Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
SEC File No. 333-162019
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (to Prospectus dated March 11, 2011).
Far East Energy Corporation
Common Stock
Pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we are offering and selling a minimum of 19,512,195 shares up to a maximum of 51,707,317 shares of our common stock to be sold at a price of $0.5025 per share. Of the common stock we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement, up to 25,853,658 shares of common stock are being offered to existing investors in accordance with the provisions of the securities purchase agreements we entered into with the investors in March 2010, which may be sold to other investors if the investors in the March 2010 offering decline to participate in this offering.
We have engaged Religare Capital Markets, Inc. as our placement agent to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offerees to purchase our common stock in this offering.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “FEEC.” On March 9, 2011, the closing sale price per share of our common stock was $0.55.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the prospectus to which it relates is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We expect that the gross proceeds to us in the offering will be approximately $25,982,926 if all of the investors in the March 2010 offering participate and we sell the maximum number of shares offered in the offering. We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, exclusive of placement agent’s fees, will be approximately $400,000.
| | Per Share | | | Minimum Total | | | Maximum Total | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Offering price | | $ | 0.5025 | | | $ | 9,804,878 | | | $ | 25,982,926 | |
Placement Agent’s Fees: | | $ | 0.0176 | | | $ | 342,926 | | | $ | 908,755 | |
Proceeds to us (before expenses) | | $ | 0.4849 | | | $ | 9,461,952 | | | $ | 25,074,171 | |
We expect to deliver the shares to the purchasers on or about March 15, 2011 against payment for such shares.
The prospectus supplement is dated March 11, 2011
| | Page | |
Prospectus Supplement |
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About this Prospectus Supplement | | S-ii | |
Prospectus Supplement Summary | | S-1 | |
Risk Factors | | S-3 | |
Forward-Looking Statements | | S-13 | |
Use of Proceeds | | S-14 | |
Description of Securities We Are Offering | | S-14 | |
Plan of Distribution | | S-15 | |
Legal Matters | | S-15 | |
Experts | | S-15 | |
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference | | S-16 | |
| | | |
Prospectus |
| | | |
Prospectus Summary | | 1 | |
Risk Factors | | 3 | |
Forward-Looking Information | | 14 | |
Where You Can Find More Information | | 14 | |
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference | | 15 | |
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Financial Statement | | 16 | |
Use of Proceeds | | 16 | |
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges | | 16 | |
Description of Capital Stock | | 2 | |
Description of Depositary Shares | | 19 | |
Description of Debt Securities | | 19 | |
Description of Warrants | | 20 | |
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts | | 20 | |
Description of Units | | 21 | |
Plan of Distribution | | 21 | |
Legal Matters | | 23 | |
Experts | | 23 | |
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. You should assume that this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of its respective date.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, provides more general information. The accompanying prospectus was filed with our registration statement on Form S-3 (registration file no. 333-162019) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer to sell common stock, preferred stock, either separately or represented by depositary shares, debt securities, warrants and stock purchase contracts, as well as units that include any of these securities, from time to time in one or more offerings, up to a total amount of $75,000,000. As of March 9, 2011, approximately $26.5 million remains available under our shelf registration statement. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. We urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement, the information incorporated by reference, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus distributed by us before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference therein, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying prospectus and such documents incorporated by reference therein.
You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement, contained, or incorporated by reference, in the accompanying prospectus or contained in any free writing prospectus we have distributed in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus supplement is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus distributed by us is accurate only as of the date on the front of the applicable document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any sale of a security.
We are not making any representation to you regarding the legality of an investment in the common stock by you under applicable law. You should consult with your own legal advisors as to the legal, tax, business, financial and related aspects of a purchase of the common stock.
Information contained on or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.
Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “Far East,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” or similar references refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd. (“FEEB”). References to “China” are references to the People’s Republic of China.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY This summary highlights certain information about us, this offering and information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, in the accompanying prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities. To fully understand this offering and its consequences to you, you should read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus distributed by us carefully, including the information contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement beginning on page S-4, and the financial statements and other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making an investment decision. Far East Energy Corporation Our Business We were incorporated in Nevada on February 4, 2000. In January 2002, we renamed our company Far East Energy Corporation and changed our focus to exploring, developing, producing and selling coalbed methane gas (“CBM”). References to “China” are references to the People’s Republic of China. Today, the operations of our company and its subsidiaries concentrate on CBM exploration and development in Shanxi Province in northern China and Yunnan Province in southern China. Our goal is to become a recognized leader in CBM property acquisition, exploration, development and production. We are a development stage company, and our activities have been principally limited to the drilling, testing and completion of exploratory and pilot development CBM wells and organizational activities, with rights to three different production sharing contracts (“PSCs”). We are currently actively drilling and pursuing a pilot development program in the 485,000-acre Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province and are continuing exploration activities in the Enhong and Laochang areas, which total 265,000 acres, in Yunnan Province. Currently, the PSC covering the 573,000-acre Qinnan Block in Shanxi Province is inactive and the company is pursuing various options to extend the Exploration Period. On June 12, 2010, China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. (“CUCBM”) and Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited (“SPG”) executed the Shouyang Project Coalbed Methane Purchase and Sales Contract (the “Gas Sales Agreement”), to which we are an express beneficiary, to sell CBM produced in the CBM field governed by the Shouyang PSC (the “Shouyang Field”). Pursuant to the Gas Sales Agreement, SPG is initially required to purchase up to 300,000 cubic meters (10,584,000 cubic feet) per day of CBM (the “Daily Volume Limit”) produced at the Shouyang Field on a take-or-pay basis, with the purchase of any quantities above such amount to be negotiated pursuant to a separate agreement. Further, SPG agreed to commit to growing its demand capacity to enable it to accept at least 1 million cubic meters (approximately 35 million cubic feet (“MMcf”)) per day from the Shouyang Field by 2015, but neither FEEB nor CUCBM is obligated to sell gas in excess of the Daily Volume Limit. The term of the Gas Sales Agreement is 20 years. The in-field gathering system and compression equipment were connected to the pipeline in early January 2011. After completion of that process, low level gas sales commenced in January with initial testing of the gathering system. Gas sales will remain at relatively low volumes and be interruptible until SPG completes testing and commissioning of equipment on its side of the meter, and until our first and second stage compressors and related equipment are fully tested and commissioned. Sales volumes are also constrained by relatively low production from the wells currently connected to the gathering system. As commissioning of the aforementioned elements is completed and recently drilled wells are fracture stimulated and gathered into our present system, this should allow for routine daily gas sales at higher volumes. Company Information Our executive offices are located at 363 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 380, Houston, Texas 77060, and our telephone number is (832) 598-0470. Our main office in China is located in Beijing, and we also maintain satellite offices in Taiyuan City and Kunming. Our website is www.fareastenergy.com. Information contained on or obtained through our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement. Copies of the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K are located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov. |
The Offering
Issuer: | | Far East Energy Corporation, a Nevada corporation |
Offering: | | A minimum of 19,512,195 shares up to a maximum of 51,707,317 shares of common stock. |
Common stock outstanding after the offering: | | 359,041,575 shares of common stock if the maximum number of shares of common stock offered hereby are sold in the offering. |
Offering price: | | $0.5025 per share of common stock |
Closing date: | | We expect the closing to occur on or about March 15, 2011. |
Use of proceeds: | | We intend to use the proceeds from the offering to continue the drilling, completion and testing of coal bed methane wells in China, for general corporate purposes and potentially to repay certain debts that may become due. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
OTC Bulletin Board symbol: | | FEEC |
Risk factors: | | This investment involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and page 3 of the prospectus. |
The number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding immediately after the offering is based on 307,334,258 shares outstanding as of March 9, 2011 and excludes:
| · | 11,110,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options issued under our equity incentive plans and compensation arrangements prior to this offering, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.07 per share; |
| · | 21,994,982 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants issued prior to this offering, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.30 per share; and |
| · | 9,036,538 shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of the exchangeable note issued to Dart Energy (CBM) International Pte Ltd (formerly Arrow Energy International Pte Ltd) (“Dart Energy”) at an exchange price of approximately $0.475 per share, assuming exchange on the maturity date of March 13, 2011. |
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider all of the risks described or incorporated by reference in our filings with the SEC and this prospectus supplement. If any of the risks discussed in our filings with the SEC or this prospectus supplement actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities could decline significantly and you may lose all or a part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Business
We must obtain additional capital in order to continue our operations.
Although gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement commenced in the first quarter of 2011, we are not able to predict exactly when we will recognize significant revenues. We will continue to experience operating losses and negative cash flow until significant gas offtake is achieved under the Gas Sales Agreement and production levels in the Shouyang Block increase sufficiently. On March 13, 2009, we entered into a series of related transactions associated with our Qinnan Block with Dart Energy. The transactions with Dart Energy included a Farmout Agreement (the “Farmout Agreement”), which is subject to approval by our Chinese partner company and the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC (“MOC”). If our Chinese partner company and the MOC approve the Farmout Agreement, Dart Energy would be obligated to pay us $8 million and fund certain exploration costs. However, the approvals for the Farmout Agreement have not been received, and we cannot be optimistic at this time that they will ever be received. Moreover, since December 19, 2009, each of Dart Energy and the Company has had the right to terminate the Farmout Agreement at any time, though neither party has elected to exercise that right. In conjunction with entering into the Farmout Agreement, our wholly owned subsidiary, Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd. (“FEEB”), issued and we guaranteed an exchangeable note (the “Exchangeable Note”) to Dart Energy with an initial aggregate principal amount of $10 million. From October 16, 2009, the Exchangeable Note incurred interest at a rate of 8% per annum, and all outstanding principal and interest are due and payable on the maturity date of March 13, 2011, unless the maturity date is extended. Dart Energy has the right at any time to exchange the Exchangeable Note in whole or in part for shares of the Company’s common stock at an exchange rate of 21,052.63 shares per $10,000, or $0.475 per share, of principal and interest. As of March 9, 2011, Dart Energy has exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note for 14,315,789 shares of our common stock. At the maturity date, assuming the Exchangeable Note has not been further exchanged for shares, prepaid by us or extended by mutual agreement of the parties, $4,292,355 will be due to Dart Energy.
Management will continue to seek to secure additional capital to continue operations, to meet future expenditure requirements necessary to retain our rights under our PSCs and to pay remaining amounts due under the Exchangeable Note to the extent it is not further exchanged for shares prior to its maturity date. As of December 31, 2010, we had unaudited cash and cash equivalents of between $26 million and $28 million. Since December 31, 2010, our cash and cash equivalents have been reduced due to expenditures in connection with our accelerated drilling program. Management may seek to secure additional capital by, first, obtaining debt or project financing or refinancing existing debt, or, if acceptable debt or project financing or refinancing is unavailable, or by obtaining equity related financing or exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets. The lingering effects of the global financial crisis have created liquidity problems for many companies and financial institutions, and the environment remains difficult for negotiating and consummating financing transactions. A continuing downturn could impair our ability to obtain, or may increase our costs associated with obtaining, additional funds. While we will continue to seek to secure capital, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter any strategic relationship or transaction or that we will be successful in obtaining funds through debt, project finance or equity related financing or refinancing existing debt. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult or impossible. In particular, any transfer of our rights under any PSC, other than limited transfers to wholly owned affiliates under the Yunnan PSC, will require the approval of our Chinese partner company. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt or equity related financing are uncertain. We cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions of any such arrangements or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price.
Our ability to continue as a going concern depends upon our ability to obtain substantial funds for use in our development activities and upon the success of our planned exploration and development activities. There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success or that we will realize the value of our unevaluated exploratory well costs. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Management believes that we will continue to be successful in securing any funds necessary to continue as a going concern.
If our operating requirements or drilling obligations materially change from those currently planned, we may require more capital than currently anticipated or may be required to secure capital earlier than anticipated. For example, it is possible that the Ministry of Land and Resources or our Chinese partner company could seek, among other things, to increase our capital expenditures or accelerate our drilling program. If we are unable to commit to the expenditures or accelerate our drilling and dewatering efforts, it may adversely affect our ability to extend the terms of our PSCs. Raising additional funds by issuing shares or other types of equity securities would further dilute our existing stockholders. If we fail to obtain the necessary funds to complete our exploration activities under our PSCs, and we cannot obtain extensions to the requirements under our PSCs, we would not be able to successfully complete our exploration and development activities, and we may lose rights under our PSCs.
We must obtain extensions for our PSCs to continue our operations in China.
We have commenced the extension application process for each of our PSCs. In 2009, MOC approved modification agreements to extend the exploration periods for the Shouyang area of Shanxi Province and the Enhong and Laochang areas of Yunnan Province to June 30, 2011. The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province expired on June 30, 2009, and we cannot continue our exploration activities in the Qinnan Block without an extension or a new PSC. We are continuing to pursue an extension of the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC, but we cannot be optimistic at this time. The Company believes the underlying exploration period should be extended due to events beyond its reasonable control, namely the lengthy transfer of rights taking place from CUCBM to CNPC. At CNPC’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information about our Company to assist them in the decision making process as to whether to recognize an extension of the exploration period in Qinnan. CNPC has completed an accounting audit pursuant to the Qinnan PSC of our expenditures for 2007 and 2008. We have also provided to CNPC at their request our work plan for 2010 for Qinnan. In January 2011, we received a formal notice from CNPC that it has purportedly received all Chinese approvals with respect to the transfer and has requested we execute a modification agreement to confirm CNPC as our Chinese partner company for the Qinnan PSC. Currently, the modification agreement is under review and discussion. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in extending the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC or that a new PSC will be granted, and we cannot be optimistic at this time. Additionally, in connection with obtaining this extension or a new PSC, we may be required to commit to certain expenditures or to modify the terms or respective ownership interests and/or acreage in the applicable PSC. However, if we are unable to secure sufficient funds to commit to these expenditures, it may adversely affect our ability to extend the Qinnan PSC.
We are in the exploration and development phase and have substantial capital requirements that, if not met, will hinder our ability to continue as a going concern.
We face significant challenges, expenses and difficulties as a development stage company seeking to explore, develop and produce coalbed methane gas. The development of our projects in China will require that we obtain funding to satisfy very significant expenditures for exploration and development of these projects, if they are successful. We will also require resources to fund significant capital expenditures for exploration and development activities in future periods. In this regard, CUCBM or CNPC could seek to renegotiate our PSCs to, among other things, increase our expenditures or accelerate our drilling program beyond the minimum contractual requirements under our PSCs. Our success will depend on our ability to secure additional capital to fund our capital expenditures until such time as revenues are sufficient to fund our activities. If we cannot obtain adequate capital, or do not have sufficient revenue to fund our activities, and we cannot obtain extensions to the requirements under our PSCs, we will not be able to successfully complete our exploration and development activities, and we may lose rights under our PSCs. This would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Lingering disruptions in national and international investment and credit markets or fraud or embezzlement of funds at the financial institutions which hold our assets may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Lingering disruptions in the global financial system have continued to depress capital market activities, limit availability of credit, tighten lending standards and cause higher interest rates and costs of capital. Although the global financial system has stabilized to a certain extent, market conditions may continue or worsen. We can make no assurances that we will be able to obtain additional equity or debt financing to fund our anticipated drilling, exploration and operation costs on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. In the absence of capital obtained through a strategic relationship or transaction with one or more interested companies, or through an equity or debt financing, our ability to operate and to meet our obligations under our PSCs would be impaired, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation and may affect our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our cash and cash equivalents are liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. We maintain the cash and cash equivalents with reputable major financial institutions in deposit accounts and U.S. government securities money market accounts. Deposits with these institutions exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions. If one or more of these institutions are unable to honor our withdrawal requests or redeem our shares in our deposit or money market accounts as a result of the institution’s financial condition, fraud, embezzlement or otherwise, it could have an adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development of CBM properties involves substantial risks, and we cannot assure that our exploration and drilling efforts will be successful.
The business of exploring for and, to a lesser extent, developing and operating CBM properties involves a high degree of business and financial risk that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. The selection of prospects for CBM gas drilling, the drilling, ownership and operation of CBM wells and the ownership of interests in CBM properties are highly speculative. We cannot always predict whether any of our wells will produce commercial quantities of CBM.
Drilling for CBM gas may involve unprofitable efforts from, among other things, wells that are productive but do not produce CBM in sufficient quantities or quality to realize enough net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain, and cost overruns are common. Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to uncooperative inhabitants, title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and services. In addition, other factors such as permeability, structural characteristics of the coal, or the quality or quantity of water that must be produced, may hinder, restrict or even make production impractical or impossible.
Drilling and completion decisions generally are based on subjective judgments and assumptions that are speculative. We may drill wells that, although productive, do not produce CBM in economic quantities. It is impossible to predict with certainty the production potential of a particular property or well. Furthermore, the successful completion of a well does not ensure a profitable return on the investment. A variety of geological, operational, or market-related factors, including, but not limited to, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, equipment failures or accidents, fires, explosions, blowouts, cratering, pollution and other environmental risks, shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and the delivery of equipment, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or prevent completion of any well, or otherwise prevent a property or well from being profitable. We contract with drilling companies to drill certain of our wells in China, and we face the risk that the other party may not perform, which may delay our drilling program. A productive well may also become uneconomic in the event excessive water or other deleterious substances are encountered, which impair or prevent the production of natural gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is contaminated with water or other deleterious substances. We cannot assure that wells drilled by us will be productive or, even if productive, will produce CBM in economic quantities so that we will recover all or any portion of our investment. In the event we are not successful, we may be required to write off some or all of the capitalized well costs on our financial statements.
Sales of CBM produced at our Shouyang block under the Gas Sales Agreement are our only source of revenues, and these revenues are not currently material.
We will not generate material revenues from our existing properties until we have successfully completed exploration and development and increased production of CBM. Although we have commenced sales under the Gas Sales Agreement, we are not able to predict exactly when we will recognize significant revenues. Additionally, no facilities exist to transport or process CBM near our Yunnan Province projects. Our ability to realize material revenues from any producing wells may be impaired until additional pipelines or facilities are built out or arrangements are made to deliver our production to market.
We are a development stage company and, thus, have no relevant operating history for the purpose of evaluation of our performance and prospects.
We have been engaged principally in developing and implementing strategic operating and exploration plans, raising capital, hiring personnel, entering into contracts, acquiring rights to explore, develop, produce and sell CBM, and drilling, testing and completing of exploratory wells. We do not have operating experience in the distribution and marketing of CBM gas in China. We are considered a development stage company for accounting purposes. Accordingly, we have no relevant operating history upon which you can evaluate our performance and prospects. In addition, we cannot forecast operating expenses based on our historical results, and our ability to accurately forecast future revenues is limited. As a result of our limited operating history, we are more susceptible to business risks, including risks of unforeseen capital requirements, failure to establish business relationships, and competitive disadvantages against larger and more established companies.
We have a history of losses and expect to incur losses in the foreseeable future. If we do not achieve profitability, our financial condition and the value of our common stock will suffer.
To date, we have minimal revenues from the sale of CBM. We incurred yearly net losses applicable to common stockholders since inception, and we expect to report a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 that is consistent with prior period losses. Although we have commenced sales under the Gas Sales Agreement, we expect to continue to experience operating losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. We must secure additional capital and/or generate sufficient revenues to fund anticipated drilling, exploration and operation costs and to achieve and maintain positive net income. We cannot guarantee that we will ever generate sufficient revenues to achieve positive net income, which would negatively impact the price of our common stock. If we do achieve positive net income, we cannot assure you that we will be able to sustain or increase profitability in the future.
We must complete multiple additional CBM wells on our Shanxi Province and Yunnan Province projects before we can increase production in Shanxi and commence production in Yunnan.
To date, we have drilled 8 horizontal wells, 22 vertical wells, 22 deviated wells, and 12 pilot development wells in the Shanxi Province projects and 10 vertical wells and 4 deviated wells in Yunnan Province. In addition, the following table sets forth certain information regarding our drilling activities during the year ended December 31, 2010.
| | Gross Exploratory Wells Spuded, Drilling Not Completed | | | Gross Exploratory Wells Completed | |
Area | | Vertical | | | Deviated | | | Pilot Development | | | Total | | | Vertical | | | Deviated | | | Pilot Development | | | Total | |
Shouyang Block | | | 4 | | | | 7 | | | | 1 | | | | 12 | | | | 6 | | | | 12 | | | | 8 | | | | 26 | |
Qinnan Block | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Yunnan Block | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | 4 | | | | 7 | | | | 1 | | | | 12 | | | | 6 | | | | 12 | | | | 8 | | | | 26 | |
The following table summarizes the acreage subject to our PSCs covering the following undeveloped acreage in China as of December 31, 2010:
| | | | | Net Acres | |
China: | | Gross Acres | | | Maximum(1) | | | Minimum(2) | |
Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province | | | 485,000 | | | | 485,000 | | | | 340,000 | |
Qinnan Block, Shanxi Province | | | 573,000 | (3) | | | 573,000 | | | | 401,000 | |
Enhong and Loachong Areas, Yunnan Province | | | 265,000 | | | | 265,000 | | | | 159,000 | |
| (1) | Assuming the Chinese partner company chooses not to participate. |
| (2) | Assuming the Chinese partner company chooses to maximize its participation. |
| (3) | Under the Farmout Agreement entered into in connection with a transaction related to our Qinnan Block with Dart Energy, subject to certain conditions precedent including most notably approval by appropriate Chinese governmental authorities, we will assign 75.25% of our participating interest in the Qinnan PSC to Dart Energy. |
While subject to periodic maintenance, we have achieved continuous gas production in some of our wells, but there can be no assurance that mechanical events may not affect production from time to time. We have entered into the Gas Sales Agreement for the purchase and sale of up to 300,000 cubic meters (10,584,000 cubic feet) of CBM per day produced at our Shouyang Block. We plan to continue to dewater existing wells and drill additional wells in the 1H Pilot Area to increase production. At this early stage, the volumes being produced while dewatering are still relatively small, and the data obtained is not yet sufficient to be able to project the peak gas production volume or to be able to conclude whether the wells will produce the maximum volume of CBM that SPG is obligated to take under the Gas Sales Agreement. None of the wells we have drilled to date in Yunnan or Qinnan are currently producing CBM gas as they are undergoing or will undergo dewatering and production testing. We are analyzing and evaluating drilling data obtained in an effort to determine how many additional wells we have to drill in order to begin production of commercial volumes in Qinnan and Yunnan; and, in Shouyang, while commercial production has been achieved, we desire to drill additional wells to increase production. We cannot make any assurances that we will have the resources to drill enough additional wells in the Shanxi and Yunnan Provinces to significantly increase production in the areas. As a result, even though we may have producing properties in the region, we may not be in a position to derive positive cash flow from operations from such wells. Actual production may vary materially from preliminary test results. Actual production from the wells may be at recovery rates and gas quality materially different than our first indications.
We are a holding company, and we rely on our subsidiaries for dividends and other payments for funds to meet our obligations.
We are principally a holding company with substantially all of our assets relating to operations in China being owned by our subsidiary, FEEB. Consequently, we have no direct operations and are not expected to own a significant amount of assets other than the outstanding capital stock of our subsidiaries, including FEEB, and cash and cash equivalents. Because we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, if and when we achieve positive cash flow, we will depend on those entities for dividends and other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to pay dividends, if any, with respect to our common stock. The jurisdictions of our subsidiaries may impose restrictions on or require government approval of dividends or certain payments by the subsidiaries. All of our subsidiaries will be separate and independent legal entities and will have no legal obligation whatsoever to pay, and may be contractually restricted from paying, any dividends, distributions or other payments to us.
We are dependent on our key executives and may not be able to hire and retain key employees to fully implement our business strategy.
Our success will depend largely on our senior management, which includes our executive officers. As we grow our business, we must attract, retain and integrate additional experienced managers, geoscientists and engineers in order to successfully operate and grow our businesses. The number of available, qualified personnel in the oil and gas industry to fill these positions may be limited. Our inability to attract, retain and integrate these additional personnel or the loss of the services of any of our senior executives or key employees could delay or prevent us from fully implementing our business strategy and could significantly and negatively affect our business.
We are not diversified, and we concentrate on one industry.
Our business strategy concentrates on exploration and development of CBM gas in China. There is an inherent risk in not having a diverse base of properties in exploration and development, because we will not have alternate sources of revenue if we are not successful with our current exploration and development activities. As we will invest substantially all of our assets in this market, we may be more affected by any single adverse economic, political or regulatory event than a more diversified entity. Our failure in the exploration and development of our CBM property rights in China would have a material adverse affect on our business.
As of the date of this prospectus supplement, the quantities of CBM anticipated to be economically producible as of December 31, 2010 by application of development projects to known accumulations, if any, have not been determined. Until the Company has significant production and sales of gas, the proved reserves are expected to be minimal in comparison to the amount of CBM resources estimated to exist.
The in-field gathering system and compression equipment for the Shouyang Field were not completed until early January 2011. After completion of that process, low level gas sales commenced in January with initial testing of our in-field gathering system in January. Gas sales will remain at relatively low volumes and be interruptible until SPG completes testing and commissioning of equipment on its side of the meter, and until our first and second stage compressors and related equipment are fully tested and commissioned. Sales volumes are also constrained by relatively low production from the wells currently connected to the gathering system. For these and other reasons, the amount of proved CBM reserves as of December 31, 2010, if any, is expected to be minimal, especially when considered in comparison to the amount of CBM resources estimated to exist but which do not yet qualify as reserves, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved, probable and possible reserves and cash flows from such reserves, including factors beyond our control. If the amount of proved reserves, if and when determined and published, is less than investor expectations, or if the projected discounted future cash flows is less than our future cash requirements, the trading prices of our common stock may be materially and adversely affected.
We may have difficulty managing growth in our business.
Because of our small size and the relatively large scale of operations required for our business to yield revenue, growth in accordance with our business plan, if achieved, will place a significant strain on our financial, technical, operational and management resources. As we expand our activities and increase the number of projects we are evaluating or in which we participate, there will be substantially more demands on these resources. Further, we may be required to respond to any expansion of our activities in a relatively short period of time in order to meet the demands created by the expansion of these activities, the growth of our business and our drilling objectives. The failure to timely upgrade our technical, administrative, operating and financial control systems or the occurrence of unexpected expansion difficulties, including the recruitment and retention of experienced managers, geoscientists and engineers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to timely execute our business plan. If we are unable to implement these actions in a timely manner, our results and the growth of our business may be adversely affected.
We may suffer an adverse impact on our reputation and share value as a result of our relationship with CNPC.
CNPC, our Chinese partner in the Qinnan PSC, has operations in various countries subject to U.S. export or asset controls. We depend on CNPC, as the holder of the exploration license for CBM gas, to allow us to operate our Qinnan Block. We are aware of certain organizational and investor efforts to persuade PetroChina, the reporting subsidiary of CNPC in the United States, to end its business contacts, direct or indirect, with certain countries, including Iran and Sudan, and that investors have divested PetroChina’s securities because of such ties. Iran and Sudan have been designated by the U.S. as state sponsors of terrorism. To date, we have detected no adverse investor sentiment regarding our contractual relationship with CNPC, no reluctance to invest because of such relationship and no desire or intent to divest our securities because of such relationship. Nevertheless, in light of the aforementioned organizational and investor efforts regarding PetroChina, we may suffer an adverse impact on our reputation and share value as a result of our relationship with CNPC.
Risks Relating to Our Operations in China
No facilities presently exist to transport or process CBM near our Yunnan Province projects, and, although a pipeline connects to our Shanxi Province projects, we have limited rights under Chinese law to enforce SPG’s obligations under the Gas Sales Agreement, which governs that pipeline.
The marketability of any CBM production depends, in part, upon the availability, proximity and capacity of pipelines, gas gathering systems and processing facilities. We may transport our CBM through pipelines or by compressing or liquefying the CBM for transportation.
Pipelines in Shanxi Province. Currently, two national trunklines, one to Beijing and one to Shanghai, traverse China in proximity to our Shanxi Province projects. Under the Gas Sales Agreement, SPG has begun to purchase gas from the Shouyang Block after the completion of the pipeline, which runs within 2 kilometers of our 1H Pilot Area in our Shouyang Block to the Shanjing II pipeline that runs from Western China to Beijing. The connecting pipeline is complete, and we have installed an in-field gathering system and compression facilities to increase the gas pressure to the pressure required for delivery. Gas sales began shortly after completion of the gathering system and compression facilities. Although we are express beneficiaries of the Gas Sales Agreement, we may have limited rights under Chinese law to enforce SPG’s obligations under the agreement without the cooperation of CUCBM. We cannot guarantee the volumes of gas that may be sold under the Gas Sales Agreement. Costs associated with the Shouyang PSC as well as proceeds and subsidies from gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement are allocated between us and CUCBM in accordance with our participating interest. See “Our Holdings in the Shanxi Province of the People’s Republic of China” of Item 1 - Business for a further description of the Shouyang PSC and participating interests in the PSC. There can be no assurance that such government subsidies will continue or that they will be paid in a timely manner upon commencement of gas sales.
The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province technically expired on June 30, 2009, and we cannot continue our exploration activities in the Qinnan Block without an extension or a new PSC. If we are successful in obtaining an extension of the Qinnan PSC, as to which we are not optimistic, or a recognition by our Chinese counterparty that the period should automatically be extended for some period of time, compressed natural gas (“CNG”) facilities or pipelines to connect our projects to larger pipelines may need to be built to market any CBM that may be produced. If CUCBM elects a 30% participating interest in our Shouyang and Qinnan PSC, our net development costs and revenues associated with those PSCs would be reduced accordingly. There is no assurance that any of the existing pipelines we might desire to connect to in the future will have sufficient capacity available to meet our requirements or the costs of using such pipelines would be economical for our PSCs. Additionally, there is no assurance that we will be able to use the existing pipelines on terms acceptable to us or at all, as China does not require that open access to pipeline infrastructure be allowed.
Compressed Natural Gas. If we have initial commercial production of CBM from our Qinnan and Yunnan projects, then, prior to the point at which production reaches pipeline quantities, we could potentially begin to market the CBM produced to local markets as CNG. CNG is an alternative to the construction of a pipeline or LNG facility and is especially appropriate for early stage gas production where gas volumes are lower. We may determine to pursue CNG facilities in order to earn revenues from any early production of CBM. Production of CNG would require the installation of a CNG facility, which would likely be constructed and paid for by the purchaser of our gas production.
Pipelines in Yunnan Province. There are no pipelines in the vicinity of our Yunnan Province projects, and we estimate the initial cost to construct a connecting pipeline and compression facilities from our project to the nearest large city, Kunming, may be in the range of $30 million to $45 million or more. If CUCBM elects a 40% participating interest in our Yunnan Province project, our costs would be reduced accordingly. Because there is no gas pipeline, CNG facility, liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) plant or other off-take vehicle in near proximity to these wells, our ability to sell CBM produced on these projects to communities outside the general area will be contingent upon a pipeline, CNG or LNG plant being built near the Enhong-Laochang project.
It has been reported that CNPC will undertake a pipeline construction project with support from the Yunnan provincial government to extend the Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline to pass through the city of Kunming, then go northward through the city of Zhaotong, and finally connect with major interprovincial pipelines in Sichuan Province. Further, the pipelines are expected to include a branch to connect the city of Kunming to the city of Qujing. We believe that the construction, which would lay pipelines closer to our projects, would help reduce the cost for CBM off-take from our projects and increase our ability to eventually deliver gas to consumers. If CUCBM elects a 40% participating interest in Yunnan Province project, our costs would be reduced accordingly. However, there can be no assurances that this project will be undertaken or completed on a timely basis, if ever. Additionally, there is no assurance that we will be able to use the pipeline on terms acceptable to us or at all, as the PRC does not require that open access to pipeline infrastructure be allowed.
Our business depends on transportation and other facilities owned by others. Any limitation in the availability of those facilities would interfere with our ability to market the natural gas we produce.
The marketability of our CBM production depends in part on the availability, proximity and capacity of pipeline and other systems owned by third parties. The amount of CBM gas that can be produced and sold is subject to curtailment in certain circumstances, such as pipeline interruptions due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, excessive pressure, physical damage to the gathering or transportation system, or lack of contracted capacity on such systems. The curtailments arising from these and similar circumstances may last from a few days to several months. In many cases, we are provided only with limited, if any, notice as to when these circumstances will arise and their duration.
In addition, some of our wells are drilled in locations that are not serviced by gathering and transportation pipelines, or the gathering and transportation pipelines in the area may not have sufficient capacity to transport the additional production. As a result, we may not be able to sell the natural gas production from these wells until the necessary gathering and transportation systems are constructed. Any significant curtailment in gathering system or pipeline capacity, or significant delay in the construction of necessary gathering and transportation facilities, would have an adverse effect on our business.
Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China.
Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business is subject to a significant extent, to the economic, political, and legal developments in China. China is a developing country, has only recently begun participating in global trade with its accession to the World Trade Organization, and has only a limited history of trade practices as a nation. We are subject to the laws, rules, regulations, and political authority of the government of China. We may encounter material problems while doing business in China, such as interactions with the Chinese government and uncertain foreign legal precedent pertaining to developing CBM gas and enforcing rights under our PSCs and other agreements governed by Chinese law in China. Risks inherent in international operations also include, but are not limited to, the following:
| · | global economic conditions; |
| · | local currency instability; |
| · | the risk of realizing economic currency exchange losses when transactions are completed in currencies other than U.S. dollars; |
| · | the ability to repatriate earnings under existing exchange control laws; and |
Changes in domestic and foreign import and export laws and tariffs can also materially impact international operations. In addition, foreign operations involve political, as well as economic risks, including:
| · | contract renegotiations; |
| · | changes in diplomatic and trade relations between United States and China; |
| · | government intervention and price fixing in certain markets; and |
| · | changes in laws resulting from governmental changes. |
Additionally, CUCBM and CNPC are subject to rules and regulations of China and the jurisdiction or influence of other governmental agencies in China that may adversely affect their ability to perform under, or our rights in our PSCs with them. These rules and regulations may affect our rights under our PSCs by potentially limiting, renegotiating or precluding us from exploring and developing the full acreage provided for and may also affect the opportunities and obligations under our PSCs. CUCBM and CNPC could seek, among other things, to increase our expenditures or accelerate our drilling program beyond the minimum contractual requirements under our PSCs. We must comply with certain procedural requirements under our PSCs and with CUCBM in order to obtain the reimbursement of costs incurred under the PSCs. We cannot assure you that we will recover or that CUCBM will approve reimbursement of all costs incurred under the PSCs, which could adversely impact our business, financial conditions and results of operations. In the event of a dispute, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts in the United States. We may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing our rights with respect to a governmental instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk.
In July 2005, the Chinese government began to permit the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”) to float against the U.S. Dollar. All of our costs to operate our Chinese offices are paid in Chinese RMB. Our exploration costs in China may be incurred, and our revenues may be generated, under contracts denominated in Chinese RMB or U.S. Dollars. If the value of the U.S. Dollar falls in relation to the Chinese RMB, the cost to us of funding our Chinese operations would rise because more U.S. Dollars would be required to fund the same expenditures in RMB. Conversely, if the value of the U.S. Dollar rises in relation to the Chinese RMB, the change in exchange rates would decrease our dollar cost to fund operations in China. Similarly, devaluation of Chinese RMB relative to the U.S. Dollar can reduce the U.S. dollar value of our local cash flow and local net income.
To date, we have not engaged in hedging activities to hedge our foreign currency exposure. In the future, we may enter into hedging instruments to manage our foreign currency exchange risk or continue to be subject to exchange rate risk. However, we may not be successful in reducing foreign currency exchange risks, and as a result, we may from time to time experience losses resulting from fluctuations in the value of the Chinese RMB.
Inflation may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Although inflation has not materially impacted our operations in the recent past, increased inflation in China or the U.S. could have a negative impact on our operating and general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase. In recent years, the Company has increased its use of Chinese suppliers, including drilling contractors, that are paid in RMB. In the future, inflation in China may result in higher minimum expenditure requirements under our PSCs if CUCBM adjusts these requirements for inflation. A material increase in these costs as a result of inflation could adversely affect our operations and, if there are material changes in our costs, we may seek to raise more funds earlier than anticipated.
We risk the effects of general economic conditions in China.
Our present and any future CBM sales could be adversely affected by a sustained economic recession in China. As our operations and end user markets are primarily in China, a sustained economic recession in that country could result in lower demand or lower prices for the natural gas to be produced by us. The recent meltdown of and disruptions in the global financial system may adversely impact China’s growth rates.
We will continue to depend on a few customers if we increase our gas production.
Although we have begun sales under the Gas Sales Agreement, we are not able to predict exactly when we will recognize significant revenues from our gas production or the volumes of gas that may be sold under that agreement. With respect to the other PSCs and gas sales from the Shouyang PSC in excess of the potential 300,000 cubic meters (10,584,000 cubic feet) per day to be sold under the Gas Sales Agreement, when selling our gas production, there may be only a small number of entities we or our Chinese partner companies can contract with which will purchase any gas we may produce. Losing any such potential contract or client would have a material negative impact on our business.
Risks Related to the Oil & Gas Industry
The volatility of natural gas and oil prices could harm our business.
Our future revenues, profitability and growth as well as the carrying value of our oil and gas properties depend to a large degree on prevailing oil and gas prices. Commercial lending sources are not currently available to us because of our lack of operating history and income. Our ability to borrow and to obtain additional equity funding on attractive terms also substantially depends upon oil and gas prices. Prices for oil and gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply and demand for oil and gas, uncertainties within the market and a variety of other factors beyond our control. These factors include weather conditions in China, the condition of the Chinese economy, the activities of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, governmental regulation, political stability in the Middle East and elsewhere, the foreign supply of oil and gas, the price of foreign imports and the availability of alternative fuel sources. Prices for oil and natural gas have been and are likely to remain extremely unstable.
We may not be able to successfully compete with rival companies.
The energy industry is highly competitive in all its phases. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of CBM prospects suitable for enhanced production efforts, and the hiring of experienced personnel. Our competitors in CBM acquisition, development, and production include major integrated oil and gas companies in addition to substantial independent energy companies. Many of these competitors possess and employ financial and personnel resources substantially greater than those that are available to us and may be able to pay more for desirable producing properties and prospects and to define, evaluate, bid for, and purchase a greater number of producing properties and prospects than we can. Our financial or personnel resources to generate revenues in the future will depend on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties and prospects in competition with these companies.
The production and producing life of wells is uncertain and production will decline.
If any well becomes commercially productive, it will not be possible to predict the life and production of that well. The actual producing lives could differ from those anticipated. Sufficient CBM may not be produced for us to receive a profit or even to recover our initial investment. In addition, production from our CBM gas wells will decline over time, and does not indicate any consistent level of future production.
We may suffer losses or incur liability for events as the operator of a property or as to which we have chosen not to obtain insurance.
Our operations are subject to hazards and risks inherent in producing and transporting oil and natural gas, such as fires, natural disasters, explosions, pipeline ruptures, spills, and acts of terrorism, all of which can result in the loss of hydrocarbons, environmental pollution, personal injury claims and other damage to our properties and others. The occurrence of any of these events could result in the following:
| · | Substantial losses due to injury and loss of life; |
| · | Severe damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment; |
| · | Pollution and other environmental damage; |
| · | Clean-up responsibilities; and |
| · | Regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations. |
As protection against operating hazards, we maintain insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. The occurrence of an event that is not covered, or not fully covered, by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental hazards and liabilities may adversely affect us and result in liability.
There are numerous natural hazards involved in the drilling of CBM wells, including unexpected or unusual formations, pressures, and blowouts and involving possible damages to property and third parties, surface damages, bodily injuries, damage to and loss of equipment, reservoir damage and loss of reserves. We could also be liable for environmental damages caused by previous property owners. As a result, substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We maintain insurance coverage for our operations in amounts we deem appropriate, but we do not believe that insurance coverage for environmental damages that occur over time, or complete coverage for sudden and accidental environmental damages, is available at a reasonable cost. Accordingly, we may be subject to liability or may lose the privilege to continue exploration or production activities upon substantial portions of our properties if certain environmental damages occur. The insurance coverage we do maintain may also be insufficient. In that event, our assets would be utilized to pay personal injury and property damage claims and the costs of controlling blowouts or replacing destroyed equipment rather than for additional drilling activities.
We face substantial governmental regulation and environmental risks.
Our business is subject to various laws and regulations that may be changed from time to time in response to economic or political conditions. Matters subject to regulation include the following:
| · | Discharge permits for drilling operations; |
| · | Reports concerning operations; |
| · | Unitization and pooling of properties; |
| · | Environmental protection. |
Regulatory agencies may also impose price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve oil and gas.
We are subject to environmental regulation that can materially and adversely affect the timing and cost of our operations.
Our exploration and proposed production activities are subject to certain laws and regulations relating to environmental quality and pollution control. Our operations in China are governed by PSCs and the Shanxi farmout agreements. We are subject to the laws, decrees, regulations and standards on environmental protection and safety promulgated by the Chinese government. Various government laws and regulations concerning the discharge of incidental materials into the environment, the generation, storage, transportation and disposal of waste or otherwise relating to the protection of public health, natural resources, wildlife and the environment, affect our current exploration efforts and future development, processing and production operations and the costs related to them. These regulations require us to obtain environmental permits to conduct seismic acquisition, drilling or construction activities. Such regulations also typically include requirements to develop emergency response plans, waste management plans, environmental plans and spill contingency plans.
Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised or new laws and regulations may be adopted or become applicable to us. Revised or additional laws and regulations that result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, particularly if those costs are not fully recoverable from insurance or our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oil field services could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploration and exploitation plans on a timely basis and within our budget.
Shortages or the high costs of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies or personnel could delay or adversely affect our exploration and development operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If the unavailability or high cost of rigs, equipment, supplies or personnel were particularly severe in China, we could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Relating to our Securities
We have registered for resale a substantial amount of our outstanding shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying warrants and options and shares of our common stock that cannot currently be traded without restriction that may become eligible for trading in the future. We cannot predict the effect future sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock.
On March 9, 2011, we had 500 million shares of common stock authorized, of which approximately 307.3 million shares of common stock were issued and outstanding. As of March 9, 2011, we had 33.0 million shares of common stock subject to options and warrants. As of March 9, 2011, of the issued and outstanding shares, 6.9 million, or 2.2%, were “restricted stock” subject to resale restrictions. Our shares of restricted stock will be available for trading in the future, so long as all the requirements of Rule 144, promulgated under the Securities Act, are met or if such shares are registered for resale. Additionally, as of March 9, 2011, 12.7 million shares underlying options and warrants may be considered to be restricted stock upon issuance. Therefore, the total number of shares of common stock potentially subject to restriction upon issuance was 19.6 million.
We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, such as the outstanding securities registered or to be registered on registration statements, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock, and we currently intend to retain any profits to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, our board of directors currently does not intend to declare dividends or make any other distributions on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, it is uncertain when, if ever, we will declare dividends to our common stockholders. Investors in our common stock may not derive any profits from their investment in us for the foreseeable future, other than through any price appreciation of our common stock that may occur.
The price of our common stock could be volatile.
The market price of our common stock will likely fluctuate significantly in response to the following factors, some of which are beyond our control:
| · | variations in our quarterly operating results; |
| · | changes in market valuations of oil and gas companies; |
| · | announcements by us of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| · | failure to extend the terms of our production sharing contracts; |
| · | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| · | future sales of our common stock; |
| · | stock market price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our common stock; and |
| · | commencement of or involvement in litigation. |
In addition, the trading volume of our common stock is relatively small, and the market for our common stock may not be able to efficiently accommodate significant trades on any given day. As a result, sizable trades of our common stock may cause volatility in the market price of our common stock to a greater extent than in more actively traded securities. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Trading in our common stock is limited and sporadic, and a significant market for our common stock may not develop.
Our common stock is currently eligible for trading only on the OTC Bulletin Board. While there currently exists a limited and sporadic public trading market for our common stock, the price paid for our common stock and the amount of common stock traded are volatile. We cannot assure or guarantee you that the trading market for our common stock will improve or develop further, and as a result, the liquidity of our common stock may be reduced and you may not recover any of your investment.
We may issue additional equity securities without the consent of stockholders. The issuance of any additional equity securities would further dilute our stockholders.
Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 500 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of each series. We also have 500 million shares of common stock authorized under our charter documents, of which approximately 307.3 million shares were issued and outstanding as of March 9, 2011. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on the common stock or delaying or preventing our change in control without further action by the stockholders. While we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock, we may need to do so in the future in connection with capital raising transactions. In addition, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity securities, including securities convertible into shares of common stock, in connection with capital raising activities. The issuance of additional common stock would also have a dilutive impact on our stockholders’ ownership interest in our company.
Risks Relating to this Offering
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the proceeds to us from any offering and might not apply the proceeds of an offering in ways that increase the value of your investment.
Our management will have broad discretion to use the net proceeds from any offering that are intended to be used to fund the drilling, completion and testing of CBM wells in China and for general corporate purposes, and you will have to rely on the judgment of our management regarding the application of these proceeds. Our management might not apply the net proceeds of an offering in ways that you believe will increase the value of your investment.
You will incur immediate dilution in the net tangible book value of your shares.
If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, the value of your shares based on our actual book value will immediately be less than the price you paid. The reduction in the value of your equity is known as dilution.
You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning our securities.
There are risks associated with the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning our securities. Because the tax consequences of owning our securities are complex and certain tax consequences may differ depending on the holder’s particular tax circumstances, each potential investor should consult with and rely on its own tax advisor about the tax consequences. In addition, there can be no assurance that the U.S. federal income tax treatment currently applicable to owning our securities will not be modified by legislative, administrative, or judicial action that may have a retroactive effect. No representation or warranty of any kind is made with respect to the acceptance by the Internal Revenue Service or any court of law regarding the treatment of any item of income, deduction, gain, loss or credit by an investor on its tax return.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying prospectus, and documents incorporated by reference herein include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “project,” “expect,” “consider” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effects on our business or operations. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: the gas produced at our wells may not increase or may decrease; due to limitations under Chinese law, we may have only limited rights to enforce the Gas Sales Agreement, to which we are an express beneficiary; additional pipelines and gathering systems needed to transport our gas may not be constructed, or if constructed may not be timely, or their routes may differ from those anticipated; the pipeline and local distribution/compressed natural gas companies may decline to purchase or take our gas, or we may not be able to enforce our rights under definitive agreements with pipelines; conflicts with coal mining operations or coordination of our exploration and production activities with mining activities could adversely impact or add significant costs to our operations; certain of the proposed transactions with Dart Energy may not close, including due to a failure to satisfy closing conditions or otherwise; the anticipated benefits to us of the transactions with Dart Energy may not be realized; the final amounts received by us from Dart Energy may be different than originally anticipated; Dart Energy may exercise its right to terminate the Farmout Agreement at any time; the MOC may not approve the extension of the Qinnan PSC; our Chinese partner companies or the MOC may require certain changes to the terms and conditions of our PSC in conjunction with their approval of any extension of the Qinnan PSC; our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate management of our cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of CBM; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; disruptions in capital markets affecting fundraising; matters affecting the energy industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our filings with the SEC.
When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risk factors and the other cautionary statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We assume no obligation to update any of these statements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
After deducting the placement agent’s fee and our estimated offering expenses, we expect the net proceeds from the offering to be $9,461,952 if the minimum number of shares are sold and $25,074,171 if all of the investors in the March 2010 offering participate and we sell all of the shares offered in the offering. We estimate our offering expenses in connection with the offering to be approximately $400,000, which include legal, accounting and printing costs and various other fees.
We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering to continue the drilling, completion and testing of coal bed methane wells in China and for general corporate purposes. We guarantee the obligations of our subsidiary, FEEB, under the Dart Energy Exchangeable Note. The Exchangeable Note had an initial principal amount of $10 million, bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum, which began to accrue on October 16, 2009, and matures on March 13, 2011, to the extent not repaid, exchanged earlier or extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Principal and interest are due and payable on the maturity date or earlier if payment is accelerated upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. Dart Energy has the right at any time to exchange the Exchangeable Note in whole or in part for shares of common stock at an exchange rate of 21,052.63 shares per $10,000 (or $0.475 per share) of principal and interest, subject to certain equitable adjustment mechanisms in the event of a sale of the company, stock split or similar occurrence. As of March 9, 2011, Dart Energy has exercised its right to exchange a total of $6.8 million in principal amount under the Exchangeable Note for 14,315,789 shares of our common stock. At the maturity date, assuming the Exchangeable Note has not been further exchanged for shares, prepaid by us or extended by mutual agreement of the parties, $4,292,355 will be due to Dart Energy. To the extent that Dart Energy elects to exchange additional principal and interest for shares of our common stock, FEEB’s remaining repayment obligation and the extent of our guarantee will also be reduced. If Dart Energy does not elect to exchange additional principal and interest for shares of our common stock, we may use up to approximately $4.3 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay the Exchangeable Note.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING
Common Stock
See the summary description of our common stock in the accompanying prospectus under the section “Description of Capital Stock” beginning on page 17.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock is Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc.
We are offering the shares of common stock on a reasonable best efforts basis to investors. We have engaged Religare Capital Markets, Inc. as placement agent in connection with this offering. Subject to the terms and conditions of the placement agent agreement, Religare Capital Markets, Inc. has agreed to act as our placement agent on a reasonable best efforts basis for the sale of up to 51,707,317 shares of common stock. The placement agent is not purchasing or selling any securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The placement agent agreement provides that the obligations of the placement agent and the investors are subject to certain conditions precedent, including the absence of any material adverse changes in our business and the receipt of customary legal opinions, letters and certificates.
We are offering and selling a minimum of 19,512,195 shares up to a maximum of 51,707,317 shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Of the shares of common stock we are offering, up to 25,853,658 shares of common stock are being offered to existing investors in accordance with the provisions of the securities purchase agreements we entered into with the investors in March 2010.
We expect to deliver the shares to the purchasers on or about March 15, 2011 against payment for such shares.
Under the placement agent agreement, we will pay Religare Capital Markets, Inc. a cash arranging fee equal to $0.0025 per share of common stock issued in the offering plus 3.00% of the gross proceeds of the offering, excluding shares and gross proceeds issued or attributable to certain investors for which there will be no arranging fee. We will also reimburse Religare Capital Markets, Inc. for its expenses (including legal fees) in an amount up to $65,000 in accordance with the placement agent agreement. We estimate that our other offering expenses in connection with the offering and any simultaneous offering to be approximately $400,000, which include legal, accounting and printing costs and various other fees.
We have agreed to indemnify Religare Capital Markets, Inc. against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and liabilities arising from breaches of representations and warranties contained in the placement agent agreement. We have also agreed to contribute to payments Religare Capital Markets, Inc. may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
We, along with our executive officers and directors, have agreed that, if we receive aggregate gross proceeds of at least $15,000,000 in the offering, we will not offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of, any of our securities, without the prior written consent of Religare Capital Markets, Inc., for a period of 90 days from the date of the placement agent agreement, except pursuant to previously issued options, warrants or rights, any agreements providing for anti-dilution or other stock purchase or contractual obligations in existence on the date hereof, any employee benefit or similar plan in existence on the date hereof or duly adopted hereafter, and, in the case of our executive officers and directors, any 10b5-1 trading plan put into place during such period that becomes effective after the expiration of the 90-day period.
This is a brief summary of the material provisions of the placement agent agreement with the placement agent and does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the placement agent agreement with Religare Capital Markets, Inc. will be on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a current report on Form 8-K to be filed by us.
The transfer agent for our shares is Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon by our Nevada corporate counsel, Emmel & Klegerman PC, Las Vegas, Nevada. EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 and the financial statement schedule included therein, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their reports, have been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm, JonesBaggett LLP, and have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the reports of JonesBaggett LLP, given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
For purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, the SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain information we have filed with the SEC, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to other information we have filed with the SEC. The information we incorporate by reference is considered part of this prospectus supplement. We specifically are incorporating by reference the following documents filed with the SEC (excluding those portions of any Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K):
| · | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the amendments thereto; |
| · | Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010; |
| · | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 9, 2010, April 19, 2010, June 11, 2010, June 16, 2010, August 20, 2010, December 13, 2010, January 13, 2011 and February 9, 2011; and |
| · | The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 10-SB12G/A, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2001, pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
All reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus supplement is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, but not delivered with the prospectus supplement, other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that this prospectus supplement incorporates. You should direct written requests to: Secretary, Far East Energy Corporation, 363 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 380, Houston, Texas 77060, or you may call us at (832) 598-0470.
PROSPECTUS
Far East Energy Corporation
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Debt Securities
Warrants
Stock Purchase Contracts and
Units
We from time to time may offer to sell common stock, preferred stock, either separately or represented by depositary shares, debt securities, warrants and stock purchase contracts, as well as units that include any of these securities. The preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and stock purchase contracts may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants or stock purchase contracts of our company. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. In addition, the underwriters may overallot a portion of the securities.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. The specific terms of any securities to be offered will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “FEEC.” There is no market for the other securities we may offer.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “ Risk Factors” beginning on page 3.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is November 4, 2009.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | Page |
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY | | 1 |
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES | | 2 |
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RISK FACTORS | | 3 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | | 14 |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION | | 14 |
| | |
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE | | 15 |
| | |
USE OF PROCEEDS | | 16 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK | | 16 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES | | 19 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES | | 19 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS | | 20 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS | | 20 |
| | |
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS | | 21 |
| | |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | | 21 |
| | |
LEGAL MATTERS | | 23 |
| | |
EXPERTS | | 23 |
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities offered by us. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in the prospectus and, accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by the information in the prospectus supplement.
The prospectus supplement to be attached to the front of this prospectus may describe, as applicable: the terms of the securities offered, the initial public offering price, the price paid for the securities, net proceeds and the other specific terms related to the offering of the securities.
You should only rely on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making offers to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the cover of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. We urge you to read this entire prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section. In this prospectus, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Far East Energy Corporation
Overview
We were incorporated in Nevada on February 4, 2000. In January 2002, we renamed our company Far East Energy Corporation and changed our focus to exploring, developing, producing and selling coalbed methane gas (“CBM”). References to “China” and “PRC” are references to the People’s Republic of China. Today, the operations of our company and its subsidiaries concentrate on CBM exploration and development in Shanxi Province in northern China and Yunnan Province in southern China. Our goal is to become a recognized leader in CBM property acquisition, exploration, development and production. Our principal office is located at 363 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 380, Houston, Texas 77060 and our telephone number is (832) 598-0470. Our main office in China is located in Beijing and we also maintain satellite offices in Taiyuan City and Kunming.
We are a development stage company, and our activities have been principally limited to the drilling, testing and completion of exploratory CBM wells and organizational activities. We are party to three production sharing contracts (“PSCs”) which cover the 485,000-acre Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province, the 573,000-acre Qinnan Block in Shanxi Province, and the Enhong and Laochang areas, which total 265,000 acres, in Yunnan Province. On March 13, 2009, we formed a strategic alliance related to our Qinnan Block with Arrow Energy International Pte Ltd (“Arrow”), the Singapore-based subsidiary of Arrow Energy Limited, a large Australian CBM producer.
Some Risks Related to Our Business
We are considered a development stage company for accounting purposes because we have generated no revenues to date. We have no relevant operating history upon which you can evaluate our performance and prospects. In addition, we cannot forecast operating expenses based on our historical results and our ability to accurately forecast future revenues is limited. As a result of our limited operating history, we are more susceptible to business risks including risks of capital requirements in excess of capital expenditures, unforeseen capital requirements, failure to establish business relationships, and competitive disadvantages against larger and more established companies. We face significant challenges, expenses and difficulties as a development stage company seeking to explore, develop and produce CBM. We cannot assure you we will ever generate sufficient revenues to achieve profitability, which may negatively impact the price of our common stock. If we do achieve profitability, we cannot assure you that we will be able to sustain or increase profitability in the future.
We have funded our exploration and development activities primarily through the sale and issuance of common stock and other securities. On March 13, 2009, we and our wholly owned subsidiary, Far East Energy (Bermuda) Ltd (“FEEB”), formed a strategic alliance related to our Qinnan Block with Arrow. Specifically, on that date, (i) FEEB and Arrow entered into a Farmout Agreement (the “Farmout Agreement”) under which, subject to certain conditions, FEEB will assign to Arrow 75.25% of its rights (the “Assignment”) in the Qinnan PSC, (ii) we, FEEB and Arrow entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, (iii) FEEB issued the Exchangeable Note, $10 million principal amount, to Arrow for $10 million in cash, (iv) we issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to Arrow for the purchase of 7,420,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, and (v) we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with Arrow. Under the terms of the Farmout Agreement, subject to certain conditions including securing approval from our Chinese partner company and the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC (“MOC”), FEEB will assign to Arrow 75.25% of its rights in the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province. Assuming that we obtain approval from our Chinese partner company and the MOC, and satisfy the other conditions under the Farmout Agreement with Arrow prior to November 20, 2009, then the additional payment due upon the occurrence of these events from Arrow together with funds currently available should provide sufficient working capital to meet our current minimum exploration expenditures for all three of our production sharing contracts through early 2010. There can be no assurance that our Chinese partner company and the MOC will approve the extension of the Qinnan PSC or the Farmout Agreement with Arrow or, if approved, that such approval will be timely and on the same terms as currently set forth in the PSC or Farmout Agreement. If the approval of the Qinnan PSC extension or the Farmout Agreement is untimely or is conditioned on different terms under the PSC or Farmout Agreement, we may be unable to satisfy the conditions under the Farmout Agreement.
Management will continue to seek to raise additional capital to continue operations and to meet future expenditure requirements necessary to retain our rights under the PSCs. Management intends to seek to obtain additional funds by entering into a strategic relationship or transaction, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger or acquisition, and/or obtaining debt or equity financing. The global financial crisis has created liquidity problems for many companies and financial institutions and international capital markets have stagnated, especially in the United States and Europe. A continuing downturn in these markets could impair our ability to obtain, or may increase our costs associated with obtaining, additional funds through the sale of our securities. While we will continue to seek to raise funds, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter any strategic relationship or transaction or that we will be successful in obtaining funds through debt or equity financing. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult or impossible. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt or equity financing are uncertain and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions of any such arrangements. There can be no guarantee of future fundraising or exploration success or that we will realize the value of our unevaluated exploratory well costs. Management believes that we will continue to be successful in obtaining the funds necessary to continue as a going concern.
In addition to these risks, please see “Risk Factors” and other information included in this prospectus and incorporated by reference herein for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table shows our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated since 2004. For purposes of computing the following ratios, earnings consist of net income before income tax expense plus fixed charges to the extent that such charges are included in the determination of earnings. Fixed charges consist of interest, amortization of debt issuance costs and the estimated interest portion of our operating leases.
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 | | | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008 | | | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004 | |
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) |
(1) | Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed costs by $6,936,000 for the six months ended June, 30, 2009, $22,591,000 in 2008, $11,849,000 in 2007, $10,343,000 in 2006, $8,292,000 in 2005 and $8,004,000 in 2004. |
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider all of the risks described or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. If any of the risks discussed in this prospectus actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities could decline significantly and you may lose all or a part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Business
We must obtain additional financing in order to continue our operations.
We are not able to accurately predict when we will recognize meaningful revenues. We expect to experience operating losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. On March 13, 2009, we formed a strategic alliance related to our Qinnan Block with Arrow. Assuming that we obtain approval from our Chinese partner company and the MOC, and satisfy the other conditions under the Farmout Agreement with Arrow prior to November 20, 2009, then the additional payment due upon the occurrence of these events from Arrow together with funds currently available should provide sufficient working capital to meet our current minimum exploration expenditures for all three of our PSCs through early 2010. Management will continue to seek to raise additional capital to continue operations and to meet future expenditure requirements necessary to retain our rights under the PSCs. Management intends to seek to obtain funds to continue operations by entering into a strategic relationship or transaction, such as a joint venture, farmout, a merger or acquisition, and/or obtaining debt or equity financing. The global financial crisis has created liquidity problems for many companies and financial institutions and international capital markets have stagnated, especially in the United States and Europe. A continuing downturn in these markets could impair our ability to obtain, or may increase our costs associated with obtaining, additional funds through the sale of our securities. The ongoing crisis has created a difficult environment in which to negotiate and consummate a transaction. While we will continue to seek to raise funds, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter any strategic relationship or transaction or that we will be successful in obtaining funds through debt or equity financing. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult or impossible. In particular, any transfer of our rights under any PSC will require the approval of our Chinese partner company. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt or equity financing are uncertain and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions of any such arrangements or whether the value will be higher or lower than the consideration that may be paid with respect to any offering of securities under this prospectus.
Our ability to continue as a going concern depends upon our ability to obtain substantial funds for use in our development activities and upon the success of our planned exploration and development activities. There can be no guarantee of future fundraising or exploration success or that we will realize the value of our unevaluated exploratory well costs. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Management believes that we will continue to be successful in obtaining the funds necessary to continue as a going concern.
If our operating requirements or drilling obligations materially change from those currently planned, we may require more capital than currently anticipated or may be required to raise capital earlier than anticipated. For example, it is possible that the Ministry of Land and Resources (“MLR”) or our Chinese partner company could seek to, among other things, increase our capital expenditures or accelerate our drilling program. If we are unable to commit to the expenditures or accelerate our drilling and dewatering efforts it may adversely affect our ability to extend the terms of our PSCs. Raising additional funds by issuing common stock or other types of equity securities would further dilute our existing stockholders. If we fail to obtain the necessary funds to complete our exploration activities under our production sharing contracts, and we cannot obtain extensions to the requirements under our production sharing contracts, we would not be able to successfully complete our exploration activities and we may lose rights under our production sharing contracts.
We must obtain extensions for our PSCs to continue our operations in China.
We have commenced the extension application process for each of our PSCs. The Ministry of Commerce (the “MOC”) has approved modification agreements to extend the exploration periods for the Shouyang area of Shanxi Province and the Enhong and Laochang areas of Yunnan Province to June 30, 2011. The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province expired on June 30, 2009. With regard to the Qinnan PSC, China National Petroleum Company (“CNPC”) has recently replaced China United Coalbed Methane Co. Ltd. (“CUCBM”) as our Chinese partner company for the PSC. We are continuing to pursue an extension of the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC. It is possible that our Chinese partner company might elect to issue a new PSC, which could be on less favorable terms than those in the current PSC. At CNPC’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information about our Company to assist them in the decision making process. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in extending the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC or that a new PSC will be granted. Additionally, in connection with obtaining this extension or a new PSC, we may be required to commit to certain expenditures or to modify the terms or respective ownership interests and/or acreage in the applicable PSC. However, if we are unable to raise sufficient funds to commit to these expenditures, it may adversely affect our ability to extend any or all of our PSCs.
We are in the initial exploration phase and have substantial capital requirements that, if not met, will hinder our ability to continue as a going concern.
We face significant challenges, expenses and difficulties as a development stage company seeking to explore, develop and produce coalbed methane gas. The development of our projects in China will require that we obtain funding to satisfy very significant expenditures for exploration and development of these projects, if they are successful. We will also require resources to fund significant capital expenditures for exploration and development activities in future periods. In this regard, CUCBM or CNPC could seek to renegotiate our PSCs to, among other things, increase our expenditures or accelerate our drilling program beyond the minimum contractual requirements under our PSCs. As discussed above, assuming that we obtain approval from our Chinese partner company and the MOC, and satisfy the other conditions under the Farmout Agreement with Arrow prior to November 20, 2009, then the additional payment due upon the occurrence of these events from Arrow together with funds currently available should provide sufficient working capital to meet our current minimum exploration expenditures for all three of our PSCs through early 2010. Our success will depend on our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our capital expenditures. If we cannot obtain adequate capital, and we cannot obtain extensions to the requirements under our production sharing contracts, we will not be able to successfully complete our exploration and development activities, and we may lose rights under our production sharing contracts. This would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Continued disruption in national and international investment and credit markets or fraud or embezzlement of funds at the financial institutions which hold our assets may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
The recent meltdown of and disruptions in the global financial system have led to a significant slowdown in capital market activities, a scarcity of credit, tighter lending standards and higher interest rates and costs of capital. Current market conditions may continue or worsen. We can make no assurances that we will be able to obtain additional equity or debt financing to fund our anticipated drilling, exploration and operation costs on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. In the absence of capital obtained through a strategic relationship or transaction with one or more interested companies, or through an equity or debt financing, our ability to operate and to meet our obligations under our production sharing contracts would be impaired, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation and may affect our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our cash and cash equivalents are liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. We maintain the cash and cash equivalents with reputable major financial institutions in deposit accounts and U.S. government securities money market accounts. Deposits with these institutions exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions. If one or more of these institutions are unable to honor our withdrawal requests or redeem our shares in our deposit or money market accounts as a result of the institution’s financial condition, fraud, embezzlement or otherwise, it could have an adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development of CBM properties involves substantial risks and we cannot assure that our exploration and drilling efforts will be successful.
The business of exploring for and, to a lesser extent, developing and operating CBM properties involves a high degree of business and financial risk that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. The selection of prospects for CBM gas drilling, the drilling, ownership and operation of CBM wells and the ownership of interests in CBM properties are highly speculative. Our well data, including information relating to permeability and coal thickness, is preliminary in nature. We cannot predict whether any prospect will produce CBM or whether, even if producing, such prospect will produce commercial quantities of CBM.
Drilling for CBM gas may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but also from wells that are productive but do not produce coalbed methane in sufficient quantities or quality to realize enough net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain and cost overruns are common. Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to uncooperative inhabitants, title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and services. In addition, other factors such as permeability, structural characteristics of the coal, or the quality or quantity of water that must be produced, may hinder, restrict or even make production impractical or impossible.
Drilling and completion decisions generally are based on subjective judgments and assumptions that are speculative. We may drill wells that, although productive, do not produce CBM in economic quantities. It is impossible to predict with certainty the production potential of a particular property or well. Furthermore, the successful completion of a well does not ensure a profitable return on the investment. A variety of geological, operational, or market-related factors, including, but not limited to, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, equipment failures or accidents, fires, explosions, blowouts, cratering, pollution and other environmental risks, shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and the delivery of equipment, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or prevent completion of any well, or otherwise prevent a property or well from being profitable. We contract with drilling companies to drill certain of our wells in China and we face the risk that the other party may not perform, which may delay our drilling program. A productive well may also become uneconomic in the event of excessive water or other deleterious substances are encountered, which impair or prevent the production of natural gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is contaminated with water or other deleterious substances. We cannot assure that wells drilled by us will be productive or, even if productive, will produce CBM in economic quantities so that we will recover all or any portion of our investment. In the event we are not successful, we may be required to write off some or all of the capitalized well costs on our financial statements.
We have no current source of revenue.
We will not generate material revenues from our existing properties until we have successfully completed exploration and development, and started production of CBM. We are not able to accurately predict when we will recognize meaningful revenues. Additionally, pipelines must be built to connect to larger pipelines or compressed or liquified natural gas facilities must be constructed on our Shanxi Province projects to process and transport our CBM, and no facilities exist to transport or process CBM near our Yunnan Province projects. Our ability to realize revenues from any producing wells may be impaired until these facilities are built out or arrangements are made to deliver our production to market.
We are a development stage company and, thus, we have no relevant operating history for the purpose of evaluation of our performance and prospects.
We have been engaged principally in developing and implementing strategic operating and exploration plans, raising capital, hiring personnel, entering into contracts, acquiring rights to explore, develop, produce and sell CBM, and drilling, testing and completing of exploratory wells. We do not have operating experience in the distribution and marketing of CBM gas in China. We are considered a development stage company for accounting purposes because we have generated no revenues to date. Accordingly, we have no relevant operating history upon which you can evaluate our performance and prospects. In addition, we cannot forecast operating expenses based on our historical results and our ability to accurately forecast future revenues is limited. As a result of our limited operating history, we are more susceptible to business risks including risks of unforeseen capital requirements, failure to establish business relationships, and competitive disadvantages against larger and more established companies.
We have a history of losses, and expect to incur losses in the foreseeable future. If we do not achieve profitability, our financial condition and the value of our common stock will suffer.
To date, we have no revenues from the sale of CBM. We incurred net losses applicable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006. We expect to experience operating losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. We must obtain additional financing and generate sufficient revenues to fund anticipated drilling, exploration and operation costs and to achieve and maintain profitability. We cannot guarantee that we will ever generate sufficient revenues to achieve profitability, which will negatively impact the price of our common stock. If we do achieve profitability, we cannot assure you that we will be able to sustain or increase profitability in the future.
We must complete multiple CBM wells on our Shanxi Province and Yunnan Province projects before we can commence production.
To date, we have drilled 8 horizontal wells, 19 vertical wells and 3 deviated wells in the Shanxi Province projects and 9 vertical wells and 4 deviated wells in Yunnan Province. While subject to periodic maintenance, we have achieved continuous gas production in some of these wells. At this early stage, the volumes being produced while dewatering are still small and the data obtained is not yet sufficient to be able to project the peak gas production volume or to be able to conclude whether the wells will produce gas in commercial volumes. None of the other wells we have drilled to date are currently producing CBM gas as they are undergoing or will undergo dewatering and production testing. However, even if all our current wells reach production status, they may not produce enough CBM gas to achieve commercial viability. For each project, we are analyzing and evaluating drilling data obtained in an effort to determine how many additional wells we have to drill in order to begin production of commercial volumes. We cannot make any assurances that we will have the resources to drill enough additional wells in the Shanxi and Yunnan Provinces to commence production in the areas. As a result, even though we may have producing properties in the region, we may not be in a position to derive any revenues from such wells. Actual production may vary materially from preliminary test results, including the results to date for our first horizontal well. Actual production from the wells may be at recovery rates and gas quality materially different than our first indications.
We are a holding company and we rely on our subsidiaries for dividends and other payments for funds to meet our obligations.
We are principally a holding company with substantially all of our assets relating to operations in China being owned by our subsidiary, FEEB. Consequently, we have no direct operations and are not expected to own a significant amount of assets other than the outstanding capital stock of our subsidiaries, including FEEB, and cash and cash equivalents. Because we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, if and when we commence commercial production of CBM, we will depend on those entities for dividends and other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to pay dividends, if any, with respect to our common stock. The jurisdictions of our subsidiaries may impose restrictions on or require government approval of dividends or certain payments by the subsidiaries. All of our subsidiaries will be separate and independent legal entities and will have no legal obligation whatsoever to pay, and may be contractually restricted from paying any dividends, distributions or other payments to us.
We are dependent on our key executives and may not be able to hire and retain key employees to fully implement our business strategy.
Our success will depend largely on our senior management, which includes our executive officers. As we grow our business, we must attract, retain and integrate additional experienced managers, geoscientists and engineers in order to successfully operate and grow our businesses. The number of available, qualified personnel in the oil and gas industry to fill these positions may be limited. Our inability to attract, retain and integrate these additional personnel or the loss of the services of any of our senior executives or key employees could delay or prevent us from fully implementing our business strategy and could significantly and negatively affect our business.
We are not diversified and we concentrate on one industry.
Our business strategy concentrates on exploration and development of CBM gas in China. There is an inherent risk in not having a diverse base of properties in exploration and development, because we will not have alternate sources of revenue if we are not successful with our current exploration and development activities. As we will invest substantially all of our assets in this market, we may be more affected by any single adverse economic, political or regulatory event than a more diversified entity. Our failure in the exploration and development of our CBM property rights in China would have a material adverse affect on our business.
We may not be able to develop a proven reserve base.
Our future success will depend upon our ability to find and develop CBM reserves. Any CBM reserves that we develop will decline as CBM production occurs. To develop reserves and production, we must implement our exploration, development and production programs and identify and produce from previously overlooked or by-passed zones and shut-in wells. Our current strategy is to develop a reserve base, production and cash flow through the development of CBM fields in our Shanxi Province and Yunnan Province projects. We can give no assurance that our planned exploration and development activities will result in any reserves or that we will have any success in discovering and producing reserves at economical exploration and development costs.
We may have difficulty managing growth in our business.
Because of our small size and the relatively large scale of operations required for our business to yield revenue, growth in accordance with our business plan, if achieved, will place a significant strain on our financial, technical, operational and management resources. As we expand our activities and increase the number of projects we are evaluating or in which we participate, there will be substantially more demands on these resources. Further, we may be required to respond to any expansion of our activities in a relatively short period of time in order to meet the demands created by the expansion of these activities, the growth of our business and our drilling objectives. The failure to timely upgrade our technical, administrative, operating and financial control systems or the occurrence of unexpected expansion difficulties, including the recruitment and retention of experienced managers, geoscientists and engineers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to timely execute our business plan. If we are unable to implement these actions in a timely manner, our results and the growth of our business may be adversely affected.
Risks Relating to Our Operations in China
No facilities presently exist to transport or process CBM near our Yunnan Province projects, and, although larger pipelines exist in proximity to our Shanxi Province projects, pipelines must be built to connect to larger pipelines and facilities must be added to compress or liquefy and perhaps to transport any CBM that may be produced from those projects.
The marketability of any production will depend, in part, upon the availability, proximity and capacity of pipelines, gas gathering systems and processing facilities. We may transport our CBM through pipelines or by compressing or liquefying the CBM for transportation. We have begun discussions with CUCBM regarding a gas marketing agreement. It is anticipated that the marketing facility would allow us to jointly market our gas with CUCBM through a gas sales facility.
Currently, two pipelines traverse China in proximity to our Shanxi Province projects. A pipeline company is currently constructing an intra-provincial pipeline network in Shanxi Province. One branch of that network is currently planned to be constructed across or directly adjacent to our current area of drilling in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block. The pipeline company has expressed interest in transporting our gas if we achieve commercial levels of production; however, commercial negotiations must be undertaken in conjunction with CUCBM or CNPC and have not yet commenced. No compressed natural gas (“CNG”) facility, liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) plant or other off-take vehicle currently exists near our Shanxi Province projects. We have had discussions with entities engaged in the business of acquiring, transporting and selling CNG and interest has been expressed in purchasing gas from our Shouyang project. If we achieve desired levels of production, we will consider building a CNG facility and in conjunction with our Chinese partner company, we may enter into formal commercial negotiations with one or more of the above mentioned entities. Pipelines may need to be built on those projects to connect to larger pipelines to transport any CBM that may be produced from those projects. We estimate the initial cost for these connecting pipelines and compression facilities may be in the range of $10 million to $20 million or more. If CUCBM elects a 30% participating interest in our Shanxi Province project, our net costs would be reduced accordingly. There is no assurance that any of the existing pipelines we might desire to connect to in the future will have sufficient capacity available to meet our requirements or the costs of using such pipelines would be economical. Additionally, there is no assurance that we will be able to use the existing pipeline on terms acceptable to us or at all, as the PRC does not require open access to pipeline infrastructure be allowed.