)... 0.64 0.72 0.94
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
--------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
-------------------
1997 1998 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Production:
Oil (Mbbls)................................... 37 86 86
Natural gas (Mmcf)............................ 1,410 6,956 6,168
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)................ 1,632 7,472 6,684
Average sales prices:
Oil (per Bbl)................................. $23.81 $15.10 $15.10
Natural gas (per Mcf)......................... 2.71 2.19 2.20
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)............. 2.88 2.21 2.22
Expenses (per Mcfe):
Lease and operating expenses(6)............... $0.85 $0.55 $0.55
General and administrative(10)................ 0.34 0.09 0.10
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(7)... 0.75 0.99 0.94
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
----------------
1996 1997 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PROVED RESERVE DATA: (8)(9)
Oil (Mbbls)....................................... 1,158 3,585 4,401
Natural gas (Mmcf)................................ 64,534 127,460 304,647
Total proved reserves (Mmcfe)..................... 71,482 148,970 331,053
% Natural gas..................................... 90% 86% 92%
Proved developed reserves (Mmcfe)................. 54,295 106,708 270,701
% Proved developed................................ 76% 72% 82%
PV-10 (in thousands).............................. $67,087 $122,723 $298,760
Standardized Measure (in thousands)............... 49,083 94,102 249,265
</TABLE>
(Footnotes on next page)
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------
(1) The pro forma statement of operations data, other financial data and
operating data have been prepared as if the 1997 Acquisitions had been
consummated on January 1, 1997. The pro forma data further reflect the
Amoco Acquisition and related financings, and the pro forma effects of the
Recapitalization, and the application of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom as if such transactions had been consummated on January 1, 1997.
The pro forma balance sheet data has been prepared as if the
Recapitalization and the application of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom had been consummated on March 31, 1998. The Operating Data and
Proved Reserve Data on a pro forma basis are the same for Gothic and the
Company.
(2) Consists of lease operating expense, production taxes and gas system
expenses.
(3) See the Glossary included elsewhere in this Prospectus for the definition
of EBITDA. EBITDA is not a measure of cash flow as determined by generally
accepted accounting principles. Certain information concerning EBITDA has
been included herein because EBITDA is a measure used by certain investors
in determining Gothic's and the Company's historical ability to service its
indebtedness; however, this measure may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures of other companies. EBITDA should not be considered as an
alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as
an indicator of Gothic's or the Company's operating performance or
liquidity.
(4) For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
fixed charges for Gothic consist of interest expense, amortization of debt
discount and financing costs and Parent's preferred stock dividends, and
for the Company does not include interest and amortization of debt discount
on the Senior Secured Discount Notes or dividends on the Series B Preferred
Stock. Earnings consist of income before extraordinary items and income
taxes plus fixed charges. Gothic's historical earnings were insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $5.7 million and $3.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and by $5.0 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1998. Pro forma earnings of Gothic and the Company
were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $19.4 million and $2.9 million,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997 and by $7.1 million and
$3.0 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 1998.
(5) ACNTA means Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as defined in the
Indenture. See "Description of the Notes--Certain Definitions."
(6) Lease operating expense per Mcfe includes production taxes and is net of
well operator overhead reimbursements billed to working interest owners
which are recorded as well operations revenue.
(7) Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas
properties only.
(8) Based on estimates prepared by Lee Keeling & Associates, Inc. See "Business
and Properties--Natural Gas and Oil Reserves."
(9) The Company believes that PV-10, while not determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, is an important financial measure
used by investors in independent oil and natural gas producing companies
for evaluating the relative significance of oil and natural gas properties
and acquisitions. PV-10 should not be construed as an alternative to the
Standardized Measure, as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
(10)Excludes a non-recurring severance payment to a former officer in 1998.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this Prospectus,
the following factors relating to Gothic, the Company and this Exchange Offer
should be considered by prospective investors when evaluating an investment in
the Notes offered hereby. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gothic
and all of Gothic's natural gas and oil operations will be conducted through
the Company. An investment in the Notes is subject to material risks arising
from the financial condition, operating results and business activities of
Gothic and should be considered in the light of the risks involved in an
investment in securities of Gothic as well as the Company.
EXCHANGE OFFER PROCEDURES
Issuance of the Exchange Notes in exchange for Outstanding Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer will be made only after a timely receipt by the Company of
such Outstanding Notes, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal and all other required documents. Therefore, holders of the
Outstanding Notes desiring to tender such Outstanding Notes in exchange for
Exchange Notes should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. The
Company is under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities
with respect to the tenders of Outstanding Notes for exchange. Outstanding
Notes that are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following
the consummation of the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the existing
restrictions upon transfer thereof. Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer,
the registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement will
terminate. In addition, any holder of Outstanding Notes who tenders in the
Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the
Exchange Notes may be deemed to have received restricted securities and, if
so, will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in
exchange for Outstanding Notes, where such Outstanding Notes were acquired by
such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any sale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution." To the
extent that some of the Outstanding Notes are tendered and accepted in the
Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted
Outstanding Notes could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange Offer."
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS
At March 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, the Company would have had $235.0
million of indebtedness as compared to stockholders' equity of $68.5 million
and Gothic would have had $295.2 million of indebtedness as compared to
stockholders' equity of $10.9 million. This level of indebtedness may pose
substantial risks to the Company, Gothic and the holders of their securities,
including the possibility that the Company or Gothic may not generate
sufficient cash flow to pay the principal of and interest on the Credit
Facility, the Notes and Senior Secured Discount Notes and the risk of default
thereunder. Gothic's historical earnings were insufficient to cover fixed
charges, including preferred dividends, by $5.7 million and $3.9 million for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively and by $5.0 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1998. On a pro forma basis, the Company's
earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $2.9 million and earnings
of Gothic were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $19.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Also, on a pro forma basis, the Company's
earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $3.0 million and earnings
of Gothic were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $7.1 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1998. If the Company is unsuccessful in
increasing its proved reserves or realizing production from its proved
undeveloped reserves, the future net revenue from existing proved reserves may
not be sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on its indebtedness in
accordance with their terms. The Company's and Gothic's levels of indebtedness
may also adversely affect each company's ability to incur additional
indebtedness and finance its future operations and capital needs, and may
limit its ability to pursue other business opportunities. The Credit Facility,
the Notes, the Senior Secured Discount Notes and their respective indentures
contain financial and other restrictive covenants which could limit the
Company's and Gothic's operating and financial flexibility and, if
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violated, would result in an event of default which could preclude the
Company's access to credit under the Credit Facility or otherwise have a
material adverse effect on the Company and Gothic. A default under the
Company's Credit Facility could lead to a foreclosure against the Company's
assets that collateralize such indebtedness. In addition, the terms of the
Company's and Gothic's indebtedness contain provisions whereby a default under
one loan agreement may also constitute a default under other indebtedness.
Accordingly, if the Company or Gothic should default under the terms of one
loan agreement such default could also constitute an event of default under
other indebtedness which could result in all of such indebtedness becoming
immediately due and payable. There are currently no defaults under any of the
Company's or Gothic's outstanding indebtedness.
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY LENDERS
The instruments governing the indebtedness of Gothic impose significant
operating and financial restrictions on the Company. Such restrictions will
affect, and in many respects significantly limit or prohibit, among other
things, the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness, pay
dividends, repay indebtedness prior to its stated maturity, sell assets or
engage in mergers or acquisitions. These restrictions could also limit the
ability of Gothic to effect future financings, make needed capital
expenditures, withstand a future downturn in Gothic's business or the economy
in general, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. A failure by
Gothic to comply with these restrictions could lead to a default under the
terms of such indebtedness. In the event of default, the holders of such
indebtedness could elect to declare all of the funds borrowed pursuant thereto
to be due and payable together with accrued and unpaid interest. In such
event, there can be no assurance that Gothic would be able to make such
payments or borrow sufficient funds from alternative sources to make any such
payment. If the Company were unable to repay all amounts declared due and
payable under the Credit Facility, the lenders thereunder could proceed
against the collateral granted to satisfy the indebtedness and other
obligations due and payable. If the Credit Facility indebtedness were to be
accelerated, there can be no assurance that the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries would be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness and the
other indebtedness of the Company, including the Notes. Even if additional
financing could be obtained, there can be no assurance that it would be on
terms that are favorable or acceptable to Gothic. In addition, the Company's
indebtedness under the Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the
assets of the Company. The pledge of such collateral to existing lenders could
impair Gothic's ability to obtain favorable financing from other sources.
ABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH
Although individual members of management have significant experience in the
natural gas and oil industry, Gothic has been engaged in the natural gas and
oil business for less than four years and has a limited operating history upon
which investors may base their evaluation of Gothic's performance. As a result
of its brief operating history and rapid growth, the operating results from
Gothic's historical periods are not readily comparable and, as a consequence
of the Amoco Acquisition, are not expected to be indicative of future results.
There can be no assurance that Gothic will continue to experience growth in,
or maintain its current level of, revenues, natural gas and oil reserves or
production. Gothic's natural gas and oil operations to date have focused on
the acquisition of producing natural gas and oil properties. Gothic's business
plan and reserve reports include the drilling of approximately 30 to 40
development wells during 1998.
The Amoco Acquisition and any future growth of Gothic's natural gas and oil
reserves, production and operations will place significant demands on Gothic's
operational, administrative and financial resources, and the increased scope
of operations will present challenges to Gothic due to increased management
time and resources required. Gothic's future performance and profitability
will depend in part on its ability to successfully integrate the operational,
financial and administrative functions of acquired properties into Gothic's
operations, to hire additional personnel and to implement necessary
enhancements to its management systems to respond to changes in its business.
There can be no assurance that Gothic will be successful in these efforts. The
inability of Gothic to integrate acquired properties, to hire additional
personnel or to enhance its management systems could have a material adverse
effect on Gothic's results of operations.
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RANKING OF THE NOTES; EFFECTIVE SUBORDINATION
The Notes are the general obligations of the Company ranking pari passu in
right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of
the Company and are secured by a second priority lien against substantially
all of the Company's natural gas and oil properties. The Notes are effectively
subordinated to the indebtedness of the Company under the Credit Facility to
the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. Borrowings
under the Credit Facility are secured by a senior lien against substantially
all of the natural gas and oil properties of the Company. After giving effect
to the transactions described herein, the Company will have no indebtedness
outstanding under the Credit Facility, and permitted borrowings under the
Credit Facility would be initially limited by the terms of the Notes to
approximately $30.0 million, or 10% of ACNTA (as defined), and neither the
Company nor Parent will have any other outstanding Senior Indebtedness other
than the Notes and the Senior Secured Discount Notes. The indebtedness
outstanding under the Credit Facility have claims with respect to the assets
constituting collateral for such indebtedness that are prior to the claims of
holders of the Notes. In the event of a default on the Notes, or a bankruptcy,
liquidation or reorganization of the Company, such assets will be available to
satisfy obligations with respect to the Credit Facility before any payment
therefrom could be made on the Notes. See "--Security for the Notes."
The Indenture provides that the Notes will be guaranteed by the Company's
Restricted Subsidiaries. Although the Subsidiary Guarantees provide the
holders of the Notes with a direct claim against the assets of such Restricted
Subsidiaries, enforcement of the Subsidiary Guarantees against any existing or
future Restricted Subsidiaries would be subject to certain defenses available
to guarantors generally, and would also be subject to certain defenses
available to the Company regarding enforcement of the Notes. Although the
Indenture contains waivers of most of those defenses, one or more of such
waivers may not be enforced by a court in a particular case. To the extent
that the Subsidiary Guarantees are not enforceable, the Notes would be
effectively subordinated to all liabilities of the Company's Subsidiaries,
including other Senior Indebtedness, subordinated indebtedness and trade
payables of such Subsidiaries.
SECURITY FOR THE NOTES
Pursuant to the Indenture governing the Notes, the Company has granted to
the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes a second priority lien
on and security interest in substantially all of the natural gas and oil
properties of the Company (the "Collateral") to secure the performance of the
Company's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes. These assets also
secure the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility on a first priority
basis. The amount of loans which could be made available under the Credit
Facility is limited by the Indenture's "Limitation on Indebtedness" and
"Limitation on Liens" covenants. See "Description of the Notes--Certain
Covenants." On a pro forma basis, the Collateral includes proved reserves as
of December 31, 1997 with a PV-10 of approximately $298.8 million. The reserve
data with respect to such interests, however, represent estimates only and
should not be construed as exact. Moreover, the current value of proved
reserves set forth in this Prospectus should not be construed as the current
market value of the estimated proved reserves attributable to Gothic's
properties. See "--Uncertainty of Estimates of Reserves and Future Net
Revenues; Significant Undeveloped Reserves." No assurance can be given that
the value of the Collateral will on a given date equal or exceed the principal
amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. By its nature,
some or all of the Collateral will be illiquid and may have no readily
ascertainable market value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to how
quickly the Collateral could be realized upon.
The Trustee, on behalf of the Holders of the Notes, has entered into an
Intercreditor Agreement (the "Intercreditor Agreement") with Bank One. If the
Notes become due and payable prior to the final stated maturity thereof for
any reason or are not paid in full at the final stated maturity thereof and
after any applicable grace period has expired, at a time when Indebtedness is
outstanding under the Credit Facility, the Trustee will not have the right to
foreclose upon the Collateral unless the Agent, on behalf of the lenders
thereunder, forecloses upon the Collateral; provided, however, if the Agent,
on behalf of such lenders, has not accelerated the Indebtedness under the
Credit Facility and commenced foreclosure upon the Collateral within 120 days
after the Trustee has given notice to the Agent of any Event of Default, the
Trustee shall have the right to foreclose
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upon the Collateral in accordance with instructions from the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or, in the absence of such
instructions, in such manner as the Trustee deems appropriate in its absolute
discretion, without the consent of the Agent or such lenders. Proceeds from
the sale of Collateral will first be applied to repay Indebtedness outstanding
under the Credit Facility, if any, and thereafter paid to the Trustee. The
proceeds received by the Trustee will be applied by the Trustee first to pay
the expenses of any foreclosure and fees and other amounts then payable to the
Trustee under the Indenture and the Security Documents (as defined herein)
and, thereafter, to pay all amounts owing to the Holders under the Indenture,
the Notes and the Security Documents (with any remaining proceeds to be
payable to the Company or as may otherwise be required by law).
Even if the Credit Facility were permanently retired, the right of the
Trustee under the Indenture and the Security Documents to foreclose upon and
sell Collateral upon the occurrence of an Event of Default on the Notes is
likely to be significantly impaired by applicable bankruptcy law if a
bankruptcy or reorganization case were to be commenced by or against the
Company and one or more of its Subsidiaries. Under applicable bankruptcy law,
secured creditors such as the holders of the Notes are prohibited from
foreclosing upon or disposing of a debtor's property without prior bankruptcy
court approval. Moreover, applicable bankruptcy law permits the debtor to
continue to retain and to use collateral even though the debtor is in default
under the applicable debt instruments, provided that the secured creditor is
given "adequate protection." The meaning of the term "adequate protection" may
vary according to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the
value of the secured creditor's interest in the collateral. In view of the
lack of a precise definition of the term "adequate protection" and the broad
discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how
long payments under the Notes could be delayed following commencement of a
bankruptcy case, whether or when the Trustee could obtain or dispose of the
Collateral or whether or to what extent holders of the Notes would be
compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the Collateral
through the requirement of "adequate protection." If a bankruptcy court were
to determine that the value of the Collateral, after giving effect to the
repayment of all amounts owing in respect of the Credit Facility, was
insufficient to repay all amounts due in respect of the Notes, the holders of
Notes would become undersecured creditors and, as such, may be unable to
receive payments or accrual of interest and costs during the debtor's
bankruptcy proceeding.
The Collateral is comprised of real property. Real property pledged as
security to a lender may be subject to both known and unforeseen environmental
risks. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), even a lender who does not
foreclose on a property may be held liable, in certain limited circumstances,
for the costs of remediating or preventing releases or threatened releases of
hazardous substances at a mortgaged property. There may be similar risks under
various state laws and common law theories. Such liability has seldom been
imposed, and finding a lender liable generally has been based on the lender's
having become sufficiently involved in the operations of the borrower so that
its activities are deemed to constitute "participation in the management."
This is the standard of liability set forth in CERCLA and elaborated on in a
number of court decisions. A lender may also be considered to be a current
owner of a property who can be held liable under CERCLA if the lender takes
title to property by foreclosure, although certain courts have held that mere
foreclosure on the borrower's property, in order to protect the lender's
security interest, does not make the lender liable under CERCLA.
Under the Indenture, the Trustee may, prior to taking certain actions and
exercising certain remedies on behalf of the holders of the Notes, request
that the holders of the Notes provide an indemnification against its costs,
expenses and liabilities. It is possible that CERCLA (or analogous) cleanup
costs could become a liability of the Trustee and cause a loss to any holders
that provided an indemnification. In addition, holders may act directly rather
than through a Trustee, in specified circumstances, in order to pursue a
remedy under the Indenture. If holders exercise that right, they could be
deemed to be lenders that are subject to the risks discussed above.
See "Description of the Notes--Security" for a more detailed description of
the security provisions for the Notes.
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VOLATILITY OF NATURAL GAS AND OIL PRICES; POTENTIAL FULL COST WRITE DOWN
Gothic's revenues, profitability, cash flow, ability to service debt and
future growth will be substantially dependent on prevailing prices for natural
gas and oil. The amounts of and prices obtainable for Gothic's natural gas and
oil production will be affected by market factors beyond Gothic's control.
Such factors include the extent of domestic production, the level of imports
of foreign natural gas and oil, the general level of market demand on a
regional, national and worldwide basis, domestic and foreign economic
conditions that determine levels of industrial production, political events in
foreign oil producing regions, and variations in governmental regulations and
tax laws or the imposition of new governmental requirements upon the natural
gas and oil industry, among other factors. Prices for natural gas and oil are
subject to wide fluctuation in response to relatively minor changes in supply
of and demand for natural gas and oil, market uncertainty and a variety of
additional factors that are beyond the control of Gothic. Any significant
decline in natural gas and oil prices would have a material adverse effect
upon Gothic, including the inability of Gothic to fund planned operations and
capital expenditures, write-downs of the carrying value of its natural gas and
oil properties, and Gothic's inability to meet debt service requirements
resulting in defaults under bank loans and other indebtedness. In addition,
the marketability of Gothic's natural gas and oil production will depend in
part upon the availability, proximity and capacity of gathering systems,
pipelines and processing facilities.
Based on market prices for natural gas and oil in March 1998 and the
anticipated terms of the Recapitalization, the Company would, as of the end of
the quarter during which the Recapitalization was completed, reflect a full
cost write down in the amount of approximately $33.0 million. Since the
Recapitalization was completed subsequent to March 31, 1998 and since natural
gas and oil prices have changed subsequent to March 31, 1998, the amount of
such write down, if any, will depend upon the market prices for natural gas
and oil at the end of the quarter ending June 30, 1998. Based on rules
promulgated by the Commission, Gothic evaluates impairment of its natural gas
and oil properties, based on prevailing prices as of the end of each quarter,
and accordingly, the actual amount of impairment, if any, will not be
determinable until the end of the quarter in which the Recapitalization
occurs.
RISK OF HEDGING ACTIVITIES
In an attempt to reduce its sensitivity to energy price volatility, Gothic
uses swap arrangements that generally result in a fixed price for sales of its
natural gas and oil production over periods of up to 12 months. If Gothic's
reserves are not produced at rates equivalent to the hedged position, Gothic
would be required to satisfy its obligations under hedging contracts on
potentially unfavorable terms without the ability to hedge that risk through
sales of comparable quantities of its own production. Hedging contracts limit
the benefits Gothic will realize if actual prices rise above the contract
prices. In addition, hedging contracts are subject to the risk that the other
party may prove unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under such
contracts. Any significant nonperformance could have a material adverse
financial effect on Gothic. These arrangements provide for Gothic to exchange
a floating market price for a fixed contract price. Payments are made by
Gothic when the floating price exceeds the fixed price for a contract month
and payments are received when the fixed price exceeds the floating price.
Settlements on these swaps are based on the difference between the approximate
average closing NYMEX price for a contract month and the fixed contract price
for the same month.
Gothic was required, under the terms of its bank debt outstanding prior to
completion of the Recapitalization, to enter into hedging agreements covering
Gothic's natural gas production. Because of this hedging activity, Gothic's
financial risk resulting from possible declines in the price of natural gas
was reduced; however, Gothic's ability to benefit from increases in the price
of natural gas was also limited. Following the completion of the
Recapitalization, the Credit Facility does not require any minimum amounts of
hedging agreements, however, the Company expects it will continue to enter
into such agreements in the future. Any reduction in hedging activity will
subject Gothic to more significant fluctuations in production revenues
resulting from price volatility.
At December 31, 1997, Gothic had swap agreements relating to the sale of
5,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.55 per Mcf and 15,000 Mcf per day at a
price of $2.45 per Mcf during the period January 1, 1998 through
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March 31, 1998. In February 1998, Gothic entered into swap agreements relating
to the sale of 62,000 Mcf per day during the period April 1, 1998 through
October 31, 1998 at an average price of $2.09 per Mcf. Of the 62,000 Mcf per
day, 25,000 Mcf per day is subject to a "call spread" agreement which provides
that Gothic will receive additional payments if the actual sales price of
natural gas is between $2.30 and $2.70 per Mcf during the period. The swap
agreements for the period April through October 1998 cover approximately 69%
of Gothic's current natural gas production. In addition, Gothic has entered
into a swap agreement relating to the sale of 60,000 Mcf per day at a "floor"
price of $2.10 per Mcf during the period November 1998 through March 1999. The
Company will assign, in the Recapitalization, all of Gothic's rights and
responsibilities with regard to its existing hedging agreements.
REPLACEMENT OF RESERVES
Gothic's success is substantially dependent on its ability to replace and
expand its natural gas and oil reserves through the acquisition of producing
properties and the exploitation and development of its properties, which
activities involve substantial risks. Without successful acquisition or
drilling ventures, Gothic will be unable to replace the reserves being
depleted by production, and its assets and revenues, including the reserves,
will decline. Gothic's strategy includes increasing its reserve base through
continued exploitation of its existing properties, exploration of new and
existing properties and acquisitions of producing properties. There can be no
assurance that Gothic's acquisition and development activities will result in
the replacement of, or additions to, Gothic's reserves. Similarly, there can
be no assurance that Gothic will have sufficient capital to engage in its
acquisition or development activities. Successful acquisition of producing
properties generally requires accurate assessments of recoverable reserves,
future natural gas and oil prices, operating costs, potential environmental
and other liabilities and other factors. Such assessments are necessarily
inexact, and as estimates their accuracy is inherently uncertain.
ACQUISITION RISKS
Gothic's rapid growth since it commenced natural gas and oil operations has
been largely the result of acquisitions of producing properties. Gothic
expects to continue to evaluate and pursue acquisition opportunities available
on terms management considers favorable to Gothic. The successful acquisition
of producing properties requires an assessment of recoverable reserves, future
natural gas and oil prices, operating costs, potential environmental and other
liabilities and other factors beyond Gothic's control. This assessment is
necessarily inexact and its accuracy is inherently uncertain. In connection
with such an assessment, Gothic performs a review of the subject properties it
believes to be generally consistent with industry practices. This review,
however, will not reveal all 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 be performed on
every well, and structural and environmental problems are not necessarily
observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Gothic generally assumes
preclosing liabilities, including environmental liabilities, and generally
acquires interests in the properties on an "as is" basis. With respect to its
acquisitions to date, Gothic has no material commitments for capital
expenditures to comply with existing environmental requirements. There can be
no assurance that Gothic's acquisitions will be successful. Any unsuccessful
acquisition could have a material adverse effect on Gothic.
DRILLING AND OPERATING RISKS
Drilling activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no
commercially productive reservoirs will be encountered. There can be no
assurance that new wells drilled by Gothic will be productive or that Gothic
will recover all or any portion of its investment. Drilling for natural gas
and oil may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from
wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return
a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling,
completing and operating wells is often uncertain. Gothic's drilling
operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous
factors, many of which are beyond Gothic's control, including economic
conditions, mechanical problems, title problems, weather conditions,
compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays of equipment
and services. Gothic's future drilling activities may not be successful and,
if unsuccessful, such failure may have a material adverse effect on Gothic's
future results of operations or financial condition.
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In addition to the substantial risk that wells drilled will not be
productive, hazards such as unusual or unexpected geologic formations,
pressures, downhole fires, mechanical failures, blowouts, cratering,
explosions, uncontrollable flows of natural gas, oil or well fluids, pollution
and other physical and environmental risks are inherent in natural gas and oil
exploration and production. These hazards could result in substantial losses
to Gothic due to injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of
property and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage and
suspension of operations. Gothic, as protection against operating hazards,
maintains insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses, as
is common in the natural gas and oil industry. Gothic does not fully insure
against all risks associated with its business either because such insurance
is not available or because the cost thereof is considered prohibitive. The
occurrence of an event that is not covered, or not fully covered, by insurance
could have a material adverse effect on Gothic's financial condition and
results of operations.
UNCERTAINTY OF ESTIMATES OF RESERVES AND FUTURE NET REVENUES; SIGNIFICANT
UNDEVELOPED RESERVES
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved
reserves, including many factors beyond the control of Gothic. The reserve
information set forth in this Offering Memorandum represents estimates based
on reports prepared by Gothic's independent petroleum engineers, as well as
internally generated reports. Petroleum engineering is not an exact science.
Information relating to proved natural gas and oil reserves is based upon
engineering estimates derived after analysis of information furnished by
Gothic or the operator of the property. Estimates of economically recoverable
natural gas and oil reserves and of future net cash flows necessarily depend
upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical
production from the area compared with production from other producing areas,
the assumed effects of regulations by governmental agencies and assumptions
concerning future natural gas and oil prices, future operating costs,
severance and excise taxes, capital expenditures and workover and remedial
costs, all of which may in fact vary considerably from actual results. Natural
gas and oil prices, which fluctuate over time, may also affect proved reserve
estimates. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable
quantities of natural gas and oil attributable to any particular group of
properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk of recovery and
estimates of the future net cash flows expected therefrom prepared by
different engineers or by the same engineers at different times may vary
substantially. Actual production, revenues and expenditures with respect to
Gothic's reserves will likely vary from estimates, and such variances may be
material. Approximately 14% of Gothic's estimated PV-10 of proved reserves on
a pro forma basis as of December 31, 1997 are classified as undeveloped.
Either inaccuracies in estimates of proved undeveloped reserves or the
inability to fund development could result in substantially reduced reserves.
In addition, the timing of receipt of estimated future net revenues from
proved undeveloped reserves will be dependent upon the timing and
implementation of drilling and development activities estimated by Gothic for
purposes of the reserve report.
FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Gothic has made, and will continue to make, substantial capital expenditures
for the acquisition, development and production of natural gas and oil
reserves, particularly since a portion of the proved reserves of Gothic
consists of proved undeveloped reserves, which require significant capital
expenditures to develop. Gothic has budgeted capital expenditures of
approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million for the year ending December 31, 1998.
Gothic is not contractually committed to expend these funds. Gothic currently
expects that available cash, cash flows from operations, proceeds from the
private or public sale of debt or equity securities, borrowings under the
Credit Facility, and sales of certain natural gas and oil properties will be
sufficient to fund debt service requirements and planned capital expenditures
for its existing properties through 1998. However, Gothic may need to raise
additional capital to fund acquisitions and the development thereof, which
capital may not be available to Gothic in the future.
Under the terms of the Chesapeake Transaction, both the Company and
Chesapeake are permitted to designate acreage for development drilling by
giving written notice thereof to the other party. In order for the Company to
participate in any drilling proposals submitted by Chesapeake in the acreage
which is the subject of
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the participation agreement, the Company will need to have available
sufficient funds or borrowing availability to participate in the proposed
drilling activity. Certain terms of the participation agreement limit the
number of wells to be proposed by Chesapeake to the amount that would require
capital expenditures by the Company of $15.0 million in 1998 and $25.0 million
in 1999. In the event the Company should not have funds available at the time,
the Company's interest in the well could be forfeited.
Gothic may seek additional capital, if required, from traditional reserve
base borrowing, equity and debt offerings or joint ventures to further develop
and exploit its properties and to acquire additional properties, subject to
the limitations contained in the terms of its outstanding indebtedness, the
Credit Facility, the Notes and the Senior Secured Discount Notes. Gothic's
ability to access additional capital will depend on its continued success in
developing its natural gas and oil reserves and the status of the capital
markets at the time such capital is sought. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that capital will be available to Gothic from any source or that, if
available, it will be at prices or on terms acceptable to Gothic. Should
Gothic be unable to access the capital markets or should sufficient capital
not be available, the development and exploitation of Gothic's properties
could be delayed or reduced and, accordingly, natural gas and oil revenues and
operating results may be adversely affected. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
REPURCHASE OF NOTES UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL
Under the Indenture, the Company must offer to repurchase the Notes upon the
occurrence of certain events. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined
in the Indenture), the Company must offer to repurchase all Notes then
outstanding at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. See "Description of
the Notes--Change of Control."
Prior to repurchasing such Notes, the Company may be required to (i) repay
all or a portion of indebtedness under the Credit Facility or (ii) obtain any
requisite consent to permit the repurchase. If the Company is unable to repay
all of such indebtedness or is unable to obtain the necessary consents, then
the Company will be unable to offer to purchase the Notes and such failure
will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture. There can be no
assurance that the Company will have sufficient funds available at the time of
any Change of Control to make any debt payment (including repurchases of
Notes) as described above.
The events that constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture may also
be events of default under the Credit Facility or other senior indebtedness of
Gothic. Such events may permit the lenders under such debt instruments to
accelerate the debt and, if the debt is not paid, to enforce security
interests on, or commence litigation which could ultimately result in a sale
of substantially all the assets of Gothic, thereby limiting the Company's
ability to raise cash to repurchase the Notes and reducing the practical
benefit of the offer to purchase provisions to the holders of the Notes.
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
Gothic is dependent upon the services of its Chief Executive Officer and
President, Michael Paulk. The loss of his services could have a material
adverse effect upon Gothic. Gothic has entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Paulk, expiring on December 31, 1999. In addition, Gothic has
obtained a policy of life insurance on Mr. Paulk in the amount of $1.0
million, naming the Company as beneficiary.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
Gothic's operations are affected by extensive regulation pursuant to various
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the exploration for
and development, production, gathering and marketing of natural gas and oil
and the release of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to
protection of the environment. In particular, Gothic's natural gas and oil
exploration, development and production and its activities
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in connection with storage and transportation of liquid hydrocarbons are
subject to stringent environmental regulation by governmental authorities.
Such regulations have increased the costs of planning, designing, drilling,
installing, operating and abandoning natural gas and oil wells and other
related facilities.
Although Gothic believes that its operations are in general compliance with
all such laws and regulations, including applicable environmental laws and
regulations, risks of substantial costs and liabilities are inherent in
natural gas and oil operations, and there can be no assurance that significant
costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future. Moreover, it is
possible that other developments, such as increasingly strict environmental
laws, regulations and enforcement policies thereunder, and claims for damages
to property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from
Gothic's operations, could result in substantial costs and liabilities in the
future.
The discharge of natural gas, oil or other pollutants into the air, soil or
water may give rise to significant liabilities on the part of Gothic to the
government and third parties and may require Gothic to incur substantial costs
of remediation. Moreover, Gothic has agreed to indemnify sellers of producing
properties purchased by Gothic, including Amoco, among others, against
environmental claims associated with such properties. No assurance can be
given that existing environmental laws or regulations, as currently
interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations will
not materially adversely affect Gothic's results of operations and financial
condition or that material indemnity claims will not arise against Gothic with
respect to properties acquired by Gothic.
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES
The Exchange Notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no
established trading market, and there can be no assurance as to the liquidity
of any markets that may develop for the Exchange Notes, the ability of the
holders of Exchange Notes to sell their Exchange Notes or the price at which
holders would be able to sell their Exchange Notes. Future trading prices of
the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors, including, among others,
prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating results and the market for
similar securities. The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the
Exchange Notes on any securities exchange. While an application to have the
Exchange Notes accepted for trading in the PORTAL market is expected to be
made, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Exchange
Notes will develop on the PORTAL market or elsewhere.
COMPETITION
The natural gas and oil industry is highly competitive. Gothic competes in
acquisitions and the development, production and marketing of natural gas and
oil with major oil companies, other independent natural gas and oil concerns,
and individual producers and operators. Many of these competitors have
substantially greater financial and other resources than Gothic. Furthermore,
the natural gas and oil industry competes with other industries in supplying
the energy and fuel needs of industrial, commercial and other consumers.
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RECAPITALIZATION
The Recapitalization involved the following:
Corporate Restructuring
The Company was organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. At or
prior to the Recapitalization, Parent transferred to the Company the ownership
of its natural gas and oil properties. Substantially all of the Company's
natural gas and oil assets will secure its obligations under the Notes.
The Chesapeake Transaction
On April 27, 1998, Gothic completed several agreements with Chesapeake
pursuant to which Gothic (i) executed a participation agreement granting a 50%
interest in substantially all of Gothic's undeveloped acreage, (ii) sold for
$20.0 million, subject to closing adjustments, a 50% interest in Gothic's
natural gas and oil properties in the Arkoma basin, and (iii) sold 50,000
shares of Parent's Series B Preferred Stock, having a liquidation value of
$50.0 million, and ten-year warrants to purchase, at an exercise price of
$0.01 per share, 2,439,246 shares of Parent's Common Stock. In addition to
providing Parent with additional capital to facilitate the completion of the
Recapitalization, the Chesapeake Transaction is intended to provide technical
expertise, a historic drilling track record and the financial resources to
implement the Company's comprehensive development and exploitation program in
the Mid-Continent region.
Financing Transactions
The following financing transactions were also completed as part of the
Recapitalization:
11 1/8% Senior Secured The Company sold $235.0 million principal amount
Notes..................... of the Notes.
14 1/8% Senior Secured
Discount Notes............
Parent sold approximately $60.2 million initial
principal amount ($104.0 million principal amount
at maturity) of 14 1/8% Senior Secured Discount
Notes.
Series B Preferred Stock
and Warrants..............
Parent sold 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred
Stock, having a liquidation preference of $50.0
million, and ten-year common stock purchase war-
rants exercisable at $0.01 per share to purchase
2,439,246 shares of Common Stock.
Arkoma Property Sales...... Gothic sold for $20.0 million, subject to closing
adjustments, a 50% interest in the Company's nat-
ural gas and oil properties in the Arkoma basin.
Credit Facility............ The Credit Facility provides, among other things,
for an initial borrowing availability to the Com-
pany of approximately $25.0 million.
The Recapitalization yielded net proceeds of approximately $350.5 million
and the Company has a borrowing availability of $25.0 million under the Credit
Facility able to be used for the acquisition and development of oil and gas
properties, letters of credit and general corporate purposes.
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Repayments and Redemptions
The net proceeds from the Recapitalization were applied to repay or redeem
the following:
12 1/4% Senior Notes....... These notes outstanding in the principal amount
of $99.3 million were redeemed for $102.3 mil-
lion, inclusive of a 1% redemption premium and
accrued interest.
Series A Preferred Stock... These shares were redeemed for $38.7 million, in-
clusive of a 1% redemption premium and payment-
in-kind dividends through the redemption date.
Existing Credit Facility... The Bridge Note with an outstanding principal
balance of $56.5 million as of April 27, 1998 was
repaid. The Revolving Loan with an outstanding
principal balance of $149.9 million as of April
27, 1998 was repaid.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
The Outstanding Notes were sold by the Company on April 21, 1998, to the
Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Initial Purchasers
subsequently placed the Outstanding Notes with qualified institutional buyers
in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act. As a condition of the
purchase of the Outstanding Notes by the Initial Purchasers, the Company and
Parent entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial
Purchasers, which requires, among other things, that the Company file with the
Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to
an offer by the Company to the holders of the Outstanding Notes to issue and
deliver to such holders, in exchange for Outstanding Notes, a like principal
amount of Exchange Notes. The Company is required to use its best efforts to
cause the Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer to be declared
effective by the Commission under the Securities Act and commence the Exchange
Offer. The Exchange Notes are to be issued without a restrictive legend and
may be reoffered and resold by the holder without restrictions or limitations
under the Securities Act (other than any such holder that is an "affiliate" of
the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act). A copy
of the Registration Rights Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The term "Holder"
with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in whose name the
Outstanding Notes are registered on the books of the Company or any other
person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder.
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept any and all
Outstanding Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00PM, EST, on
the Expiration Date. On the Exchange Date, the Company will issue $1,000
principal amount of Exchange Notes in exchange for $1,000 principal amount of
Outstanding Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or
all of their Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. However,
Outstanding Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.
The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms
of the Outstanding Notes except that (i) the Exchange Notes have been
registered under the Securities Act and hence will not bear legends
restricting the transfer thereof and (ii) the holders of the Notes will not be
entitled to certain rights under the Registration Rights Agreement. The
Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Outstanding Notes and will
be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
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As of the date of this Prospectus, $235.0 million aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Notes was outstanding and registered in the name of Cede &
Co., as nominee for the Depository Trust Company. The Company has fixed the
close of business on June 3, 1998, as the record date for the Exchange Offer
for purposes of determining the persons to whom this Prospectus and the Letter
of Transmittal will be mailed initially.
Holders of Outstanding Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights
under the Oklahoma General Corporation Act or the Indenture in connection with
the Exchange Offer. The Company intends to conduct the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder, including Rule 14e-1 thereunder.
The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Outstanding
Notes when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to
the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering
Holders for the purpose of receiving the Exchange Notes from the Company.
If any tendered Outstanding Notes are not accepted for exchange because of
an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, the certificates for any such unaccepted Outstanding Notes will be
returned, without expense, to the tendering Holder thereof as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date.
Holders who tender Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offer will not be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions
in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of
Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all
charges and expenses, other than transfer taxes in certain circumstances, in
connection with the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."
INTEREST ON THE EXCHANGE NOTES
The Exchange Notes will bear interest from the date of issuance of the
Exchange Notes. Interest on the Outstanding Notes that are tendered in
exchange for the Exchange Notes that has accrued from April 27, 1998, the date
of issuance of the Outstanding Notes, through the Exchange Date will be
payable on or before November 1, 1998. Interest on the Exchange Notes will be
payable semi-annually on each May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1,
1998.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
Only a Holder of Outstanding Notes may tender such Outstanding Notes in the
Exchange Offer. To tender in the Exchange Offer, a Holder must complete, sign
and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the
signatures thereon guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal and
mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile,
together with the Outstanding Notes and any other required documents, to the
Exchange Agent prior to 5:00PM, EST, on the Expiration Date. The Company is
not asking any Holder for a proxy, and no Holder is requested to send the
Company a proxy. To be tendered effectively, the Outstanding Notes, Letter of
Transmittal and other required documents must be received by the Exchange
Agent at the address set forth below under "Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00PM,
EST, on the Expiration Date. Delivery of the Outstanding Notes may be made by
book-entry transfer in accordance with the procedures described below.
Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the Exchange
Agent prior to the Expiration Date.
By executing the Letter of Transmittal, each Holder will make to the Company
the representations set forth below in the second paragraph under the heading
"--Resale of Exchange Notes."
The tender by a Holder and the acceptance thereof by the Company will
constitute agreement between such Holder and the Company in accordance with
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of
Transmittal.
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THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OUTSTANDING NOTES AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND
RISK OF THE HOLDER. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT
HOLDERS USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT
TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE
EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR OUTSTANDING NOTES SHOULD BE SENT
TO THE COMPANY. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKERS, DEALERS,
COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS
FOR SUCH HOLDERS.
Any beneficial owner whose Outstanding Notes are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact the registered Holder promptly and instruct such
registered Holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf.
Signatures on the Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below)
unless the Outstanding Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a
registered Holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution. In the event that signatures on a Letter of Transmittal
or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be guaranteed,
such guarantee must be by a member firm of a registered national securities
exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a
commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the
United States or an "eligible guarantor institution" within the meaning of
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution").
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
Holder of any Outstanding Notes listed therein, such Outstanding Notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by such
registered Holder as such registered Holder's name appears on such Outstanding
Notes with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If the Letter of Transmittal or any Outstanding Notes or bond powers are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by
the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act
must be submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
The Company understands that the Exchange Agent will make a request promptly
after the date of this Prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the
Exchange Notes at DTC (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility") for the purpose of
facilitating the Exchange Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any
financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's system may make book-entry delivery of the Outstanding Notes by
causing such Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Outstanding Notes
into the Exchange Agent's account with respect to the Outstanding Notes in
accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures for such
transfer. Although delivery of the Outstanding Notes may be effected through
book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility, an appropriate Letter of Transmittal properly completed and
duly executed with any required signature guarantee and all other required
documents must in each case be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth below on or prior to the Expiration
Date, or, if the guaranteed delivery procedures described below are complied
with, within the time period provided under such procedures; provided,
however, that a participant in DTC's book-entry system may, in accordance with
DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program procedures and in lieu of physical
delivery to the Exchange Agent of a Letter of Transmittal, electronically
acknowledge its receipt of, and agreement to be bound by, the terms of the
Letter of Transmittal. Delivery of documents to the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
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<PAGE>
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Outstanding Notes will be
determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination will be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute fight to reject any and
all Outstanding Notes not properly tendered or any Outstanding Notes the
Company's acceptance of which would, in the opinion of counsel for the
Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right to waive any
defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Outstanding
Notes. The Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the
Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will
be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders of Outstanding Notes must be cured
within such time as the Company shall determine. Although the Company intends
to notify Holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of
Outstanding Notes, neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other
person shall incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Tenders of Outstanding Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such
defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Outstanding Notes
received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which
the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned
by the Exchange Agent to the tendering Holders, unless otherwise provided in
the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the Expiration
Date.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes and (i) whose Outstanding
Notes are not immediately available, (ii) who cannot deliver their Outstanding
Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other required documents to the
Exchange Agent or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry
transfer, prior to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if:
(a) the tender is made through an Eligible Institution;
(b) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives from such
Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery) setting
forth the name and address of the Holder, the certificate number(s) of such
Outstanding Notes and the principal amount of Outstanding Notes tendered,
stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within
five Nasdaq Stock Market trading days after the Expiration Date, the Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), together with the certificate(s)
representing the Outstanding Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer
of such Outstanding Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility) and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange
Agent; and
(c) such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), as well as the certificate(s) representing all tendered Outstanding
Notes in proper form for transfer (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of
such Outstanding Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility) and all other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent within five Nasdaq Stock
Market trading days after the Expiration Date.
Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be
sent to Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Outstanding Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00PM, EST, on the Expiration Date.
To withdraw a tender of Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offer, a written
or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00PM, EST, on the
Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of
the person having deposited the Outstanding Notes to be withdrawn (the
"Depositor"), (ii) identify the Outstanding Notes to be withdrawn
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<PAGE>
(including the certificate number(s) and principal amount of such Outstanding
Notes, or, in the case of Outstanding Notes transferred by book-entry
transfer, the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility to be credited), (iii) be signed by the Holder in the same manner as
the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Outstanding
Notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be
accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the Trustee with
respect to the Outstanding Notes register the transfer of such Outstanding
Notes into the name of the person withdrawing the tender, (iv) specify the
name in which any such Outstanding Notes are to be registered, if different
from that of the Depositor and (v) if applicable because the Outstanding Notes
have been tendered pursuant to book-entry procedures, specify the name and
number of the participant's account at DTC to be credited, if different from
that of the Depositor. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility
(including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company,
whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Outstanding
Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for
purposes of the Exchange Offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with
respect thereto unless the Outstanding Notes so withdrawn are validly
retendered. Any Outstanding Notes which have been tendered but which are not
accepted for exchange, will be returned to the Holder thereof without cost to
such Holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or
termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Outstanding Notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
EXCHANGE AGENT
The Bank of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies
of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and requests for Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed as
follows:
By Registered or Certified Mail:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Department, Santino Ginocchietti
By Overnight Mail or Hand:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
Corporate Trust Services Window--Ground Level
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Department, Santino Ginocchietti
By Facsimile:
The Bank of New York
Attention: Reorganization Department
(212) 815-6339
Confirm by telephone: (212) 815-2963
(ORIGINALS OF ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY FACSIMILE SHOULD BE SENT PROMPTLY
BY HAND, OVERNIGHT DELIVERY, OR REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL.)
FEES AND EXPENSES
The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
borne by the Company. The principal solicitation is being made by mail;
however, additional solicitation may be made by telegraph, telephone,
facsimile or in person by officers and regular employees of the Company and
its affiliates.
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The Company has not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers or others soliciting
acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will pay the Exchange
Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and registration
expenses, including fees and expenses of the Trustee, filing fees, blue sky
fees and printing and distribution expenses.
The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange
of the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however,
certificates representing the Exchange Notes or the Outstanding Notes for the
principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered
to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the person
signing the Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any
reason other than the exchange of the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on
the registered Holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering
Holder.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Exchange Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the
Outstanding Notes, which is face value, as reflected in the Company's
accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for
accounting purposes will be recognized. The expenses of the Exchange Offer
will be amortized over the term of the Exchange Notes.
RESALE OF EXCHANGE NOTES
Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Commission set forth in no-
action letters issued to third parties, the Company believes that Exchange
Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Outstanding Notes
may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder of
such Exchange Notes (other than any such holder which is an "affiliate" of the
Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary
course of such holder's business and such holder does not intend to
participate and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. Any holder who tenders
in the Exchange Offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of
participating, in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may not rely on the
position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings
Corporation (available April 13, 1989) and Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated
(June 5, 1991), or similar no-action letters, but rather must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction. In addition, any such resale
transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement
containing the selling security holders information required by Item 507 of
Regulation S-B of the Securities Act. Each broker-dealer that receives
Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Outstanding Notes, where
such Outstanding Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange
Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
By tendering in the Exchange Offer, each Holder will represent to the
Company that, among other things, (i) the Exchange Notes acquired pursuant to
the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of business of
the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is a
Holder, (ii) neither the Holder nor any such other person has an arrangement
or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such
Exchange Notes and (iii) the Holder and such other person acknowledge that if
they participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the
Exchange Notes (a) they must, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act in connection with any resale of the Exchange Notes and cannot rely on the
no-action letters referenced above and (b) failure to comply with such
requirements in such instance could result in such Holder incurring liability
under the Securities Act for which such Holder is not indemnified by the
Company. Further, by tendering in the Exchange Offer, each Holder that may be
deemed an "affiliate" (as defined under Rule 405 of the
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Securities Act) of the Company, will represent to the Company that such Holder
understands and acknowledges that the Exchange Notes may not be offered for
resale, resold or otherwise transferred by that Holder without registration
under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.
As set forth above, affiliates of the Company are not entitled to rely on
the foregoing interpretations of the staff of the Commission with respect to
resales of the Exchange Notes without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
If the Company is not permitted to consummate the Exchange Offer because the
Exchange Offer is not permitted by any applicable law or applicable
interpretation of the Commission or the staff of the Commission, the Company
has agreed to file with the Commission and use its best efforts to have
declared effective and keep continuously effective for up to two years a
registration statement that would allow resales of Outstanding Notes owned by
such holders.
OTHER
Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary and holders should
carefully consider whether to accept. Holders of the Outstanding Notes are
urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decision
on what action to take.
The Company may in the future seek to acquire untendered Outstanding Notes
in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent
exchange offers or otherwise. The Company has no present plans to acquire any
Outstanding Notes that are not tendered in the Exchange Offer or to file a
registration statement to permit resales of any untendered Outstanding Notes.
USE OF PROCEEDS
This Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain of the Company's
obligations under the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights
Agreement. The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of
the Exchange Notes offered hereby. In consideration for issuing the Exchange
Notes contemplated in this Prospectus, the Company will receive Outstanding
Notes in like principal amount, the form and terms of which are substantially
similar to the form and terms of the Exchange Notes, except as otherwise
described herein. The Outstanding Notes surrendered in exchange for Exchange
Notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly,
issuance of the Exchange Notes will not result in any increase or decrease in
the indebtedness of the Company.
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CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents and the
capitalization at March 31, 1998 of the Company on a pro forma basis giving
effect to the Chesapeake Transaction and the sale of the Notes and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom. The historical data should
be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of Gothic
included elsewhere herein and incorporated herein by reference. The pro forma
data has been prepared on the basis described in the Pro Forma Combined
Condensed Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
---------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 3,294 $ 3,947
======== ========
Total debt, including current portion:
Existing Credit Facility......................... $210,434 $ --
12 1/4% Series A and Series B Notes due 2004,
net............................................. 100,204 --
11 1/8% Series A and Series B Senior Secured
Notes due 2005.................................. -- 235,000
-------- --------
Total Debt..................................... 310,638 235,000
-------- --------
Series A redeemable preferred stock, par value
$0.05, 37,000 shares.............................. 33,909 --
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized, 16,261,640 shares issued and
outstanding on an historical basis for Gothic and
$1.00 par value, 100 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding on a pro forma basis for the Company.. 162 --
Additional paid-in capital......................... 38,118 72,363
Stockholder note receivable........................ (169) --
Accumulated deficit................................ (55,548) (3,855)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity..................... (17,437) 68,508
-------- --------
Total capitalization........................... $327,110 $303,508
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1)See Note 4 of Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements.
31
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial information presented below has been
derived from the financial statements of Gothic for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 1997 included herein and from the unaudited
financial statements of Gothic for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and
1998 which are incorporated herein by reference. The pro forma financial
information of the Company and Gothic give effect to the 1997 Acquisition, the
Amoco Acquisition and related financings, the completion of the
Recapitalization and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
The historical financial data should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the related notes thereto of Gothic included elsewhere in this
Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. The summary pro forma
combined financial information presented below should be read in conjunction
with the Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements of Gothic and the
Company and notes thereto. The pro forma combined financial data are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that
would have been achieved had the transactions to which they give pro forma
effect been effective at the date or during the periods presented or of the
results that may be obtained in the future. The reserve data set forth below
is presented as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997. The pro forma
reserve data of the Company and Gothic as of December 31, 1997 gives effect to
the Amoco Acquisition and the Recapitalization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
1997(1)
-----------------
1996 1997
------- ------- GOTHIC COMPANY
GOTHIC
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT WHERE
OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
Natural gas and oil sales............... $10,385 $17,418 $ 70,471 $70,471
Gas system revenues..................... -- 4,562 -- --
Well operations......................... 1,062 1,283 2,220 2,220
------- ------- -------- -------
Total revenues........................ 11,447 23,263 72,691 72,691
------- ------- -------- -------
Cost and expenses:
Operating expenses...................... 4,807 6,860 16,132 16,132
Gas system expenses..................... -- 3,501 -- --
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization........................... 2,856 5,791 29,619 29,619
General and administrative expenses..... 1,782 2,318 2,918 2,918
Provision for impairment of natural gas
and oil properties..................... 5,050 -- -- --
------- ------- -------- -------
Total costs and expenses.............. 14,495 18,470 48,669 48,669
------- ------- -------- -------
Operating income (loss)................... (3,048) 4,793 24,022 24,022
Interest expense and amortization of debt
issuance costs........................... (1,528) (8,800) (27,286) (27,286)
Senior Secured Discount Notes non cash
interest and amortization of related debt
issuance costs........................... -- -- (8,595) --
Interest and other income................. 68 330 330 330
------- ------- -------- -------
Loss before income taxes and extraordinary
item..................................... (4,508) (3,677) (11,529) (2,934)
Income tax benefit........................ 2,993 -- -- --
------- ------- -------- -------
Loss before extraordinary item............ $(1,515) $(3,677) $(11,529) $(2,934)
======= ======= ======== =======
Loss per common share before extraordinary
item, basic and diluted.................. $ (0.23) $ (0.28) $ (1.18) N/A
======= ======= ======== =======
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(2)................................. $ 4,858 $10,584 $ 53,641 $53,641
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense(2).... 3.2x 1.2x 1.5x 2.0x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred dividends(3)................... -- 0.6x 0.6x 0.9x
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................... $ 2,596 $ 7,069 N/A N/A
Net cash used in investing activities..... 32,791 86,168 N/A N/A
Net cash provided by financing
activities............................... 30,244 95,614 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
-----------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
1998(1)
----------------
1997 1998
------- -------- GOTHIC COMPANY
GOTHIC
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT WHERE
OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
Natural gas and oil sales............... $ 4,707 $ 16,516 $14,861 $14,861
Gas system revenues..................... 1,269 -- -- --
Well operations......................... 306 586 683 683
------- -------- ------- -------
Total revenues........................ 6,282 17,102 15,544 15,544
------- -------- ------- -------
Cost and expenses:
Operating expenses...................... 1,700 4,664 4,390 4,390
Gas system expenses..................... 1,103 -- -- --
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization........................... 1,235 7,444 6,289 6,289
General and administrative expenses..... 547 655 655 655
Severance for former officer............ -- 258 258 258
------- -------- ------- -------
Total costs and expenses.............. 4,585 13,021 11,592 11,592
------- -------- ------- -------
Operating income.......................... 1,697 4,081 3,952 3,952
Interest expense and amortization of debt
issuance costs........................... (1,186) (8,033) (6,895) (6,895)
Senior Secured Discount Notes non cash
interest and amortization of related debt
issuance costs........................... -- -- (2,185) --
Interest and other income................. 17 166 166 166
Loss on sale of investments............... -- (265) (265) (265)
------- -------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item... $ 528 $ (4,051) $(5,227) $(3,042)
======= ======== ======= =======
Income (loss) per common share before
extraordinary item, basic and diluted.... $ 0.03 $ (0.31) $ (0.38) N/A
======= ======== ======= =======
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(2)................................. $ 2,932 $ 11,525 $10,241 $10,241
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense(2).... 2.5x 1.4x 1.1x 1.5x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred dividends(3)................... 1.3x 0.5x 0.4x 0.6x
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................... $ 1,896 $ 2,244 N/A N/A
Net cash used in investing activities..... 24,781 212,717 N/A N/A
Net cash provided by financing
activities............................... 22,868 197,045 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
----------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
-----------------
GOTHIC GOTHIC COMPANY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
RATIOS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 3,294 $ 4,102 $ 3,947
Working capital .................................. 290 1,098 943
Total assets...................................... 346,720 325,673 323,118
Total debt........................................ 310,638 295,155 235,000
Stockholders' equity.............................. (17,437) 10,908 68,508
ACNTA(4).......................................... 314,024 267,715 267,560
Ratio of ACNTA to total debt(4)................... 1.0x 0.9x 1.1x
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
-------------
1996 1997 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Production:
Oil (Mbbls)........................................ 164 176 416
Natural gas (Mmcf)................................. 3,404 6,583 29,006
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)..................... 4,388 7,639 31,502
Average sales prices:
Oil (per Bbl)...................................... $21.27 $20.18 $18.00
Natural gas (per Mcf).............................. 2.03 2.11 2.17
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe).................. 2.37 2.28 2.24
Expenses (per Mcfe):
Lease and operating expenses(5).................... $ 0.85 $ 0.73 $ 0.44
General and administrative......................... 0.41 0.30 0.09
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(6)........ 0.64 0.72 0.94
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
31,
--------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
-------------
1997 1998 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Production:
Oil (Mbbls)......................................... 37 86 86
Natural gas (Mmcf).................................. 1,410 6,956 6,168
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)...................... 1,632 7,472 6,684
Average sales prices:
Oil (per Bbl)....................................... $23.81 $15.10 $15.10
Natural gas (per Mcf)............................... 2.71 2.19 2.20
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)................... 2.88 2.21 2.22
Expenses (per Mcfe):
Lease and operating expenses(6)..................... $0.85 $0.55 $0.55
General and administrative (9)...................... 0.34 0.09 0.10
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(7)......... 0.75 0.99 0.94
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA(1)
----------------
1996 1997 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PROVED RESERVE DATA: (7)(8)
Oil (Mbbls)....................................... 1,158 3,585 4,401
Natural gas (Mmcf)................................ 64,534 127,460 304,647
Total proved reserves (Mmcfe)..................... 71,482 148,970 331,053
% Natural gas..................................... 90% 86% 92%
Proved developed reserves (Mmcfe)................. 54,295 106,708 270,701
% Proved developed................................ 76% 72% 82%
PV-10 (in thousands).............................. $67,087 $122,723 $298,760
Standardized Measure (in thousands)............... 49,083 94,102 249,265
</TABLE>
(Footnotes on next page)
35
<PAGE>
- -------------------
(1) The pro forma statement of operations data, other financial data and
operating data have been prepared as if the 1997 Acquisitions had been
consummated on January 1, 1997. The pro forma data further reflect the
Amoco Acquisition and the pro forma effects of the Recapitalization and
the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as if such
transactions had been consummated on January 1, 1997. The pro forma
balance sheet data have been prepared as if the Recapitalization and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom had been consummated
on March 31, 1998. The Operating Data and the Proved Reserve Data on a pro
forma basis are the same for both Gothic and the Company.
(2) See the Glossary included elsewhere in this Prospectus for the definition
of EBITDA. EBITDA is not a measure of cash flow as determined by generally
accepted accounting principles. Information concerning EBITDA has been
included herein because EBITDA is a measure used by certain investors in
determining Gothic's historical ability to service its indebtedness;
however, this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
of other companies. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to,
or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as an indicator
of Gothic's operating performance or liquidity.
(3) For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
fixed charges for Gothic consist of interest expense, the amortization of
debt discount and financing costs and Parent's preferred stock dividends,
and for the Company does not include interest and amortization of debt
discount on the Senior Secured Discount Notes or dividends on the Series B
Preferred Stock. Earnings consist of income before extraordinary items and
income taxes plus fixed charges. Gothic did not incur income tax expense
for all periods presented due to losses or being able to utilize net
operating loss carry forwards to offset income taxes and, accordingly, the
preferred stock dividends were not adjusted for the imputed income taxes.
Gothic's historical earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
$5.7 million and $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively and by $5.0 million for the three months ended March
31, 1998. Pro forma earnings for Gothic and the Company were insufficient
to cover fixed charges by $19.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively,
for the year ended December 31, 1997 and by $7.1 million and $3.0 million,
respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 1998.
(4) ACNTA means Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as defined in the
Indenture. See "Description of the Notes--Certain Definitions."
(5) Lease operating expense per Mcfe includes production taxes and is net of
well operator overhead reimbursements billed to working interest owners
which is recorded as well operations revenue.
(6) Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of natural gas and oil
properties only.
(7) Represents proved reserves based on estimates prepared by Lee Keeling &
Associates, Inc. as of December 31, 1997. See "Business and Properties--
Natural Gas and Oil Reserves".
(8) Gothic believes that PV-10, while not determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, is an important financial
measure used by investors in independent oil and natural gas producing
companies for evaluating the relative significance of oil and natural gas
properties and acquisitions. PV-10 should not be construed as an
alternative to the Standardized Measure, as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
(9)Excludes a non-recurring severance payment to a former officer in 1998.
36
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(THE PARENT AND SUBSIDIARIES)
PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma financial data are derived from the
historical consolidated financial statements of Gothic, set forth elsewhere in
this Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference, and gives effect to the
1997 Acquisitions, the Amoco Acquisition, the Recapitalization and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
--------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
CHESAPEAKE TRANSACTION
AMOCO ACQUISITION AND OFFERING GOTHIC
---------------------- ------------------------- AS
1997 COMPANY FURTHER
GOTHIC ACQUISITIONS(A) AMOCO(B) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED ADJUSTED
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Natural gas and oil
sales................. $17,418 $3,380 $56,809 $ -- $77,607 $(7,136)(d) $70,471 $ 70,471
Gas system revenue..... 4,562 -- -- (4,562)(c) -- -- -- --
Well operations........ 1,283 301 745 2,329 (109)(d) 2,220 2,220
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total revenues......... 23,263 3,681 57,554 (4,562) 79,936 (7,245) 72,691 72,691
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Lease operating
expense............... 6,860 1,019 9,424 -- 17,303 (1,171)(d) 16,132 16,132
Gas system expense..... 3,501 -- -- (3,501)(c) -- -- -- --
Depreciation, depletion
and amortization...... 5,791 -- -- 25,994 (e) 31,785 (2,166)(f) 29,619 29,619
General and
administrative
expense............... 2,318 -- -- 600 (g) 2,918 -- 2,918 2,918
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Operating income....... 4,793 2,662 48,130 (27,655) 27,930 (3,908) 24,022 24,022
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Other income(expense):
Interest and
amortization of debt
issue costs........... (8,800) -- -- (24,194)(h) (32,994) 5,708 (i) (27,286) (35,881)(j)
Interest and other
income................ 330 -- -- -- 330 -- 330 330
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Net other
income(expense)....... (8,470) -- -- (24,194) (32,664) (5,708) (26,956) (35,551)
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item.... (3,677) 2,662 48,130 (51,849) (4,734) 1,800 (2,934) (11,529)
------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Preferred dividends:
Cash................... 264 264
Non cash............... -- 6,000 (k)
Amortization of
discount.............. -- 1,622 (l)
------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
available for common
shares................ $(3,941) $(19,415)
======= ========
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item per
common share, basic
and diluted........... $ (0.28) $ (1.18)
======= ========
Weighted average shares
outstanding, basic and
diluted............... 14,019 16,458 (m)
======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma
combined condensed financial statements.
37
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(THE PARENT AND SUBSIDIARIES)
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
---------- ----------------------------------
CHESAPEAKE TRANSACTION
AND OFFERING GOTHIC
------------------------- AS
COMPANY FURTHER
GOTHIC ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED ADJUSTED
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Natural gas and oil sales.. $16,516 $(1,655)(d) $14,861 $14,861
Well operations............ 586 97 (d) 683 683
------- ------- ------- -------
Total revenues............. 17,102 (1,558) 15,544 15,544
------- ------- ------- -------
Costs and expenses:
Lease operating expense.... 4,664 (274)(d) 4,390 4,390
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization.............. 7,444 (1,155)(f) 6,289 6,289
General and administrative
expense................... 655 -- 655 655
Severance for former
officer................... 258 -- 258 258
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income........... 4,081 (129) 3,952 3,952
------- ------- ------- -------
Other income(expense):
Interest and amortization
of debt issue costs....... (8,033) 1,138 (i) (6,895) (9,080) (j)
Interest and other income.. 166 -- 166 166
Loss on sale of
investments............... (265) -- (265) (265)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net other income(expense).. (8,132) 1,138 (6,994) (9,179)
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item........ (4,051) 1,009 (3,042) (5,227)
------- ------- ------- -------
Preferred dividends:
Cash....................... -- --
Non cash................... 974 1,500 (k)
Amortization of discount... -- 406 (l)
------- -------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
available for common
shares.................... $(5,025) $(7,133)
======= =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item per
common share, basic and
diluted................... $ (0.31) $ (0.38)
======= =======
Weighted average shares
outstanding, basic and
diluted................... 16,261 18,700 (m)
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma combined
condensed financial statements.
38
<PAGE>
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
(THE COMPANY)
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
(In thousands, except par value)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
-----------------------------------
CHESAPEAKE
TRANSACTION
AND
FORMATION OFFERING AS
TRANSACTION ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTED
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................ $ 3,294 $ 224,900 (1) $ 3,947
57,600 (1)
(281,643)(1)
(1,000)(1)
796 (1)
Natural gas and oil receivables.......... 8,187 -- 8,187
Receivable from officers and employees... 66 -- 66
Other.................................... 2,140 -- 2,140
-------- --------- --------
Total current assets.................... 13,687 653 14,340
-------- --------- --------
Property and equipment:
Natural gas and oil properties on full
cost method:
Properties being amortized.............. 338,471 (10,500)(2) 308,471
(20,000)(2)
500 (1)
Unproved properties not subject to
amortization........................... 2,103 -- 2,103
Equipment, furniture and fixtures........ 607 -- 607
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization............................ (16,645) -- (16,645)
-------- --------- --------
Property and equipment, net.............. 324,536 (30,000) 294,536
Other assets, net......................... 8,497 9,600 (1) 14,242
(3,855)(1)
-------- --------- --------
Total assets........................... $346,720 $ (23,602) $323,118
======== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities............................. $ 13,397 $ -- $ 13,397
Current portion of long-term debt........ -- -- --
-------- --------- --------
Total current liabilities.............. 13,397 -- 13,397
Long-term debt:
12 1/4% Senior Notes, net................ 100,204 (100,204)(1) --
Senior Secured Notes..................... -- 235,000 (1) 235,000
Existing Credit Facility................. 210,434 (181,643)(1) --
(8,791)(1)
(20,000)(1)
-------- --------- --------
Total long-term debt, net.............. 310,638 (75,638) 235,000
Gas imbalance liability................... 6,213 -- 6,213
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $1.00,
authorized, issued and outstanding 100
shares.................................. -- -- --
Additional paid in capital............... 16,472 57,600 (3) 72,363
8,791 (3)
(10,500)(2)
Accumulated deficit...................... -- (3,855)(1) (3,855)
-------- --------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............. 16,472 52,036 68,508
-------- --------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity................................ $346,720 $ (23,602) $323,118
======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited
pro forma combined condensed financial statements.
39
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(THE PARENT AND SUBSIDIARIES)
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
(In thousands, except par value)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
--------------------------
HISTORICAL AS
GOTHIC RECAPITALIZATION ADJUSTED
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.............. $ 3,294 $ 224,900 (1) $ 4,102
57,755 (1)
(281,643)(1)
10,500 (2)
37,000 (4)
(47,500)(4)
(1,000)(1)
796 (1)
Natural gas and oil receivables........ 8,187 -- 8,187
Receivable from officers and
employees............................. 66 -- 66
Other.................................. 2,140 -- 2,140
-------- ---------- --------
Total current assets................. 13,687 808 14,495
-------- ---------- --------
Property and equipment:
Natural gas and oil properties on full
cost method:
Properties being amortized............ 338,471 (10,500)(2) 308,471
(20,000)(2)
500 (1)
Unproved properties not subject to
amortization......................... 2,103 -- 2,103
Equipment, furniture and fixtures...... 607 -- 607
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization.......................... (16,645) -- (16,645)
-------- ---------- --------
Property and equipment, net............ 324,536 (30,000) 294,536
Other assets, net....................... 8,497 12,000 (1) 16,642
(3,855)(1)
Note receivable from officer and
director............................... -- -- --
-------- ---------- --------
Total assets......................... $346,720 $ (21,047) $325,673
======== ========== ========
</TABLE>
(continued)
40
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(PARENT AND SUBSIDIARIES)
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET--(CONTINUED)
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998
(In thousands, except par value)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
--------------------------
HISTORICAL AS
GOTHIC RECAPITALIZATION ADJUSTED
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities............................ $ 13,397 $ -- $ 13,397
Current portion of long-term debt....... -- -- --
-------- --------- --------
Total current liabilities............... 13,397 -- 13,397
Long-term debt:
12 1/4% Senior Notes, net............... 100,204 (100,204)(1) --
Senior Secured Notes.................... -- 235,000 (1) 235,000
Senior Secured Discount Notes........... -- 60,155 (1) 60,155
Existing Credit Facility................ 210,434 (181,643)(1) --
(8,791)(4)
(20,000)(2)
-------- --------- --------
Total long-term debt, net............... 310,638 (15,483) 295,155
Gas imbalance liability................. 6,213 -- 6,213
Series A redeemable preferred stock, par
value $0.05, issued and outstanding
37,000 and -0- shares ................. 33,909 (33,909)(4) --
Stockholders' equity:
Series B preferred stock, par value
$0.05, authorized 500,000 shares;
issued and outstanding -0- and 50,000
shares................................. -- 37,000 (4) 37,000
Less: Unamortized discount.............. -- (5,717)(4) (5,717)
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized
100,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 16,261,640 shares.......... 162 -- 162
Additional paid in capital.............. 38,118 5,717 (4) 43,835
Stockholder note receivable............. (169) -- (169)
Accumulated deficit..................... (55,548) (4,800)(4) (64,203)
(3,855)(1)
-------- --------- --------
Total stockholders' equity.............. (17,437) 28,345 10,908
-------- --------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity................................. $346,720 $ (21,047) $325,673
======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited pro forma combined
condensed financial statements.
41
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--THE PROPERTIES
On January 23, 1998, Gothic purchased from Amoco, with an effective date of
December 1, 1997, various working interests in a total of 821 natural gas and
oil producing properties located in the Anadarko and Arkoma basins of
Oklahoma. Gothic operates 291 of the properties. The purchase price for the
properties acquired was $237.5 million in cash, including post-closing
adjustments, plus five-year warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of
Parent's Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $3.00. The estimated
fair value of the warrants at the date of acquisition was approximately $1.2
million. In addition, Gothic transferred certain properties to Amoco valued at
approximately $1.8 million.
NOTE 2--FINANCING
The $237.5 million purchase price for the Amoco Acquisition, together with
loan and consent fees totaling $27.7 million, was financed as follows: (i)
$216.4 million of borrowings under the Existing Credit Facility, which
included $156.4 million under the three-year Revolving Loan and the $60.0
million Bridge Loan, (ii) $37.0 million in proceeds from an offering of
Parent's Series A Preferred Stock and (iii) $11.8 million from Gothic's
working capital.
Gothic incurred $4.8 million in financing costs associated with the Existing
Credit Facility, fees of $5.8 million paid in cash and $15.0 million paid in
Series A Preferred Stock and warrants for amendments to the terms of Gothic's
12 1/4% Senior Notes which were issued in September 1997 and $2.1 million in
offering costs associated with the sale of 37,000 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock.
NOTE 3--RECAPITALIZATION PLAN
Parent issued 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock with a liquidation
value of $50.0 million, and used the net proceeds of $37.0 million to redeem
the Series A Preferred Stock and to repay debt. Concurrently, the Company
issued $235.0 million of Notes and the Parent realized proceeds of
approximately $60.0 million from the sale of Senior Secured Discount Notes
which were used to repay the remainder of the Bridge Loan, redeem the existing
12 1/4% Senior Notes and repay the outstanding debt under the Revolving Loan.
Gothic also incurred offering costs of approximately $15.0 million related to
the Recapitalization. Gothic also sold a 50% interest in certain producing and
undeveloped properties for aggregate proceeds of $30.5 million.
NOTE 4--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The "Formation Transaction" represents the formation of the Company and the
contribution of substantially all of the net assets of Parent to the Company,
as if this transaction had occurred on December 31, 1997.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of
operations and the balance sheet are presented to reflect the consummation of
1997 Acquisitions, the Amoco Acquisition and the Recapitalization, as if these
transactions had occurred at January 1, 1997 for purposes of the statements of
operations and as of March 31, 1998 for purposes of the balance sheet, and may
not be indicative of the results that would have occurred if the transactions
had been effective on the dates indicated or of the results that may be
obtained in the future. The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined
condensed statements of operations and balance sheet should be read in
conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and notes to
consolidated financial statements of Gothic for the year ended December 31,
1997 included herein and the three months ended March 31, 1998, and the
Historical Schedule of Gross Revenues and Direct Lease Operating Expenses of
the Amoco Properties, which are incorporated herein by reference.
NOTE 5--PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined condensed statement of
operations includes the following adjustments:
42
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(a) Reflects the historical revenues and lease operating expenses of the
properties acquired during 1997 for the allocable portion of 1997 not
included in Gothic's historical 1997 financial statements. The 1997
Acquisitions' allocable results include properties acquired from Fina Oil
and Chemical Company for three months, properties acquired from Kerr-McGee
Corporation for seven months, and the properties acquired from HS
Resources, Inc. for eight months. The 1997 Acquisitions also reflect a
deduction for revenues and lease operating expenses associated with certain
properties sold in November 1997.
(b) Reflects the historical revenues and lease operating expenses during
1997 of the properties acquired in the Amoco Acquisition, net of the
historical revenues and lease opening expenses related to the properties
transferred to Amoco and the results of operations of the Amoco gas
gathering systems which were concurrently sold.
(c) Reflects the elimination of the results of operations of the Sycamore
System which was sold concurrently with the Amoco Acquisition.
(d) Reflects the elimination of historical revenues and lease operating
expenses associated with properties sold to Chesapeake for approximately
$20.0 million.
(e) Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") was calculated
using a DD&A rate based on production for 1997 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1998, and estimated reserves at the beginning of 1997 and
1998, respectively, under the full cost method of accounting for natural
gas and oil properties, after giving effect to the Amoco Acquisition.
(f) Adjustment to DD&A to reflect the recalculated DD&A under the full
cost method of accounting, after giving effect to the Chesapeake
Transaction.
(g) Reflects estimated additional general and administrative costs
associated with operating the assets acquired in the Amoco Acquisition.
(h) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the debt incurred
associated with the expanded credit facility used to finance the Amoco
Acquisition and amortization of debt issuance costs in connection
therewith.
(i) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the repayment of the 12
1/4% Senior Notes and the Existing Credit Facility, and the new debt
incurred of $235.0 million in the Offering at an assumed rate of 11%.
(j) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the additional debt
incurred related to the $60.0 million in Senior Secured Discount Notes
under the Recapitalization, at an assumed imputed interest rate of 14%.
(k) Reflects the dividends associated with 50,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock.
(l) Adjustment to show effect of amortization of the excess of the
redemption amount over the carrying value associated with the Series B
Preferred Stock.
(m) Reflects the issuance to Chesapeake of warrants to purchase 2,439,246
shares of the Parent's common stock for $.01 per share.
The pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1997
does not reflect an estimated extraordinary loss of $26.2 million related to
the redemption of the 12 1/4% Senior Notes.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined balance sheets include the
following adjustments:
(1) Reflects receipt of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes
and the Senior Secured Discount Notes (which were advanced to the Company)
and application of the proceeds to reduce outstanding debt, as well as
adjustments to record associated loan costs and to write off existing debt
discount and loan costs.
(2) Adjustment to reflect the sale of certain natural gas and oil
properties to Chesapeake for $20.0 million and an undivided 50% interest in
certain of the Company's undeveloped natural gas and oil properties for
$10.5 million.
43
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(3) Reflects contributions by the Parent to the Company associated with
the $60.0 million in Senior Secured Discount Notes and excess proceeds from
the Series B Preferred Stock.
(4) Reflects receipt of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Series
B Preferred Stock and the application of the proceeds therefrom to redeem
the Series A Preferred Stock and reduce outstanding debt.
Based on market prices for natural gas and oil in March 1998 and the
anticipated terms of the Recapitalization, the Company would, as of the end of
the quarter following the completion of the Recapitalization, reflect a full
cost write down in the amount of approximately $33.0 million. Based on rules
promulgated by the Commission, Gothic evaluates impairment of its natural gas
and oil properties, based on prevailing prices as of the end of each quarter,
and accordingly, the actual amount of impairment, if any, will not be
determinable until the end of the quarter ending June 30, 1998. The possible
full cost write down has not been included in the accompanying pro forma
financial statements.
44
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion relates to the operating history of Gothic. The
Company was organized in March 1998 for the purpose of facilitating the
Recapitalization and no historical financial results are available for the
Company. As part of the Recapitalization, the Company succeeded to the natural
gas and oil operations of Gothic.
See "Information Incorporated By Reference" herein for a description of
periodic reports filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act by
Gothic, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter
ended March 31, 1998, which are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference.
GENERAL
Gothic's results of operations have been significantly affected by its
acquisition of producing natural gas and oil properties over the last two
years. During 1997, Gothic completed seven acquisitions (the "1997
Acquisitions") of producing natural gas and oil properties for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $52.8 million. These acquisitions included an
aggregate of approximately 102.2 Bcfe. During 1996, Gothic completed four
acquisitions (the "1996 Acquisitions") of producing natural gas and oil
properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $34.4 million.
These acquisitions included an aggregate of approximately 44.8 Bcfe.
The 1996 Acquisitions and 1997 Acquisitions were financed primarily through
the sale of equity securities in January 1996, borrowings under Gothic's pre-
existing credit facility throughout 1996 and 1997 and the sale of Gothic's 12
1/4% Senior Notes in September 1997.
The following table reflects certain summary operating data for the periods
presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET PRODUCTION:
Oil (Mbbls)...................... 74 164 176
Natural gas (Mmcf)............... 434 3,404 6,583
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)... 878 4,388 7,639
NATURAL GAS AND OIL SALES:
Oil.............................. $ 1,283 $ 3,488 $ 3,551
Natural gas...................... 611 6,897 13,867
------------- -------------- --------------
Total............................ $ 1,894 $ 10,385 $ 17,418
============= ============== ==============
AVERAGE SALES PRICE:
Oil (per Bbl).................... $ 17.34 $ 21.27 $ 20.18
Natural gas (per Mcf)............ 1.41 2.03 2.11
Natural gas equivalent (per
Mcfe)........................... 2.16 2.37 2.28
EXPENSES (PER MCFE):
Lease and operating(1)........... $ 1.29 $ 0.85 $ 0.73
General and administrative....... 1.15 0.41 0.30
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization(2)................. 0.85 0.64 0.72
</TABLE>
________________
(1) Includes lease operating costs and production taxes and is net of well
operator overhead reimbursement billed to working interest owners which is
recorded as well operations revenue.
(2) Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and natural gas
properties only.
45
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Revenues were $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, as
compared to $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. This
represents a 104% increase in total revenue for the period. Natural gas and
oil sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased $7.0 million (67%) to
$17.4 million, with $3.6 million from oil sales and $13.9 million from natural
gas sales, as compared to natural gas and oil sales of $10.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 1996, with $3.5 million from oil sales and $6.9
million from natural gas sales. The increase in natural gas and oil sales was
primarily the result of a 93% increase in natural gas production and a 7%
increase in oil production from 1997 compared to 1996. The increase in volumes
of oil and gas sold resulted primarily from the 1997 Acquisitions. Oil sales
in 1997 were based on the sale of 176,000 barrels at an average price of
$20.18 per barrel as compared to 164,000 barrels at an average price of $21.27
per barrel in 1996. Natural gas sales in 1997 were based on the sale of
6,583,000 mcf at an average price of $2.11 per mcf compared to 3,404,000 mcf
at an average price of $2.03 per mcf in 1996. Also included in Gothic's
revenue total for the year ended December 31, 1997 is $4.6 million related to
the sale of natural gas and related products from Gothic's interest in the
Sycamore System, an Oklahoma gathering system, processing plant and storage
facility acquired effective January 1, 1997.
Gothic incurred lease operating expenses for the year ended December 31,
1997 of $6.9 million compared with lease operating expenses of $4.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996. Lease operating expenses include
approximately $1.3 million and $567,000 in production taxes which Gothic
incurred from its share of production in 1997 and 1996, respectively. This
increase in lease operating expenses is primarily due to the 74% increase in
natural gas and oil production (on an Mcfe basis) resulting primarily from the
1997 Acquisitions. Lease operating expenses as a percentage of natural gas and
oil sales were 40% in 1997 as compared to 46% in 1996. Gothic also incurred
$3.5 million in operating costs associated with the Sycamore System during the
year ended December 31, 1997.
Subsequent to December 31, 1997, the Company sold its interest in the
Sycamore System, as well as certain other gas gathering assets, for $6.0
million in cash.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was $5.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to $2.9 million for the prior year.
The increase resulted primarily from the increased production associated with
the 1997 Acquisitions.
General and administrative costs were $2.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997, as compared to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31,
1996. This increase was primarily the result of additional personnel and other
costs related to the 1997 Acquisitions and the administrative costs incurred
in operating the wells acquired in the 1997 Acquisitions. Gothic added five
employees as a direct result of the 1997 Acquisitions at an approximate cost
of $202,000. Although general and administrative costs increased $536,000
during 1997, the costs per Mcfe decreased from $0.41 in 1996 to $0.30 in 1997.
During the first quarter of 1996, Gothic recorded a $5.0 million pre-tax
provision for impairment of oil and gas properties, primarily related to
properties acquired in the Buttonwood Acquisition. Such provision resulted
from a full cost ceiling write-down and was reflected in the balance sheet as
a reduction of the cost of natural gas and oil properties. As a result of the
$5.0 million impairment provision and the aggregate $2.9 million of deposits
written off, Gothic recorded a tax benefit of $3.0 million which offset the
deferred tax liability related to the acquired Buttonwood oil and gas
properties. Gothic also recorded an extraordinary loss of $1.4 million on the
early extinguishment of debt during the quarter ended March 31, 1996,
associated with the repayment of the Stratum loan.
Interest and debt issuance costs were $8.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 as compared to $1.5 million for 1996. This increase was
primarily due to amending and restating Gothic's Credit Facility with Bank One
in February 1997 and again in September 1997, and the completion in September
1997 of the sale of the 12 1/4% Senior Notes.
46
<PAGE>
Gothic also earned $330,000 in interest and other income during the year
ended December 31, 1997 compared to $68,000 in 1996. The 1997 amount includes
$268,000 of interest income related to the invested unexpended proceeds from
the sale of the 12 1/4% Senior Notes in September.
Gothic recorded an extraordinary loss on the early extinguishment of debt in
the amount of $907,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 1997 related to
repayment of its pre-existing credit facility prior to the stated maturity.
Gothic also recorded an extraordinary loss of $1.4 million on the early
extinguishment of debt during the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, Gothic spent $6.1 million on
capital enhancements and $83.4 million on acquiring additional producing
properties, as compared to $1.2 million and $35.0 million spent on capital
enhancements and property acquisitions, respectively, during 1996. The
increase in 1997 was primarily due to the 1997 Acquisitions.
Gothic also recognized $264,000 in preferred dividends on its 7 1/2%
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock during the year ended December 31,
1997, compared to the recognition of $381,000 in preferred dividends and
$791,000 in amortization of preferred discount in 1996. Because the initial
conversion price of Gothic's outstanding 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock was at a discount of 12 1/2% less than the $2.00 market price
for Gothic's Common Stock on January 30, 1996, the date of issuance, Gothic
computed an imputed dividend of $791,000 on the shares of preferred stock. The
discount was treated as an imputed dividend for the period ending December 31,
1996 and, accordingly, affects income (loss) available for holders of common
shares. All of the shares of 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
were converted into Common Stock prior to December 31, 1997.
The profitability and revenues of Gothic are dependent, to a significant
extent, upon prevailing spot market prices for natural gas and oil. In the
past, natural gas and oil prices and markets have been volatile. Prices are
subject to wide fluctuations in response to changes in the supply of and
demand for natural gas and oil, market uncertainty and a variety of additional
factors that are beyond the control of Gothic. Such factors include supply and
demand, political conditions, weather conditions, government regulations, the
price and availability of alternative fuels and overall economic conditions.
Natural gas prices have fluctuated significantly over the past twelve months.
Gothic uses the sales method for recording natural gas sales. Gothic's oil
and condensate production is sold, title passed, and revenue recognized at or
near its wells under short-term purchase contracts at prevailing prices in
accordance with arrangements which are customary in the oil industry. Sales of
gas applicable to Gothic's interest in producing natural gas wells are
recorded as revenues when the gas is metered and title transferred pursuant to
the gas sales contracts covering its interest in gas reserves. During such
times as Gothic's sales of gas exceed its pro rata ownership in a well, such
sales are recorded as revenues unless total sales from the well have exceeded
Gothic's shares of estimated total gas reserves underlying the property at
which time such excess is recorded as a gas balancing liability. Such
imbalances are incurred from time to time in the ordinary course of business
in the operation of gas wells as a consequence of operational factors. See
Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 1997, Gothic had a gas balancing asset of $759,000 and a gas
balancing liability of $551,000. The balances that existed at December 31,
1997, except for possible immaterial amounts, were not the result of producing
operations conducted by Gothic, but were the results of asset acquisitions. It
is not Gothic's policy to operate wells in such a manner that imbalances are
created. Gothic expects that the imbalances that existed at December 31, 1997
will be settled upon abandonment of the wells or will be reflected in the
price if the respective well interest is sold prior to then.
47
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
GENERAL
Since 1994, Gothic's principal sources of cash have been bank borrowings,
the sale of equity and debt securities and cash flow from operations. The
following summary table reflects comparative cash flows for Gothic for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1996 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities........... $ 2,596 $ 7,069
Net cash used in investing activities............... 32,791 86,168
Net cash provided by financing activities........... 30,244 95,614
</TABLE>
Net cash provided by operations increased to $7.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 as compared to net cash provided of $2.6 million for the
same period in 1996. The improved operating cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 1997 relate primarily to the significant increase in income from
operations before non-cash charges resulting from the 1997 Acquisitions and
the 1996 Acquisitions.
Gothic used $86.2 million of net cash in investing activities for the year
ended December 31, 1997 compared to net cash used of $32.8 million for the
same period in 1996. This increase was primarily due to the 1997 Acquisitions
for an aggregate of $52.8 million, the Sycamore System acquisition for $5.0
million, the deposit under the Amoco Acquisition agreement of $23.7 million
and property enhancements of $6.1 million. These uses were offset by proceeds
of $4.3 million received from the sale of property and equipment during 1997.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31,
1997 was $95.6 million compared to $30.2 million provided in 1996. The 1997
amount includes proceeds from short and long-term debt related to the 1997
Acquisitions, payments of short and long term debt, and the payment of $2.0
million in loan fees.
OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS AND OTHER SECURITIES
Existing Credit Facility. On January 23, 1998, Gothic entered into a Second
Restated Loan Agreement (the "Existing Credit Facility") with Bank One, Texas,
N.A. ("Bank One"), as principal and as agent for a syndicate of lenders, which
agreement replaced Gothic's credit facility entered into in January 1996. The
Existing Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan with a lending
commitment of $160.0 million, subject to a monthly commitment reduction of
$2.0 million commencing February 1, 1998 (the "Revolving Loan"), and a bridge
loan with a lending commitment of $60.0 million (the "Bridge Loan"). The
initial borrowing base under the Revolving Loan is $160.0 million. Proceeds
under the Revolving Loan were used to finance a portion of the purchase price
for the Amoco Acquisition and are available for the acquisition and
development of natural gas and oil properties, obtaining letters of credit and
for general corporate purposes. The Revolving Loan matures on December 31,
2000. Borrowings under the Bridge Loan were used to finance a portion of the
purchase price for the Amoco Acquisition. The Bridge Loan is due and payable
on June 30, 1998 and is subject to prepayment out of Gothic's excess cash
flow, as defined.
Interest on borrowings under the Existing Credit Facility is payable monthly
calculated at the Bank One Base Rate, as determined from time to time by Bank
One, provided, however, so long as the Bridge Loan is outstanding interest on
the Revolving Loan is at the Base Rate plus 0.5% and interest on the Bridge
Loan is at the Base Rate plus 1.0% through March 31, 1998 and at the Base Rate
plus 2.0% thereafter. Gothic may elect to calculate interest under a London
Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.5%, if less than 50% of the borrowing
base is utilized, up to plus 2% if more than 75% of the borrowing base is
utilized, provided, however, so long as the Bridge Loan is outstanding the
LIBOR rate is plus 3.0%. The interest rate under the Existing Credit Facility
is subject to increases of up to 2.0% in the event Gothic fails to fulfill
timely certain agreements
48
<PAGE>
relating to obtaining additional capital. Pursuant to the foregoing, the
interest rate increased 1% on February 28, 1998 and is subject to a further 1%
increase on March 31, 1998. Gothic is required to pay a fee on the unused
portion of the lending commitment equal to 1/2% per annum.
Under the Existing Credit Facility, the lenders hold liens on substantially
all of Gothic's natural gas and oil properties, whether currently owned or
hereafter acquired, including the properties acquired in the Amoco
Acquisition. The Existing Credit Facility requires, among other things, semi-
annual engineering reports covering oil and natural gas reserves on the basis
of which semi-annual and other redeterminations of the borrowing base and
monthly commitment reduction will be made. The Existing Credit Facility also
includes various affirmative and negative covenants, including, among others,
(i) prohibitions against additional indebtedness unless approved by the
lenders, subject to certain exceptions, (ii) prohibitions against the creation
of liens on the assets of Gothic, subject to certain exceptions, (iii)
prohibitions against cash dividends, (iv) maintaining certain hedging
positions and interest rate protection agreements satisfactory to Bank One,
(v) prohibitions on asset sales, subject to certain exceptions, (vi)
restrictions on mergers or consolidations, (vii) a requirement to maintain a
ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 1.0 to 1.0, (viii) a
requirement to maintain on a quarterly basis a minimum tangible net worth of
at least (a) $45 million as of January 23, 1998, and (b) $75 million as of
March 31, 1998, plus 50% of net income, if positive, before extraordinary
gains but after extraordinary losses, for the period commencing April 1, 1998,
plus 100% of the net proceeds from the issuance of common or preferred stock,
(ix) a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the
end of each quarter for the preceding four quarters beginning with the quarter
ended September 30, 1997 and increasing to 2.0 to 1.0 as of the end of each
quarter for the preceding four quarters beginning with the quarter ended
September 30, 1998, (x) issuance of common stock with proceeds of $65.0
million by March 31, 1998, and (xi) the escrow of interest payments due on
Gothic's outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes due 2004. Events of default include
the non-payment of principal, interest or fees, a default under other
outstanding indebtedness of Gothic, a breach of Gothic's representations and
warranties contained in the loan agreement, material judgments, bankruptcy or
insolvency, a default under certain covenants not cured within a grace period,
and a change in the management or control of Gothic.
The amount of borrowings available to Gothic under the Existing Credit
Facility depend upon the redetermination of Gothic's borrowing base by the
lenders, subject to the limits imposed by the lending commitment. The
borrowing base is subject to periodic redetermination, at the discretion of
the lenders, based on a review of Company reserve and other information with
the initial scheduled review to occur on April 1, 1998. A reduction in the
borrowing base could require Gothic to repay outstanding indebtedness under
the Revolving Loan in excess of the redetermined borrowing base, and would
limit available borrowings thereunder.
On March 30, 1998, the Existing Credit Facility was amended to provide,
among other things, that Gothic is required by April 30, 1998 to issue new
equity with proceeds of $50.0 million and $225.0 million of senior notes to
replace the 12 1/4% Senior Notes, to escrow on or before May 1, 1998 one-third
of the next semi-annual interest payment on the 12 1/4% Senior Notes and on
the first day of each month thereafter one-sixth of the next semi-annual
interest payment on the 12 1/4% Senior Notes, and to have a tangible net worth
of $60.0 million as of April 30, 1998.
12 1/4% Senior Notes due 2004. On September 9, 1997, Gothic completed the
sale of 100,000 units consisting of an aggregate of $100 million principal
amount of 12 1/4% Senior Notes due 2004 ("12 1/4% Senior Notes") and warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 1.4 million shares of Common Stock of Gothic at
purchase price of $3.00 per share. The proceeds to Gothic from the sale of the
units were approximately $95.7 million, net of offering costs of $4.3 million,
and were used to complete the acquisition of natural gas and oil properties
from HS for $27.5 million, repay the Existing Credit Facility balances of
$47.4 million, repay other indebtedness and accrued interest of $4.7 million
and apply approximately $16.0 million to working capital. The estimated fair
value of the 1.4 million warrants issued in connection with the offering was
$1.2 million. Such amount has been treated as an original issue discount and
together with the offering costs is being amortized over the life of the 12
1/4% Senior Notes using the effective interest method.
49
<PAGE>
The 12 1/4% Senior Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 12 1/4%, payable
semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The 12 1/4%
Senior Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Gothic, ranking pari passu
with all existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness of Gothic, and
senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of Gothic.
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the indenture covering the 12 1/4%
Senior Notes (the "Senior Note Indenture"), Gothic and its subsidiaries may
incur additional senior indebtedness and other indebtedness.
The Senior Note Indenture contains certain affirmative and negative
covenants which, among other things, limit Gothic and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as defined, with respect to the following: (i) asset sales; (ii)
restricted payments, including cash dividends; (iii) the incurrence of
additional indebtedness and the issuance of certain redeemable preferred
stock; (iv) liens; (v) sale and leaseback transactions; (vi) lines of
business; (vii) dividend and other payment restrictions affecting
subsidiaries; (viii) mergers and consolidations; and (ix) transactions with
affiliates.
In addition, the 12 1/4% Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of Gothic
at any time prior to March 31, 1998 at a redemption price of 100% of the
principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and thereafter
through April 30, 1998, when such redemption right expires, at a redemption
price of 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon. Gothic intends to exercise this right of redemption in connection
with the Recapitalization.
The 12 1/4% Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed (the "Guarantee") by
the two subsidiaries of Gothic, Gothic Energy of Texas, Inc. and Gothic Gas
Corporation ("Guarantors"). The Guarantee is a general unsecured senior
obligation of the Guarantors, ranking pari passu with all existing and future
subordinated indebtedness of the Guarantors. The Senior Note Indenture
provides that all existing and future Restricted Subsidiaries shall enter into
the Guarantee.
In connection with obtaining consents to an amendment of Gothic's
outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes in connection with obtaining the financing to
complete the Amoco Acquisition, Gothic agreed to raise a total of at least
$45.0 million in equity by February 28, 1998 and at least $100.0 million from
the sale of senior subordinated notes by March 31, 1998. As Gothic has failed
to comply with either of these agreements, until such conditions are met, the
interest rate on the 12 1/4% Senior Notes will increase by 1% until the
additional equity is raised and also by 1% until the senior subordinated notes
are sold; provided, that if the senior subordinated notes are not issued by
June 30, 1998, the interest rate on the 12 1/4% Senior Notes will increase by
2% until such senior subordinated notes are issued. By reason of the
foregoing, the interest rate increased by 2%.
The 12 1/4% Senior Notes were redeemed on April 27, 1998.
Series A Preferred Stock and Warrants. On January 23, 1998, Gothic issued an
aggregate of 37,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock with each share having
a liquidation preference of $1,000. Gothic has the right to redeem the Series
A Preferred Stock at any time upon payment in cash of 101% of the liquidation
preference, inclusive of accrued but unpaid dividends, and the shares are
mandatorily redeemable on December 31, 2004. The shares of Series A Preferred
Stock entitle the holders to receive cumulative dividends payable in
additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a rate per annum initially of
14% of the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock increasing
on April 1, 1998 and each 90-day period thereafter that the Series A Preferred
Stock remains outstanding by 1%, but not to exceed a maximum dividend per
annum of 20%, excluding any other adjustments to the dividend rate. The Series
A Preferred Stock ranks senior to all classes of Gothic's Common Stock and
preferred stock outstanding or hereafter issued. The holders of the shares of
Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights except (i) as required by
Oklahoma law, or (ii) in the event the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are
then outstanding and so long as such shares remain outstanding, commencing on
September 30, 1998 the holders are entitled to elect two members of Gothic's
Board of Directors, on December 31, 1998 the holders are entitled to elect
three members of Gothic's Board of Directors, and on March 31, 1999 the
holders are entitled to elect four members of Gothic's Board of Directors.
Such directors, if elected, will serve until the shares are
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<PAGE>
redeemed. The dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to
increase under certain circumstances in the event Gothic fails to comply with
certain covenants relating to the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be offered in
exchange for the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, a change in
control of Gothic, or the failure of Gothic to redeem the shares from the
proceeds of certain offerings of its securities. The issuance of the shares
provided a portion of the cash paid as consideration in the Amoco Acquisition
and were applied to payment of a fee in connection with an amendment obtained
from the holders of certain terms of Gothic's outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes
thereby permitting the Amoco Acquisition.
Concurrently with the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, Gothic issued
warrants expiring five years from the date of issuance to purchase an
aggregate of 1,175,778 shares of Common Stock exercisable at the lesser of
$2.75 per share or the average of the daily closing bid prices commencing five
days and ending one day before the date of exercise. The exercise price and
number of shares issuable is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances
and the holders have certain rights to have the shares issuable on exercise of
the warrants registered under the Securities Act or included in a registration
statement filed by Gothic under the Securities Act. In the event the Series A
Preferred Stock remains outstanding on March 31, 1998, the exercise price of
the warrants will reduce to $0.01 per share and the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock will receive additional five-year warrants, also having an
exercise price of $.01 per share, which will represent the right to purchase,
when aggregated with the warrants, 10% of Gothic's fully-diluted equity. In
the event the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding at each of June 30,
1998, September 30, 1998, December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999, the holders of
the Series A Preferred Stock will receive additional five-year warrants which
will represent the right to purchase, when aggregated with the warrants and
any additional warrants previously issued, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%,
respectively, of Gothic's fully-diluted equity.
In March 1998, Gothic obtained consents from the holders of approximately
95% of the Series A Preferred Stock and the related warrants to extend through
April 30, 1998 the date on which (i) the warrant exercise price on existing
warrants will reduce to $0.01 and (ii) such holders would receive additional
warrants. Gothic exercised its right to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock on
April 27, 1998 in connection with the Recapitalization.
FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES
Gothic's capital requirements relate to the acquisition, exploration,
enhancement, development and operation of natural gas and oil properties. In
general, because the natural gas and oil reserves Gothic has acquired are
depleted by production over time, the success of its business strategy is
dependent upon a continuous acquisition, exploitation, enhancement, and
development program. In order to achieve profitability and generate cash flow,
Gothic will be dependent upon acquiring or developing additional natural gas
and oil properties or entering into joint natural gas and oil well development
arrangements. Gothic currently has no borrowing capacity available under its
Existing Credit Facility and, as described above, the failure to meet certain
covenants in the Existing Credit Facility would likely result in an event of
default under the Existing Credit Facility. Such default could result in the
entire indebtedness under the Existing Credit Facility becoming immediately
due and payable.
See "Recapitalization" for a description of Gothic's plans to refinance its
outstanding indebtedness which includes, among other things, the redemption of
its outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes and the redemption of the Series A
Preferred Stock.
On March 31, 1998, Parent entered into agreements with Chesapeake, with an
expected closing date of April 27, 1998, pursuant to which Gothic will (i)
enter into a participation agreement regarding the development of
substantially all of Gothic's undeveloped acreage, (ii) sell for $20.0
million, before closing adjustments, a 50% interest in Gothic's natural gas
and oil properties in the Arkoma basin, and (iii) sell, for $39.5 million,
shares of Parent's Series B Preferred Stock, having a liquidation value of
$50.0 million, and ten-year warrants to purchase, at an exercise price of
$0.01 per share, 2,439,246 shares of Parent's Common Stock. In addition,
51
<PAGE>
Gothic is seeking to sell up to an aggregate of $295.0 million of debt
securities, including the Notes and the Senior Secured Discount Notes. It is
intended that the net cash proceeds of the foregoing will be used to redeem
Parent's outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes, repay in full the outstanding
balance of approximately $206.4 million under the Existing Credit Facility,
including the Bridge Loan due and payable on June 30, 1998, and redeem the
outstanding Series A Preferred Stock for a redemption price of approximately
$38.7 million. The consummation of each transaction will be cross-conditioned
on the consummation of all of the other transactions. There can be no
assurance that the transaction with Chesapeake will be completed or that
Parent's outstanding indebtedness will be refinanced and the Series A Senior
Preferred Stock will be redeemed.
CHANGES IN PRICES AND INFLATION
Gothic's revenues and value of its natural gas and oil properties have been
and will continue to be affected by changes in natural gas and oil prices.
Natural gas and oil prices are subject to seasonal and other fluctuations that
are beyond Gothic's ability to control or predict.
From time to time, Gothic hedges natural gas prices through the use of
commodity swap agreements in an effort to reduce the effects of the volatility
of the price of natural gas and crude oil on Gothic's operations. These
agreements involve the receipt of fixed-price amounts in exchange for variable
payments based on NYMEX prices and specific volumes. In connection with the
commodity swap agreements, Gothic may also enter into basis swap agreements to
reduce the effects of unusual fluctuations between prices actually received at
the well head and NYMEX prices. Through the use of commodity price and basis
swap agreements, Gothic can fix the price to be received for specified volumes
of production to the commodity swap price less the basis swap price. The
differential to be paid or received, under the swap agreement, is accrued in
the month of the related production and recognized as a component of crude
natural gas and oil sales. Gothic does not acquire, hold or issue financial
instruments for trading purposes.
At December 31, 1997, Gothic had entered into swap agreements relating to
the sale of 5,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.55 per Mcf and expiring on
March 31, 1998 and 15,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.45 per Mcf during the
period January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998. In February 1998, Gothic
entered into swap agreements relating to the sale of 30,000 Mcf per day for
the month of March 1998 at $2.16 per Mcf and 62,000 Mcf per day during the
period April 1, 1998 through October 31, 1998 at an average price of $2.09 per
Mcf. Of the 62,000 Mcf per day, 25,000 Mcf per day is subject to a "call
spread" agreement which provides that Gothic will receive additional payments
if the actual sales price of natural gas is between $2.30 and $2.70 per Mcf
during the period. The swap agreements for the month of March 1998 and the
period April through October 1998 cover approximately 55% and 69%,
respectively of Gothic's current natural gas production. In addition, Gothic
has entered into a swap agreement relating to the sale of 60,000 Mcf per day
at a "floor" price of $2.10 per Mcf during the period November 1998 through
March 1999.
While the use of hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of adverse
price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. All
hedging is accomplished pursuant to swap agreements based upon standard forms.
Gothic addresses market risk by selecting instruments whose value fluctuations
correlate strongly with the underlying commodity being hedged. Gothic has not
been required to provide collateral relating to hedging activities.
Although certain of Gothic's costs and expenses are affected by the level of
inflation, inflation has not had a significant effect on Gothic's results of
operations during the year ended December 31, 1997.
YEAR 2000 COMPUTER ISSUES
Gothic has reviewed its computer systems and hardware to locate potential
operational problems associated with the year 2000. Such review will continue
until all potential problems are located and resolved. Gothic believes that
all year 2000 problems in its computer systems have been or will be resolved
in a timely manner and have not caused and will not cause disruption of its
operations or have a material adverse effect on its
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<PAGE>
financial condition or results of operations. However, it is possible that
Gothic's cash flows could be disrupted by year 2000 problems experienced by
outside operators of its wells, buyers of its natural gas and oil, financial
institutions or other persons. Gothic is unable to quantify the effect, if
any, of year 2000 computer problems that may be experienced by these third
parties.
OTHER
Accounting Matters. Gothic accounts for its natural gas and oil exploration
and development activities using the full cost method of accounting prescribed
by the Commission. Accordingly, all productive and non-productive costs
incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of
natural gas and oil reserves are capitalized and depleted using the units-of-
production method based on proved natural gas and oil reserves. Gothic
capitalizes costs including salaries and related fringe benefits of employees
and consultants directly engaged in the acquisition, exploration and
development of natural gas and oil properties, as well as other directly
identifiable general and administrative costs associated with such activities.
Such costs do not include any costs related to production, general corporate
overhead, or similar activities. Gothic's natural gas and oil reserves are
estimated annually by petroleum engineers. Gothic's calculation of
depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") includes estimated future
expenditures to be incurred in developing proved reserves and estimated
dismantelment and abandonment costs, net of salvage values. In the event the
unamortized cost of natural gas and oil properties being amortized exceeds the
full cost ceiling as defined by the Commission, the excess is charged to
expense in the period during which such excess occurs. The full cost ceiling
is based principally on the estimated future discounted net cash flows from
Gothic's natural gas and oil properties. Changes in the estimates or declines
in natural gas and oil prices could cause Gothic in the near-term to reduce
the carrying value of its natural gas and oil properties, thereby decreasing
earnings in such period.
Based on market prices for natural gas and oil in March 1998 and the
anticipated terms of the Recapitalization, the Company would, as of the end of
the quarter following the completion of the Recapitalization, reflect a full
cost write down in the amount of approximately $33.0 million. The amount of
any such write down will depend upon the market prices for natural gas and oil
at the end of the quarter ending June 30, 1998. Based on rules promulgated by
the Commission, Gothic evaluates impairment of its natural gas and oil
properties, based on prevailing prices as of the end of each quarter.
Management of Gothic evaluates natural gas and oil reserve acquisition
opportunities in the light of many factors only a portion of which may be
reflected in the amount of proved natural gas and oil reserves proposed to be
acquired. In determining the purchase price to be offered, Gothic does not
solely rely on proved natural gas and oil reserves or the value of such
reserves, as defined in and determined in accordance with Rule 4-10 of
Regulation S-X adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Factors considered include, among others, the probable reserves of the
interests intended to be acquired, anticipated efficiencies and cost
reductions that can be made in operating the producing properties, additional
reserves that management believes can be proven relatively inexpensively based
on management's knowledge of the area where the interests are located and
existing producing properties owned by Gothic. Management does not necessarily
conclude that an acquisition is not favorable because there may be a full cost
ceiling write-down associated with it. Gothic does not perform a ceiling test
for specific properties acquired because the ceiling test is performed at each
quarter and year end for all of Gothic's properties included in its cost
center and is based on prices for natural gas and oil as of that date which
may be higher or lower than the prices used when evaluating potential
acquisitions. Management reviews the transaction in the light of proved and
probable reserves, historic and seasonal fluctuations in the prices of natural
gas and oil, anticipated future prices for natural gas and oil, the factors
described above as well as other factors that may relate to the specific
properties under review.
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<PAGE>
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
OVERVIEW
The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and owns all the natural
gas and oil assets of Gothic. Gothic is an independent energy company
primarily engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation, exploration
and production of natural gas and oil. Gothic commenced natural gas and oil
operations in 1994 with a business strategy emphasizing acquisitions of long-
lived, proved producing natural gas properties with significant development
and exploitation potential. As a result of this strategy, Gothic has grown
primarily through 14 acquisitions of producing natural gas and oil properties
(including the Amoco Acquisition) for total consideration of $337.8 million.
Reflecting this successful growth, Gothic is currently pursuing a business
strategy emphasizing the development and exploitation of its existing asset
base, maintenance of low cost operations and selective strategic acquisitions.
As of December 31, 1997, Gothic had, on a pro forma basis, proved reserves of
331.1 Bcfe, of which approximately 92% were natural gas, with a pro forma PV-
10 of approximately $298.8 million. These reserves, of which 82% were
classified as proved developed, had an estimated Reserve Life of approximately
10.5 years. For the year ended December 31, 1997, on a pro forma basis, Gothic
had revenues of $72.7 million and EBITDA of $53.6 million. For the quarter
ended March 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis, Gothic had revenues of $15.5
million and EBITDA of $10.2 million.
Gothic's natural gas and oil reserves and acreage are principally located in
the Anadarko, Arkoma and Permian/Delaware basins, which are historically
prolific basins with multiple producing horizons and long-lived reserves.
These basins generally provide significant development and exploitation
potential through low-risk infill drilling and the implementation of new
workover, drilling and recompletion technologies. Gothic has initiated a
comprehensive development and exploitation program designed to increase its
natural gas and oil reserves, production, earnings, cash flow and net asset
value by enhancing proved producing reserves and converting proved undeveloped
reserves to proved producing reserves. During the nine months ended March 31,
1998, since the inception of this program, Gothic drilled 16 wells, 15 of
which have been completed and are producing. In addition, Gothic entered into
a participation agreement involving the drilling of substantially all of its
undeveloped acreage with Chesapeake which will support the Company's
comprehensive development and exploitation program. Gothic has not engaged in
any material exploration activities but intends to devote a limited amount of
capital in the future to pursue "controlled-risk" exploration opportunities.
On a pro forma basis, at December 31, 1997, Gothic held an interest in
627,708 gross acres (319,579 net acres) and had an interest in 1,387 gross
wells (631 net wells). Gothic serves as operator of approximately 710 of the
wells in which it has an interest. Operated wells account for approximately
75% of the PV-10 of Gothic's pro forma proved reserves as of December 31,
1997.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Gothic's objective is to increase its reserves, production, earnings, cash
flow and net asset value through a growth strategy that includes (i)
developing, exploiting and exploring its natural gas and oil properties, (ii)
maintaining a low operating cost structure and (iii) acquiring strategic
natural gas and oil properties in a disciplined manner.
Development, Exploitation and Exploration
Gothic seeks to maximize the value of its natural gas and oil properties
through development drilling, workovers, recompletions, reductions in
operating costs and enhanced operating efficiencies. Gothic's core areas are
characterized by properties with multiple pay zones that allow for integrated
analysis of stratigraphic, seismic and well control data to identify
development and exploitation opportunities. Through such analysis Gothic has,
as of March 31, 1998, identified 194 development and exploitation projects
within its properties, of which 114 have been assigned proved undeveloped
reserves. Gothic's 1998 development drilling program includes plans to spend
approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million to drill approximately 30 to 40 wells,
many of which are infill development wells on proved undeveloped locations.
Gothic also continually evaluates and pursues exploitation
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<PAGE>
opportunities, including workover and recompletion projects. Gothic intends to
devote a limited amount of capital in the future to pursue "controlled-risk"
exploration opportunities by drilling on undeveloped acreage in areas in close
proximity to producing properties. Gothic believes geological and geophysical
data, including 3D and 2D seismic surveys acquired in the Amoco Acquisition,
will enable it to reduce costs and risks associated with drilling activities
throughout its core areas.
Maintain Low Cost Operations
Gothic is able to directly control operating and drilling costs as the
operator of wells comprising approximately 75% of the PV-10 of pro forma
proved reserves as of December 31, 1997. In addition, Gothic has been able to
reduce per unit operating costs by eliminating unnecessary field and corporate
overhead costs and by divesting marginal and non-strategic properties with
limited development potential. Lease operating expenses have decreased 57%,
from $1.29 per Mcfe of production in 1995 on a historical basis to $0.55 per
Mcfe for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 on a pro forma basis. Further,
general and administrative expenses per Mcfe of production have decreased 90%,
from $1.15 per Mcfe to $0.10 per Mcfe over the same period. Gothic intends to
further improve the efficiency of and reduce the operating costs associated
with well operations through the use of advanced wireless technology licensed
to Gothic as part of the Amoco Acquisition. This technology enables Gothic to
remotely monitor well operations, thereby reducing the need for on-site
monitoring personnel. Gothic intends to deploy this technology throughout many
of its producing properties in the Anadarko and Arkoma basins.
Strategic Acquisitions
Gothic intends to pursue additional strategically attractive acquisitions to
the extent its capital structure allows.With the recent completion of the
Amoco Acquisition, however, Gothic has reduced the emphasis on acquisitions in
its current business strategy. Gothic has increased its reserves through
acquisitions, having added 424.9 Bcfe through 14 acquisitions, since November
1994, at a total acquisition cost of $337.8 million, or an average cost of
$0.80 per Mcfe. Gothic utilizes a disciplined acquisition strategy, focusing
its acquisition efforts on producing natural gas properties within its core
areas with (i) relatively long-lived natural gas production, (ii) quantifiable
development and exploitation potential, (iii) low risk exploration potential,
(iv) historically low operating expenses or the potential to reduce operating
expenses, (v) close proximity to Gothic's existing production or in areas
where Gothic has the ability to develop operating economies of scale and (vi)
geological, geophysical and other technical and operating characteristics with
which management of Gothic has expertise. Gothic applies strict economic and
reserve risk criteria in evaluating acquisitions of natural gas and oil
properties and companies.
THE AMOCO ACQUISITION
On January 23, 1998, Gothic purchased from Amoco Production Company, a
subsidiary of Amoco Corporation, natural gas producing properties located in
the Anadarko and Arkoma basins of Oklahoma. The consideration paid consisted
of $237.5 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments,
warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of Gothic's common stock exercisable
at $3.00 per share and certain producing properties owned by Gothic having a
value of less than $1.8 million. The purchase had an effective date of
December 1, 1997. The Amoco Acquisition involved interests in 821 gross wells,
operation of 291 of the properties and approximately 240.0 Bcfe of proved
reserves with a PV-10 of approximately $230.1 million as of December 31, 1997.
Of the proved reserves acquired, 96% were natural gas and 71% were producing
with net daily production of approximately 60 Mmcfe. The cash portion of the
consideration paid for the Amoco Acquisition was financed with approximately
$216.4 million of borrowings under Gothic's Existing Credit Facility,
including $156.4 million borrowed under a three-year revolving loan and $60.0
million borrowed under a six-month Bridge Loan. In addition, Gothic issued
37,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of Parent with a liquidation
preference of $37.0 million both to pay a portion of the cash consideration
for the Amoco Acquisition and to pay related fees and expenses. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
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SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS
Since November 1994, Gothic has actively engaged in the acquisition of
producing natural gas and oil properties, primarily in Oklahoma, Texas, New
Mexico and Kansas. The following table summarizes certain information
concerning Gothic's significant acquisitions from November 1994 through
January 23, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED PROVED
RESERVES AT
DATE OF ACQUISITION ACQUISITION
ACQUISITION(1) COST(2) COST(2)
DATE OF ACQUISITION PRINCIPAL SELLER (BCFE) (IN MILLIONS) (PER MCFE)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January 23, 1998 Amoco Production Company(3) 240.0 $239.9 $1.00
September 9, 1997 Affiliates of HS Resources, Inc. 50.6 27.5 0.54
August 12, 1997 Kerr-McGee Corporation 7.1 3.6 0.51
May 15, 1997 Fina Oil and Chemical Company 7.8 3.3 0.42
February 18, 1997 Horizon Gas Partners, L.P. 13.8 10.0 0.72
February 18, 1997 Norse Exploration, Inc.;
H. Huffman & Company(4) 22.9 8.4 0.37
December 27, 1996 Athena Energy, Inc. 4.9 4.2 0.86
May 16, 1996; Comstock Oil & Gas, Inc. and
August 5, 1996 additional working interest
acquisition(5) 13.2 9.7 0.73
January 30, 1996 Buttonwood Energy Corporation 26.7 20.5 0.77
May 31, 1995; Johnson Ranch Partners and
May 20, 1996 additional working interest
acquisition(6) 37.9 10.7 0.28
----- ------ -----
Total 424.9 $337.8 $0.80
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Estimated proved reserves at date of acquisition are based on reserve
reports prepared for the specific acquisition for the 1996 Acquisitions
and the 1997 Acquisitions (as such terms are defined in the Glossary).
Estimated proved reserves for the Amoco Acquisition are based on the
December 31, 1997 reserve report prepared by Gothic's independent
petroleum engineer.
(2) Does not include costs to develop these properties, which properties may
include a substantial amount of proved undeveloped reserves.
(3) Includes cash paid of $237.5 million, $1.7 million for post-closing
adjustments and five-year warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share which were valued by
Gothic at $1.2 million, less amounts allocated to gas systems totaling
$467,000.
(4) Includes cash paid of $14.7 million and two-year warrants to purchase
200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share
which were valued by Gothic at $254,000, less amounts allocated to a gas
system and to unproved properties. Also includes additional interests
acquired in the same properties in a subsequent transaction.
(5) Includes natural gas and oil properties acquired on the date indicated for
$6.4 million, as well as the subsequent acquisition of additional working
interests on the date indicated for $3.3 million in the same area as the
earlier acquisition.
(6) Includes properties purchased for $7.2 million in cash and 1.0 million
shares of Common Stock valued at $2.69 per share and the subsequent
purchase by Gothic of related overriding royalty interests for $800,000.
Gothic continually reviews potential acquisition opportunities (including
opportunities to acquire natural gas and oil properties or related assets or
entities owning natural gas and oil properties or related assets and
opportunities to engage in mergers, consolidations or other business
combinations with entities owning natural gas and oil properties or related
assets) and at any given time may be in various stages of evaluating such
56
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opportunities and anticipates making additional acquisitions if such
properties fit into its overall business strategy. Gothic does not have a
budget specifically for acquisitions, however, since the timing and size of
potential acquisitions cannot be predicted. As of March 15, 1998, Gothic had
no definitive agreements with respect to any significant acquisitions.
NATURAL GAS AND OIL RESERVES
The following table sets forth certain information on the total proved
natural gas and oil reserves, and the PV-10 of estimated future net revenues
of total proved natural gas and oil reserves as of December 31, 1997 for
Gothic, on a pro forma basis, based on the report of Lee Keeling and
Associates, Inc. The calculations which Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc. used
in preparation of such report were prepared using geological and engineering
methods generally accepted by the petroleum industry and in accordance with
Commission guidelines.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
----------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS OIL EQUIVALENT PV-10
(MMCF) (MBBLS) (MMCFE) (IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proved developed reserves....... 249,839 3,477 270,701 $256,986
Proved undeveloped reserves..... 54,808 924 60,352 41,774
------- ----- ------- --------
Total proved reserves......... 304,647 4,401 331,053 $298,760
======= ===== ======= ========
</TABLE>
Prices used in calculating future net revenue of proved reserves and related
PV-10 were $2.30 per Mcf of natural gas and $17.30 per barrel of oil for
proved reserves as of December 31, 1997. The foregoing natural gas prices
reflect price hedging in effect on such dates.
Gothic has not filed any estimates of proved natural gas and oil reserves
with any federal authority or agency other than the Commission.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis, the principal areas of
operation and estimated proved natural gas and oil reserves, PV-10 of the
estimated future net revenues and percent of total PV-10 of Gothic at December
31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATURAL
OIL AND NATURAL GAS % OF
CONDENSATE GAS EQUIVALENT PV-10 TOTAL
FIELD (MBBLS) (MMCF) (MMCFE) (IN THOUSANDS) PV-10
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Anadarko Basin:
Springer Field........ 142 17,923 18,775 $ 25,831 9%
Northwest
Okeene/Cedardale
Field................ 323 42,840 44,778 40,177 13
Cement Field.......... 372 60,846 63,078 57,446 19
Mocane Laverne &
Hugoton Fields....... 77 18,235 18,697 15,084 5
Watonga-Chickasha..... 915 90,771 96,261 93,982 31
Arkoma Basin:
Arkoma Field.......... -- 28,998 28,998 26,478 9
Permian/Delaware Basin:
Johnson Ranch/Brushy
Draw................. 2,572 24,123 39,555 29,320 10
Pecos Slope........... -- 20,911 20,911 10,442 4
----- ------- ------- -------- ---
Totals.................. 4,401 304,647 331,053 $298,760 100%
===== ======= ======= ======== ===
</TABLE>
57
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DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLOITATION
Gothic seeks to maximize the value of its natural gas and oil properties
through development drilling, workovers, recompletions, reductions in
operating costs and enhanced operating efficiencies. Including the Amoco
Acquisition, Gothic has identified 194 development and exploitation projects
within its properties. Gothic is currently evaluating the exploitation and
development potential of the properties acquired in the Amoco Acquisition and
expects that it will expand its current drilling program as a result of its
ongoing evaluation. In particular, Gothic plans (i) to continue infill
drilling on many of its properties and (ii) to recomplete additional producing
zones that have been assigned "behind pipe" proved reserves as of December 31,
1997. Some of Gothic's more significant development and exploitation
activities and opportunities are described below.
ANADARKO BASIN
Approximately 241.6 Bcfe (or 73%) of Gothic's proved reserves are located in
the Anadarko Basin which is a geographic area encompassing Western Oklahoma
and the Texas Panhandle. This basin is considered a mature gas producing field
that is characterized by multiple producing horizons and long-lived reserves.
Producing wells often have additional reserves "behind pipe" or additional
zones with producing capabilities that are not completed initially in the well
bore. These zones are categorized as proved developed non-producing, and
require recompletion or workover activities to be performed in order to
convert to proved producing and thereby increasing the wells' cash flow. A
significant number of Gothic's properties are located on 640-acre producing
units which in some cases may enable an additional well or wells, known as
increased density or infill wells, to be drilled on the same acreage without
adversely effecting the existing production.
Northwest Okeene/Cedardale Field, Major and Blaine Counties,
Oklahoma. Gothic operates approximately 150 wells in this field. Additionally,
Gothic owns substantial royalty interests in approximately 55 wells in the
field as well as numerous non-operated interests. The properties currently
produce approximately 11.4 net Mmcf of gas and 91.0 net Bbls of oil per day
from numerous producing zones ranging in depths from 6,500 to 12,500 feet.
Gothic's management believes there are numerous recompletion and infill
drilling possibilities from multiple formations at depths of 6,500 to 12,500
feet. Gothic has identified five proved developed non-producing locations and
one development location. The Company has over 200 linear miles of 2D seismic
data in this field.
Cement Field, Caddo and Grady Counties, Oklahoma. Gothic has working
interests in 166 producing wells in the Cement Field, of which 21 are operated
by Gothic. The majority of Gothic's interests in its wells within this field
were acquired pursuant to the Amoco Acquisition. Current net daily production
in the field is approximately 15.1 Mmcf of natural gas and 200.0 Bbls of oil.
Natural gas and oil has been produced from over 14 separate producing zones
ranging from 5,000 to 17,000 feet in depth. Gothic has currently identified
six proved undeveloped drilling locations. Gothic believes that numerous
recompletion opportunities exist due to the field's highly faulted nature and
has identified 17 recompletion projects that involve testing unproduced zones.
Gothic's seismic database acquired from Amoco covers its interest in the
Cement Field and Gothic believes that the use of 3D and 2D seismic data will
enable Gothic to lower the risks associated with development and exploitation
activities in the field. In addition, the Company believes the structural
complexity of the field will provide multiple opportunities to exploit
potentially undrained fault blocks as identified from seismic data. The Cement
Field is currently experiencing a high level of industry activity and Gothic
believes that further development opportunities will become available in the
near term.
Springer Field, Carter County, Oklahoma. Gothic has significant non-
operating working interests in 31 gas wells in the Springer Field, three of
which are not yet in production. Current net production in the field is 4.4
Mmcf of gas and 24.0 Bbls of oil per day predominately from the Sycamore
Formation at approximately 6,000 feet. The field also has produced from the
Woodford Shale at 6,500 feet, and to a limited extent, the Viola Formation at
7,000 feet. The field has recently been approved for increased density
development to 160 acres. Gothic has drilled 12 wells in this field with plans
to drill 13 additional infill development wells. Two wells are currently being
completed, one well is currently drilling, one well is awaiting completion and
the Company expects to drill six additional locations in 1998.
58
<PAGE>
Watonga/Chickasha, Canadian County, Oklahoma. Gothic has working interests
in 428 producing wells, of which 236 are operated by Gothic. The properties
currently produce 28.2 net Mmcf of gas and 227.0 net Bbls of oil per day
predominantly from the Atoka, Morrow, Springer and Red Fork formations. Gothic
has identified 25 drilling locations, of which 20 are characterized as proved
undeveloped. The structural complexity is expected to provide multiple
potential drilling opportunities to exploit undrained fault blocks as
identified on seismic data. In addition to detailed geological mapping
completed throughout the area, over 157 square miles of 3D seismic has been
shot near the center of the trend.
Mocane Laverne and Hugoton Fields, Beaver and Texas Counties,
Oklahoma. Gothic operates approximately 68 wells in these fields located in
Northwestern Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. The properties currently
produce 4.2 net Mmcf of gas and 35.0 net Bbls of oil per day predominately
from the Morrow and Chester Formations at depths of 6,000 to 7,000 feet. These
wells are spaced on 640 acres. Gothic has identified 11 potential drilling
locations in the fields and plans to drill six to eight wells in 1998.
ARKOMA BASIN
Approximately 29.0 Bcfe (or 9%) of Gothic's proved reserves are located in
the Arkoma basin, a geological area encompassing Southeastern Oklahoma and
Southwestern Arkansas. Gothic is the operator of 70 producing gas wells in
this field and has interests in an additional 103 wells. The properties
currently produce 7.9 net Mmcf per day. The Arkoma basin is a geologically
complex, highly folded and faulted natural gas basin characterized by a series
of thrust and normal faults which create numerous separated fault blocks which
are the primary trapping mechanisms for accumulations of natural gas. The
principal producing formations are the Spiro, Atoka, and Wapanucka from depths
of 3,000 feet to 16,000 feet. Gothic has identified 17 drilling locations, of
which 12 are proved. Also, there are five proved recompletion projects
identified. All of Gothic's properties in the Arkoma basin were acquired in
the Amoco Acquisition.
DELAWARE/PERMIAN BASIN
Approximately 60.5 Bcfe (or 18%) of Gothic's proved reserves are located in
the Delaware/Permian Basin, a geological area encompassing Southeast New
Mexico and Southwest Texas. The basin is known for its production from various
Delaware formations and deeper gas sands.
Johnson Ranch, Loving County, Texas/Brushy Draw, Edy County. Gothic has
interests in 98 producing wells and operates 94 of these. The properties
currently produce 1.7 Mmcf of gas per day and 430 Bbls of oil per day,
predominantly from the Delaware/Cherry Canyon Formations at depths from 4,000
to 7,000 feet. Gothic owns approximately 3,300 acres of gross undeveloped
leasehold, and has identified 26 drilling projects of which 19 are classified
as proved. There are also 25 recompletion projects identified with 14
classified as proved. Four of the drilling locations are for deeper
Pennsylvanian/Atoka sands from 8,000 to 15,000 feet. Gothic drilled five
development wells in these fields in 1997, all of which are currently
producing.
Pecos Slope, Chaves County, New Mexico. Gothic has interests in 76 wells and
operates 67 of these, in Chaves County with current net daily production of
1.8 Mmcf of natural gas from the Abo Formation at an average depth of 4,500
feet. Gothic has identified 33 proved development drilling locations in the
field. The Company intends to drill four to six wells in Pecos Slope in 1998.
EXPLORATION
Gothic intends to devote a limited amount of capital in the future to pursue
"controlled-risk" exploration opportunities by drilling on undeveloped acreage
in areas in proximity to producing properties. Gothic attempts to lessen the
risks inherent in exploratory drilling by (i) concentrating on acreage in
proximity to producing properties, (ii) drilling wells with multiple pay
objectives, and (iii) utilizing 3D and other seismic data acquired from Amoco.
59
<PAGE>
NATURAL GAS AND OIL PRODUCTION
The following table sets forth the approximate net natural gas and oil
production attributable to (i) Gothic on a historical basis reflecting the
1997 Acquisitions, (ii) properties acquired in the Amoco Acquisition on an
historical basis, and (iii) Gothic on a pro forma combined basis as if the
1997 Acquisitions, the Amoco Acquisition and the Chesapeake Transaction all
occurred on January 1, 1997, for the periods indicated, net of all royalties,
overriding royalties, and other third party interests.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
-------------------------- ------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gothic (Historical):
Natural gas (Mmcf)............ 434 3,404 6,583 6,956
Oil (Mbbls)................... 74 164 176 86
Natural gas equivalent
(Mmcfe)...................... 878 4,388 7,639 7,472
Amoco Acquisition
(Historical)(1):
Natural gas (Mmcf)............ 22,544 21,805 24,802
Oil (Mbbls)................... 54 167 196
Natural gas equivalent
(Mncfe)...................... 22,868 22,807 25,978
Pro Forma Combined(2):
Natural gas (Mmcf)............ 29,006 6,168
Oil (Mbbls)................... 416 86
Natural gas equivalent
(Mmcfe)...................... 31,502 6,684
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Production amounts resulting from the Amoco Acqusition are included in
Gothic (Historical) for the three months ended March 31, 1998.
(2) Excludes production from certain divested properties, including Gothic's
50% interest in the Arkoma properties.
PRODUCTIVE WELL SUMMARY
The following table sets forth, by field, the respective interests in
productive wells owned by Gothic on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WELL
COUNT
---------
FIELD GROSS NET
<S> <C> <C>
ANADARKO BASIN:
Springer Field...................................................... 31 12
Northwest Okeene/Cedardale Field.................................... 297 139
Cement Field........................................................ 166 29
Mocane Laverne & Hugoton Fields..................................... 110 69
Watonga-Chickasha................................................... 428 193
ARKOMA BASIN:
Arkoma Field........................................................ 181 38
PERMIAN/DELAWARE BASIN:
Johnson Ranch/Brushy Draw........................................... 98 88
Pecos Slope......................................................... 76 63
----- ---
Total............................................................. 1,387 631
===== ===
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE>
ACREAGE
The following table shows the approximate gross and net acres of leasehold
interests of Gothic on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED UNDEVELOPED
ACREAGE ACREAGE
--------------- ------------
FIELD GROSS NET GROSS NET
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANADARKO BASIN
Springer Field................................... 7,200 4,680 150 75
Northwest Okeene/Cedardale Field................. 78,752 41,672 1,920 274
Cement Field..................................... 83,674 44,277 3,201 920
Mocane Laverne & Hugoton Fields.................. 93,518 49,485 -- --
Watonga-Chickasha................................ 236,256 125,016 8,157 2,850
ARKOMA BASIN
Arkoma Field..................................... 74,240 18,560 -- --
PERMIAN/DELAWARE BASIN
Johnson Ranch/Brushy Draw........................ 22,000 21,079 6,640 1,691
Pecos Slope...................................... 12,000 9,000 -- --
------- ------- ------ -----
Total............................................ 607,640 313,769 20,068 5,810
======= ======= ====== =====
</TABLE>
DRILLING ACTIVITY
Gothic did not engage in any drilling activity prior to 1996. The following
table sets forth development drilling results for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1997. There were no exploratory wells drilled during those years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1996 1997
--------- ---------
GROSS NET GROSS NET
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Productive............................................... 2.0 0.5 17.0 9.9
Non-Productive........................................... -- -- -- --
--- --- ---- ---
Total.................................................. 2.0 0.5 17.0 9.9
=== === ==== ===
</TABLE>
Gothic completed the drilling of two development wells in the Arkoma basin
of Southwestern Arkansas in which it owned a 25% working interest during 1996.
Both wells are now productive wells. These interests were sold in the second
quarter of 1997. In the third quarter of 1997, Gothic initiated a
comprehensive development program and through March 31, 1998 had drilled 16
wells, 15 of which have been completed and are producing. Gothic's 1998
development drilling program includes plans to spend approximately $20.0 to
$25.0 million to drill approximately 30 to 40 wells, all of which are infill
development wells on proved undeveloped locations. Gothic also continually
evaluates and pursues exploitation opportunities, including workover and
recompletion projects. Gothic intends to devote a limited amount of capital in
the future to pursue "controlled-risk" exploration opportunities by drilling
on undeveloped acreage in areas in close proximity to producing properties.
Gothic believes geological and geophysical data, including 3D and 2D seismic
surveys acquired in the Amoco Acquisition, will enable it to reduce costs and
risks associated with drilling activities throughout its Anadarko basin
properties.
The final determination with respect to any potential drilling locations and
the expected time frame for the drilling of any well will depend on a number
of factors, including (i) the results of exploration efforts and the review
and analysis of the seismic or other data, (ii) the availability of sufficient
capital resources by Gothic for drilling prospects, and (iii) economic and
industry conditions at the time of drilling, including prevailing and
anticipated prices for natural gas and oil and the availability of drilling
rigs and crews. There can be no assurance that any wells will, if drilled,
encounter reservoirs of commercial quantities of natural gas or oil.
61
<PAGE>
OPERATING CONTROL OVER PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
On a pro forma basis, Gothic operates 710 of the 1,387 wells in which it
owns an interest, representing approximately 75% of its PV-10 as of December
31, 1997. The non-operated properties are being operated by unrelated third
parties pursuant to operating agreements which are, for the most part,
standard to the industry. Decisions about operations regarding non-operated
properties may be determined by the outside operator rather than Gothic. If
Gothic declines to participate in additional activities proposed by the
outside operator, under certain operating agreements, Gothic will not receive
revenues from, and/or will lose its interest in, the activity in which it
declines to participate.
Pursuant to the Amoco Acquisition, Gothic received a license to use advanced
well automation technology developed by Amoco. This technology is a wireless
application that allows Gothic to remotely monitor production, well pressure
and temperature along with other well control factors on a real-time basis.
Further, the technology helps to regulate the well's productivity and makes
periodic adjustments to allow the well to flow more efficiently. Gothic
believes that the application of this wireless technology will allow Gothic to
employ fewer personnel to monitor well activity and operate wells more
economically. This technology is currently being utilized on certain of the
Anadarko basin wells acquired in the Amoco Acquisition. Gothic intends to
deploy this technology to other properties in the Anadarko and Arkoma basins
and, as a result, expects to further reduce overall lease operating costs.
TITLE TO NATURAL GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES
Gothic has acquired interests in producing and non-producing acreage in the
form of working interests, royalty interests and overriding royalty interests.
Substantially all of Gothic's property interests are held pursuant to leases
from third parties. The leases grant the lessee the right to explore for and
extract natural gas and oil from specified areas. Consideration for a lease
usually consists of a lump sum payment (i.e., bonus) and a fixed annual charge
(i.e., delay rental) prior to production (unless the lease is paid up) and,
once production has been established, a royalty based generally upon the
proceeds from the sale of natural gas and oil. Once wells are drilled, a lease
generally continues so long as production of natural gas and oil continues. In
some cases, leases may be acquired in exchange for a commitment to drill or
finance the drilling of a specified number of wells to predetermined depths.
Some of Gothic's non-producing acreage is held under leases from mineral
owners or a government entity which expire at varying dates. Gothic is
obligated to pay annual delay rentals to the lessors of certain properties in
order to prevent the leases from terminating. Because substantially all of
Gothic's undeveloped acreage is held by production, annual delay rentals are
generally nominal.
Title to leasehold properties is subject to royalty, overriding royalty,
carried, net profits and other similar interests and contractual arrangements
customary in the natural gas and oil industry, and to liens incident to
operating agreements, liens relating to amounts owed to the operator, liens
for current taxes not yet due and other encumbrances. In addition, in certain
areas Gothic's interests in producing properties are subject to certain
agreements and other instruments that have not been recorded in real property
records. The effect of these unrecorded instruments has been confirmed based
upon a review of historic cost and revenue information, including joint
interest billings, division orders, check stubs and other production
accounting information reflecting such unrecorded interests. Gothic believes
that such burdens and unrecorded instruments neither materially detract from
the value of its interest in the properties, nor materially interfere with the
use of such properties in the operation of its business.
While updated title opinions may not always be received prior to the
acquisition of a producing natural gas and oil property, title opinions on
significant producing properties have historically been obtained in connection
with pledging Gothic's producing properties under the Existing Credit
Facility. On non-productive leases, title opinions are usually not obtained
until immediately prior to the drilling of a well on a property. Accordingly,
Gothic's proved undeveloped reserves may be the subject of significantly less
title investigation. It is contemplated, however, that investigations will be
made in accordance with standard practices in the industry before the
acquisition of producing properties and before exploratory drilling.
62
<PAGE>
PRODUCTION AND SALES PRICES
Gothic's production of natural gas and oil is derived solely from within the
United States. Gothic is not obligated to provide a fixed and determinable
quantity of oil and/or natural gas in the future under existing contracts or
agreements with customers. However, from time to time, Gothic does enter into
hedging agreements with respect to its natural gas and oil production and
currently has put such hedging agreements in place for a significant portion
of expected 1998 production. At December 31, 1997, Gothic had entered into
swap agreements relating to the sale of 5,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.55
per Mcf and 15,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.45 per Mcf during the period
January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998.
In February 1998, Gothic entered into swap agreements relating to the sale
of 30,000 Mcf per day for the month of March 1998 at $2.16 per Mcf and 62,000
Mcf per day during the period April 1, 1998 through October 31, 1998 at an
average price of $2.09 per Mcf. Of the 62,000 Mcf per day, 25,000 Mcf per day
is subject to a "call spread" agreement which provides that Gothic will
receive additional payments if the actual sales price of natural gas is
between $2.30 and $2.70 per Mcf during the period. The swap agreements for the
month of March 1998 and the period April through October 1998 cover
approximately 55% and 69%, respectively of Gothic's current natural gas
production. In addition, Gothic has entered into a swap agreement relating to
the sale of 60,000 Mcf per day at a "floor" price of $2.10 per Mcf during the
period November 1998 through March 1999.
Gothic does not refine or process the natural gas and oil it produces, but
sells the production to unaffiliated natural gas and oil purchasing companies
in the area in which it is produced. Gothic sells crude oil on a market price
basis and sells natural gas under contracts to both interstate and intrastate
natural gas pipeline companies.
MARKETING OF PRODUCTION
Gothic's production of natural gas and oil is marketed to third parties
consistent with industry practices. Typically, oil is sold at the wellhead at
field posted prices, and gas is sold under contract at negotiated prices based
upon factors normally considered in the industry, such as distance from the
well to the pipeline, well pressure, estimated reserves, quality of gas and
prevailing supply/demand conditions.
Typically, gas production is sold to various pipeline companies. The basic
terms of all the contracts are essentially the same in that Gothic makes gas
production available to the pipeline companies at certain given points of
delivery on their pipelines and the pipeline company accepts such gas and
delivers it to the end user. The pipeline company then has the obligation to
pay Gothic a price for the gas which is based on published indices of average
pipeline prices or upon a percentage of the pipeline resale value.
In January 1998 Gothic entered into a ten-year marketing agreement with
Continental Natural Gas, Inc. ("Continental") whereby the majority of the
natural gas produced from the properties associated with the Amoco Acquisition
will be sold to Continental at market prices adjusted for marketing and
transportation fees.
Gothic's revenues, earnings and cash flows are highly dependent upon current
prices for natural gas and oil. In general, prices of natural gas and oil are
dependent upon numerous factors beyond the control of Gothic, including supply
and demand, competition, imports and various economic, political,
environmental and regulatory developments, and accordingly, future prices of
natural gas and oil may be different from prices in effect at December 31,
1996 and 1997.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, Gothic sold approximately 31% of
its gas production to Aurora Natural Gas, LLC, 15% of its gas production to
Warren NGL, Inc., 13% of its gas production to Phillips Gas Marketing Co., 13%
of its gas production to ONEOK Resources, Inc. and 58% of its oil production
to Sun Company Inc.
63
<PAGE>
In view of the many uncertainties affecting the supply and demand for crude
oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products, Gothic is unable to
accurately predict future natural gas and oil prices and demand or the overall
effect they will have on Gothic.
COMPETITION
The natural gas and oil industry is highly competitive in all of its phases.
Gothic encounters competition from other natural gas and oil companies in all
areas of its operations, including the acquisition of producing properties and
the marketing of natural gas and oil. Many of these companies possess greater
financial and other resources than Gothic. Competition for acquisition of
producing properties is affected by the amount of funds available to Gothic,
information about producing properties available to Gothic and any standards
established from time to time by Gothic for the minimum projected return on
investment. Because gathering systems are the only practical method for the
intermediate transportation of natural gas, competition is presented by other
pipelines and gas gathering systems. Competition may also be presented by
alternative fuel sources, including heating oil and other fossil fuels.
Because the primary markets for natural gas liquids are refineries,
petrochemical plants and fuel distributors, prices are generally set by or in
competition with the prices for refined products in the petrochemical, fuel
and motor gasoline markets.
REGULATION
The natural gas and oil business is regulated extensively by federal, state
and local authorities. Various governmental agencies, both federal and state,
have promulgated rules and regulations binding on the natural gas and oil
industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties
for the failure to comply. The regulatory burdens on the natural gas and oil
industry increase its cost of doing business and, consequently, affect its
profitability. Because such laws and regulations are frequently amended or
reinterpreted, Gothic is unable to predict the future cost of complying with
such regulations. Gothic believes that it is in material compliance with its
regulatory obligations.
The States of Oklahoma and Texas and many other states require permits for
drilling operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations and
impose other requirements relating to the exploration and production of
natural gas and oil. These states also have statutes or regulations addressing
conservation matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of
natural gas and oil properties, the establishment of maximum rates of
production from wells and the regulation of spacing, plugging and abandonment
of such wells.
Environmental Matters. Gothic's operations and properties are subject to
extensive and changing federal, state and local laws and regulations relating
to environmental protection, including the generation, storage, handling,
emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment, and
relating to safety and health. The recent trend in environmental legislation
and regulation generally is toward stricter standards, and this trend will
likely continue. These laws and regulations may require the acquisition of a
permit or other authorization before construction or drilling commences and
for certain other activities; limit or prohibit construction, drilling and
other activities on certain lands lying within wilderness and other protected
areas; and impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from
Gothic's operations. The permits required for various of Gothic's operations
are subject to revocation, modification and renewal by issuing authorities.
Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their
regulations, and violators are subject to fines or injunction, or both. In the
opinion of management, Gothic is in substantial compliance with current
applicable environmental laws and regulations, and Gothic has no material
commitments for capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental
requirements. Nevertheless, changes in existing environmental laws and
regulations or in interpretations thereof could have a significant impact on
Gothic, as well as the natural gas and oil industry in general. The
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA") and comparable state statutes impose strict, joint and several
liability on owners and operators of sites and on persons who dispose of or
arrange for the disposal of "hazardous substances" found at such sites.
Although CERCLA currently excludes petroleum from its definition of "hazardous
substance," state laws affecting Gothic's operations impose clean-up liability
relating to petroleum and petroleum related products. It is not uncommon
64
<PAGE>
for the neighboring land owners and other third parties to file claims for
personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous
substances released into the environment. The Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act ("RCRA") and comparable state statutes govern the disposal of
"solid waste" and "hazardous waste" and authorize imposition of substantial
fines and penalties for noncompliance. Although RCRA classifies certain oil
field wastes as "non-hazardous," such exploration and production wastes could
be reclassified as hazardous wastes, thereby making such wastes subject to
more stringent handling and disposal requirements.
Federal regulations require certain owners or operators of facilities that
store or otherwise handle oil, such as Gothic, to prepare and implement spill
prevention, control countermeasure and response plans relating to the possible
discharge of oil into surface waters. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 contains
numerous requirements relating to the prevention of and response to oil spills
into waters of the United States. For onshore facilities that may affect
waters of the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
requires an operator to demonstrate $10.0 million in financial responsibility,
and for offshore facilities the financial responsibility requirement is at
least $35.0 million. Regulations are currently being developed under federal
and state laws concerning oil pollution prevention and other matters that may
impose additional regulatory burdens on Gothic. In addition, the Clean Water
Act and analogous state laws require permits to be obtained to authorize
discharge into surface waters or to construct facilities in wetland areas.
With respect to certain of its operations, Gothic is required to maintain such
permits or meet general permit requirements. The EPA recently adopted
regulations concerning discharges of storm water runoff. This program requires
covered facilities to obtain individual permits, participate in a group or
seek coverage under an EPA general permit. Gothic believes that it will be
able to obtain, or be included under, such permits, where necessary, and to
make minor modifications to existing facilities and operations that would not
have a material effect on Gothic.
Gothic has acquired leasehold interests in numerous properties that for many
years have produced natural gas and oil. Although the previous owners of these
interests may have used operating and disposal practices that were standard in
the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed
of or released on or under the properties. In addition, some of Gothic's
properties are or have been operated by third parties over whom Gothic has or
had no control. Notwithstanding Gothic's lack of control over properties
operated by others, the failure of the operator to comply with applicable
environmental regulations may, in certain circumstances, adversely impact
Gothic.
Marketing and Transportation. In the past, the transportation and sale for
resale of natural gas in interstate commerce has been regulated pursuant to
the Natural Gas Act of 1938, the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (the "NGPA"),
and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (the "FERC"). Since 1978, maximum selling prices of certain
categories of natural gas sold in the "first sales," whether sold in
interstate or intrastate commerce, has been regulated pursuant to the NGPA.
The term "first sales" means the first time gas is sold as a severed
hydrocarbon after it is produced from the ground. The NGPA established various
categories of natural gas and provided for graduated deregulation of price
controls of several categories of natural gas. There is currently no price
regulation for "first sales" of gas. On July 26, 1989, the Natural Gas
Wellhead Decontrol Act was enacted. This act amended the NGPA to remove both
price and non-price controls from natural gas sold in "first sales" as of
January 1, 1993. Under current market conditions, deregulated gas prices under
new contracts tend to be substantially lower than most regulated price
ceilings prescribed by the NGPA. The effect of termination of these price
controls cannot be determined.
The FERC regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates and service
conditions, which affect the marketing of gas produced by Gothic, as well as
the revenues received by Gothic for sales of such production. Since the mid-
1980s, FERC has issued a series of orders, culminating in Order Nos. 636, 636-
A and 636-B ("Order 636"), that have significantly altered the marketing and
transportation of natural gas. Order 636 mandates a fundamental restructuring
of interstate pipeline sales and transportation service, including the
unbundling by interstate pipelines of the sale, transportation, storage and
other components of the city-gate sales services such pipelines previously
performed. One of FERC's purposes in issuing the order was to increase
competition within all phases of the natural gas industry. Numerous parties
have filed petitions for review of Order 636, as well as orders in individual
pipeline restructuring proceedings. In July 1996, Order 636 was
65
<PAGE>
generally upheld on appeal, and the portions remanded for further action do
not appear to materially affect Gothic. Because Order 636 may be modified as a
result of the appeals, it is difficult to predict the ultimate impact of the
orders on Gothic and its gas marketing efforts. Generally, Order 636 has
eliminated or substantially reduced the interstate pipelines' traditional role
as wholesalers of natural gas and has substantially increased competition and
volatility in natural gas markets.
The price Gothic receives from the sale of natural gas liquids and oil is
affected by the cost of transporting products to markets. Effective January 1,
1995, FERC implemented regulations establishing an indexing system for
transportation rates for oil pipelines, which, generally, would index such
rates to inflation, subject to certain conditions and limitations. Gothic is
not able to predict with certainty the effect, if any, of these regulations on
its operations. However, the regulations may increase transportation costs or
reduce well head prices for natural gas liquids and oil.
OPERATIONAL HAZARDS AND INSURANCE
Gothic maintains various types of insurance to cover its operations,
including $2 million of general liability insurance and an additional $5
million of excess liability insurance. Gothic's insurance does not cover every
potential risk associated with the drilling and production of natural gas and
oil. Coverage is not obtainable for certain types of environmental hazards.
The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of which are not
fully covered by Gothic's insurance, could have a material adverse effect on
Gothic's financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance
can be given that Gothic will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the
future at reasonable rates.
EMPLOYEES
As of April 1, 1998, Gothic had a total of 25 employees consisting of 14
production and land personnel, and 11 financial, accounting and administrative
personnel, two of whom are executive officers.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Gothic leases approximately 8,164 square feet of space in Tulsa, Oklahoma
for its corporate and administrative offices. The annual rental is
approximately $95,060 and the lease expires December 31, 1999. Gothic believes
this facility is adequate for its present requirements.
Parent is an Oklahoma corporation. It was incorporated on November 19, 1985
under the laws of the State of New Jersey and was reincorporated as a Delaware
corporation on June 23, 1994. On December 4, 1996, Parent was reincorporated
as an Oklahoma corporation by merging the Delaware corporation with and into a
wholly owned subsidiary incorporated for that purpose under the laws of the
State of Oklahoma. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Oklahoma on March 26, 1998. Gothic's principal office is at 5727 South Lewis
Avenue, Suite 700, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105, and its telephone number is (918)
749-5666.
LITIGATION
No legal proceedings are pending against Gothic other than ordinary
litigation incidental to Gothic's business, the outcome of which management
believes will not have a material adverse effect on Gothic.
66
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Directors and executive officers of Gothic, their ages and positions
with Gothic are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH COMPANY
<S> <C> <C>
John J. Fleming........................ 57 Chairman of the Board and
Director
Michael K. Paulk....................... 49 President and Director
Steven P. Ensz......................... 46 Vice-President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Morton A. Cohen........................ 62 Director
Brian E. Bayley........................ 45 Director
</TABLE>
John J. Fleming was elected a Director of Gothic in October 1994. Mr.
Fleming is currently Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Profco
Resources, Ltd., which engages in oil and gas exploration. From 1992 through
December 1995, Mr. Fleming was Chairman and chief executive officer of Excel
Energy, Inc., engaged in oil and gas exploration. Prior thereto, commencing in
1989, he was Chairman and chief executive officer of Trical Resources, Inc.
and its successor Voyager Energy, Inc. Mr. Fleming was Chairman of the Board
of American Natural Energy Corporation ("ANEC") from August 1993 to July 1994.
He has been involved in the oil and gas industry as president, chairman or
chief executive officer of a number of corporations for more than the past
fifteen years. Mr. Fleming is also a Director of Poco Petroleum Ltd., Imco
Recycling Inc., Newfoundland Capital Corp and Canadian Helicopters Limited.
Michael K. Paulk was elected President and Director of Gothic in October
1994. Mr. Paulk has been engaged in the oil and gas industry for more than
fifteen years. He was President of ANEC from its inception in 1985 until his
resignation in September 1994, after the acquisition of ANEC by Alexander
Energy Corporation in July 1994.
Steven P. Ensz has been Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
of Gothic since March 18, 1998 and is responsible for the financial activities
of Gothic. From July 1991 to February 1998, he was Vice-President, Finance of
Anglo-Suisse, Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration and producing company.
From December 1983 to June 1991, he held various positions within the energy
industry, including President of Waterford Energy, an independent oil and gas
producer. Prior to December 1983, he was a partner with Oak, Simon & Ott,
CPAs. He is a certified public accountant.
Morton A. Cohen was elected a Director of Gothic in October 1995. Mr. Cohen
has been, for more than ten years, the President and Chairman of Clarion
Capital Corporation, a small business investment company. Mr. Cohen is a
Director of Zemec Corporation, DHB Capital Corporation, Sentx Technologies,
Inc., and is Chairman of Cohesant Technologies, Inc.
Brian E. Bayley has been since December 1996 a partner of Quest Management
Corp. and Quest Ventures, Ltd., private merchant banking companies. Prior
thereto through April 1997, he held a variety of positions with Quest Oil and
Gas, Inc. (formerly Quest Capital Corporation), including President from
October 1990 to October 1996 and Director and Secretary from October 1996 to
April 1997. Mr Bayley holds an MBA degree from Queen's University, Kingston,
Ontario. Mr. Bayley is a Director of Kinetic Ventures, Inc., as well as a
number of other corporations that do not file reports under the Exchange Act.
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<PAGE>
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
In addition to its executive officers, employees of Gothic who are expected
to make a significant contribution to Gothic are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH COMPANY
<S> <C> <C>
James S. Blair............................ 45 Vice-President, Corporate
Development
Bennett G. Shelton........................ 40 Land Contracts Manager
Richard O. Mulford........................ 44 Operations Manager
Robert G. Snead........................... 59 Geologist
John Coughlon............................. 40 Geologist
David Evans............................... 41 Petroleum Engineer
R.L. Hilbun............................... 49 Full-Time Consultant, Drilling
and Completion Engineer
R. Andrew McGuire......................... 31 Controller
</TABLE>
James S. Blair has been Vice-President, Corporate Development of Gothic
since June 1997 and is responsible for the management and coordination of
acquisition and divestiture activities. From January 1989 to June 1997, he was
Vice-President, Land and Acquisitions of Toreador Royalty Corporation where he
was responsible for implementing Toreodor's restructuring plan, and in charge
of increasing production through acquisitions and joint ventures. From May
1988 to January 1989, he was Vice-President of Business Development of German
Oil Company, and from 1980 to May 1988, he was employed by Tenneco Oil Company
where he was involved with business development and acquisitions.
Bennett G. Shelton has been employed by Gothic as Land Contracts Manager
since May 1995. From August 1994 to May 1995, he was a Senior Landman with
AEOK and prior thereto he was a Land and Acquisition Manager with ANEC. Prior
to April 1991, he was a staff landman with Santa Fe Minerals, Inc. for
approximately ten years.
Richard O. Mulford has been employed as Operations Manager with Gothic since
April 1995. From April 1985 to April 1995, he was a Production Superintendent
with ANEC and has been employed in the oil and natural gas industry since
1978.
Robert G. Snead who has served as a geologist for Gothic on a full-time
consulting basis since April 1997, was hired as a full-time employee effective
September 1, 1997. Between early 1994 and April 1997, he was employed as an
independent geologist and from 1985 to 1994 was the Senior Vice-President/
Exploration Manager of LOGO, Inc., an oil and natural gas well operating
company.
John Coughlon has been employed by the Company since March 1998. Prior
thereto, he was, commencing in December 1994, employed by Amoco Production
Company, most recently as Senior Staff Geologist. From October 1993 to
December 1994 he served as Geological Consultant/Principle of Tower Energy
Corporation and prior thereto he was from July 1987 to October 1993 Senior
Geologist for Nicor Oil & Gas and from April 1980 to July 1987 he was employed
by Mobil Oil Corp.
David Evans was hired by Gothic as a petroleum engineer in November 1997.
Prior thereto, he was Production Manager for Petroleum Properties Management
Co. from March 1996 to October 1997. From April 1992 to March 1996, he was
Engineering Manager for AEOK and from September 1987 to April 1992 he was
Vice-President of Exploration and Production for Bradmar Petroleum
Corporation.
R.L. Hilbun is a full-time consultant to Gothic serving as a drilling and
completion engineer. He has served in this capacity since March 1997. Prior
thereto, commencing in 1982, he was Vice-President, Operations of PSEC, Inc.,
a natural gas and oil well operating company. He has been employed in the
natural gas and oil industry since 1970.
R. Andrew McGuire has been employed by Gothic as Controller since November
1994. From February 1991 to October 1994, he was employed as Accounting
Manager of ANEC. From May 1988 to February 1991, he was employed by OXY-USA,
Inc., a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corp., as an accountant. Mr.
McGuire is a certified public accountant.
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<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation paid
during Gothic's three fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 to Gothic's chief
executive officer and all other executive officers who received compensation
exceeding $100,000 and who served in such capacities at December 31, 1997:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPENSATION
-------------------
OTHER LONG-TERM
NAME AND ANNUAL AWARD'S ALL OTHER
PINCIPAL POSITIONR YEAR SALARY BONUS COMP. OPTION(#) COMP.
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael K. Paulk............. 1997 $150,000 $150,000 -0- -0- -0-
1996 107,458 50,000 -0- 125,000 -0-
1995 96,000 -0- -0- -0- -0-
John Rainwater(1)............ 1997 $125,000 -0- -0- -0- -0-
1996 107,458 $ 25,000 -0- 125,000 -0-
1995 96,000 -0- -0- -0- -0-
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Mr. Rainwater resigned as a Director and executive officer of Gothic
effective on February 18, 1998.
No options were granted to either Mr. Paulk or Mr. Rainwater during 1997.
STOCK OPTION HOLDINGS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
The following table provides information with respect to the above named
executive officers regarding options held at December 31, 1997 (such officers
did not exercise any options during the most recent fiscal year).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 AT DECEMBER 31, 1997(1)
------------------------------------ -------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael K. Paulk........ 312,500(2) 62,500 -0- -0-
John Rainwater.......... 312,500(2) 62,500 -0- -0-
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Based on the closing sales price on December 31, 1997 of $2.375.
(2) Includes 250,000 shares exercisable at $2.50 per share and 62,500 shares
exercisable at $2.56 per share.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Gothic has entered into an employment agreement with Michael Paulk pursuant
to which he is employed as the President of Gothic. Mr. Paulk currently
receives a base salary of $150,000 per year, plus such additional amounts as
may be determined from time to time by Gothic's Board of Directors. In
addition, he is eligible to receive such cash bonuses as may be determined by
Gothic's Board of Directors. Mr. Paulk is also entitled to participate in such
incentive compensation and benefit programs as Gothic makes available. Mr.
Paulk's agreement expires on December 31, 1999 and is thereafter automatically
extended for successive three-year terms. In the event the employment
agreement is terminated by Gothic (other than for cause, as defined) or is not
automatically extended on any termination date for a successive three-year
term, Mr. Paulk is entitled to receive payment equal to three times his then
base salary, together with any sums unpaid under the terms of the employment
agreement, and Gothic is obligated to continue his medical insurance in effect
for a period of one year after such termination. In the event of a change in
control, as defined, of Gothic, Mr. Paulk has the right to terminate his
employment agreement with Gothic within sixty days thereafter, whereupon
Gothic would be
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<PAGE>
obligated to pay to him the same sums and other benefits described above as if
such agreement had been terminated by Gothic without cause. The agreement also
contains certain provisions restricting Mr. Paulk from engaging in business
activities in competition with Gothic for a period of one year.
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
Directors of Gothic do not receive any compensation for serving in that
capacity; however, they are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in
attending meetings.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On January 30, 1996, Quest Oil & Gas, Inc. ("Quest"), a corporation of which
Mr. Bayley, a Director of Gothic, was an officer and Director at the time,
exchanged $1,290,000 principal amount of a loan in the aggregate amount of
$1,850,000 from Quest for 1,290 shares of Gothic's 7 1/2% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock. After reflecting the exchange of $1,290,000
principal amount for 1,290 shares of 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, the remaining $560,000 of principal and accrued interest of $173,000 on
the loan and other obligations aggregating $92,000 owing to Quest was replaced
with a Subordinated Note in the principal amount of $825,000 bearing interest
at 7 1/2% per annum, due, together with all accrued interest thereon, ten
years from its date of issuance. The $825,000 note was prepaid on March 13,
1996 and subsequently Quest sold its shares of 7 1/2% Convertible Preferred
Stock.
On November 14, 1995, Quest purchased Gothic's secured notes in the
principal amount of $333,333 and common stock purchase warrants to purchase
83,333 shares of Gothic's Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.40 per share
the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the purchase price for
certain producing natural gas and oil properties. The note, which bore
interest at 1% per month compounded monthly, was repaid on January 30, 1996
and bore interest at 1% per month, compounded monthly and subsequently Quest
sold the common stock purchase warrants.
Mr. Paulk is indebted to Gothic in the amount of $169,110 under a non-
interest bearing promissory note dated September 1, 1997. On February 26,
1998, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the
extension of the due date of the Note from January 31, 1998 to January 31,
1999.
On January 23, 1998, Gothic completed the Amoco Acquisition pursuant to
which, among other things, Gothic issued to Amoco a five-year common stock
purchase warrant to purchase 1.5 million shares of Common Stock exercisable at
$3.00 per share.
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<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Set forth below is information concerning the Common Stock ownership of all
persons known by Gothic to own beneficially 5% or more of Gothic's Common
Stock, and the Common Stock ownership of each Director of Gothic and all
Directors and officers of Gothic as a group, as of May 29, 1998. As of May 29,
1998, Gothic had 16,261,640 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL
HOLDER, IDENTITY OF GROUP(1)(2) AMOUNT(3) PERCENT OF CLASS
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Paulk............................. 487,476(4) 2.9%
John Fleming.............................. 150,000(5) 1.0%
Morton A. Cohen........................... 680,222(6) 4.1%
Brian E. Bayley........................... 150,000(7) 1.0%
Stratum Group, L.L.C.(8).................. 1,000,000(9) 5.8%
650 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Cambridge Investments, Ltd.(8)............ 1,161,800 7.1%
600 Montgomery Street--27th Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
Carl C. Icahn(8).......................... 1,600,000 9.8%
High River Limited Partnership(8)
Riverdale LLC(8)
Little Meadow Corp.(8)
100 South Bedford Road
Mount Kisco, New York 10549
Amoco Corporation(8)...................... 1,500,000(10) 8.4%
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Croft-Leominster, Inc.(11)................ 838,700 5.4%
207 East Redwood Street--Suite 208
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Chesapeake Energy Corporation(12)......... 2,439,246 13.0%
6100 N. Western Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73154
All Officers and Directors as a Group (4 1,467,698 9.0%
persons).................................
</TABLE>
71
<PAGE>
- ---------------------
(1) This tabular information is intended to conform with Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to the
determination of beneficial ownership of securities. The tabular
information gives effect to the exercise of warrants or options
exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table owned in each case by
the person or group whose percentage ownership is set forth opposite the
respective percentage and is based on the assumption that no other person
or group exercise their option.
(2) The address of Mr. Paulk is c/o Gothic, 5727 South Lewis Avenue, Suite
700, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105. The address of Mr. Fleming is 1500, 340 12th
Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 1L5. The address of Mr. Cohen is c/o
Clarion Capital Corporation, Ohio Savings Plaza, Suite 510, 1801 East
Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The address of Mr. Bayley is c/o
Quest Oil & Gas, Inc., 1095 West Pender Street-Suite 850, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada V6E 2M6.
(3) Except as otherwise noted, shares beneficially owned by each person as of
March 9, 1998 were owned of record and each person had sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares beneficially held by such
person.
(4) Includes 250,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options at an exercise
price of $2.50 per share. Also includes 125,000 shares issuable upon
exercise of options at an exercise price of $2.56 per share of which
options to purchase 62,500 shares became exercisable on July 16, 1997 and
options to purchase the remaining 62,500 shares become exercisable on July
16, 1998. In the event of a "change of control" of Gothic, as defined in
the option agreement, such remaining options become immediately
exercisable.
(5) Includes 100,000 shares issuable on exercise of options at an exercise
price of $1.50 per share which are exercisable during the five-year period
beginning July 11, 1996 and 50,000 shares issuable on exercise of options
at an exercise price of $2.56 per share which are exercisable during the
five-year period beginning July 16, 1997.
(6) Includes shares held by Clarion Capital Corp., of which Mr. Cohen is an
officer, director and principal shareholder, and other entities affiliated
with Mr. Cohen, as well as 150,000 shares issuable on exercise of options
held by Mr. Cohen at an exercise price of $2.56 per share which are
exercisable during the five-year period beginning July 11, 1996 and 91,998
shares issuable on exercise of a warrant held by an affiliated partnership
exercisable at $2.40 per share.
(7) Includes 150,000 shares issuable on exercise of options at an exercise
price of $2.56 per share which are exercisable during the five-year period
beginning July 11, 1996.
(8) Based on information contained in Schedule 13D provided by such person.
(9) Issuable on exercise of common stock purchase warrants at $3.19 per share.
The general partner of Stratum Group, L.P. is Stratum Finance, L.L.C. and
the members of Stratum Finance, L.L.C. are Energy Investment Partners, a
New York general partnership, Joseph M. Rinaldi, Michael W. Walker,
Richard E. Bani, John C. Alvardo, Curt S. Taylor, and Betsy D. Cotton.
Stratum Finance, L.L.C. is managed by Energy Investment Partners, which
has four votes, Joseph M. Rinaldi, who has one vote, and Michael W.
Walker, appointed by the natural person members of Stratum Finance,
L.L.C., who has one vote. Energy Investment Partners has three general
partners, SGLLC Partners, L.P. ("SGLLC"), SGLLC Partners Offshore, L.P.
("Offshore") and The Beacon Group Energy Investment Fund, L.P. ("Fund").
The sole general partner of each of SGLLC and Offshore is SG-GP, L.P.
whose sole general partner is Energy Fund GPI, Inc. ("GPI"). The sole
general partner of Fund is Beacon Energy Investors, L.P. ("Investors").
The sole general partner of Investors is BEIGP, Inc. ("BEIGP"). The names
of the officers and Directors of both GPI and BEIGP are Geoffrey Boisi,
John McWilliams, Preston Miller, Harold Pote, Faith Rosenfeld, Robert
Semmens, David Remmington, Thomas Mendell and Frank Murray.
(10) Issuable on exercise of common stock purchase warrants at $3.00 per
share.
(11) Based on information contained in Schedule 13G provided by such person.
(12) Issuable on exercise of common stock purchase warrants at $0.01 per
share.
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gothic's Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee consisting of
Messrs. Fleming and Bayley and an Audit Committee consisting of Messrs.
Fleming and Bayley. The Compensation Committee makes determinations on behalf
of the Board of Directors concerning salaries and incentive compensation for
officers
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<PAGE>
and employees of and consultants to Gothic. The Audit Committee considers the
retention of Gothic's independent accountants, reviews Gothic's annual
financial statements and discusses the financial statements with Gothic's
independent accountants, reviews the independence of accountants conducting
the audit, reviews the services of independent accountants, discusses with
management and the independent accountants Gothic's accounting system and
related systems of internal control and consults as necessary with the
independent accountants and Gothic's financial staff. The Board of Directors
does not have a nominating committee.
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT FACILITY
Concurrently with the consummation of the Recapitalization, the Company and
Bank One entered into the Credit Facility. The following summary of the Credit
Facility does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the applicable agreements.
The Credit Facility consists of a revolving line of credit, with an initial
Borrowing Base of $25.0 million. The limitations contained in the Indenture
will initially limit the Company's borrowing under a Bank Credit Facility to
approximately $30.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility initially
will be limited to being available for the acquisition and development of
natural gas and oil properties, letters of credit and general corporate
purposes. The Borrowing Base will be redetermined at least semi-annually and
the initial redetermination is scheduled for October 1, 1998. The principal is
due at maturity, April 30, 2001. Interest is payable monthly calculated at the
Bank One Base Rate, as determined from time to time by Bank One. The Company
may elect to calculate interest under a London Interbank Offered Rate
("LIBOR") plus 1.5% (or up to 2.0% in the event the loan balance is greater
than 75% of the Borrowing Base). The Company is required to pay a commitment
fee on the unused portion of the Borrowing Base equal to 1/2 of 1% per annum.
Under the Credit Facility, Bank One will hold first priority liens on
substantially all of the Company's natural gas and oil properties, whether
currently owned or hereafter acquired. The Credit Facility requires, among
other things, semi-annual engineering reports covering natural gas and oil
properties. The Credit Facility contains substantially the same financial and
other covenants of the Existing Credit Facility described under "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Liquidity and Capital Resources--Outstanding Indebtedness and Other
Securities--Existing Credit Facility." The Credit Facility includes additional
covenants prohibiting cash dividends, distributions, loans or advances to
third parties, subject to certain exceptions. The covenant regarding the
interest coverage ratio is calculated quarterly on the basis of the coverage
for the preceding quarter and requires a minimum interest coverage ratio of
not less than 1.5 to 1.0 for each quarter through the quarter ended December
31, 1998 and not less than 2.0 to 1.0 for each quarter ended March 31, 1999
and thereafter. In addition, if GPC is required to purchase or redeem any
portion of the Notes, or if any portion of the Notes become due, the Borrowing
Base is subject to reduction. GPC is required to escrow interest payments due
on the Notes at such times as its borrowings under the Credit Facility equal
or exceed 75% of the Borrowing Base.
The amount of borrowings available to the Company under the Credit Facility
will depend upon the determination of the Company's Borrowing Base by Bank
One. The Borrowing Base is subject to periodic redetermination, at the
discretion of Bank One, based on a review of Company reserve and other
information. A reduction in the Borrowing Base could require the Company to
repay outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility in excess of the
redetermined Borrowing Base, and would limit available borrowings thereunder.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of April 21, 1998
among the Company, Parent and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"). The following summaries of certain provisions of the Notes and the
Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to, the Notes and the Indenture, including the
definitions therein of certain capitalized terms used but not defined herein.
GENERAL
The aggregate principal amount of the Notes is limited to $235.0 million.
Each Note will mature on May 1, 2005 and bears interest at an annual rate of
11 1/8% per annum from the date of original issuance, payable semiannually in
cash in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1,
1998, to the Person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of
business on April 15 or October 15 preceding such interest payment date.
Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year, or twelve 30-day months.
Additional interest also will be payable on the Notes if the Company fails to
satisfy certain requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
See "--Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages." Principal, premium, if any,
and interest will be payable at the offices of the Trustee and the Paying
Agent, provided that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be
made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it
appears in the register of the Notes maintained by the Registrar.
Under certain circumstances, the Company will be able to designate existing
or future Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries
will not be subject to most of the restrictive covenants set forth in the
Indenture.
RANKING
The Notes rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future
Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company and rank pari passu in
right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the
Company. The Company's indebtedness under the Credit Facility is secured by a
first priority lien on substantially all of the Company's natural gas and oil
properties, and to the extent of pledged collateral, such indebtedness has
priority over the Notes. As of December 31, 1997, on a pro forma basis after
giving effect to the Reorganization and the application of the estimated
proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had no secured indebtedness
outstanding under the Credit Facility and no senior indebtedness other than
the Notes. There initially would be no indebtedness of the Company which would
constitute subordinated indebtedness. Under the terms of the Indenture,
indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors, if any,
may not exceed the greater of $25.0 million and 10% of Adjusted Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets plus related accrued interest and costs, subject to
certain deductions. See "--Certain Definitions--Permitted Indebtedness."
SECURITY
All of the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture are
secured by a second priority Lien on substantially all of the Company's
natural gas and oil properties (collectively, including all other natural gas
and oil properties and assets that are from time to time subject to the
Security Documents, the "Collateral"). Each of these security interests is
subject to certain Permitted Liens, including the prior Lien in favor of the
Credit Facility.
Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, if the Notes become due and payable
prior to the final stated maturity thereof for any reason or are not paid in
full at the final stated maturity thereof and after any applicable grace
period has expired, at a time when Indebtedness is outstanding under the
Credit Facility, the Trustee will not have the right to foreclose upon the
Collateral unless the Agent, on behalf of the lenders thereunder, forecloses
upon the Collateral; provided, however, if the Agent, on behalf of such
lenders, has not accelerated
74
<PAGE>
the Indebtedness under the Credit Facility and commenced foreclosure upon the
Collateral within 120 days after the Trustee has given notice to the Agent of
any Event of Default, the Trustee shall have the right to foreclose upon the
Collateral in accordance with instructions from the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes or, in the absence of such
instructions, in such manner as the Trustee deems appropriate in its absolute
discretion, without the consent of the Agent of such lenders. Proceeds from
the sale of Collateral will first be applied to repay Indebtedness outstanding
under the Credit Facility, if any, and thereafter paid to the Trustee. The
proceeds received by the Trustee will be applied by the Trustee first to pay
the expenses of any foreclosure and fees and other amounts then payable to the
Trustee under the Indenture and the Security Documents and, thereafter, to pay
all amounts owing to the Holders under the Indenture, the Notes and the
Security Documents (with any remaining proceeds to be payable to the Company
or as may otherwise be required by law).
There can be no assurance that the proceeds of any sale of the Collateral in
whole or in part pursuant to the Indenture and the related Security Documents
following an Event of Default would be sufficient to satisfy payments due on
the Credit Facility and the Notes. By its nature, some or all of the
Collateral will be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market
value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Collateral can be sold
in a short period of time, if saleable. Except after the expiration of any 120
day period, as described above, while Indebtedness is outstanding under the
Credit Facility, Holders will have no vote on any decisions with respect to
the Collateral, including the time or method of disposition thereof. To the
extent that third parties enjoy Permitted Liens, such third parties may have
rights and remedies with respect to the property subject to such Lien that, if
exercised, could adversely affect the value of the Collateral. In addition,
the ability of the Holders to realize upon the Collateral may be subject to
certain bankruptcy law limitations in the event of a bankruptcy. See "Risk
Factors--Security for the Notes."
The collateral release provisions of the Indenture permit the release of
Collateral without substitution of collateral of equal value under certain
circumstances. See "--Possession, Use and Release of Collateral." As described
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sale of Assets," the Net Cash
Proceeds of certain Asset Sales may under specified circumstances be required
to be utilized to make an offer to purchase Notes. To the extent that any such
offer to purchase Notes is not fully subscribed to by Holders thereof, the
unutilized Net Cash Proceeds may, under certain circumstances, be retained and
used by the Company free of the Lien of the Indenture and the Security
Documents.
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
The Intercreditor Agreement provides, among other things, that (i) the Agent
has a first priority security interest in the Collateral and the Trustee a
second priority security interest therein, (ii) that during any insolvency
proceeding, the Agent and the Trustee will coordinate their efforts to give
effect to the relative priority of their security interests in the Collateral
and (iii) that following an Event of Default, all decisions with respect to
the Collateral, including the time and method of any disposition thereof, will
be made by the Agent; provided, however, that in the event the Agent has not
accelerated the Indebtedness under the Credit Facility and commenced
foreclosure upon the Collateral within 120 days after the Trustee has given
notice to the Agent of such Event of Default, the Trustee shall have the right
to foreclose upon the Collateral in accordance with instructions from the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or, in the
absence of such instructions, in such manner as the Trustee deems appropriate
in its absolute discretion, without the consent of the Agent or such lenders.
The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that the Trustee and the Agent will
provide notices to each other with respect to acceleration of the Notes or the
indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility, as the case may be, and
the commencement of any action to enforce rights of the Trustee, the Holders
of the Notes, the Agent or the lenders under the Credit Facility.
GUARANTEES
Parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior basis, the
Company's obligations to pay principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if
any, and interest on the Notes. The Indenture provides that each Person that
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date will guarantee the
payment of the Notes.
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<PAGE>
The obligations of each Guarantor are limited to the amount as will, after
giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor
and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on
behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other
Guarantor under its Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations
under the Indenture, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its
Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer
under federal, state or foreign law. Each Guarantor that makes a payment or
distribution under a Guarantee shall be entitled to a contribution from each
other Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on the Adjusted Net Assets of each
Guarantor.
The Indenture provides that, subject to the next succeeding paragraph, no
Guarantor may consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor
is the surviving entity or Person) another corporation, entity or Person
unless, (i) the entity or Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation
or merger (if other than such Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of such
Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental indenture, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Notes to which such Indenture relates
and such Indenture, and (ii) immediately after such transaction, no Default or
Event of Default exists. The foregoing will not prohibit a merger between
Subsidiary Guarantors or a merger between the Company and a Subsidiary
Guarantor.
The Indenture provides that in the event of a sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger,
consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the
capital stock or other ownership interests of such Guarantor, or a Subsidiary
ceases to be a Guarantor, then such Subsidiary (in the event of a sale or
other disposition, by way of such a merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all
of the capital stock or other ownership interests of such Subsidiary) or the
corporation acquiring the property (in the event of a sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Subsidiary) will
be released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantees.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
At any time on or after May 1, 2002, the Company may, at its option, redeem
all or any portion of the Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of the principal amount of the Notes) set forth below, plus, in
each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption
date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning May 1 of the years
indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
<S> <C>
2002.......................... 105.563%
2003.......................... 102.782%
2004 and thereafter........... 100.000%
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to May 1, 2002, the Company
may, at its option, redeem all or any portion of the Notes at the Make-Whole
Price plus accrued or unpaid interest to the date of redemption. In addition,
in the event the Company consummates one or more Equity Offerings on or prior
to May 1, 2001, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 33 1/3% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes with all or a portion of the aggregate
net proceeds received by the Company from such Equity Offering or Equity
Offerings at a redemption price of 111.125% of the aggregate principal amount
of the Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
redemption date; provided, however, that following such redemption, at least
66 2/3% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains
outstanding and provided, further, that the Company shall make such redemption
not more than 90 days after the consummation of any such Equity Offering.
Except as set forth under "--Change of Control" and "--Sale of Assets," the
Company is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund
payments with respect to the Notes.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of
Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee on a pro rata basis, by lot
or by any other method that the Trustee considers fair and appropriate and
that complies with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Notes may be listed, provided that no Notes with a principal amount of $1,000
or less will be redeemed in part. Notice of redemption will be mailed by first
class mail at least thirty (30) but not more than sixty (60) days before the
redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice
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of redemption that relates to such Note will state the portion of the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the
Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the
redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of them called
for redemption.
CHANGE OF CONTROL
The Indenture provides that, following the occurrence of any Change of
Control, the Company will offer (a "Change of Control Offer") to repurchase
all outstanding Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase. The Change of Control Offer will be deemed to have commenced upon
mailing of a notice pursuant to the Indenture and will terminate twenty (20)
Business Days after its commencement, unless a longer offering period is
required by law. Promptly after the termination of the Change of Control
Offer, the Company will repurchase and mail or deliver payment for all Notes
tendered in response to the Change of Control Offer.
On the Change of Control payment date, the Company will, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to
the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount
equal to the Change of Control payment in respect of all Notes or portions
thereof so tendered and (iii) deliver to the Trustee the Notes so accepted
together with an officers' certificate stating the amount of the Notes or
portions thereof tendered to the Company. The Paying Agent will promptly mail
to each Holder of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the
repurchase price for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate
and mail to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any
unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided, that each such
new Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple
thereof.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the
sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of Parent's or the Company's assets to any Person or group
(as such term is used in Section 13 (d) (3) of the Exchange Act); (ii) the
adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Parent or the
Company; (iii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group
(as such term is used in Section 13 (d) (3) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial
ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50%
of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of Parent or the Company
(for the purposes of this definition, such other Person shall be deemed to
beneficially own any Voting Stock of a specified corporation held by a parent
corporation, if such other Person is the beneficial owner (as defined above),
directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting
Stock of such parent corporation); or (iv) during any period of two
consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted
the Board of Directors of Parent (together with any new directors whose
election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the
shareholders of Parent was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of
Parent then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such
period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors of Parent then in office.
The Company will comply with Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the
provisions of Regulation 14E and any other tender offer rules under the
Exchange Act and any other federal and state securities laws, rules and
regulations which may then be applicable to any Change of Control Offer.
The Borrowing Base under the Credit Facility may be subject to reduction if
the Company becomes obligated to repurchase the Notes except upon the
scheduled maturity date, including if the Company becomes obligated to extend
a Change of Control Offer or any other offer to repurchase, including a Net
Proceeds Offer. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources." Even if
the Company's banks consented to an offer to repurchase without a reduction in
the Borrowing Base, the Company's ability to pay cash to the Holders of the
Notes upon a repurchase may be limited by the Company's then existing
financial resources.
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CERTAIN COVENANTS
OPERATIONS OF PARENT
The Guaranty of the Parent provides that the Parent shall neither (a) have
any direct Subsidiaries other than the Company nor (b) hold assets with a
value in excess of $1 million (exclusive of its interest in the Company)
provided Parent may hold such assets as may be distributed to it pursuant to
the Indenture.
LIMITATION ON INCURRENCE OF ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, issue, incur, assume,
guarantee, become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to or
otherwise become responsible for the payment of (collectively, incur) any
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness); provided, however, that if
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the
time or as a consequence of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Company
or its Restricted Subsidiaries that are Guarantors may incur Indebtedness if,
on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to such incurrence and the
application of the proceeds therefrom, both of the following tests shall have
been satisfied: (i) the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for the last four
fiscal quarter Reference Period immediately preceding the incurrence of such
Indebtedness is at least (A) prior to May 1, 1999: 2.5-to-1.0 and (B)
thereafter: 3.0-to-1.0 and (ii) the percent of Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets to Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
would have been equal to or greater than (A) prior to May 1, 1999: 125% and
(B) thereafter: 150%.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing at the time or as a consequence of the incurrence
of such Indebtedness, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are
Guarantors may incur Permitted Indebtedness.
Any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or
otherwise) shall be deemed to be incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the
time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary.
LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted
Payment, unless: (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of or immediately after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment; (ii) at the time of and immediately after giving effect to
such Restricted Payment, the Company would be able to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the
first paragraph of the covenant captioned "--Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness;" and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment, the aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made
after the Issue Date does not exceed the sum of (A) 50% of the Consolidated
Net Income of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (or in the event
such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit)
during the period (treated as one accounting period) subsequent to December
31, 1997 and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter for which financial
information is available immediately preceding the date of such Restricted
Payment (less the aggregate amount of dividends described in clauses (i) and
(ii) of the following paragraph that are either (x) paid after the last day of
the fiscal quarter for which financial information is available immediately
preceding the date of such Restricted Payment or (y) declared but not yet paid
as of such date); (B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company
during such period from any Person other than a Subsidiary of the Company as a
result of the issuance or sale of Capital Stock of the Company (other than any
Disqualified Stock), other than in connection with the conversion of
Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; (C) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds
received by the Company after May 1, 1998 from any Person other than a
Subsidiary of the Company as a result of the issuance or sale of any
Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock to the extent that at the time the
determination is made such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, as the case may
be, has been converted into or exchanged for Capital Stock of the Company
(other than Disqualified Stock); (D) (i) in case any Unrestricted Subsidiary
has been redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary, an amount equal to the lesser
of (x) the book value (determined in accordance with GAAP) at the date of such
redesignation of the aggregate
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Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in such
Unrestricted Subsidiary and (y) the fair market value of such Investments in
such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, as determined
in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors, including a majority of the
Company's Disinterested Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a resolution of such Board or (ii) in case any Restricted
Subsidiary has been redesignated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, minus the greater
of (x) the book value (determined in accordance with GAAP) at the date or
redesignation of the aggregate Investments made by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) the fair market value of such Investments in
such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, as determined in
good faith by the Company's Board of Directors, including a majority of the
Company's Disinterested Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a resolution of such Board; (E) $2.5 million.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the above limitations will not prevent (i)
the payment of any dividend within sixty (60) days after the date of
declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such payment complied with
the provisions hereof; (ii) the payment of any dividend on any shares of
Preferred Stock of the Company issued and outstanding as of the Issue Date in
accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock in effect at the Issue Date;
(iii) any dividend on shares of Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary payable solely in shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock); (iv) any dividend or other distribution payable from a Subsidiary to
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that is wholly-owned directly or
indirectly by the Company; and (v) the repurchase, redemption or other
acquisition or retirement of any shares of any class of Capital Stock of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, in exchange for, or out of the aggregate
net proceeds of a substantially concurrent issue and sale (other than to a
Restricted Subsidiary) of shares of Capital Stock of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock).
LIMITATION ON SALE OF ASSETS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Sale unless: (i) the Company (or its
Restricted Subsidiary as the case may be) receives consideration at the time
of such sale or other disposition at least equal to the fair market value
thereof (as determined in good faith by the Company, which determination, with
respect to Asset Sales or series of related Asset Sales with proceeds valued
at greater than $5.0 million, shall be evidenced by a resolution duly adopted
by the Company's Board of Directors, including a majority of the Company's
Disinterested Directors); (ii) at least 85% of the proceeds from such Asset
Sale consist of cash or U.S. dollar denominated Cash Equivalents; and (iii)
the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company (or its Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be) from such Asset Sale are applied in accordance with the
following two paragraphs.
The Company may apply such Net Cash Proceeds, within three hundred sixty-
five (365) days from the date of the receipt of Net Cash Proceeds from any
Asset Sale, to: (a) the repayment of Indebtedness of the Company under the
Bank Credit Facility that results in a permanent reduction in any revolving
credit or other commitment relating thereto or the maximum principal amount
that may be borrowed thereunder in an amount equal to the principal amount so
repaid, (b) make an Investment in assets used in the Oil and Gas Business in
replacement of the assets that were the subject of the Asset Sale giving rise
to such Net Cash Proceeds or (c) develop by drilling, completing and producing
reserves from the oil and gas properties of the Company and the Restricted
Subsidiaries.
If, upon completion of the 365-day period, the Net Cash Proceeds of any
Asset Sale less the aggregate amount applied by the Company during such period
as described in clauses (a), (b) or (c) in the immediately preceding
paragraph, together with any Net Cash Proceeds in excess of amounts similarly
applied by the Company from any prior Asset Sale after the date of receipt of
such Net Cash Proceeds (such aggregate
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constituting "Excess Proceeds"), exceeds $5.0 million, then the Company will
be obligated to make an offer (the "Net Proceeds Offer") to repurchase the
Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the Excess Proceeds (such
repurchase to be made on a pro rata basis if the amount available for such
repurchase is less than the principal amount of the Notes tendered in such Net
Proceeds Offer) at a repurchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. Upon the completion
of the Net Proceeds Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset to
zero, subject to further increase resulting from subsequent Asset Sales.
Any Net Proceeds Offer will be conducted in substantially the same manner as
a Change of Control Offer. The Company will comply with Section 14 of the
Exchange Act and the provisions of Regulation 14E and any other tender offer
rules under the Exchange Act and any other federal and state securities laws,
rules and regulations which may then be applicable to any Net Proceeds Offer.
During the period between any Asset Sale and the application of the Net Cash
Proceeds therefrom in accordance with this covenant, all Net Cash Proceeds
shall be either (i) maintained in a collateral account in favor of the Trustee
and shall be invested in Permitted Financial Investments or (ii) applied to
temporarily reduce borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Asset Sale of any
of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to an Asset
Sale of all of the Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary.
LIMITATION ON LIENS SECURING INDEBTEDNESS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
Liens (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their respective properties.
LIMITATION ON MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS
The Indenture provides that neither the Parent nor the Company will
consolidate with or merge with any Person or convey, transfer or lease all or
substantially all of its assets to any Person, unless: (i) the Company or the
Parent, as the case may be, survives such merger or the Person formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company or the Parent, as the case may be, is
merged or that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Parent, as the case may
be, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly
assumes, by supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all the Notes and the
performance of every other covenant and obligation of the Company or the
Parent, as the case may be, under the Indenture; (ii) immediately before and
after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default
exists; (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro
forma basis, the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company (or the surviving or
transferee entity) is equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of
the Company immediately before such transaction; and (iv) immediately after
giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Company (or the
surviving or transferee entity) would be able to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the
first paragraph of the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness." Upon any such consolidation, merger,
lease, conveyance or transfer in accordance with the foregoing, the successor
Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company or the Parent,
as the case may be, is merged or to which such lease, conveyance or transfer
is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right
and power of, the Company or the Parent, as the case may be, under the
Indenture with the same effect as if such successor had been named as the
Company or the Parent, as the case may be, herein and thereafter the
predecessor corporation will be relieved of all further obligations and
covenants under the Indenture and the Notes.
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LIMITATION ON SALE/LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction
unless (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
would be able to incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable
Indebtedness with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction or (ii) the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives proceeds from such
Sale/Leaseback Transaction at least equal to the fair market value thereof (as
determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors, whose
determination in good faith, evidenced by a resolution of such Board shall be
conclusive) and such proceeds are applied in the same manner and to the same
extent as Net Cash Proceeds and Excess Proceeds from an Asset Sale.
LIMITATION ON PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING SUBSIDIARIES
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise
cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital
Stock or on any other interest or participation in the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary; (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company; (iii) make loans or advances to the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or (iv) transfer any of its properties
or assets to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (each, a
"Payment Restriction"), except for (a) encumbrances or restrictions under a
Bank Credit Facility; provided, that no encumbrance or restriction shall limit
the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to transfer cash to the Company
except upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Bank Credit
Facility, (b) consensual encumbrances or consensual restrictions binding upon
any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company (unless the agreement creating such consensual encumbrances or
consensual restrictions was entered into in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such entity becoming a Restricted Subsidiary); (c)
consensual encumbrances or consensual restrictions under any agreement that
refinances or replaces any agreement described in clauses (a) and (b) above,
provided that the terms and conditions of any such restrictions are in the
aggregate no less favorable to the Holders of the Notes than those under the
agreement so refinanced or replaced; and (d) customary non-assignment
provisions in leases, purchase money financings and any encumbrance or
restriction due to applicable law.
LIMITATION ON ISSUANCES AND SALES OF RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY STOCK
The Indenture provides that the Company (i) will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to issue any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary) and (ii) will not permit any Person (other than the
Company and/or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) to own any Capital Stock
of any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that this covenant shall not
prohibit (a) the issuance or sale of all, but not less than all, of the issued
and outstanding Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary owned by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in compliance with the other
provisions of the Indenture, (b) the ownership by directors of directors'
qualifying shares or the ownership by foreign nationals of Capital Stock of
any Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent mandated by applicable law or (c)
customary non-assignment provisions in leases or purchase money financings and
any customary encumbrance or restriction relating to same.
LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any
transaction or series of transactions (including, without limitation, the
sale, purchase or lease of any assets or properties or the rendering of any
services) with any Affiliate (other than with a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company) (an "Affiliate Transaction"), on terms that are
less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, than would be available in a comparable transaction with an unrelated
Person. In addition, the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company to, enter into an Affiliate Transaction, or any
series of related Affiliate
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Transactions having a value of (a) more than $5.0 million, unless a majority
of the Board of Directors of the Parent (including a majority of the Parent's
Disinterested Directors) determines in good faith, as evidenced by a
resolution of such Board, that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions is fair to the Company and in compliance with the first
sentence of this paragraph; or (b) more than $10.0 million, unless the Company
receives a written opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking
firm that such transaction or series of transactions is fair to the Company
from a financial point of view.
IMPAIRMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall grant to any Person,
or suffer any Person (other than the Company) to have (other than to the
Trustee on behalf of the Trustee and the Holders) any interest whatsoever in
the Collateral other than Liens securing the Credit Facility and Liens
permitted by the Security Documents. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries will enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms
requires the proceeds received from any sale of Collateral to be applied to
repay, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire any Indebtedness of any
Person, other than pursuant to the Indenture, the Notes, and the Credit
Facility.
LIMITATION ON LINE OF BUSINESS
The Indenture provides that the Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries
will be operated in a manner such that their business activities will be the
Oil and Gas Business, or an Investment in a business or Person engaged in the
Oil and Gas Business.
SEC REPORTS
Notwithstanding that the Parent and Company may not be required to remain
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act, Parent will file with the Commission (if the Commission will so accept)
and provide the Trustee and Holders with annual reports and such information,
documents and other reports specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange
Act.
FUTURE OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
The Indenture provides that the Company shall grant a lien on substantially
all oil and gas properties of the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary
acquired after the Issue Date to secure the Notes, subject to the prior lien
securing a Bank Credit Facility.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
The following is a summary of certain defined terms used in the Indenture.
Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all such terms
and for the definitions of capitalized terms used herein and not defined
below.
"Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" or "ACNTA" means without
duplication, as of the date of determination, (a) the sum of (i) discounted
future net revenue from proved oil and gas reserves of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with SEC guidelines before
any state or federal income taxes, as estimated by independent petroleum
engineers in a reserve report prepared as of the end of the Company's most
recently completed fiscal year, as increased by, as of the date of
determination, the discounted future net revenue of (A) estimated proved oil
and gas reserves of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries attributable
to any acquisition consummated since the effective date of such initial or
year-end reserve reports and (B) estimated oil and gas reserves of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries attributable to extensions, discoveries and
other additions and upward revisions of estimates of proved oil and gas
reserves due to exploration, development or exploitation, production or other
activities conducted or otherwise occurring since
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the effective date of such initial or year-end reserve reports which, in the
case of sub-clauses (A) and (B), would, in accordance with standard industry
practice, result in such increases, in each case calculated in accordance with
SEC guidelines (utilizing the prices utilized in such initial or yearend
reserve reports), and decreased by, as of the date of determination, the
discounted future net revenue of (C) estimated proved oil and gas reserves of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries produced or disposed of since the
effective date of such initial or year-end reserve report and (D) reductions
in the estimated oil and gas reserves of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries since the effective date of such initial or year-end reserve
reports attributable to downward revisions of estimates of proved oil and gas
reserves due to exploration, development or exploitation, production or other
activities conducted or otherwise occurring since the effective date of such
initial or year-end reserve reports which would, in accordance with standard
industry practice, result in such revisions, in each case calculated in
accordance with SEC guidelines (utilizing the prices utilized in such initial
or year-end reserve reports); provided that, in the case of each of the
determinations made pursuant to sub-clauses (A) through (D) above, such
increases and decreases shall be as estimated by the Company's engineers,
except that if as a result of such acquisitions, dispositions, discoveries,
extensions or revisions, there is a Material Change and in connection with the
incurrence of Indebtedness under the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness," all or any part of an
increase in discounted future net revenue resulting from the matters described
in sub-clauses (A) and (B) above are needed to permit the incurrence of such
Indebtedness, then the discounted future net revenue utilized for purposes of
this clause (a) (i) shall be confirmed in writing by independent petroleum
engineers, provided that, in the event that the determinations made pursuant
to subclauses (C) and (D) above, when taken alone, would not cause a Material
Change, then such written confirmation need only cover the incremental
additions to discounted future net revenues resulting from the determinations
made pursuant to sub-clauses (A) and (B) above to the extent needed to permit
the incurrence of such Indebtedness, (ii) the capitalized costs that are
attributable to oil and gas properties of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries to which no proved oil and gas reserves are attributed, based on
the Company's books and records as of a date no earlier than the date of the
Company's latest annual or quarterly financial statements plus the fair value
of any unproved properties acquired since such date, (iii) the Net Working
Capital on a date no earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or
quarterly financial statements and (iv) the greater of (I) the net book value
on a date no earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or quarterly
financial statements and (II) the appraised value, as estimated by independent
appraisers, of other tangible assets (including Investments in unconsolidated
Subsidiaries) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of a date no
earlier than the date of the Company's latest audited financial statements,
minus (b) the sum of (i) minority interests, (ii) any non-current portion of
gas balancing liabilities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
reflected in the Company's latest annual or quarterly financial statements,
(iii) the discounted future net revenue, calculated in accordance with SEC
guidelines (utilizing the prices utilized in the Company's initial or year-end
reserve reports), attributable to reserves which are required to be delivered
to third parties to fully satisfy the obligations of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to Volumetric Production Payments on the
schedules specified with respect thereto, (iv) the discounted future net
revenue, calculated in accordance with SEC guidelines, attributable to
reserves subject to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments which, based on the
estimates of production included in determining the discounted future net
revenue specified in (a) (i) above (utilizing the same prices utilized in the
Company's initial or year-end reserve reports), would be necessary to fully
satisfy the payment obligations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
with respect to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments on the schedules
specified with respect thereto and (v) the discounted future net revenue,
calculated in accordance with SEC guidelines (utilizing the same prices
utilized in the Company's initial or year-end reserve reports), attributable
to reserves subject to participation interests, overriding royalty interests
or other interests of third parties, pursuant to participation, partnership,
vendor financing or other agreements then in effect, or which otherwise are
required to be delivered to third parties. If the Company changes its method
of accounting from the full cost method to the successful efforts method or a
similar method of accounting, Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets will
continue to be calculated as if the Company was still using the full cost
method of accounting.
Discounted future net revenue attributable to reserves subject to Production
Payments or other third party interests are excluded from the definition of
Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets to the extent indicated,
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thereby limiting the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred pursuant to
the test set forth in clause (ii) of the first paragraph of the covenant
captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness." However, certain estimated volumes of reserves in excess of the
delivery requirements under such Production Payments or with respect to
commitments to third party interests that are available for sale by the
Company are included in the definition of Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets, thereby increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred
under such test.
"Adjusted Net Assets" of a Guarantor at any date shall mean the lesser of
(i) the amount by which the fair value of the property of such Guarantor
exceeds the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation,
contingent liabilities (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent
liabilities incurred or assumed on such date), but excluding liabilities under
the Guarantee of such Guarantor at such date and (ii) the amount by which the
present fair saleable value of the assets of such Guarantor at such date
exceeds the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such
Guarantor on its debts (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent
liabilities incurred or assumed on such date and after giving effect to any
collection from any Subsidiary of such Guarantor in respect of the obligations
of such Subsidiary under the Guarantee), excluding debt in respect of the
Guarantee, as they become absolute and matured.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
control when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise; and
the terms controlling and controlled have meanings correlative to the
foregoing; provided that a corporation shall not be deemed an Affiliate of the
Company solely by reason of having a single common director with the Company
who constitutes less than a majority of the directors of either the Company
and the other corporation.
"Asset Sale" means any sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition
after the Issue Date having a fair market value of $1 million or more (or
series of sales, leases, transfers, exchanges or dispositions during any
fiscal year having an aggregate fair market value of such amount) of shares of
Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors' Qualifying
Shares), or of property or assets (including the creation of Dollar-
Denominated Production Payments and Volumetric Production Payments, other than
Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and Volumetric Production Payments
created or sold in connection with the financing of, and within thirty (30)
days after, the acquisition of the properties subject thereto) or any
interests therein (each referred to for purposes of this definition as a
disposition) by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including
any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction
(other than (a) by the Company to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or by a
Subsidiary to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, (b) a sale
of oil, gas or other hydrocarbons or other mineral products in the ordinary
course of business of the Company's oil and gas production operations, (c) any
abandonment, farm-in, farm-out, lease and sub-lease of developed and/or
undeveloped properties made or entered into in the ordinary course of business
(but excluding (x) any sale of a net profits or overriding royalty interest,
in each case conveyed from or burdening proved developed or proved undeveloped
reserves and (y) any sale of hydrocarbons or other mineral products as a
result of the creation of Dollar-Denominated Production Payments or Volumetric
Production Payments, other than Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and
Volumetric Production Payments created or sold in connection with the
financing of, and within thirty (30) days after, the acquisition of the
properties subject thereto), (d) the disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company in compliance with the covenant captioned "--
Certain Covenants--Limitation on Mergers and Consolidations" and "--
Limitations on Sale/Leaseback Transactions," (e) the provision of services and
equipment for the operation and development of the Company's oil and gas
wells, in the ordinary course of the Company's oil and gas service businesses,
notwithstanding that such transactions may be recorded as asset sales in
accordance with full cost accounting guidelines, (f) the issuance by the
Company of shares of its Capital Stock, (g) any trade or exchange by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of oil and gas properties for other oil
and gas properties owned or held by another Person provided that (x) the fair
market value of the properties traded or exchanged by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary (including any cash or Cash Equivalents, not to exceed
15% of such fair market value, to be delivered by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary) is reasonably equivalent to the fair market
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value of the properties (together with any cash or Cash Equivalents, not to
exceed 15% of such fair market value) to be received by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company, which determination shall be certified by a resolution of the
Board of Directors delivered to the Trustee if such fair market value is in
excess of $5.0 million, provided that if such resolution indicates that such
fair market value is in excess of $10.0 million such resolution shall be
accompanied by a written appraisal by a nationally recognized investment
banking firm or appraisal firm, in each case specializing or having a
specialty in oil and gas properties, and (y) such exchange is approved by a
majority of Disinterested Directors of the Company, (h) the sale, transfer or
other disposition in the ordinary course of business of oil and natural gas
properties, or interests therein, provided that such properties either (i) do
not have proved reserves attributed to them or (ii) were purchased for the
purpose of offering such properties for resale or participations by other
Persons) and (i) any transaction provided for in the Sale and Participation
Agreement dated March 31, 1998 among the Company, Parent and Chesapeake.
"Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any particular lease
under which any Person is at the time liable and at any date as of which the
amount thereof is to be determined, the present value of the total net amount
of rent required to be paid by such Person under the lease during the primary
term thereof, without giving effect to any renewals at the option of the
lessee, discounted from the respective due dates thereof to such date at the
rate of interest per annum implicit in the terms of the lease. As used in the
preceding sentence, the net amount of rent under any lease for any such period
shall mean the sum of rental and other payments required to be paid with
respect to such period by the lessee thereunder excluding any amounts required
to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance,
taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges. In the case of any lease
which is terminable by the lessee upon payment of a penalty, such net amount
of rent shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall be
considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first
date upon which it may be so terminated.
"Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the product of (x) the
number of years from such date to the date of each successive scheduled
principal payment of such Indebtedness multiplied by (y) the amount of such
principal payment by (ii) the sum of all such principal payments.
"Bank Credit Facility" means a revolving credit, term credit and/or letter
of credit facility, the proceeds of which are used for working capital and
other general corporate purposes to be entered into by one or more of the
Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries and certain financial institutions,
as amended, extended or refinanced from time to time. The Credit Facility will
constitute a Bank Credit Facility.
"Board of Directors" means, with respect to any Person, the Board of
Directors of such Person or any committee of the Board of Directors of such
Person duly authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors of such
Person.
"Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock or partnership interests and any and all warrants, options and
rights with respect thereto (whether or not currently exercisable), including
each class of common stock and preferred stock of such Person.
"Capitalized Lease Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such
Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of property, real or
personal, that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes
in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the
capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Cash Equivalents" means (i) any evidence of Indebtedness with a maturity of
ninety (90) days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by
the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof
(provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is
pledged in support thereof); (ii) demand and time deposits and certificates of
deposit or acceptances with a maturity of ninety (90) days or less of any
financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having
combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500
million; (iii) commercial paper with a
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maturity of ninety (90) days or less issued by a corporation that is not an
Affiliate of the Company and is organized under the laws of any state of the
United States or the District of Columbia and rated at least A-1 by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Services or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.;
(iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for
underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered into
with any commercial bank meeting the specifications of clause (ii) above; and
(v) overnight bank deposits and bankers' acceptances at any commercial bank
meeting the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above.
"Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" means, for any Reference Period, the
ratio on a pro forma basis of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated Net Income, (ii)
Consolidated Interest Expense, (iii) Consolidated Tax Expense, (iv)
depreciation and depletion of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as
determined in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis plus (v)
amortization of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries including, without
limitation, amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs, as determined in
accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis, in each case as determined for
the Reference Period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for such Reference
Period; provided, that, in calculating each of the items set forth in the
foregoing (i) acquisitions which occurred during the Reference Period or
subsequent to the Reference Period and on or prior to the date of the
transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Interest
Coverage Ratio (the "Transaction Date") shall be assumed to have occurred on
the first day of the Reference Period, (ii) the incurrence of any Indebtedness
(including the issuance of the Notes) or issuance of any Disqualified Stock
during the Reference Period or subsequent to the Reference Period and on or
prior to the Transaction Date shall be assumed to have occurred on the first
day of such Reference Period, (iii) any Indebtedness that had been outstanding
during the Reference Period that has been repaid on or prior to the
Transaction Date shall be assumed to have been repaid as of the first day of
such Reference Period, (iv) the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to
interest on any Indebtedness or dividends on any Disqualified Stock bearing a
floating interest (or dividend) rate shall be computed on a pro forma basis as
if the rate in effect on the Transaction Date was the average rate in effect
during the entire Reference Period and (v) in determining the amount of
Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness," the incurrence of
Indebtedness or issuance of Disqualified Stock giving rise to the need to
calculate the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and, to the extent the net
proceeds from the incurrence or issuance thereof are used to retire
Indebtedness, the application of the proceeds therefrom shall be assumed to
have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, for the Reference Period, the aggregate amount
(without duplication) of (a) interest expensed in accordance with GAAP
(including, in accordance with the following sentence, interest attributable
to Capitalized Lease Obligations, but excluding interest attributable to
Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and amortization of deferred debt
expense) during such period in respect of all Indebtedness of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including (i) amortization of original issue
discount on any Indebtedness (other than with respect to the Notes), (ii) the
interest portion of all deferred payment obligations, calculated in accordance
with GAAP and (iii) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed
with respect to bankers' acceptance financings and currency and interest rate
swap arrangements, in each case to the extent attributable to such period),
and (b) dividend requirements of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
with respect to any Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock dividends (whether
in cash or otherwise (except dividends paid solely in shares of Capital Stock
other than Disqualified Stock)) paid (other than to the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries), declared, accrued or accumulated during such period,
divided by one minus the applicable actual combined federal, state, local and
foreign income tax rate of the Company and its Subsidiaries (expressed as a
decimal), on a consolidated basis, for the Reference Period preceding the date
of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate Consolidated Interest
Expense, in each case to the extent attributable to such period and excluding
items eliminated in consolidation. For purposes of this definition, (a)
interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an
interest rate reasonably determined by the Company to be the rate of interest
implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP and (b)
interest expense attributable to any Indebtedness represented by the guarantee
by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the
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Company of an obligation of another Person (other than the Company or any
other Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed to be the interest expense
attributable to the Indebtedness guaranteed.
"Consolidated Net Income" of the Company means, for any period, the
aggregate net income (or loss) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided, however, that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net
Income: (a) any net income of any Person if such Person is not the Company or
a consolidated Restricted Subsidiary, except that (i) subject to the
limitations contained in clause (d) below, the Company's equity in the net
income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such
Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents
actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the
case of a dividend or other distribution to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the
limitations contained in clause (c) below) and (ii) the Company's equity in a
net loss of any such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) for such
period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income; (b) any
net income (or loss) of any Person acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary in
a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition; (c) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent
that the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such
Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Company, is prohibited;
(d) any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any
property, plant or equipment of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
(including pursuant to any Sale/Leaseback Transaction) which is not sold or
otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (but not
loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any
Person; (e) any gain (but not loss) from currency exchange transactions not in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (f) the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; (g) to the extent
deducted in the calculation of net income, the non-cash charges associated
with the repayment of Indebtedness with the proceeds from the sale of the
Notes and the prepayment of any of the Notes; (h) any write-downs of non-
current assets; provided, however, that any ceiling limitation write-downs
under SEC guidelines shall be treated as capitalized costs, as if such write-
downs had not occurred; and (i) any gain (but not loss) attributable to
extraordinary items.
"Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as at any date of determination, the sum of Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) and additional paid-in capital plus
retained earnings (or minus accumulated deficit) minus all intangible assets,
including, without limitation, organization costs, patents, trademarks,
copyrights, franchises, research and development costs, and any amount
reflected in treasury stock, of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Tax Expense" means, for any Reference Period, the provisions
for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (including state franchise
taxes accounted for as income taxes in accordance with GAAP) of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such Reference Period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, that if for any
Reference Period the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries has a federal,
state, local and foreign income tax benefit reported in accordance with GAAP,
such benefit shall be subtracted from the numerator of the Consolidated
Interest Coverage Ratio.
"Disinterested Director" means, with respect to an Affiliate Transaction or
series of related Affiliate Transactions, a member of the Board of Directors
of the Company who has no financial interest, and whose employer has no
financial interest, in such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions.
"Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company which, by its terms (or by the terms of
any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or
upon the happening of any event or with the passage of time, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or
prior to the Maturity Date or which is exchangeable or convertible into debt
securities of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, except
to the extent that such exchange or conversion rights cannot be exercised
prior to the Maturity Date.
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"Dollar-Denominated Production Payments" mean production payment obligations
recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.
"Equity Offering" means any underwritten public offering of common stock of
Parent pursuant to a registration statement (other than Form S-8) filed
pursuant to the Securities Act or any private placement of Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (other than to any Person who, prior
to such private placement, was a Subsidiary of Parent or any other Person
controlled by Parent) which offering or placement is consummated after the
Issue Date.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the
United States of America as of the Issue Date.
"Guarantee" or "Guarantees" means (i) initially, the Guarantee given by
Parent in the Indenture and (ii) thereafter, any Guarantee issued by existing
or future Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Article X of the Indenture.
"Guarantor" means (i) initially, Parent, (ii) each of the Subsidiaries that
becomes a guarantor of the Notes in compliance with the provisions of Article
X of the Indenture and (iii) each of the Subsidiaries executing a supplemental
indenture in which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Indenture; in each case until such time, if any, as such Subsidiary is
released from the Guarantee pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Indenture.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Note is registered on the
Registrar's books.
"Indebtedness" means, without duplication, with respect to any Person, (a)
all obligations of such Person (i) in respect of borrowed money (whether or
not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or
only to a portion thereof), (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments, (iii) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the
purchase price of any property or services (other than accounts payable or
other obligations arising in the ordinary course of business), (iv) evidenced
by bankers' acceptances or similar instruments issued or accepted by banks,
(v) for the payment of money relating to a Capitalized Lease Obligation, or
(vi) evidenced by a letter of credit or a reimbursement obligation of such
Person with respect to any letter of credit; (b) all net obligations of such
Person under interest rate swap obligations, commodity swap obligations and
foreign currency hedges, except to the extent such net obligations are taken
into account in the determination of future net revenues from proved oil and
gas reserves for purposes of the calculation of Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets; (c) all liabilities of others of the kind described in the
preceding clauses (a) or (b) that such Person has guaranteed or that are
otherwise its legal liability (including, with respect to any Production
Payment, any warranties or guaranties of production or payment by such Person
with respect to such Production Payment but excluding other contractual
obligations of such Person with respect to such Production Payment); (d)
Indebtedness (as otherwise defined in this definition) of another Person
secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such
Indebtedness is assumed by such Person, the amount of such obligations being
deemed to be the lesser of (1) the full amount of such obligations so secured
and (2) the fair market value of such asset, as determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors of such Person, which determination shall be evidenced
by a resolution of such Board; (e) with respect to such Person, the
liquidation preference or any mandatory redemption payment obligations in
respect of Disqualified Stock; (f) the aggregate preference in respect of
amounts payable on the issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of any
of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries in the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up (excluding any such
preference attributable to such shares of Preferred Stock that are owned by
such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, that if such
Person is the Company, such exclusion shall be for such preference
attributable to such shares of Preferred Stock that are owned by the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries); and (g) any and all deferrals,
renewals, extensions, refinancings and refundings
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(whether direct or indirect) of, or amendments, modifications or supplements
to, any liability of the kind described in any of the preceding clauses (a),
(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or this clause (g), whether or not between or among
the same parties. Subject to clause (c) of the preceding sentence, neither
Dollar Denominated Production Payments nor Volumetric Production Payments
shall be deemed to be Indebtedness.
"Investment" of any Person means (i) all investments by such Person in any
other Person in the form of loans, advances or capital contributions, (ii) all
guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations of any other Person by such
Person, (iii) all purchases (or other acquisitions for consideration) by such
Person of assets, Indebtedness, Capital Stock or other securities of any other
Person, (iv) investment in the Notes and (v) all other items that would be
classified as investments (including, without limitation, purchases of assets
outside the ordinary course of business) or advances on a balance sheet of
such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.
"Issue Date" means the date on which the Notes are originally issued under
the Indenture.
"Lien" means, with respect to any Person, any mortgage, pledge, lien,
encumbrance, easement, restriction, covenant, right-of-way, charge or adverse
claim affecting title or resulting in an encumbrance against real or personal
property of such Person, or a security interest of any kind (including any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof, any option, right of first refusal or other similar agreement to
sell, in each case securing obligations of such Person and any filing of or
agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code
(or equivalent statute or statutes) of any jurisdiction).
"Make-Whole Amount" with respect to a Note means an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of (i) the present value of the remaining interest, premium,
and principal payment due on such Note as if such Note were redeemed on May 1,
2002, in each case computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate
plus 50 basis points, over (ii) the outstanding principal amount of such Note.
"Treasury Rate" is defined as the yield to maturity at the time of the
computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as
compiled by and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical
Release H.15(519), which has become publicly available at least two business
days prior to the date of the redemption notice or, if such Statistical
Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar
market data) most nearly equal (a) to the then remaining maturity of the Notes
assuming redemption of the Notes on May 1, 2002; provided, however, that if
the Make-Whole Average Life of such Note is not equal to the constant maturity
of the United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is
given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated
to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United
States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the
Make-Whole Average Life of such Notes is less than one year, the weekly
average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to
a constant maturity of one year shall be used. "Make-Whole Average Life" means
the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) between
the date of redemption and May 1, 2002.
"Make-Whole Price" means the greater of (i) the sum of the outstanding
principal amount and Make-Whole Amount of such Note, and (ii) the redemption
price of such Note on May 1, 2005, determined pursuant to the Indenture.
"Material Change" means an increase or decrease (excluding changes that
result solely from changes in prices) of more than either (i) 10% from the end
of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter in the estimated discounted future
net revenue from proved oil and gas reserves of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, or (ii) 20% from the end of the immediately preceding year in
the estimated discounted future net revenue from proved oil and gas reserves
of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case calculated in
accordance with clause (a)(i) of the definition of Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets; provided, however, that the following will be excluded from
the calculation of Material Change: (a) any acquisitions of oil and gas
reserves made after the end of the immediately preceding year for which the
discounted future net revenues have been estimated by independent petroleum
engineers since the end of the preceding year and on which a report or reports
exist and (b) any disposition of properties existing at the beginning of the
current year, as the case may
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be, for purposes of clause (i) or clause (ii) above, that have been disposed
of as provided in the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Sale of Assets."
"Maturity Date" means May 1, 2005.
"Net Cash Proceeds" means (a) with respect to any Asset Sale or
Sale/Leaseback Transaction of any Person, an amount equal to aggregate cash
proceeds received (including any cash proceeds received by way of deferred
payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or
otherwise, but only as and when received, and excluding any other
consideration until such time as such consideration is converted into cash)
therefrom, in each case net of all legal, title and recording tax expenses,
commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all federal, state or
local taxes required to be accrued as a liability as a consequence of such
Asset Sale or Sale/Leaseback Transaction, and (b) in the case of any sale by
the Company of securities pursuant to clauses (B) or (C) of section (iii) of
the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments," the amount of aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company,
after payment of expenses, commissions, discounts and any other transaction
costs incurred in connection therewith.
"Net Working Capital" means (i) all current assets of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, minus (ii) all current liabilities of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including the current portion of gas balancing
liabilities), except current liabilities included in Indebtedness.
"Non-Recourse Indebtedness" means Indebtedness or that portion of
Indebtedness of a Person as to which (a) neither the Company nor any
Restricted Subsidiary (i) provides credit support including any undertaking,
agreement or instrument which would constitute Indebtedness or (ii) is
directly or indirectly liable for such Indebtedness and (b) no default with
respect to such Indebtedness (including any rights which the holders thereof
may have to take enforcement action against such Person) would permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness (other
than Non-Recourse Indebtedness) of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries
to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof
to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity.
"Oil and Gas Business" means the business of the exploration for, and
exploitation, development, production, processing (but not refining),
marketing, storage and transportation of, hydrocarbons, and other related
energy and natural resources businesses (including oil and gas services
businesses related to the foregoing).
"Oil and Gas Securities" means the Voting Stock of a Person primarily
engaged in the Oil and Gas Business, provided that such Voting Stock shall
constitute a majority of the Voting Stock of such Person.
"Permitted Business Investments" means (i) Investments in assets used in the
Oil and Gas Business; (ii) the acquisition of Oil and Gas Securities; (iii)
the entry into operating agreements, joint ventures, processing agreements,
farm-out agreements, development agreements, area of mutual interest
agreements, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil and
natural gas, unitization agreements, pooling arrangements, joint bidding
agreements, service contracts, partnership agreements (whether general or
limited) or other similar or customary agreements, transactions, properties,
interests or arrangements, and Investments and expenditures in connection
therewith or pursuant thereto, in each case made or entered into in the
ordinary course of the Oil and Gas Business, excluding solely for purposes of
this clause (iii), however, Investments in corporations; (iv) the acquisition
of working interests, royalty interests or mineral leases relating to oil and
gas properties; (v) Investments by the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary in any Person which, immediately prior to the making of such
Investment, is a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (vi) Investments in the
Company by any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (vii) Investments permitted
under the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of
Assets" and "--Limitations on Sale/Leaseback Transactions;" (viii) Investments
in any Person the consideration for which consists of Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Stock); and (ix) Investments constituting obligations under
hedging arrangements described in clause (viii) of the definition of
"Permitted Indebtedness."
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"Permitted Company Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the
Company, the net proceeds of which are used to renew, extend, refinance,
refund or repurchase outstanding Indebtedness of the Company, provided that
(i) if the Indebtedness (including the Notes) being renewed, extended,
refinanced, refunded or repurchased is pari passu with or subordinated in
right of payment to the Notes, then such Indebtedness is pari passu or
subordinated in right of payment to, as the case may be, the Notes at least to
the same extent as the Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced,
refunded or repurchased, (ii) such Indebtedness is scheduled to mature no
earlier than the Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or
repurchased, and (iii) such Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such
Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of
the Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased;
provided, further, that such Indebtedness (to the extent that such
Indebtedness constitutes Permitted Company Refinancing Indebtedness) is in an
aggregate principal amount (or, if such Indebtedness is issued at a price less
than the principal amount thereof, the aggregate amount of gross proceeds
therefrom is) not in excess of the aggregate principal amount then outstanding
of the Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or
repurchased (or if the Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced,
refunded or repurchased was issued at a price less than the principal amount
thereof, then not in excess of the amount of liability in respect thereof
determined in accordance with GAAP).
"Permitted Financial Investments" means the following kinds of instruments
if, in the case of instruments referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) below,
on the date of purchase or other acquisition of any such instrument by the
Company or any Subsidiary, the remaining term to maturity is not more than one
year: (i) readily marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed
as to principal of and interest on by the United States of America or by any
agency or authority controlled or supervised by and acting as an
instrumentality of the United States of America; (ii) repurchase obligations
for instruments of the type described in clause (i) for which delivery of the
instrument is made against payment; (iii) obligations (including, but not
limited to, demand or time deposits, bankers' acceptances and certificates of
deposit) issued by a depository institution or trust company incorporated or
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia or a branch or subsidiary of any such
depository institution or trust company operating outside the United States,
provided, that such depository institution or trust company has, at the time
of the Company's or such Subsidiary's investment therein or contractual
commitment providing for such investment, capital surplus or undivided profits
(as of the date of such institution's most recently published financial
statements) in excess of $500.0 million; (iv) commercial paper issued by any
corporation, if such commercial paper has, at the time of the Company's or any
Subsidiary's investment therein or contractual commitment providing for such
investment, credit ratings of A-1 (or higher) by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services and P-1 (or higher) by Moody's Investors Services, Inc.; and (v)
money market mutual or similar funds having assets in excess of $500.0
million.
"Permitted Indebtedness" means (i) Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding as of the Issue Date; (ii) Indebtedness of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are Guarantors under a Bank
Credit Facility as the same may be amended, refinanced or replaced, in a
principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed a principal amount
equal to the greater of (a) $25.0 million and (b) 10% of Adjusted Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets plus related accrued interest and costs, less any Net Cash
Proceeds applied pursuant to the covenant "--Limitation on Sale of Assets" to
repay or prepay such Indebtedness that results in a permanent reduction in any
revolving credit or other commitment relating thereto or the maximum amount
that may be borrowed thereunder; (iii) other Indebtedness of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries in a principal amount not to exceed $10.0 million
at any one time outstanding; (iv) Non-Recourse Indebtedness; (v) Indebtedness
of the Company to any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and
Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or
another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (vi) Permitted
Company Refinancing Indebtedness; (vii) Permitted Subsidiary Refinancing
Indebtedness; (viii) obligations under hedging arrangements that the Company
and its Subsidiaries enter into in the ordinary course of business for the
purpose of protecting their production against fluctuations in oil and natural
gas prices; (ix) Indebtedness under the Notes; (x) Indebtedness of a
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Subsidiary pursuant to a Guarantee of the Notes pursuant to Article X of the
Indenture; and (xi) any interest rate hedging obligations so long as the
related Indebtedness constitutes the Notes or the Bank Credit Facility.
"Permitted Investments" means Permitted Business Investments and Permitted
Financial Investments.
"Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens outstanding as of the Issue Date; (ii)
Liens now or hereafter securing a Bank Credit Facility; provided, however,
such Liens are limited to securing Indebtedness in an amount not in excess of
that permitted to be incurred in accordance with clause (ii) of the definition
of Permitted Indebtedness; (iii) Liens now or hereafter securing any interest
rate hedging obligations so long as the related Indebtedness constitutes the
Notes or the Bank Credit Facility (or any Refinancing Indebtedness of the
Company in respect thereof); (iv) Liens securing Indebtedness, the proceeds of
which are used to refinance secured Indebtedness of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, that such Liens extend to or cover only the
property or assets currently securing the Indebtedness being refinanced; (v)
Liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges not yet delinquent or
being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been
established to the extent required by GAAP; (vi) mechanics', workmen's,
materialmen's, operators' or similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of
business; (vii) Liens in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment
insurance or other social security, old age pension or public liability
obligations; (viii) Liens, deposits or pledges to secure the performance of
bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money),
leases, public or statutory obligations, surety, stay, appeal indemnity,
performance or other similar bonds, or other similar obligations arising in
the ordinary course of business; (ix) survey exceptions, encumbrances,
easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, rights of way, zoning
or other restrictions as to the use of real properties, and minor defects in
title which, in the case of any of the foregoing, were not incurred or created
to secure the payment of borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of
property or services, and in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect
the value of such properties or materially impair use for the purposes of
which such properties are held by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiaries;
(x) Liens on, or related to, properties to secure all or part of the costs
incurred in the ordinary course of business of exploration, drilling,
development or operation thereof, (xi) Liens on pipeline or pipeline
facilities which arise out of operation of law; (xii) judgment and attachment
Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default or Liens created by or existing
from any litigation or legal proceeding that are currently being contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have
been made; (xiii) (a) Liens upon any property of any Person existing at the
time of acquisition thereof by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, (b)
Liens upon any property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged
or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or existing at
the time of the sale or transfer of any such property of such Person to the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or (c) Liens upon any property of a
Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, that in each case such Lien has not been created in contemplation of
such sale, merger, consolidation, transfer or acquisition, and provided that
in each such case no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the property being acquired
and improvements thereon; (xiv) Liens on deposits to secure public or
statutory obligations or in lieu of surety or appeal bonds entered into in the
ordinary course of business; (xv) Liens in favor of collecting or payor banks
having a right of setoff, revocation, refund or chargeback with respect to
money or instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary on deposit with or in
possession of such bank; (xvi) purchase money security interests granted in
connection with the acquisition of assets in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with past practices, provided, that (A) such Liens attach only
to the property so acquired with the purchase money indebtedness secured
thereby and (B) such Liens secure only Indebtedness that is not in excess of
100% of the purchase price of such assets; (xvii) Liens reserved in oil and
gas mineral leases for bonus or rental payments and for compliance with the
terms of such leases; (xviii) Liens arising under partnership agreements, oil
and gas leases, farm-out agreements, division orders, contracts for the sale,
purchase, exchange, transportation or processing (but not refining) of oil,
gas or other hydrocarbons, unitization and pooling declarations and
agreements, development agreements, operating agreements, area of mutual
interest agreements, and other similar agreements which are customary in the
Oil and Gas Business; (xix) Liens securing obligations under hedging
arrangements that the Company enters into in the ordinary course of business
for the purpose of protecting its production against fluctuations in oil and
natural gas prices; and (xx) Liens to secure Dollar-Denominated Production
Payments and Volumetric Production Payments.
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"Permitted Subsidiary Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of any
Restricted Subsidiary, the net proceeds of which are used to renew, extend,
refinance, refund or repurchase outstanding Indebtedness of such Restricted
Subsidiary, provided that (i) if the Indebtedness (including any Guarantee)
being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased is pari passu
with or subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee, then such
Indebtedness is pari passu with or subordinated in right of payment to, as the
case may be, the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness
being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased, (ii) such
Indebtedness is scheduled to mature no earlier than the Indebtedness being
renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased, and (iii) such
Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Indebtedness is incurred
that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being
renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased, provided, further,
that such Indebtedness (to the extent that such Indebtedness constitutes
Permitted Subsidiary Refinancing Indebtedness) is in an aggregate principal
amount (or, if such Indebtedness is issued at a price less than the principal
amount thereof, the aggregate amount of gross proceeds therefrom is) not in
excess of the aggregate principal amount then outstanding of the Indebtedness
being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased (or if the
Indebtedness being renewed, extended, refinanced, refunded or repurchased was
issued at a price less than the principal amount thereof, then not in excess
of the amount of liability in respect thereof determined in accordance with
GAAP); provided, however, that a Restricted Subsidiary shall not incur
refinancing Indebtedness to renew, extend, refinance, refund or repurchase
outstanding Indebtedness of another Subsidiary unless such other Subsidiary is
a Guarantor.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, trust, estate, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Stock" as applied to the Capital Stock of any corporation, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated), which is preferred
as to the payment of dividends, or upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation or dissolution of such corporation, over shares of Capital Stock
of any other class of such corporation.
"Production Payments" means, collectively, Dollar-Denominated Production
Payments and Volumetric Production Payments.
"Reference Period" means, with respect to any Person, the four full
consecutive fiscal quarters ended with the last full fiscal quarter for which
financial information is available immediately preceding any date upon which
any determination is to be made pursuant to the terms of the Notes or the
Indenture.
"Restricted Payment" means, with respect to any Person, any of the
following: (i) any dividend or other distribution in respect of such Person's
Capital Stock (other than (a) dividends or distributions payable solely in
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock); (b) in the case of Restricted
Subsidiaries of the Company, dividends or distributions payable to the Company
or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (c) so long as no default shall
have occurred and be continuing under the Indenture, cash dividends in an
amount equal to the required cash interest payments on the Senior Secured
Discount Notes; (d) to the extent necessary to permit the Parent to pay
overhead, tax liabilities, legal, accounting or other professional fees and
expenses and any fees and expenses associated with registration statements
filed with the Commission and subsequent ongoing public reporting
requirements, in each case to the extent actually incurred by the Parent in
connection with acting as a holding company for the Company and its
Subsidiaries); or (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Capital Stock, or any option, warrant, or other
right to acquire shares of Capital Stock, of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (but excluding (a) any cashless exercise of warrants
or options or (b) payments in respect of cash elections or phantom stock or
similar awards under any director or employee benefit plan or arrangement
provided such payment is recorded as a compensation expense); (iii) the making
of any principal payment on, or the purchase, defeasance, repurchase,
redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to any
scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, of
any Indebtedness which is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; and
(iv) the making by such Person of any Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
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"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted
Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that, immediately
after giving effect to such designation, the Company could incur at least
$1.00 in additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of the
covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness."
"Sale Leaseback Transaction" means with respect to the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, any arrangement with any Person providing for the
leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any principal
property, acquired or placed into service more than one hundred eighty (180)
days prior to such arrangement, whereby such property has been or is to be
sold or transferred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
such Person.
"Security Documents" means, collectively, all security agreements,
mortgages, deeds of trusts, assignments, financing statements and other
documents at any time executed and delivered in connection with the creation,
perfection, priority or continuation of the Lien upon the Collateral as
security for the obligations of the Company and any Guarantor under the Notes,
the Indenture and any Guarantee.
"Senior Indebtedness" means as to any Person, Indebtedness of such Person
(whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred), unless such
Indebtedness is contractually subordinate or junior in right of payment of
principal, premium and interest to the Notes.
"Senior Indebtedness of a Guarantor" means any Indebtedness of such
Guarantor (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred),
unless such Indebtedness is contractually subordinate or junior in right of
payment of principal, premium and interest to the Guarantees.
"Subordinated Indebtedness of a Guarantor" means any Indebtedness of such
Guarantor (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred) which
is contractually subordinate or junior in right of payment of principal,
premium and interest to the Guarantees.
"Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company" means any Indebtedness of the
Company (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred) which
is contractually subordinate or junior in right of payment of principal,
premium and interest to the Notes.
"Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company. A subsidiary of any Person
means (i) a corporation a majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time,
directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more subsidiaries of
such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person,
(ii) a partnership in which such Person or a subsidiary of such Person is, at
the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership,
but only if such Person or its subsidiary is entitled to receive more than 50%
of the assets of such partnership upon its dissolution, or (iii) any other
Person (other than a corporation or partnership) in which such Person,
directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x) at least
a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or direct the election
of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary or (ii) any Subsidiary of the Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary
that is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution adopted by
the Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements of the following
sentence; provided that in no event shall the assets owned by the Company on
the Issue Date (after giving effect to the Recapitalization) be transferred to
or held by an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Company may designate any
Subsidiary of the Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary (including a newly
acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company), to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Company, as evidenced by written notice thereof delivered to
the Trustee, if after giving effect to such designation, (i) the Company could
incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first
paragraph
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of the covenant captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness," (ii) the Company could make an additional Restricted
Payment of at least $1.00 pursuant to the first paragraph of the covenant
captioned "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments," (iii) such
Subsidiary does not own or hold any Capital Stock of, or any lien on any
property of, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) such Subsidiary is
not liable, directly or indirectly, with respect to any Indebtedness other
than Non-Recourse Indebtedness, (v) neither the Company nor any Restricted
Subsidiary guarantees any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary or otherwise
directly or indirectly provides any credit support to such Subsidiary, (vi)
such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation, (x) to
subscribe for additional Capital Stock, or (y) to maintain or preserve such
Person's financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified
levels of operating results and (vii) no Default or Event of Default would
occur or be continuing after giving effect to such designation.
"U.S. Government Securities" means securities that are (i) direct
obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full
faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States
of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith
and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case
under clauses (i) or (ii) are not callable or redeemable at the option of the
issuer thereof.
"U.S. Legal Tender" means such coin or currency of the United States as at
the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and
private debts.
"Volumetric Production Payments" mean production payment obligations
recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.
"Voting Stock" means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or
classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof (whether
at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has voting power by
reason of contingency) to vote in the election of members of the Board of
Directors or other governing body of such person.
"Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary all of
the Capital Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares if applicable) of
which is owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following are "Events of Default" under the Indenture:
(i) default by the Company or any Guarantor in the payment of principal
of or premium, if any, on the Notes when due and payable at maturity, upon
repurchase pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer,
upon acceleration or otherwise; or
(ii) default by the Company or any Guarantor for 30 days in payment of
any interest on the Notes; or
(iii) default by the Company or any Guarantor in the deposit of any
optional redemption payment; or
(iv) default by the Company or any Guarantor in the performance of the
covenants discussed under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Mergers and
Consolidations;" or
(v) default by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
performance of any other covenant or agreement in the Indenture (other than
those described in clauses (i) through (iv) above) or any Security Document
which shall not have been remedied within thirty (30) days after written
notice by the Trustee or by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding; or
(vi) the occurrence and continuation beyond any grace period of any
default in the payment when due, whether by acceleration or otherwise, of
the principal of (premium, if any, on) and interest on any other
Indebtedness of Gothic or the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company, or any other default
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causing Acceleration of any Indebtedness of Gothic or the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $10.0 million
or more, individually or in the aggregate; or
(vii) the commencement of proceedings, or the taking of any enforcement
action (including by way of set-off), by any holder of at least $10.0
million in aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness (including any
amounts owed pursuant to a judgment or order) of Gothic or the Company or
any Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary provided that neither
Gothic or the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary is liable, directly or
indirectly, for such Indebtedness), after a default under such
Indebtedness, to retain in satisfaction of such Indebtedness or to collect
or seize, dispose of or apply in satisfaction of such Indebtedness,
property or assets of Gothic or the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries
having a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million individually or in
the aggregate; provided that if any such proceedings or actions are
terminated or rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid or settled, such
Event of Default under the Indenture and any consequential acceleration of
the Notes shall be automatically rescinded, so long as (a) such rescission
does not conflict with any judgment or decree and (b) the holder of such
Indebtedness shall not have applied any such property or assets in
satisfaction of such Indebtedness; or
(viii) the entry by a court of one or more judgments or orders for the
payment in cash or other assets of $10.0 million or more individually or in
the aggregate (net of applicable insurance coverage acknowledged in writing
by the insurance carrier) having been rendered against Gothic or the
Company or any Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided
that neither Gothic or the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary is liable,
directly or indirectly, for such judgment or order) and such judgment or
order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of sixty (60)
days; or
(ix) the occurrence of certain events giving rise to ERISA liability; or
(x) the failure of a Guarantee by a Guarantor to be in full force and
effect (other than a release of a Guarantee in accordance with the
Indenture), or the denial or disaffirmance by such entity thereof;
(xi) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of
Gothic, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(xii) any of the Security Documents cease to be in full force and effect
(other than in accordance with their respective terms or the terms of the
Indenture), or any of the Security Documents cease to give the Trustee the
Liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be created thereby, or
any Security Document is declared null and void, or the Company denies any
of its obligations under any Security Document or any Collateral becomes
subject to any Lien other than the Liens created or permitted by the
Security Documents; or
(xiii) the Company shall for any reason cease to be a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of Parent.
The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders
of the Notes of any default (except in payment of principal of, or premium, if
any, or interest on the Notes) if the Trustee considers it in the interest of
the Holders of the Notes to do so.
The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing
with respect to the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25%
in principal amount of the Notes outstanding may declare the principal of and
premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all Notes to be due and
payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium, if any, and
interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating
to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company occurs and is continuing, the principal of,
and premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become and be
immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part
of the Trustee or any Holders of the Notes. The amount due and payable on the
acceleration of any Note will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of such
Note, plus accrued interest to the date of payment. Under certain
circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes
and its consequences.
The Indenture provides that no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy under
the Indenture unless (i) the Trustee shall have received written notice of a
continuing Event of Default, (ii) the Trustee shall have
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received a request from Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Notes to pursue such remedy, (iii) the Trustee shall have been offered
indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, (iv) the Trustee shall have failed to
act for a period of sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice, request and
offer of indemnity and (v) no direction inconsistent with such written request
has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Notes; provided, however, such provision
does not affect the right of a Holder of a Note to sue for enforcement of any
overdue payment thereon.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee under the
Indenture, subject to certain limitations specified in the Indenture. The
Indenture requires the annual filing by the Company with the Trustee of a
written statement as to compliance with the covenants contained in the
Indenture.
POSSESSION, USE AND RELEASE OF COLLATERAL
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to
the terms of the security documents securing the Credit Facility, the Company
will have the right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of
the Collateral securing the Notes, to freely operate the Collateral and to
collect, invest and dispose of any income thereon.
Release of Collateral. Upon compliance by the Company with the conditions
set forth below in respect of any Asset Sale, the Trustee will release the
Released Interests (as defined below) from the Lien of the Security Documents
and reconvey the Released Interests to the Company. The Company will have the
right to obtain a release of items of Collateral (the "Released Interests")
subject to an Asset Sale upon compliance with the condition that the Company
deliver to the Trustee the following:
(a) A notice from the Company requesting the release of Released
Interests, (i) describing the proposed Released Interests, (ii) specifying
the value of such Released Interests on a date within 60 days of such
Company notice (the "Valuation Date"), (iii) stating that the purchase
price to be received is at least equal to the fair market value of the
Released Interests, (iv) stating that the release of such Released
Interests will not interfere with the Trustee's (or the Agent's, in the
event Indebtedness remains outstanding under the Credit Facility) ability
to realize the value of the remaining Collateral and will not impair the
maintenance and operation of the remaining Collateral, (v) confirming the
sale of, or an agreement to sell, such Released Interests in a bona fide
sale to a person that is an Affiliate, confirming that such sale is made in
compliance with the provisions set forth in "--Certain Covenants--
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates," (vi) certifying that such
Asset Sale complies with the terms and conditions of the Indenture with
respect thereto, and (vii) in the event there is to be a substitution of
property for the Collateral subject to the Asset Sale, specifying the
property intended to be substituted for the Collateral to be disposed of;
(b) An Officers' Certificate of the Company stating that (i) such Asset
Sale covers only the Released Interests and complies with the terms and
conditions of the Indenture with respect to Asset Sales, (ii) all Net Cash
Proceeds from the sale of any of the Released Interests will be applied
pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture in respect of Asset Sales,
(iii) there is no Default or Event of Default in effect or continuing on
the date thereof, the Valuation Date or the date of such Asset Sale, (iv)
the release of the Collateral will not result in a Default or Event of
Default under the Indenture, and (v) all conditions precedent in the
Indenture relating to the release in question have been complied with; and
(c) All documentation required by the Trust Indenture Act, if any, prior
to the release of Collateral by the Trustee and, in the event there is to
be a substitution of property for the Collateral subject to the Asset Sale,
all documentation necessary to effect the substitution of such new
Collateral.
Disposition of Collateral with Release. Notwithstanding the provisions of
"--Release of Collateral" above, so long as no Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, the Company may, without any release or
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consent by the Trustee, do any number of ordinary course activities in respect
of the Collateral, in limited dollar amounts specified by the Trust Indenture
Act, upon satisfaction of certain conditions.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
The Indenture provides that modifications and amendments to the Indenture or
the Notes may be made by the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding; provided that no such modification or amendment may, without the
consent of the Holder of each Note then outstanding affected thereby, (i)
reduce the percentage of principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent
to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (ii) reduce the rate or change the time
for payment of interest, including defaulted interest, on any Note; (iii)
reduce the principal amount of any Note or change the Maturity Date of the
Notes; (iv) reduce the redemption price, including premium, if any, payable
upon redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may or shall
be redeemed; (v) reduce the repurchase price, including premium, if any,
payable upon the repurchase of any Note or change the time at which any Note
may or shall be repurchased; (vi) make any Note payable in money other than
that stated in the Note; (vii) impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest
on, any Note; (viii) make any change in the percentage of principal amount of
Notes necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture;
or (ix) waive a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes. The Indenture
provides that modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the
Company and the Trustee without the consent of any holders of Notes in certain
limited circumstances, including (a) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect
or inconsistency, (b) to provide for the assumption of the obligations of the
Company or any Guarantor under the Indenture upon the merger, consolidation or
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company or such Guarantor, (c) to reflect the release of any Guarantor from
its Guarantee, or the addition of any Subsidiary of the Company as a
Guarantor, in the manner provided in the Indenture, (d) to comply with any
requirement of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or (e) to make any change that
would provide any additional benefit to the Holders or that does not adversely
affect the rights of any Holder of Notes in any material respect.
The Indenture provides that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration,
whether by way of interest, fees or otherwise, to any Holder of any Notes for
or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any terms or
provisions of the Notes or the Indenture unless such consideration is offered
to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Holders of the Notes which so consent,
waive or agree to amend in the time period set forth in any solicitation
documents relating to such consent.
The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding may waive any past default under the
Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or
interest.
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal
Defeasance"). Such Legal Defeasance means that the Company will be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the
outstanding Notes, except for (i) the rights of Holders of such Notes to
receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on such Notes when such payments are due, (ii) the Company's obligations with
respect to such Notes concerning the issuance of temporary Notes, transfers
and exchanges of Notes, replacement of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Notes, the maintenance of an office or agency where Notes may be surrendered
for transfer or exchange or presented for payment, and duties of paying
agents, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
Trustee, and the Company's obligations in connection therewith and (iv) the
Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at
its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company
released with respect to certain covenants described under "--Certain
Covenants" ("Covenant
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Defeasance"), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations
shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-
payment events) described under "--Events of Default" will no longer
constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i) the
Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or other qualifying Trustee,
in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. Legal
Tender, U.S. Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts
as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the outstanding Notes on the Maturity Date or on the applicable
mandatory redemption date, as the case may be, of such principal or
installment of principal, premium, if any, or interest; (ii) in the case of
Legal Defeasance, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an opinion of
counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Company
has received from or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service
a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in
the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and
based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the
outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the
effect that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant
Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
Covenant Defeasance had not occurred, (iv) no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar
as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at
any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit; (v)
such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under any other material agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound;
(vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of
preferring the Holders of Notes over other creditors of the Company or with
the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the
Company or others; and (vii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee
an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel each stating that all
conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture provides that it will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, but without giving effect
to principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the application of the
law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
THE TRUSTEE
The Bank of New York is the Trustee under the Indenture. Its address is 101
Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286. The Company has also appointed the
Trustee as the initial Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent under the
Indenture.
The Trustee is permitted to become an owner or pledgee of Notes and may
otherwise deal with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates with the
same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. If, however,
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the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939), it must eliminate such conflict or resign. The
Indenture will provide that in case an Event of Default shall occur (and be
continuing), the Trustee will be required to use the degree of care and skill
of a prudent person in the conduct of such person's own affairs. The Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its powers under the Indenture
at the request of any of the Holders of the Notes, unless such Holders have
offered the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The Company, Parent and the Initial Purchasers have entered into the
Registration Rights Agreement on or prior to the date of the Indenture. The
following summary of certain provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. Copies of the form of
Registration Rights Agreement are available upon request.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company and Parent are
obligated to file with the Commission a registration statement (the "Exchange
Offer Registration Statement") on an appropriate form under the Securities Act
with respect to a new series of Notes (the "Exchange Notes") issuable in
exchange for the Notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes will be identical to
the Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will not contain restrictions on
transfer. Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement,
the Company will offer to the holders of Transfer Restricted Securities
pursuant to the Exchange Offer who are able to make certain representations
the opportunity to exchange their Transfer Restricted Securities for Exchange
Notes. If (i) the Company is not required to file the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement or not permitted to consummate the Exchange Offer
because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission
policy or (ii) any holder of Transfer Restricted Securities notifies the
Company within the specified time period that (A) it is prohibited by law or
Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer or (B) that it may
not resell the Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public
without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales
or (C) that it is a broker-dealer and owns Notes acquired directly from the
Company or an affiliate of the Company, the Company and the Guarantors in
existence on the Issue Date will file with the Commission a shelf registration
statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement" and, together with the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement, the "Registration Statements") on an appropriate
form under the Securities Act to cover resales of the Notes by the Holders
thereof who satisfy certain conditions relating to the provision of
information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. The Company
and the Guarantors in existence on the Issue Date will use their reasonable
best efforts to cause the applicable Registration Statement to be declared
effective as promptly as possible by the Commission, but in no event later
than the Effectiveness Target Dates (as defined herein) specified in the
immediately following paragraph. For purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer
Restricted Securities" means each Note until (i) the date on which such Note
has been exchanged by a Person other than a broker-dealer for an Exchange Note
in the Exchange Offer, (ii) if such Note is exchanged by a broker-dealer in
the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Note, the date on which such Exchange Note
is sold to a purchaser who receives from such broker-dealer on or prior to the
date of such sale a copy of the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement, (iii) the date on which such Note has been effectively
registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the
Shelf Registration Statement or (iv) the date on which such Note is
distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Act or may be sold
without restrictions pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.
The Registration Rights Agreement provides that (i) the Company and Parent
will file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the Commission on or
prior 45 days after the Issue Date, (ii) the Company and the Guarantors in
existence on the Issue Date will use their reasonable best efforts to have the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement declared effective by the Commission on
or prior to 120 days after the Issue Date, (iii) unless the Exchange Offer
would not be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, the Company
will commence the Exchange Offer and use its reasonable best efforts to issue
on or prior to 30 business days after the date on which the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement was declared effective by the Commission, Exchange
Notes in exchange for all notes tendered prior thereto in the Exchange Offer
and (iv) if obligated to
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file the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors in
existence on the Issue Date will use their reasonable best efforts to file the
Shelf Registration Statement with the Commission on or prior to 45 days after
such filing obligation arises and to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to
be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to 120 days after such
filing obligation arises. If (a) the Company and the Guarantors in existence
on the Issue Date fail to file any of the Registration Statements required by
the Registration Rights Agreement on or before the date specified for such
filing, (b) any of such Registration Statements is not declared effective by
the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the
"Effectiveness Target Date"), or (c) the Company and the Guarantors in
existence on the Issue Date fail to consummate the Exchange Offer within 30
business days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement or (d) the Shelf Registration Statement or the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter
ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of Transfer
Restricted Securities during the periods specified in the Registration Rights
Agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above being
referred to as a "Registration Default"), then the Company will be obligated
to pay Liquidated Damages to each Holder of Notes constituting Transfer
Restricted Securities, with respect to the first 90-day period immediately
following the occurrence of such Registration Default, in an amount equal
$0.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Notes constituting Transfer
Restricted Securities held by such Holder. The amount of the Liquidated
Damages will increase by an additional $0.05 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Notes constituting Transfer Restricted Securities with respect to
each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured,
up to a maximum amount of Liquidated Damages, if any, of $0.30 per week per
$1,000 principal amount of such Notes. All accrued Liquidated Damages, if any,
will be paid by the Company on each Damages Payment Date (as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement) to the Global Note Holder by wire transfer of
immediately available funds or by federal funds check and to Holders of
Certificated Securities by wife transfer to the accounts specified by them or
by mailing checks to their registered addresses if no such accounts have been
specified. At such time as all Registration Defaults have been cured, the
accrual of Liquidated Damages, if any, will cease.
Holders of Notes will be required to make certain representations to the
Company (as described in the Registration Rights Agreement) in order to
participate in the Exchange Offer and will be required to deliver information
to be used in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement and to provide
comments on the Shelf Registration Statement within the time periods set forth
in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to have their Notes included in
the Shelf Registration Statement and benefit from the provisions regarding
Liquidated Damages set forth above.
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY; FORM AND TRANSFER
GENERAL
The Notes which are sold to QIBs initially will be in the form of one or
more registered global notes without interest coupons (collectively, the "U.S.
Global Notes"). Upon issuance, the U.S. Global Notes will be deposited with
the Trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New
York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case
for credit to the accounts of DTC's Direct Participants and Indirect
Participants (as defined below). The Notes which are sold in offshore
transactions in reliance on Regulation S, if any, initially will be in the
form of one or more registered, global book-entry notes without interest
coupons (the "Reg S Global Notes"). The Reg S Global Notes will be deposited
with the Trustee, as custodian for DTC, in New York, New York, and registered
in the name of a nominee of DTC for credit to the accounts of Indirect
Participants at the Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank, societe
anonyme ("CEDEL"). During the 40-day period commencing on the date after the
later of the offering date and the Issue Date of the Notes (the "40-Day
Restricted Period"), beneficial interests in the Reg S Global Notes may be
held only through Euroclear or CEDEL and, pursuant to DTC's procedures,
Indirect Participants that hold a beneficial interest in the Reg S Global Note
will not be able to transfer such interest to a Person that takes delivery
thereof in the form of an interest in the U.S. Global Notes. After the 40-Day
Restricted Period, (i) beneficial interests in the Reg S Global Notes may be
transferred to a Person that takes delivery in the form of an interest in the
U.S. Global Notes and (ii) beneficial. interest in the U.S. Global Notes may
be transferred to a Person that takes
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delivery in the form of an interest in the Reg S Global Notes, provided, in
each case, that the certification requirements described below are complied
with. See "--Transfers of Interests in One Global Note for Interests in
Another Global Note" below. All registered global notes are referred to herein
collectively as "Global Notes".
Beneficial interests in all Global Notes and all Certificated Notes (as
defined below), if any, will be subject to certain restrictions on transfer
and will bear a restrictive legend as described under "Notice to Investors."
In addition, transfer of beneficial interests in any Global Notes will be
subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its Direct
Participants or Indirect Participants (including, if applicable, those of
Euroclear and CEDEL), which may change from time to time.
The Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to
another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee in certain
limited circumstances. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may be
exchanged for Notes in certificated form in certain limited circumstances. See
"--Transfers Of Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes" below.
Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Notes may
be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the
Registrar.
DEPOSITARY PROCEDURES
DTC has advised the Company that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively,
the "Direct Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
transactions in those securities between Direct Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Participants. The Direct
Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial
Purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations, including Euroclear and CEDEL. Access to DTC's system is also
available to other entities that clear through or maintain a direct or
indirect custodial relationship with a Direct Participant (collectively, the
"Indirect Participants"). DTC may hold securities beneficially owned by other
Persons only through the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants and such
other Persons' ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest will be
recorded only on the records of the Direct Participant and/or Indirect
Participant, and not on the records maintained by DTC.
DTC has also advised the Company that, pursuant to DTC's procedures, (i)
upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of the Direct
Participants designated by the Initial Purchasers with portions of the
principal amount of the Global Notes allocated by the Initial Purchasers to
such Direct Participants, and (ii) DTC will maintain records of the ownership
interests of such Direct Participants in the Global Notes and the transfer of
ownership interests by and between Direct Participants. DTC will not maintain
records of the ownership interests of, or the transfer of ownership interests
by and between, Indirect Participants or other owners of beneficial interests
in the Global Notes. Direct Participants and Indirect Participants must
maintain their own records of the ownership interests of, and the transfer of
ownership interests by and between, Indirect Participants and other owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Notes.
Investors in the U.S. Global Notes may hold their interests therein directly
through DTC if they are Direct Participants in DTC or indirectly through
organizations that are Direct Participants in DTC. Investors in the Reg S
Global Notes may hold their interests therein directly through Euroclear or
CEDEL or indirectly through organizations that are participants in Euroclear
or Cedel. After the expiration of the 40-Day Restricted Period (but not
earlier), investors may also hold interests the Reg S Global Notes through
organizations other than Euroclear and CEDEL that are Direct Participants in
the DTC system. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels office is
the operator and depositary of Euroclear and CitiBank, N.A. is the operator
and depositary of CEDEL (each a "Nominee" of Euroclear or CEDEL,
respectively). Therefore, they will each be recorded on DTC's records as the
Holders of all ownership interests held by them on behalf of Euroclear and
CEDEL, respectively. Euroclear and CEDEL will maintain on their records the
ownership interests, and transfers of ownership interests by and between,
their own customers' securities accounts. DTC will not maintain records of the
ownership interests of, or the transfer of ownership interests by and between,
customers of Euroclear or
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CEDEL. All ownership interests in any Global Notes, including those of
customers' securities accounts held through Euroclear or CEDEL, may be subject
to the procedures and requirements of DTC.
The laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical delivery
in definitive, certificated form of securities that they own. This may limit
or curtail the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to
such Persons. Because DTC can act only on behalf of Direct Participants, which
in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants and others, the ability or a
Person having a beneficial interest in a Global Note to pledge such interest
to Persons or entities that are not Direct Participants in DTC or to otherwise
take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of
physical certificates evidencing such interests. For certain other
restrictions on the transferability of the Notes, see "--Transfers of
Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes" below.
EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED IN "--TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTES FOR
CERTIFICATED NOTES", OWNERS OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTES WILL
NOT HAVE NOTES REGISTERED IN THEIR NAMES, WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL DELIVERY
OF NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED THE REGISTERED OWNERS
OR HOLDERS THEREOF UNDER THE INDENTURE FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company, the Guarantors and the
Trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered
(including Notes represented by Global Notes) as the owners thereof for the
purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever.
Payments in respect of the principal of, and premium and Liquidated Damages,
if any, and interest on Global Notes registered in the name of DTC or its
nominee will be payable by the Trustee to DTC or its nominee as the registered
Holder under the Indenture. Consequently, neither the Company, the Trustee nor
any agent of the Company or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or
liability for (i) any aspect of DTC's records or any Direct Participant's or
Indirect Participant's records relating to or Payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Direct Participant's or
Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests
in any Global Notes or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and
practices of DTC or any of its Direct Participants or Indirect Participants.
DTC has advised the Company that its current payment practice (for payments
of principal, interest and the like) with respect to securities such as the
Notes is to credit the accounts of the relevant Direct Participants with such
payment on the payment date in amounts proportionate to such Direct
Participant's respective ownership interests in the Global Notes as shown on
DTC's records. Payments by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to
the beneficial owners of the Notes will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices between them and will not be the responsibility of
DTC, the Trustee, the Company or the Guarantors. Neither the Company, the
Guarantors nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or its Direct
Participants or Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of
the Notes, and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will
be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee as the
registered owner of the Notes for all purposes.
The Global Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System and,
therefore, transfers between Direct Participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTC's procedures and will be settled in immediately available
funds. Transfers between Indirect Participants (other than Indirect
Participants who hold an interest in the Notes through Euroclear or CEDEL) who
hold an interest through a Direct Participant will be effected in accordance
with the procedures of such Direct Participants but generally will settle in
immediately available funds. Transfers between and among Indirect Participants
who hold interests in the Notes through Euroclear and CEDEL will be effected
in the ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating
procedures.
Subject to compliance with transfer restrictions applicable to the Notes
described herein, cross-market transfers between Direct Participants will, in
DTC, on the one hand, and Indirect Participants who hold interests in the
Notes through Euroclear and CEDEL on the other hand, be effected by Euroclear
and CEDEL's respective Nominee through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on
behalf of Euroclear and CEDEL; provided, that
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delivery of instructions relating to cross-market transactions must be made
directly to Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by the counterparty in
accordance with the rules and procedures of Euroclear or CEDEL and within
their established deadlines (Brussels time for Euroclear and UK time for
CEDEL). Indirect Participants who hold interests in the Notes through
Euroclear and CEDEL may not deliver instructions directly to Euroclear's or
CEDEL's Nominee. Euroclear or CEDEL will, if the transaction meets its
settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective Nominee to
deliver or receive interests on Euroclear's or CEDEL's behalf in the relevant
Global Note in DTC, and make or receive payment in accordance with normal
procedures for same-day fund settlement applicable to DTC.
Because of time zone differences, the securities accounts of an Indirect
Participant who holds an interest in the Notes through Euroclear or CEDEL
purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Direct Participant in DTC will
be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to Euroclear or CEDEL
during the European business day immediately following the settlement date of
DTC in New York. Although recorded in DTC's accounting records as of DTC's
settlement date in New York, Euroclear and CEDEL customers will not have
access to the cash amount credited to their accounts as a result of a sale of
an interest in a Reg S Global Note to a DTC Participant until the European
business day for Euroclear or CEDEL immediately following DTC's settlement
date.
DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a Holder of Notes only at the direction of one or more Direct
Participants to whose account interests in the Global Notes are credited and
only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
as to which such Direct Participant or Direct Participants has or have given
direction. However if there is an Event of Default under the Notes, DTC
reserves the right to exchange Global Notes (without the direction of one or
more of its Direct Participants) for legended Notes in certificated form, and
to distribute such certificated forms of Notes to its Direct Participants. See
"--Transfers of Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes."
Although DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL have agreed to the foregoing procedures to
facilitate transfers of interests in the Reg S Global Notes and the U.S.
Global Notes among Direct Participants, Euroclear and CEDEL, they are under no
obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Company, the
Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers or the Trustee will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or CEDEL or their respective Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants of their respective obligations under
the rules and procedures governing any of their operations.
The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL and
their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that the Company
believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.
TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN ONE GLOBAL NOTE FOR INTERESTS IN ANOTHER GLOBAL
NOTE
Prior to the expiration of the 40-Day Restricted Period, an Indirect
Participant who holds an interest in the Reg S Global Note through Euroclear
or CEDEL will not be permitted to transfer its interest to a U.S. Person who
takes delivery in the form of an interest in U.S. Global Notes. After the
expiration of the 40-Day Restricted Period, an Indirect Participant who holds
an interest in Reg S Global Notes will be permitted to transfer its interest
to a U.S. Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in U.S. Global
Notes only upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the
transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with
the restrictions on transfer set forth under "Notice to Investors" and set
forth in the legend printed on the Reg S Global Notes.
Prior to the expiration of the 40-Day Restricted period, a Direct
Participant or Indirect Participant who holds an interest in the U.S. Global
Note will not be permitted to transfer its interests to any Person that takes
delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the Reg S Global Notes. After
the expiration of the 40-Day Restricted Period, a Direct Participant or
Indirect Participant who holds an interest in U.S. Global Notes may transfer
its interest to
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Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in Reg S Global Notes
only upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the
transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with
Rule 904 of Regulation S.
Transfers involving an exchange of a beneficial interest in Reg S Global
Notes for a beneficial interest in U.S. Global Notes or vice versa will be
effected by DTC by means of an instruction originated by the Trustee through
DTC Deposit Withdraw at Custodian (DWAC) system. Accordingly, in connection
with such transfer, appropriate adjustments will be made to reflect a decrease
in the principal amount of one Global Note and a corresponding increase in the
principal amount of the other Global Note, as applicable. Any beneficial
interest in one Global Note that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery
in the form of the other Global Note will, upon transfer, cease to be an
interest in such first Global Note and become an interest in such other Global
Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions
and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global
Note for as long as it remains such an interest.
TRANSFERS OF INTEREST IN GLOBAL NOTES FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES
An entire Global Note may be exchanged for definitive Notes in registered,
certificated form without interest coupons ("Certificated Notes") if (i) DTC
(x) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary for the Global Notes and the Company thereupon fails to appoint a
successor depositary within 90 days or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company, at its option, notifies
the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated
Notes or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default
with respect to the Notes. In any such case, the Company will notify the
Trustee in writing that, upon surrender by the Direct Participants and
Indirect Participants of their interest in such Global Note, Certificated
Notes will be issued to each Person that such Direct Participants and Indirect
Participants and the DTC identify as being the beneficial owner of the related
Notes.
Beneficial interests in Global Notes held by any Direct Participant or
Indirect Participant may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon request to
DTC, by such Direct Participant (for itself or on behalf of an Indirect
Participant), through the Trustee in accordance with customary DTC procedures.
Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any beneficial interest in any
Global Note will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved
denominations, requested by DTC on behalf of such Direct Participants or
Indirect Participants (in accordance with DTC's customary procedures).
In all cases described herein, such Certificated Notes will bear the
restrictive legend referred to in "Notice to Investors" unless the Company
determines otherwise in compliance with applicable law.
Neither the Company, the Guarantors nor the Trustee will be liable for any
delay by the Holder of the Global Notes or DTC in identifying the beneficial
owners of Notes, and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may
conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from
the Holder of the Global Notes or DTC for all purposes.
TRANSFERS OF CERTIFICATED NOTES FOR INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTES
Certificated Notes may only be transferred if the transferor first delivers
to the Trustee a written certificate (and in certain circumstances, an opinion
of counsel) confirming that, in connection with such transfer it has complied
with the restrictions on transfer described under "Notice to Investors."
SAME DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
The Indenture will require that payments in respect of the Notes represented
by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately available
same day funds to the accounts specified by the Holder of interests in such
Global Note. With respect to Certificated Notes, the Company will make all
payments of principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, by wire transfer of immediately available same day funds to the accounts
specified by the Holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by
mailing a check to each such Holder's registered address. The Company expects
that secondary trading in Certificated Notes will also be settled in
immediately available funds.
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SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK OF PARENT
The summary contained herein of certain provisions of the Series B Preferred
Stock of Parent does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, the
form of which is available from the Company upon request.
General. Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation, 50,000 shares of Series
B Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $50.0 million were
issued as part of the Recapitalization. The Series B Preferred Stock were
issued with immediately detachable ten-year common stock purchase warrants
exercisable at $0.01 per share to purchase 2,439,246 shares of Parent's Common
Stock.
Ranking. The Series B Preferred Stock, with respect to dividend rights and
rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution, ranks senior to all classes
of Common Stock of Parent and senior to all other classes or series of any
class of preferred stock whether currently outstanding or issued hereafter.
Dividends. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
dividends payable at a rate per annum of 12% of the aggregate Liquidation
Preference of the Series B Preferred Stock payable in additional shares of
Series B Preferred Stock; provided that after April 1, 2000, at Parent's
option, the dividends payable may be paid in cash. Dividends will be
cumulative and will accrue from the date of issuance and be payable quarterly
in arrears.
Optional Redemption. At any time prior to April 30, 2000, the Series B
Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the option of Parent in whole or in part,
at 105% of the Liquidation Preference payable in cash out of the net proceeds
from a public or private offering of any equity security, plus accrued and
unpaid dividends (whether or not declared), which shall also be paid in cash.
At any time on or after April 30, 2000, the Series B Preferred Stock may be
redeemed at the option of Parent in whole or in part, in cash at a redemption
price equal to the Liquidation Preference.
Mandatory Redemption. Parent is required to redeem the Series B Preferred
Stock on June 30, 2008 at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation
Preference payable in cash or, at the option of Parent, in shares of Common
Stock valued at the fair market value at the date of such redemption.
Voting Rights. Except as required by Oklahoma law, the holders of Series B
Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of
the stockholders of Parent.
Conversion Rights. The Series B Preferred Stock shall be convertible at the
option of the holders on or after April 30, 2000 into the number of fully paid
and nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock determined by dividing the
Liquidation Preference by the higher of (i) a price to be determined at the
time the shares of Series B Preferred Stock are issued or (ii) the fair market
value on the date the Series B Preferred Stock is converted. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no holder or group shall be able to convert any shares of
Series B Preferred Stock to the extent that the conversion of such shares
would cause such holder or group to own more than 19.9% of the outstanding
Common Stock of Parent.
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general discussion of the principal United States federal
income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the
Notes and the Exchange Notes to initial beneficial owners of the Notes who are
U.S. Holders (as defined below) and the principal U.S. federal income and
estate tax consequences
of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Notes and Exchange Notes
to initial beneficial owners of the Notes and Exchange Notes to initial
beneficial owners of the Notes who are Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below).
This discussion is based on currently existing provisions of the Code,
existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect or
proposed on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly
with retroactive effect, or different
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interpretations. It does not include any description of the tax laws of any
state, local or foreign government that may be applicable to the Notes or
Exchange Notes or beneficial owners thereof. This discussion does not address
the tax consequences to subsequent beneficial owners of the Notes and Exchange
Notes, and is limited to beneficial owners who hold the Notes or Exchange
Notes as capital assets within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. This
discussion also does not address the tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders that
are subject to U.S. federal income or estate tax on a net basis on income
realized with respect to a Note or Exchange Note because such income is
effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Such
holders are generally taxed in a similar manner to U.S. Holders; however,
certain special rules apply. Moreover, this discussion is for general
information only, and does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences that may be relevant to particular initial beneficial owners in
light of their personal circumstances, or to certain types of initial
beneficial owners (such as certain financial institutions, insurance
companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities, persons who have hedged
the risk of owning a Note or Exchange Note or U.S. Holders that have a
functional currency other than the U.S. dollar).
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE
PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND
DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES AND EXCHANGE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF
ANY FEDERAL TAX LAWS OR ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND ANY CHANGES
(OR PROPOSED CHANGES) IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS OR INTERPRETATIONS THEREOF.
PAYMENTS OF INTEREST
In general, interest on a Note or Exchange Note will be taxable to a
beneficial owner who or which is (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United
States or any State thereof (including the District of Columbia) or (iii) a
person otherwise subject to U.S. federal income taxation on its worldwide
income (a "U.S. Holder") as ordinary income at the time it is (actually or
constructively) received or accrued, depending on the beneficial owner's
method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
REQUIRED EXCHANGE OFFER
The exchange of Outstanding Notes for the Exchange Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will not be treated as an "exchange" for U.S. federal income
tax purposes because the Exchange Notes will not be considered to differ
materially in kind or extent from the Outstanding Notes. As a result, there
will be no U.S. federal income tax consequences to beneficial owners
exchanging the Outstanding Notes for the Exchange Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer. The Company is obligated to pay additional interest to the
beneficial owners of the Notes under certain circumstances described under
"Exchange Offer; Registration Rights." The Company believes that any such
payments should be treated as an "incidental contingency" for purposes of the
original issue discount rules because the potential amount of any such
payments, if required to be made, is expected to be insignificant relative to
the total expected amount of remaining payments on the Notes, and accordingly
should be taxable to the beneficial owners in the manner described in the
preceding paragraph but should not otherwise impact the federal income tax
consequences to beneficial owners of the Notes.
SALE, EXCHANGE OR RETIREMENT OF THE NOTES OR EXCHANGE NOTES
Upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement at maturity or other
disposition of a Note or Exchange Note, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize
taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the sum of cash plus the
fair market value of all other property received on such disposition (except
to the extent such cash
or property is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be
taxable as ordinary income) and such beneficial owner's adjusted tax basis in
the Note or Exchange Note. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in a Note or
Exchange Note generally will equal the cost of the Note or Exchange Note to
such holder, less any principal payments received by such holder.
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Gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a Note or Exchange Note
generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. Holder's holding period for
the Note or Exchange Note is more than one year. The Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 reduced the maximum capital gains tax rate for investments held for at
least one year to 20% from 28% effective May 7, 1997. Effective July 29, 1997,
the holding period necessary to qualify for the new capital gains rates
increased from one year to 18 months.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
For each calendar year in which the Notes or Exchange Notes are outstanding,
the Company is required to provide the IRS with certain information, including
the beneficial owner's name, address and taxpayer identification number, the
aggregate amount of interest paid to that beneficial owner during the calendar
year and the amount of tax withheld, if any. This obligation, however, does
not apply with respect to certain payments to U.S. Holders, including
corporations, tax-exempt organizations, qualified pension and profit sharing
trusts and individual retirement accounts, provided that they establish
entitlement to an exemption.
In the event that a U.S. Holder subject to the reporting requirements
described above fails to supply its correct taxpayer identification number in
the manner required by applicable law or underreports its tax liability, the
Company, its agents or paying agents or a broker may be required to "backup"
withhold a tax equal to 31% of each payment of interest and principal (and
premium, if any) on the Notes or Exchange Notes. This backup withholding is
not an additional tax and may be credited against the U.S. Holder's U.S.
federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is
furnished to the IRS.
Under current Treasury regulations, backup withholding and information
reporting will not apply to payments made by the Company or any agent thereof
(in its capacity as such) to a Non-U.S. Holder of a Note or Exchange Note if
such holder has provided the required certification that it is not a U.S.
person or has otherwise established an exemption (provided that neither the
Company nor its agent has actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. person or
that the conditions of any exemption are not in fact satisfied).
Payment of the proceeds from the sale of a Note or Exchange Note to or
through a foreign office of a broker will not be subject to information
reporting or backup withholding, except that if the broker is a U.S. person, a
controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or a
foreign person 50 percent or more of whose gross income from all sources for
the three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year preceding the
payment was effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, information
reporting may apply to such payments. Payment of the proceeds from a sale of a
Note or Exchange Note to or through the U.S. office of a broker is subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless the holder or beneficial
owner certifies as to its taxpayer identification number or otherwise
establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant
to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a Prospectus in
connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Prospectus, as it may
be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for
Outstanding Notes where such Outstanding Notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed
that for a period of one year after the date the registration statement, of
which this Prospectus forms a part, is declared effective, it will make this
Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use
in connection with any such resale.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sales of the Exchange
Notes by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their
own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in
one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a
combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or
concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such
Exchange Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells the Exchange Notes that were
received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes
may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act,
and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or
concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal for the
Exchange Offer states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus,
a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within
the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 90 days after the Expiration Date, the Company will promptly
send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to
this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the
Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay certain expenses incident
to the Exchange Offer, other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or
dealers, and will indemnify the holders of the Securities (including any
broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
By acceptance of this Exchange Offer, each broker-dealer that receives
Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer agrees that,
upon receipt of notice from the Company of the happening of any event which
makes any statement in the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which
request the making of any changes in the Prospectus in order to make the
statements therein not misleading (which notice the Company agrees to deliver
promptly to such broker-dealer), such broker-dealer will suspend use of the
Prospectus until the Company has amended or supplemented the Prospectus to
correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of the amended
or supplemental Prospectus to such broker-dealer. If the Company shall give
any such notice to suspend the use of the Prospectus, it shall extend the 90-
day period referred to above by the number of days during the period from and
including the date of the giving of such notice to and including when broker-
dealers shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus
necessary to permit resales of the Exchange Notes.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Company by William S.
Clarke, P.A., Princeton, New Jersey.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The consolidated balance sheet of Gothic as of December 31, 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
1997, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus, and incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and in this Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part, have been included/incorporated herein in reliance on the report
of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to the unaudited interim financial information as of and for
the three month period ended March 31, 1998, incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus, the independent accountants have reported that they have applied
limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of
such information. However, their separate report included in Gothic's
quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, and
incorporated by reference herein, states that they did not audit and that they
do not express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly,
the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be
restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied.
The accountants are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of
the Securities Act for their report on the unaudited interim financial
information because that report is not a "report" or a part of the
registration statement prepared or certified by the accountants within the
meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.
This historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating
expenses of the Comstock Properties for the year ended December 31, 1995,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in this Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, have been incorporated herein
in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The historical schedule of gross revenues and direct operating expenses of
the Norse and Horizon Properties for the year ended December 31, 1996,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in this Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, have been incorporated herein
in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating
expenses of the HS Properties for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus forms a part, have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating
expenses of the Amoco Properties for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, have been incorporated herein
in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
ENGINEERS
The historical reserve information prepared by Lee Keeling and Associates,
Inc. included in this Offering Memorandum has been included herein in reliance
upon the authority of such firm as experts with respect to matters contained
in such reserve report.
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GLOSSARY
Wherever used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified.
12 1/4% Senior Notes--Gothic's 12 1/4% Series A and Series B Senior Notes
due 2004 outstanding in the principal amount of $100.0 million issued under an
Indenture dated September 9, 1997 with The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
1996 Acquisitions--The acquisitions completed by Gothic during 1996
including the natural gas and oil producing properties acquired from
Buttonwood, Comstock Oil and Gas, Inc., Stratum Group, L.P., Athena Energy,
Inc. and the properties acquired on August 5, 1996 from various sellers.
1997 Acquisitions--The acquisitions completed by Gothic during 1997
including the natural gas and oil producing properties acquired from Norse
Exploration, Inc. and Norse Pipeline, Inc., H. Huffman & Company, Horizon Gas
Partners, L.P., Fina Oil and Chemical Company, Kerr-McGee Corporation and HS
Resources, Inc.
Amoco--Amoco Production Company, a subsidiary of Amoco Corporation.
Amoco Acquisition--The acquisition by Gothic pursuant to an agreement dated
November 15, 1997 with Amoco of natural gas producing properties located in
the Anadarko and Arkoma Basins of Oklahoma for a purchase price of $237.5
million in cash, subject to closing adjustments, a five-year warrant to
purchase 1.5 million shares of Common Stock exercisable at $3.00 per share
valued by Gothic at $1.2 million, and certain producing properties owned by
Gothic having a value of less than $1.8 million. The acquisition was completed
on January 23, 1998.
Bank One--Bank One, Texas, N.A.
Bbl--One stock tank barrel, or 42 US gallons liquid volume, used herein in
reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
Bcf--One billion cubic feet.
Bcfe--One billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
Behind Pipe--Hydrocarbons in a potentially producing horizon penetrated by a
well bore the production of which has been postponed pending the production of
hydrocarbons from another formation penetrated by the well bore. These
hydrocarbons are classified as proved but non-producing reserves.
Boe--Barrels of oil equivalent (converting six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl
of oil).
Bridge Loan--A six month loan under the Existing Credit Facility of up to
$60.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to finance a portion of the
purchase price for the Amoco Acquisition.
Buttonwood--Buttonwood Energy Corporation
Chesapeake--Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
Chesapeake Transaction--The agreement with Chesapeake pursuant to which
Gothic (i) entered into a participation agreement with Chesapeake whereby
Chesapeake will have the right to participate, subject to certain limited
exceptions, in up to 50% of Gothic's working interest in future development
drilling activities, (ii) sold for $20.0 million a 50% interest in Gothic's
producing natural gas and oil properties in the Arkoma basin, and (iii) sold,
for $50.0 million, shares of Gothic's Series B Preferred Stock and ten-year
warrants to purchase at an exercise price of $0.01 per share 2,439,246 shares
of Gothic's Common Stock.
Commission--U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Stock--The shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of Parent.
Credit Facility--The Loan Agreement between the Company and Bank One
pursuant to which the Company may initially borrow, subject to meeting certain
borrowing base and other conditions, up to $25.0 million secured by a first
priority lien on substantially all of the natural gas and oil properties of
the Company.
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Developed Acreage--Acres which are allocated or assignable to producing
wells or wells capable of production.
Development Well--A well drilled within the proved area of a natural gas and
oil reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
Dry Well--A well found to be incapable of producing either oil or natural
gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or natural gas
well.
EBITDA--Earnings (excluding discontinued operations, extraordinary items,
charges resulting from changes in accounting and significant non-recurring
revenues and expenses) before interest expense, provision for (or benefit for)
income taxes, depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses, and the
provision for impairment of natural gas and oil properties. EBITDA is not a
measure of cash flow as determined by generally accepted accounting
principles. EBITDA information has been included in this Prospectus because
EBITDA is a measure used by certain investors in determining historical
ability to service indebtedness. EBITDA should not be considered as an
alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as an
indicator of operating performance or liquidity.
Existing Credit Facility--The Second Restated Loan Agreement, as amended and
restated by the Third Restated Loan Agreement, between Parent and Bank One
pursuant to which Parent may borrow, subject to meeting certain borrowing base
and other conditions, (i) up to $160.0 million under the Revolving Loan, and
(ii) up to $60.0 million under the Bridge Loan.
Exploratory Well--A well drilled to find and produce oil or natural gas in
an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be
productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known
reservoir.
Gross Acres or Gross Wells--The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in
which a working interest is owned.
Infill Well--A well drilled between known producing wells to better exploit
the reservoir.
Mbbl--One thousand Bbl.
Mmbbl--One million Bbl.
Mboe--One thousand barrels of oil equivalent.
Mcf--One thousand cubic feet.
Mcfe--One thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent, using the ratio of
one Bbl of crude oil to six Mcf of natural gas.
Mmcf--One million cubic feet.
Mmcfe--One million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
Natural Gas and Oil Lease--An instrument by which a mineral fee owner grants
to a lessee the right for a specific period of time to explore for natural gas
and oil underlying the lands covered by the lease and the right to produce any
natural gas and oil so discovered generally for so long as there is production
in economic quantities from such lands.
Net Acres or Net Wells--The sum of the fractional working interests owned in
gross acres or gross wells.
NYMEX--New York Mercantile Exchange.
Overriding Royalty Interest--A fractional undivided interest in a natural
gas and oil property entitling the owner to a share of natural gas and oil
production, in addition to the usual royalty paid to the owner, free of costs
of production.
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PDNP--Proved developed, non-producing or behind the pipe reserves.
Productive Well--A well that is producing oil or natural gas or that is
capable of production.
Proved Developed Reserves--Reserves that can be expected to be recovered
through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
Proved Reserves--The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with
reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs
under existing economic and operating conditions.
Proved Undeveloped Reserves or PUD--Reserves that are expected to be
recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a
relatively major expenditure is required for completion.
PV-10--The discounted future net cash flows for proved natural gas and oil
reserves computed on the same basis as the Standardized Measure, but without
deducting income taxes, which is not in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. PV-10 is an important financial measure for evaluating
the relative significance of natural gas and oil properties and acquisitions,
but should not be construed as an alternative to the SEC PV-10 (as determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles).
Reserve Life--The estimated productive life of a proved reservoir based upon
the economic limit of such reservoir producing hydrocarbons in paying
quantities assuming certain price and cost parameters. For purposes of this
Offering Memorandum, reserve life is calculated by dividing the Proved
Reserves (on an Mcfe basis), as of December 31, 1997 by pro forma production
volumes for the 12 months ended December 31, 1997.
Revolving Loan--A reducing revolving loan under the Existing Credit Facility
of up to $160.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to finance a portion
of the purchase price for the Amoco Acquisition, the acquisition and
development of natural gas and oil properties, letters of credit and general
corporate purposes.
Royalty Interest--An interest in a natural gas and oil property entitling
the owner to a share of natural gas and oil production free of costs of
production.
Secondary Recovery--A method of natural gas and oil extraction in which
energy sources extrinsic to the reservoir are utilized.
Senior Secured Discount Notes--Parent's Senior Secured Discount Notes, due
May 1, 2006, in the aggregate principal amount of $104.0 million.
Series A Preferred Stock--Parent's 37,000 shares of non-voting Senior
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.05 per share, having a
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share issued on January 23, 1998.
Series B Preferred Stock--Parent's 50,000 shares of non-voting Senior
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $0.05 per share, having a
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share to be issued concurrently with the
sale of the Notes.
Standardized Measure--The estimated future net cash flows from proved
natural gas and oil reserves computed using prices and costs, at the dates
indicated, after income taxes and discounted at 10%.
The Recapitalization--A series of transactions including, among others, the
reorganization of Parent through the creation of the Company as a wholly owned
subsidiary and the transfer to the Company of all of Parent's natural gas and
oil properties, the consummation of the Chesapeake Transaction, the issuance
of the Notes and Senior Secured Discount Notes, the redemption of Parent's 12
1/4% Senior Notes, Series A Preferred Stock and repayment of all outstanding
indebtedness under the Existing Credit Facility and the execution and delivery
of the Credit Facility to provide for an initial borrowing availability of
$25.0 million.
Undeveloped Acreage--Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or
completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities
of natural gas and oil regardless of whether such acreage contains proved
reserves.
Working Interest--The operating interest which gives the owner the right to
drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of
production, subject to all royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens
and to all costs of exploration, development and operations and all risks in
connection therewith.
113
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants......................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 1997............................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997..................................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, Years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997............................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997..................................................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................ F-7
</TABLE>
See "Information Incorporated By Reference" herein for a description of
periodic reports filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act by
Gothic, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter
ended March 31, 1998, which are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference.
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gothic Energy Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Gothic Energy
Corporation and subsidiaries ("Gothic") as of December 31, 1997 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of Gothic's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Gothic Energy
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
As discussed in Note 3, subsequent to year end, Gothic completed a
significant acquisition of natural gas and oil properties. The associated
financing included preferred stock and bank debt, a portion of which was
financed on a short-term basis, all of which Gothic is attempting to
refinance.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 13, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
------ ---------- ------------
(UNAUDITED
SEE NOTE 14)
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 16,722 $ 6,199
Available-for-sale investments....................... 406 406
Natural gas and oil receivables...................... 3,200 2,844
Receivable from officers and employees............... 82 82
Other................................................ 78 1,878
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS............................... 20,488 11,409
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Natural gas and oil properties on full cost method:
Properties being amortized......................... 94,168 334,104
Unproved properties not subject to amortization.... 2,103 2,103
Deposit for natural gas and oil property
acquisition......................................... 23,750 --
Gas gathering and processing system.................. 5,404 --
Equipment, furniture and fixtures.................... 558 558
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization........................................ (9,456) (9,229)
-------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET.......................... 116,527 327,536
OTHER ASSETS, NET...................................... 1,360 7,407
NOTE RECEIVABLE FROM OFFICER AND DIRECTOR.............. 167 167
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................... $138,542 $346,519
======== ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable trade............................... $ 2,081 $ 2,081
Revenues payable..................................... 1,553 1,553
Accrued interest expense............................. 4,018 4,018
Accrued liabilities.................................. 182 182
Current portion of long-term debt.................... -- 78,500
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES.......................... 7,834 86,334
LONG-TERM DEBT......................................... 123,750 231,934
Less: Unamortized discount and loan costs............ (5,250) (5,250)
Less: Senior Notes in Treasury, at cost.............. (796) (796)
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET.................................... 117,704 225,888
GAS IMBALANCE LIABILITY................................ 551 6,639
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES 5 AND 9)
SERIES A REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, PAR VALUE $.05,
issued and outstanding 0 and 37,000 shares............ -- 33,909
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value $.05, authorized 500,000
shares.............................................. -- --
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 100,000,000
shares; issued and outstanding 16,261,640 shares.... 162 162
Additional paid in capital........................... 36,043 38,139
Accumulated deficit.................................. (23,462) (44,262)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments.... (121) (121)
Note receivable...................................... (169) (169)
-------- --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY......................... 12,453 (6,251)
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY......... $138,542 $346,519
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-3
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Natural gas and oil sales.................................. $10,385 $17,418
Gas system revenue......................................... -- 4,562
Well operations............................................ 1,062 1,283
------- -------
Total revenues............................................. 11,447 23,263
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Lease operating expense.................................... 4,807 6,860
Gas system expense......................................... -- 3,501
Depletion, depreciation and amortization................... 2,856 5,791
General and administrative expense......................... 1,782 2,318
Provision for impairment of natural gas and oil proper-
ties...................................................... 5,050 --
------- -------
Operating income (loss)...................................... (3,048) 4,793
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs..... (1,528) (8,800)
Interest and other income.................................... 68 330
------- -------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.............. $(4,508) (3,677)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT........................................... 2,993 --
------- -------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM............................... (1,515) (3,677)
LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT (NOTE 4)................ 1,433 907
------- -------
NET LOSS..................................................... $(2,948) $(4,584)
PREFERRED DIVIDEND ($47.65 PER PREFERRED SHARE).............. 381 264
PREFERRED DIVIDEND--AMORTIZATION OF PREFERRED DISCOUNT....... 791 --
------- -------
NET LOSS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON SHARES......................... $(4,120) $(4,848)
======= =======
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM, BASIC
AND DILUTED................................................. $ (.23) $ (.28)
======= =======
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED..................... $ (.35) $ (.35)
======= =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING................... 11,663 14,019
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED
LOSS ON SALE OF
COMMON PREFERRED ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE-FOR- TOTAL
SHARES SHARES COMMON PREFERRED PAID-IN ACCUMULATED SALE NOTE STOCKHOLDERS'
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING STOCK STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT INVESTMENTS RECEIVABLE EQUITY
----------- ----------- ------ --------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER
31, 1995........ 5,502 -- $ 55 $ -- $13,965 $(14,494) $ -- $ -- $ (474)
Issuance of
common stock in
public
offering....... 7,635 -- 76 -- 12,890 -- -- -- 12,966
Return of stock
with Stratum
repayment...... (954) -- (10) -- -- -- -- -- (10)
Issuance of
preferred
stock.......... -- 6 -- -- 5,287 -- -- -- 5,287
Preferred stock
placement fee.. 29 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of
common stock
with Quest
financing...... 40 -- 1 -- 62 -- -- -- 63
Issuance of
common stock on
conversion of
debt........... 14 -- -- -- 28 -- -- -- 28
Issuance of
common stock in
connection with
property
acquisition.... 116 -- 1 -- 299 -- -- -- 300
Preferred stock
dividends
($68.75 per
preferred
share)......... -- -- -- -- -- (381) -- -- (381)
Preferred
dividend--
amortization
of discount.... -- -- -- -- 791 (791) -- -- --
Net loss........ -- -- -- -- -- (2,948) -- -- (2,948)
------ --- ---- ----- ------- -------- ----- ----- -------
BALANCE, AT
DECEMBER 31,
1996............ 12,382 6 123 -- 33,322 (18,614) -- -- 14,831
Issuance of
common stock on
exercise of
note extension
warrants....... 35 -- -- -- 35 -- -- -- 35
Issuance of
common stock on
conversion of
debt........... 14 -- -- -- 28 -- -- -- 28
Issuance of
common stock on
exercise of
Quest
warrants....... 300 -- 3 -- 297 -- -- -- 300
Warrants issued
in connection
with property
acquisition.... -- -- -- -- 254 -- -- -- 254
Issuance of
common stock
with bridge
financing...... 450 -- 5 1,059 -- -- -- 1,064
Issuance of
common stock on
conversion of
preferred
stock.......... 3,055 (6) 31 -- (31) -- -- -- --
Costs related to
form S-3
registration
statement...... -- -- -- -- (153) -- -- -- (153)
Warrants issued
in connection
with Senior
Notes
Offering....... -- -- -- -- 1,190 -- -- -- 1,190
Issuance of
common stock on
exercise of
option......... 5 -- -- -- 10 -- -- -- 10
Issuance of
common stock as
employee
bonuses........ 21 -- -- -- 32 -- -- -- 32
Preferred stock
dividends
($47.65 per
preferred
Share)......... -- -- -- -- -- (264) -- -- (264)
Net loss........ -- -- -- -- -- (4,584) -- -- (4,584)
Unrealized loss
on available-
for-sale
investments.... -- -- -- -- -- -- (121) -- (121)
Advance to
officer to
purchase
stock.......... -- -- -- (169) (169)
------ --- ---- ----- ------- -------- ----- ----- -------
BALANCE, AT
DECEMBER 31,
1997............ 16,262 -- $162 $ -- $36,043 $(23,462) $(121) $(169) $12,453
====== === ==== ===== ======= ======== ===== ===== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
<PAGE>
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss................................................. $ (2,948) $ (4,584)
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO NET CASH PROVIDED
BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization................. 2,856 5,791
Amortization of discount and loan costs.................. 69 1,804
Provision for impairment of natural gas and oil
properties.............................................. 5,050 --
Deferred income tax benefit.............................. (2,993) --
Loss on early extinguishment of debt..................... 1,433 907
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
Increase in accounts receivable.......................... (1,552) (428)
Decrease in other current assets......................... 13 1
Increase in accounts and revenues payable................ 894 317
Decrease in gas imbalance payable........................ -- (737)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities............... (565) 3,688
Decrease in other assets................................. 339 310
-------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.................. $ 2,596 $ 7,069
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in notes receivable from officers and direc-
tors.................................................... -- (336)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments............... -- (527)
Proceeds from sale of investment......................... 200 --
Proceeds from collection of note receivable.............. 123 --
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment............. 3,111 4,276
Purchase of property and equipment....................... (17,455) (83,440)
Property development costs............................... (1,177) (6,141)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired............ (17,593) --
-------- --------
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES...................... $(32,791) $(86,168)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings...................... -- 14,500
Payments of short-term borrowings........................ (1,560) (14,500)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings....................... 26,528 160,347
Payments of long-term borrowings......................... (11,258) (61,864)
Purchase of senior notes for treasury.................... -- (796)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net.................. 13,141 --
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net............... 3,998 --
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants.......... -- 345
Payment of loan fees..................................... -- (2,084)
Payment of preferred dividends........................... (173) (264)
Other.................................................... (432) (70)
-------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES.................. $ 30,244 $ 95,614
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.................... 49 16,515
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD............. 158 207
-------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD................... $ 207 $ 16,722
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST PAID................... $ 1,387 $ 7,011
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-6
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. GENERAL AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS--The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Gothic Energy Corporation, the "Parent", and its
subsidiaries, Gothic Energy of Texas, Inc. ("Gothic Texas"), since its
inception in 1995 and Gothic Gas Corporation ("Gothic Gas"), since its
inception in 1997 (together "Gothic"). All significant intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated. Gothic is primarily engaged in the
business of acquiring, developing and exploiting natural gas and oil reserves
in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Kansas. Substantially all of Gothic's
natural gas and oil reserves are being sold regionally in the "spot market" or
under short-term contracts, not extending beyond twelve months.
USE OF ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In
addition, accrued and deferred lease operating expenses, gas imbalance
liabilities, natural gas and oil reserves (see note 13) and the tax valuation
allowance (see note 7) also include significant estimates which, in the near
term, could materially differ from the amounts ultimately realized.
CASH EQUIVALENTS--Cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts held in
banks, money market funds and other highly liquid investments with a maturity
of three months or less at date of purchase.
INVESTMENTS--Gothic applies the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" ("SFAS No. 115"). Under SFAS No. 115, Gothic classifies its
investment securities into one of three categories: trading, available-for-
sale, or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally
for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity are those
debt securities which Gothic has the ability and intent to hold until
maturity. All other securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are
classified as available-for-sale. At December 31, 1997, all of Gothic's
investments are classified as available-for-sale.
Available-for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding
gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate
component of stockholders' equity until realized. A decline in the market
value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than
temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost
basis for the security. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and
are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost
of securities sold.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK--Financial instruments which potentially
subject Gothic to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash,
cash equivalents and trade receivables. Gothic's accounts receivable are
primarily from the purchasers (See Note 11--Major Customers) of natural gas
and oil products and exploration and production companies which own interests
in properties operated by Gothic. The industry concentration has the potential
to impact Gothic's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or
negatively, in that the customers may be similarly affected by changes in
economic, industry or other conditions. Gothic generally does not require
collateral from customers. The cash and cash equivalents are with major banks
or institutions with high credit ratings. At December 31, 1997, Gothic had a
concentration of cash of $1,400,000 with three banks, which was in excess of
federally insured limits.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS--The following disclosure of the
estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with the
requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107,
"Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments". The estimated fair
value amounts have been determined by Gothic using available market
information. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to
develop the estimates of fair value. The use of different market assumptions
or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair
value amounts.
F-7
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The carrying values of items comprising current assets and current
liabilities approximate fair values due to the short-term maturities of these
instruments. Gothic estimates the fair value of its 12 1/4% Senior Notes using
estimated market prices. Gothic's carrying amount for such debt at December
31, 1997, was $98,071,000, compared to an approximate fair value of
$106,197,000. The carrying value of other long-term debt approximates its fair
value as interest rates are primarily variable, based on prevailing market
rates.
HEDGING ACTIVITIES--Gothic has only limited involvement with derivative
financial instruments, as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 119 "Disclosure About Derivative Financil Instruments and Fair
Value of Financial Instruments", and does not use them for trading purposes.
Gothic's objective is to hedge a portion of its exposure to price volatility
from producing natural gas. These arrangements may expose Gothic to credit
risk from its counterparty.
During 1996 and 1997, Gothic entered into agreements with a gas purchaser to
hedge a portion of its monthly gas production in an effort to reduce the
effects of the volatility of the price of natural gas on Gothic's operations,
and to adhere to requirements called for under Gothic's Credit Facility. Under
the agreements, the difference between the current value of Gothic's gas
sales, based upon the spot market price, and a fixed price was received or
paid by Gothic.
At December 31, 1997, Gothic had swap agreements relating to the sale of
5,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.55 per Mcf and 15,000 Mcf of natural gas
per day at a price of $2.45 per Mcf during the period January 1, 1998 through
March 31, 1998. At December 31, 1997, all swap contracts relating to the sale
of natural gas were designated as hedges; therefore, any gains and losses on
such contracts will be included in natural gas and oil sales in 1998 when the
gas is sold. Gothic estimates that had all of the natural gas swap agreements
in effect for production periods beginning on or after January 1, 1998
terminated on December 31, 1997, based on the closing prices for NYMEX futures
contracts as of that date, Gothic would have received a net amount of
approximately $747,000 from the counterparty which would have represented the
estimated "fair value" at that date. These agreements were not terminated.
Gothic had no swap agreements or other open futures contracts at December 31,
1996.
In February 1998, Gothic entered into swap agreements related to the sale of
30,000 Mcf per day for the month of March 1998 at $2.16 per Mcf and 62,000 Mcf
per day during the period April 1, 1998 through October 31, 1998 at an average
price of $2.09 per Mcf. Of this 62,000 Mcf per day, 25,000 Mcf is subject to a
"call spread" agreement which provides that Gothic will receive additional
payments for 25,000 Mcf if the actual sales price of natural gas is between
$2.30 and $2.70 per Mcf during the period. The swap agreements for the month
of March 1998 and the period April through October 1998 cover approximately
55% and 69%, respectively, of Gothic's current natural gas production. In
addition, Gothic has entered into a "floor" agreement relating to the sale of
60,000 Mcf per day at a price of $2.10 per Mcf for the period of November 1,
1998 to March 31, 1999.
NATURAL GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES--Gothic accounts for its natural gas and oil
exploration and development activities using the full cost method of
accounting prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
Accordingly, all productive and non-productive costs incurred in connection
with the acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and oil
reserves are capitalized and depleted using the units-of-production method
based on proved natural gas and oil reserves. Gothic capitalizes costs
including: salaries and related fringe benefits of employees and/or
consultants directly engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development
of natural gas and oil properties, as well as other directly identifiable
general and administrative costs associated with such activities. Such costs
do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead, or
similar activities.
F-8
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Gothic's natural gas and oil reserves are estimated annually by independent
petroleum engineers. Gothic's calculation of depreciation, depletion and
amortization ("DD&A") includes estimated future expenditures to be incurred in
developing proved reserves and estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs,
net of salvage values. The average composite rate used for DD&A of natural gas
and oil properties was $.64 and $.72 per Mcfe in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
DD&A of natural gas and oil properties amounted to $2,820,000 and $5,530,000
in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
In the event the unamortized cost of natural gas and oil properties being
amortized exceeds the full cost ceiling as defined by the SEC, the excess is
charged to expense in the period during which such excess occurs. The full
cost ceiling is based principally on the estimated future discounted net cash
flows from Gothic's natural gas and oil properties. Gothic recorded a
$5,050,000 provision for impairment of natural gas and oil properties at March
31, 1996. As a result of the $5,050,000 impairment provision and an aggregate
of $2,850,000 of Buttonwood deposits written off in 1995, Gothic recorded a
tax benefit of $2,993,000 which offset the deferred tax liability related to
the acquired Buttonwood natural gas and oil properties. As discussed in Note
13, estimates of natural gas and oil reserves are imprecise. While no such
impairment provisions were recorded in 1997, changes in the estimates or
declines in natural gas and oil prices could cause Gothic in the near-term to
reduce the carrying value of its natural gas and oil properties.
Sales and abandonments of properties are accounted for as adjustments of
capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized unless a significant amount
of reserves is involved. Since all of Gothic's natural gas and oil properties
are located in the United States, a single cost center is used.
GAS SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES--Equipment, furniture and
fixtures are stated at cost and are depreciated on the straight-line method
over their estimated useful lives which range from three to seven years. The
gas gathering and processing system is also stated at cost and is depreciated
on the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 20 years.
DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS--Debt issuance costs, including the original issue
discount, associated with the Company's 12 1/4% Senior Notes Due 2004 are
amortized and included in interest expense using the interest method over the
term of the notes. The unamortized portion of debt issuance costs associated
with Gothic's Credit Facility is included in other assets and amortized and
included in interest expense using the straight-line method over the term of
the Facility. Amortization of debt issuance costs for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1997 amounted to $69,000 and $1,804,000, respectively.
NATURAL GAS AND OIL SALES AND NATURAL GAS BALANCING--Gothic uses the sales
method for recording natural gas sales. Gothic's oil and condensate production
is sold, title passed, and revenue recognized at or near its wells under
short-term purchase contracts at prevailing prices in accordance with
arrangements which are customary in the oil industry. Sales of gas applicable
to Gothic's interest in producing natural gas and oil leases are recorded as
revenues when the gas is metered and title transferred pursuant to the gas
sales contracts covering its interest in gas reserves. During such times as
Gothic's sales of gas exceed its pro rata ownership in a well, such sales are
recorded as revenues unless total sales from the well have exceeded Gothic's
share of estimated total gas reserves underlying the property at which time
such excess is recorded as a gas imbalance liability. At December 31, 1997,
total sales exceeded Gothic's share of estimated total gas reserves on fifteen
wells by $229,000 (98,000 Mcf), based on the year end "spot market" price of
natural gas. The gas imbalance liability has been classified in the balance
sheet as non-current, as Gothic does not expect to settle the liability during
the next twelve months.
Gothic has recorded deferred charges for estimated lease operating expenses
incurred in connection with its underproduced gas imbalance position. At
December 31, 1997, cumulative total gas sales volumes for
F-9
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
underproduced wells were less than Gothic's pro-rata share of total gas
production from these wells by 1,054,000 Mcf, resulting in prepaid lease
operating expenses of $759,000, which are included in other assets in the
accompanying balance sheet. The rate used to calculate the deferred charge is
the average annual production costs per Mcf.
In addition, Gothic has recorded accrued charges for estimated lease
operating expenses incurred in connection with its overproduced gas imbalance
position. At December 31, 1997, cumulative total gas sales volumes for
overproduced wells exceeded Gothic's pro-rata share of total gas production
from these wells by 446,000 Mcf, resulting in accrued lease operating expenses
of $322,000, which are included in the gas imbalance liability in the
accompanying balance sheet. The rate used to calculate the accrued liability
is the average annual production costs per Mcf.
INCOME TAXES--Gothic applies the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109").
Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax liabilities or assets arise from the
temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities, and
their basis for financial reporting, and are subject to tests of realizability
in the case of deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is provided for
deferred tax assets to the extent realization is not judged to be more likely
than not.
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE--Loss per common share before extraordinary item and
loss per common share are computed in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128 ("FAS 128"), which is effective for reporting
periods ending after December 15, 1997. FAS 128 requires the restatement of
prior year's loss per share to conform to the new standard. Presented on the
Consolidated Statements of Operations is a reconciliation of loss available to
common shareholders. There is no difference between actual weighted average
shares outstanding, which are used in computing basic loss per share and
diluted weighted average shares, which are used in computing diluted loss per
share because the effect of outstanding options and warrants would be
antidilutive. (See Note 6 for options and warrants outstanding during 1996 and
1997 and options still outstanding at December 31, 1997, which were not
included in the computation of diluted loss per share.)
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION--Gothic applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25 in accounting for its stock option plans. Under this standard, no
compensation expense is recognized for grants of options which include an
exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the stock on the
date of grant. Accordingly, based on Gothic's grants in 1996 and 1997, no
compensation expense has been recognized.
NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS
The cost and estimated market values of available-for-sale securities at
December 31, 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
--------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS APPROXIMATE
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED MARKET
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Equities........................... $527 $ -- $121 $406
==== ===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Net unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities of $121,000
are included as a separate component of stockholders' equity in 1997.
F-10
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTE 3. NATURAL GAS AND OIL PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
ACQUISITIONS SUBSEQUENT TO YEAR-END 1997
AMOCO ACQUISITION--On January 23, 1998, Gothic completed the acquisition
from Amoco Production Company ("Amoco"), a subsidiary of Amoco Corporation, of
certain producing natural gas properties, located in the Anadarko and Arkoma
Basins of Oklahoma. The purchase price was $237,500,000, subject to certain
post-closing adjustments. Amoco also received warrants to purchase 1,500,000
shares of Parent common stock for $3.00 per share, with an estimated fair
value at the date of acquisition of $1,155,000 and certain producing
properties having a value of less than $1,800,000. The acquisition and related
fees and expenses were financed through a new credit facility with Bank One,
Texas, NA. ("Bank One") (See Note 4) and the issuance of $37,000,000 of Series
A Preferred Stock (See Note 6). Gothic acquired interests in 821 gross wells
and assumed operations of 291 of the properties. Gothic will also receive
approximately 10,000 net undeveloped acres located throughout the Anadarko
Basin area as well as substantial mineral and overriding royalty interests.
Gothic paid a deposit of $23,750,000 toward the purchase price in November
1997. (See also Note 14).
ACQUISITIONS DURING 1997
HS ACQUISITION--On September 9, 1997, Gothic acquired from two affiliates of
HS Resources, Inc. ("HS") various working interests in a total of
approximately 250 natural gas and oil producing wells located in New Mexico
and Oklahoma (the "HS Acquisition"). The purchase price for the properties
(the "HS Properties") was approximately $27,500,000, plus the transfer of
certain producing properties owned by Gothic having a value of less than
$1,000,000. The New Mexico properties acquired from HS consist of working
interests in approximately 100 wells located in four fields in Chavez and Eddy
counties in the Delaware/Permian basin. Gothic operates 92 of these wells. The
Oklahoma properties acquired from HS consist of working interests in
approximately 150 wells located in various fields in the Anadarko Basin where
Gothic has other operations. Gothic operates 50 of these wells.
KERR-MCGEE ACQUISITION--On August 12, 1997, Gothic acquired from Kerr-McGee
Corporation ("Kerr-McGee") various working interests and royalty interests in
162 wells located in Canadian and Grady Counties, Oklahoma for approximately
$3,600,000. Gothic is the operator of 16 of these wells.
FINA ACQUISITION--On May 15,1997, Gothic acquired from Fina Oil and Chemical
Company various working interests in 20 producing gas wells located in Beaver
County, Oklahoma and Clarke County, Kansas. The purchase price was $3,350,000.
Gothic operates all 20 producing wells.
NORSE ACQUISITION--On February 18, 1997, Gothic acquired from Norse
Exploration, Inc., and Norse Pipeline, Inc. (collectively, "Norse"), various
working interests in 11 natural gas and oil producing properties and, through
the acquisition of the outstanding capital stock of Norse Pipeline, Inc., its
40.09% general partnership interest in the Sycamore Gas System (the "Sycamore
System"), an Oklahoma gathering system, processing plant and storage facility.
The natural gas and oil wells and the gathering system are located in the
Springer Field in Carter County, Oklahoma. The total purchase price was
$10,750,000, plus two-year warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of the Parent's
Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $2.50. The estimated fair value
of such warrants at the date of acquisition was approximately $254,000.
HUFFMAN ACQUISITION--Gothic also on February 18, 1997, acquired from H.
Huffman & Company ("Huffman"), an Oklahoma limited partnership, various
working interests in 13 natural gas and oil producing properties and an
additional 10.97% interest in the Sycamore System. The natural gas and oil
wells are located
F-11
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
in the same producing area as the properties acquired from Norse. The total
purchase price for the assets acquired was $3,950,000.
HORIZON ACQUISITION--Gothic also acquired, on February 18, 1997, from
Horizon Gas Partners, L.P. and HSRTW, Inc. (collectively, "Horizon"), various
working and royalty interests in approximately 100 natural gas and oil
producing properties. The producing properties are located in Major and Blaine
counties of Oklahoma. The purchase price was $10,000,000.
ACQUISITIONS DURING 1996
ATHENA ACQUISITION--On December 27, 1996, Gothic completed an acquisition
from Athena Energy, Inc. of various working interests in 85 producing natural
gas and oil properties (the "Athena Acquisition"). Gothic operates
approximately 30 of the wells. The purchase price for the properties acquired
was approximately $4,200,000. Substantially all of the properties acquired are
located in western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.
VARIOUS WORKING INTEREST ACQUISITIONS--On August 5, 1996, Gothic completed
the acquisition, from various sellers, of working interests in approximately
120 wells in the Anadarko Basin of Western Oklahoma, and the Arkoma Basin of
Eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas (the "Working Interest Acquisitions"). Gothic
operates 70 of the wells in which the interests were acquired. The aggregate
purchase price for these wells was $3,270,000.
STRATUM ACQUISITION--On May 20, 1996, Gothic acquired from Stratum Group
Energy Capital, L.P. and Stratum Corp. (the "Stratum Acquisition"), the
overriding royalty interest of 7% of the net revenues derived from the
properties acquired in the Johnson Ranch financing provided by Stratum to
Gothic in May 1995 for the Johnson Ranch Acquisition. The purchase price was
$800,000.
COMSTOCK ACQUISITION--On May 16, 1996, Gothic completed the acquisition,
from Comstock Oil and Gas, Inc. and Comstock Offshore Energy, Inc. (the
"Comstock Acquisition"), of various working interests in 145 producing natural
gas and oil properties. Gothic operates 70 of the wells. The purchase price
for the properties acquired was $6,430,000. Substantially all of the
properties acquired are located in the Anadarko Basin of western Oklahoma and
the Arkoma Basin of eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.
BUTTONWOOD ACQUISITION--On January 30, 1996 Gothic completed the acquisition
of Buttonwood Energy Corporation ("Buttonwood"). Concurrently with entering
into an option agreement with Buttonwood on September 27, 1995 for $1,000,000,
the parties terminated without being exercised a similar option purchased by
Gothic in March 1995 for $1,850,000. Gothic recorded a loss on termination of
these options in 1995, with the $1,000,000 recorded as an impairment of
natural gas and oil properties. The aggregate purchase price was $18,009,000
including acquisition costs of $389,000.
The transaction was financed with proceeds from a public offering of the
Parent's common stock, the sale of preferred stock, a bridge financing and the
establishment of a credit facility with Bank One, Texas. The public offering
and the preferred financing generated net proceeds of $17,216,000. The
remaining purchase price was paid out of the proceeds from the Bank One, Texas
Credit Facility.
All of the above noted acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase
method and, accordingly, results of operations of the acquired properties are
included in Gothic's results of operations since the respective dates of the
acquisitions.
F-12
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS--Management of Gothic reviews the properties acquired
and from time to time disposes of wells that are deemed to be unprofitable,
fail to meet management's operating requirements or, under certain
circumstances, are operated by other parties. During 1997, Gothic disposed of
various interests in an aggregate of approximately 450 properties for a total
sales price of $3,993,000. All of such proceeds were used for working capital
purposes. During 1996, Gothic disposed of various interests in an aggregate of
approximately 500 properties for a total sales price of $3,111,000. Of such
amount, $2,402,000 was applied to reduce outstanding indebtedness and $709,000
was used for working capital purposes.
The following reflects the unaudited proforma results of operations assuming
the 1996 and 1997 acquisitions and disposition had all been consummated on
January 1, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................................. 29,209 26,944
Operating income...................................... 3,996 7,250
Loss before extraordinary item........................ (6,543) (6,047)
Net loss.............................................. (7,716) (6,311)
Basic and diluted loss per common share............... (.64) (.45)
</TABLE>
NOTE 4. FINANCING ACTIVITIES
CREDIT FACILITY
On January 19, 1996, Gothic entered into a Loan Agreement with Bank One,
(the "Initial Credit Facility"), which reflecting subsequent amendments,
enabled Gothic to borrow, from time to time and, subject to meeting certain
borrowing base requirements and other conditions, a maximum aggregate of
$25,000,000, consisting of a $20,000,000 revolving loan and a $5,000,000
acquisition note.
On February 17, 1997, Gothic and Bank One, entered into a Restated Loan
Agreement (the "Prior Credit Facility") which enabled Gothic to borrow, from
time to time and, subject to meeting certain borrowing base requirements and
other conditions, a maximum aggregate of $75,000,000. The aggregate available
to be borrowed under the Prior Credit Facility was comprised of a $35,100,000
borrowing availability (the "borrowing base") based on Gothic's natural gas
and oil reserves, a $10,000,000 special advance facility (the "Special Advance
Facility") and a $2,000,000 special drilling facility (the "Special Drilling
Facility").
On September 9, 1997, Gothic repaid in full the outstanding borrowings under
the Prior Credit Facility with a portion of proceeds from the issuance of $100
million principal amount of 12 1/4% Senior Notes due 2004 ("Senior Notes").
See Note 5. The transaction resulted in a loss on early extinguishment of debt
of $907,000 ($.07 per weighted average share outstanding) and is shown as an
extraordinary item in the 1997 Statement of Operations.
In September 1997, Gothic entered into a substantially revised Prior Credit
Facility with Bank One consisting of a revolving line of credit with an
initial borrowing base of $30,000,000. At December 31, 1997, Gothic had
$23,750,000 borrowed under the Prior Credit Facility which was used for a
downpayment on the Amoco Acquisition. The facility matures January 30, 1999.
On January 23, 1998, Gothic entered into a Second Restated Loan Agreement
(the "Credit Facility") with Bank One, as principal and as agent for a
syndicate of lenders, which agreement replaced Gothic's credit facility
entered into in January 1996 and revised in February and September 1997. The
Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan with a lending commitment of
$160,000,000, subject to a monthly commitment
F-13
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
reduction of $2,000,000 commencing February 1, 1998 (the "Revolving Loan"),
and a bridge loan (the "Bridge Loan") with a lending commitment of
$60,000,000. The initial borrowing base under the Revolving Loan is
$160,000,000. Proceeds of $156,400,000 under the Revolving Loan and the
$60,000,000 Bridge Loan were used to finance a portion of the purchase price
for the Amoco Acquisition. The Bridge Loan is due and payable on June 30, 1998
and is subject to prepayment out of Gothic's excess cash flow, as defined.
Failure to repay the $60,000,000 Bridge Loan when due would be an event of
default under Gothic's Credit Facility which would result in the entire
indebtedness under the Credit Facility becoming immediately due and payable.
In such event, the lenders could assert their rights as secured creditors and
foreclose on Gothic's assets. In addition, such event of default would also be
an event of default under Gothic's 12 1/4% Senior Notes resulting in such
notes becoming immediately due and payable. See Note 5.
Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is payable monthly
calculated at the Bank One Base Rate, as determined from time to time by Bank
One, provided, however, so long as the Bridge Loan is outstanding interest on
the Revolving Loan is at the Base Rate plus 0.5% and interest on the Bridge
Loan is at the Base Rate plus 1.0% through March 31, 1998 and at the Base Rate
plus 2% thereafter. Gothic may elect to calculate interest under a London
Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.5%, if less than 50% of the borrowing
base is utilized, up to plus 2% if more than 75% of the borrowing base is
utilized, provided, however, so long as the Bridge Loan is outstanding the
LIBOR rate is plus 3.0%. The interest rate under the Credit Facility is
subject to a 1.0% increase in the event Gothic fails to fulfill timely certain
agreements relating to obtaining additional capital. Gothic is required to pay
a fee on the unused portion of the lending commitment equal to 1/2% per annum.
Under the Credit Facility, the lenders hold liens on substantially all of
Gothic's natural gas and oil properties, whether currently owned or hereafter
acquired, including the properties acquired in the Amoco Acquisition. The
Credit Facility requires, among other things, semi-annual engineering reports
covering natural gas and oil reserves on the basis of which semi-annual and
other redeterminations of the borrowing base and monthly commitment reduction
will be made. The Credit Facility also includes various affirmative and
negative covenants, including, among others, (i) prohibitions against
additional indebtedness unless approved by the lenders, subject to certain
exceptions, (ii) prohibitions against the creation of liens on the assets of
Gothic, subject to certain exceptions, (iii) prohibitions against cash
dividends, (iv) maintaining certain hedging positions and interest rate
protection agreements satisfactory to Bank One, (v) prohibitions on asset
sales, subject to certain exceptions, (vi) restrictions on mergers or
consolidations, (vii) a requirement to maintain a ratio of current assets to
current liabilities of 1.0 to 1.0, (viii) a requirement to maintain on a
quarterly basis a minimum tangible net worth of at least (a) $45,000,000 as of
January 23, 1998, and (b) $75,000,000 as of March 31, 1998, plus 50% of net
income, if positive, before extraordinary gains but after extraordinary
losses, for the period commending April 1, 1998, plus 100% of the net proceeds
from the issuance of common or preferred stock, (ix) a minimum interest
coverage ratio of not less than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the end of each quarter for
the preceding four quarters beginning with the quarter ended September 30,
1997 and increasing to 2.0 to 1.0 as of the end of each quarter for the
preceding four quarters beginning with the quarter ended September 30, 1998,
(x) issuance of common stock with proceeds of $65,000,000 by March 31, 1998,
and (xi) the escrow of interest payments due on Gothic's outstanding Senior
Notes. Events of default include the non-payment of principal, interest or
fees, a default under other outstanding indebtedness of Gothic, a breach of
Gothic's representations and warranties contained in the loan agreement,
material judgements, bankruptcy or insolvency, a default under certain
covenants not cured within a grace period, and a change in the management or
control of Gothic.
The amount of borrowings available to Gothic under the Credit Facility
depend upon the redetermination of Gothic's borrowing base by the Bank,
subject to the limits imposed by the lending commitment. The borrowing base is
subject to periodic redetermination, at the discretion of the Bank, based on a
review of Gothic's reserve and other information with the initial scheduled
review to occur on April 1, 1998. A reduction in the borrowing base could
require Gothic to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Loan in
excess of the redetermined borrowing base, and would limit available
borrowings thereunder.
F-14
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTES PAYABLE
In order to provide the funds necessary to complete the Norse, Huffman, and
Horizon acquisitions, on February 18, 1997 two accredited investors, as
defined under the Securities Act of 1933, loaned to Gothic the aggregate sum
of $4,500,000 represented by Gothic's promissory notes ("Bridge Financing").
Of the aggregate amount, $2,500,000 bore interest at 5% per annum and matured
on April 18, 1997, however, the lender extended the maturity date to September
30, 1997 for additional consideration of 200,000 shares of Parent's common
stock when the fair value of Parent's Common Stock was $2.25 per share with
respect to the first 100,000 shares and $1.81 per share with respect to the
second 100,000 shares. The remaining $2,000,000 bore interest at 12% per annum
and had a maturity date of October 31, 1997. As additional consideration for
making the loan, the investors also received a total of 250,000 shares of the
Parent's common stock when the fair market value of the Parent's common stock
was $2.63 per share. Also, Gothic paid a $250,000 fee for the $2,500,000
advance on the Bridge Financing.
On September 9, 1997, Gothic repaid the outstanding indebtedness under the
Bridge Financing plus accrued interest with a portion of the proceeds from the
issuance of Gothic's 12 1/4% Senior Notes.
NOTE 5. 12 1/4% SENIOR NOTES
On September 9, 1997, Gothic completed the sale of 100,000 units consisting
of an aggregate of $100,000,000 principal amount of 12 1/4% Senior Notes due
2004 and 1,400,000 Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,400,000 shares of
Common Stock of the Parent at a purchase price of $3.00 per share. The net
proceeds to Gothic from the sale of the units were approximately $95,729,000,
net of offering costs of $4,271,000, and were used to complete the HS
Acquisition for $27,500,000, repay the Bank One Prior Credit Facility balances
of $47,444,000, repay other indebtedness and accrued interest of $4,703,000
and apply approximately $16,082,000 to working capital. The estimated fair
value of the 1,400,000 warrants issued in connection with the offering was
$1,190,000. Such amount has been treated as an original issue discount, and
together with the offering costs is being amortized over the life of the
Senior Notes using the effective interest method.
The Senior Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 12 1/4%, payable
semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Senior
Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Gothic, ranking pari passu with all
existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness of Gothic, and senior in
right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness of Gothic. Subject to
certain limitations set forth in the indenture covering the Senior Notes (the
"Indenture"), the Parent and its subsidiaries may incur additional senior
indebtedness and other indebtedness.
The Indenture contains certain covenants limiting the Parent and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as defined, with respect to the following: (i) asset
sales; (ii) restricted payments; (iii) the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and the issuance of certain redeemable preferred stock; (iv)
liens; (v) sale and leaseback transactions; (vi) lines of business; (vii)
dividend and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries; (viii) mergers
and consolidations; and (ix) transactions with affiliates.
In the event the Parent consummates one or more Equity Offerings, as
defined, on or prior toSeptember 1, 1998, Gothic, at its option, may redeem up
to $25,000,000 of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with all
or a portion of the aggregate net proceeds received by the Parent from such
Equity Offering or Equity Offerings at a redemption price of 112.25% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes so redeemed, plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date; provided, however, that
following such redemption, at lease $75,000,000 of the aggregate principal
amount of the Senior Notes remains outstanding.
F-15
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Upon a Change of Control, as defined, Gothic will be required, subject to
certain conditions, to offer to repurchase all outstanding Senior Notes at
101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
date of purchase.
The Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed ("the Guarantee") by the two
subsidiaries of the Parent, Gothic Energy of Texas, Inc. and Gothic Gas
Corporation ("Guarantors"). The Guarantee is a general unsecured senior
obligation of the Guarantors, ranking pari passu with all existing and future
subordinated indebtedness of the Guarantors. The Indenture provides that all
existing and future Restricted Subsidiaries shall enter into the Guarantee.
In connection with obtaining consents to the amendment of Gothic's
outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes, the Parent agreed to raise a total of at
least $45,000,000 of equity by February 28, 1998 and at least $100,000,000
from the sale of senior subordinated notes by March 31, 1998. In the event the
Parent fails to comply with either of these agreements, until such conditions
are met, the interest rate on the 12 1/4% Senior Notes will increase by 1%
until the additional equity is raised and also by 1% until the senior
subordinated notes are sold, provided, if the senior subordinated notes are
not sold by June 30, 1998, the interest rate on the12 1/4% Senior Notes will
increase by 2% until such senior subordinated notes are sold. Such additional
equity was not sold by February 28, 1998, and, accordingly, the interest rate
increased to 13 1/4%. Pursuant to such consents, the holder of the 12 1/4%
Senior Notes agreed that the Parent will have the right to redeem such notes
through March 31, 1998 at 100% of the principal amount thereof and at 101% of
the principal amount thereof through April 30, 1998 when such redemption right
will expire.
In November 1997, Gothic purchased $796,000 (face value) of its 12 1/4%
Senior Notes. The market value of these notes was $803,000 as of December 31,
1997. The cost has been treated as treasury bonds and reported as a reduction
of long-term debt on the balance sheet as of December 31, 1997 and the related
interest income and interest expense of $15,000 has been eliminated from the
1997 statement of operations.
NOTE 6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK OFFERING--On January 30, 1996, the Parent
completed a public offering of 2,545,000 Units at a price of $6.00 per Unit.
Each Unit consisted of three shares of the Parent's common stock and three
five year redeemable common stock purchase warrants, each redeemable for one
share of common stock at $2.40 per share. The offering netted Gothic
approximately $12,970,000, all of which was applied to the purchase of
Buttonwood. In connection with the offering, the Underwriter was granted an
option to acquire 230,000 Underwriter Units exercisable at a price of $9.90
per Unit.
Also on January 30, 1996, the Parent completed a preferred stock financing
of 5,540 shares of the Company's 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock. Additionally, 28,667 shares of common stock were issued as a placement
fee related to the preferred stock offering. The financing included 1,290
shares issued to Quest Capital Corporation in exchange for $1,290,000
principal amount of the Quest Note, and the sale for cash of 4,250 shares, for
an aggregate cash price of $4,250,000 (net of fees of $253,000). The 5,540
shares of 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock were convertible
commencing December 31, 1996, into shares of the Parent's Common Stock at a
conversion price per share of Common Stock equal to the lessor of (i) $2.00 or
(ii) a price equal to the average of the closing prices of the Parent's Common
stock during the 30 business days prior to the day the shares are converted
less a discount of 12%. During 1997, the Parent issued an aggregate of
3,054,783 shares of its common stock upon conversion of all 5,540 shares of
its 7 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Due to the fact that the
preferred stock was convertible into the Parent's common stock at a discount
from market, Gothic computed an imputed dividend of $791,000, which was based
on the common stock market value of $2.00 per share at the date of issuance,
less a 12 1/2% discount. The discount was accreted as an imputed dividend
through December 31, 1996 and, accordingly, affects income (loss) available
for common shares in 1996.
F-16
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
In June 1996, the Parent issued 116,533 shares of its common stock to two
separate parties as consideration for their interest in natural gas and oil
properties located on the Johnson Ranch. The fair value assigned to these
natural gas and oil properties was $300,000, based on the trading price of the
Parent's stock on the date of the acquisition.
During 1997, the Parent issued 335,000 shares of its common stock upon
exercise of outstanding warrants, at a price of $1.00 per share, 14,000 shares
upon conversion of a note, and 5,000 shares upon exercise of an option held by
a former director of the Parent at a price of $2.00 per share. Additionally,
the Parent issued 250,000 shares of its common stock during the period as
consideration to enter into a note payable and later issued an additional
200,000 shares to extend the maturity date of the note.
On January 23, 1998, the Parent issued an aggregate of 37,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock with each share having a liquidation preference of
$1,000. The Parent has the right to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at any
time upon payment in cash of 101% of the liquidation preference, inclusive of
accrued but unpaid dividends, and the shares are mandatorily redeemable on
December 31, 2004. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitle the holders
to receive cumulative dividends payable in additional shares of Series A
Preferred Stock at a rate per annum initially of 14% of the liquidation
preference of the Series A Preferred Stock increasing on April 1, 1998 and
each 90-day period thereafter that the Series A Preferred Stock remains
outstanding by 1%, but not to exceed a maximum dividend per annum of 20%,
excluding any other adjustments to the dividend rate. The Series A Preferred
Stock ranks senior to all classes of the Parent's Common Stock and preferred
stock outstanding or hereafter issued. The holders of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock have no voting rights except (i) as required by Oklahoma law,
or (ii) in the event the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are then
outstanding and so long as such shares remain outstanding, commencing on
September 30, 1998 the holders are entitled to elect two members of the
Parent's Board of Directors, on December 31, 1998 the holders are entitled to
elect three members of the Parent's Board of Directors, and on March 31, 1999
the holders are entitled to elect four members of the Parent's Board of
Directors. Such directors, if elected, will serve until the shares are
redeemed. The dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to
increase under certain circumstances in the event the Parent fails to comply
with certain covenants relating to the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be offered in
exchange for the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, a change in
control of the Parent, or the failure of the Parent to redeem the shares from
the proceeds of certain offerings of its securities. The issuance of the
shares provided a portion of the cash paid as consideration in the Amoco
Acquisition and were applied as payment of a fee in connection with an
amendment of certain terms of Gothic's outstanding 12 1/4% Senior Notes
thereby permitting the Amoco Acquisition.
Concurrently with the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Parent
issued five-year Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,175,778 shares of
Common Stock exercisable at the lesser of $2.75 per share or the average of
the daily closing bid prices commencing five days and ending one day before
the date of exercise. The estimated fair value of such Warrants was $941,000
on the date of issuance. The exercise price and number of shares issuable is
subject to adjustment under certain circumstances and the holders have certain
rights to have the shares issuable on exercise of the warrants registered
under the Securities Act or included in a registration statement filed by the
Parent under the Securities Act. In the event the Series A Preferred Stock
remains outstanding on March 31, 1998, the exercise price of the Warrants will
reduce to $.01 per share and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will
receive additional five-year warrants, also having an exercise price of $.01
per share, which will represent the right to purchase, when aggregated with
the Warrants, 10% of Gothic's fully-diluted equity. In the event the Series A
Preferred Stock remains outstanding at each of June 30, 1998, September 30,
1998, December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999, the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock will receive additional five-year warrants which will
represent the right to purchase, when aggregated with the Warrants and any
additional warrants previously issued, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, respectively, of
Gothic's fully-diluted equity.
F-17
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
In connection with past financing arrangements and as compensation for
consulting and professional services, the Parent has issued warrants to
purchase its common stock. The following tables reflect the activity of the
Parent's warrants and options for 1996 and 1997. (See Note 7)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXERCISE NUMBER
PRICE ($) EXPIRATION OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
PER SHARE DATE 12/31/95 GRANTED EXERCISED EXPIRED/CANCELED 12/31/96 12/31/96
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
WARRANTS
1991 Public Offering... 5.50 06/30/1996 800,000 -- -- 800,000 -- --
1991 Underwriter....... 6.00 11/08/1996 160,000 -- -- 160,000 -- --
1996 Public
Offering(1)........... 2.40 01/30/2001 -- 7,635,000 -- -- 7,635,000 7,635,000
1996 Underwriter....... 2.40 01/30/2001 -- 690,000 -- -- 690,000 690,000
Quest.................. 1.00 04/17/1997 300,000 -- -- -- 300,000 300,000
Egolf.................. 2.50 01/19/1996 100,000 -- -- 100,000 -- --
Stratum................ 3.25 06/02/2000 1,000,000 -- -- -- 1,000,000 1,000,000
Bridge................. 2.40 01/30/2001 250,000 -- -- -- 250,000 250,000
Note Extension......... 1.00 08/31/1997 52,500 -- -- -- 52,500 52,500
Underwriter............ 2.25 08/19/2001 -- 200,000 -- -- 200,000 200,000
Consultant............. 2.38 03/14/2001 -- 29,531 -- -- 29,531 29,531
---------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total Warrants........ 2,662,500 8,554,531 -- 1,060,000 10,157,031 10,157,031
OPTIONS (NOTE 7)
1996 Underwriter
Share................. 3.30 01/30/2001 -- 690,000 -- -- 690,000 690,000
Employees.............. 1.50 11/01/1999 125,000 -- -- -- 125,000 62,500
Employees.............. 1.75 02/01/2001 -- 45,000 -- -- 45,000 --
Employees.............. 2.50 12/18/2001 -- 135,000 -- -- 135,000 --
Officers and Direc-
tors.................. 1.50 11/01/1999 250,000 -- -- 150,000 100,000 50,000
Officers and Direc-
tors.................. 2.50 10/04/1999 500,000 -- -- -- 500,000 500,000
Officers and Direc-
tors.................. 2.56 07/16/2001 -- 600,000 -- -- 600,000 --
Former
Director/Officer...... 1.50 07/15/2002 20,000 -- -- -- 20,000 20,000
Former
Director/Officer...... 2.00 09/15/2004 30,000 -- -- -- 30,000 30,000
---------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total Options......... 925,000 1,470,000 -- 150,000 2,245,000 1,352,500
Total Warrants &
Options.............. 3,587,500 10,024,531 -- 1,210,000 12,402,031 11,509,531
========== ========== ======= ========= ========== ==========
<CAPTION>
EXERCISE NUMBER
PRICE ($) EXPIRATION OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
PER SHARE DATE 12/31/96 GRANTED EXERCISED EXPIRED/CANCELED 12/31/97 12/31/97
--------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
WARRANTS
1996 Public Offer-
ing(1)................ 2.40 01/30/2001 7,635,000 -- -- -- 7,635,000 7,635,000
1996 Underwriter....... 2.40 01/30/2001 690,000 -- -- -- 690,000 690,000
Quest.................. 1.00 04/17/1997 300,000 -- 300,000 -- -- --
Norse.................. 2.50 02/18/1999 -- 200,000 -- -- 200,000 200,000
Senior Notes........... 3.00 09/01/2004 -- 1,400,000 -- -- 1,400,000 1,400,000
Stratum................ 3.25 06/02/2000 1,000,000 -- -- -- 1,000,000 1,000,000
Bridge................. 2.40 01/30/2001 250,000 -- -- -- 250,000 250,000
Note Extension......... 1.00 08/31/1997 52,500 -- 35,000 17,500 -- --
Underwriter............ 2.25 08/19/2001 200,000 -- -- -- 200,000 200,000
Consultant............. 2.38 03/14/2001 29,531 -- -- -- 29,531 29,531
---------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total Warrants........ 10,157,031 1,600,000 335,000 17,500 11,404,531 11,404,531
OPTIONS (NOTE 7)
1996 Underwriter
Share................. 3.30 01/30/2001 690,000 -- -- -- 690,000 690,000
Employees.............. 1.50 11/01/1999 125,000 -- -- -- 125,000 125,000
Employees.............. 1.75 02/01/2001 45,000 -- -- -- 45,000 22,500
Employees.............. 2.50 12/18/2001 135,000 -- -- -- 135,000 67,500
Employees.............. 2.00 06/01/2002 -- 100,000 -- -- 100,000 --
Employees.............. 1.84 08/01/2002 -- 350,000 -- -- 350,000 --
Officers & Directors... 1.50 11/01/1999 100,000 -- -- -- 100,000 100,000
Officers & Directors... 2.50 10/04/1999 500,000 -- -- -- 500,000 500,000
Officers & Directors... 2.56 07/16/2001 600,000 -- -- -- 600,000 300,000
Former
Director/Officer...... 1.50 07/15/2002 20,000 -- -- -- 20,000 20,000
Former
Director/Officer...... 2.00 09/15/2004 30,000 -- 5,000 -- 25,000 25,000
---- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total Options......... 2,245,000 450,000 5,000 -- 2,690,000 1,850,000
Total Warrants &
Options.............. 12,402,031 2,050,000 340,000 17,500 14,094,531 13,254,531
========== ========== ======= ========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
- ---------------------
(1) Warrants are redeemable at the option of the Parent at a per warrant price
of $.01 per warrant at anytime after the Warrants become exercisable, upon
not less than 15 business days prior written notice, if the last sale
price of the Common Stock has been at least 200% of the then exercise
price of the Warrants for the 20 consecutive trading days prior to date of
notice. Warrant holders are entitled to exercise their warrants up to the
date of redemption.
NOTE 7. STOCK OPTIONS
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN--The Parent has an incentive stock option and
non-statutory option plan (the "Plan"), which provides for the issuance of
options to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock to key employees
and Directors. The incentive stock options granted under the Plan are
generally exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of the grant,
except that the term of an incentive stock option granted under the Plan to a
stockholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding common stock must not
exceed five years and the exercise price of an incentive stock option granted
to such a stockholder must not be less than 110% of the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of a non-qualified
option granted under the Plan may not be less than 40% of the fair market
value of the common stock at the time the option is granted. As of December
31, 1996 and 1997, options to purchase 1,005,000 and 1,455,000 shares of
common stock, respectively, had been issued under the Plan. Half of the
options are exercisable after the completion of one year of future service as
an employee or director with the remaining options being exercisable upon
completion of the second year of future service. No non-qualified options have
been issued under the Plan.
OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN--On August 13, 1996 at the Annual Shareholders'
Meeting, the shareholders approved the 1996 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the
1996 Non-Employees Stock Option Plan. The 1996 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides
for compensatory awards of up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Parent to officers, directors and certain other key employees.
Awards may be granted for no consideration and consist of stock options, stock
awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, other stock-based
awards (such as phantom stock) and performance awards consisting of any
combination of the foregoing. Generally, options will be granted at an
exercise price equal to the lower of (i) 100% of the fair market value of the
shares of Common Stock on the date of grant or (ii) 85% of the fair market
value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of exercise. Each option will
be exercisable for the period or periods specified in the option agreement,
which will generally not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. No options
have been issued under the Omnibus Incentive Plan.
NON-EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN--The 1996 Non-Employee Stock Option Plan
provides a means by which non-employee Directors of the Parent and consultants
to Gothic can be given an opportunity to purchase stock in the Parent. The
Plan provides that a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Parent's Common Stock
may be issued pursuant to options granted under the Non-Employee Plan, subject
to certain adjustments. The exercise price for each option granted under the
Non-Employee Plan will be not less than the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant. Each option granted under the Non-Employee Plan is
exercisable 10 years after the date of grant. Options granted to Directors
will terminate thirty (30) days after the date the Director is no longer a
Director of the Parent. No options have been issued under the Non-Employee
Plan.
Gothic applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 in accounting for
stock options granted to employees, including directors, and Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123") for stock options and
warrants granted to non-employees. No compensation cost has been recognized in
1997 and 1996. Had compensation been determined on the basis of fair value
pursuant to SFAS No. 123, net loss and loss per share would have been
increased as follows:
F-19
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss available for common shares:
As reported.......................................... $(4,120) $(4,848)
======= =======
Pro Forma............................................ $(4,564) $(5,698)
======= =======
Basic and diluted loss per share:
As reported.......................................... $ (.35) $ (.35)
======= =======
Pro Forma............................................ $ (.39) $ (.41)
======= =======
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option granted is estimated using the Black Scholes
model. The Parent's stock volatility was 0.90 and 0.81 in 1996 and 1997,
respectively, based on previous stock performance. Dividend yield was
estimated to remain at zero with an average risk free interest rate of 6.0
percent and 6.25 percent in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Expected life was 3
years for options issued in both 1996 and 1997 based on prior experience, the
vesting periods involved and the make up of participating employees within
each grant. Fair value of options granted during 1996 and 1997 under the Stock
Option Plan were $1,175,000 and $474,000, respectively.
NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following at
December 31, 1997 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Gas balancing liability........................................ $ 240
Net operating loss carryforwards............................... 5,626
Depletion carryforwards........................................ 256
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments.............. 46
Accrued wages.................................................. 34
-------
Gross deferred tax assets...................................... 6,202
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred lease operating expenses.............................. (361)
Book over tax basis of oil and gas properties.................. (5,524)
-------
Gross deferred tax liabilities................................. (5,885)
Net deferred tax assets.......................................... 317
Valuation allowance............................................ (317)
-------
$ --
=======
</TABLE>
Net operating losses of approximately $8,905,000 are available for future
use against taxable income. These net operating loss carryforwards ("NOL")
expire in the years 2010 through 2012.
In addition, the acquisition of Buttonwood in January, 1996 made available
approximately $5,900,000 of net operating loss carryforwards and $675,000 of
depletion carryforwards generated prior to the acquisition. However, the loss
carryforwards and depletion carryforwards are limited annually under Internal
Revenue Code Section 382 due to a change in ownership. The net operating loss
carryforwards expire in the year 2010 and the depletion carryforwards can be
carried forward indefinitely. Realization of a benefit from Gothic's NOL's is
dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income prior to the
expiration of the NOL's.
F-20
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in
the event that a substantial change in the ownership of the Parent were to
occur in the future (whether through the sale of stock by a significant
shareholder or shareholders, new issuances of stock by the Parent,
conversions, a redemption, recapitalization, reorganization, any combination
of the foregoing or any other method) so that ownership of more than 50% of
the value of the Parent's capital stock changed during any three-year period,
Gothic's ability to utilize its NOL's could be substantially limited.
NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Parent has entered into a five-year employment agreement with its
President. Under the agreement, as amended in November 1996, the President
receives a base salary of $121,000 per year plus additional amounts as may be
determined from time to time by the Parent's Board of Directors. The agreement
was again amended in October 1997 to increase the base salary to $150,000 per
year and upon expiration of the current term on December 31, 1999 the
Agreement will be automatically extended three years. In addition, such person
is to receive a cash bonus as may be determined by the Parent's Board of
Directors. The Parent has the right to terminate the employment agreement at
any time upon 45 days notice. Unless the agreement has been terminated for
cause, as defined, the Parent is obligated to pay the officer the sum of
$200,000, together with any sums unpaid under the terms of the employment
agreement, and continue medical insurance in effect for a period of one year
after such termination. In the event of a change in control of the Parent, as
defined, the officer has the right to terminate the employment agreement with
the Parent within 60 days thereafter and the Parent is obligated to pay the
same sums and other benefits described above as if such agreement had been
terminated by the Parent without cause.
In January 1998 Gothic entered into a ten-year marketing agreement, whereby
the majority of the natural gas associated with the Amoco Acquisition will be
marketed, at market prices, under this agreement.
Gothic leases its corporate offices and certain office equipment and
automobiles under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense under non-
cancelable operating leases was $110,347 and $121,535 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Remaining minimum annual rentals under non-cancelable lease agreements
subsequent to December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998.......................................... $120,022
1999.......................................... 115,423
2000.......................................... 9,000
2001.......................................... 8,250
2002.......................................... --
</TABLE>
Gothic is not a defendant in any pending legal proceedings other than
routine litigation incidental to its business. While the ultimate results of
these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Gothic does not believe
that the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on
Gothic.
NOTE 10. BENEFIT PLAN
Gothic maintains a 401(k) Plan for the benefit of its employees. The Plan
was implemented in October 1997. The Plan permits employees to make
contributions on a pre-tax salary reduction basis. Gothic makes limited
matching contributions to the Plan, and may also make other discretionary
contributions. Gothic's contributions for 1997 were $35,000.
F-21
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTE 11. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
During the year ended December 31, 1997, Gothic was a party to contracts
whereby it sold approximately 31% of its gas production to Aurora Natural Gas,
LLC, ("Aurora") who also serves as the counterparty to Gothic's swap
agreements (see Note 1), 15% of its gas production to Warren NGL, Inc., 13% of
its gas production to GPM Gas Corporation ("GPM"), 13% of its gas production
to ONEOK Resources, Inc., and 58% of its oil production to Sun Refining and
Marketing ("Sun"). During the year ended December 31, 1996, Gothic was a party
to contracts whereby it sold approximately 48% of its gas production to
Aurora, 11% of its gas production to GPM and 82% of its oil production to Sun.
NOTE 12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 1997, Gothic made advances totaling $336,000 to two officers and
directors of the Parent. These advances are non-interest bearing and are
expected to be repaid in full. The balance outstanding related to these
advances was $336,000 as of December 31, 1997. In February 1998, $168,000 was
received in connection with a severance agreement.
NOTE 13 SUPPLEMENTARY NATURAL GAS AND OIL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL DATA
The following supplemental historical and reserve information is presented
in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 69,
"Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing Activities".
CAPITALIZED COSTS--The aggregate amounts of capitalized costs relating to
natural gas and oil producing activities, net of valuation allowances, and the
aggregate amounts of the related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and
amortization at December 31, 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
--------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Proved properties........................................ $94,168
Unproved properties, not subject to depreciation,
depletion and amortization(1)........................... 2,103
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and
amortization............................................ (9,456)
-------
Net natural gas and oil properties..................... $86,815
=======
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Gothic expects to evaluate the unproved properties during the next two
years.
COSTS INCURRED--Costs incurred in natural gas and oil property acquisition,
exploration and development activities for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Property acquisition..................................... $35,348 $83,694
Development costs........................................ 1,177 6,141
------- -------
Total costs incurred................................... $36,525 $89,835
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NATURAL GAS AND OIL RESERVES DATA (UNAUDITED)
ESTIMATED QUANTITIES--Natural gas and oil reserves cannot be measured
exactly. Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves require extensive judgments
of reservoir engineering data and are generally less precise than other
estimates made in connection with financial disclosures.
Proved reserves are those quantities which, upon analysis of geological and
engineering data, appear with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in the
future from known oil and natural gas reservoirs under existing economic and
operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those reserves which can
be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and
operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are those reserves which are
expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing
wells where a relatively major expenditure is required.
Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves require extensive judgments of
reservoir engineering data as explained above. Assigning monetary values to
such estimates does not reduce the subjectivity and changing nature of such
reserve estimates. Indeed, the uncertainties inherent in the disclosure are
compounded by applying additional estimates of the rates and timing of
production and the costs that will be incurred in developing and producing the
reserves. The information set forth herein is therefore subjective and, since
judgments are involved, may not be comparable to estimates submitted by other
oil and natural gas producers. In addition, since prices and costs do not
remain static and no price or cost escalations or de-escalations have been
considered, the results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated fair
market value of estimated proved reserves nor of estimated future cash flows
and significant revisions could occur in the near term. Accordingly, these
estimates are expected to change as future information becomes available. All
of Gothic's reserves are located onshore in the states of Oklahoma, Texas,
Arkansas and Kansas.
The following unaudited table, which is based on reports of Lee Keeling and
Associates, Inc., sets forth proved natural gas and oil reserves:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
--------------- ----------------
BBLS MCF BBLS MCF
------- ------- ------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proved Reserves:
Beginning of year.......................... 711 18,698 1,158 64,534
Revisions of previous estimates............ 222 10,276 552 (13,154)
Purchases of reserves in place............. 639 42,633 2,195 89,016
Production................................. (164) (3,404) (176) (6,583)
Sales of reserves in place................. (250) (3,669) (144) (6,353)
------ ------- ------ --------
End of year 1,158 64,534 3,585 127,460
====== ======= ====== ========
Proved Developed:
Beginning of year.......................... 642 5,093 1,135 47,485
End of year................................ 1,135 47,485 2,503 91,690
</TABLE>
STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS--Future net cash
inflows are based on the future production of proved reserves of natural gas
and crude oil as estimated by Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc., independent
petroleum engineers, by applying current prices of natural gas and oil to
estimated future production of proved reserves. The average prices used in
determining future cash inflows for natural gas and oil as of December 31,
1997, were $2.30 per mcf, and $17.30 per barrel, respectively. Future net cash
flows are then calculated by reducing such estimated cash inflows by the
estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in
developing and producing the proved reserves and by the estimated future
income taxes.
F-23
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Estimated future income taxes are computed by applying the appropriate year-
end statutory tax rate to the future pretax net cash flows relating to
Gothic's estimated proved natural gas and oil reserves. The estimated future
income taxes give effect to permanent differences and tax credits and
allowances. Subsequent toDecember 31, 1997, the "spot market" price of natural
gas decreased to approximately $2.00 per mcf, and oil prices dropped to as low
as approximately $12.00 per barrel, through March 13, 1998. This decline would
have a significant impact on the SMOG values.
Included in the estimated standardized measure of future cash flows are
certain capital projects (future development costs). Gothic estimates the
capital required to develop its undeveloped natural gas and oil reserves
during 1998 to be approximately $20--30 million. Gothic's planned financial
arrangements are discussed in Note 4. If such capital is not employed, the
estimated future cash flows will be impacted.
The following table sets forth Gothic's unaudited estimated standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves:
Future cash inflows................................ $199,166 $ 351,915
Future production costs............................ (73,976) (102,353)
Future development costs........................... (9,645) (26,911)
Future income tax expense.......................... (30,919) (51,925)
-------- ---------
84,626 170,726
Ten percent annual discount factor................. (35,543) (76,624)
-------- ---------
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash
Flows............................................. $ 49,083 $ 94,102
======== =========
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth changes in the standardized measure of
discounted future net cash flows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1997
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Standardized measure of discounted future cash
flows-beginning of period.......................... $ 8,179 $ 49,083
Sales of natural gas and oil produced, net of
Operating expenses................................. (5,579) (10,558)
Purchases of reserves-in-place...................... 30,930 75,736
Sales of reserves-in-place.......................... (3,598) (5,832)
Revisions of previous quantity estimates and Changes
in sales prices and production costs............... 18,333 (19,235)
Accretion of discount............................... 818 4,908
------- --------
Standardized measure of discounted future Cash
flows-end of period................................ $49,083 $ 94,102
======= ========
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTE 14. PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
As discussed in Note 3, on January 23, 1998, Gothic completed the Amoco
Acquisition for a purchase price of $237,500,000, subject to certain closing
adjustments. Amoco also received warrants to purchase $1,500,000 shares of
Parent common stock for $3.00 per share, with an estimated fair value of
$1,155,000 and certain producing properties having a value of less than
$1,800,000. The Amoco Acquisition was financed with approximately $22,000,000
in Series A Preferred Stock and $216,400,000 in bank debt. Concurrent with the
Amoco Acquisition and as part of the financing, Gothic sold the Sycamore
System and other gas systems acquired from Amoco for $6,000,000. In addition,
as part of the financing, Gothic incurred (i) bank financing costs of
approximately $4,800,000, (ii) fees of approximately $5,800,000 paid in cash,
$15,000,000 paid in Series A Preferred Stock, and $941,000 paid in warrants,
all for amendments to the terms of Gothic's 12 1/4% Senior Notes. Due to the
significance of this transaction, Gothic has provided a pro forma balance
sheet which gives effect to the Amoco Acquisition and the related financing.
NOTE 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
On March 31, 1998, Gothic entered into agreements with Chesapeake Energy
Corporation ("Chesapeake"), with an expected closing date of not later than
April 27, 1998, pursuant to which Gothic will (i) sell to Chesapeake a 50%
interest in substantially all of Gothic's undeveloped acreage for $10,500,000,
(ii) sell for $20,000,000 a 50% interest in Gothic's producing natural gas and
oil properties in the Arkoma basin, and (iii) sell for $39,500,000 shares of
the Parent's Series B Senior Non-voting Preferred Stock and ten-year warrants
to purchase at an exercise price of $.01 per share 2,439,246 shares of
Parent's Common Stock. In addition, Gothic is seeking to sell in privately
negotiated transactions or transactions subject to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act up to $235,000,000 of debt securities and Parent is seeking to
sell $60 million in Senior Secured Discount Notes. Herein, such transactions,
including the transaction with Chesapeake are referred to as the
"Recapitalization." It is intended that the net cash proceeds from the
Recapitalization will be used to redeem Gothic's outstanding 12 1/4% Senior
Notes, repay the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility, including the
bridge loan due and payable on June 30, 1998, and redeem the Parent's Series A
Preferred Stock. The consummation of each transaction will be cross-
conditioned on the consummation of all of the other transactions. There can be
no assurance that the Recapitalization will be completed or that Gothic's
outstanding indebtedness will be refinanced and the Parent's Series A
Preferred Stock will be redeemed.
F-25
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY IN-
FORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT 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 INITIAL PURCHASERS.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY, NOR DOES IT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE
NOTES TO ANYONE OR BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM, IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIR-
CUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Available Information.................................................... ii
Information Incorporated by Reference.................................... iii
Prospectus Summary....................................................... 1
Risk Factors............................................................. 14
Recapitalization......................................................... 23
The Exchange Offer....................................................... 24
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... 30
Capitalization........................................................... 31
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data......................... 32
Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Statements........................ 37
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results
of Operations........................................................... 45
Business and Properties.................................................. 63
Management............................................................... 76
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management........... 80
Description of Credit Facility........................................... 82
Description of the Notes................................................. 83
Series B Preferred Stock of Parent....................................... 115
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations........................... 115
Plan of Distribution..................................................... 118
Legal Matters............................................................ 119
Independent Public Accountants........................................... 119
Engineers................................................................ 119
Glossary................................................................. 120
Index to Financial Statements............................................ F-1
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$235,000,000
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
11 1/8% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2005
----------------
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
----------------
JUNE , 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 1031 of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act and Article VI of the
Registrant's By-Laws provide for indemnification of present and former
officers, directors, employees and agents.
ITEM 21(A). EXHIBITS.
The information required by this Item 21(a) is set forth in the Index to
Exhibits accompanying this Registration Statement and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 20 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in the
documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement
through the date of responding to the request.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-
effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company
being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the Registration Statement when it became effective.
II-1
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the
Registrants has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Tulsa, Oklahoma on
the 2nd day of June, 1998.
Gothic Production Corporation
/s/ Michael K. Paulk
By: _________________________________
Michael K. Paulk, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Gothic Energy Corporation
/s/ Michael K. Paulk
By: _________________________________
Michael K. Paulk, President and
Chief Executive Officer
II-2
<PAGE>
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of Gothic Production Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation, which is
filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), hereby constitutes and appoints
Michael K. Paulk and Steven P. Ensz, and each of them, the individual's true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the person and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments,
including post-effective amendments, to the Registration Statement, including
a Prospectus or an amended Prospectus therein and any registration statement
for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, and all other documents in connection
therewith to be filed 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 premises, 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 as agents or any of them, or their substitute
or 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 by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Michael K. Paulk Director, President and May 8, 1998
____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer
Michael K. Paulk
/s/ Steven P. Ensz Vice President, Finance and May 8, 1998
____________________________________ Chief Financial Officer
Steven P. Ensz (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ John J. Fleming Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
John J. Fleming
/s/ Morton A. Cohen Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
Morton A. Cohen
/s/ Brian E. Bayley Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
Brian E. Bayley
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE>
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of Gothic Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation, which is
filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 under the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), hereby constitutes and appoints
Michael K. Paulk and Steven P. Ensz, and each of them, the individual's true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the person and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments,
including post-effective amendments, to the Registration Statement, including
a Prospectus or an amended Prospectus therein and any registration statement
for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, and all other documents in connection
therewith to be filed 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 premises, 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 as agents or any of them, or their substitute
or 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 by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Michael K. Paulk Director, President and May 8, 1998
____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer
Michael K. Paulk
/s/ Steven P. Ensz Vice President, Finance and May 8, 1998
____________________________________ Chief Financial Officer
Steven P. Ensz (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ John J. Fleming Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
John J. Fleming
/s/ Morton A. Cohen Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
Morton A. Cohen
/s/ Brian E. Bayley Director May 8, 1998
____________________________________
Brian E. Bayley
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
GOTHIC ENERGY CORPORATION
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S>
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Gothic Production Corporation
("Production").*
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of
Production.*
3.3 Certificate of Merger of Production and Gothic Energy of Texas, Inc.*
3.4 By Laws of Production.*
3.5 Certificate of Incorporation of Gothic Energy Newco, Inc. ("Gothic"),
an Oklahoma corporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997).
3.6 Certificate of Ownership and Merger filed with the State of Oklahoma
(changed name from Gothic Energy Newco, Inc. to Gothic Energy
Corporation) (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the year ended December 31, 1997).
3.7 Bylaws of Gothic (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the year ended December 31, 1997).
4.1 Indenture dated as of April 21, 1998 among Gothic, Production and The
Bank of New York relating to the 11 1/8% Series A Senior Secured Notes
due 2005 and 11 1/8% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2005 (filed as
Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Gothic for April 27,
1998).
4.2 Forms of Series A and Series B Notes (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto).
5.1 Opinion of William S. Clarke, P.A.*
10.1 Purchase Agreement dated April 21, 1998 among Gothic, Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and CIBC Oppenheimer Corp.*
10.2 Registration Rights Agreement dated April 21, 1998 among Gothic,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form
8-K of Gothic for April 27, 1998).
12.1 Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Preferred Dividends.*
15.1 Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.**
23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand.**
23.2 Consent of William S. Clarke, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.1).*
23.3 Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc.*
24.1 Power of Attorney (included on the signature pages to this
Registration Statement).
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York.*
99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal.*
99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.*
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
* Previously filed as an Exhibit to this Registration Statement.
** Filed herewith.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 12.1
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
--------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1997
------- ------- ------------------------
Gothic Company
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss before income taxes
and extraordinary item $(4,508) $(3,677) $(11,529) $ (2,934)
Add:
Interest on indebtedness 1,460 6,996 25,850 25,850
Non cash interest on indebtedness --- --- 8,400 ---
Amortization of debt
discount and financing
costs 69 1,804 1,631 1,436
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Income as adjusted (2,979) 5,123 24,352 24,352
Fixed Charges:
Interest on indebtedness 1,460 6,996 25,850 25,850
Non cash interest on indebtedness --- --- 8,400 ---
Amortization of debt
discount and financing
costs 69 1,804 1,631 1,436
Preferred dividends 1,173 264 7,886 ---
-------- -------- --------- ---------
$ 2,702 $9,064 $ 43,767 $ 27,286
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges --- 0.6 0.6 0.9
======== ======== ========= =========
Insufficiency of earnings to
cover fixed charges $(5,681) $(3,941) $(19,415) $(2,934)
======== ======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA
--------------------- ------------------------
1997 1998 1998
------- ------- ------------------------
Gothic Company
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes
and extraordinary item $ 528 $(4,051) $ (5,227) $(3,042)
Add:
Interest on indebtedness 806 7,113 6,536 6,536
Interest income (17) (166) (166) (166)
Loss on sale of investments --- 265 265 265
Non cash interest on indebtedness --- --- 2,185 ---
Amortization of debt
discount and financing
costs 380 920 359 359
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Income as adjusted 1,697 4,081 3,952 3,952
Fixed Charges:
Interest on indebtedness 806 7,113 6,536 6,536
Interest income (17) (166) (166) (166)
Loss on sale of investments --- 265 265 265
Non cash interest on indebtedness --- --- 2,185 ---
Amortization of debt
discount and financing
costs 380 920 359 359
Preferred dividends 104 974 1,906 ---
-------- -------- --------- ---------
$ 1,273 $9,106 $ 11,085 $ 6,994
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges 1.3 0.5 0.4 0.6
======== ======== ========= =========
Insufficiency of earnings to
cover fixed charges $ --- $(5,025) $ (7,133) $(3,042)
======== ======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 15.1
GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
LETTER REGARDING UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20549
Re: GOTHIC PRODUCTION CORPORATION
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4
Gentlemen:
We are aware that our report dated May 15, 1998 on our review of the
interim financial information of Gothic Energy Corporation for the three month
period ended March 31, 1998 is incorporated by reference in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-52217). Pursuant to Rule 436(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should not be considered a part
of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by us within the meaning of
Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 2, 1998
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the inclusion/incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-52225) of our report dated March 13, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements of Gothic Energy Corporation and Subsidiaries.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gothic Energy
Corporation (File No. 333-52225) of our report dated March 4, 1998 on our audit
of the historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating expenses
of the Amoco Properties for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gothic Energy
Corporation (File No. 333-52225) of our report dated July 11, 1997 on our audit
of the historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating expenses
of the HS Properties for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gothic Energy
Corporation (File No. 333-52225) of our report dated April 30, 1997 on our audit
of the historical schedule of gross revenues and direct operating expenses of
the Norse and Horizon Properties for the year ended December 31, 1996.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gothic Energy
Corporation (File No. 333-52225) of our report dated July 19, 1996 on our audit
of the historical schedule of gross revenues and direct lease operating expenses
of the Comstock Properties for the year ended December 31, 1995.
We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Independent Public Accountants."
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 2, 1998
