Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 (Mark One)
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2017
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-10165

 SEITEL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware  76-0025431
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
  
10811 S. Westview Circle Drive
Building C, Suite 100
Houston, Texas
  77043
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
(713) 881-8900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  ¨    No  ý
(Explanatory Note: The registrant is a voluntary filer and is therefore not subject to the filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, during the preceding 12 months, the registrant has filed all reports that it would have been required to file by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 if the registrant was subject to the filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during such timeframe.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  ý    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer 
ý (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company ¨
    Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of May 8,November 6, 2017, there were 100 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding, par value $.001 per share.
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
  Page
PART  I. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART  II. 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$64,251
 $55,997
$80,273
 $55,997
Receivables      
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $22324,146
 24,481
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $178 and $223, respectively12,640
 24,481
Notes and other91
 436
338
 436
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.1,180
 1,177
1,188
 1,177
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,200,848 and $1,176,828, respectively105,162
 115,922
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $16,621 and $16,478, respectively1,659
 1,709
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,261,343 and $1,176,828, respectively82,919
 115,922
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $17,214 and $16,478, respectively1,591
 1,709
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other2,079
 1,762
2,228
 1,762
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $48,472 and $47,826, respectively900
 1,418
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $49,575 and $47,826, respectively900
 1,418
Goodwill182,599
 182,012
187,658
 182,012
Deferred income taxes292
 257
284
 257
TOTAL ASSETS$382,359
 $385,171
$370,019
 $385,171
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY      
LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$24,786
 $17,007
$24,675
 $17,007
Income taxes payable714
 620
2,519
 620
Senior Notes247,167
 246,857
247,809
 246,857
Obligations under capital leases1,469
 1,510
1,438
 1,510
Deferred revenue18,078
 15,904
12,176
 15,904
Deferred income taxes1,645
 2,214
1,550
 2,214
TOTAL LIABILITIES293,859
 284,112
290,167
 284,112
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note G)
 

 
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY      
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital400,580
 400,582
400,591
 400,582
Retained deficit(296,569) (283,190)(312,549) (283,190)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(15,511) (16,333)(8,190) (16,333)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY88,500
 101,059
79,852
 101,059
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY$382,359
 $385,171
$370,019
 $385,171

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
REVENUE$20,595
 $11,950
$24,013
 $23,255
 $68,308
 $59,545
EXPENSES:          
Depreciation and amortization22,263
 15,101
17,714
 18,933
 61,946
 58,839
Cost of sales10
 22
31
 22
 74
 55
Selling, general and administrative5,646
 5,959
5,049
 5,386
 15,700
 16,013
27,919
 21,082
22,794
 24,341
 77,720
 74,907
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS(7,324) (9,132)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS1,219
 (1,086) (9,412) (15,362)
Interest expense, net(6,210) (6,356)(6,139) (6,298) (18,536) (18,988)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)(51) 173
(3) (20) (88) 143
Other income
 6

 572
 96
 582
Loss before income taxes(13,585) (15,309)(4,923) (6,832) (27,940) (33,625)
Benefit for income taxes(206) (1,445)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes1,421
 (1,389) 1,419
 (5,083)
NET LOSS$(13,379) $(13,864)$(6,344) $(5,443) $(29,359) $(28,542)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Net loss$(13,379) $(13,864)$(6,344) $(5,443) $(29,359) $(28,542)
Foreign currency translation adjustments822
 6,744
4,752
 (861) 8,143
 5,575
Comprehensive loss$(12,557) $(7,120)$(1,592) $(6,304) $(21,216) $(22,967)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
  
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
  
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Common Stock Common Stock 
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance, December 31, 2016100
 $
 $400,582
 $(283,190) $(16,333)100
 $
 $400,582
 $(283,190) $(16,333)
Amortization of stock-based compensation costs
 
 (2) 
 

 
 9
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 (13,379) 

 
 
 (29,359) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 822

 
 
 
 8,143
Balance, March 31, 2017100
 $
 $400,580
 $(296,569) $(15,511)
Balance, September 30, 2017100
 $
 $400,591
 $(312,549) $(8,190)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Net loss$(13,379) $(13,864)$(29,359) $(28,542)
Depreciation and amortization22,263
 15,101
61,946
 58,839
Deferred income tax benefit(612) (1,445)(1,172) (5,127)
Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)51
 (173)88
 (143)
Amortization of deferred financing costs310
 318
952
 922
Amortization of stock-based compensation(2) 22
9
 59
Gain on sale of property and equipment
 (6)
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts
 (21)
Gain on sale of seismic data and property and equipment(96) (7)
Non-cash other income
 (572)
Non-cash revenue(289) (1)(1,554) (2,713)
Decrease in receivables780
 6,734
12,470
 6,508
Increase in other assets(243) (232)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue2,188
 (2,098)
Decrease in other assets35
 424
Decrease in deferred revenue(3,532) (7,244)
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities3,067
 6,333
4,494
 6,748
Net cash provided by operating activities14,134
 10,689
44,281
 29,131
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Cash invested in seismic data(5,748) (6,386)(20,518) (20,699)
Cash paid to acquire property and equipment(136) (75)(362) (176)
Cash from sale of property and equipment
 14
3
 18
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.(3) (11)(11) (19)
Net cash used in investing activities(5,887) (6,458)(20,888) (20,876)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Principal payments on capital lease obligations(53) (48)(178) (152)
Net cash used in financing activities(53) (48)(178) (152)
Effect of exchange rate changes60
 177
1,061
 96
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents8,254
 4,360
24,276
 8,199
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period55,997
 52,675
55,997
 52,675
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$64,251
 $57,035
$80,273
 $60,874
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:      
Cash paid during the period for:   
Cash paid (received) during the period for:   
Interest$34
 $116
$11,974
 $12,195
Income taxes$309
 $
Income taxes, net of refunds received$774
 $(7)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:      
Additions to seismic data library$250
 $222
$1,250
 $2,640
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
March 31,September 30, 2017
NOTE A-BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Seitel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. In preparing the Company’s financial statements, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter of 2017 or for the year ending December 31, 2017. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited balance sheet of the Company as of that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
NOTE B-REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from Data Acquisition
The Company generates revenue when it creates a new seismic survey that is initially licensed by one or more of its customers to use the resulting data. The payments for the initial licenses are sometimes referred to as acquisition underwriting or prefunding. Customers make periodic payments throughout the new survey creation period, which generally correspond to costs incurred and work performed. These payments are non-refundable. Contracts which are signed up to the time the Company makes a firm commitment to create the new seismic survey are considered acquisition underwriting. Any subsequent licensinglicense of the data while the survey is in progress or once it is completed is considered a resale license (see “Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses”).
Acquisition underwriting revenue is recognized throughout the new survey creation period using the proportional performance method based upon costs incurred and work performed to date as a percentage of total estimated costs and work required. Management believes that this method is the most reliable and representative measure of progress for its datanew survey creation projects. On average, the duration of the datanew survey creation process is approximately twelve12 to eighteen18 months. Under thesethe contracts related to the new survey, the Company creates new seismic data designed in conjunction with its customers and specifically suited to the geology of the area using the most appropriate technology available.
The Company outsources the substantial majority of the work required to complete data acquisition projects to third party contractors. The Company’s payments to these third party contractors comprise the substantial majority of the total estimated costs of the projects and are paid throughout the new survey creation period. A typical survey includes specific activities required to complete the survey creation, each of which has value to the customers. Typical activities, that often occur concurrently, include:

permitting for land access, mineral rights, and regulatory approval;
surveying;
drilling for the placement of energy sources;
recording the data in the field; and
processing the data.
The customers paying for the initial licenses to the data created from a new survey receive legally enforceable rights to any resulting product of each activity described above. The customers also receive access to and use of the newly acquired, processed data.
The customers’ access to and use of the results of the work performed and of the newly acquired, processed data is governed by a master license agreement, which is a separate agreement from the acquisition contract. The Company’s acquisition contracts require the customer either to have a master license agreement in place or to execute one at the time the acquisition contract is signed. The Company typically maintains sole ownership of the newly acquired data, which is added to its library, and is free to license the data to other customers.

Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses
The Company recognizes a substantial portion of its revenue from licensing of data once it is available for delivery. This revenue is sometimes referred to as resale licensing revenue, late sales or shelf sales.
These sales fall under the following four basic forms of non-exclusive license contracts, each of which is subject to the terms and conditions contained in a customer’s master license agreement.
Specific license contract—The customer licenses and selects specific data from the data library, including data currently in progress, at the time the contract is entered into and holds this license for a long-term period.

Library card license contract—The customer initially receives only the right to access a certain amount of data. The customer selects which data to access and hold long-term under its license agreement. The length of the selection periodsperiod under thea library card contractscontract is limited in time and varies from customer to customer.

Review and possession license contract—The customer receives the right to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time. During the review period, the customer may select specific data from that available for review to hold long-term under its license agreement. Any data not selected for long-term licensing must be returned to the Company at the end of the review period.

Review only license contract—The customer obtains rights to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time, but does not obtain the right to select specific data to hold long-term.
The Company’s non-exclusive license contracts specify the following:

that all customers must also have in place or execute a master license agreement that governs the use of all data received under the Company’seach non-exclusive license contracts;contract;
the specific payment terms, generally ranging from 30 days to 12 months, and that such payments are non-cancelable and non-refundable;
the actual data that is accessible to the customer; and
that the data is licensed in its present form, as is, where is, and that the Company is under no obligation to make any enhancements, modifications or additions to the data unless specific terms to the contrary are included.
Revenue from the non-exclusive licensing of seismic data is recognized when the following criteria are met:

the Company has an agreement with the customer that is validated by a signed contract;
the sales price is fixed and determinable;
collection is reasonably assured;
the customer has selected the specific data or the contract has expired without full selection;
the data is currently available for delivery; and
the license term has begun.
Copies of the licensed data are available to the customer immediately upon request.
For licenses that have been invoiced for which payment is due or has been received, but that have not met the aforementioned criteria, revenue is deferred along with the related direct costs (primarily consisting of sales commissions). This normally occurs under the library card, review and possession or review only license contracts because the data selection may occur over time. Additionally, if the contract allows licensing of data that is not currently available or enhancements, modifications or additions to the data are required per the contract, revenue is deferred until such time that the data is available.

Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges
In certain cases, the Company will take ownership of a customer’s seismic data or revenue interest (collectively referred to as “data”) in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected seismic data from the Company’s library or, in some cases, reproduction or data processing services. In connection with specific data acquisition contracts, the Company may choose to receive both cash and ownership of seismic data from the customer as consideration for the underwriting of new data acquisition. In addition, the Company may receive advanced data processing services from a customer on selected existing data in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected data from the Company’s library. These exchangestransactions are referred to as non-monetary exchanges. A non-monetary exchange for data always complies with the following criteria:

the data licensed to a customer is always distinct from the data received from that customer;

the customer forfeits ownership of the data received by the Company; and
the Company retains ownership in the data licensed.
In non-monetary exchange transactions, the Company records a data library asset for the seismic data received or processed at the time the contract is entered into or the data is completed, as applicable, and recognizes revenue on the transaction in equal value in accordance with its policy on revenue from data licenses or data acquisition, or as services are provided by our Seitel Solutions business unit (“Solutions”), as applicable. The data license to the customer is in the form of one of the four basic forms of contracts discussed above. These transactions are valued at the fair value of the data received by the Company or the fair value of the license granted or services provided to the customer, whichever is more readily determinable.
Fair value of the data exchanged is determined using a multi-step process as follows:

First, the Company considers the value of the data or services received from the customer. In determining the value of the data received, the Company considers the age, quality, current demand and future marketability of the data and, in the case of 3D seismic data, the cost that would be required to create the data. In addition, the Company applies a limitation on the value it assigns per square mile on the data received. In determining the value of the services received, the Company considers the cost of such similar services that it could obtain from a third party provider.

Second, the Company determines the value of the license granted to the customer. Typically, the range of cash transactions by the Company for licenses of similar data during the prior six months are evaluated. In evaluating the range of cash transactions, the Company does not consider transactions that are disproportionately high or low.
Due to the Company’s revenue recognition policies, revenue recognized on non-monetary exchange transactions may not occur at the same time that the seismic data acquired is recorded as an asset. The activity related to non-monetary exchanges was as follows (in thousands): 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Seismic data library additions$250
 $222
$
 $1,618
 $1,250
 $2,640
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data250
 

 1,295
 1,250
 2,635
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts39
 1
103
 54
 229
 78
Revenue recognized related to Solutions and other revenue44
 
 75
 
Revenue from Solutions
Revenue from Solutions is recognized as the services for reproduction and delivery of seismic data are provided to customers.
NOTE C-SEISMIC DATA LIBRARY
The Company’s seismic data library consists of seismic surveys that are offered for license to customers on a non-exclusive basis. Costs associated with creating, acquiring or purchasing the seismic data library are capitalized and amortized principally on the income forecast method subject to a straight-line amortization period of four years, applied on a quarterly basis at the individual survey level.
Costs of Seismic Data Library
For newly created data, the capitalized costs include costs paid to third parties for the acquisition of data and related permitting, surveying and other activities associated with the data creation activity. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain internal costs related to processing the created data and reprocessing existing data. Such costs include salaries and benefits of the Company’s processing personnel and certain other costs incurred for the benefit of the processing activity. The Company believes that the internal processing costs capitalized are not greater than, and generally are less than, those that would be incurred and capitalized if such activity were performed by a third party. Capitalized costs for internal data processing were $0.70.6 million and $0.8$0.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
For data received through a non-monetary exchange, the Company capitalizes an amount equal to the fair value of the data received by the Company or the fair value of the license granted or services provided to the customer, whichever is more readily determinable. See Note B – “Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges” for discussion of the process used to determine fair value.
For purchased seismic data, the Company capitalizes the purchase price of the acquired data.

Data Library Amortization
The Company amortizes each survey in its seismic data library using the greater of the amortization that would result from the application of the income forecast method to each survey’s revenue, subject to a minimum amortization rate, or a straight-line basis over four years, commencing at the time such survey is completed and available for licensing to customers on a non-exclusive basis.
The Company applies the income forecast method by forecasting the ultimate revenue expected to be derived from a particular data library component over the estimated useful life of each survey comprising part of such component. This forecast is made by the Company annually and reviewed quarterly. If, during any such review, the Company determines that the ultimate revenue for a library component is expected to be significantly different than the most recent estimate of total revenue for such library component, the Company revises the amortization rate attributable to future revenue from each survey in such component. The Company applies a minimum amortization rate of 70%. In addition, in connection with the forecast reviews and updates, the Company evaluates the recoverability of its seismic data library investment, and if required, records an impairment charge with respect to such investment. See discussion on “Seismic Data Library Impairment” below.
The greater of the income forecast or straight-line amortization policy is applied quarterly on a cumulative basis at the individual survey level. Under this policy, the Company first records amortization using the income forecast method. The cumulative amortization recorded for each survey is then compared with the cumulative straight-line amortization. If the cumulative straight-line amortization is higher for any specific survey, additional amortization expense is recorded, resulting in accumulated amortization being equal to the cumulative straight-line amortization for such survey. This requirement is applied regardless of future-year revenue estimates for the library component of which the survey is a part and does not consider the existence of deferred revenue with respect to the library component or to any survey.
The actual aggregate rate of amortization depends on the specific seismic surveys licensed and selected by the Company’s customers during the period and the amount of straight-line amortization recorded. The income forecast amortization rates can vary by component and, as of AprilOctober 1, 2017, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

Seismic Data Library Impairment
The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment by grouping individual surveys into components based on its operations and geological and geographical trends, resulting in the following data library segments for purposes of evaluating impairments: (I) North America 3D onshore comprised of the following components: (a) Texas Gulf Coast, (b) Eastern Texas, (c) Permian, (d) Anadarko Basin in North Texas/Oklahoma, (e) Southern Louisiana/Mississippi, (f) Northern Louisiana, (g) Rocky Mountains, (h) Utica/Marcellus in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, (i) other United States, (j) Montney in British Columbia and Alberta, (k) Horn River in British Columbia, (l) Duvernay in Alberta and (m) other Canada; (II) United States 2D; (III) Canada 2D; (IV) Mexico; (V) Gulf of Mexico offshore; and (VI) international data outside North America. The Company believes that these library components constitute the lowest levels of independently identifiable cash flows.
The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers the level of sales performance in each component compared to projected sales, as well as industry conditions, among others, to be key factors in determining when its seismic data investment should be evaluated for impairment. In evaluating sales performance of each component, the Company generally considers five consecutive quarters of actual performance below forecasted sales to be an indicator of potential impairment.
The impairment evaluation is based first on a comparison of the undiscounted future cash flows over each component’s remaining estimated useful life with the carrying value of each library component. If the undiscounted cash flows are equal to or greater than the carrying value of such component, no impairment is recorded. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of any component, the forecast of future cash flows related to such component is discounted to fair value and compared with such component’s carrying amount. The difference between the library component’s carrying amount and the discounted future value of the expected revenue stream is recorded as an impairment charge.
For purposes of evaluating potential impairment losses, the Company estimates the future cash flows attributable to a library component by evaluating, among other factors, historical and recent revenue trends, oil and gas prospectivity in particular regions, general economic conditions affecting its customer base and expected changes in technology and other factors that the Company deems relevant. The cash flow estimates exclude expected future revenues attributable to non-monetary data exchanges and future data creation projects.
The estimation of future cash flows and fair value is highly subjective and inherently imprecise. Estimates can change materially from period to period based on many factors, including those described in the preceding paragraph. Accordingly, if

conditions change in the future, the Company may record impairment losses relative to its seismic data library investment, which could be material to any particular reporting period.
The Company did not have any impairment charges during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 or 2016.
NOTE D-DEBT
The following is a summary of the Company’s debt (in thousands):
March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
9½% Senior Notes$250,000
 $250,000
$250,000
 $250,000
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs(2,833) (3,143)(2,191) (3,143)
$247,167
 $246,857
$247,809
 $246,857
9½% Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 20, 2013, the Company issued, in a private placement, $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9½% senior notes (the “9½% Senior Notes”). As required by their terms, the 9½% Senior Notes were exchanged for senior notes of like amounts and terms in a publicly registered exchange offer in August 2013. The 9½% Senior Notes mature on April 15, 2019. Interest is payable in cash, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 9½% Senior Notes are unsecured and are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s significant domestic100% owned U.S. subsidiaries on a senior basis. The 9½% Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants which limit the Company’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with affiliates, and complete mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets.
Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture), each holder of the 9½% Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase all of such holder's notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
NOTE E-FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).
The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, market data or assumptions are used that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk when appropriate. The Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following (in thousands):
  Fair Value Measurements Using  Fair Value Measurements Using
Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant  Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant  Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
At March 31, 2017:       
At September 30, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$62,906
 $62,906
 $
 $
$79,979
 $79,979
 $
 $
At December 31, 2016:              
Cash equivalents$55,674
 $55,674
 $
 $
$55,674
 $55,674
 $
 $
The Company had no transfers of assets between any of the above levels during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 or 2016.
Cash equivalents include treasury bills and money market funds that invest in United States government obligations and a Canadian dollar investment account,accounts, all with original maturities of three months or less. The original costs of these assets approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Other Financial Instruments:
At March 31,September 30, 2017, the carrying value of the Company’s debt was $247.2247.8 million, net of $2.8$2.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value was $246.9 million, net of $3.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value of the debt was approximately $250.3254.4 million at March 31,September 30, 2017 and $232.6 million at December 31, 2016. The fair value of the Company’s 9½% Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).
NOTE F-STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31,September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively of restricted cash related to collateral on seismic operations bonds. The balance at September 30, 2017 also included $0.2 million of restricted cash related to proceeds from broker sales held in escrow by the Company for specific use by an E&P client.
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments or debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its day-to-day operating cash and temporary excess cash with various banking institutions that, in turn, invest in time deposits and U.S. Treasury bills.
The Company had non-cash additions to its seismic data library comprised of the following (in thousands): 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing$250
 $222
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing$1,250
 $1,840
Non-monetary exchanges from underwriting of new data acquisition
 408
Non-monetary exchanges related to data processing and reproduction services
 392
 $1,250
 $2,640

Non-cash revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts$39
 $1
$229
 $78
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts250
 
1,250
 2,635
Solutions and other revenue recognized from non-monetary exchange contracts75
 
Total non-cash revenue$289
 $1
$1,554
 $2,713
NOTE G-COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved from time to time in ordinary, routine claims and lawsuits incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, uninsured losses, if any, resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters should not be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is not possible to predict or determine the outcomes of the legal actions brought against it or by it, or to provide an estimate of all additional losses, if any, that may arise. At March 31,September 30, 2017, the Company has recorded the estimated amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to claims. Such amounts are not material to the financial statements.
NOTE H-RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The objective of the ASU is to establish a single comprehensive model of accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also significantly expands disclosure requirements concerning revenues for most entities. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”, amending the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance set forth in ASU 2014-09. Among other things, ASU 2016-08 clarifies that an entity should evaluate whether it is the principal or the agent for

each specified good or service promised in a contract with a customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”, which amends certain aspects of the guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” to address certain issues in the guidance on assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The Company is required to adopt the guidance set forth by these ASUs on January 1, 2018. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified

retrospective approach to adopt the new guidance. The Company anticipates utilizingwill utilize the modified retrospective approach when adopting the new revenue recognition guidance effective January 1, 2018 which will result in the application of the new guidance retrospectively with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized at January 1, 2018, the date of initial application.2018. The Company is in the processhas completed its review of reviewing its different types of customer contracts and comparinghas compared its current revenue recognition policies to the provisions of the new standard for each of its revenue categories, noting no change with regard to its accounting for revenue from data acquisition, revenue from non-monetary exchanges and revenue from Solutions and other. With regard to revenue from non-exclusive data licenses (resale licensing revenue), no changes from the Company’s current accounting policies were identified other than with regard to new licenses of data while a survey is in the process of being created, in which the resale licensing customer is granted the same legally enforceable rights and access to and use of the results of the acquisition work performed as the original acquisition underwriting clients. Currently, the Company recognizes revenue categories. Whileon these resale licenses when the data is available for delivery; however, upon application of the new guidance, the Company will recognize revenue during the remaining survey creation period. This will result in revenue being recognized earlier than under the Company’s current policy. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has not identified any material differencesapproximately $0.2 million in deferred revenue that is expected to be recognized upon adoption of the amount and timing of revenue recognition for the categories the Company has reviewed to date, the Company’s evaluation is not complete and thenew guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company has not concluded oncompleted its review of the overall impacts of adoptingdisclosure requirements under the new guidance. The FASB has issued, and may issue in the future, interpretive guidance which may cause the Company’s evaluation to change.standard but expects that its current disclosures will be expanded. The Company believes it is following an appropriate timeline to allowwill be ready for proper recognition, presentation and disclosure upon adoption.adoption of the new standard effective January 1, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” with the objective of increasing transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the present value of the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The ASU will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard on its consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2019 and believes that the most significant change will be to the Company's balance sheet as its asset and liability balances will increase for operating leases that are currently off-balance sheet.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” in order to simplify the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Currently, Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities following the same procedure that would be required for purchase price allocation in a business combination. Under the amendments in this ASU, a goodwill impairment loss will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit limited to the total carrying amount of that reporting unit’s goodwill. The guidance in this ASU also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. However, entities must disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied on a prospective basis and will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020, but early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE I-SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTORS CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
On March 20, 2013, the Company completed a private placement of 9½% Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. The Company’s payment obligations under the 9½% Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior basis by substantially all of the Company’s significant 100% owned U.S. subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). All subsidiaries of the Company that do not guarantee the 9½% Senior Notes are referred to as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.
The indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes provides that the guarantees by the Guarantor Subsidiaries will be released in the following customary circumstances: (i) upon a sale or other disposition, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the equity interests of that guarantor to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the guarantor sells all or substantially all of its assets to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company;

(iii) the guarantor is properly designated as an unrestricted subsidiary or ceases to be a restricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance of the 9½% Senior Notes or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes; (v) the guarantor becomes an immaterial subsidiary or (vi) the guarantor, having also been a guarantor under a credit facility, is released from its guarantee obligations under a credit facility and does not guarantee any indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantor Subsidiaries.
The consolidating condensed financial statements are presented below and should be read in connection with the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because (i) the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly-owned and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 9½% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis and (ii) the Company’s management has determined such separate financial statements are not material to investors.

The following consolidating condensed financial information presents the consolidating condensed balance sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidating condensed statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016and the consolidating condensed statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of cash flows for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2016 of (a) the Company; (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries; (c) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries; (d) elimination entries; and (e) the Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances, intercompany transactions and intercompany sales.

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
As of March 31,September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
ASSETS                  
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $52,421
 $11,830
 $
 $64,251
$
 $55,172
 $25,101
 $
 $80,273
Receivables                  
Trade, net
 14,975
 9,171
 
 24,146

 10,258
 2,382
 
 12,640
Notes and other
 38
 53
 
 91

 48
 290
 
 338
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.
 1,180
 
 
 1,180

 1,188
 
 
 1,188
Intercompany receivables (payables)(51,768) 51,612
 156
 
 
(63,673) 61,602
 2,071
 
 
Investment in subsidiaries412,923
 420,031
 870
 (833,824) 
409,475
 425,303
 649
 (835,427) 
Net seismic data library
 83,772
 21,402
 (12) 105,162

 65,920
 16,999
 
 82,919
Net property and equipment
 579
 1,080
 
 1,659

 522
 1,069
 
 1,591
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other69
 1,678
 332
 
 2,079
94
 1,225
 909
 
 2,228
Intangible assets, net900
 
 
 
 900
900
 
 
 
 900
Goodwill
 107,688
 74,911
 
 182,599

 107,688
 79,970
 
 187,658
Deferred income taxes
 95
 197
 
 292

 99
 185
 
 284
TOTAL ASSETS$362,124
 $734,069
 $120,002
 $(833,836) $382,359
$346,796
 $729,025
 $129,625
 $(835,427) $370,019
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY                  
LIABILITIES                  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$10,946
 $7,679
 $6,161
 $
 $24,786
$10,945
 $11,468
 $2,262
 $
 $24,675
Income taxes payable
 24
 690
 
 714

 24
 2,495
 
 2,519
Senior Notes247,167
 
 
 
 247,167
247,809
 
 
 
 247,809
Obligations under capital leases
 
 1,469
 
 1,469

 
 1,438
 
 1,438
Deferred revenue
 15,576
 2,502
 
 18,078

 10,344
 1,832
 
 12,176
Deferred income taxes
 
 1,645
 
 1,645

 
 1,550
 
 1,550
TOTAL LIABILITIES258,113
 23,279
 12,467
 
 293,859
258,754
 21,836
 9,577
 
 290,167
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY                  
Common stock
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital400,580
 
 
 
 400,580
400,591
 
 
 
 400,591
Parent investment
 764,105
 156,643
 (920,748) 

 764,105
 156,728
 (920,833) 
Retained deficit(296,569) (53,315) (33,245) 86,560
 (296,569)(312,549) (56,916) (28,138) 85,054
 (312,549)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (15,863) 352
 (15,511)
 
 (8,542) 352
 (8,190)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY104,011
 710,790
 107,535
 (833,836) 88,500
88,042
 707,189
 120,048
 (835,427) 79,852
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY$362,124
 $734,069
 $120,002
 $(833,836) $382,359
$346,796
 $729,025
 $129,625
 $(835,427) $370,019


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
 Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
ASSETS         
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $47,971
 $8,026
 $
 $55,997
Receivables         
Trade, net
 14,819
 9,662
 
 24,481
Notes and other
 412
 24
 
 436
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.
 1,177
 
 
 1,177
Intercompany receivables (payables)(51,982) 51,262
 720
 
 
Investment in subsidiaries420,308
 420,456
 630
 (841,394) 
Net seismic data library
 94,039
 21,907
 (24) 115,922
Net property and equipment
 611
 1,098
 
 1,709
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other30
 1,413
 319
 
 1,762
Intangible assets, net900
 402
 116
 
 1,418
Goodwill
 107,688
 74,324
 
 182,012
Deferred income taxes
 92
 165
 
 257
TOTAL ASSETS$369,256
 $740,342
 $116,991
 $(841,418) $385,171
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY         
LIABILITIES         
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$5,007
 $8,559
 $3,441
 $
 $17,007
Income taxes payable
 24
 596
 
 620
Senior Notes246,857
 
 
 
 246,857
Obligations under capital leases
 
 1,510
 
 1,510
Deferred revenue
 13,574
 2,330
 
 15,904
Deferred income taxes
 
 2,214
 
 2,214
TOTAL LIABILITIES251,864
 22,157
 10,091
 
 284,112
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY         
Common stock
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital400,582
 
 
 
 400,582
Parent investment
 764,105
 156,594
 (920,699) 
Retained deficit(283,190) (45,920) (33,120) 79,040
 (283,190)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (16,574) 241
 (16,333)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY117,392
 718,185
 106,900
 (841,418) 101,059
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY$369,256
 $740,342
 $116,991
 $(841,418) $385,171


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
REVENUE$
 $13,802
 $7,134
 $(341) $20,595
$
 $13,148
 $11,405
 $(540) $24,013
EXPENSES:                  
Depreciation and amortization
 16,116
 6,160
 (13) 22,263

 14,011
 3,703
 
 17,714
Cost of sales
 10
 14
 (14) 10

 244
 1
 (214) 31
Selling, general and administrative123
 4,627
 1,223
 (327) 5,646
169
 3,916
 1,290
 (326) 5,049
123
 20,753
 7,397
 (354) 27,919
169
 18,171
 4,994
 (540) 22,794
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS(123) (6,951) (263) 13
 (7,324)
Interest expense, net(5,874) (321) (15) 
 (6,210)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS(169) (5,023) 6,411
 
 1,219
Interest income (expense), net(6,046) (142) 49
 
 (6,139)
Foreign currency exchange losses
 
 (51) 
 (51)
 (2) (1) 
 (3)
Loss before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries(5,997) (7,272) (329) 13
 (13,585)
Benefit for income taxes
 (2) (204) 
 (206)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries(7,382) (125) 
 7,507
 
NET LOSS$(13,379) $(7,395) $(125) $7,520
 $(13,379)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries(6,215) (5,167) 6,459
 
 (4,923)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 (5) 1,426
 
 1,421
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries(129) 5,033
 
 (4,904) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(6,344) $(129) $5,033
 $(4,904) $(6,344)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017
(In thousands)

Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net loss$(13,379) $(7,395) $(125) $7,520
 $(13,379)
Net income (loss)$(6,344) $(129) $5,033
 $(4,904) $(6,344)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 711
 111
 822

 
 4,752
 
 4,752
Comprehensive income (loss)$(13,379) $(7,395) $586
 $7,631
 $(12,557)$(6,344) $(129) $9,785
 $(4,904) $(1,592)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
REVENUE$
 $10,474
 $1,819
 $(343) $11,950
$
 $20,017
 $3,557
 $(319) $23,255
EXPENSES:                  
Depreciation and amortization
 8,910
 6,204
 (13) 15,101

 15,071
 3,875
 (13) 18,933
Cost of sales
 15
 7
 
 22

 19
 1
 2
 22
Selling, general and administrative213
 4,087
 1,987
 (328) 5,959
315
 3,799
 1,593
 (321) 5,386
213
 13,012
 8,198
 (341) 21,082
315
 18,889
 5,469
 (332) 24,341
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS(213) (2,538) (6,379) (2) (9,132)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS(315) 1,128
 (1,912) 13
 (1,086)
Interest expense, net(5,656) (607) (93) 
 (6,356)(5,732) (497) (69) 
 (6,298)
Foreign currency exchange gains
 
 173
 
 173
Foreign currency exchange losses
 
 (20) 
 (20)
Other income
 6
 
 
 6

 572
 
 
 572
Loss before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries(5,869) (3,139) (6,299) (2) (15,309)
Benefit for income taxes
 (27) (1,418) 
 (1,445)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries(7,995) (4,881) 
 12,876
 
NET LOSS$(13,864) $(7,993) $(4,881) $12,874
 $(13,864)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries(6,047) 1,203
 (2,001) 13
 (6,832)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 22
 (1,411) 
 (1,389)
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries604
 (590) 
 (14) 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(5,443) $591
 $(590) $(1) $(5,443)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016
(In thousands)

Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net loss$(13,864) $(7,993) $(4,881) $12,874
 $(13,864)
Net income (loss)$(5,443) $591
 $(590) $(1) $(5,443)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 6,661
 83
 6,744

 
 (862) 1
 (861)
Comprehensive income (loss)$(13,864) $(7,993) $1,780
 $12,957
 $(7,120)$(5,443) $591
 $(1,452) $
 $(6,304)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
REVENUE$
 $46,241
 $23,549
 $(1,482) $68,308
EXPENSES:         
Depreciation and amortization
 48,493
 13,478
 (25) 61,946
Cost of sales
 571
 7
 (504) 74
Selling, general and administrative429
 12,553
 3,696
 (978) 15,700
 429
 61,617
 17,181
 (1,507) 77,720
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS(429) (15,376) 6,368
 25
 (9,412)
Interest income (expense), net(17,959) (608) 31
 
 (18,536)
Foreign currency exchange losses
 
 (88) 
 (88)
Other income
 
 96
 
 96
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries(18,388) (15,984) 6,407
 25
 (27,940)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 (6) 1,425
 
 1,419
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries(10,971) 4,982
 
 5,989
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(29,359) $(10,996) $4,982
 $6,014
 $(29,359)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)

 Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net income (loss)$(29,359) $(10,996) $4,982
 $6,014
 $(29,359)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 8,032
 111
 8,143
Comprehensive income (loss)$(29,359) $(10,996) $13,014
 $6,125
 $(21,216)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(In thousands)
 Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
REVENUE$
 $49,297
 $11,279
 $(1,031) $59,545
EXPENSES:         
Depreciation and amortization
 44,237
 14,640
 (38) 58,839
Cost of sales
 96
 13
 (54) 55
Selling, general and administrative888
 11,256
 4,846
 (977) 16,013
 888
 55,589
 19,499
 (1,069) 74,907
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS(888) (6,292) (8,220) 38
 (15,362)
Interest expense, net(17,034) (1,703) (251) 
 (18,988)
Foreign currency exchange gains
 
 143
 
 143
Other income
 581
 1
 
 582
Loss before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries(17,922) (7,414) (8,327) 38
 (33,625)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 11
 (5,094) 
 (5,083)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries(10,620) (3,233) 
 13,853
 
NET LOSS$(28,542) $(10,658) $(3,233) $13,891
 $(28,542)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(In thousands)

 Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Net loss$(28,542) $(10,658) $(3,233) $13,891
 $(28,542)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 5,491
 84
 5,575
Comprehensive income (loss)$(28,542) $(10,658) $2,258
 $13,975
 $(22,967)



CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Cash flows from operating activities:                  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(215) $8,513
 $5,836
 $
 $14,134
$(12,325) $32,878
 $23,728
 $
 $44,281
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
Cash invested in seismic data
 (3,747) (2,001) 
 (5,748)
 (13,081) (7,437) 
 (20,518)
Cash paid to acquire property and equipment
 (98) (38) 
 (136)
 (260) (102) 
 (362)
Cash from sale of property and equipment
 
 3
 
 3
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.
 (3) 
 
 (3)
 (11) 
 
 (11)
Net cash used in investing activities
 (3,848) (2,039) 
 (5,887)
 (13,352) (7,536) 
 (20,888)
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
 
 (53) 
 (53)
 
 (178) 
 (178)
Intercompany transfers215
 (215) 
 
 
12,325
 (12,325) 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities215
 (215) (53) 
 (53)12,325
 (12,325) (178) 
 (178)
Effect of exchange rate changes
 
 60
 
 60

 
 1,061
 
 1,061
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 4,450
 3,804
 
 8,254

 7,201
 17,075
 
 24,276
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 47,971
 8,026
 
 55,997

 47,971
 8,026
 
 55,997
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$
 $52,421
 $11,830
 $
 $64,251
$
 $55,172
 $25,101
 $
 $80,273


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Parent 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Total
Cash flows from operating activities:                  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(194) $10,195
 $703
 $(15) $10,689
$(12,525) $35,409
 $6,247
 $
 $29,131
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
Cash invested in seismic data
 (5,915) (486) 15
 (6,386)
 (19,141) (1,558) 
 (20,699)
Cash paid to acquire property and equipment
 (75) 
 
 (75)
 (173) (3) 
 (176)
Cash from sale of property and equipment
 14
 
 
 14

 17
 1
 
 18
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.
 (11) 
 
 (11)
 (19) 
 
 (19)
Net cash used in investing activities
 (5,987) (486) 15
 (6,458)
 (19,316) (1,560) 
 (20,876)
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
 
 (48) 
 (48)
 
 (152) 
 (152)
Intercompany transfers194
 (194) 
 
 
12,525
 (12,326) (199) 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities194
 (194) (48) 
 (48)12,525
 (12,326) (351) 
 (152)
Effect of exchange rate changes
 
 177
 
 177

 
 96
 
 96
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 4,014
 346
 
 4,360

 3,767
 4,432
 
 8,199
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 51,192
 1,483
 
 52,675

 51,192
 1,483
 
 52,675
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$
 $55,206
 $1,829
 $
 $57,035
$
 $54,959
 $5,915
 $
 $60,874


Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document. When we use the terms we, us, our or similar words in this disclosure, we are referring to Seitel, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements contained in this report about our future outlook, prospects, strategies and plans, and about industry conditions, demand for seismic services and the future economic life of our seismic data are forward-looking, among others. All statements that express belief, expectation, estimates or intentions, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “propose”, “plan”, “target”, “foresee”, “should”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, but represent our present belief, based on our current expectations and assumptions, with respect to future events and their potential effect on us. While we believe our expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they involve risks and uncertainties beyond our control that could cause the actual results or outcome to differ materially from the expected results or outcome reflected in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, actual customer demand for our seismic data and related services, the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for natural gas, crude oil and condensate and natural gas liquids, conditions in the capital markets during the periods covered by the forward-looking statements, the effect of economic conditions, our ability to obtain financing on satisfactory terms if internally generated cash flows are insufficient to fund our capital needs, the impact on our financial condition as a result of our debt and our debt service, our ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with our vendors and service providers, our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations, changes in the oil and gas industry or the economy generally and changes in the capital expenditure budgets of our customers, as well as the risk factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
The forward-looking statements contained in this report speak only as of the date hereof and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance or project future results based on such forward-looking statements or present or prior earnings levels. Except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC and in our future periodic reports filed with the SEC.
Overview
General
We are a leading provider of onshore seismic data to the oil and gas industry in North America. We own an extensive library of onshore and offshore seismic data that we have accumulated since our inception in 1982 that we offer for license to exploration and production (“E&P”) companies. Our primary areas of focus are onshore United States and Canada and, to a lesser extent, offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In addition, we began to expand our data library coverage into Mexico in 2015 as a result of the energy reform in Mexico. We believe our data library is one of the largest onshore three-dimensional (“3D”) databases available for licensing in North America and includes leading positions in oil, liquids-rich and natural gas unconventional plays as well as conventional areas.
Our products and services are used by E&P companies in oil and gas exploration and development efforts to increase the probability of drilling success, to better delineate existing oil and gas fields and to augment their reservoir completion and management techniques. In unconventional plays, E&P companies use seismic data as a development tool to better identify efficient drilling plans and maximize production by identifying and understanding a series of critical characteristics of the targeted resource. We generate revenue primarily by licensing data from our data library and from new data creation projects, which are substantially underwritten or paid for by our clients. By participating in underwritten, non-exclusive surveys or purchasing licenses to existing data, E&P companies can obtain access to surveys at reduced costs as compared to acquiring seismic data on a proprietary basis.

WithCrude oil prices have remained at or above $50 per barrel since mid-September 2017 reflecting declining global inventories, increasing expectations for global economic and oil demand growth and geopolitical events. However, crude oil prices stabilizing around $50 per barrel beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, E&P companies have gained confidence in their cash flow outlook and have begun to increase spending on drilling and completing new wells. We remain cautiously optimistic that this increase in industry activity shouldvolatile. As a result, in improvements in seismic spending from our E&P clients in 2017. We do, however,we believe that seismic spending will continue to fluctuate quarter to quarter.quarter as E&P companies continue to closely evaluate spending levels. We believe our asset-light business model, variable cost structure and streamlined support structure allow us to respond to changes, both positive and negative, in the industry environment.

Principal Factors Affecting Our Business
Our business is dependent upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. The following are those that we consider to be principal factors affecting our business.
Demand for Seismic Data: Demand for our products and services is cyclical due to the nature of the oil and gas industry. In particular, demand for our seismic data services depends upon exploration, production, development and field management spending by E&P companies and, in the case of new data creation, the willingness of these companies to forgo ownership in the seismic data. Capital expenditures by E&P companies depend upon several factors, including actual and forecasted oil and natural gas commodity prices, prospect availability and the companies’ own short-term and long-term strategic plans. These capital expenditures may also be affected by worldwide economic or industry-wide conditions.
Merger and Acquisition/Joint Venture Activity: Merger and acquisition activity continues to occur within our client base. This activity could have a negative impact on seismic companies that operate in markets with a limited number of participating clients. However, we believe that, over time, this activity could have a positive impact on our business, as it should generate resale licensing revenue, result in increased vitality in the trading of mineral interests and result in the creation of new independent customers through the rationalization of staff within those companies affected by this activity.
Exploiting unconventional plays is a capital intensive endeavor and many technically proficient E&P companies remain subject to capital constraints. These companies find themselves needing to sell their positions to, or create partnerships with, large well-capitalized companies in order to develop their recoverable resource base. TheseGenerally, contracts with our customers for the license of data do not permit sharing of the data among partners. As a result, these joint venture partners or new owners will often need to purchase licensesa license to our seismic data for their own use.
North America Drilling Activity: The North American land rig count continues to improvehas improved in 2017 as a result of stabilized oil prices. Sincesince the low of 422 rigs in May 2016,2016. Year-to-date in 2017, the North American land rig count peaked at 1,153 rigs in August and has more than doubledsince decreased to 9361,093 rigs as of April 21,October 20, 2017. The rig count is forecast to continue to rise throughout 2017remain relatively flat with continued strong directional drilling activity.current levels through the end of the year.
Availability of Capital for Our Customers: The continued low oil and gas prices have caused a reduction in cash flows for our customers. Many E&P companies rely on revolving credit to finance their day-to-day operations. These credit facilities have borrowing bases that are tied to the net present value of their reserves. Lower oil prices have decreased the value of those reserves and, as a result, the borrowing bases under such facilities have been reduced although companies are beginning to see some increases in the borrowing bases as a result of oil prices strengthening in the latter part of 2016.reduced. Reductions in cash flows resulting from lower commodity prices, along with the reduced availability of credit and increased costs of borrowing, has had, and could continue to have, a material impact on the ability of such companies to obtain funding necessary to purchase our seismic data.
Government Regulation: Our operations and the operations of our third party contractors are subject to a variety of federal, provincial, state, foreign and local laws and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws. We invest financial and managerial resources to comply with these laws and related permit requirements and require our third party contractors to do the same. Modification of existing laws or regulations and the adoption of new laws or regulations impacting exploration or production activities by oil and gas companies may have a material effect on our business operations.
Key Performance Measures

Management considers, among others, the following performance and financial measures in evaluating and managing our operating performance and financial condition. Some of these measures are not calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement the presentation of our financial results that are prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered substitutes for GAAP financial measures.

Cash Resales: Cash resales represent new contracts for data licenses from our library, including data currently in progress, payable in cash. We believe cash resales are an important measure of our operating performance and are useful in assessing

overall industry and client activity. Cash resales are likely to fluctuate quarter to quarter as they do not require the longer planning and lead times necessary for new data creation.

Cash resales for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016
Cash resales$14,021
 $2,698
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash resales$16,546
 $9,314
 $43,471
 $31,147

Cash EBITDA: Cash EBITDA represents cash generated from licensing data from our seismic library net of recurring cash operating expenses. We believe this measure is helpful in determining the level of cash from operations we have available for debt service and funding of capital expenditures (net of the portion funded or underwritten by our customers). Cash EBITDA includes cash resales plus all other cash revenues other than from data acquisitions, less cost of goods sold and cash selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding severance and other non-routine costs).

The following is a quantitative reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, cash flows from operating activities (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Cash EBITDA$8,850
 $(1,771)$12,065
 $5,126
 $29,324
 $18,385
Add (subtract) other components not included in cash EBITDA:          
Cash acquisition underwriting revenue6,874

4,951
6,838

7,571
 17,984
 17,408
Revenue recognition adjustments from contracts payable in cash(1,076) 3,756
(74) 4,538
 3,824
 6,890
Severance and other non-routine costs
 (946)(40) (754) (143) (1,860)
Interest expense, net(6,210) (6,356)(6,139) (6,298) (18,536) (18,988)
Amortization of deferred financing costs310
 318
325
 294
 952
 922
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts
 
 
 (21)
Other cash operating income
 
 
 3
Current income tax expense(406) 
(2,008) (35) (2,591) (44)
Changes in operating working capital5,792
 10,737
12,460
 13,935
 13,467
 6,436
Net cash provided by operating activities$14,134
 $10,689
$23,427
 $24,377
 $44,281
 $29,131

Growth of Our Seismic Data Library: We regularly add to our seismic data library through four different methods: (1) recording new data; (2) buying ownership of existing data for cash; (3) obtaining ownership of existing data sets through non-monetary exchanges; and (4) creating new value-added products from existing data within our library. For the period from January 1, 2017 to May 8,November 6, 2017, we completed the addition ofadded approximately 1,5002,000 square miles of seismic data to our library. As of May 8,November 6, 2017, we had approximately 200 square miles of seismic data in progress.
Critical Accounting Policies
We operate in one business segment, which consists of seismic data acquisition, seismic data licensing, seismic data processing and seismic reproduction services. There have not been any changes in our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2016.

Results of Operations
Revenue
The following table summarizes the components of our revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Acquisition underwriting revenue:          
Cash underwriting$6,874
 $4,951
$6,838
 $7,571
 $17,984
 $17,408
Underwriting from non-monetary exchanges39
 1
103
 54
 229
 78
Total acquisition underwriting revenue6,913
 4,952
6,941
 7,625
 18,213
 17,486
Resale licensing revenue:          
Cash resales14,021
 2,698
16,546
 9,314
 43,471
 31,147
Non-monetary exchanges250
 222

 1,618
 1,250
 1,840
Revenue recognition adjustments(1,076) 3,534
(74) 4,215
 3,824
 7,685
Total resale licensing revenue13,195
 6,454
16,472
 15,147
 48,545
 40,672
Total seismic revenue20,108
 11,406
23,413
 22,772
 66,758
 58,158
Solutions and other487
 544
600
 483
 1,550
 1,387
Total revenue$20,595
 $11,950
$24,013
 $23,255
 $68,308
 $59,545
Total revenue was $20.6$24.0 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $12.0$23.3 million in the firstthird quarter of 2016. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $6.9 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $5.0$7.6 million in the firstthird quarter of 2016. New data acquisition activity in the firstthird quarter of 2017 was primarily focused in the Louisiana Cotton Valley, Eagle Ford/Woodbine, and Louisiana Cotton Valley areas in the U.S. and in the Montney area in Canada.Permian Basin areas. Total resale licensing revenue was $13.2$16.5 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $6.5$15.1 million in the firstthird quarter of 2016. Cash resales increased from $2.7were $16.5 million in the firstthird quarter of 20162017 compared to $14.0$9.3 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017. Crude2016. Many E&P companies have increased their capital spending in 2017 as a result of improving crude oil prices have recovered fromfollowing a reduction in capital spending in 2015 and 2016 due to the lows experiencedthen low and uncertain commodity price environment. Consequently, we saw improvement in the first quarter of 2016, stabilizing around $50 per barrel beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, and have resulted in increased spending by E&P companies which, in turn, positively impacted demand for our seismic data.data in the third quarter of 2017. There were no non-monetary exchanges in the third quarter of 2017; such activity fluctuates quarter to quarter depending upon the data available for trade. Revenue recognition adjustments are non-cash adjustments to revenue and reflect the net amount of (i) revenue deferred as a result of all of the revenue recognition criteria not being met and (ii) the subsequent revenue recognition once the criteria are met. The $4.6$4.3 million reduction in revenue recognition adjustments between the firstthird quarters of 2016 and 2017 primarily resulted from a decrease in selections of data from library card contracts, and higherpartially offset by a decrease in deferrals associated with new licensing contracts.
Total revenue for the first nine months of 2017 was $68.3 million compared to $59.5 million in the first nine months of 2016. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $18.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $17.5 million in the first nine months of 2016. New data acquisition activity in the first nine months of 2017 was focused in the Eagle Ford/Woodbine, Permian Basin and Louisiana Cotton Valley areas in the U.S. and in the Montney area in Canada. Total resale licensing revenue was $48.5 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $40.7 million in the first nine months of 2016. Cash resales for the first nine months of 2017 were $43.5 million compared to $31.1 million in the first nine months of 2016 reflecting an increase in capital spending by our E&P clients as a result of the improved, but still volatile, commodity price environment. Revenue recognition adjustments decreased $3.9 million from the first nine months of 2016 to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to a decrease in both revenue recognized on previously deferred direct licensing contracts and selections of data from library card contracts, partially offset by fewer new licensing contracts requiring deferral.
At March 31,September 30, 2017, we had a deferred revenue balance of $18.112.2 million, compared to the December 31, 2016 balance of $15.9 million. The deferred revenue balance was related to (i) deferred revenue on data acquisition projects, (ii) data licensing contracts on whichwhere selection of specific data had not yet occurred, (iii) data licensing contracts in which thewith data products are not yet available and (iv) data licensing contracts on which thewhere any other revenue recognition criteria has not yet been met. The deferred revenue will be recognized as work progresses on the data acquisition contracts, when selection of specific data is made by the customer, upon expiration of the data selection period specified in the data licensing contracts, as the data products become available or as all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.

Depreciation and Amortization
The table below sets forth the components of depreciation and amortization and presents seismic data amortization as a percentage of total seismic revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Amortization of seismic data:                      
Income forecast$10,836
 53.9% $4,049
 35.5%$8,153
 34.8% $7,200
 31.6% $28,634
 42.9% $23,259
 40.0%
Straight-line10,770
 53.6% 9,835
 86.2%9,426
 40.3% 10,510
 46.2% 32,397
 48.5% 31,909
 54.9%
Total amortization of seismic data21,606
 107.5% 13,884
 121.7%17,579
 75.1% 17,710
 77.8% 61,031
 91.4% 55,168
 94.9%
Depreciation of property and equipment137
   183
  135
   182
   395
   551
  
Amortization of acquired intangibles520
   1,034
  
   1,041
   520
   3,120
  
Total$22,263
   $15,101
  $17,714
   $18,933
   $61,946
   $58,839
  
Total seismic data library amortization amounted to $21.6$17.6 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $13.9$17.7 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $61.0 million for the first quarternine months of 2017 compared to $55.2 million for the first nine months of 2016. The amount of seismic data library amortization fluctuates based on the level and location of specific seismic surveys licensed (including licensing resulting from new data acquisition) and selected by our customers during the period as well as the amount of straight-line amortization required under our accounting policy. Income forecast amortization as a percentage of total seismic revenue increased between the first quarters offrom 2016 andto 2017 primarily due to the mix of data being licensed. In both quarters,all periods, we had resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized. In the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the percentage of resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized was 35%71% and 53%, respectively, as compared to 87%82% and 61% in the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Straight-line amortization represents the expense required under our accounting policy to ensure the book value of our data is fully amortized within four years of when the data becomes available for licensing. The amount of straight-line amortization varies between periods due to the distribution of revenue among the various seismic surveys.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $5.6$5.0 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $6.0$5.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $15.7 million in the first quarternine months of 2017 compared to $16.0 million in the first nine months of 2016. SG&A expenses are made up of the following cash and non-cash expenses (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Cash SG&A expenses$5,648
 $5,937
$5,046
 $5,403
 $15,691
 $15,954
Non-cash compensation expense(2) 22
3
 (17) 9
 59
Total$5,646
 $5,959
$5,049
 $5,386
 $15,700
 $16,013
The decrease in cash SG&A expenses of $0.4 million from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2017 was mainly due to a $0.7 million decrease in severance and other non-routine costs primarily due to termination benefits related to layoffs of personnel that were included in the 2016 third quarter and a $0.4 million decrease in professional fees primarily resulting from legal fees incurred in 2016 associated with client bankruptcies. Partially offsetting these decreases was a $0.6 million increase in incentive compensation related to our annual incentive compensation plan resulting from overall improvement of Cash EBITDA in 2017. In the third quarter of 2016, no expense was recorded for the annual incentive compensation plan due to the uncertainty of achieving the goals set for 2016 as a result of the industry environment.
The decrease in cash SG&A expenses of $0.3 million from the first quarternine months of 2016 to the first quarternine months of 2017 was primarily dueconsisted of a $1.7 million decrease in severance and other non-routine costs primarily associated with the 2016 layoffs which did not occur in 2017 and a $0.5 million decrease in professional fees mainly related to a $0.9 millionthe reduction in non-routine costslegal fees associated with client bankruptcies. These decreases in cash SG&A expenses were partially offset by a $0.6$1.4 million increase in routine overhead costs. Non-routine costs in the first quarter of 2016 included $0.9 million in termination benefits related to headcount reductions; no such charges were incurred in 2017. The increase in routine overhead costs of $0.6 million was mainly due to an increase in variable compensation, consisting of commissions and annual incentive compensation resulting from the increase in revenue and Cash EBITDA in the first quarter of 2017.
Non-cash compensation expense was negative in the first quarter 2017 due to the reversal of previously recorded expense associated with stock options that had not vested and were forfeited as a result of an employee’s departureincrease in 2017.annual incentive compensation associated with our higher Cash EBITDA results. In 2016, we did not accrue an expense for the annual incentive compensation plan until the fourth quarter of 2016 due to the uncertainty of achieving the goals set for 2016 as a result of the industry environment.

Income Taxes
Income tax benefitexpense (benefit) was $0.21.4 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $1.4(1.4) million in the firstthird quarter of 2016. The income tax benefitexpense in the firstthird quarter of 2017 was primarily comprised of a $1.8 million expense related to our Canadian operations.operations offset slightly by a $0.4 million benefit related to our uncertain tax positions due to the lapse of statute of limitations in the third quarter of 2017. The U.S. federal tax benefit of $4.5$3.9 million resulting from our firstthird quarter 2017 U.S. operations was offset by a valuation allowance because it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would not be realized. The income tax benefit in the firstthird quarter of 2016 was comprised of a $1.5$0.9 million benefit on our uncertain tax positions resulting from the lapse of statute of limitations and final settlement of our outstanding appeals with Canada Revenue Agency and a benefit of $0.5 million related to our Canadian operations. The federal tax benefit of $1.7 million resulting from our third quarter 2016 U.S. operations was offset by a valuation allowance because it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would not be realized.
Income tax expense (benefit) was $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $(5.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The expense for the first nine months of 2017 was mainly the result of the third quarter 2017 activity described above. During the first nine months of 2017, the federal tax benefit of $11.9 million resulting from our U.S. operations was offset by a valuation allowance because it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would not be realized. The benefit for the first nine months of 2016 was comprised of a $2.2 million benefit related to our Canadian operations offset slightly by $0.1and a $2.9 million of expensebenefit which primarily related to interest on uncertain tax positions.

position settlements, remeasurements and lapse of statute of limitations recorded in the second and third quarters of 2016. The federal tax benefit of $8.8 million resulting from our U.S. operations was offset by a valuation allowance because it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would not be realized.
Net Loss
Net loss was $13.46.3 million in the firstthird quarter of 2017 compared to $13.95.4 million in the firstthird quarter of 2016. The decreaseincrease in the loss between quarters was primarily due to higher revenues,an increase in income tax expense partially offset by slightly higher total revenues, an overall decrease in SG&A expenses, and a decrease in amortization expense associated with our seismic data library. Net loss was $29.4 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $28.5 million in the first nine months of 2016. The slight increase in loss between the nine-month periods was primarily due to higher amortization of our seismic data library and loweran increase in income tax benefit.expense, partially offset by higher revenues.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31,September 30, 2017, we had $64.3$80.3 million in consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, including $0.5$0.8 million of restricted cash. Our Canadian subsidiary regularly holds cash which is used to reinvest in its operations. If we decide at a later date to repatriate those funds to the U.S., we may be required to pay taxes on certain of those funds based on applicable U.S. tax rates net of foreign taxes. Cash held by our Canadian subsidiary fluctuates throughout the year and at March 31,September 30, 2017, was $11.8$25.1 million.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
9½% Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 20, 2013, we issued in a private placement $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9½% Senior Notes. Interest is payable in cash, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The notes mature on April 15, 2019. To the best of our knowledge, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the indenture governing our 9½% Senior Notes at March 31,September 30, 2017.
We may from time to time, as part of various financing and investment strategies, purchase our outstanding indebtedness. These purchases, if any, could have a material positive or negative impact on our liquidity available to repay outstanding debt obligations or on our consolidated results of operations.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash flows provided by operating activities were $14.1$44.3 million and $10.729.1 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Operating cash flows for 2017 increased from 2016 primarily due to higher collections of fourth quarter 2016 cash resales in the first quarter of 2017 compareddue to collections of fourth quarter 2015 cash resalesincreased activity beginning in the firstfourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by payments of 2016 annual incentive compensation made in 2017 and lower collections of acquisition underwriting revenue as a result of invoice timing.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash flows used in investing activities were $5.9$20.9 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Cash expenditures for seismic data were $20.5 million and $6.520.7 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash expenditures for seismic data were $5.7 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash flows used in financing activities were $0.10.2 million for each of the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Anticipated Liquidity: Our ability to cover our operating and capital expenses, make required debt service payments on our 9½% Senior Notes, incur additional indebtedness and comply with our various debt covenants will depend primarily on our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flows. Over the next 12 months, we expect to obtain the funds necessary to pay our operating, capital and other expenses, as well as interest on our 9½% Senior Notes and principal and interest on our other indebtedness, from our operating cash flows and cash and cash equivalents on hand. Our ability to satisfy our payment obligations depends substantially on our future operating and financial performance, which necessarily will be affected by, and subject to, industry, market, economic and other factors. To the extent our operating cash flows and cash on hand are not sufficient to cover our anticipated expenditures, we could seek to obtain additional financing. However, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain any such financing on satisfactory terms or at all. If necessary, we could choose to further reduce our spending on capital projects and operating expenses to ensure we operate within the cash flow generated from our operations. We will not be able to predict or control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and competitive pressures.
Deferred Taxes
As of March 31,September 30, 2017, we had a net deferred tax liability of $1.6 million attributable to our Canadian operations. In the United States, we had a federal deferred tax asset of $98.7$106.0 million, which was fully offset by a valuation allowance. The recognition of the U.S. federal deferred tax asset will not occur until such time that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the federal deferred tax asset will be realized. As of March 31,September 30, 2017, it was more likely than not that all of the U.S. federal deferred tax asset will not be realized. Additionally, in the U.S., we had a state deferred tax asset of $1.3 million of which $1.2 million was offset by a valuation allowance. The remaining state deferred tax asset was recognized as it is more likely than not that the state deferred tax asset will be realized. Lastly, we had a deferred tax asset of $0.2 million related to our Mexican operations in Mexico that was recognized as of March 31,September 30, 2017 as it is more likely than not that the Mexico deferred tax asset will be realized.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Other than operating leases, we do not maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expense, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Capital Expenditures
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, capital expenditures for seismic data and other property and equipment amounted to $10.827.5 million on a gross basis and $3.7$8.3 million on a net cash basis. Our capital expenditures for the first threenine months of 2017 are comprised of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2017
New data acquisition$7,423
$18,684
Cash purchases and data processing2,998
7,240
Non-monetary exchanges250
1,250
Property and equipment136
362
Total capital expenditures10,807
27,536
Less: Non-monetary exchanges(250)(1,250)
Changes in working capital(4,673)(5,406)
Cash investment per statement of cash flows$5,884
$20,880
Net cash capital expenditures represent total capital expenditures less cash underwriting revenue from our clients and non-cash additions to the seismic data library. We believe this measure is important as it reflects the amount of capital expenditures

funded from our operating cash flow. The following table shows how our net cash capital expenditures (a non-GAAP financial measure) are derived from total capital expenditures, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2017
Total capital expenditures$10,807
$27,536
Less: Non-monetary exchanges(250)(1,250)
Cash underwriting revenue(6,874)(17,984)
Net cash capital expenditures$3,683
$8,302
As of May 8,November 6, 2017, we had capital expenditure commitments related to data acquisition projects of approximately $11.2$8.1 million, of which we have obtained approximately $10.3$5.7 million of cash underwriting. We expect the majorityapproximately $1.6 million of our $0.9 million committed net cash capital expenditures to be incurred in 2017.2017 with the remainder being incurred in 2018. See discussion of our sources of liquidity under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” beginning on page 2933 of this Quarterly Report.

Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk, including adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Historically, we have not entered into financial instruments to mitigate these risks. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
Hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates chosen for the estimated sensitivity analysis are considered to be reasonable near-term changes generally based on consideration of past fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. However, since it is not possible to accurately predict future changes in foreign currency exchange rates, these hypothetical changes may not necessarily be an indicator of probable future fluctuations.
The following information about our market-sensitive financial instruments constitutes a “forward-looking statement.”

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our Canadian subsidiary conducts business in the Canadian dollar and is therefore subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing and investing transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, we do not have any open forward exchange contracts.
Additionally, certain intercompany balances between our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are denominated in U.S. dollars. Since this is not the functional currency of our Canadian subsidiary, the changes in these balances are translated in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as it relates to these intercompany balances. A sensitivity analysis on the intercompany balance as of March 31,September 30, 2017 indicates that if the U.S. dollar strengthened or weakened 4% (determined using an average of the last three years’ historical exchange rates) against the Canadian dollar, the effect upon our Consolidated Statements of Operations would be less than $0.1approximately $0.4 million.
We have not had any significant changes in our market risk exposures during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2017.

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and President and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and President along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31,September 30, 2017 were effective at the reasonable assurance level.


b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Part I, Item 1, Note G to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as amended, initially filed with the SEC on February 16, 2017, and the other information set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. You should be aware that these risk factors and other information may not describe every risk we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Item 6.EXHIBITS
Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits filed herewith and such listing is incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SEITEL, INC.
Date: May 11, 2017/s/     Robert D. Monson
Robert D. Monson
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 11, 2017/s/     Marcia H. Kendrick
Marcia H. Kendrick
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit No.
 TitleDescription
   
3.1
  
3.2
  
31.1
31.2
32.1
** 
32.2
** 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished, not filed.

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SEITEL, INC.
Date: November 9, 2017/s/     Robert D. Monson
Robert D. Monson
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

33
Date: November 9, 2017/s/     Marcia H. Kendrick
Marcia H. Kendrick
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


37