UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 12b-25 SEC File Number 1-12396 CUSIP Number 07384R-30-9 NOTIFICATION OF LATE FILING For Period Ended: March 31, 2000 (Check one): Form 10-K Form 20-F Form 11-K X Form 10-Q Form N-SAR If the notification relates to a portion of the filing checked above, identify the Item(s) to which the notification relates: Not applicable PART I - REGISTRANT INFORMATION THE BEARD COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Enterprise Plaza, Suite 320 5600 N. May Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112 (Address of principal executive office) PART II - RULES 12b-25(b) AND (c) If the subject report could not be filed without unreasonable effort or expense and the registrant seeks relief pursuant to Rule 12b-25(b), the following should be completed. (Check box if appropriate) X (a) The reasons described in reasonable detail in Part III of this form could not be eliminated without unreasonable effort or expense; (b) The subject quarterly report on Form 10-Q will be filed on or before the fifth calendar day following the prescribed due date; and (c) The accountant's statement or other exhibit required by Rule 12b-25(c) has been attached if applicable. PART III - NARRATIVE State below in reasonable detail the reasons why the Form 10-Q could not be filed within the prescribed time period. The Beard Company (the "Company") utilizes decentralized accounting for the operations of several of the subsidiaries in the consolidated group. As a result of delays in closing the books of accounts of a foreign company in which the Company has a material equity investment more time is needed to prepare complete and accurate consolidated financial statements. The issues involved could not be resolved in time to meet the required filing deadline. PART IV - OTHER INFORMATION (1) Name and telephone number of person to contact in regard to this notification Herb Mee, Jr. 405 842-2333 President - Chief (Area code) (Telephone Number) Financial Officer (Name) (2) Have all other periodic reports required under Section 13 or 15(d) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 been filed? If answer is no, identify report(s). X Yes No (3) Is it anticipated that any significant change in results of operations from the corresponding period for the last fiscal year will be reflected by the earnings statements to be included in the subject report or portion thereof? X Yes No If so, attach an explanation of the anticipated change, both narratively and quantitatively, and, if appropriate, state the reasons why a reasonable estimate of the results cannot be made. The Beard Company (the "Company") anticipates there may be a significant change in results of operations from the three months ended March 31, 1999 to the three months ended March 31, 2000. The Company presently anticipates that its results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2000 will reflect a loss of $788,000 compared to a loss of $551,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1999. The Company is, however, finalizing the accounting treatment of certain transactions between it and a company in which the Company has a material equity investment. Depending on the final treatment, the impact of these transactions may not be reflected in the above estimate. SIGNATURES THE BEARD COMPANY has caused this notification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. By: HERB MEE, JR. Herb Mee, Jr. President - Chief Financial Officer Date: May 15, 2000