1 of 1 FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ________________ to ________________ Commission file number 0-16493 Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its limited partnership agreement) Delaware 75-2145576 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 407 N. Big Spring, Suite 300 Midland, Texas 79701 (Address of principal executive offices) (432) 686-9927 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes X No ___ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes No X The registrant's outstanding securities consist of Units of limited partnership interests for which there exists no established public market from which to base a calculation of aggregate market value. The total number of pages contained in this report is 24. Glossary of Oil and Gas Terms The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms commonly used in the oil and gas industry that are used in this filing. All volumes of natural gas referred to herein are stated at the legal pressure base to the state or area where the reserves exit and at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in most instances are rounded to the nearest major multiple. Bbl. One stock tank barrel, or 42 United States gallons liquid volume. Developmental well. A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive. Exploratory well. A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas in an unproved area to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir or to extend a known reservoir. Farm-out arrangement. An agreement whereby the owner of the leasehold or working interest agrees to assign his interest in certain specific acreage to the assignee, retaining some interest, such as an overriding royalty interest, subject to the drilling of one (1) or more wells or other performance by the assignee. Field. An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition. Mcf. One thousand cubic feet. Oil. Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids. Overriding royalty interest. Interests that are carved out of a working interest, and their duration is limited by the term of the lease under which they are created. Present value and PV-10 Value. When used with respect to oil and natural gas reserves, the estimated future net revenue to be generated from the production of proved reserves, determined in all material respects in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC (generally using prices and costs in effect as of the date indicated) without giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt service and future income tax expenses or to depreciation, depletion and amortization, discounted using an annual discount rate of 10%. Production costs. Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities. Proved Area. The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed. Proved developed oil and gas reserves. Proved developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved properties. Properties with proved reserves. Proved reserves. The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved undeveloped reserves. Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs. Royalty interest. An interest in an oil and natural gas property entitling the owner to a share of oil or natural gas production free of costs of production. Working interest. The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of production. Workover. Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production. PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Registrant (herein also referred to as the "Partnership") in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2003, which are found in the Registrant's Form 10-K Report for 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The December 31, 2003 balance sheet included herein has been taken from the Registrant's 2003 Form 10-K Report. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. Balance Sheets June 30, December 31, 2004 2003 ------ ------ (unaudit ed) Assets - ---------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 59,091 72,631 Receivable from Managing 134,345 90,640 General Partner -------- -------- ---- ---- Total current assets 193,436 163,271 -------- -------- ---- ---- Oil and gas properties - using the full- cost method of accounting 4,576,30 4,570,47 7 7 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and 4,151,77 4,137,77 amortization 2 2 -------- -------- ---- ---- Net oil and gas 424,535 432,705 properties -------- -------- ---- ---- $ 617,971 595,976 ======= ======= Liabilities and Partners' Equity - ---------------------------- - ------------ Current liability - $ 2,667 1,704 distribution payable -------- -------- ---- ---- Asset retirement obligation 185,090 177,971 -------- -------- ---- ---- Partners' equity: General partner (591,433 (592,824 ) ) Limited partners 1,021,64 1,009,12 7 5 -------- -------- ---- ---- Total partners' equity 430,214 416,301 -------- -------- ---- ---- $ 617,971 595,976 ======= ======= Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. Statements of Operations (unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---- ---- ---- ---- Revenues - ------------- Oil and gas $ 264,993 210,782 541,378 502,164 Interest 164 264 323 343 Other - - 250 27 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- 265,157 211,046 541,951 502,534 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Expenses - ------------- Production 95,148 86,044 183,197 182,179 General and administrative 32,641 37,588 63,722 66,442 Depreciation, depletion and 7,000 9,000 14,000 21,000 amortization Accretion of asset retirement 3,559 3,281 7,119 6,562 obligation -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- 138,348 135,913 268,038 276,183 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Net income before cumulative 126,809 75,133 273,913 226,351 effect Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - SFAS No. 143 - See - - - (90,149) Note 3 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Net income $ 126,809 75,133 273,913 136,202 ====== ====== ====== ====== Net income allocated to: Managing General Partner $ 12,681 7,513 27,391 13,620 ====== ====== ====== ====== Limited partners $ 114,128 67,620 246,522 122,582 ====== ====== ====== ====== Per limited partner unit $ 7.61 before cumulative effect 4.51 16.43 13.58 Cumulative effect per limited - - - (5.41) partner unit -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Per limited partner unit $ 7.61 4.51 16.43 8.17 ====== ====== ====== ====== Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 2003 ----- ----- Cash flows from operating activities: Cash received from oil and gas $ 493,607 485,630 sales Cash paid to suppliers (242,853 (204,255 ) ) Interest received 323 343 Other 250 27 -------- -------- -- -- Net cash provided by operating 251,327 281,745 activities -------- -------- -- -- Cash flows from investing activities: Sale of oil and gas properties - 38 Additions to oil and gas (5,830) (8,121) properties -------- -------- -- -- Net cash used in investing (5,830) (8,083) activities -------- -------- -- -- Cash flows used in financing activities: Distributions to partners (259,037 (195,066 ) ) -------- -------- -- -- Net (decrease) increase in cash (13,540) 78,596 and cash equivalents Beginning of period 72,631 33,580 -------- -------- -- -- End of period $ 59091 112,176 ====== ====== Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net income $ 273,913 136,202 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and 14,000 21,000 amortization Accretion of asset retirement 7,119 6,562 obligation Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - SFAS No. 143 - 90,149 Increase in receivables (47,771) (16,534) Increase in payables 4,066 44,366 -------- -------- -- -- Net cash provided by operating $ 251,327 281,745 activities ====== ====== Noncash investing and financing activities: Increase in oil and gas properties - Adoption of SFAS No. 143 $ - 73,903 ====== ====== Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) Notes to Financial Statements 1. Organization Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. was organized under the laws of the state of Delaware on January 30, 1987, for the purpose of acquiring producing oil and gas properties and to produce and market crude oil and natural gas produced from such properties for a term of 50 years, unless terminated at an earlier date as provided for in the Partnership Agreement. The Partnership sells its oil and gas production to a variety of purchasers with the prices it receives being dependent upon the oil and gas economy. Southwest Royalties, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc., serves as the Managing General Partner. Revenues, costs and expenses are allocated as follows: Limited General Partners Partners -------- -------- Interest income on capital 100% - contributions Oil and gas sales 90% 10% All other revenues 90% 10% Organization and offering 100% - costs (1) Amortization of organization 100% - costs Property acquisition costs 100% - Gain/loss on property 90% 10% dispositions Operating and administrative 90% 10% costs (2) Depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties 90% 10% All other costs 90% 10% (1)All organization costs in excess of 3% of initial capital contributions will be paid by the Managing General Partner and will be treated as a capital contribution. The Partnership paid the Managing General Partner an amount equal to 3% of initial capital contributions for such organization costs. (2)Administrative costs in any year, which exceed 2% of capital contributions shall be paid by the Managing General Partner and will be treated as a capital contribution. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The interim financial information as of June 30, 2004, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, is unaudited. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, in the opinion of management, these interim financial statements include all the necessary adjustments to fairly present the results of the interim periods and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. 3. Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - SFAS No. 143 On January 1, 2003, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("SFAS No. 143"). Adoption of SFAS No. 143 is required for all companies with fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The new standard requires the Partnership to recognize a liability for the present value of all legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and to capitalize an equal amount as a cost of the asset and depreciate the additional cost over the estimated useful life of the asset. On January 1, 2003, the Partnership recorded additional costs, net of accumulated depreciation, of approximately $73,903, a long term liability of approximately $164,052 and a loss of approximately $90,149 for the cumulative effect on depreciation of the additional costs and accretion expense on the liability related to expected abandonment costs of its oil and natural gas producing properties. At June 30, 2004, the asset retirement obligation was $185,090. The increase in the asset retirement obligation from January 1, 2004 is due to accretion expense of $7,119. Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) Notes to Financial Statements 4. Change in Control of Managing General Partner On May 21, 2004, Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. acquired all the outstanding common stock of Southwest Royalties Inc. through a merger. Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. paid $57.1 million to holders of Southwest Royalties, Inc. common stock and common stock warrants ($45.01 per share) and assumed and refinanced approximately $113.9 million of assumed bank debt at closing. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations General Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. was organized as a Delaware limited partnership on January 30, 1987. The offering of limited partnership interests began on March 4, 1987; minimum capital requirements were met on April 28, 1987 and the offering concluded on September 21, 1987, with total limited partner contributions of $7,500,000. The Partnership was formed to acquire interests in producing oil and gas properties, to produce and market crude oil and natural gas produced from such properties, and to distribute the net proceeds from operations to the limited and general partners. Net revenues from producing oil and gas properties are not reinvested in other revenue producing assets except to the extent that production facilities and wells are improved or reworked or where methods are employed to improve or enable more efficient recovery of oil and gas reserves. The economic life of the Partnership thus depends on the period over which the Partnership's oil and gas reserves are economically recoverable. Increases or decreases in Partnership revenues and, therefore, distributions to partners will depend primarily on changes in the prices received for production, changes in volumes of production sold, increases and decreases in lease operating expenses, enhanced recovery projects, offset drilling activities pursuant to farmout arrangements, sale of properties, and the depletion of wells. Since wells deplete over time, production can generally be expected to decline from year to year. Well operating costs and general and administrative costs usually decrease with production declines; however, these costs may not decrease proportionately. Net income available for distribution to the partners is therefore expected to fluctuate in later years based on these factors. Oil and Gas Properties Oil and gas properties are accounted for at cost under the full-cost method. Under this method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized. Gain or loss on the sale of oil and gas properties is not recognized unless significant oil and gas reserves are sold. Should the net capitalized costs exceed the estimated present value of oil and gas reserves, discounted at 10%, such excess costs would be charged to current expense. As of June 30, 2004, the net capitalized costs did not exceed the estimated present value of oil and gas reserves. Critical Accounting Policies The Partnership follows the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas properties. The full cost method subjects companies to quarterly calculations of a "ceiling", or limitation on the amount of properties that can be capitalized on the balance sheet. If the Partnership's capitalized costs are in excess of the calculated ceiling, the excess must be written off as an expense. The Partnership's discounted present value of its proved oil and natural gas reserves is a major component of the ceiling calculation, and represents the component that requires the most subjective judgments. Estimates of reserves are forecasts based on engineering data, projected future rates of production and the timing of future expenditures. The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves requires substantial judgment, resulting in imprecise determinations, particularly for new discoveries. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities based on the same data. The Partnership's reserve estimates are prepared by outside consultants. Quarterly reserve estimates are prepared by the Managing General Partner's internal staff of engineers. The passage of time provides more qualitative information regarding estimates of reserves, and revisions are made to prior estimates to reflect updated information. However, there can be no assurance that more significant revisions will not be necessary in the future. If future significant revisions are necessary that reduce previously estimated reserve quantities, it could result in a full cost property writedown. In addition to the impact of these estimates of proved reserves on calculation of the ceiling, estimates of proved reserves are also a significant component of the calculation of DD&A. While the quantities of proved reserves require substantial judgment, the associated prices of oil and natural gas reserves that are included in the discounted present value of the reserves do not require judgment. The ceiling calculation dictates that prices and costs in effect as of the last day of the period are generally held constant indefinitely. Because the ceiling calculation dictates that prices in effect as of the last day of the applicable quarter are held constant indefinitely, the resulting value is not indicative of the true fair value of the reserves. Oil and natural gas prices have historically been cyclical and, on any particular day at the end of a quarter, can be either substantially higher or lower than the Partnership's long-term price forecast that is a barometer for true fair value. Results of Operations A. General Comparison of the Quarters Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 The following table provides certain information regarding performance factors for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003: Three Months Ended Percenta ge June 30, Increase 2004 2003 (Decreas e) ---- ---- -------- -- Average price per barrel of $ 35.19 25% oil 28.08 Average price per mcf of gas $ 5.67 23% 4.60 Oil production in barrels 4,610 4,200 10% Gas production in mcf 18,140 20,200 (10%) Oil and gas revenue $ 264,993 210,782 26% Production expense $ 95,148 86,044 11% Partnership distributions $ 120,000 120,000 - Limited partner $ 108,000 108,000 - distributions Per unit distribution to limited partners $ 7.20 - 7.20 Number of limited partner 15,000 15,000 units Revenues The Partnership's oil and gas revenues increased to $264,993 from $210,782 for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, an increase of 26%. The principal factors affecting the comparison of the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows: 1. The average price for a barrel of oil received by the Partnership increased during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2003 by 25%, or $7.11 per barrel, resulting in an increase of approximately $32,800 in revenues. Oil sales represented 61% of total oil and gas sales during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as compared to 56% during the quarter ended June 30, 2003. The average price for an mcf of gas received by the Partnership increased during the same period by 23%, or $1.07 per mcf, resulting in an increase of approximately $19,400 in revenues. The total increase in revenues due to the change in prices received from oil and gas production is approximately $52,200. The market price for oil and gas has been extremely volatile over the past decade and management expects a certain amount of volatility to continue in the foreseeable future. 2. Oil production increased approximately 410 barrels or 10% during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2003, resulting in an increase of approximately $11,500 in revenues. Gas production decreased approximately 2,060 mcf or 10% during the same period, resulting in a decrease of approximately $9,500 in revenues. The net total increase in revenues due to the change in production is approximately $2,000. Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses increased to $138,348 from $135,913 for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, an increase of 2%. The increase is the result of higher lease operating costs and accretion expense, partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative expense and depletion expense. 1. Lease operating costs and production taxes were 11% higher, or approximately $9,100 more during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2003. The higher lease operating costs are due to well repair work performed on a well. 2. General and administrative costs consist of independent accounting, legal and engineering fees, computer services, postage, and Managing General Partner personnel costs. General and administrative costs decreased 13% or approximately $4,900 during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2003. The higher general and administrative expense in 2003 is due to legal fees associated with the amendments to the Partnership's December 31, 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and March 31, 2003 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 3. Depletion expense decreased to $7,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 from $9,000 for the same period in 2003. This represents a decrease of 22%. The contributing factor to the decrease in depletion expense is in relation to the BOE depletion rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, which was $.92 applied to 7,633 BOE as compared to $1.19 applied to 7,567 BOE for the same period in 2003. 4. Accretion expense increased to $3,559 for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 from $3,281 for the same period in 2003. This represents an increase of 8%. B. General Comparison of the Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 The following table provides certain information regarding performance factors for the six month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003: Six Months Ended Percenta ge June 30, Increase 2004 2003 (Decreas e) ---- ---- -------- -- Average price per barrel of $ 33.96 14% oil 29.68 Average price per mcf of gas $ 5.81 7% 5.41 Oil production in barrels 9,090 8,800 3% Gas production in mcf 40,070 44,500 (10%) Oil and gas revenue $ 541,378 502,164 8% Production expense $ 183,197 182,179 1% Partnership distribution $ 260,000 195,000 33% Limited partner $ 234,000 175,500 33% distributions Per unit distribution to limited partners $ 15.60 33% 11.70 Number of limited partner 15,000 15,000 units Revenues The Partnership's oil and gas revenues increased to $541,378 from $502,164 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, an increase of 8%. The principal factors affecting the comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows: 1. The average price for a barrel of oil received by the Partnership increased during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003 by 14%, or $4.28 per barrel, resulting in an increase of approximately $38,900 in revenues. Oil sales represented 57% of total oil and gas sales during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to 52% during the six months ended June 30, 2003. The average price for an mcf of gas received by the Partnership increased during the same period by 7%, or $.40 per mcf, resulting in an increase of approximately $16,000 in revenues. The total increase in revenues due to the change in prices received from oil and gas production is approximately $54,900. The market price for oil and gas has been extremely volatile over the past decade and management expects a certain amount of volatility to continue in the foreseeable future. 2. Oil production increased approximately 290 barrels or 3% during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003, resulting in an increase of approximately $8,600 in revenues. Gas production decreased approximately 4,430 mcf or 10% during the same period, resulting in a decrease of approximately $24,000 in revenues. The net total decrease in revenues due to the change in production is approximately $15,400. The decrease in gas volumes is the result of a lower net revenue interest on a lease offset by larger volumes from a new well drilled on that lease through a farm-out arrangement. Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses decreased to $268,038 from $276,183 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, a decrease of 3%. The decrease is the result of lower depletion expense and general and administrative expense, partially offset by an increase in lease operating expense and accretion expense. 1. Lease operating costs and production taxes were 1% higher, or approximately $1,000 more during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. 2. General and administrative costs consist of independent accounting, legal and engineering fees, computer services, postage, and Managing General Partner personnel costs. General and administrative costs decreased 4% or approximately $2,700 during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. The higher general and administrative expense in 2003 is due to legal fees associated with the amendments to the Partnership's December 31, 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and March 31, 2003 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 3. Depletion expense decreased to $14,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $21,000 for the same period in 2003. This represents a decrease of 33%. The contributing factor to the decrease in depletion expense is in relation to the BOE depletion rate for the six months ended June 30, 2004, which was $.89 applied to 15,768 BOE as compared to $1.29 applied to 16,217 BOE for the same period in 2003. 4. Accretion expense increased to $7,119 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $6,562 for the same period in 2003. This represents an increase of 8%. Liquidity and Capital Resources The primary source of cash is from operations, the receipt of income from interests in oil and gas properties. The Partnership knows of no material change, nor does it anticipate any such change. Cash flows provided by operating activities were approximately $251,300 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to approximately $281,700 in the six months ended June 30, 2003. Cash flows used in investing activities were approximately $5,800 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to approximately $8,100 in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The principle use of the 2004 cash flow from investing activities was the additions to oil and gas properties. Cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $259,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to approximately $195,100 in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The only use in financing activities was the distributions to partners. Total distributions during the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $260,000 of which $234,000 was distributed to the limited partners and $26,000 to the general partners. The per unit distribution to limited partners during the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $15.60. Total distributions during the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $195,000 of which $175,500 was distributed to the limited partners and $19,500 to the general partners. The per unit distribution to limited partners during the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $11.70. The sources for the 2004 distributions of $260,000 were oil and gas operations of approximately $251,300, less the change in oil and gas properties of approximately $(5,800), with the balance from available cash on hand at the beginning of the period. The source for the 2003 distributions of $195,000 was oil and gas operations of approximately $281,700 less the change in oil and gas properties of approximately $(8,100), resulting in excess cash for contingencies or subsequent distributions. Since inception of the Partnership, cumulative monthly cash distributions of $11,761,663 have been made to the partners. As of June 30, 2004, $10,603,711 or $706.91 per limited partner unit has been distributed to the limited partners, representing a 100% return of the capital and a 41% return on capital contributed. As of June 30, 2004, the Partnership had approximately $190,800 in working capital. The Managing General Partner knows of no unusual contractual commitments. Although the partnership held many long-lived properties at inception, because of the restrictions on property development imposed by the partnership agreement, the Partnership cannot develop its non producing properties, if any. Without continued development, the producing reserves continue to deplete. Accordingly, as the Partnership's properties have matured and depleted, the net cash flows from operations for the partnership has steadily declined, except in periods of substantially increased commodity pricing. Maintenance of properties and administrative expenses for the Partnership are increasing relative to production. As the properties continue to deplete, maintenance of properties and administrative costs as a percentage of production are expected to continue to increase. Managing General Partner On May 21, 2004, Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. acquired all the outstanding common stock of Southwest Royalties Inc. through a merger. Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. paid $57.1 million to holders of Southwest Royalties, Inc. common stock and common stock warrants ($45.01 per share) and assumed and refinanced approximately $113.9 million of assumed bank debt at closing. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The EITF is considering two issues related to the reporting of oil and gas mineral rights. Issue No. 03-O, "Whether Mineral Rights Are Tangible or Intangible Assets," is whether or not mineral rights are intangible assets pursuant to SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations." Issue No. 03-S, "Application of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to Oil and Gas Companies," is, if oil and gas drilling rights are intangible assets, whether those assets are subject to the classification and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 142. The Partnership classifies the cost of oil and gas mineral rights as properties and equipment and believes that this is consistent with oil and gas accounting and industry practice. The staff of the FASB has issued a proposed position clarifying that SFAS No. 142 does not supersede the balance sheet classification and disclosure for drilling and mineral rights of oil and gas producing entities within the scope of FASB No. 19. If SFAS No. 142 is determined to apply to oil and gas companies, the Partnership may be required to make certain reclassifications within property and equipment on the balance sheet, and additional disclosures may be required. There would be no effect on the statement of income or cash flows as the intangible assets related to oil and gas mineral rights would continue to be amortized under the full cost method of accounting. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk The Partnership is not a party to any derivative or embedded derivative instruments. Item 4. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of the six months ended June 30, 2004, L. Paul Latham, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Managing General Partner, and Mel G. Riggs, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Managing General Partner, evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their evaluation, they believe that: The disclosure controls and procedures of the Partnership were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms; and The disclosure controls and procedures of the Partnership were effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the report it filed or submitted under the Exchange Act was accumulated and communicated to the Managing General Partner's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There has not been any change in the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings None Item 2. Changes in Securities None Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities None Item 4. Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders None Item 5. Other Information None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits: 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (b) Reports on Form 8-K: The Partnership filed an 8-K on June 3, 2004 under Item 1 "Changes in Control of Registrant" and Item 7 "Financial Statements, Pro forma Financial Information and Exhibits." SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. SOUTHWEST OIL & GAS INCOME FUND VII-A, L.P. a Delaware limited partnership By: Southwest Royalties, Inc. Managing General Partner By: /s/ Mel G. Riggs Mel G. Riggs Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: August 12, 2004 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.1 I, L. Paul Latham, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. 2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: August 12, 2004 /s/ L. Paul Latham L. Paul Latham President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.2 I, Mel G. Riggs, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A. L.P., 2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: August 12, 2004 /s/ Mel G. Riggs Mel G. Riggs Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TOExhibit 32.1 19 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, Limited Partnership (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, L. Paul Latham, Chief Executive Officer of the Managing General Partner of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company. Date: August 12, 2004 L. Paul Latham L. Paul Latham President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TOExhibit 32.2 19 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, Limited Partnership (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Mel G. Riggs, Chief Financial Officer of the Managing General Partner of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company. Date: August 12, 2004 /s/ Mel G. Riggs Mel G. Riggs Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Oil & Gas Income Fund VII-A, L.P.