Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 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 33-11773-04 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its Certificate of Limited Partnership) TEXAS 76-0247812 (State of Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 16825 Northchase Dr., Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77060 (281) 874-2700 (Address and telephone number of principal executive offices) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 107,396.06 Limited Partnership Units Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ---- ---- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ] Registrant does not have an aggregate market value for its Limited Partnership Interests. Documents Incorporated by Reference Document Incorporated as to Registration Statement No. 33-11773 Items 1 and 13 on Form S-1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Form 10-K Annual Report For the Period Ended December 31, 1996 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. ITEM NO. PART I PAGE 1 Business I-1 2 Properties I-4 3 Legal Proceedings I-7 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders I-7 PART II 5 Market Price of and Distributions on the Registrant's Units and Related Limited Partner Matters II-1 6 Selected Financial Data II-2 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations II-2 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data II-3 9 Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure II-3 PART III 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant III-1 11 Executive Compensation III-2 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management III-2 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions III-2 PART IV 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K IV-1 OTHER Signatures SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. PART I Item 1. Business General Description of Partnership Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (the "Partnership" or the "Registrant"), is a partnership formed under a public serial limited partnership offering denominated Swift Energy Income Partners III (Registration Statement No. 33-11773 on Form S-1, originally declared effective March 19, 1987, and amended effective March 28, 1988, May 4, 1989 and May 1, 1990 [the "Registration Statement"]). The Partnership was formed effective April 25, 1988 under a Limited Partnership Agreement dated April 22, 1988. The initial 1,013 limited partners made capital contributions of $10,739,606. The Partnership is principally engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and, when appropriate, disposing of working interests in proven oil and gas properties within the continental United States. The Partnership does not engage in exploratory drilling. Each working interest held by the Partnership entitles the Partnership to receive, in kind or in value, a share of the production of oil and gas from the producing property, and obligates the Partnership to participate in the operation of the property and to bear its proportionate share of all operating costs associated therewith. The Partnership typically holds less than the entire working interest in its producing properties. At December 31, 1996, the Partnership had expended or committed to expend 100% of the limited partners' net commitments (i.e., limited partners' commitments available to the Partnership for property acquisitions after payment of organization fees and expenses) in the acquisition and development of producing properties, which properties are described under Item 2, "Properties," below. The Partnership's revenues and profits are derived almost entirely from the sale of oil and gas produced from its properties and from the sale of acquired oil and gas properties, when the sale of such properties is economically preferable to continued operation. The Partnership's business and affairs are conducted by its Managing General Partner, Swift Energy Company, a Texas corporation ("Swift"). The Partnership's Special General Partner, VJM Corporation, a California corporation ("VJM"), consults with and advises Swift as to certain financial matters. Swift is the designated operator of many of the properties in which the Partnership owns interests. The remaining properties are operated by industry operators designated by the owners of a majority of the working interest in each property. The general manner in which the Partnership acquires producing properties and otherwise conducts its business is described in detail in the Registration Statement under "Proposed Activities," which is incorporated herein by reference. Competition, Markets and Regulations Competition The oil and gas industry is highly competitive in all its phases. The Partnership encounters strong competition from many other oil and gas producers, many of which possess substantial financial resources, in acquiring economically desirable Producing Properties. Markets The amounts of and price obtainable for oil and gas production from Partnership Properties will be affected by market factors beyond the control of the Partnership. Such factors include the extent of domestic production, the level of imports of foreign oil and gas, the general level of market demand on a regional, national and worldwide basis, domestic and foreign economic conditions that determine levels of industrial production, political events in foreign oil-producing regions, and variations in governmental regulations and tax laws and the imposition of new governmental requirements upon the oil and gas industry. There can be no assurance that oil and gas prices will not decrease in the future, thereby decreasing net Revenues from Partnership Properties. I-1 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. From time to time, there may exist a surplus of natural gas or oil supplies, the effect of which may be to reduce the amount of hydrocarbons that the Partnerships may produce and sell while such oversupply exists. In recent years, initial steps have been taken to provide additional gas transportation lines from Canada to the United States. If additional Canadian gas is brought to the United States market, it could create downward pressure on United States gas prices. Regulations Environmental Regulation The federal government and various state and local governments have adopted laws and regulations regarding the control of contamination of the environment. These laws and regulations may require the acquisition of a permit by Operators before drilling commences, prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness areas or where pollution arises and impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from operations, particularly operations near or in onshore and offshore waters or on submerged lands. These laws and regulations may also increase the costs of routine drilling and operation of wells. Because these laws and regulations change frequently, the costs to the Partnership of compliance with existing and future environmental regulations cannot be predicted. However, the Managing Partner does not believe that the Partnership is affected in a significantly different manner by these regulations than are its competitors in the oil and gas industry. Federal Regulation of Natural Gas The transportation and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce is heavily regulated by agencies of the federal government. The following discussion is intended only as a summary of the principal statutes, regulations and orders that may affect the production and sale of natural gas from Partnership Properties. This summary should not be relied upon as a complete review of applicable natural gas regulatory provisions. FERC Orders Several major regulatory changes have been implemented by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") from 1985 to the present that affect the economics of natural gas production, transportation and sales. In addition, the FERC continues to promulgate revisions to various aspects of the rules and regulations affecting those segments of the natural gas industry that remain subject to the FERC's jurisdiction. In April 1992, the FERC issued Order No. 636 pertaining to pipeline restructuring. This rule requires interstate pipelines to unbundle transportation and sales services by separately stating the price of each service and by providing customers only the particular service desired, without regard to the source for purchase of the gas. The rule also requires pipelines to (i) provide nondiscriminatory "no-notice" service allowing firm commitment shippers to receive delivery of gas on demand up to certain limits without penalties, (ii) establish a basis for release and reallocation of firm upstream pipeline capacity and (iii) provide non-discriminatory access to capacity by firm transportation shippers on a downstream pipeline. The rule requires interstate pipelines to use a straight fixed variable rate design. The rule imposes these same requirements upon storage facilities. FERC Order No. 500 affects the transportation and marketability of natural gas. Traditionally, natural gas has been sold by producers to pipeline companies, which then resold the gas to end-users. FERC Order No. 500 alters this market structure by requiring interstate pipelines that transport gas for others to provide transportation service to producers, distributors and all other shippers of natural gas on a nondiscriminatory, "first-come, first-served" basis ("open access transportation"), so that producers and other shippers can sell natural gas directly to end-users. FERC Order No. 500 contains additional provisions intended to promote greater competition in natural gas markets. It is not anticipated that the marketability of and price obtainable for natural gas production from Partnership Properties will be significantly affected by FERC Order No. 500. Gas produced from Partnership Properties normally will be sold to intermediaries who have entered into transportation arrangements with pipeline companies. These intermediaries will accumulate gas purchased from a number of producers and sell the gas to end-users through open access pipeline transportation. I-2 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. State Regulations Production of any oil and gas from Partnership Properties will be affected to some degree by state regulations. Many states in which the Partnership will operate have statutory provisions regulating the production and sale of oil and gas, including provisions regarding deliverability. Such statutes, and the regulations promulgated in connection therewith, are generally intended to prevent waste of oil and gas and to protect correlative rights to produce oil and gas between owners of a common reservoir. Certain state regulatory authorities also regulate the amount of oil and gas produced by assigning allowable rates of production to each well or proration unit. Federal Leases Some of the Partnership's properties are located on federal oil and gas leases administered by various federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management. Various regulations and orders affect the terms of leases, exploration and development plans, methods of operation and related matters. Employees The Partnership has no employees. Swift, however, has a staff of geologists, geophysicists, petroleum engineers, landmen, and accounting personnel who administer the operations of Swift and the Partnership. As of December 31, 1996, Swift had 191 employees. Swift's administrative and overhead expenses attributable to the Partnership's operations are borne by the Partnership. I-3 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. Item 2. Properties As of December 31, 1996, the Partnership has acquired interests in producing oil and gas properties which are generally described below. Principal Oil and Gas Producing Properties The most valuable fields in the Partnership, based upon year-end engineering estimates of discounted future net revenues using constant pricing and costs, are described below. 1. Approximately 41% of the Partnership's value is from the AWP Field in McMullen County, Texas (Bracken acquisition). The wells produce from the Olmos formation. The remaining value in the Partnership is attributable to numerous properties none of which equals or exceeds 15 percent of the total Partnership value. Title to Properties Title to substantially all significant producing properties of the Partnership has been examined. The properties are subject to royalty, overriding royalty and other interests customary in the industry. The Managing General Partner does not believe any of these burdens materially detract from the value of the properties or will materially detract from the value of the properties or materially interfere with their use in the operation of the business of the Partnership. Production and Sales Price The following table summarizes the sales volumes of the Partnership's net oil and gas production expressed in MCFs. Equivalent MCFs are obtained by converting oil to gas on the basis of their relative energy content; one barrel equals 6,000 cubic feet of gas. Net Production ------------------------------------------ For the Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------ 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Net Volumes (Equivalent MCFs) 294,173 378,492 463,160 Average Sales Price per Equivalent MCF $2.60 $1.81 $2.11 Average Production Cost per Equivalent MCF (includes production taxes) $1.14 $1.01 $0.93 I-4 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. Net Proved Oil and Gas Reserves Presented below are the estimates of the Partnership's proved reserves as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. All of the Partnership's proved reserves are located in the United States. December 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Natural Natural Natural Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- -------- (BBLS) (MMCF) (BBLS) (MMCF) (BBLS) (MMCF) Proved developed reserves at end of year 45,689 2,133 116,941 2,301 118,662 2,666 ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- Proved reserves Balance at beginning of year 129,910 2,556 152,144 2,976 166,466 4,148 Extensions, discoveries and other additions -- -- -- -- 720 1 Revisions of previous estimates 27,281 960 (10,789) (110) 3,364 (720) Sales of minerals in place (78,839) (940) -- -- (3,642) (78) Production (9,046) (240) (11,445) (310) (14,764) (375) ------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- Balance at end of year 69,306 2,336 129,910 2,556 152,144 2,976 ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- Revisions of previous quantity estimates are related to upward or downward variations based on current engineering information for production rates, volumetrics and reservoir pressure. Additionally, changes in quantity estimates are the result of the increase or decrease in crude oil and natural gas prices at each year end which have the effect of adding or reducing proved reserves on marginal properties due to economic limitations. I-5 SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY 1988-A, LTD. The following table summarizes by acquisition the Registrant's reserves and gross and net interests in producing oil and gas wells as of December 31, 1996: Reserves December 31, 1996 --------------------- Natural Wells Oil Gas ----------------------- Acquisition State(s) (BBLS) (MMCF) Gross Net - ----------- -------- ------ ------- ------ ------- Broyles I & II, Inverness homes LA -- 209 13 1.234 Union Drilling WV -- 810 122 21.138 Bracken TX 35,550 772 45 1.456 Potter AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX 19,353 530 187 8.742 Norcen Explorer WY 14,403 15 29 0.221 ------- ----- ---- ------ 69,306 2,336 396 32.791 ------- ----- ---- ------ There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting the future rates of production, timing and plan of development. Oil and gas reserve engineering must be recognized as a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact way, and estimates of other engineers might differ from those above, audited by H. J. Gruy and Associates, Inc., an independent petroleum consulting firm. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate, and, as a general rule, reserve estimates based upon volumetric analysis are inherently less reliable than those based on lengthy production history. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered. In estimating the oil and natural gas reserves, the Registrant, in accordance with criteria prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, has used prices received as of December 31, 1996 without escalation, except in those instances where fixed and determinable gas price escalations are covered by contracts, limited to the price the Partnership reasonably expects to receive. The Registrant does not believe that any favorable or adverse event causing a significant change in the estimated quantity of proved reserves has occurred between December 31, 1996 and the date of this report. Future prices received for the sale of the Partnership's product may be higher or lower than the prices used in the evaluation described above; the operating costs relating to such production may also increase or decrease from existing levels. The estimates presented above are in accordance with rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I-6 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Partnership is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings to which it is a party or of which any of its property is the subject. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders No matters were submitted to a vote of limited partners during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report. I-7 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. PART II Item 5. Market Price of and Distributions on the Registrant's Units and Related Limited Partner Matters Market Information Units in the Partnership were initially sold at a price of $100 per Unit. Units are not traded on any exchange and there is no established public trading market for the Units. Swift is aware of negotiated transfers of Units between unrelated parties; however, these transfers have been limited and sporadic. Due to the nature of these transactions, Swift has no verifiable information regarding prices at which Units have been transferred. Holders As of December 31, 1996, there were 1,013 Limited Partners holding Units in the Partnership. Distributions The Partnership generally makes distributions to Limited Partners on a quarterly basis, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Limited Partnership Agreement. In the fiscal years ending December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Partnership distributed a total of $107,300 and $134,200, respectively, to holders of its Units. Cash distributions constitute net proceeds from sale of oil and gas production after payment of lease operating expenses and other partnership expenses. Some or all of such amounts or any proceeds from the sale of partnership properties could be deemed to constitute a return of investors' capital. Oil and gas investments involve a high risk of loss, and no assurance can be given that any particular level of distributions to holders of Units can be achieved or maintained. Although it is anticipated that quarterly distributions will continue to be made through 1997, the Partnership's ability to make distributions could be diminished by any event adversely affecting the oil and gas properties in which the Partnership owns interests or the amount of revenues received by the Partnership therefrom. The Partnership's Limited Partnership Agreement contains various provisions which might serve to delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Partnership, such as the requirement of a vote of Limited Partners in order to sell all or substantially all of the Partnership's properties or the requirement of consent by the Managing General Partner to transfers of limited partnership interests. II-1 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. Item 6. Selected Financial Data The following selected financial data, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as of December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, and 1992, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in Item 8: 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Revenues $ 797,491 $ 719,977 $ 1,014,297 $ 1,186,221 $ 1,354,250 Income (Loss) $ 106,525 $ (317,274) $ (9,177) $ 92,713 $ (928,570) Total Assets $ 1,977,585 $ 2,287,491 $ 2,733,107 $ 3,063,513 $ 3,499,158 Cash Distributions $ 160,697 $ 123,178 $ 287,092 $ 359,797 $ 547,026 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources The Partnership has expended all of the partners' net commitments available for property acquisitions ("net commitments") and development by acquiring producing oil and gas properties. The partnership invests primarily in proved producing properties with nominal levels of future costs of development for proven but undeveloped reserves. Significant purchases of additional reserves or extensive drilling activity are not anticipated. Oil and gas reserves are depleting assets and therefore often experience significant production declines each year from the date of acquisition through the end of the life of the property. The primary source of liquidity to the Partnership comes almost entirely from the income generated from the sale of oil and gas produced from ownership interests in oil and gas properties. This source of liquidity and the related results of operations will decline in future periods as the oil and gas produced from these properties also declines. Subject to 1997 market conditions remaining comparable with 1996, the Managing General Partner ("MGP") anticipates an increase in liquidity provided that certain development work scheduled in 1997 is completed successfully. The Partnership plans to spend in 1997 an estimated $103,000 for capital expenditures needed for this development work and the enhancement of proved oil and gas reserves. The MGP anticipates that the Partnership will have adequate liquidity from income from continuing operations to satisfy any future capital expenditure requirements. Funds generated from bank borrowings and proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties will be used to supplement this effort if deemed necessary. Results of Operations Oil and gas sales increased 11 percent in 1996 vs. 1995. Increases in both 1996 gas and oil prices were major contributors to the increased revenues. The Partnership experienced an increase in gas prices of 48 percent or $.81/MCF and an increase in oil prices of 29 percent or $4.07/BBL. The average sales price per equivalent MCF increased 44 percent in 1996. Production volumes decreased 22 percent due to a 23 percent gas production decrease and a 21 percent oil production decline. The production declines partially offset the effect of increased oil and gas prices impacting partnership performance. Production cost per equivalent MCF increased 13 percent in 1996 compared to 1995; however, total production costs decreased 12 percent in 1996. Associated depreciation expense decreased 22 percent in 1996 when compared to 1995. Oil and gas sales decreased 29 percent in 1995 vs. 1994. Production volumes decreased 18 percent due to a 17 percent gas production decrease and a 22 percent oil production decline. Since the Partnership's reserves are 77 percent gas, the decrease in gas production, due to accelerated production declines on mature wells, had a major impact on partnership performance. A decline in the 1995 gas prices of 19 percent or $.41/MCF further contributed to the Partnership's decreased revenues. The average sales price per equivalent MCF decreased 14 percent in 1995. II-2 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. Production cost per equivalent MCF increased 9 percent n 1995 compared to 1994; however, total production costs decreased 11 percent in 1995. Associated depreciation expense decreased 13 percent in 1995 when compared to 1994. The Partnership recorded an additional provision in depreciation, depletion and amortization in 1995 and 1994 when the present value, discounted at ten percent, of estimated future net revenues from oil and gas properties, using the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission, was below the fair market value paid for oil and gas properties resulting in a full cost ceiling impairment. During 1997, Partnership revenues and costs will be shared between the limited and general partners in a 90:10 ratio, based on the annualized rate of cash distributions by the Partnership during a certain period prior to December 31, 1996. Based on current oil and gas prices, current levels of oil and gas production and expected cash distributions during 1997, the MGP anticipates that the Partnership sharing ratio will continue to be 90:10. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data See Part IV, Item 14(a) for index to financial statements. Item 9. Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. II-3 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant As a limited partnership, the Registrant has no directors or executive officers. The business and affairs of the Registrant are managed by Swift as Managing General Partner. Set forth below is certain information as of March 17, 1997 regarding the directors and executive officers of Swift. Position(s) with Name Age Swift and Other Companies ---- --- ------------------------- DIRECTORS A. Earl Swift 63 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Virgil N. Swift 68 Executive Vice President - Business Development, Vice Chairman of the Board G. Robert Evans 65 Director of Swift; Chairman of the Board, Material Sciences Corporation; Director, Consolidated Freightways, Inc., Fibreboard Corporation, Elco Industries, and Old Second Bancorp Raymond O. Loen 72 Director of Swift; President, R. O. Loen Company Henry C. Montgomery 61 Director of Swift; Chairman of the Board, Montgomery Financial Services Corporation; Director, Southwall Technology Corporation Clyde W. Smith, Jr. 48 Director of Swift; President, Somerset Properties, Inc. Harold J. Withrow 69 Director of Swift EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Terry E. Swift 41 Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer John R. Alden 51 Senior Vice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Bruce H. Vincent 49 Senior Vice President - Funds Management James M. Kitterman 52 Senior Vice President - Operations Alton D. Heckaman, Jr. 39 Vice President - Finance and Controller III-1 SWIFT ENRGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. From time to time, Swift as Managing General Partner of the Partnership purchases Units in the Partnership from investors who offer the Units pursuant to their right of presentment, which purchases are made pursuant to terms set out in the Partnership's original Limited Partnership Agreement. Due to the frequency and large number of these transactions, Swift reports these transactions under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on an annual rather than a monthly basis. In some cases such annual reporting may constitute a late filing of the required Section 16 reports under the applicable Section 16 rules. Item 11. Executive Compensation As noted in Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant," above, the Partnership has no executive officers. The executive officers of Swift and VJM are not compensated by the Partnership. Certain fees and allowances contemplated by the Limited Partnership Agreement have been paid by the Partnership to Swift and VJM. See Note (4) in Notes To Financial Statements (Related-Party Transactions) for further discussion. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Swift Energy Company, the Managing General Partner, located at 16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77060, owns 7,733 Limited Partnership Units, which is 7.20 percent of all outstanding Limited Partnership Units. All Limited Partnership Units owned by Swift were acquired from investors who offered the Limited Partnership Units pursuant to their right of presentment. As the Managing General Partner, Swift is not permitted generally, under the Limited Partnership Agreement, to vote its Limited Partnership Units. Swift also owns a general partnership interest of 9 percent of all partnership interests in the Partnership. Swift and VJM are not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Partnership. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions As noted in Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant," above, the Partnership has no executive officers or directors, and thus has not engaged in any transactions in which any such person had an interest. The Partnership is permitted to engage in certain transactions with Swift as Managing General Partner and VJM as Special General Partner, subject to extensive guidelines and restrictions described in the "Conflicts of Interest" section of the Amended Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference. Summarized below are the principal transactions that have occurred between the Partnership and Swift, VJM and their affiliates. 1. The oil and gas properties acquired by the Partnership, as described in Item 2, "Properties" above, were typically acquired initially by Swift from the seller thereof and subsequently transferred to the Partnership. Such transfers were made by Swift at its Property Acquisition Costs (as defined in the Limited Partnership Agreement), less any amounts received from sale of production between the time of acquisition by Swift and the time of sale to the Partnership. 2. Swift acts as operator for many of the wells in which the Partnership has acquired interests and has received compensation for such activities in accordance with standard industry operating agreements. 3. The Partnership paid to Swift and VJM certain fees as contemplated by the Limited Partnership Agreement. See Note (4) in Notes To Financia Statements (Related-Party Transactions) for further discussion. III-2 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. IV-1 Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K a(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE NO. -------- Report of Independent Public Accountants IV-2 Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 IV-3 Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 IV-4 Statements of Partners' Capital for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 IV-5 Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 IV-6 Notes to Financial Statements IV-7 a(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES All schedules required by the SEC are either inapplicable or the required information is included in the Financial Statements, the Notes thereto, or in other information included elsewhere in this report. a(3) EXHIBITS 3.1 Limited Partnership Agreement of Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., dated April 22, 1988. (Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1988, Exhibit 3.1). 3.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership of Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., as filed April 25, 1988, with the Texas Secretary of State. (Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1988, Exhibit 3.2). 99.1 A copy of the following section of the Prospectus dated March 19, 1987, contained in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-11773 on Form S-1 for Swift Energy Income Partners III, as filed on March 19, 1987, which have been incorporated herein by reference: "Proposed Activities" (pp 30 - 36) and "Conflicts of Interest" (pp. 70 - 78). (Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1989, Exhibit 28.1). b(1) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1996. Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act. No annual report to security holders covering the Partnership's 1996 fiscal year, or proxy statement, form of proxy or other proxy soliciting material has been sent to Limited Partners of the Partnership. IV-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd.: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., (a Texas limited partnership) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, partners' capital and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the general partner's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Houston, Texas February 10, 1997 IV-2 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 1996 1995 -------------- -------------- ASSETS: Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,993 $ 1,832 Oil and gas sales receivable 169,919 157,715 --------------- -------------- Total Current Assets 171,912 159,547 --------------- -------------- Gas Imbalance Receivable 9,363 16,895 --------------- -------------- Oil and Gas Properties, using full cost accounting 10,166,768 10,255,280 Less-Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (8,370,458) (8,144,231) -------------- -------------- 1,796,310 2,111,049 -------------- -------------- $ 1,977,585 $ 2,287,491 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL: Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 256,404 $ 483,159 Current portion of note payable -- 26,103 -------------- -------------- Total Current Liabilities 256,404 509,262 -------------- -------------- Deferred Revenues 35,816 38,692 Partners' Capital 1,685,365 1,739,537 -------------- -------------- $ 1,977,585 $ 2,287,491 ============== ============== See accompanying notes to financial statements. IV-3 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 1996 1995 1994 --------------- --------------- --------------- REVENUES: Oil and gas sales $ 790,957 $ 714,695 $ 1,010,782 Interest income 122 175 48 Other 6,412 5,107 3,467 --------------- --------------- --------------- 797,491 719,977 1,014,297 --------------- --------------- --------------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Lease operating 301,157 344,885 385,509 Production taxes 34,576 38,241 46,547 Depreciation, depletion and amortization - Normal provision 226,228 291,835 334,894 Additional provision -- 250,614 126,298 General and administrative 113,412 85,745 117,793 Interest expense 15,593 25,931 12,433 --------------- --------------- --------------- 690,966 1,037,251 1,023,474 --------------- --------------- --------------- INCOME (LOSS) $ 106,525 $ (317,274) $ (9,177) =============== =============== =============== See accompanying notes to financial statements. IV-4 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 Limited General Combining Partners Partners Adjustment Total --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------- Balance, December 31, 1993 $ 2,154,404 $ 56,866 $ 264,988 $ 2,476,258 Income (Loss) 4,711 38,536 (52,424) (9,177) Cash Distributions (239,000) (48,092) -- (287,092) --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Balance, December 31, 1994 1,920,115 47,310 212,564 2,179,989 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Income (Loss) (285,033) 16,583 (48,824) (317,274) Cash Distributions (107,300) (15,878) -- (123,178) --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Balance, December 31, 1995 1,527,782 48,015 163,740 1,739,537 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Income (Loss) 93,006 26,855 (13,336) 106,525 Cash Distributions (134,200) (26,497) -- (160,697) --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Balance, December 31, 1996 $ 1,486,588 $ 48,373 $ 150,404 $ 1,685,365 =============== =============== =============== ============== Limited Partners' net income (loss) per unit 1994 $ .04 =============== 1995 $ (2.65) =============== 1996 $ .87 =============== See accompanying notes to financial statements. IV-5 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 1996 1995 1994 --------------- --------------- ---------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Income (Loss) $ 106,525 $ (317,274) $ (9,177) Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to net cash provided by operations: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 226,228 542,449 461,192 Change in gas imbalance receivable and deferred revenues 4,655 1,087 (24,676) Change in assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in oil and gas sales receivable (12,204) 12,738 55,598 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (226,755) 69,115 79,762 --------------- --------------- --------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 98,449 308,115 562,699 --------------- --------------- --------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Additions to oil and gas properties (71,514) (92,918) (215,927) Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties 160,026 704 29,767 --------------- --------------- --------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 88,512 (92,214) (186,160) --------------- --------------- --------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash distributions to partners (160,697) (123,178) (287,092) Payments on note payable (26,103) (92,261) (89,223) --------------- --------------- --------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (186,800) (215,439) (376,315) --------------- --------------- --------------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 161 462 224 --------------- --------------- --------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,832 1,370 1,146 --------------- --------------- --------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 1,993 $ 1,832 $ 1,370 =============== =============== =============== Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for interest $ 16,249 $ 28,000 $ 13,502 =============== =============== =============== See accompanying notes to financial statements. IV-6 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) Organization and Terms of Partnership Agreement - Swift Energy Income Partners 1988-A, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (the Partnership), was formed on April 25, 1988, for the purpose of purchasing and operating producing oil and gas properties within the continental United States. Swift Energy Company ("Swift"), a Texas corporation, and VJM Corporation ("VJM"), a California corporation, serve as Managing General Partner and Special General Partner of the Partnership, respectively. The general partners are required to contribute up to 1/99th of limited partner net contributions. The 1,013 limited partners made total capital contributions of $10,739,606. Property acquisition costs and the management fee are borne 99 percent by the limited partners and one percent by the general partners. Organization and syndication costs were borne solely by the limited partners. Initially, all continuing costs (including development costs, operating costs, general and administrative reimbursements and direct expenses) and revenues are allocated 90 percent to the limited partners and ten percent to the general partners. If prior to partnership payout, as defined, however, the cash distribution rate for a certain period equals or exceeds 17.5 percent, then for the following calendar year, these continuing costs and revenues will be allocated 85 percent to the limited partners and 15 percent to the general partners. After partnership payout, continuing costs and revenues will be shared 85 percent by the limited partners, and 15 percent by the general partners, even if the cash distribution rate is less than 17.5 percent. Payout had not occurred as of December 31, 1996. (2) Significant Accounting Policies - Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from estimates. Oil and Gas Properties -- For financial reporting purposes, the Partnership follows the "full-cost" method of accounting for oil and gas property costs. Under this method of accounting, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in the acquisition and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized. Such costs include lease acquisitions, geological and geophysical services, drilling, completion, equipment and certain general and administrative costs directly associated with acquisition and development activities. General and administrative costs related to production and general overhead are expensed as incurred. No general and administrative costs were capitalized during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. Future development, site restoration, dismantlement and abandonment costs, net of salvage values, are estimated on a property-by-property basis based on current economic conditions and are amortized to expense as the Partnership's capitalized oil and gas property costs are amortized. The unamortized cost of oil and gas properties is limited to the "ceiling limitation", (calculated separately for the Partnership, limited partners, and general partners). The "ceiling limitation" is calculated on a quarterly basis and represents the estimated future net revenues from proved properties using current prices, discounted at ten percent, and the lower of cost or fair value of unproved properties. Proceeds from the sale or disposition of oil and gas properties are treated as a reduction of oil and gas property costs with no gains or losses being recognized except in significant transactions. IV-7 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The Partnership computes the provision for depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties on the units-of-production method. Under this method, the provision is calculated by multiplying the total unamortized cost of oil and gas properties, including future development, site restoration, dismantlement and abandonment costs, by an overall amortization rate that is determined by dividing the physical units of oil and gas produced during the period by the total estimated units of proved oil and gas reserves at the beginning of the period. The calculation of the "ceiling limitation" and the provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization is based on estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting the future rates of production, timing and plan of development. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered. Statements of Cash Flows -- Highly liquid debt instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. (3) Oil and Gas Capitalized Costs - The following table sets forth capital expenditures related to the Partnership's oil and gas operations: Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- --------- Acquisition of proved properties $ -- $ -- $ -- Development 71,514 92,918 215,927 ---------- ---------- --------- $ 71,514 $ 92,918 $ 215,927 ---------- ---------- --------- All oil and gas property acquisitions are made by Swift on behalf of the Partnership. The costs of the properties include the purchase price plus any costs incurred by Swift in the evaluation and acquisition of properties. During 1995 and 1994, the Partnership's unamortized oil and gas property costs exceeded the quarterly calculations of the "ceiling limitation" resulting in an additional provision for depreciation, depletion and amortization of $250,614 and $126,298, respectively. No such write downs were required in 1996.In addition, the limited partners' share of unamortized oil and gas property costs exceeded their "ceiling limitation" in 1995 and 1994 resulting in a valuation allowance of $217,532 and $95,539, respectively. These amounts are included in the income (loss) attributable to the limited partners shown in the statements of partners' capital together with a "combining adjustment" for the differences between the limited partners' valuation allowances and the Partnership's valuation allowances. The "combining adjustment" changes quarterly as the Partnership's total depreciation, depletion and amortization provision is more or less than the combined depreciation, depletion and amortization provision attributable to general and limited partners. IV-8 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (4) Related-Party Transactions - An affiliate of the Special General Partner, as Dealer Manager, received $268,115 for managing and overseeing the offering of limited partnership units. A one-time management fee of $268,490 was paid to Swift in 1988 for services performed for the Partnership. During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Partnership paid Swift $72,547, $42,740 and $68,408, respectively, as general and administrative overhead allowances. (5) Note Payable to a Bank - Note payable to a bank at December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows: 1996 1995 -------- -------- Date of current note: December 29, 1992 Note payable at 1.25% above the bank's base rate (9.75% at December 31, 1995), principal payable in quarterly installments of $23,065, with the balance due at maturity (January 1, 1996), collateralized by partnership assets $ -- $ 26,103 Less: Current portion -- (26,103) -------- -------- Long-term portion $ -- $ -- -------- -------- Note was paid in full at maturity. As provided by the Partnership Agreement, the note payable was obtained to fund development wells. As of December 31, 1996, the Partnership had no outstanding note payable to a Bank. (6) Federal Income Taxes - The Partnership is not a tax-paying entity. No provision is made in the accounts of the Partnership for federal or state income taxes, since such taxes are liabilities of the individual partners, and the amounts thereof depend upon their respective tax situations. The tax returns and the amount of distributable Partnership income are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. If the Partnership's ordinary income for federal income tax purposes is ultimately changed by the taxing authorities, the tax liability of the limited partners could be changed accordingly. Ordinary income reported on the Partnership's federal return of income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $360,753, $167,236 and $378,675, respectively. The difference between ordinary income for federal income tax purposes reported by the Partnership and net income or loss reported herein primarily results from the exclusion of depletion (as described below) from ordinary income reported in the Partnership's federal return of income. IV-9 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For federal income tax purposes, depletion with respect to production of oil and gas is computed separately by the partners and not by the Partnership. Since the amount of depletion on the production of oil and gas is not computed at the Partnership level, depletion is not included in the Partnership's income for federal income tax purposes but is charged directly to the partners' capital accounts to the extent of the cost of the leasehold interests, and thus is treated as a separate item on the partners' Schedule K-1. Depletion for federal income tax purposes may vary from that computed for financial reporting purposes in cases where a ceiling adjustment is recorded, as such amount is not recognized for tax purposes. (7) Gas Imbalances - The gas imbalance receivable and deferred revenues represent imbalances assumed as part of property acquisitions. The imbalances are accounted for on the entitlements method, whereby the Partnership records its share of revenue, based on its entitled amount. Any amounts over or under the entitled amount are recorded as an increase or decrease to the gas imbalance receivable or deferred revenues as applicable. (8) Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations - The Partnership's revenues are primarily the result of sales of its oil and natural gas production. Market prices of oil and natural gas may fluctuate and adversely affect operating results. The Partnership extends credit to various companies in the oil and gas industry which results in a concentration of credit risk. This concentration of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic or other conditions and may accordingly impact the Partnership's overall credit risk. However, the Managing General Partner believes that the risk is mitigated by the size, reputation, and nature of the companies to which the Partnership extends credit. In addition, the Partnership generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. (9) Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The Partnership's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents and short-term receivables and payables. The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the highly liquid nature of the short-term instruments. IV-10 SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. (Registrant) By: SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY General Partner Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b A. Earl Swift -------------- ---------------------------------- A. Earl Swift President Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b John R. Alden -------------- ---------------------------------- John R. Alden Principal Financial Officer Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Alton D. Heckaman, Jr. -------------- ---------------------------------- Alton D. Heckaman, Jr. Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SWIFT ENERGY INCOME PARTNERS 1988-A, LTD. (Registrant) By: SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY General Partner Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b A. Earl Swift -------------- ---------------------------------- A. Earl Swift Director and Principal Executive Officer Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Virgil N. Swift -------------- ---------------------------------- Virgil N. Swift Director and Executive Vice President - Business Development IV-11 SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY 1988-A, LTD. Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b G. Robert Evans -------------- ---------------------------------- G. Robert Evans Director Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Raymond O. Loen -------------- ---------------------------------- Raymond O. Loen Director Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Henry C. Montgomery -------------- ---------------------------------- Henry C. Montgomery Director Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Clyde W. Smith, Jr. -------------- ---------------------------------- Clyde W. Smith, Jr. Director Date: March 17, 1997 By: s/b Harold J. Withrow -------------- ---------------------------------- Harold J. Withrow Director IV-12