1 of 25 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 September 30, 2003 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 33-11576 Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its limited partnership agreement) Delaware 75-2165825 (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 registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ____ No __X__ The total number of pages contained in this report is 25. 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. Net Profits Interest. An agreement whereby the owner receives a specified percentage of the defined net profits from a producing property in exchange for consideration paid. The net profits interest owner will not otherwise participate in additional costs and expenses of the property. 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, 2002, which are found in the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2003. The December 31, 2002 balance sheet included herein has been derived from the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2002. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. Introductory Note - Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143 The Partnership implemented SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003 (See Note 3) to the Partnership's financial statements. Introductory Note - Depletion Method During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed its method of providing for depletion from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of- production method as described in Notes 4 and 5 to the Partnership's financial statements. This change in depletion method was applied as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle effective as of January 1, 2002. The unaudited condensed financial statements of the Partnership for the periods ended September 30, 2002, included herein, have been restated (as described in Notes 4 and 5 to the Partnership's financial statements) using the new depletion method and differ from those previously issued in the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended September 30, 2002. Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. Balance Sheets Septembe December r 30, 31, 2003 2002 ------ ------ (unaudit ed) Assets - --------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 202,604 72,578 Receivable from Managing 111,692 135,059 General Partner -------- -------- ---- ---- Total current assets 314,296 207,637 -------- -------- ---- ---- Oil and gas properties - using the full- cost method of accounting 4,242,38 4,236,33 0 5 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and 3,608,91 3,575,37 amortization 4 0 -------- -------- ---- ---- Net oil and gas 633,466 660,965 properties -------- -------- ---- ---- $ 947,762 868,602 ======= ======= Liabilities and Partners' Equity - ---------------------------- - ------------ Current liability - $ 247 468 distribution payable -------- -------- ---- ---- Other long term liabilities 71,160 - -------- -------- ---- ---- Partners' equity: General partner (549,166 (551,082 ) ) Limited partners 1,425,52 1,419,21 1 6 -------- -------- ---- ---- Total partners' equity 876,355 868,134 -------- -------- ---- ---- $ 947,762 868,602 ======= ======= Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. Statements of Operations (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2003 2002 2003 2002 (Restate (Restate d) d) ---- ---- ---- ---- Revenues - ------------- Income from net profits $ 195,400 159,653 648,609 496,155 interests Interest 376 493 1,021 1,388 Miscellaneous settlement - - 175 5,872 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- 195,776 160,146 649,805 503,415 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Expenses - ------------- General and administrative 31,546 29,328 98,065 85,976 Depreciation, depletion and 16,000 13,000 51,000 47,000 amortization Accretion of asset retirement 1,343 - 3,999 - obligation -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- 48,889 42,328 153,064 132,976 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Net income before cumulative 146,887 117,818 496,741 370,439 effects Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - SFAS No. 143 - See - - (27,495) - Note 3 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - change in depletion method - - - - 16,000 See Note 4 -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Net income $ 146,887 117,818 469,246 386,439 ====== ====== ====== ====== Net income allocated to: Managing General Partner $ 14,689 11,782 46,925 38,644 ====== ====== ====== ====== Limited Partners $ 132,198 106,036 422,321 347,795 ====== ====== ====== ====== Per limited partner unit $ 8.81 before cumulative effect 7.07 29.80 22.23 Cumulative effects per - - (1.64) .96 limited partner unit -------- -------- -------- -------- -- -- -- -- Per limited partner unit $ 8.81 7.07 28.16 23.19 ====== ====== ====== ====== Pro forma amounts assuming change is applied retroactively (See Note 3): Net income before cumulative $ - 116,596 - 366,774 effect ====== ====== ====== ====== Per limited partner unit $ - 7.00 - 22.01 (15,000.0) ====== ====== ====== ====== Net income $ - 116,596 - 382,774 ====== ====== ====== ====== Per limited partner unit $ - 7.00 - 22.97 (15,000.0) ====== ====== ====== ====== Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 2002 (Restat ed) ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities Cash received from income from net profits interests $ 632,061 459,418 Cash paid to suppliers (58,151 (64,630 ) ) Interest received 1,021 1,388 Miscellaneous settlement 175 5,872 ------- ------- --- --- Net cash provided by operating 575,106 402,048 activities ------- ------- --- --- Cash flows provided by investing activities Sale of oil and gas property 16,166 - ------- ------- --- --- Cash flows used in financing activities Distributions to partners (461,24 (450,12 6) 0) ------- ------- --- --- Net increase (decrease) in cash 130,026 (48,072 and cash equivalents ) Beginning of period 72,578 118,007 ------- ------- --- --- End of period $ 202,604 69,935 ====== ====== Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities Net income $ 469,246 386,439 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation, depletion and 51,000 47,000 amortization Accretion of asset retirement 3,999 - obligation Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - SFAS No. 143 27,495 - Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - change in depletion - (16,000 method ) Increase in receivables (16,537 (36,737 ) ) Increase in payables 39,903 21,346 ------- ------- --- --- Net cash provided by operating $ 575,106 402,048 activities ====== ====== Noncash investing and financing activities: Increase in oil and gas properties - - Adoption of SFAS No. 143 $ 38,901 - ====== ====== Increase in oil and gas properties - - Addition due to farmout $ 765 - arrangement ====== ====== Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) Notes to Financial Statements 1. Organization Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. was organized under the laws of the state of Delaware on January 28, 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. 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 costs 100% - (1) Syndication costs 100% - Amortization of organization 100% - costs Property acquisition costs 100% - Gain/loss on property disposition 90% 10% 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 September 30, 2003 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, 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 Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with SEC on November 10, 2003. Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) Notes to Financial Statements 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 $38,901, a long term liability of approximately $66,396 and a loss of approximately $27,495 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 September 30, 2003, the asset retirement obligation was $71,160. The increase in the asset retirement obligation from January 1, 2003 is due to accretion expense of $3,999 and addition of a well due to a farmout arrangement of $765. The pro forma amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, which are presented on the face of the statements of operations, reflect the effect of retroactive application of SFAS No. 143. 4. Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - change in depletion method In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed methods of accounting for depletion of capitalized costs from the units-of- revenue method to the units-of-production method. The newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because the units-of-production method results in a better matching of the costs of oil and gas production against the related revenue received in periods of volatile prices for production as have been experienced in recent periods. Additionally, the units-of-production method is the predominant method used by full cost companies in the oil and gas industry, accordingly, the change improves the comparability of the Partnership's financial statements with its peer group. The Partnership adopted the units-of-production method through the recording of a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the amount of $16,000 effective as of January 1, 2002. The Partnership's depletion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 has been calculated using the units-of-production method. The effect of the change on the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 was to decrease income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle by $1,000 and $7,000 ($.06 and $.42 per limited partner unit), respectively and decrease and increase net income by $1,000 and $9,000 ($.06 and $.54 per limited partner unit), respectively. Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) Notes to Financial Statements 5. September 30, 2002 Restatement During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed its method of providing for depletion from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of-production method as described in Note 4. This change in the method used to implement the Partnership's change in the manner in which it determines depletion resulted in a decrease in the Partnership's previously reported net oil and gas properties of $11,000 from $649,965 to $660,965 as of December 31, 2002 and did not effect the Partnership's 2002 cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities. The change had the following effects on the Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Previous Previously ly Restated Reported Restated Reported Depreciation, depletion and amortization $13,000 12,000 47,000 40,000 Income before 117,818 118,818 370,439 377,439 cumulative effect Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - - 16,000 - Net income 117,818 118,818 386,439 377,439 Net income allocated to: Managing General 11,782 11,882 38,644 37,744 Partner Limited partners 106,036 106,936 347,795 339,695 Income per limited partner unit before 7.07 22.65 cumulative effect 7.13 22.23 Cumulative effect per limited partner unit - - .96 - Net income per limited partner unit 7.07 22.65 7.13 23.19 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations General Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. was organized as a Delaware limited partnership on January 28, 1987. The offering of such limited partnership interests began March 23, 1987; minimum capital requirements were met May 20, 1987 and concluded December 1, 1987, with total limited partner contributions of $7,500,000. The Partnership was formed to acquire royalty and net profits 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 will not be 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. 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, 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. Based on current conditions, management anticipates performing development drilling projects and workovers during the years 2003 and 2004 to enhance production. The Partnership may have an increase in production volumes for the years 2003 and 2004, otherwise, the Partnership will most likely experience the historical production decline, which has approximated 15% per year. 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 involved. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed methods of accounting for depletion of capitalized costs from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of-production method. The newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because the units-of- production method results in a better matching of the costs of oil and gas production against the related revenue received in periods of volatile prices for production as have been experienced in recent periods. Additionally, the units-of-production method is the predominant method used by full cost companies in the oil and gas industry, accordingly, the change improves the comparability of the Partnership's financial statements with its peer group. 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 September 30, 2003, the net capitalized costs did not exceed the estimated present value of oil and gas reserves. The Partnership's interest in oil and gas properties consists of net profits interests in proved properties located within the continental United States. A net profits interest is created when the owner of a working interest in a property enters into an arrangement providing that the net profits interest owner will receive a stated percentage of the net profit from the property. The net profits interest owner will not otherwise participate in additional costs and expenses of the property. The Partnership recognizes income from its net profits interest in oil and gas property on an accrual basis, while the quarterly cash distributions of the net profits interest are based on a calculation of actual cash received from oil and gas sales, net of expenses incurred during that quarterly period. If the net profits interest calculation results in expenses incurred exceeding the oil and gas income received during a quarter, no cash distribution is due to the Partnership's net profits interest until the deficit is recovered from future net profits. The Partnership accrues a quarterly loss on its net profits interest provided there is a cumulative net amount due for accrued revenue as of the balance sheet date. As of September 30, 2003, there were no timing differences, which resulted in a deficit net profit interest. Critical Accounting Policies Full cost ceiling calculations 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. 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 estimating 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 may not be 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. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed methods of accounting for depletion of capitalized costs from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of-production method. The newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because the units-of- production method results in a better matching of the costs of oil and gas production against the related revenue received in periods of volatile prices for production as have been experienced in recent periods. Additionally, the units-of-production method is the predominant method used by full cost companies in the oil and gas industry, accordingly, the change improves the comparability of the Partnership's financial statements with its peer group. Results of Operations A. General Comparison of the Quarters Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 The following table provides certain information regarding performance factors for the quarters ended September 30, 2003 and 2002: Three Months Ended Percenta ge September 30, Increase 2003 2002 (Decreas e) ---- ---- -------- -- Average price per barrel of $ 29.22 8% oil 27.15 Average price per mcf of gas $ 4.39 48% 2.97 Oil production in barrels 5,500 6,000 (8%) Gas production in mcf 21,700 23,500 (8%) Income from net profits $ 195,400 159,653 22% interests Partnership distributions $ 161,025 150,000 7% Limited partner $ 146,016 135,000 8% distributions Per unit distribution to limited partners $ 9.73 8% 9.00 Number of limited partner 15,000 15,000 units Revenues The Partnership's income from net profits interests increased to $195,400 from $159,653 for the quarters ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, an increase of 22%. The principal factors affecting the comparison of the quarters ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 are as follows: 1. The average price for a barrel of oil received by the Partnership increased during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2002 by 8%, or $2.07 per barrel, resulting in an increase of approximately $11,400 in income from net profits interests. Oil sales represented 63% of total oil and gas sales during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 70% during the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The average price for an mcf of gas received by the Partnership increased during the same period by 48%, or $1.42 per mcf, resulting in an increase of approximately $30,800 in income from net profits interests. The total increase in income from net profits interests due to the change in prices received from oil and gas production is approximately $42,200. 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 decreased approximately 500 barrels or 8% during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2002, resulting in a decrease of approximately $13,600 in income from net profits interests. Gas production decreased approximately 1,800 mcf or 8% during the same period, resulting in a decrease of approximately $5,300 in income from net profits interests. The total decrease in income from net profits interests due to the change in production is approximately $18,900. 3. Lease operating costs and production taxes were 17% lower, or approximately $12,300 less during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The higher lease operation costs in the third quarter 2002 are a result of work performed on one property. Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses increased to $48,889 from $42,328 for the quarters ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, an increase of 16%. The increase is the result of the addition of accretion expense, higher depletion expense and general and administrative expense. 1. General and administrative costs consists of independent accounting and engineering fees, computer services, postage, and Managing General Partner personnel costs. General and administrative costs increased 8% or approximately $2,200 during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2002. 2. Depletion expense increased to $16,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 from $13,000 for the same period in 2002. This represents an increase of 23%. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed methods of accounting for depletion of capitalized costs from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of-production method. The newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because the units-of-production method results in a better matching of the costs of oil and gas production against the related revenue received in periods of volatile prices for production as have been experienced in recent periods. Additionally, the units-of-production method is the predominant method used by full cost companies in the oil and gas industry, accordingly, the change improves the comparability of the Partnership's financial statements with its peer group. The effect of this change in method was to increase depletion expense for the three months ended September 30, 2002 by $1,000 and decrease net income for the three months ended September 30, 2002 by $1,000(See Note 4 of the notes to the financial statements). The contributing factor to the decrease in depletion expense is in relation to the BOE depletion rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, which was $1.81 applied to 9,117 BOE as compared to $1.42 applied to 9,917 BOE for the same period. B. General Comparison of the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 The following table provides certain information regarding performance factors for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002: Nine Months Ended Percenta ge September 30, Increase 2003 2002 (Decreas e) ---- ---- -------- -- Average price per barrel of $ 29.88 27% oil 23.54 Average price per mcf of gas $ 5.03 87% 2.69 Oil production in barrels 17,400 20,400 (15%) Gas production in mcf 64,700 76,100 (15%) Income from net profits $ 648,609 496,155 31% interests Partnership distributions $ 461,025 450,000 2% Limited partner $ 416,016 405,000 3% distributions Per unit distribution to limited partners $ 27.73 3% 27.00 Number of limited partner 15,000 15,000 units Revenues. The Partnership's income from net profits interests increased to $648,609 from $496,155 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, an increase of 31%. The principal factors affecting the comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 are as follows: 1. The average price for a barrel of oil received by the Partnership increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002 by 27%, or $6.34 per barrel, resulting in an increase of approximately $110,300 in income from net profits interests. Oil sales represented 62% of total oil and gas sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 70% during the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The average price for an mcf of gas received by the Partnership increased during the same period by 87%, or $2.34 per mcf, resulting in an increase of approximately $151,400 in income from net profits interests. The total increase in income from net profits interests due to the change in prices received from oil and gas production is approximately $261,700. 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 decreased approximately 3,000 barrels or 15% during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002, resulting in a decrease of approximately $70,600 in income from net profits interests. Gas production decreased approximately 11,400 mcf or 15% during the same period, resulting in a decrease of approximately $30,700 in income from net profits interests. The total decrease in income from net profits interests due to the change in production is approximately $101,300. The decrease in oil production is from the sale of a property. The decrease in gas production is primarily a sharp decline in one property. 3. Lease operating costs and production taxes were 4% higher, or approximately $7,700 more during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses increased to $153,064 from $132,976 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, an increase of 15%. The increase is the result of higher depletion expense and general and administrative expense and the addition of accretion expense. 1. General and administrative costs consists of independent accounting and engineering fees, computer services, postage, and Managing General Partner personnel costs. General and administrative costs increased 14% or approximately $12,100 during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in general and administrative expense is due to an increase in independent accounting review and audit fees. 2. Depletion expense increased to $51,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $47,000 for the same period in 2002. This represents an increase of 9%. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Partnership changed methods of accounting for depletion of capitalized costs from the units-of-revenue method to the units-of-production method. The newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances because the units-of-production method results in a better matching of the costs of oil and gas production against the related revenue received in periods of volatile prices for production as have been experienced in recent periods. Additionally, the units-of- production method is the predominant method used by full cost companies in the oil and gas industry, accordingly, the change improves the comparability of the Partnership's financial statements with its peer group. The effect of this change in method was to increase depletion expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 by $7,000 and increase net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 by $9,000(See Note 4 of the notes to the financial statements). Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 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 $38,901, a long term liability of approximately $66,396 and a loss of approximately $27,495 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 September 30, 2003, the asset retirement obligation was $71,160. The increase in the asset retirement obligation from January 1, 2003 is due to accretion expense of $3,999 and addition of a well due to a farmout arrangement of $765. The pro forma amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, which are presented on the face of the statements of operations, reflect the effect of retroactive application of SFAS No. 143. 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 $575,100 in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to approximately $402,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The primary source of the 2003 cash flow from operating activities was profitable operations. Cash flows provided by investing activities were approximately $16,200 in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. There were no cash flows provided by investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The principle source of the 2003 cash flow from investing activities was the sale of oil and gas properties. Cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $461,200 in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to approximately $450,100 in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The only use in financing activities was the distributions to partners. Total distributions during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $461,025 of which $416,016 was distributed to the limited partners and $45,009 to the general partners. The per unit distribution to limited partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $27.73. Total distributions during the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were $450,000 of which $405,000 was distributed to the limited partners and $45,000 to the general partners. The per unit distribution to limited partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was $27.00. The source for the 2003 distributions of $461,025 was oil and gas operations of approximately $575,100 and the change in oil and gas properties of approximately $16,200, resulting in excess cash for contingencies or subsequent distributions. The source for the 2002 distributions of $450,000 was oil and gas operations of approximately $402,000, with the balance from available cash on hand at the beginning of the period. Since inception of the Partnership, cumulative cash distributions of $11,827,078 have been made to the partners. As of September 30, 2003, $10,660,374 or $710.69 per limited partner unit has been distributed to the limited partners, representing a 100% return of the capital and a 42% return on capital contributed. As of September 30, 2003, the Partnership had approximately $314,000 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. The Managing General Partner has examined various alternatives to address the issue of depleting producing reserves. Continuing operations exposes the partnership to an inevitable decline in operating results and distributions of cash. Liquidating the partnership would result in immediate realization of cash for limited partners, but prices paid by purchasers of Partnership property in liquidation would likely include a substantial discount for risks and uncertainties of future cash flows, as well as any development risks. After reviewing various alternatives, the Managing General Partner initiated a plan to merge the Partnership and 20 other limited partnerships with and into the Managing General Partner. On October 17, 2002, the Managing General Partner filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to this proposed merger. There is no assurance, however, that this merger will be consummated. Currently the Managing General Partner is evaluating whether or not to continue to pursue the proposed merger. Liquidity - Managing General Partner In previous reports the Partnership provided that the Managing General Partner had $124.0 million of principal scheduled to mature between December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2004. Subsequent to September 30, 2003 the Managing General Partner refinanced the majority of its debt obligations and currently has $71.7 million in debt scheduled to mature on June 1, 2006 and $40.0 million in debt scheduled to mature on October 15, 2008. The Managing General Partner believes that it has adequate cash flows to meet its debt principal maturities scheduled for 2004. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The FASB has issued Statement No. 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" which establishes requirements for the accounting of removal- type costs associated with asset retirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002, with earlier application encouraged. This statement has been adopted by the Partnership effective January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 143 has been reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS No. 149"). SFAS No. 149 amendments require that contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly, clarifies when a contract with an initial investment meets the characteristic of a derivative and clarifies when a derivative requires special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 149 is effective for hedging relationships designated and for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except for provisions that relate to SFAS No. 133 Statement Implementation Issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters prior to June 15, 2003, should be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates and certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, should be applied to existing contracts as well as new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. Assessment by the Managing General Partner revealed this pronouncement to have no impact on the Partnership. In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity ("SFAS 150"). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of SFAS 150 as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. The application of SFAS 150 is not expected to have a material effect on the Partnership's consolidated financial statements. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. 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 (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The senior management of the Partnership's Managing General Partner is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive officer of officers and principal financial officer or officers, or person performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Partnership carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Managing General Partner, as well as other key members of the Managing General Partner's management, of the effectiveness of the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Managing General Partner's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Partnership's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. (b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have not been any changes in the Partnership's internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that occurred during the Partnership's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls 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) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter for which this report is filed. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. a Delaware limited partnership By: Southwest Royalties, Inc. Managing General Partner By: /s/ Bill E. Coggin ------------------------------ Bill E. Coggin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: November 14, 2003 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.1 I, H.H. Wommack, III, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, 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 15-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f) 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)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c)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 d)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 controls 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 controls over financial reporting. Date: November 14, 2003 /s/ H.H. Wommack, III H. H. Wommack, III Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.2 I, Bill E. Coggin, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, 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 15-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f) 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)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c)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 d)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 controls 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 controls over financial reporting. Date: November 14, 2003 /s/ Bill E. Coggin Bill E. Coggin Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO Exhibit 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 Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, Limited Partnership (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, H.H. Wommack, III, 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: November 14, 2003 /s/ H.H. Wommack, III H. H. Wommack, III Chairman, President, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO Exhibit 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 Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, Limited Partnership (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Bill E. Coggin, 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: November 14, 2003 /s/ Bill E. Coggin Bill E. Coggin Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Royalties, Inc., the Managing General Partner of Southwest Royalties Institutional Income Fund VII-B, L.P.;