As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2006.
Registration No. 333—_________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | 84-1060803 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
370 17th Street, Suite 4300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 293-9133
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of principal executive offices)
Roger A. Parker, Chief Executive Officer
Delta Petroleum Corporation
370 17th Street, Suite 4300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 293-9133
(Name, address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With Copies To
Ronald R. Levine, II
Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
1550 Seventeenth Street, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 892-9400
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by market conditions.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.þ
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 431(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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| | | | Amount to be registered/ | |
| | | | Proposed maximum offering price per unit/ | |
| Title of each class of | | | Proposed maximum offering price/ | |
| securities to be registered | | | Amount of registration fee (1)(2)(3) | |
| Senior Debt Securities Subordinated Debt Securities Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share Warrants Guarantees
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| Total | | | $300,000,000 / $32,100 | |
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(1) | | An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price and number or amount of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be sold at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable upon conversion of, or in exchange for, or upon exercise of, convertible or exchangeable securities. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the Registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee. |
(2) | | Represents the initial offering price of all securities sold up to an aggregate public offering price not to exceed $300,000,000. |
(3) | | Pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registration fee has been calculated on the basis of the maximum aggregate offering price and the number of securities being registered has been omitted. |
PROSPECTUS
DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
$300,000,000
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Guarantees
Delta Petroleum Corporation (“Delta,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) may offer and sell from time to time up to $300,000,000 of our senior and subordinated debt securities, common stock, $0.01 par value, preferred stock, $0.01 par value and warrants to purchase any of the other securities that may be sold under this prospectus, and senior or subordinated unsecured guarantees, in one or more transactions.
We will provide specific terms of any offering in supplements to this prospectus. The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination and as separate series. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.
We may sell securities directly to you, through agents we select, or through underwriters or dealers we select. If we use agents, underwriters or dealers to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement. The net proceeds we expect to receive from these sales will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “DPTR.” On January 30, 2006, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ National Market was $24.10 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on the NASDAQ National Market or any securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.
The securities offered in this prospectus involve a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus in determining whether to purchase our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved 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 February 1, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $300,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time that we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information incorporated by reference in this prospectus before making an investment in our securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for more information. We may use this prospectus to sell securities only if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on its front cover.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and file annual, quarterly and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) on which our reports, proxy statements and other information are made available. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may also be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to our company and the securities.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” our publicly filed reports into this prospectus, which means that information included in those reports is considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus and in prior reports. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until all of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus have been sold.
The following documents filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference in this prospectus:
| • | | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005; |
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| • | | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2005; and |
| • | | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed September 9, 26 and 30, 2005, November 9 and 15, 2005, and January 12, 2006. |
You may obtain a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which may have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus (excluding certain exhibits to the documents) at no cost to you by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Kevin K. Nanke, Delta Petroleum Corporation, 370 17th Street, Suite 4300, Denver, Colorado 80202, telephone (303) 293-9133.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect us and to take advantage of the “safe harbor” protection for forward-looking statements afforded under federal securities laws. From time to time, our management or persons acting on our behalf make forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential security holders about us. These statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future (1) income, (2) oil and gas production, (3) oil and gas reserves and reserve replacement and (4) capital spending. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “goal” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Sometimes we will specifically describe a statement as being a forward-looking statement. In addition, except for the historical information contained in this prospectus, the matters discussed in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and will be influenced by various factors. Should any of the assumptions underlying a forward-looking statement prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially.
The following, in addition to the factors described in “Risk Factors” are among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements:
| • | | deviations in the market prices of both crude oil and natural gas; |
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| • | | the timing and effects of our acquisitions, dispositions and exploratory development activities; |
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| • | | determination of reserves; |
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| • | | timing and amount of production; |
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| • | | changes in the legal and/or regulatory environment; |
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| • | | unanticipated recovery or production problems, including cratering, explosions, fires and uncontrollable flows of oil, gas or well fluids. |
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OUR COMPANY
Delta Petroleum Corporation (“Delta,” “we” or “us”) is an independent energy company engaged primarily in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production, and sale of, natural gas and crude oil. Our core areas of operation are the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain regions, which comprise the majority of our proved reserves, production and long-term growth prospects. We have a significant drilling inventory that consists of proved and unproved locations, the majority of which are located in our Rocky Mountain development projects.
As of June 30, 2005, our reserves were comprised of approximately 123.1 Bcf of natural gas and 14.1 Mmbls of crude oil, or 59% gas on an equivalent basis. Approximately 56% of our proved reserves were located in the Gulf Coast, 10% in the Rocky Mountains, and 34% in other locations. Our reserve estimates change continuously and are evaluated by us on an annual basis. Deviations in the market prices of both crude oil and natural gas and the effects of acquisitions, dispositions and exploratory development activities may have a significant effect on the quantities and future values of our reserves.
We expect that our drilling efforts and capital expenditures will focus increasingly on the Rockies, where approximately two-thirds of our fiscal 2006 capital budget is allocated and three-fourths of our undeveloped acreage is located. As of June 30, 2005, we controlled approximately 493,000 undeveloped acres, representing in excess of 90% of our total acreage position. We retain a high degree of operational control over our asset base, with an average working interest in excess of 90% as of June 30, 2005. This provides us with controlling interests in a multi-year inventory of drilling locations, positioning us for continued reserve and production growth through our drilling operations.
We also currently have an ownership interest in a drilling company, providing the benefit of full-time access to three drilling rigs in the Rocky Mountain region. We concentrate our exploration and development efforts in fields where we can apply our technical exploration and development expertise, and where we have accumulated significant operational control and experience.
We completed a reincorporation merger on January 31, 2006, thereby changing our state of incorporation from Colorado to Delaware. We have changed our fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2005. We maintain our principal executive offices at 370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 293-9133. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “DPTR.”
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RISK FACTORS
Our business, operations, and financial condition are subject to various risks. We urge you to consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially harmed. In any such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all, or a part, of your investment.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
Oil and natural gas prices are volatile and a decrease could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and profitability.
Our revenues, profitability and future rate of growth depend substantially upon the market prices of oil and natural gas, which fluctuate widely. Sustained declines in oil and gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Factors that can cause market prices of oil and natural gas to fluctuate include:
| • | | relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas; |
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| • | | market uncertainty; |
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| • | | the level of consumer product demand; |
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| • | | weather conditions; |
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| • | | U.S. and foreign governmental regulations; |
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| • | | the price and availability of alternative fuels; |
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| • | | political and economic conditions in oil producing countries, particularly those in the Middle East, including actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; |
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| • | | the foreign supply of oil and natural gas; and |
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| • | | the price of oil and gas imports, consumer preferences and overall U.S. and foreign economic conditions. |
We are not able to predict future oil and natural gas prices. At various times, excess domestic and imported supplies have depressed oil and gas prices. Lower prices may reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically and may also require us to write down the carrying value of our oil and gas properties. Additionally, the location of our producing wells may limit our ability to take advantage of spikes in regional demand and the resulting increase in price. Substantially all of our oil and natural gas sales are made in the spot market or pursuant to contracts based on spot market prices, not long-term fixed price contracts. Any substantial or extended decline in the prices of or demand for oil or natural gas would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to fund our planned capital expenditures.
We spend and will continue to spend a substantial amount of capital for the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development and production of oil and gas reserves. Our exploration and
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development capital budget is expected to range between $200 and $225 million for the year ending December 31, 2006. We have historically addressed our short and long-term liquidity needs through the use of cash flow provided by operating activities, the use of bank credit facilities and the issuance of equity securities. Without adequate financing, we may not be able to successfully execute our operating strategy. We continue to examine the following alternative sources of capital:
| • | | bank borrowings or the issuance of debt securities; and |
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| • | | the issuance of common stock, preferred stock or other equity securities. |
The availability of these sources of capital will depend upon a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include general economic and financial market conditions, oil and natural gas prices and our market value and operating performance. We may be unable to execute our operating strategy if we cannot obtain adequate capital.
If low oil and natural gas prices, lack of adequate gathering or transportation facilities, operating difficulties or other factors, many of which are beyond our control, cause our revenues and cash flows from operating activities to decrease, we may be limited in our ability to spend the capital necessary to complete our capital expenditures program. In addition, if our borrowing base under our senior credit facility is re-determined to a lower amount, this could adversely affect our ability to fund our planned capital expenditures. After utilizing our available sources of financing, we may be forced to raise additional equity or debt proceeds to fund such expenditures. Additional equity or debt financing or cash flow provided by operations may not be available to meet our capital expenditure requirements.
Information concerning our reserves is uncertain.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and cash flows from such reserves, including factors beyond our control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of an estimate of quantities of oil and natural gas reserves, or of cash flows attributable to such reserves, is a function of the available data, assumptions regarding future oil and natural gas prices, expenditures for future development and exploitation activities, and engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Reserves and future cash flows may also be subject to material downward or upward revisions based upon production history, development and exploitation activities, oil and natural gas prices and regulatory changes. Actual future production, revenue, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses, quantities of recoverable reserves and value of cash flows from those reserves may vary significantly from our assumptions and estimates. In addition, reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserves and cash flows based on the same available data.
The estimated quantities of proved reserves and the discounted present value of future net cash flows attributable to those reserves for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 included in our periodic reports filed with the SEC were prepared by our reserve engineers in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and are not intended to represent the fair market value of such reserves. As required by the SEC, the estimated discounted present value of future net cash flows from proved reserves is generally based on prices and costs as of the date of the estimate, while actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower. In addition, the 10% discount factor, which the SEC requires to be used to calculate discounted future net revenues for reporting purposes, is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor based on the cost of capital in effect from time to time and risks associated with our business and the oil and gas industry in general.
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We may not be able to replace production with new reserves.
Our reserves will decline significantly as they are produced unless we acquire properties with proved reserves or conduct successful development and exploration drilling activities. Our future oil and natural gas production is highly dependent upon our level of success in finding or acquiring additional reserves that are economically feasible and developing existing proved reserves.
If oil or natural gas prices decrease or exploration and development efforts are unsuccessful, we may be required to take write-downs.
In the past, we have been required to write down the carrying value of our oil and gas properties. There is a risk that we will be required to take additional writedowns in the future which would reduce our earnings and stockholders’ equity. A writedown could occur when oil and natural gas prices are low or if we have substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves, increases in our estimates of development costs or deterioration in our exploration and development results.
We account for our crude oil and natural gas exploration and development activities utilizing the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, costs of productive exploratory wells, development dry holes and productive wells and undeveloped leases are capitalized. Oil and gas lease acquisition costs are also capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized, but charged to expense if and when the well is determined not to have found reserves in commercial quantities. If the carrying amount of our oil and gas properties exceeds the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, we will adjust the carrying amount of the oil and gas properties to their fair value.
We review our oil and gas properties for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of their carrying value. Once incurred, a writedown of oil and gas properties is not reversible at a later date even if gas or oil prices increase. Given the complexities associated with oil and gas reserve estimates and the history of price volatility in the oil and gas markets, events may arise that would require us to record an impairment of the recorded carrying values associated with our oil and gas properties. As a result of our review, we did not record an impairment for fiscal 2005, 2004 or 2003.
The exploration, development and operation of oil and gas properties involve substantial risks that may result in a total loss of investment.
The business of exploring for and, to a lesser extent, developing and operating oil and gas properties involves a high degree of business and financial risk, and thus a substantial risk of investment loss that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Oil and gas drilling and production activities may be shortened, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
| • | | unexpected drilling conditions; |
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| • | | pressure or irregularities in formations; |
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| • | | equipment failures or accidents; |
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| • | | weather conditions; |
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| • | | shortages in experienced labor; and |
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| • | | shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment. |
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The cost to develop our reserves as of June 30, 2005 is estimated to be approximately $192.4 million. Since June 30, 2005, we have acquired additional leasehold acreage, primarily in the Piceance basin in Colorado and the Columbia River basin in Washington, which will increase the future costs required to develop our reserves. We may drill wells that are unproductive or, although productive, do not produce oil and/or natural gas in economic quantities. Acquisition and completion decisions generally are based on subjective judgments and assumptions that are speculative. It is impossible to predict with certainty the production potential of a particular property or well. Furthermore, a 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. A productive well may become uneconomic in the event water or other deleterious substances are encountered which impair or prevent the production of oil and/or natural gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is contaminated with water or other deleterious substances.
Prices may be affected by regional factors.
The prices to be received for the natural gas production from our Rocky Mountain region properties will be determined to a significant extent by factors affecting the regional supply of and demand for natural gas, which include the degree to which pipeline and processing infrastructure exists in the region. Those factors result in basis differentials between the published indices generally used to establish the price received for regional natural gas production and the actual price we receive for our production.
Our industry experiences numerous operating hazards that could result in substantial losses.
The exploration, development and operation of oil and gas properties also involve a variety of operating risks including the risk of fire, explosions, blowouts, cratering, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations, natural disasters, acts of terrorism or vandalism, and environmental hazards, including oil spills, gas leaks, pipeline ruptures or discharges of toxic gases. These industry-operating risks can result in injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties, and suspension of operations which could result in substantial losses.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. Such insurance may not be adequate to cover losses or liabilities. Also, we cannot predict the continued availability of insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and certain potential natural disasters may change our ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully insured or indemnified against could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operations.
Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our senior unsecured notes.
As of September 30, 2005, our total outstanding long term liabilities were $252.3 million. Our degree of leverage could have important consequences, including the following:
| • | | it may limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures, further exploration, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; |
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| • | | a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations will be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes, including our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities; |
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| • | | the debt service requirements of other indebtedness in the future could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations; |
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| • | | certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our senior credit facility, are at variable rates of interest, exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates; |
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| • | | it may limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and |
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| • | | we may be vulnerable in a downturn in general economic conditions or in our business, or we may be unable to carry out capital spending and exploration activities that are important to our growth. |
We may, under certain circumstances described in the indenture governing our 7% senior notes and our senior credit facility, be able to incur substantially more debt in the future, which may intensify the risks described herein.
A default under our senior credit facility could cause us to lose our properties.
�� In order to obtain our senior credit facility, we granted first priority liens to the lending banks on most of our oil and gas properties and the related equipment, inventory, accounts and proceeds. Our senior credit facility includes terms and covenants that place limitations on certain types of activities, including restrictions or requirements with respect to additional debt, liens, asset sales, hedging activities, investments, dividends, mergers and acquisitions, and also includes financial covenants.
Under certain conditions amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility may be accelerated. Bankruptcy and insolvency events with respect to us or certain of our subsidiaries will result in an automatic acceleration of the indebtedness under the senior credit facility. Subject to notice and cure periods in certain cases, other events of default under the senior credit facility will result in acceleration of the indebtedness at the option of the lending banks. Such other events of default include, among other things, non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of obligations under the senior credit facility (including financial covenants), default on other indebtedness, certain pension plan events, certain adverse judgments, change of control, and a failure of the liens securing the senior credit facility. Any of these events could potentially cause us to lose substantially all of our properties. At June 30, 2005, we were not in compliance with our quarterly debt covenants and restrictions, but have obtained a waiver from our banks.
For so long as the revolving commitment is in existence, we will also be required to comply with loan covenants that will limit our flexibility in conducting our business and which could cause us significant problems in the event of a downturn in the oil and gas market. If an event of default occurs and continues after the expiration of any cure period that is provided for in our senior credit facility, the entire principal amount due under it, all accrued interest and any other liabilities that we might have to the lending banks under the senior credit facility will all become immediately due and payable, all without notice of default of any kind. The foregoing information is provided to alert readers that there is risk associated with our existing debt obligations. It is not intended to provide a summary of the terms of our agreements with our lenders.
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Acquisitions are a part of our business strategy and are subject to the risks and uncertainties of evaluating recoverable reserves and potential liabilities.
We could be subject to significant liabilities related to acquisitions by us. The successful acquisition of producing properties requires an assessment of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include recoverable reserves, future oil and gas prices, operating costs and potential environmental and other liabilities, title issues and other factors. It generally is not feasible to review in detail every individual property included in an acquisition. Ordinarily, a review is focused on higher valued properties. Further, even a detailed review of all properties and records may not reveal existing or potential problems, nor will it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies and capabilities. We do not always inspect every well we acquire, and environmental problems, such as groundwater contamination, are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is performed. We cannot assure you that our recent and/or future acquisition activity will not result in disappointing results.
In addition, there is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our industry. Competition for acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions. Our strategy of completing acquisitions is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to obtain debt and equity financing and, in some cases, regulatory approvals. Our ability to pursue our acquisition strategy may be hindered if we are not able to obtain financing or regulatory approvals.
Acquisitions often pose integration risks and difficulties. In connection with recent and future acquisitions, the process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant management attention and financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of existing operations. Possible future acquisitions could result in our incurring additional debt, contingent liabilities and expenses, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
We depend on key personnel.
We currently have only three employees that serve in senior management roles, and the loss of any one of them could severely harm our business. Roger A. Parker and John R. Wallace are responsible for the operation of our oil and gas business and Kevin K. Nanke is our Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. We do not have key man insurance on the lives of any of these individuals. Furthermore, competition for experienced personnel is intense. If we cannot retain our current personnel or attract additional experienced personnel, our ability to compete could be adversely affected.
We may not be permitted to develop some of our offshore California properties or, if we are permitted, the substantial cost to develop these properties could result in a reduction of our interest in these properties or cause us to incur penalties.
Certain of our offshore California undeveloped properties, in which we have ownership interests ranging from 2.49% to 100.00%, are attributable to our interests in four of our five federal units (plus one additional lease) located offshore of California near Santa Barbara. These properties have a cost basis of approximately $10.9 million. The development of these properties is subject to extensive regulation and is currently the subject of litigation. Pursuant to a ruling in California v. Norton, later affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Government was required to make a consistency determination relating to the 1999 lease suspension requests under a 1990 amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act. In the event that there is some future adverse ruling under the Coastal Zone Management Act that we decide not to appeal or that we appeal without success, it is likely that some or all of our interests in these leases
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would become impaired and written off at that time. It is also possible that other events could occur during the Coastal Zone Management Act review or appellate process that would cause our interests in the leases to become impaired, and we will continuously evaluate those factors as they occur.
In addition, the cost to develop these properties will be substantial. The cost to develop all of these offshore California properties in which we own an interest, including delineation wells, environmental mitigation, development wells, fixed platforms, fixed platform facilities, pipelines and power cables, onshore facilities and platform removal over the life of the properties (assumed to be 38 years), is estimated to be in excess of $3.0 billion. Our share of such costs, based on our current ownership interest, is estimated to be over $200.0 million. Operating expenses for the same properties over the same period of time, including platform operating costs, well maintenance and repair costs, oil, gas and water treating costs, lifting costs and pipeline transportation costs, are estimated to be approximately $3.5 billion, with our share, based on our current ownership interest, estimated to be approximately $300.0 million. There will be additional costs of a currently undetermined amount to develop the Rocky Point Unit. Each working interest owner will be required to pay its proportionate share of these costs based upon the amount of the interest that it owns. If we are unable to fund our share of these costs or otherwise cover them through farm-outs or other arrangements, then we could either forfeit our interest in certain wells or properties or suffer other penalties in the form of delayed or reduced revenues under our various unit operating agreements, which could impact the ultimate realization of this investment. The estimates discussed above may differ significantly from actual results.
We are exposed to additional risks through our drilling business.
We currently have a 49.5% ownership interest in and management control of a drilling business. The operations of that entity will subject it to many additional hazards that are inherent to the drilling business, including, for example, blowouts, cratering, fires, explosions, loss of well control, loss of hole, damaged or lost drill strings and damage or loss from inclement weather. No assurance can be given that the insurance coverage maintained by that entity will be sufficient to protect it against liability for all consequences of well disasters, personal injury, extensive fire damage or damage to the environment. No assurance can be given that the drilling business will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable or that any particular types of coverage will be available. The occurrence of events, including any of the above-mentioned risks and hazards that are not fully insured could subject the drilling business to significant liability. It is also possible that we might sustain significant losses through the operation of the drilling business even if none of such events occurs.
Hedging transactions may limit our potential gains or cause us to lose money.
In order to manage our exposure to price risks in the marketing of oil and gas, we periodically enter into oil and gas price hedging arrangements, typically costless collars. While intended to reduce the effects of volatile oil and gas prices, such transactions, depending on the hedging instrument used, may limit our potential gains if oil and gas prices were to rise substantially over the price established by the hedge. In addition, such transactions may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which:
| • | | production is substantially less than expected; |
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| • | | the counterparties to our futures contracts fail to perform under the contracts; or |
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| • | | a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts gas or oil prices. |
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We may not receive payment for a portion of our future production.
Our revenues are derived principally from uncollateralized sales to customers in the oil and gas industry. The concentration of credit risk in a single industry affects our overall exposure to credit risk because customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions. We do not attempt to obtain credit protections such as letters of credit, guarantees or prepayments from our purchasers. We are unable to predict, however, what impact the financial difficulties of any of our purchasers may have on our future results of operations and liquidity.
We have no long-term contracts to sell oil and gas.
We do not have any long-term supply or similar agreements with governments or other authorities or entities for which we act as a producer. We are therefore dependent upon our ability to sell oil and gas at the prevailing wellhead market price. There can be no assurance that purchasers will be available or that the prices they are willing to pay will remain stable.
There is currently a shortage of available drilling rigs and equipment which could cause us to experience higher costs and delays that could adversely affect our operations.
Although equipment and supplies used in our business are usually available from multiple sources, there is currently a general shortage of drilling equipment and supplies. We believe that these shortages are likely to intensify. The costs and delivery times of equipment and supplies are substantially greater now than in prior periods and are currently escalating. In partial response to this trend, we have acquired a controlling interest in a drilling company. We believe that our ownership interest in the drilling company will allow us to have priority access to several large drilling rigs. We are also attempting to establish arrangements with others to assure adequate availability of certain other necessary drilling equipment and supplies on satisfactory terms, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will not experience shortages of, or material price increases in, drilling equipment and supplies, including drill pipe, in the future. Any such shortages could delay and adversely affect our ability to meet our drilling commitments.
The marketability of our production depends mostly upon the availability, proximity and capacity of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities, which are owned by third parties.
The marketability of our production depends upon the availability, operation and capacity of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities, which are owned by third parties. The unavailability or lack of capacity of these systems and facilities could result in the shut-in of producing wells or the delay or discontinuance of development plans for properties. We currently own several wells that are capable of producing but are currently shut-in pending the construction of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities. United States federal, state and foreign regulation of oil and gas production and transportation, tax and energy policies, damage to or destruction of pipelines, general economic conditions and changes in supply and demand could adversely affect our ability to produce and market oil and natural gas. If market factors changed dramatically, the financial impact on us could be substantial. The availability of markets and the volatility of product prices are beyond our control and represent a significant risk.
Our industry is highly competitive, making our results uncertain.
We operate in the highly competitive areas of oil and gas exploration, development and production. We compete for the purchase of leases from the U.S. government and from other oil and gas companies. These leases include exploration prospects as well as properties with proved reserves. We face competition in every aspect of our business, including, but not limited to:
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| • | | acquiring reserves and leases; |
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| • | | obtaining goods, services and employees needed to operate and manage our business; |
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| • | | access to the capital necessary to drill wells and acquire properties; and |
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| • | | marketing oil and natural gas. |
Competitors include multinational oil companies, independent production companies and individual producers and operators. Many of our competitors have greater financial, technological and other resources than we do.
New technologies may cause our current exploration and drilling methods to become obsolete, resulting in an adverse effect on our production.
The oil and natural gas industry is subject to rapid and significant advancements in technology, including the introduction of new products and services using new technologies. As competitors use or develop new technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force us to implement new technologies at a substantial cost. In addition, competitors may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We cannot be certain that we will be able to implement technologies on a timely basis or at a cost that is acceptable to us. One or more of the technologies that we currently use or that we may implement in the future may become obsolete, and we may be adversely affected.
Terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities could adversely affect our business.
The United States has been the target of terrorist attacks of unprecedented scale. The U.S. government has issued warnings that U.S. energy assets may be the future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risks. Any future terrorist attack at our facilities, or those of our purchasers, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We own properties in the Gulf Coast Region that could be susceptible to damage by severe weather.
Certain areas in and near the Gulf of Mexico experience hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis. Some of our properties in the Gulf Coast Region are located in areas that could cause them to be susceptible to damage by these storms. Damage caused by high winds and flooding could potentially cause us to curtail operations and/or exploration and development activities on such properties for significant periods of time until damage can be repaired. Moreover, even if our properties are not directly damaged by such storms, we may experience disruptions in our ability to sell our production due to damage to pipelines, roads and other transportation and refining facilities in the area. Our production was negatively impacted as certain wells were shut in during hurricane Rita.
We may incur substantial costs to comply with the various U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations that affect our oil and gas operations.
Our oil and gas operations are subject to stringent U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the release or disposal of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection or the oil and gas industry generally. Legislation affecting the industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing our regulatory burden. Compliance with such laws and regulations often increases our cost of doing business and, in turn, decreases our profitability. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the incurrence of investigatory or remedial obligations, or the imposition of injunctive relief.
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The environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject may:
| • | | require applying for and receiving a permit before drilling commences; |
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| • | | restrict the types, quantities and concentration of substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling and production activities; |
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| • | | limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; and |
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| • | | impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations. |
Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent or costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could require us to make significant expenditures to maintain compliance, and may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our earnings, results of operations, competitive position or financial condition. Over the years, we have owned or leased numerous properties for oil and gas activities upon which petroleum hydrocarbons or other materials may have been released by us or by predecessor property owners or lessees who were not under our control. Under applicable environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws, we could be held strictly liable for the removal or remediation of previously released materials or property contamination at such locations regardless of whether we were responsible for the release or if our operations were standard in the industry at the time they were performed.
Risks Related to Our Stock
We may issue shares of preferred stock with greater rights than our common stock.
Although we have no current plans, arrangements, understandings or agreements to issue any preferred stock, our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock and set the terms of the preferred stock without seeking any further approval from our stockholders. Any preferred stock that is issued may rank ahead of our common stock, in terms of dividends, liquidation rights and voting rights.
There may be future dilution of our common stock.
To the extent options to purchase common stock under our employee and director stock option plans are exercised, holders of our common stock will incur dilution. Further, if we sell additional equity or convertible debt securities, such sales could result in increased dilution to our stockholders.
We do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock.
We do not expect to pay any dividends, in cash or otherwise, with respect to our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain any earnings for use in our business. In addition, the credit agreement relating to our credit facility prohibits us from paying any dividends until the loan is retired.
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The common stock is an unsecured equity interest in our company.
As an equity interest, the common stock will not be secured by any of our assets. Therefore, in the event we are liquidated, the holders of the common stock will receive a distribution only after all of our secured and unsecured creditors have been paid in full. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient assets after paying our secured and unsecured creditors to make any distribution to the holders of the common stock.
Our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights.
Holders of our common stock are not entitled to accumulate their votes for the election of directors or otherwise. Accordingly, a plurality of holders of our outstanding common stock will be able to elect all of our directors. As of December 31, 2005, our directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates collectively and beneficially owned approximately 6.6% of our outstanding common stock.
Our Certificate of Incorporation may have provisions that discourage corporate takeovers and could prevent stockholders from realizing a premium on their investment.
Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage persons from considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals. Such persons might choose to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. As a result, these provisions could have the effect of preventing stockholders from realizing a premium on their investment.
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval and to set the rights, preferences and other designations, including voting rights of those shares, as the board of directors may determine. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes a substantial number of shares of common stock in excess of the shares outstanding. These provisions may discourage transactions involving actual or potential changes of control, including transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices to stockholders for their common stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds we receive from any offering of these securities for the exploration and development of our natural gas and oil properties, acquisition, exploration and development of additional properties or interests, acquisition of additional oil and gas service businesses, repayment of indebtedness, working capital and general corporate purposes. Net proceeds may be temporarily invested prior to use.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges is as follows for the period indicated:
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Fiscal Year Ended June 30, | | | Three Months Ended | |
2001 | | 2002 | | | 2003 | | | 2004 | | | 2005 | | | September 30, 2005 | |
1.19x | | | — | | | | .87x | | | | 2.23x | | | | 2.26x | | | | — | |
We have computed the ratio of fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, “earnings” consist of income/(loss) from continuing operations before income tax, adjustments for minority interests, changes in accounting principles and fixed charges, and “fixed charges” consists of interest and financing expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and the estimated interest factor relating to rental expense.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the offered securities (a) through agents; (b) through underwriters or dealers; (c) directly to one or more purchasers; or (d) through a combination of any of these methods of sale. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities offered by this prospectus will be issued under one of two separate indentures between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. We have filed the forms of indenture as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Delta and will be either senior or subordinated debt. Senior debt will be issued under a senior note indenture and subordinated debt will be issued under a subordinated note indenture. The senior note indenture and the subordinated note indenture are sometimes referred to in this prospectus individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures.” We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures and the debt securities below. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the indentures. For purposes of this summary, the terms “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer only to Delta and not to any of our subsidiaries.
We may issue debt securities at any time and from time to time in one or more series under the indentures. The indentures give us the ability to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of the same series. Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities or other unsecured debt which we or our subsidiaries may issue. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities we offer in a supplement to this prospectus. If any particular terms of the debt securities described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described in this prospectus, then the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supercede the terms described in this prospectus. The terms of our debt securities will include those set forth in the indentures and those made a part of the indentures by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. You should carefully read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of either indenture that may be important to you before investing in our debt securities.
General
The senior debt securities will have the same ranking as all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinated and junior to all senior indebtedness.
The debt securities may be issued in one or more separate series of senior debt securities and/or subordinated debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities being offered will specify the particular amounts, prices and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:
| • | | the title of the debt securities; |
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| • | | any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
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| • | | the date or dates, or the method of determining the dates, on which the debt securities will mature; |
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| • | | the interest rate or rates of the debt securities, or the method of determining those rates, the interest payment dates and, for registered debt securities, the regular record dates; |
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| • | | if a debt security is issued with original issue discount, the yield to maturity; |
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| • | | the places where payments may be made on the debt securities; |
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| • | | any mandatory or optional redemption provisions applicable to the debt securities; |
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| • | | any sinking fund or analogous provisions applicable to the debt securities; |
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| • | | any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to the debt securities; |
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| • | | any terms for the attachment to the debt securities of warrants, options or other rights to purchase or sell our securities; |
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| • | | the portion of the principal amount of the debt security payable upon the acceleration of maturity if other than the entire principal amount of the debt securities; |
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| • | | any deletions of, or changes or additions to, the events of default or covenants applicable to the debt securities; |
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| • | | if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies in which payments of principal, premium and/or interest on the debt securities will be payable and whether the holder may elect payment to be made in a different currency; |
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| • | | the method of determining the amount of any payments on the debt securities which are linked to an index; |
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| • | | whether the debt securities will be issued in fully registered form without coupons or in bearer form, with or without coupons, |
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| • | | or any combination of these, and whether they will be issued in the form of one or more global securities in temporary or definitive form; |
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| • | | any terms relating to the delivery of the debt securities if they are to be issued upon the exercise of warrants; |
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| • | | whether and on what terms we will pay additional amounts to holders of the debt securities that are not U.S. persons in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted and, if so, whether and on what terms we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts; and |
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| • | | any other specific terms of the debt securities. |
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, (1) the debt securities will be registered debt securities and (2) debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued, in the case of registered debt securities, in denominations of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 and, in the case of bearer debt securities, in denominations of $5,000. Debt securities may bear legends required by United States federal tax law and regulations.
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If any of the debt securities are sold for any foreign currency or currency unit or if any payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, the prospectus supplement will contain any restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.
Some of the debt securities may be issued as original issue discount debt securities. Original issue discount securities bear no interest during all or a part of the time that these debt securities are outstanding or bear interest at below-market rates and will be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount at maturity. The prospectus supplement will also contain special tax, accounting or other information relating to original issue discount securities or relating to other kinds of debt securities that may be offered, including debt securities linked to an index or payable in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
Exchange, Registration and Transfer
Debt securities may be transferred or exchanged at the corporate trust office of the security registrar or at any other office or agency maintained by our company for these purposes, without the payment of any service charge, except for any tax or governmental charges. The senior trustee initially will be the designated security registrar in the United States for the senior debt securities. The subordinated trustee initially will be the designated security registrar in the United States for the subordinated debt securities.
If debt securities are issuable as both registered debt securities and bearer debt securities, the bearer debt securities will be exchangeable for registered debt securities. Except as provided below, bearer debt securities will have outstanding coupons. If a bearer debt security with related coupons is surrendered in exchange for a registered debt security between a record date and the date set for the payment of interest, the bearer debt security will be surrendered without the coupon relating to that interest payment and that payment will be made only to the holder of the coupon when due.
In the event of any redemption in part of any class or series of debt securities, we will not be required to:
| • | | issue, register the transfer of, or exchange, debt securities of any series between the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and the close of business on: |
| • | | if debt securities of the series are issuable only as registered debt securities, the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, and |
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| • | | if debt securities of the series are issuable as bearer debt securities, the day of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if debt securities of the series are also issuable as registered debt securities and there is no publication, the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; |
| • | | register the transfer of, or exchange, any registered debt security selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any registered debt security being redeemed in part; or |
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| • | | exchange any bearer debt security selected for redemption, except to exchange it for a registered debt security which is simultaneously surrendered for redemption. |
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Payment and Paying Agent
We will pay principal, interest and any premium on fully registered securities in the designated currency or currency unit at the office of a designated paying agent. Payment of interest on fully registered securities may be made at our option by check mailed to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered on days specified in the indentures or any prospectus supplement.
We will pay principal, interest and any premium on bearer securities in the designated currency or currency unit at the office of a designated paying agent or agents outside of the United States. Payments will be made at the offices of the paying agent in the United States only if the designated currency is U.S. dollars and payment outside of the United States is illegal or effectively precluded. If any amount payable on any debt security or coupon remains unclaimed at the end of two years after that amount became due and payable, the paying agent will release any unclaimed amounts to our company, and the holder of the debt security or coupon will look only to our company for payment.
Global Securities
A global security represents one or any other number of individual debt securities. Generally all debt securities represented by the same global securities will have the same terms. Each debt security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of a financial institution or its nominee that we select. The financial institution that we select for this purpose is called the depositary. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Depositary Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, will be the depositary for all debt securities that are issued in book-entry form.
A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered holder of all debt securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. Beneficial interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account either with the depositary or with another institution that has an account with the depositary. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be registered holder of the debt security, but an indirect holder of a beneficial interest in the global security.
Temporary Global Securities
All or any portion of the debt securities of a series that are issuable as bearer debt securities initially may be represented by one or more temporary global debt securities, without interest coupons, to be deposited with the depositary for credit to the accounts of the beneficial owners of the debt securities or to other accounts as they may direct. On and after an exchange date provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each temporary global debt security will be exchangeable for definitive debt securities in bearer form, registered form, definitive global bearer form or any combination of these forms, as specified in the prospectus supplement. No bearer debt security delivered in exchange for a portion of a temporary global debt security will be mailed or delivered to any location in the United States.
Interest on a temporary global debt security will be paid to the depositary with respect to the portion held for its account only after they deliver to the trustee a certificate which states that the portion:
| • | | is not beneficially owned by a United States person; |
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| • | | has not been acquired by or on behalf of a United States person or for offer to resell or for resale to a United States person or any person inside the United States; or |
| • | | if a beneficial interest has been acquired by a United States person, that the person is a financial institution, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, purchasing for its own account or has acquired the debt security through a financial institution and that the debt securities are held by a financial institution that has agreed in writing to comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations to the Internal Revenue Code and that it did not purchase for resale inside the United States. |
The certificate must be based on statements provided by the beneficial owners of interests in the temporary global debt security. The depositary will credit the interest received by it to the accounts of the beneficial owners of the debt security or to other accounts as they may direct.
“United States person” means a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or an estate or trust with income subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.
Definitive Global Securities
Bearer Securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the exchange provisions, if any, of debt securities issuable in definitive global bearer form. We will not deliver any bearer debt securities delivered in exchange for a portion of a definitive global debt security to any location in the United States.
U.S. Book-Entry Securities. Debt securities of a series represented by a definitive global registered debt security and deposited with or on behalf of a depositary in the United States will be represented by a definitive global debt security registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Upon the issuance of a global debt security and the deposit of the global debt security with the depositary, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts represented by that global debt security to the accounts of participating institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the underwriters or agents for the sale of U.S. book-entry debt securities or by our company, if these debt securities are offered and sold directly by our company.
Ownership of U.S. book-entry debt securities will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. In addition, ownership of U.S. book-entry debt securities will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee for the definitive global debt security or by participants or persons that hold through participants.
So long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of a global debt security, that depositary or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the U.S. book-entry debt securities represented by that global debt security for all purposes under the indenture. Payment of principal of, and premium and interest, if any, on, U.S. book-entry debt securities will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner or the holder of the global debt security representing the U.S. book-entry debt securities. Owners of U.S. book-entry debt securities:
| • | | will not be entitled to have the debt securities registered in their names; |
| • | | will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form; and |
| • | | will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities under the indenture. |
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The laws of some jurisdictions require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These laws impair the ability to purchase or transfer U.S. book-entry debt securities.
We expect that the depositary for U.S. book-entry debt securities of a series, upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on, the related definitive global debt security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global debt security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global debt security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
Covenants of the Company
We may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities, merge into or consolidate with any other person, or convey or transfer all or substantially all of our company’s properties and assets to another person provided that:
| • | | the successor assumes on the same terms and conditions all the obligations under the debt securities and the indentures; and |
| • | | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, there is no default under the applicable indenture. |
The remaining or acquiring person will be substituted for our company in the indentures with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the indenture. A prospectus supplement will describe any other limitations on the ability of our company to merge into, consolidate with, or convey or transfer all or substantially all or our properties and assets to, another person.
Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance
We may be discharged from our obligations on the debt securities of any class or series that have matured or will mature or be redeemed within one year if we deposit with the trustee enough cash and/or U.S. government obligations or foreign government securities, as the case may be, to pay all the principal, interest and any premium due to the stated maturity or redemption date of the debt securities and comply with the other conditions set forth in the applicable indenture. The principal conditions that we must satisfy to discharge our obligations on any debt securities are (1) pay all other sums payable with respect to the applicable series of debt securities and (2) deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel which state that the required conditions have been satisfied.
Each indenture contains a provision that permits our company to elect to be discharged from all of our obligations with respect to any class or series of debt securities then outstanding. However, even if we effect a legal defeasance, some of our obligations will continue, including obligations to:
| • | | maintain and apply money in the defeasance trust, |
| • | | register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities, |
| • | | replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, and |
| • | | maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the debt securities. |
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Each indenture also permits our company to elect to be released from our obligations under specified covenants and from the consequences of an event of default resulting from a breach of those covenants. To make either of the above elections, we must deposit in trust with the trustee cash and/or U.S. government obligations, if the debt securities are denominated in U.S. dollars, and/or foreign government securities if the debt securities are denominated in a foreign currency, which through the payment of principal and interest under their terms will provide sufficient amounts, without reinvestment, to repay in full those debt securities. As a condition to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same amount and in the same manner and times as would have been the case if the deposit and defeasance had not occurred. In the case of a legal defeasance only, the opinion of counsel must be based on a ruling of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law.
The indentures specify the types of U.S. government obligations and foreign government securities that we may deposit.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
Each indenture defines an event of default with respect to any class or series of debt securities as one or more of the following events:
| • | | failure to pay interest on any debt security of the class or series for 30 days when due; |
| • | | failure to pay the principal or any premium on any debt securities of the class or series when due; |
| • | | failure to make any sinking fund payment for 30 days when due; |
| • | | failure to perform any other covenant in the debt securities of the series or in the applicable indenture with respect to debt securities of the series for 90 days after being given notice; and occurrence of an event of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization set forth in the indenture. |
An event of default for a particular class or series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other class or series of debt securities issued under an indenture.
In the case of an event of default arising from events of bankruptcy or insolvency set forth in the indenture, all outstanding debt securities will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other event of default as to a series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series may declare all the debt securities to be due and payable immediately.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of that series waive any existing default or event of default and its consequences under the applicable indenture except a continuing default or event of default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the debt securities of that series.
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Each indenture requires the trustee to, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default known to it with respect to any outstanding series of debt securities, give the holders of that class or series notice of the default if uncured or not waived. However, the trustee may withhold this notice if it determines in good faith that the withholding of this notice is in the interest of those holders, except that the trustee may not withhold this notice in the case of a payment default. The term “default” for the purpose of this provision means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default with respect to debt securities of that series.
Other than the duty to act with the required standard of care during an event of default, a trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities, unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security and indemnity. Each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or other power conferred on the trustee if the direction would not conflict with any rule of law or with the indenture. However, the trustee may take any other action that it deems proper which is not inconsistent with any direction and may decline to follow any direction if it in good faith determines that the directed action would involve it in personal liability.
Each indenture includes a covenant that we will file annually with the trustee a certificate of no default, or specifying any default that exists.
Modification of the Indentures
We and the applicable trustee may modify an indenture without the consent of the holders for limited purposes, including adding to our covenants or events of default, establishing forms or terms of debt securities, curing ambiguities and other purposes which do not adversely affect the holders in any material respect.
We and the applicable trustee may make modifications and amendments to an indenture with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all affected series. However, without the consent of each affected holder, no modification may:
| • | | change the stated maturity of any debt security; |
| • | | reduce the principal, premium, if any, or rate of interest on any debt security; |
| • | | change any place of payment or the currency in which any debt security is payable; |
| • | | impair the right to enforce any payment after the stated maturity or redemption date; |
| • | | adversely affect the terms of any conversion right; |
| • | | reduce the percentage of holders of outstanding debt securities of any series required to consent to any modification, amendment or waiver under the indenture; |
| • | | change any of our obligations, with respect to outstanding debt securities of a series, to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes specified in the indenture for the series; or |
| • | | change the provisions in the indenture that relate to its modification or amendment other than to increase the percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series required to consent to any modification or waiver under the indenture. |
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Meetings
The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting may be called at any time by the trustee and also, upon request, by our company or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, in any case upon notice given in accordance with “Notices” below. Persons holding a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series will constitute a quorum at a meeting. A meeting called by our company or the trustee that does not have a quorum may be adjourned for not less than 10 days. If there is not a quorum at the adjourned meeting, the meeting may be further adjourned for not less than 10 days. Any resolution presented at a meeting at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, except for any consent which must be given by the holders of each debt security affected by the modifications or amendments of an indenture described above under “Modification of the Indentures.” However, a resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, or other action which may be made, given, or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is equal to or less than a majority, in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of the specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with an indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series and the related coupons. The indentures provide that specified consents, waivers and other actions may be given by the holders of a specified percentage of outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the modification or amendment, acting as one class. For purposes of these consents, waivers and actions, only the principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present and voting in favor of the action will be counted for purposes of calculating the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of all series affected by the modification or amendment favoring the action.
Notices
In most instances, notices to holders of bearer debt securities will be given by publication at least once in a daily newspaper in New York, New York and in London, England and in other cities as may be specified in the bearer debt securities and will be mailed to those persons whose names and addresses were previously filed with the applicable trustee, within the time prescribed for the giving of the notice. Notice to holders of registered debt securities will be given by mail to the addresses of those holders as they appear in the security register.
Title
Title to any bearer debt securities and any related coupons will pass by delivery. We, the trustee, and any agent of ours or the trustee may treat the holder of any bearer debt security or related coupon and, prior to due presentment for registration of transfer, the registered owner of any registered debt security as the absolute owner of that debt security for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes, regardless of whether or not that debt security or coupon shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
Replacement of Securities Coupons
Debt securities or coupons that have been mutilated will be replaced by our company at the expense of the holder upon surrender of the mutilated debt security or coupon to the security registrar. Debt securities or coupons that become destroyed, stolen, or lost will be replaced by our company at the expense of the holder upon delivery to the security registrar of evidence of its destruction, loss, or theft
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satisfactory to our company and the security registrar. In the case of a destroyed, lost, or stolen debt security or coupon, the holder of the debt security or coupon may be required to provide reasonable security or indemnity to the trustee and our company before a replacement debt security will be issued.
Governing Law
The indentures, the debt securities, and the coupons will be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of New York without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws.
Concerning the Trustees
We may from time to time maintain lines of credit, and have other customary banking relationships, with any of the trustees.
Senior Debt Securities
The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our company’s other unsecured and non-subordinated debt.
Certain Covenants in the Senior Indenture
The prospectus supplement relating to a series of senior debt securities will describe any material covenants in respect of that series of senior debt securities.
Subordinated Debt Securities
The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate in right of payment to all senior indebtedness. In addition, claims of creditors and preferred shareholders of our subsidiaries generally will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of our subsidiaries over the claims of our creditors, including holders of the subordinated debt securities, even though those obligations may not constitute senior indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities, therefore, will be effectively subordinated to creditors, including trade creditors, and preferred shareholders of our subsidiaries with regard to the assets of our subsidiaries. Creditors of our subsidiaries include trade creditors, secured creditors and creditors holding guarantees issued by our subsidiaries.
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, senior indebtedness shall mean the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all indebtedness for money borrowed by our company and any deferrals, renewals, or extensions of any senior indebtedness. Indebtedness for money borrowed by our company includes all indebtedness of another person for money borrowed that we guarantee, other than the subordinated debt securities, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the subordinated indenture or created, assumed or incurred after the date of the subordinated indenture. However, senior indebtedness will not include any indebtedness that expressly states to have the same rank as the subordinated debt securities or to rank junior to the subordinated debt securities. Senior indebtedness will also not include:
| • | | any of our obligations to our subsidiaries; and |
| • | | any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by our company. |
The senior debt securities constitute senior indebtedness under the subordinated indenture. A prospectus supplement will describe the relative ranking among different series of subordinated debt securities.
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Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities and may not purchase, redeem, or retire any subordinated debt securities if any senior indebtedness is not paid when due or the maturity of any senior indebtedness is accelerated as a result of a default, unless the default has been cured or waived and the acceleration has been rescinded or the senior indebtedness has been paid in full. We may, however, pay the subordinated debt securities without regard to these limitations if the subordinated trustee and our company receive written notice approving the payment from the representatives of the holders of senior indebtedness with respect to which either of the events set forth above has occurred and is continuing. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, during the continuance of any default with respect to any designated senior indebtedness under which its maturity may be accelerated immediately without further notice or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, we may not pay the subordinated debt securities for 90 days after the receipt by the subordinated trustee of written notice of a default from the representatives of the holders of designated senior indebtedness. If the holders of designated senior indebtedness or the representatives of those holders have not accelerated the maturity of the designated senior indebtedness at the end of the 90 day period, we may resume payments on the subordinated debt securities. Only one notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to designated senior indebtedness during that period.
In the event that we pay or distribute our company’s assets to creditors upon a total or partial liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of our company or our company’s property, the holders of senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of the senior indebtedness before the holders of subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive any payment. Until the senior indebtedness is paid in full, any payment or distribution to which holders of subordinated debt securities would be entitled but for the subordination provisions of the subordinated indenture will be made to holders of the senior indebtedness as their interests may appear. However, holders of subordinated debt securities will be permitted to receive distributions of shares and debt securities subordinated to the senior indebtedness. If a distribution is made to holders of subordinated debt securities that, due to the subordination provisions, should not have been made to them, the holders of subordinated debt securities are required to hold it in trust for the holders of senior indebtedness, and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.
If payment of the subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of an event of default, either we or the subordinated trustee will promptly notify the holders of senior indebtedness or the representatives of the holders of the acceleration. We may not pay the subordinated debt securities until five business days after the holders or the representatives of the senior indebtedness receive notice of the acceleration. Afterwards, we may pay the subordinated debt securities only if the subordination provisions of the subordinated indenture otherwise permit payment at that time.
As a result of the subordination provisions contained in the subordinated indenture, in the event of insolvency, our creditors who are holders of senior indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of subordinated debt securities. In addition, our creditors who are not holders of senior indebtedness may recover less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of subordinated indebtedness.
The prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities will describe any material covenants in respect of any series of subordinated debt securities.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
We are authorized to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2005, there were 47,825,108 shares of common stock outstanding.
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Dividend Rights
Holders of our common stock may receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of the assets legally available for that purpose and subject to the preferential dividend rights of any other classes or series of stock of our company.
Voting and Other Rights
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share in all matters as to which holders of common stock are entitled to vote, and, in general, all matters will be determined by a majority of votes cast.
Election of Directors
Directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and are eligible for reelection at such meeting. Directors are elected by a plurality of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting for directors.
Liquidation
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Delta, holders of the common stock have the right to receive ratably and equally all of the assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences of any preferred stock then outstanding.
Redemption
Delta’s common stock is not redeemable or convertible.
Other Provisions
All outstanding common stock is, and the common stock offered by this prospectus or obtainable on exercise or conversion of other securities offered hereby, if issued in the manner described in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, will be, fully paid and non-assessable.
You should read the prospectus supplement relating to any offering of common stock, or of securities convertible, exchangeable or exercisable for common stock, for the terms of the offering, including the number of shares of common stock offered, any initial offering price and market prices relating to the common stock.
This section is a summary and may not describe every aspect of our common stock that may be important to you. We urge you to read our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, because they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of our common stock. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of these documents.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
We are authorized to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2005, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Shares of preferred stock are issuable in such series as determined by the board of directors, who have the authority to determine the relative rights and preferences of each such series.
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The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock, and the likelihood that preferred holders will receive dividend and liquidation preferences may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Delta, which could depress the market price of our common stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, all shares of preferred stock to be issued from time to time under this prospectus will be fully paid and nonassessable.
The prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock offered will contain a description of the specific terms of that series as fixed by our board of directors, including, as applicable:
| • | | the number of shares of preferred stock offered and the offering price of the preferred stock; |
| • | | the title and stated value of the preferred stock; |
| • | | the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation of such rates, periods or dates applicable to the preferred stock; |
| • | | the date from which dividends on the preferred stock will accumulate, if applicable; |
| • | | the liquidation rights of the preferred stock; |
| • | | the procedures for auction and remarketing, if any, of the preferred stock; |
| • | | the sinking fund provisions, if applicable, for the preferred stock; |
| • | | the redemption provisions, if applicable, for the preferred stock; |
| • | | whether the preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities and, if so, the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio and the conversion or exchange period (or the method of determining the same); |
| • | | whether the preferred stock will have voting rights and the terms of any voting rights, if any; |
| • | | whether the preferred stock will be listed on any securities exchange; |
| • | | whether the preferred stock will be issued with any other securities and, if so, the amount and terms of these securities; and |
| • | | any other specific terms, preferences or rights of, or limitations or restrictions on, the preferred stock. |
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
Warrants to be Issued
We may issue warrants independently or together with preferred stock or common stock. Each class or series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into at the time the warrants are issued.
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to issue common stock will describe the terms of the warrants, including the following:
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You should refer to the provisions of the warrant agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of warrants for the complete terms of the warrant agreement.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants, holders of such warrants will not have any rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of dividends, or the right to vote such underlying securities.
DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEES
Any guarantees that we issue from time to time for the benefit of holders of specified underlying securities will include the following terms and conditions, plus any additional terms specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
A guarantee will provide that we unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, interest (if any), premium (if any) and all other amounts due under the applicable underlying securities when the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, pursuant to mandatory or optional prepayments, by acceleration or otherwise, in each case after any applicable grace periods or notice requirements, according to the terms of the applicable underlying securities. Any guarantee shall be unconditional irrespective of the validity or enforceability of the applicable underlying security, any change or amendment thereto or any other circumstances that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. However, we will not waive presentment or demand of payment or notice with respect to the applicable underlying security unless otherwise provided in the accompanying prospectus supplement,
We shall be subrogated to all rights of the issuer of the applicable underlying securities in respect of any amounts paid by us pursuant to the provisions of a guarantee, except to the extent otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement. The guarantee shall continue to be effective or reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment made by the issuer of the applicable underlying security is rescinded or must otherwise be returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of Delta, the issuer of the applicable underlying security or otherwise.
LEGAL MATTERS
Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP of Denver, Colorado has provided its opinion on the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus.
EXPERTS
Independent Registered Public Accountants
The consolidated financial statements of Delta Petroleum Corporation as of June 30, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2005, and managements’ assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2005, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audit report covering the June 30, 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements of Delta Petroleum Corporation refers to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, as of July 1, 2002.
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Reserve Engineers
Certain information incorporated herein regarding estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves and their present value is based on estimates of the reserves and present values prepared by or derived from estimates prepared by Ralph E. Davis Associates, Inc. and Mannon Associates, Inc., independent reserve engineers. The reserve information is incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said firms as experts with respect to such reports.
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You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any supplement to this prospectus. We have authorized no one to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
$300,000,000
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Guarantees
January 31, 2006
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 14.Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
We will pay all expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. The following is an itemized statement of the estimated expenses (other than underwriting compensation):
| | | | |
SEC Registration Fee | | $ | 32,100 | |
Legal Fees | | $ | 150,000 | |
Accountant’s Fees | | $ | 150,000 | |
Trustee and Transfer Agent Fees | | $ | 20,000 | |
Printing and Engraving | | $ | 100,000 | |
Miscellaneous | | $ | 50,000 | |
| | | | |
Total | | $ | 502,100 | |
Item 15.Indemnification of Officers and Directors.
We are incorporated in Delaware. Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a Delaware corporation has the power, under specified circumstances, to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents in connection with actions, suits or proceedings brought against them by a third party or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that they were or are such directors, officers, employees or agents, against expenses and liabilities incurred in any such action, suit or proceedings so long as they acted in good faith and in a manner that they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of such corporation, and with respect to any criminal action if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. With respect to suits by or in the right of such corporation, however, indemnification is generally limited to attorneys’ fees and other expenses and is not available if such person is adjudged to be liable to such corporation unless the court determines that indemnification is appropriate. A Delaware corporation also has the power to purchase and maintain insurance for such persons. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Additionally, we have acquired directors and officers insurance which includes coverage for liability under the federal securities laws.
Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 (relating to liability for unauthorized acquisitions or redemptions of, or dividends on, capital stock) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation contains such a provision.
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The above discussion of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Sections 102(b)(7) and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by such certificate of incorporation, bylaws and statutes.
We maintain insurance policies under which our directors and officers are insured, within the limits and subject to the limitations of the policies, against expenses in connection with the defense of actions, suits or proceedings, and certain liabilities that might be imposed as a result of such actions, suits or proceedings, to which they are parties by reason of being or having been a director or officer of Delta Petroleum Corporation.
Item 16.Exhibits.
| | |
Exhibit | | |
No. | | Description |
1.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation of Delta Petroleum Corporation (1) |
1.2 | | Bylaws of Delta Petroleum Corporation (2) |
4.1 | | Form of Warrant (3) |
4.2 | | Form of Senior Notes Indenture (3) |
4.3 | | Form of Subordinated Note Indenture (3) |
4.4 | | Form of Guarantee (3) |
5.1 | | Opinion of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP |
12.1 | | Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
23.1 | | Consent Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
23.2 | | Consent of KPMG LLP |
23.3 | | Consent of Ralph E. Davis Associates, Inc. |
23.4 | | Consent of Mannon Associates, Inc. |
24 | | Power of Attorney (included in signature page) |
| | |
(1) | | Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.3 to Delta Petroleum Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-130672, filed December 23, 2005. |
|
(2) | | Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.4 to Delta Petroleum Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-130672, filed December 23, 2005. |
|
(3) | | To be filed by amendment or by a Current Report on Form 8-K if the registrant enters into any such agreement or issues any such instrument in connection with the offer of any securities registered hereunder. |
Item 17.Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
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the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 242(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or date of the first sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used
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to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing a registration statement on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Denver, State of Colorado, on January 31, 2006.
| | | | |
| | DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION |
| | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ Roger A. Parker |
| | | | |
| | Name: | | Roger A. Parker |
| | Title: | | President and Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Roger A. Parker and Kevin K. Nanke, and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement on Form S-3, and to file the same with all exhibits and schedules thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | |
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Roger A. Parker | | President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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| | | | |
/s/ Kevin K. Nanke | | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | | January 31, 2006 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | Director | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Jerrie F. Eckelberger | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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| | | | |
/s/ Aleron H. Larson, Jr. | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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| | | | |
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | Director | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Jordan R. Smith | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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/s/ Neal A. Stanley | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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| | | | |
/s/ James P. Van Blarcom | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ James B. Wallace | | Director | | January 31, 2006 |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
| | |
Exhibit | | |
No. | | Description |
1.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation of Delta Petroleum Corporation (1) |
1.2 | | Bylaws of Delta Petroleum Corporation (2) |
4.1 | | Form of Warrant (3) |
4.2 | | Form of Senior Notes Indenture (3) |
4.3 | | Form of Subordinated Note Indenture (3) |
4.4 | | Form of Guarantee (3) |
5.1 | | Opinion of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP |
12.1 | | Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
23.1 | | Consent Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
23.2 | | Consent of KPMG LLP |
23.3 | | Consent of Ralph E. Davis Associates, Inc. |
23.4 | | Consent of Mannon Associates, Inc. |
24 | | Power of Attorney (included in signature page) |
| | |
(1) | | Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.3 to Delta Petroleum Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-130672, filed December 23, 2005. |
|
(2) | | Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.4 to Delta Petroleum Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-130672, filed December 23, 2005. |
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(3) | | To be filed by amendment or by a Current Report on Form 8-K if the registrant enters into any such agreement or issues any such instrument in connection with the offer of any securities registered hereunder. |
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