Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File No. 333-129071
Prospectus
Up to 5,405,418 Shares
Delta Petroleum Corporation
Common Stock
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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"
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Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.
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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 November 30, 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. Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
June 30, 2005, filed on October 28, 2005, Exchange Act reporting
number 0-16203.
3. Amendment No. 2 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
June 30, 2005, filed on November 17, 2005, Exchange Act reporting
number 0-16203.
4. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2005, filed on November 9, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
5. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 29, 2005, filed on July 6,
2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
6. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 9, 2005, filed on August 10,
2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
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7. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 7, 2005, filed on September
13, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
8. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 13, 2005 filed on September
14, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
9. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 22, 2005, filed on
September 26, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
10. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 27, 2005, filed on
September 30, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
11. Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 8, 2005, filed on November
15, 2005, Exchange Act reporting number 0-16203.
12. The description of our common stock contained in our Registration
Statement on Form 10 filed September 9, 1987, Exchange Act reporting
number 0-16203.
13. 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,"
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"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 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
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Prospectus Summary .................................................... 6
Risk Factors........................................................... 7
Use of Proceeds ....................................................... 18
Determination of Offering Price ....................................... 18
Recent Material Changes in our Business ............................... 18
Selling Shareholders .................................................. 20
Plan of Distribution .................................................. 23
Description of Securities ............................................. 24
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel ................................ 24
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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
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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
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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 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 47,800,409 shares of common stock $.01 par value were
outstanding as of November 15, 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.
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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.
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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 $35.0 and $40.0 million for the three 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
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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 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.
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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 September 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
September 30, 2005, we had approximately $56.0 million outstanding under our
senior credit facility and additional availability of approximately $19.0
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-
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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.
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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
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properties (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.
14
In partial response to 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:
16
- require applying for and receiving a permit before drilling commences;
- 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 September 30, 2005, our directors and executive officers and
their respective affiliates collectively and beneficially owned approximately
6.9% 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 November 30, 2005, the reported closing
price for our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market System was $16.10.
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, except as follows:
18
On January 9, 2002, we and several other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in
the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. alleging that
the U.S. Government has materially breached the terms of forty undeveloped
federal leases, some of which are part of our Offshore California properties.
The suit seeks compensation for the lease bonuses and rentals paid to the
federal government, exploration costs and related expenses. The total amount
claimed by all lessees for bonuses and rentals for all forty leases exceeds
$1.2 billion, with additional amounts for exploration costs and related
expenses. In the event, however, that we receive any proceeds as the result
of such litigation, we may be obligated to pay a portion of any amount
received by us to landowners and other owners of royalties and similar
interests, and to pay expenses of litigation and to fulfill certain pre-
existing contractual commitments to third parties.
On November 15, 2005, the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a
ruling in the suit granting the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment as to
liability and partial summary judgment as to damages with respect to thirty
six of the forty total federal leases that are the subject of the litigation.
The court's ruling also denied the United States' motion to dismiss and
motion for summary judgment. We and our majority-owned subsidiary, Amber
Resources Company of Colorado ("Amber"), are among the twelve plaintiffs in
the lawsuit. The United States Court of Federal Claims ruled that the federal
government's imposition of new and onerous requirements that stood as a
significant obstacle to oil and gas development breached agreements that it
made when it sold thirty six out of the total forty offshore California
federal leases that are the subject of the litigation. The Court further
ruled that the government must give back to the current lessees the more than
$1.1 billion in lease bonuses it had received at the time of sale.
We and Amber are among the current lessees of the thirty six leases that
are the subject of the ruling. Together with Amber, our net share of the
$1.1 billion award is approximately $121 million. The final ruling in the
case will not be made until the Court addresses the plaintiffs' additional
claims regarding the four additional leases, as well as their claims
regarding the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been spent in the
successful efforts to find oil and gas in the disputed lease area, and other
matters. The final ruling, including the ruling made on November 15, will be
subject to appeal, and no payments will be made until all appeals have either
been waived or exhausted.
19
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
20
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.
21
* 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.
22
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.
23
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 47,800,409 shares were issued and outstanding as of
November 15, 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.
24
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.
25