As Filed With the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2005
Registration No. ___________
=============================================================================
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Colorado
(State or jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
84-1060803
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
370 17th Street, Suite 4300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 293-9133
(Address and telephone number of issuer's principal executive offices)
Roger A. Parker, Chief Executive Officer
370 17th Street, Suite 4300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 293-9133
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as
the registration statement is effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box. [x]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
=============================================================================
Proposed Proposed
Maximum Maximum
Title of Each Offering Aggregate Amount of
Class of Securities Amount to be Price Offering Registration
to be Registered Registered(1) Per Unit(2) Price(2) Fee
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Common Stock,
$.01 par value 5,405,418 $17.33 $93,675,893.94 $11,025.65
=============================================================================
(1) In the event of a stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction
involving our common stock, in order to prevent dilution, the number of shares
registered shall automatically be increased to cover the additional shares in
accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").
(2) In accordance with Rule 457(c), the aggregate offering price of our stock
is estimated solely for calculating the registration fees due for this filing.
For the initial filing of this Registration Statement, this estimate was based
on the average of the high and low sales price of our stock reported by the
Nasdaq National Market on October 13, 2005, which was $17.33 per share.
The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section
8(a), may determine.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION; DATED OCTOBER 17, 2005
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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The
securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Up to 5,405,418 Shares
Delta Petroleum Corporation
Common Stock
----------------------------
The selling shareholders may use this prospectus in connection with sales
of up to 5,405,418 shares of our common stock.
Trading Symbol
NASDAQ National Market
"DPTR"
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The selling shareholders may sell the common stock at prices and on terms
determined by the market, in negotiated transactions or through underwriters.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling
shareholders.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is _________, 2005.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance therewith file reports and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports and
other information filed by us can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Requests for copies should be
directed to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-
800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms. The
Commission maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants,
including us, that file electronically.
We have filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with all exhibits, amendments and supplements, the "Registration
Statement") of which this prospectus constitutes a part, under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules of the
Commission. For further information pertaining to us, reference is made to
the Registration Statement. Statements contained in this prospectus or any
document incorporated herein by reference concerning the provisions of
documents are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such statement
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable
document filed with the Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement are
on file at the offices of the Commission, and may be inspected without charge
at the offices of the Commission, the addresses of which are set forth above,
and copies may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates. The
Registration Statement has been filed electronically through the Commission's
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System and may be obtained
through the Commission's Web site (http://www.sec.gov).
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents that we have filed with the Commission shall be
deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of the filing of such documents:
1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2005,
filed on September 20, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
2. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 29, 2005, filed on July 6,
2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
3. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 9, 2005, filed on August 10,
2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
4. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 7, 2005, filed on September
13, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
5. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 13, 2005 filed on September
14, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
6. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 22, 2005, filed on September
26, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
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7. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 27, 2005, filed on September
30, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
8. The description of our common stock contained in our Registration
Statement on Form 10 filed September 9, 1987, Exchange Act reporting
number 0-16203.
9. All documents filed by us, subsequent to the date of this prospectus,
under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, prior to the termination of the offering described
herein.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent
that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently
filed document which is also incorporated herein by reference modifies or
replaces such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this prospectus. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the
information that we disclose under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on
Form 8-K that we may from time to time furnish to the SEC will be incorporated
by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of
such person, a copy of any or all documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed to Kevin K. Nanke,
Delta Petroleum Corporation, Suite 4300, 370 17th Street, Denver, Colorado
80202, or (303) 293-9133.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM
ACT OF 1995 AND OTHER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS
We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and
potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties
that can affect us and to take advantage of the "safe harbor" protection for
forward-looking statements afforded under federal securities laws. From time
to time, our management or persons acting on our behalf make forward-looking
statements to inform existing and potential security holders about us. These
statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and
success of specific projects and our future (1) income, (2) oil and gas
production, (3) oil and gas reserves and reserve replacement and (4) capital
spending. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such
as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate,"
"plan," "goal" or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or
outcomes. Sometimes we will specifically describe a statement as being a
forward-looking statement. In addition, except for the historical information
contained in this prospectus, the matters discussed in this prospectus are
forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature are subject to
certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and will be influenced by various
factors. Should any of the assumptions underlying a forward-looking statement
prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially.
We believe the factors discussed below are important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-
looking statement made herein or elsewhere by us or on our behalf. The factors
listed below are not necessarily all of the important factors. Unpredictable
or unknown factors not discussed herein could also have material adverse
effects
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on actual results of matters that are the subject of forward-looking
statements. We do not intend to update our description of important factors
each time a potential important factor arises. We advise our shareholders that
they should (1) be aware that important factors not described below could
affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and (2) use caution and
common sense when analyzing our forward-looking statements in this document or
elsewhere, and all of such forward-looking statements are qualified by this
cautionary statement.
Historically, natural gas and crude oil prices have been volatile. These
prices rise and fall based on changes in market demand and changes in the
political, regulatory and economic climate and other factors that affect
commodities markets generally and are outside of our control. Deviations in
the market prices of both crude oil and natural gas and the effects of
acquisitions, dispositions and exploratory development activities may have a
significant effect on the quantities and future values of reserves.
Projecting future rates of oil and gas production is inherently
imprecise. Producing oil and gas reservoirs generally have declining
production rates.
All of our reserve information is based on estimates. Reservoir
engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of
oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved natural gas
and oil reserves.
Changes in the legal and/or regulatory environment could have a material
adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to explore for and economically produce and sell our oil and gas
production is affected and could possibly be restrained by a number of legal
and regulatory factors, particularly with respect to our offshore California
properties.
Our drilling operations are subject to various risks common in the
industry, including cratering, explosions, fires and uncontrollable flows of
oil, gas or well fluids.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Prospectus Summary .................................................... 6
Risk Factors........................................................... 7
Use of Proceeds ....................................................... 18
Determination of Offering Price ....................................... 18
Recent Material Changes in our Business ............................... 18
Selling Shareholders .................................................. 19
Plan of Distribution .................................................. 22
Description of Securities ............................................. 23
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel ................................ 23
5
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the pertinent information regarding this
offering. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements and related notes incorporated by
reference into this prospectus.
Delta
- -----
Delta Petroleum Corporation ("Delta," the "Company," "we" or "us") is a
Colorado corporation organized on December 21, 1984. We maintain our
principal executive offices at 370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 4300, Denver,
Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 293-9133. Our common stock
is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "DPTR."
We are a Denver, Colorado based independent energy company engaged
primarily in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development,
production, and sale of, natural gas and crude oil. Our core areas of
operation are the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast regions, which comprise the
majority of our proved reserves, production and long-term growth prospects. We
have a significant drilling inventory that consists of proved and unproved
locations, the majority of which are located in our Rocky Mountain development
projects. We expect that our drilling efforts and capital expenditures will
focus increasingly on the Rockies, where approximately two-thirds of our
fiscal 2006 capital budget is allocated and three-fourths of our undeveloped
acreage is located. We retain a high degree of operational control over our
asset base, with an average working interest in excess of 90% as of June 30,
2005. This provides us with controlling interests in a multi-year inventory
of drilling locations, positioning us for continued reserve and production
growth through our drilling operations. We also currently have an ownership
interest in a drilling company, providing the benefit of a preferential right
to use its drilling rigs in the Rocky Mountain region which allows us to have
a priority to drill our wells. We concentrate our exploration and development
efforts in fields where we can apply our technical exploration and development
expertise, and where we have accumulated significant operational control and
experience.
The Offering
- ------------
Securities Offered Up to 5,405,418 shares of our common stock offered
by the selling shareholders. The selling shareholders
acquired the shares in a private offering by Delta that
was completed on September 27, 2005, in which Delta
received net proceeds of approximately $95 million.
The proceeds were used to acquire certain oil and gas
properties from Savant Resources, LLC, and to fund
drilling activities.
Offering Price The shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus
are being offered by the selling shareholders from
time to time at the then current market price.
Common Stock
Outstanding 47,800,000 shares of common stock $.01 par value were
outstanding as of October 5, 2005.
Dividend Policy We do not anticipate paying dividends on our common
stock in the foreseeable future.
Use of Proceeds The shares offered pursuant to this prospectus are
being sold by the selling shareholders and we will
not receive any proceeds of the offering.
6
RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors should consider carefully, in addition to the other
information in this prospectus, the following:
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY.
OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRICES ARE VOLATILE AND A DECREASE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT
OUR REVENUES, CASH FLOWS AND PROFITABILITY.
Our revenues, profitability and future rate of growth depend substantially
upon the market prices of oil and natural gas, which fluctuate widely.
Sustained declines in oil and gas prices may adversely affect our financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations. Factors that can cause market
prices of oil and natural gas to fluctuate include:
- relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural
gas;
- market uncertainty;
- the level of consumer product demands;
- weather conditions;
- U.S. and foreign governmental regulations;
- the price and availability of alternative fuels;
- political and economic conditions in oil producing countries,
particularly those in the Middle East, including actions by the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
- the foreign supply of oil and natural gas; and
- the price of oil and gas imports, consumer preferences and overall U.S.
and foreign economic conditions.
We are not able to predict future oil and natural gas prices. At various
times, excess domestic and imported supplies have depressed oil and gas
prices. Lower prices may reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can
produce economically and may also require us to write down the carrying value
of our oil and gas properties. Substantially all of our oil and natural gas
sales are made in the spot market or pursuant to contracts based on spot
market prices, not long-term fixed price contracts. Any substantial or
extended decline in the prices of or demand for oil or natural gas would have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE PRODUCTION WITH NEW RESERVES.
Our reserves will decline significantly as they are produced unless we acquire
properties with proved reserves or conduct successful development and
exploration drilling activities. Our future oil and natural gas production is
highly dependent upon our level of success in finding or acquiring additional
reserves that are economically feasible and developing existing proved
reserves.
7
IF OIL OR NATURAL GAS PRICES DECREASE OR EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO TAKE WRITEDOWNS.
In the past, we have been required to write down the carrying value of our oil
and gas properties. There is a risk that we will be required to take
additional writedowns in the future which would reduce our earnings and
stockholders' equity. A writedown could occur when oil and gas prices are low
or if we have substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved
reserves, increases in our estimates of development costs or deterioration in
our exploration and development results.
We account for our crude oil and natural gas exploration and development
activities utilizing the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this
method, costs of productive exploratory wells, development dry holes and
productive wells and undeveloped leases are capitalized. Oil and gas lease
acquisition costs are also capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs are
initially capitalized, but charged to expense if and when the well is
determined not to have found reserves in commercial quantities. If the
carrying amount of our oil and gas properties exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future net cash flows, we will adjust the carrying amount of the
oil and gas properties to their fair value.
We review our oil and gas properties for impairment whenever events and
circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of their carrying
value. Once incurred, a writedown of oil and gas properties is not reversible
at a later date even if gas or oil prices increase. Given the complexities
associated with oil and gas reserve estimates and the history of price
volatility in the oil and gas markets, events may arise that would require us
to record an impairment of the recorded carrying values associated with our
oil and gas properties. As a result of our review, we did not record an
impairment for fiscal 2005, 2004 or 2003.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FUND OUR PLANNED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.
We spend and will continue to spend a substantial amount of capital for the
acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development and production of oil and
gas reserves. Our exploration and development capital budget is expected to
range between $50.0 and $65.0 million for the six months ending December 31,
2005. If low oil and natural gas prices, lack of adequate gathering or
transportation facilities, operating difficulties or other factors, many of
which are beyond our control, cause our revenues and cash flows from operating
activities to decrease, we may be limited in our ability to spend the capital
necessary to complete our capital expenditures program. In addition, if our
borrowing base under our senior credit facility is re-determined to a lower
amount, this could adversely affect our ability to fund our planned capital
expenditures. After utilizing our available sources of financing, we may be
forced to raise additional equity or debt proceeds to fund such expenditures.
Additional equity or debt financing or cash flow provided by operations may
not be available to meet our capital expenditure requirements.
THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES INVOLVE
SUBSTANTIAL RISKS THAT MAY RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF INVESTMENT.
The business of exploring for and, to a lesser extent, developing and
operating oil and gas properties involves a high degree of business and
financial risk, and thus a substantial risk of investment loss that even a
combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to
overcome. Oil and gas drilling and production activities may be shortened,
delayed or
8
canceled as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our
control. These factors include:
- unexpected drilling conditions;
- pressure or irregularities in formations;
- equipment failures or accidents;
- weather conditions;
- shortages in experienced labor; and
- shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment.
The cost to develop our reserves as of June 30, 2005 is estimated to be
approximately $192.4 million. We may drill wells that are unproductive or,
although productive, do not produce oil and/or gas in economic quantities.
Acquisition and completion decisions generally are based on subjective
judgments and assumptions that are speculative. It is impossible to predict
with certainty the production potential of a particular property or well.
Furthermore, a successful completion of a well does not ensure a profitable
return on the investment. A variety of geological, operational, or market-
related factors, including, but not limited to, unusual or unexpected
geological formations, pressures, equipment failures or accidents, fires,
explosions, blowouts, cratering, pollution and other environmental risks,
shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and the delivery of
equipment, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may
substantially delay or prevent completion of any well or otherwise prevent a
property or well from being profitable. A productive well may become
uneconomic in the event water or other deleterious substances are encountered
which impair or prevent the production of oil and/or gas from the well. In
addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is contaminated
with water or other deleterious substances.
OUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES NUMEROUS OPERATING HAZARDS THAT COULD RESULT IN
SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES.
The exploration, development and operation of oil and gas properties also
involve a variety of operating risks including the risk of fire, explosions,
blowouts, cratering, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations, natural
disasters, acts of terrorism or vandalism, and environmental hazards,
including oil spills, gas leaks, pipeline ruptures or discharges of toxic
gases. These industry-operating risks can result in injury or loss of life,
severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment,
pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory
investigation and penalties, and suspension of operations which could result
in substantial losses.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above.
Such insurance may not be adequate to cover losses or liabilities. Also, we
cannot predict the continued availability of insurance at premium levels that
justify its purchase. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and certain
potential natural disasters may change our ability to obtain adequate
insurance coverage. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully
insured or indemnified against could materially and adversely affect our
financial condition and operations.
9
OUR LEVEL OF INDEBTEDNESS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO RAISE
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FUND OUR OPERATIONS, LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO REACT TO
CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY OR OUR INDUSTRY AND PREVENT US FROM MEETING OUR
OBLIGATIONS UNDER OUR SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES.
As of June 30, 2005, our total outstanding long term liabilities were $222.6
million. Our degree of leverage could have important consequences, including
the following:
- it may limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing
for working capital, capital expenditures, further exploration, debt
service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other
purposes;
- a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations will be
dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness
and will not be available for other purposes, including our operations,
capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
- the debt service requirements of other indebtedness in the future could
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations;
- certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our senior credit
facility, are at variable rates of interest, exposing us to the risk of
increased interest rates;
- it may limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that
have less debt; and
- we may be vulnerable in a downturn in general economic conditions or in
our business, or we may be unable to carry out capital spending and
exploration activities that are important to our growth.
We may be able to incur substantially more debt in the future, which may
intensify the risks described herein. The indenture governing our 7% senior
notes and our senior credit facility do not prohibit us from doing so. As of
June 30, 2005, we had approximately $66.5 million outstanding under our senior
credit facility and additional availability of approximately $8.5 million.
A DEFAULT UNDER OUR SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY COULD CAUSE US TO LOSE OUR
PROPERTIES.
In order to obtain our senior credit facility, we granted first priority liens
to the lending banks on most of our oil and gas properties and the related
equipment, inventory, accounts and proceeds. Our senior credit facility
includes terms and covenants that place limitations on certain types of
activities, including restrictions or requirements with respect to additional
debt, liens, asset sales, hedging activities, investments, dividends, mergers
and acquisitions, and also includes financial covenants.
Under certain conditions amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility
may be accelerated. Bankruptcy and insolvency events with respect to us or
certain of our subsidiaries will result in an automatic acceleration of the
indebtedness under the senior credit facility. Subject to notice and cure
periods in certain cases, other events of default under the senior credit
facility will result in acceleration of the indebtedness at the option of the
lending banks. Such other events of default include, among other things, non-
10
payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of obligations under the senior
credit facility (including financial covenants), default on other
indebtedness, certain pension plan events, certain adverse judgments, change
of control, and a failure of the liens securing the senior credit facility.
Any of these events could potentially cause us to lose substantially all of
our properties. At June 30, 2005, we were not in compliance with our
quarterly debt covenants and restrictions, but have obtained a waiver from our
banks.
For so long as the revolving commitment is in existence, we will also be
required to comply with loan covenants that will limit our flexibility in
conducting our business and which could cause us significant problems in the
event of a downturn in the oil and gas market. If an event of default occurs
and continues after the expiration of any cure period that is provided for in
our senior credit facility, the entire principal amount due under it, all
accrued interest and any other liabilities that we might have to the lending
banks under the senior credit facility will all become immediately due and
payable, all without notice of default of any kind. The foregoing information
is provided to alert readers that there is risk associated with our existing
debt obligations. It is not intended to provide a summary of the terms of our
agreements with our lenders.
ACQUISITIONS ARE A PART OF OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY AND ARE SUBJECT TO THE RISKS
AND UNCERTAINTIES OF EVALUATING RECOVERABLE RESERVES AND POTENTIAL
LIABILITIES.
We could be subject to significant liabilities related to acquisitions by us.
The successful acquisition of producing properties requires an assessment of a
number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include
recoverable reserves, future oil and gas prices, operating costs and potential
environmental and other liabilities, title issues and other factors. It
generally is not feasible to review in detail every individual property
included in an acquisition. Ordinarily, a review is focused on higher valued
properties. Further, even a detailed review of all properties and records may
not reveal existing or potential problems, nor will it permit us to become
sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies
and capabilities. We do not always inspect every well we acquire, and
environmental problems, such as groundwater contamination, are not necessarily
observable even when an inspection is performed. We cannot assure you that our
recent and/or future acquisition activity will not result in disappointing
results.
In addition, there is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our
industry. Competition for acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us
to refrain from, completing acquisitions. Our strategy of completing
acquisitions is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to obtain debt
and equity financing and, in some cases, regulatory approvals. Our ability to
pursue our acquisition strategy may be hindered if we are not able to obtain
financing or regulatory approvals.
Acquisitions often pose integration risks and difficulties. In connection with
recent and future acquisitions, the process of integrating acquired operations
into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties
and may require significant management attention and financial resources that
would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of
existing operations. Possible future acquisitions could result in our
incurring additional debt, contingent liabilities and expenses, all of which
could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating
results.
11
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE FINANCING TO EXECUTE OUR OPERATING
STRATEGY.
We have historically addressed our short and long-term liquidity needs through
the use of cash flow provided by operating activities, the use of bank credit
facilities and the issuance of equity securities. Without adequate financing,
we may not be able to successfully execute our operating strategy. We continue
to examine the following alternative sources of capital:
- bank borrowings or the issuance of debt securities; and
- the issuance of common stock, preferred stock or other equity
securities.
The availability of these sources of capital will depend upon a number of
factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include general
economic and financial market conditions, oil and natural gas prices and our
market value and operating performance. We may be unable to execute our
operating strategy if we cannot obtain adequate capital.
WE DEPEND ON KEY PERSONNEL.
We currently have only three employees that serve in senior management roles,
and the loss of any one of them could severely harm our business. In
particular, Roger A. Parker and John R. Wallace are responsible for the
operation of our oil and gas business and Kevin K. Nanke is our Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer. We do not have key man insurance on the lives of any
of these individuals. Furthermore, competition for experienced personnel is
intense. If we cannot retain our current personnel or attract additional
experienced personnel, our ability to compete could be adversely affected.
WE MAY NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEVELOP SOME OF OUR OFFSHORE CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES
OR, IF WE ARE PERMITTED, THE SUBSTANTIAL COST TO DEVELOP THESE PROPERTIES
COULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OF OUR INTEREST IN THESE PROPERTIES OR CAUSE US TO
INCUR PENALTIES.
Certain of our offshore California undeveloped properties, in which we have
ownership interests ranging from 2.49% to 100.00%, are attributable to our
interests in four of our five federal units (plus one additional lease)
located offshore of California near Santa Barbara. These properties have a
cost basis of approximately $10.9 million. The development of these properties
is subject to extensive regulation and is currently the subject of litigation.
Pursuant to a ruling in California v. Norton, later affirmed by the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Government was required to make a
consistency determination relating to the 1999 lease suspension requests under
a 1990 amendment to the Coastal Zone Management Act. In the event that there
is some future adverse ruling under the Coastal Zone Management Act that we
decide not to appeal or that we appeal without success, it is likely that some
or all of our interests in these leases would become impaired and written off
at that time. It is also possible that other events could occur during the
Coastal Zone Management Act review or appellate process that would cause our
interests in the leases to become impaired, and we will continuously evaluate
those factors as they occur.
In addition, the cost to develop these properties will be substantial. The
cost to develop all of these offshore California properties in which we own an
interest, including delineation wells, environmental mitigation, development
wells, fixed platforms, fixed platform facilities, pipelines and power cables,
onshore facilities and platform removal over the life of the properties
12
(assumed to be 38 years), is estimated to be in excess of $3.0 billion. Our
share of such costs, based on our current ownership interest, is estimated to
be over $200.0 million. Operating expenses for the same properties over the
same period of time, including platform operating costs, well maintenance and
repair costs, oil, gas and water treating costs, lifting costs and pipeline
transportation costs, are estimated to be approximately $3.5 billion, with our
share, based on our current ownership interest, estimated to be approximately
$300.0 million. There will be additional costs of a currently undetermined
amount to develop the Rocky Point Unit. Each working interest owner will be
required to pay its proportionate share of these costs based upon the amount
of the interest that it owns. If we are unable to fund our share of these
costs or otherwise cover them through farm-outs or other arrangements, then we
could either forfeit our interest in certain wells or properties or suffer
other penalties in the form of delayed or reduced revenues under our various
unit operating agreements, which could impact the ultimate realization of this
investment. The estimates discussed above may differ significantly from actual
results.
YOU SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON RESERVE INFORMATION BECAUSE IT IS ONLY
AN ESTIMATE.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved
reserves and cash flows from such reserves, including factors beyond our
control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating
underground accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact
manner. The accuracy of an estimate of quantities of oil and gas reserves, or
of cash flows attributable to such reserves, is a function of the available
data, assumptions regarding future oil and gas prices, expenditures for future
development and exploitation activities, and engineering and geological
interpretation and judgment. Reserves and future cash flows may also be
subject to material downward or upward revisions based upon production
history, development and exploitation activities, oil and gas prices and
regulatory changes. Actual future production, revenue, taxes, development
expenditures, operating expenses, quantities of recoverable reserves and value
of cash flows from those reserves may vary significantly from our assumptions
and estimates. In addition, reserve engineers may make different estimates of
reserves and cash flows based on the same available data.
The estimated quantities of proved reserves and the discounted present value
of future net cash flows attributable to those reserves for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 included in our periodic reports filed with
the SEC were prepared by our reserve engineers in accordance with the rules of
the SEC, and are not intended to represent the fair market value of such
reserves. As required by the SEC, the estimated discounted present value of
future net cash flows from proved reserves is generally based on prices and
costs as of the date of the estimate, while actual future prices and costs may
be materially higher or lower. In addition, the 10% discount factor, which the
SEC requires to be used to calculate discounted future net revenues for
reporting purposes, is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor
based on the cost of capital in effect from time to time and risks associated
with our business and the oil and gas industry in general.
WE ARE EXPOSED TO ADDITIONAL RISKS THROUGH OUR DRILLING BUSINESS.
We currently have a 49.5% ownership interest in and management control of a
drilling business. The operations of that entity will subject it to many
additional hazards that are inherent to the drilling business, including, for
example, blowouts, cratering, fires, explosions, loss of well control, loss of
hole, damaged or lost drill strings and damage or loss from inclement weather.
13
No assurance can be given that the insurance coverage maintained by that
entity will be sufficient to protect it against liability for all consequences
of well disasters, personal injury, extensive fire damage or damage to the
environment. No assurance can be given that the drilling business will be able
to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable
or that any particular types of coverage will be available. The occurrence of
events, including any of the above-mentioned risks and hazards that are not
fully insured could subject the drilling business to significant liability. It
is also possible that we might sustain significant losses through the
operation of the drilling business even if none of such events occurs.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS MAY LIMIT OUR POTENTIAL GAINS OR CAUSE US TO LOSE MONEY.
In order to manage our exposure to price risks in the marketing of oil and
gas, we periodically enter into oil and gas price hedging arrangements,
typically costless collars. While intended to reduce the effects of volatile
oil and gas prices, such transactions, depending on the hedging instrument
used, may limit our potential gains if oil and gas prices were to rise
substantially over the price established by the hedge. In addition, such
transactions may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain
circumstances, including instances in which:
- production is substantially less than expected;
- the counterparties to our futures contracts fail to perform under the
contracts; or
- a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts gas or oil prices.
WE MAY NOT RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR A PORTION OF OUR FUTURE PRODUCTION.
Our revenues are derived principally from uncollateralized sales to customers
in the oil and gas industry. The concentration of credit risk in a single
industry affects our overall exposure to credit risk because customers may be
similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions. We do not
attempt to obtain credit protections such as letters of credit, guarantees or
prepayments from our purchasers. We are unable to predict, however, what
impact the financial difficulties of any of our purchasers may have on our
future results of operations and liquidity.
WE HAVE NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS TO SELL OIL AND GAS.
We do not have any long-term supply or similar agreements with governments or
other authorities or entities for which we act as a producer. We are therefore
dependent upon our ability to sell oil and gas at the prevailing wellhead
market price. There can be no assurance that purchasers will be available or
that the prices they are willing to pay will remain stable.
THERE IS CURRENTLY A SHORTAGE OF AVAILABLE DRILLING RIGS AND EQUIPMENT WHICH
COULD CAUSE US TO EXPERIENCE HIGHER COSTS AND DELAYS THAT COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS.
Although equipment and supplies used in our business are usually available
from multiple sources, there is currently a general shortage of drilling
equipment and supplies. We believe that these shortages are likely to
intensify. The costs and delivery times of equipment and supplies are
substantially greater now than in prior periods and are currently escalating.
In partial response to
14
this trend, we have acquired a controlling interest in a drilling company. We
believe that our ownership interest in the drilling company will allow us to
have priority access to several large drilling rigs. We are also attempting to
establish arrangements with others to assure adequate availability of certain
other necessary drilling equipment and supplies on satisfactory terms, but
there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that we will not experience shortages of, or material
price increases in, drilling equipment and supplies, including drill pipe, in
the future. Any such shortages could delay and adversely affect our ability to
meet our drilling commitments.
THE MARKETABILITY OF OUR PRODUCTION DEPENDS MOSTLY UPON THE AVAILABILITY,
PROXIMITY AND CAPACITY OF GAS GATHERING SYSTEMS, PIPELINES AND PROCESSING
FACILITIES, WHICH ARE OWNED BY THIRD PARTIES.
The marketability of our production depends upon the availability, operation
and capacity of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities,
which are owned by third parties. The unavailability or lack of capacity of
these systems and facilities could result in the shut-in of producing wells or
the delay or discontinuance of development plans for properties. We currently
own several wells that are capable of producing but are currently shut-in
pending the construction of gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing
facilities. United States federal, state and foreign regulation of oil and gas
production and transportation, tax and energy policies, damage to or
destruction of pipelines, general economic conditions and changes in supply
and demand could adversely affect our ability to produce and market oil and
natural gas. If market factors changed dramatically, the financial impact on
us could be substantial. The availability of markets and the volatility of
product prices are beyond our control and represent a significant risk.
OUR INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, MAKING OUR RESULTS UNCERTAIN.
We operate in the highly competitive areas of oil and gas exploration,
development and production. We compete for the purchase of leases from the
U.S. government and from other oil and gas companies. These leases include
exploration prospects as well as properties with proved reserves. We face
competition in every aspect of our business, including, but not limited to:
- acquiring reserves and leases;
- obtaining goods, services and employees needed to operate and manage our
properties
- access to the capital necessary to drill wells and acquire properties;
and
- marketing oil and natural gas.
Competitors include multinational oil companies, independent production
companies and individual producers and operators. Many of our competitors have
greater financial, technological and other resources than we do.
15
NEW TECHNOLOGIES MAY CAUSE OUR CURRENT EXPLORATION AND DRILLING METHODS TO
BECOME OBSOLETE, RESULTING IN AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR PRODUCTION.
The oil and natural gas industry is subject to rapid and significant
advancements in technology, including the introduction of new products and
services using new technologies. As competitors use or develop new
technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive
pressures may force us to implement new technologies at a substantial cost. In
addition, competitors may have greater financial, technical and personnel
resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may in the
future allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We cannot be
certain that we will be able to implement technologies on a timely basis or at
a cost that is acceptable to us. One or more of the technologies that we
currently use or that we may implement in the future may become obsolete, and
we may be adversely affected.
TERRORIST ATTACKS AIMED AT OUR FACILITIES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
The United States has been the target of terrorist attacks of unprecedented
scale. The U.S. government has issued warnings that U.S. energy assets may be
the future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have
subjected our operations to increased risks. Any future terrorist attack at
our facilities, or those of our purchasers, could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
WE OWN PROPERTIES IN THE GULF COAST REGION THAT COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE
BY SEVERE WEATHER.
Certain areas in and near the Gulf of Mexico experience hurricanes and other
extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis. Some of our
properties in the Gulf Coast Region are located in areas that could cause them
to be susceptible to damage by these storms. Damage caused by high winds and
flooding could potentially cause us to curtail operations and/or exploration
and development activities on such properties for significant periods of time
until damage can be repaired. Moreover, even if our properties are not
directly damaged by such storms, we may experience disruptions in our ability
to sell our production due to damage to pipelines, roads and other
transportation and refining facilities in the area. To date, our production
and operations have not been materially impacted by hurricanes.
WE MAY INCUR SUBSTANTIAL COSTS TO COMPLY WITH THE VARIOUS U.S. FEDERAL, STATE
AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS THAT AFFECT OUR OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS.
Our oil and gas operations are subject to stringent U.S. federal, state and
local laws and regulations relating to the release or disposal of materials
into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection or the
oil and gas industry generally. Legislation affecting the industry is under
constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing our
regulatory burden. Compliance with such laws and regulations often increases
our cost of doing business and, in turn, decreases our profitability. Failure
to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of
administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the incurrence of investigatory
or remedial obligations, or the imposition of injunctive relief.
The environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject may:
- require applying for and receiving a permit before drilling commences;
16
- restrict the types, quantities and concentration of substances that can
be released into the environment in connection with drilling and
production activities;
- limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within
wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; and
- impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our
operations.
Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any
changes that result in more stringent or costly waste handling, storage,
transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could require us to make
significant expenditures to maintain compliance, and may otherwise have a
material adverse effect on our earnings, results of operations, competitive
position or financial condition. Over the years, we have owned or leased
numerous properties for oil and gas activities upon which petroleum
hydrocarbons or other materials may have been released by us or by predecessor
property owners or lessees who were not under our control. Under applicable
environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state
laws, we could be held strictly liable for the removal or remediation of
previously released materials or property contamination at such locations
regardless of whether we were responsible for the release or if our operations
were standard in the industry at the time they were performed.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR STOCK.
WE MAY ISSUE SHARES OF PREFERRED STOCK WITH GREATER RIGHTS THAN OUR COMMON
STOCK.
Although we have no current plans, arrangements, understandings or agreements
to issue any preferred stock, our articles of incorporation authorize our
board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock and set the
terms of the preferred stock without seeking any further approval from our
shareholders. Any preferred stock that is issued may rank ahead of our common
stock, in terms of dividends, liquidation rights and voting rights.
THERE MAY BE FUTURE DILUTION OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
To the extent options to purchase common stock under our employee and director
stock option plans are exercised, holders of our common stock will incur
dilution. Further, if we sell additional equity or convertible debt
securities, such sales could result in increased dilution to our shareholders.
WE DO NOT EXPECT TO PAY DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON STOCK.
We do not expect to pay any dividends, in cash or otherwise, with respect to
our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain any earnings
for use in our business. In addition, the credit agreement relating to our
credit facility prohibits us from paying any dividends until the loan is
retired.
THE COMMON STOCK IS AN UNSECURED EQUITY INTEREST IN OUR COMPANY.
As an equity interest, the common stock will not be secured by any of our
assets. Therefore, in the event we are liquidated, the holders of the common
stock will receive a distribution only after all of our secured and unsecured
17
creditors have been paid in full. There can be no assurance that we will have
sufficient assets after paying our secured and unsecured creditors to make any
distribution to the holders of the common stock.
OUR SHAREHOLDERS DO NOT HAVE CUMULATIVE VOTING RIGHTS.
Holders of our common stock are not entitled to accumulate their votes for the
election of directors or otherwise. Accordingly, the holders of more than 50%
of our outstanding common stock will be able to elect all of our directors. As
of June 30, 2005, our directors and executive officers and their respective
affiliates collectively and beneficially owned approximately 23% of our
outstanding common stock.
OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION MAY HAVE PROVISIONS THAT DISCOURAGE CORPORATE
TAKEOVERS AND COULD PREVENT SHAREHOLDERS FROM REALIZING A PREMIUM ON THEIR
INVESTMENT.
Certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and the provisions of the
Colorado Business Corporation Act may discourage persons from considering
unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals. Such persons
might choose to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than pursue non-
negotiated takeover attempts. As a result, these provisions could have the
effect of preventing shareholders from realizing a premium on their
investment.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue
preferred stock without shareholder approval and to set the rights,
preferences and other designations, including voting rights of those shares,
as the Board may determine. In addition, our Articles of Incorporation
authorize a substantial number of shares of common stock in excess of the
shares outstanding. These provisions may discourage transactions involving
actual or potential changes of control, including transactions that otherwise
could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices to
shareholders for their common stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock offered pursuant
to this prospectus will be received directly by the selling shareholders, and
we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of these shares.
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE
The shares registered herein are being sold by the selling shareholders,
and not by us, and are therefore being sold at the market price as of the date
of sale. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System
under the symbol "DPTR." On October 13, 2005, the reported closing price for
our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market System was $17.33.
RECENT MATERIAL CHANGES IN OUR BUSINESS
There have been no material changes in our business since June 30, 2005
that have not been reported in our reports on Form 8-K.
18
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The shares offered pursuant to this prospectus are being offered by the
selling shareholders.
Selling shareholders
- --------------------
The table below includes information regarding ownership of our common
stock by the selling shareholders and the number of shares that may be sold
under this prospectus. There are no material relationships with the selling
shareholders other than those discussed herein.
Shares Shares
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to the Offering After the Offering(1)
---------------------- Shares -----------------------
Percent Offered Percent
Selling shareholders Number of Class Hereby Number of Class
- -------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
Condor Limited Partnership 162,750 .34% 65,000 97,750 .20%
Merlin Limited Partnership 57,107 .12% 23,000 34,107 .07%
Peregrine Limited Partnership 30,143 .06% 12,000 18,143 .04%
Sprott Securities, Inc. 2,933,957 6.14% 332,250 2,601,707 5.44%
Royal Trust Corporation of
Canada in Trust for Account
110-455-158 871,000 1.82% 122,000 749,000 1.57%
Royal Trust Corporation of
Canada in Trust for Account
110-455-029 3,380,274 7.07% 373,626 3,006,648 6.29%
Royal Trust Corporation of
Canada in Trust for Account
111-440-001 144,168 .30% 17,500 126,668 .26%
Royal Trust Corporation of
Canada in Trust for Account
110-455-130 196,800 .41% 26,000 170,800 .36%
Royal Trust Corporation of
Canada in Trust for Account
086-220-001 39,377 .08% 4,300 35,077 .07%
Touradji Global Resources Master
Fund, Ltd. 3,895,963 8.15% 1,411,892 2,484,071 5.2%
Calm Waters Partnership 162,162 .34% 162,162 0 0
GLG North American Opportunity
Fund 301,500 .63% 301,500 0 0
Knoll Capital Fund II MasterFund,
Ltd. 216,216 .45% 216,216 0 0
Europa International, Inc. 216,216 .45% 216,216 0 0
JVL Global Energy, (QP), LP 56,000 .12% 56,000 0 0
JVL Global Energy, LP 31,500 .07% 31,500 0 0
Belridge Energy Advisors, L.P. 150,000 .31% 150,000 0 0
Peninsula Catalyst Fund L.P. 36,476 .08% 21,750 14,726 .03%
Peninsula Catalyst Fund QP LP 89,305 .19% 53,250 36,055 .08%
Peninsula Fund, L.P. 112,500 .24% 87,500 25,000 .05%
Copper Beech Partners LP 118,921 .25% 18,200 100,721 .21%
Copper Beech Partners II LP 731,200 1.53% 103,300 627,900 1.31%
Copper Beech Offshore Fund Ltd. 883,794 1.85% 128,500 755,294 1.58%
David L. Henle and Joan Casale
Henle, Joint Tenants 25,000 .05% 15,000 10,000 .02%
Truk International Fund, LP 25,000 .05% 25,000 0 0
Truk Opportunity Fund, LLC 125,000 .26% 125,000 0 0
19
SDS Capital Group SPC, Ltd. 200,000 .42% 200,000 0 0
Highside Offshore, Ltd. 211,638 .44% 211,638 0 0
Highside Capital Partners, L.P. 166,740 .35% 166,740 0 0
Scudder Dreman Small Cap Value
Fund 188,400 .39% 188,400 0 0
SVS Scudder Dreman Small Cap
Value Partnership 111,600 .23% 111,600 0 0
BBT Fund, L.P. 159,459 .33% 159,459 0 0
Concentrated Alpha Partners, L.P. 94,595 .20% 94,595 0 0
SRI Fund, L.P. 16,216 .03% 16,216 0 0
Ridgecrest Partners, QP, LP 50,000 .10% 50,000 0 0
Richard C. McKenzie, Jr. 108,108 .23% 108,108 0 0
- ------------------------
(1) Assumes that the selling shareholders will sell all of the shares of common stock offered
pursuant to this prospectus. We cannot assure you that the selling shareholders will sell all or any
of these shares.
The selling shareholders listed above have provided us with additional
information regarding the individuals that exercise control over the selling
shareholder. The following is a list of the selling shareholders and the
natural person or persons with voting or investment power for the shares:
* Condor Limited Partnership: Albert Coy Monk IV.
* Merlin Limited Partnership: Albert Coy Monk IV.
* Peregrine Limited Partnership: Albert Coy Monk IV.
* Sprott Securities, Inc.: Eric Sprott.
* Royal Trust Corporation of Canada in Trust for Account 110-455-158:
Eric Sprott.
* Royal Trust Corporation of Canada in Trust for Account 110-455-029:
Eric Sprott.
* Royal Trust Corporation of Canada in Trust for Account 111-440-001:
Eric Sprott.
* Royal Trust Corporation of Canada in Trust for Account 110-455-130:
Eric Sprott.
* Royal Trust Corporation of Canada in Trust for Account 086-220-001:
Eric Sprott.
* Touradji Global Resources Master Fund, Ltd.: Thomas S. Dwon.
* Calm Waters Partnership: Richard S. Strong.
* GLG North American Opportunity Fund: Noam Gottesman, Philippe
Jabre, Pierre Lagrange.
* Knoll Capital Fund II MasterFund, Ltd.: Fred Knoll.
* Europa International, Inc.: Fred Knoll.
20
* JVL Global Energy, (QP), LP: John Lovoi.
* JVL Global Energy, LP: John Lovoi.
* Belridge Energy Advisors, L.P.: Scott A. Bedford.
* Peninsula Catalyst Fund L.P.: Mike Ogborne.
* Peninsula Catalyst Fund QP LP: Mike Ogborne.
* Peninsula Fund, L.P.: Scott A. Bedford.
* Copper Beech Partners LP: Anthony Buffalano, III.
* Copper Beech Partners II LP: Anthony Buffalano, III.
* Copper Beech Offshore Fund Ltd.: Anthony Buffalano, III.
* David L. Henle and Joan Casale Henle, Joint Tenants: David and
Joan Henle.
* Truk International Fund, LP: Michael E. Fein and Stephen Saltzstein.
* Truk Opportunity Fund, LLC: Michael E. Fein and Stephen Saltzstein.
* SDS Capital Group SPC, Ltd.: Steven Derby.
* Highside Offshore, Ltd.: Lee Hobson.
* Highside Capital Partners, L.P.: Lee Hobson.
* Scudder Dreman Small Cap Value Fund: Nelson Woodard.
* SVS Scudder Dreman Small Cap Value Partnership: Nelson Woddard.
* BBT Fund, L.P.: Sid R. Bass.
* Concentrated Alpha Partners, L.P.: Sid R. Bass.
* SRI Fund, L.P.: Sid R. Bass.
* Ridgecrest Partners, QP, LP: Todd McElroy.
* Richard C. McKenzie, Jr.: Richard C. McKenzie, Jr.
Sprott Securities, Inc. has informed us that it is a licensed broker-
dealer in Canada and has a direct affiliation with a broker-dealer that is
registered in the United States. This selling shareholder has represented to
us that it purchased our stock in the ordinary course of its business as a
custodian for managed funds, and that at the time of the purchase of the
securities to be resold, such selling shareholder had no agreements or
understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the
securities.
21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling shareholders and their respective successors, which term
includes their transferees, pledgees or donees or their successors, may sell
the common stock directly to one or more purchasers (including pledgees) or
through brokers, dealers or underwriters who may act solely as agents or may
acquire common stock as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, at negotiated prices
or at fixed prices, which may be changed. The selling shareholders may effect
the distribution of the common stock in one or more of the following methods:
- ordinary brokers' transactions, which may include long or short
sales;
- transactions involving cross or block trades or otherwise on the
open market;
- purchases by brokers, dealers or underwriters as principal and
resale by such purchasers for their own accounts under this
prospectus;
- "at the market" to or through market makers or into an existing
market for the common stock;
- in other ways not involving market makers or established trading
markets, including direct sales to purchasers or sales effected
through agents;
- through transactions in options, swaps or other derivatives
(whether exchange listed or otherwise); or
- any combination of the above, or by any other legally available
means.
In addition, the selling shareholders or their respective successors in
interest may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers who may
engage in short sales of common stock in the course of hedging the positions
they assume with the selling shareholders. The selling shareholders or their
respective successors in interest may also enter into option or other
transactions with broker-dealers that require delivery by such broker-dealers
of the common stock, which common stock may be resold thereafter under this
prospectus.
Brokers, dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the
distribution of the common stock may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling shareholders and/or the
purchasers of common stock for whom such broker-dealers may act as agent or to
whom they may sell as principal, or both (which compensation as to a
particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions).
Any securities covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale under
Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under that Rule rather than
under this prospectus.
We cannot assure you that the selling shareholders will sell any or all
of the shares of common stock offered by the selling shareholders.
22
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the selling shareholders will sell the common stock in
jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In
addition, in certain states, the selling shareholders may not sell the common
stock unless the shares of common stock have been registered or qualified for
sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or
qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
- ------------
We are authorized to issue 300,000,000 shares of our $.01 par value
common stock, of which 47,800,000 shares were issued and outstanding as of
October 5, 2005. Holders of common stock are entitled to cast one vote for
each share held of record on all matters presented to shareholders.
Shareholders do not have cumulative rights; hence, the holders of more than
50% of the outstanding common stock can elect all directors.
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor
and, in the event of liquidation, to share pro rata in any distribution of our
assets after payment of all liabilities. We do not anticipate that any
dividends on common stock will be declared or paid in the foreseeable future.
Holders of common stock do not have any rights of redemption or conversion or
preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares if issued by us. All of
the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
EXPERTS
- -------
The consolidated balance sheets of Delta Petroleum Corporation as of June
30, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2005, and management's
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
as of June 30, 2005, incorporated herein by reference, have been incorporated
herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The audit report covering the June 30, 2005 Consolidated Financial
Statements of Delta Petroleum Corporation refers to the adoption of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations, as of July 1, 2002.
LEGAL MATTERS
- -------------
The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered pursuant to this
prospectus will be passed upon for us by Krys Boyle, P.C., Denver, Colorado.
Shareholders and employees of Krys Boyle, P.C. own an aggregate of 3,600
shares of Delta common stock that were purchased on the open market for cash
at prevailing prices.
23
RESERVE ENGINEERS
- -----------------
Certain information incorporated by reference in this prospectus
regarding estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves associated with
our oil and gas properties, the future net revenues from those reserves and
their present value is based on estimates of the reserves and present values
prepared by or derived from estimates prepared by Ralph E. Davis Associates,
Inc. or Mannon Associates, independent reserve engineers. The reserve
information is incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firms as experts with respect to such reports.
24
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The expenses of the offering are estimated as follows:
Attorneys' Fees $ 5,000
Accountants' Fees $ 5,000
Registration Fees $11,026
Printing $ 500
Advertising $ 0
Other Expenses $ 3,474
-------
TOTAL $25,000
=======
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Colorado Business Corporation Act (the "Act") provides that a
Colorado corporation may indemnify a person made a party to a proceeding
because the person is or was a director against liability incurred in the
proceeding if (a) the person conducted himself or herself in good faith, and
(b) the person reasonably believed: (i) in the case of conduct in an official
capacity with the corporation, that his or her conduct was in the
corporation's best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that his or her
conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests; and
(iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the person had no reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of a
proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the
director did not meet the standard of conduct described in the Act. The Act
also provides that a Colorado corporation is not permitted to indemnify a
director (a) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or
(b) in connection with any other proceeding charging that the director derived
an improper personal benefit, whether or not involving action in an official
capacity, in which proceeding the director was adjudged liable on the basis
that he or she derived an improper personal benefit. Indemnification
permitted under the Act in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of
the corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
the proceeding.
Article X of our Articles of Incorporation provides as follows:
"ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
The corporation may:
(A) Indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
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or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him
in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if he acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not of itself create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the corporation and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful.
(B) Indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in
the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of
the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with
the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the
corporation; but no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim,
issue, or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable for
negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was
brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability, but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses which such court
deems proper.
(C) To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of a
corporation has been successful on the merits in defense of any action, suit,
or proceeding referred to in (A) or (B) of this Article X or in defense of any
claim, issue, or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection therewith.
(D) Any indemnification under (A) or (B) of this Article X (unless
ordered by a court) and as distinguished from (C) of this Article shall be
made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a
determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or
agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in (A) or (B) above. Such determination shall
be made by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding, or, if
such a quorum is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, if a quorum of
disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written
opinion, or by the shareholders.
(E) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending a civil
or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in
advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding as
authorized in (C) or (D) of this Article X upon receipt of an undertaking by
or on behalf of the director, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount
unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by
the corporation as authorized in this Article X.
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(F) The indemnification provided by this Article X shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under
any applicable law, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested
directors, or otherwise, and any procedure provided for by any of the
foregoing, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure
to the benefit of heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.
(G) The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation
or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under provisions of this Article X."
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by Delta of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of Delta in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Delta
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
controlling the registrant according to the foregoing provisions, the
registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS.
Exhibit
No. Description
- ------- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Amendment to Articles of
Incorporation of Delta Petroleum Corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004, filed September 13,
2004, with the Securities and Exchange Commission)(1)
3.2 By-laws of Delta Petroleum Corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10 filed
September 9, 1987 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission) (1)
5.1 Opinion of Krys Boyle, P.C. regarding legality (2)
23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP (2)
23.2 Consent of Krys Boyle, P.C. **
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23.3 Consent of Ralph E. Davis Associates, Inc. (2)
23.4 Consent of Mannon Associates, Inc. (2)
- ------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference.
(2) Filed herewith electronically.
** Contained in the legal opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1.
Undertakings
The Company on behalf of itself hereby undertakes and commits as follows:
A. 1. To file, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to:
(i) Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act.
(ii) Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which,
individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information in
the Registration Statement.
(iii) Include any additional or changed material information on the
plan of distribution.
2. For determining liability under the Securities Act, to treat each
post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of the securities
offered, and the offering of the securities at that time to be the initial
bona fide offering.
3. To file a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of
the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering.
B. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of Delta pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, Delta has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
C. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefits plan annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
D. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent
or given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
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1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by
Article 3 of Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or
cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given,
the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in
the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Denver and State of Colorado on the 17th day
of October, 2005.
DELTA PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By: /s/ Roger A. Parker
Roger A. Parker, Chief Executive
Officer
By: /s/ Kevin K. Nanke
Kevin K. Nanke, Chief Financial
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Form S-3
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on our
behalf and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature and Title Date
--------------------- ----------------
/s/ Aleron H. Larson, Jr. October 17, 2005
Aleron H. Larson, Jr., Director
/s/ Roger A. Parker October 17, 2005
Roger A. Parker, Director
/s/ James B. Wallace October 17, 2005
James B. Wallace, Director
/s/ Jerrie F. Eckelberger October 17, 2005
Jerrie F. Eckelberger, Director
/s/ Russell S. Lewis October 17, 2005
Russell S. Lewis, Director
/s/ Kevin R. Collins October 17, 2005
Kevin R. Collins, Director
/s/ Jordan R. Smith October 17, 2005
Jordan R. Smith, Director
/s/ Neal A. Stanley October 17, 2005
Neal A. Stanley, Director
/s/ James P. Van Blarcom October 17, 2005
James P. Van Blarcom, Director