Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 0-23530

 

 

TRANS ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   93-0997412

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

210 Second Street, P.O. Box 393, St. Marys, West Virginia 26170

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (304) 684-7053

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of July 2, 2015

Common Stock, $0.001 par value   15,144,477

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

     Page  

Heading

      

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (unaudited)

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

     F-1   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three Months Ended March  31, 2015 and 2014

     F-3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three Months Ended March  31, 2015 and 2014

     F-4   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-5   

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     1  

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     4  

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     5  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     6  

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     6  

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     6  

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     6  

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     6  

Signatures

     7  

 

i


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

TRANS ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Unaudited

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     Unaudited     Audited  
ASSETS     

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash

   $ 1,182,656      $ 1,585,530  

Accounts receivable, trade

     4,501,676        4,248,152  

Accounts receivable, related parties

     18,500        18,500  

Derivative assets

     6,497,401        5,420,309   

Advance royalties

     172,883        68,133  

Prepaid expenses

     710,554        767,233  

Deferred financing costs, net of amortization of $862,889 and $599,971, respectively

     1,051,671        1,051,671  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

  14,135,341      13,159,528  

OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES, USING SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS ACCOUNTING

Proved properties

  91,578,014      88,194,425  

Unproved properties

  6,182,957      5,728,196  

Pipelines

  4,407,117      1,259,052  

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

  (19,029,213   (17,731,699 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, net

  83,138,875      77,449,974  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $384,978 and $364,710 respectively

  486,497      504,526  

OTHER ASSETS

Assets held for sale

  14,720,207      14,301,375   

Derivative assets

  7,349,234      2,809,847   

Deferred financing costs

  2,892,096      3,155,014   

Other assets

  389,378      388,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other assets

  25,350,915      20,655,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 123,111,628    $ 111,769,145  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-1


Table of Contents

TRANS ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

Unaudited

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     Unaudited     Audited  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable, trade

   $ 267,968     $ 531,761  

Accounts payable due to drilling operator

     13,032,589        5,777,983   

Accounts payable, related party

     1,500       1,500  

Accrued expenses

     4,962,408       7,429,874  

Environmental settlement and related costs

     3,600,000        3,600,000   

Revenue payable

     16,072       25,019  

Commodity derivative liability

     255,500        —     

Notes payable — current

     925,700       4,402  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  23,061,737     17,370,539  

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Notes payable, net

  111,611,121     109,539,647  

Asset retirement obligations

  103,300     90,928  

Environmental settlement and related costs

  3,000,000      3,000,000   

Commodity derivative liability

  732,464     716,488  

Deferred revenue

  62,510      62,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

  115,509,395      113,409,573   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  138,571,132     130,780,112  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

  —       —    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred stock; 10,000,000 shares authorized at $0.001 par value; -0- shares issued and outstanding

  —       —    

Common stock; 500,000,000 shares authorized at $0.001 par value; 14,996,477 and 14,578,467 shares issued, and 14,994,477 and 14,576,467 shares outstanding, respectively

  14,997     14,578  

Additional paid-in capital

  45,205,565     44,323,190  

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,000 shares

  (1,950 )   (1,950 )

Accumulated deficit

  (60,678,116 )   (63,346,785 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

  (15,459,504 )   (19,010,967 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$ 123,111,628   $ 111,769,145  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

TRANS ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

OPERATING REVENUES

    

Oil and gas sales

   $ 4,385,037      $ 9,716,422   

Gas transportation, gathering, and processing

     42,716        54,789   

Other income

     1,777        5,131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

  4,429,530      9,776,342   

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

Production costs

  3,037,186      3,255,950   

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

  1,802,830      2,111,726   

Selling, general and administrative

  1,180,830      1,447,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

  6,020,846      6,815,495   

Gain on sale of assets

  —        207,396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

  (1,591,316   3,168,243   

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)

Interest income

  542      908   

Interest expense

  (3,115,737   (4,131,193

Gain (loss) on commodity derivative

  7,375,180      (566,192
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expenses)

  4,259,985     (4,696,477
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

  2,668,669     (1,528,234

INCOME TAX

  —        —     

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$ 2,668,669   $ (1,528,234
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — BASIC

$ .18   $ (.11

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — DILUTED

$ .18    $ (.11

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES — BASIC

  14,889,031      13,516,199   

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES — DILUTED

  15,079,726      13,516,199   

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

TRANS ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,668,669     $ (1,528,234 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation, depletion, and accretion

     1,317,781       2,111,726  

Amortization of financing costs and debt discount

     485,049       1,305,651   

Share-based compensation

     555,778       198,541  

Gain on sale of assets

     —         (207,396

Interest and legal expense added to principal

     —          534,571   

Unrealized (gain) loss on commodity derivative assets

     (5,345,004     305,650   

Realized (gain) loss on commodity derivative assets

     (2,030,176     260,542   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, trade

     1,776,652       (3,203,280 )

Accounts receivable due from operator, net

     —          269,558   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (48,071 )     1,580  

Other assets

     (497     (489 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (1,665,240 )     747,804  

Accounts payable due to operator, net

     5,903,756        —     

Revenue payable

     (8,947 )     37,464   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  3,609,750     833,688  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from sale of assets

  —        259,543  

Expenditures for oil and gas properties

  (7,108,042 )   (1,986,807 )

Expenditures for property and equipment

  (2,239 )   —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

  (7,110,281 )   (1,727,264

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable

  3,050,000      —     

Payments on notes payable

  (279,359 )   (211,099 )

Issuance of common stock

  —        —     

Stock options exercised

  327,016      223,746   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  3,097,657     12,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH

  (402,874 )   (880,929
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

  1,585,530     2,727,832  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH, END OF PERIOD

$ 1,182,656   $ 1,846,903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

CASH PAID FOR:

Interest

$ 3,115,736   $ 2,409,018  

Income taxes

  —        —     

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Accrued expenditures for oil and gas properties

$ 7,254,606    $ 3,509,412  

Increase in asset retirement obligation

$ 12,372   $ 12,372   

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

TRANS ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Trans Energy, Inc., (“Trans Energy,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company”), in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in a full set of financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. The information furnished in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. Although management believes the disclosures and information presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our most recent audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our December 31, 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.

Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the 2014 Form 10-K, and are supplemented by the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this report.

Nature of Operations and Organization

We are an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. Our operations are presently focused in the State of West Virginia.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include Trans Energy and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Prima Oil Company, Inc. (“Prima”), Ritchie County Gathering Systems, Inc., Tyler Construction Company, Inc., American Shale Development, Inc. (“American Shale” or “ASD”), and Tyler Energy, Inc., and interests with joint venture partners, which are accounted for under the proportional consolidation method. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including oil and gas reserve quantities which are the basis for the calculation of depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment of oil and gas properties, timing and costs associated with our asset retirement obligations, estimates of fair value of derivative instruments and estimates used in stock-based compensation calculations. Reserve estimates are by their nature inherently imprecise.

Financing Costs

In connection with obtaining the Morgan Stanley financing in May 2014 and subsequent borrowings, we incurred fees and expenses of $4,806,656. These fees and expenses were recorded as financing costs and are being amortized over the life of the loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.

In October 2013 we reached a settlement with Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (“Opco”) which related to the amount of the fee which was earned by Opco acting as our investment banker in assisting the Company in obtaining funding (“Tranche A”) with Chambers Energy Capital (“Chambers”). We recorded $401,625 in financing fees related to the settlement. The Opco financing fees were being amortized over the same period as the Tranche A loan. In addition, when we obtained new financing in February 2013 and April 2012, we incurred $122,230 in fees during 2013 and $1,741,976 in 2012. These fees were recorded as financing costs and were being amortized over the life of the loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. When we obtained the Morgan Stanley financing, the remaining balance of the finance fees related to the Chambers financing was expensed due to the payoff of the related loan.

Amortization of financing costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $485,049 and $204,484, respectively. Our policy is to recognize twelve months of future deferred financing cost amortization as a current asset and the remaining balance of deferred financing costs as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation on vehicles, machinery and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over expected useful lives of five to ten years. Additions are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Oil and Gas Properties

Trans Energy uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Under the successful efforts method, costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves, and to drill and equip development wells and asset retirement costs are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs, and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred.

Unproved oil and gas properties that are individually significant are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Other unproved properties are amortized based on Trans Energy’s experience of successful drilling and average holding period. Capitalized costs of producing oil and gas properties, after considering estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs and estimated salvage values, are depreciated and depleted by the unit-of-production method. Depreciation on pipelines and related equipment, including compressors, is computed using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of ten to twenty-five years.

On the sale or retirement of a proved property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization are eliminated from the property accounts, and the resultant gain or loss is recognized.

On the sale of an entire interest in an unproved property for cash or cash equivalent, gain or loss on the sale is recognized, taking into consideration the amount of any recorded impairment if the property had been assessed individually.

If a partial interest in an unproved property is sold, the amount received is treated as a reduction of the cost of the interest retained.

Impairments

Generally accepted accounting principles require that long-lived assets (including oil and gas properties) and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company, at least annually, reviews its proved oil and gas properties for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its properties to the properties’ undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. Estimates of future oil and gas prices, operating costs, and production are utilized in determining undiscounted future net cash flows. The estimated future production of oil and gas reserves is based upon the Company’s independent reserve engineer’s estimate of proved reserves, which includes assumptions regarding field decline rates and future prices and costs. For properties where the carrying value exceeds undiscounted future net cash flows, the Company recognizes as impairment the difference between the carrying value and fair market value of the properties.

No impairments were recorded through March 31, 2015 or 2014.

Derivatives

We may enter into derivative commodity contracts at times to manage or reduce commodity price risk related to our production. Derivatives and embedded derivatives, if applicable, are measured at fair value and recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities. Derivatives are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement is expected to be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date. These commodity contracts are not designated as cash flow hedges, so changes in the fair value are recognized immediately in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations. The pricing models used for valuation often incorporate significant estimates and assumptions, which may impact the level of precision in the financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

Notes Payable

We record notes payable at fair value and recognize interest expense for accrued interest payable under the terms of the agreements. Principal and interest payments due within one year are classified as current, whereas principal and interest payments for periods beyond one year are classified as long term.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. These obligations include dismantlement, plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells and associated pipelines and equipment. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its then present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depleted over the estimated useful life of the related asset which has been determined to be 40 years for Marcellus Shale wells.

The following is a description of the changes to our asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31:

 

     2015      2014  

Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period

   $ 90,928      $ 41,440  

Liabilities incurred during the period

     11,372        11,372   

Accretion expense

     1,000        1,000  

Liabilities held for sale

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligations at end of period

$ 103,300   $ 53,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our current portion of the asset retirement obligation was $0.

Income Taxes

At March 31, 2015, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”) for future years of approximately $64.9 million. These NOLs will expire at various dates through 2033. There is no current tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to a net operating loss for the period. No tax benefit has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the remaining NOLs or Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credit since the potential tax benefit is offset by a valuation allowance of the same amount. Utilization of the NOLs could be limited if there is a substantial change in ownership of the Company and is contingent on future earnings.

We have provided a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the total net deferred asset in recognition of the uncertainty regarding the ultimate amount of the net deferred tax asset that will be realized.

The Company has no material unrecognized tax benefits. No tax penalties or interest expense were accrued as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014 or paid during the periods then ended. We file tax returns in the United States and states in which we have operations and are subject to taxation. Tax years subsequent to 2010 remain open to examination by U.S. federal and state tax jurisdictions, however prior year net operating losses remain open for examination.

Revenue and Cost Recognition

We recognize gas revenues upon delivery of the gas to the customers’ pipeline from our pipelines when recorded as received by the customer’s meter. We recognize oil revenues when pumped and metered by the customer. We use the sales method to account for sales and imbalances of natural gas. Under this method, revenues are recognized based on actual volumes sold to purchasers. The volumes sold may differ from the volumes to which we are entitled based on our interest in the properties. These differences create imbalances which are recognized as a liability only when the imbalance exceeds the estimate of remaining reserves. We had no material imbalances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Costs associated with production are expensed in the period incurred.

Revenue payable represents cash received but not yet distributed to third parties.

Transportation revenue is recognized when earned and we have a contractual right to receive payment.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted new authoritative accounting guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which enhanced disclosures by requiring an entity to disclose information about netting arrangements, including rights of offset, to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position and provided clarification as to the specific instruments that should be considered in these disclosures. These pronouncements were issued to facilitate comparison between financial statements prepared on the basis of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. These disclosures are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are to be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. See Note 9 - Derivative and Hedging Financial Instruments for tabular presentation of the Company’s gross and net derivative positions.

Share-Based Compensation

Trans Energy estimates the fair value of each stock option award at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model employs various assumptions, based on management’s best estimates at the time of the grant, which impact the fair value calculated and ultimately, the expense that is recognized over the life of the award. We have utilized historical data and analyzed current information to reasonably support these assumptions. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant.

We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. As a result of stock and option transactions, we recorded total share-based compensation of $135,778 and $198,541 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We also recorded share-based compensation related to stock awards for 2014 performance payments of $420,000 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers by providing a principle based approach. The core principal of the standard is that revenue should be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services is made in an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods and services. ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This standard will be effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, FASB proposed deferring the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2014-09 on the financial statements.

In April 2015 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). This standard amends the existing guidance to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of as a deferred charge. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective on a retrospective basis for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this standard will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

The Company has reviewed all other recently issued accounting standards in order to determine their effects, if any, on the consolidated financial statements. Based on that review, the Company believes that none of these standards will have a significant effect on current or future earnings or results of operations.

NOTE 2 — OPERATIONS

We have incurred net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 of $2,668,669 and $(1,528,234), respectively. Although our current and prior year-to-date revenues were not sufficient to cover our operating costs and interest expense, we are focusing on drilling Marcellus Shale wells which based upon projections, are expected to increase our cash flow. If our cash flows from operations are not sufficient to meet liquidity requirements, we may need to sell assets, obtain additional financing or issue equity.

Our net income and cash flows provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were primarily due to a gain on commodity derivatives as well as an increase in accounts payable to operator. Our net losses and cash flows used in operating and investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were primarily funded using net proceeds from notes payable to Chambers and Morgan Stanley (see Note 8), in addition to proceeds from the sale of certain oil and gas properties (see Note 6).

 

F-8


Table of Contents

NOTE 3 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DUE TO DRILLING OPERATOR

We have historically been the drilling operator for wells drilled on our behalf in which we own a working interest. In 2012, another working interest owner became the drilling operator for wells in which we own a working interest. We owed the drilling operator $13,032,589 and $5,777,983 for charges incurred, but not paid, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amount due to the operator reported at December 31, 2014 has been reduced for consideration received from the Republic purchase and sale agreement, which is to be paid in the form of a credit against the expenses incurred by Republic Energy Ventures on behalf of American Shale (see Note 6). The amount due to the operator reported at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is net of a $796,964 and $708,467 credit, respectively, related to intercompany charges related to employee salary reimbursements, travel expenses, and lease costs.

NOTE 4 — OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

Total additions for oil and gas properties for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $7,108,042 and $1,986,807, respectively. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses on oil and gas properties were $1,297,264 and $2,089,607 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NOTE 5 — ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

Assets held for sale relate to the Wetzel county properties located in West Virginia including 5,159 net acres held by the Company and the Company’s interest in twelve Marcellus producing wellbores which the Company has contracted to sell to TH Exploration, LLC, a Texas limited liability company. Total assets held for sale as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $14,720,207 and $14,301,375 respectively. See Note 15 Subsequent Events

NOTE 6 — SALE OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

On January 24, 2013, we closed the sale of our interests in certain non-core assets for approximately $2.6 million of net cash proceeds. The interests sold consisted of our working interest in all existing shallow wells, but we retained an overriding royalty interest of approximately 2.5% on most of the wells. The purchaser assumed the role of operator with respect to approximately 300 wellbores, and has commenced a workover program with respect to a number of the existing wells. The wells produced at a rate of approximately 800 Mcfe per day as of December 31, 2012, which was the effective date for the transaction.

Additionally, we granted the purchaser the right to drill wells in or above conventional shallow Devonian formations, for leases where we currently hold rights to such depths. We did not farm out any of our rights to drill in deeper formations such as the Rhinestreet, Marcellus or Utica. We retained up to a 5% overriding royalty interest on any such wells drilled, depending on the net revenue interest.

On December 13, 2013, the Company and Republic closed a transaction pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “PSA”) dated September 30, 2013. The Company owned 1,114.8 lease acres of the total 4,650 lease acres and leasehold working interests in certain partially completed well sites, located in Tyler County, West Virginia. At closing, the Company received cash of approximately $10.6 million of the total purchase price of $36.3 million, net of holdback. A total of 118.6 lease acres were excluded from the sale (39.8 lease acres net to the Company) due to incurable title defects. An additional 135.5 lease acres (30.7 lease acres net to the Company) were excluded from the sale due to curable title defects, which were cured and an additional $0.2 million was due and payable to the Company, as of December 31, 2013, per the terms of the PSA. In February 2014, the Company received $489,608 related to curable title defects. The proceeds were applied to a receivable of $230,064 recorded at December 31, 2013. The remaining $259,544 was reported, net of expenses, as gain on sale of assets in 2014.

On May 21, 2014 (“Funding Date”), American Shale entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “Republic PSA”) with its joint venture partner, Republic Energy Ventures (“Republic”). Under the Republic PSA, for $15 million, American Shale sold (i) an undivided interest across all of its undeveloped leasehold amounting to approximately 2,239 net acres, (ii) an over-riding royalty interest of 1.5% in all of its leasehold in Wetzel County, West Virginia, and (iii) an over-riding royalty interest of 1.0% in six (6) wells that are currently being drilled in Marshall County, West Virginia. The consideration is to be paid in the form of a credit against expenses incurred by Republic on behalf of

 

F-9


Table of Contents

American Shale. American Shale reserved the right to receive 25% of the net profits earned by Republic on the assets sold. American Shale had the option to repurchase the undivided interest across all of its undeveloped leasehold, plus the over-riding royalty interest in its Wetzel County leasehold, for $15 million if (i) such payment is made within six (6) months of the Funding Date, or (ii) a purchase and sale agreement that would allow for such repayment by American Shale is signed within such period and the transaction contemplated therein is closed prior to December 31, 2014. American Shale did not exercise the option to repurchase the royalty interest and the sale was recognized as a gain on sale of assets at December 31, 2014.

As part of the Republic PSA, Republic also agreed to amend the Amended Joint Development Agreement with American Shale (the “AJDA”). Under the revised AJDA, Republic agreed to fund all costs associated with new leasehold acquisitions subsequent to April 1, 2014. American Shale has the right to buy a 25% interest in any such leasehold at Republic’s cost, plus 12% interest, in the event that Republic sells its interest in the leasehold or permits a third party to drill a well on the leasehold. In the event that American Shale repays Republic under the terms of the Republic PSA, American Shale will have the option to fund a 50% portion of any future leasehold expenditures, upon providing satisfactory evidence of its ability to continue such funding on a go-forward basis.

On December 24, 2014, American Shale closed a transaction pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “PSA”) executed as of December 24, 2014 with Wellbore Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Wellbore”). Pursuant to the PSA, the Sellers granted to Wellbore overriding royalty interests in certain leases (the “Oil and Gas Properties”) located in Wetzel and Marion Counties, West Virginia (collectively, the “ORRI”). Under the PSA, the purchase price for the ORRI was $11.0 million, of which the Company received approximately $10.7 million in cash at closing. The PSA provides Wellbore the right to sell its interests in the ORRI to a third party acquiror in the event that Sellers sell all of their interests in the oil and gas properties to such acquiror. If such sale occurs prior to December 31, 2017, Wellbore alternatively has the right to require Sellers to repurchase the ORRI for a certain return on its investment in the ORRI.

NOTE 7 — ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT AND RELATED COSTS

On September 28 and December 17, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued to the Company seven administrative compliance orders and a request for information. The orders and request related to our compliance with Clean Water Act (“CWA”) permitting requirements at seven pond and/or well site locations in Marshall and Wetzel Counties, West Virginia and concerned the alleged discharge of dredged and/or fill material into waters of the United States. On August 25, 2014, Trans Energy entered into a civil Consent Decree with the EPA with respect to the CWA matter and related issues that were discovered based upon an internal audit. Fines associated with the Consent Decree amount to $3,000,000.

As part of the Consent Decree, Trans Energy is required to perform certain restoration activities at affected pond, well pad and access roads at multiple sites. We have preliminarily estimated the cost of early components of restoration over all the sites involved to be an additional $3,000,000, net to Trans Energy. Overall costs may range as high as $9,000,000. The restoration will be performed during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 construction seasons. Our estimate of costs to us will be refined, and may increase or decrease as we submit work plans to the EPA for approval to perform these restoration activities. Additionally, we are exploring avenues to offset some costs to the extent they are reimbursable through our joint venture agreements and the purchase or trading of wetland credits.

On October 1, 2014, Trans Energy pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges related to Unauthorized Discharge into a Water of the United States in violation of the Clean Water Act. In connection with this plea, the Company agreed to pay a $600,000 fine and was placed on probation for a period of two years.

As a result of this plea and the previously disclosed settlement agreement, all civil and criminal matters arising out of the EPA’s investigation and complaints arising out of the ponds in Marshall and Wetzel Counties West Virginia have been resolved.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

NOTE 8 — NOTES PAYABLE

On April 26, 2012 American Shale closed a Credit Agreement transaction (hereafter the “Chambers Credit Agreement”) with several banks and other financial institutions or entities that from time-to-time will be parties to the Chambers Credit Agreement (the “Lenders”), and Chambers Energy Management, LP as the administrative agent (“Agent” or “Chambers”).

The Chambers Credit Agreement was originally for a notional amount of $50 million, which was received at closing net of a $3 million Original Issue Discount (“OID”) and a $50,000 administrative fee due annually. These OID costs were netted against notes payable and were being amortized over the life of the loan using the straight-line method, which approximated the effective interest method. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $0 and $264,706 of the OID was amortized as interest expense, respectively.

On February 28, 2013, American Shale, the Lenders and the Agent amended and restated the Chambers Credit Agreement in order to facilitate an increase in the principal amount of the borrowings under the facility to $75 million. The additional funds were received February 28, 2013. The other terms of the Chambers Credit Agreement were unchanged.

Interest was due monthly at 10% plus the greater of 1% or the 3 month LIBOR rate (11% at time of payoff). Principal was due at maturity, February 28, 2015. We had to pay interest through April 26, 2014, on any principal prepayments with respect to the original $50 million loan at the time of the prepayment prior to April 26, 2014. American Shale was obligated to pay a “Termination Fee” with respect to the $25 million loan upon the earliest to occur of (i) a Change of Control, (ii) repayment in full of the loans under the Chambers Credit Agreement and (iii) certain defaults under the Chambers Credit Agreement related to seeking relief from creditors or generally being unable to repay debts as they come due. The Termination Fee was defined as $12.5 million less all interest payments actually made with respect to the $25 million loan prior to such date.

The Company estimated its liability related to the Termination Fee to be approximately $6.8 million ($12.5 million gross fee, less $5.7 million in interest payments) (the “Termination Fee Liability”).

The Termination Fee Liability was recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as an addition to the related debt balance, offset by an equal debt discount of $6.8 million (the “Termination Fee Debt Discount”). The Termination Fee Debt Discount was being amortized to interest expense through the expected payment date of February 28, 2015; however, such amortization was accelerated upon payment of the Termination Fee in conjunction with the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement. At repayment of the loan the Termination Fee was computed to be $9,077,778. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded interest expense of $0 and $836,459 of amortization related to the Termination Fee, respectively.

The Chambers Credit Agreement included a contingent interest provision that added 1% of the outstanding principal amount of the loan to the loan balance for any quarter in which American Shale’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeded certain levels. American Shale’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeded the allowed level at September 30, 2012, and quarterly thereafter. Therefore, the contingent interest provision had been applied and $1,149,969 was added to the principal balance and interest expense in 2014 (through the date of the repayment).

 

F-11


Table of Contents

On May 21, 2014, American Shale entered into a credit agreement (the “Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement”) by and among American Shale, several lenders (the “Lenders”), and Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. as the administrative agent (“Agent”). Trans Energy is a guarantor of the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement as is Prima, another of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement provides that the Lenders will lend American Shale up to $200 million, including an initial draw of $102.5 million plus a PIK fee of $593,750, a contingent committed amount of $47.5 million and an uncommitted amount of $50 million (the “Loans”). The initial draw under the facility was used primarily to repay all of the outstanding debt under the Chambers Credit Agreement, as well as to fund certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement.

The Loans will initially bear interest at a per annum rate equal to 9% plus the greater of 1% or LIBOR, for a three month interest period. The interest rate will be automatically lowered if American Shale improves the ratio of the value of its proved developed producing (“PDP PV9”) properties to its funded debt, less cash and other liquid assets, as further defined under the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement (the “Net Debt Ratio”). Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the loans will bear interest at an additional 2% per annum above the initial rate, and with respect to other events of default, may bear interest at the higher default rate. Interest is due and payable monthly in arrears. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded interest expense of $2,967,969 related to the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement.

The initial loan was advanced as a single funding of $102.5 million plus a PIK fee of $593,750 on the Funding Date. Additional amounts up to $47.5 million may be drawn within the two year period after the Funding Date provided that the Net Debt Ratio, pro forma for such subsequent drawdowns, based on the level of PDP PV9 that is projected six months from the date of each drawdown, meets certain pre-defined targets. All principal will be due on December 31, 2018 (the “Maturity Date”), if not accelerated before that date. Scheduled amortization of the principal amount of the loans may begin on May 1, 2015, unless the Net Debt Ratio exceeds certain defined parameters, in which case scheduled amortization may begin as late as May 1, 2016. No amortization is required if American Shale’s Net Debt Ratio meets certain criteria. The minimum amortization required each month will be the greater of (i) 0.75% of the then outstanding balance (after May 1, 2016) or (ii) the amortization amount that would be required for American Shale to achieve a predetermined Net Debt Ratio within six months. Such ratios increase over time.

The principal amount of the Loans may be prepaid, but not reborrowed. If the Loans are prepaid on or prior to the first anniversary of the Funding Date, a make-whole amount will be charged equal to 4.0% of the principal balance of the Loans, plus the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of interest prior to the first anniversary of the Funding Date. Up to $25 million of prepayments from specified sources will be exempt from this provision if payments are made prior to the first anniversary of the Funding Date. If the Loans are prepaid on or after the first anniversary of the Funding Date but prior to the second anniversary of the Funding Date, a make-whole amount equal to 4.0% of the principal balance of the Loans will be charged. Prepayments between the second and third anniversary of the Funding Date will be charged 3.0% of the principal balance of the Loans.

Also on the Funding Date of the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement, Trans Energy and Prima executed a Guarantee and Security Agreement providing that Trans Energy and Prima will guarantee the indebtedness of American Shale under the terms of the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement.

The Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement includes certain customary affirmative covenants such as minimum hedging requirements, delivery of financial information, operation and maintenance of properties, and maintenance of books and records. Financial covenants include a maximum leverage ratio (latest twelve months EBITDA to net debt) and minimum current ratio (consolidated current assets to consolidated current liabilities). The definition of net debt includes funded debt plus accounts payable, offset by cash as well as accounts receivable. American Shale is also required to apply toward approved capital expenditures a minimum of 50% of the proceeds of any equity issuance that occurs subsequent to the first anniversary of the Funding Date.

Negative covenants include limitations on indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, dispositions of property, payment of dividends or distributions, capital expenditures, investments and transactions with affiliates. There are also limitations on hedging transactions, creation or acquisition of subsidiaries, use of proceeds, drilling without providing title opinions, amending certain documents and appointing non-approved officers or directors.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement), the Lenders may require American Shale to pay all of the outstanding interest, make-wholes and fees in addition to 101% of the principal amounts of the Loans under the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

On the Funding Date, American Shale also entered into a Net Profits Interest Agreement (the “NPI Agreement”) with the Agent. The NPI Agreement provides that subsequent to the repayment of the Loans, American Shale will pay a net profits interest to the Agent (the “NPI”). The NPI is to be calculated based on production revenues less certain expenditures, including operating costs, general and administrative expenses, interest and capital expenditures. The amount of interest expense and general and administrative expenses that can be charged are limited based on the amounts that were previously expensed prior to repayment of the Loans. The NPI is earned based on amounts borrowed under the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement. As of the Funding Date, a NPI of 6.5% of the net profits, as defined under the NPI Agreement, has been earned. The Agent will earn up to an additional 2.5% of the net profits pro rata for any subsequent borrowing by American Shale under the $47.5 million contingent commitment. At June 30, 2014, the Company recorded a discount related to the NPI of $3,339,376 on proved property and $733,034 on unproved property. The total value recorded as a discount on loan payable related to the NPI is $4,072,410. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded accretion of the discount related to the NPI in the amount of $222,131 which is computed using the straight line method over the life of the loan.

The NPI Agreement provides the Agent with the option to sell its NPI for fair value, as defined in the NPI Agreement, alongside American Shale or Trans Energy in the event that either American Shale or Trans Energy sells interests, including partial interests, in the subject properties at a fair value for the NPI that meets or exceeds $1.5 million for each 1.0% of NPI earned by the Agent prior to such date. In such event, American Shale can also require the Agent to sell all of its NPI to American Shale (or, alternatively, to the buyer of any subject interests) for fair value. In the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of American Shale, fair value is defined as the net cash received that is attributable to the equity interests of either American Shale or Trans Energy in such transaction.

On August 20 and October 3, 2014, American Shale made $5 million draws in accordance with the Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement.

In December 2014, M3 Appalachia Gathering, LLC (“M3”) completed a waterline to improve water supply and lower completion costs, as compared to trucking, with respect to the Company’s wells on the Jones lease in Marion County, West Virginia (the “Jones Pad”). M3 currently gathers all production from the Jones Pad. The Company’s cost of the waterline is approximately $3.1 million, which is being paid to M3 through 36 monthly payments, at an internal rate of return to M3 of 15%, of $105,730. As of the March 31, 2015, the Company had recorded a long-term asset of $3.1 million, net of depreciation, and current and long-term note payable in the amounts of $925,128 and $1,849,343, respectively.

The following table summarizes the components of total debt recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (unaudited)      (audited)  

Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement - Morgan Stanley Tranche A and B

     112,500,000         112,500,000   

Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement - Morgan Stanley PIK Fee

     593,750         593,750   

Morgan Stanley Credit Agreement - Morgan Stanley NPI

     (3,331,972      (3,554,103

M3 Appalachia Gathering LLC Note Payable

     2,774,471         —     

Other loan — vehicles

     572         4,402   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

$ 112,536,821    $ 109,544,049   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The debt balances under the Credit Agreements are presented as a long-term liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the Company previously presented the debt balance as current due to an uncertainty of whether the Agent of the Credit Agreement believed the Company was in technical default of the current ratio covenant (greater than 1:1) thereunder due to the deferred gain liability recorded as of such date. Although non-cash in nature, the deferred gain recorded as a current liability as of September 30, 2014 resulted in a less than 1:1 current ratio and was not explicitly excluded from the covenant calculation within the Credit Agreement. The Company has also confirmed that the Credit Agreement provides for the inclusion of the $47.5 million contingent committed tranche as a current asset when calculating the current ratio defined therein, provided that the Company is not in violation of any other covenants. As such the Company is not in default under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2014. The deferred gain proceeds were reclassified to a gain on sale in December 2014 due to the expiration of the Company’s repurchase option under the Republic PSA. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s current ratio exceeds 1:1 and, thus, is not in default under the Credit Agreement.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

NOTE 9 — DERIVATIVE AND HEDGING FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

On May 9, 2013, American Shale entered into costless collars (“BP Hedge”) covering approximately 85% of its expected natural gas production from wells that were considered proved developed producing (“PDP”) as of that date. Neither oil nor natural gas liquids have been hedged, but the BTU associated with our ethane production was essentially hedged, since it is sold as part of the natural gas stream. The costless collars consist of long put options (floor) with a strike price of $4.00 per MMBtu and offsetting short calls (ceiling) with a strike price of $4.28 per MMBtu. The aforementioned volumes are hedged beginning with the June 2013 contract and ending with the April 2015 contract. A total of 3.4 MMBtu are hedged over this period, with monthly volumes declining from a high of approximately 207,000 MMBtu in June 2013 to 113,000 MMBtu in April 2015. The fair value of these commodity contracts was $150,331 and $410,389 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

On May 21, 2014 American Shale, entered into fixed price hedges (“Morgan Stanley Fixed I”), which, when combined with existing hedges, covered approximately 90% of its expected natural gas production from PDP wells as of that date. Neither oil nor natural gas liquids have been hedged, but the BTU associated with our ethane production was essentially hedged, since it is sold as part of the natural gas stream. The hedges consist of swaps with strike prices ranging between $4.38 per MMBtu to $4.06 per MMBtu. The hedges begin with the June 2014 contract and end with the December 2018 contract. A total of 13,932,171 MMBtu are hedged over this period, with monthly volumes declining from a high of 444,534 MMBtu in July 2014 to 171,940 MMBtu in November 2018. The fair value of these commodity contracts was $10,421,976 and $5,878,302 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

On August 20, 2014 American Shale, entered into fixed price hedges (“Morgan Stanley Fixed II”), which, when combined with existing hedges, covered approximately 90% of its expected natural gas production from PDP wells as of that date. Neither oil nor natural gas liquids have been hedged, but the BTU associated with our ethane production was essentially hedged, since it is sold as part of the natural gas stream. The hedges consist of swaps with a fixed strike price of $3.92 per MMBtu. The hedges begin with the September 2014 contract and end with the December 2018 contract. A total of 10,499,038 MMBtu are hedged over this period, with monthly volumes declining from a high of 326,700 MMBtu in January 2015 to 45,854 MMBtu in November 2018. The fair value of these commodity contracts was $3,274,328 and $1,941,465 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

On December 23, 2014 American Shale, entered into Basis Swap fixed price hedges (“Morgan Stanley Fixed III”) covering approximately 50% of its expected natural gas production from PDP wells as of December 23, 2014. Neither oil nor natural gas liquids have been hedged, but the BTU associated with our ethane production was essentially hedged, since it is sold as part of the natural gas stream. The hedges consist of swaps with a fixed strike price of $(1.12) per MMBtu. The hedges begin with the December 2014 contract and end with the December 2018 contract. A total of 7,301,209 MMBtu are hedged over this period, with monthly volumes declining from a high of 266,891 MMBtu in December 2014 to 104,084 MMBtu in November 2018. The fair value of these commodity contracts was $(987,964) and $(716,488) at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The Company has a master netting agreement on the gas hedge and therefore the current asset and liability are netted on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the non-current asset and liability are netted on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The use of derivative transactions involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the financial terms of such transactions. The Company has netting arrangements with BP Energy Company that provide for offsetting payables against receivables from separate derivative instruments.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the approximate volumes and average contract prices of contracts the Company had in place as of March 31, 2015:

 

Contract Period of BP Hedge

   Volumes      Weighted-
Average Floor
Price
     Weighted-
Average Ceiling
Price
 
     (MMBtu)      (per MMBtu)      (per MMBtu)  

2015

     113,206      $ 4.00       $ 4.28   
  

 

 

       

All gas collars*

  113,206  
  

 

 

       

 

* Gas collars are comprised of IF Henry Hub (100%).

 

Contract Period Of Morgan Stanley Fixed I

   Volumes      Weighted-
Average Fixed
Price
 
     (MMBtu)      (per MMBtu)  

2015

     3,074,261       $ 4.11   

2016

     3,002,489       $ 4.06   

2017

     2,495,153       $ 4.16   

2018

     1,995,696      $ 4.29  
  

 

 

    

All gas hedges*

  10,567,599  
  

 

 

    

 

* Gas hedges are comprised of IF Henry Hub (100%).

 

Contract Period Of Morgan Stanley Fixed II

   Volumes      Weighted-
Average Fixed
Price
 
     (MMBtu)      (per MMBtu)  

2015

     1,542,873       $ 3.92   

2016

     992,431       $ 3.92   

2017

     771,407       $ 3.92   

2018

     603,458      $ 3.92  
  

 

 

    

All gas hedges*

  3,910,169  
  

 

 

    

* Gas hedges are comprised of IF Henry Hub (100%).

 

Contract Period Of Morgan Stanley Fixed III

   Volumes      Basis Swap Fixed
Price
 
     (MMBtu)      (per MMBtu)  

2015

     1,992,096       $ (1.12

2016

     1,842,098       $ (1.12

2017

     1,518,648       $ (1.12

2018

     1,209,491      $ (1.12 )
  

 

 

    

All gas hedges*

  6,562,333  
  

 

 

    

 

* Gas hedges are comprised of IF Henry Hub (100%).

 

F-15


Table of Contents

The following tables detail the fair value of derivatives recorded in the accompanying balance sheets, by category:

 

     As of March 31, 2015  
     Derivative Assets      Derivative Liabilities  
     Balance Sheet
Classification
   Fair Value      Balance Sheet
Classification
   Fair Value  

Commodity derivative

   Current assets    $ 6,497,401       Current liabilities    $ 255,500   

Commodity derivative

   Noncurrent assets      7,349,234       Noncurrent liabilities      732,464   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
$ 13,846,635    $ 987,964   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31, 2014  
     Derivative Assets      Derivative Liabilities  
     Balance Sheet
Classification
   Fair Value      Balance Sheet
Classification
   Fair Value  

Commodity derivative

   Current assets    $ 5,420,309       Current liabilities    $ —     

Commodity derivative

   Noncurrent assets      2,809,847       Noncurrent liabilities      716,488   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
$   8,230,156    $ 716,488   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

The table below summarizes the realized and unrealized gains and losses related to our derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Realized gains (loss) on commodity derivative

   $ 2,030,176       $ (260,542

Change in fair value of commodity derivative

     5,345,004         (305,650
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized gains recorded

$ 7,375,180    $ (566,192
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

These realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as derivative gains (losses).

 

F-16


Table of Contents

NOTE 10 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The authoritative guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:

 

Level 1:    Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2:    Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities that are observable for the asset or liability; or
Level 3:    Unobservable pricing inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources, such as discounted cash flows models or valuations.

The financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and/or out of fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period for which the event or change in circumstances caused the transfer. The valuation policies are determined by the principal financial officer and are approved by the President. Fair value measurements are discussed with the Company’s audit committee, as deemed appropriate. Each quarter, the inputs used in the fair value calculations are updated and management reviews the changes from period to period for reasonableness. The Company has consistently applied the valuation techniques discussed below in all periods presented.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

March 31, 2015

           

ASSETS:

           

Commodity contracts

     —         $ 13,846,635         —         $ 13,846,635   

LIABILITIES:

           

Commodity contracts

     —         $ 987,964         —         $ 987,964   

December 31, 2014

           

ASSETS:

           

Commodity contracts

     —         $ 8,230,156         —         $ 8,230,156   

LIABILITIES:

           

Commodity contracts

     —         $ 716,488         —         $ 716,488   

We use Level 2 inputs to measure the fair value of gas commodity collar derivatives. Level 2 assets consist of commodity derivative assets and liabilities (See Note 9 Derivative and Hedging Financial Instruments). The fair value of the commodity derivative assets and liabilities are estimated by the Company using income valuation techniques utilizing the income approach and an option pricing model, which take into account notional quantities, market volatility, market prices, contract parameters, counterparty credit risk and discount rates based on published LIBOR rates. The Company validates the data provided by third parties by understanding the pricing models used, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain situations and confirming that those securities trade in active markets. Assumed credit risk adjustments, based on published credit ratings, public bond yield spreads and credit default swap spreads, are applied to the Company’s commodity derivatives.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

NOTE 11 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In February 2015, Trans Energy issued 100,000 shares of common stock to John G. Corp, President, for the 2014 Performance Payment at a price of $2.10 per share.

In February 2015, Trans Energy issued 100,000 shares of common stock to Stephen P. Lucado, Chairman of the Board, for the 2014 Performance Payment at a price of $2.10 per share.

In January, 2015, Trans Energy issued 109,005 shares of common stock to William F. Woodburn, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $1.50 per share.

In January, 2015, Trans Energy issued 109,005 shares of common stock to Loren E. Bagley, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $1.50 per share.

In December 2014, we issued 142,857 shares of common stock to Mark D. Woodburn, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.80 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 400,000 shares of common stock to William F. Woodburn, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 190,000 shares of common stock to Loren E. Bagley, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 75,000 shares of common stock to Mark D. Woodburn, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 10,000 shares of common stock to Brett Greene, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 20,998 shares of common stock to Jordan Corp, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In August 2014, Trans Energy issued 62,963 shares of common stock to John G. Corp, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In July 2014, we granted 27,000 shares of stock to three employees under the long-term incentive bonus program. The 27,000 shares are not performance based and vest semi-annually over a three year period. The 27,000 shares were valued at $3.90 per share of common stock using the fair value of the common stock at the date of grant and the fair value will be amortized to compensation expense semi-annually over three years.

In April 2014, we granted 21,000 shares of stock to three employees under the long-term incentive bonus program. The 21,000 shares are not performance based and vest semi-annually over a three year period. The 21,000 shares were valued at $3.80 per share of common stock using the fair value of the common stock at the date of grant and the fair value will be amortized to compensation expense semi-annually over three years.

In April 2014, we also granted 252,000 common stock options to six employees and five outside board members. These options vest semi-annually over three years and have a five year term. These stock options were granted at an exercise price of $3.80 per common share and the fair value was determined using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The options are being amortized to share-based compensation expense semi-annually over the vesting period.

In January 2014, Trans Energy issued 25,000 shares of common stock to Jonathan J. Corp, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $0.65 per share.

In January 2014, Trans Energy issued 138,331 shares of common stock to Clarence E. Smith, a 5% beneficial owner, for the exercise of options at a price of $1.50 per share.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

The Company has computed the fair value of all options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In order to calculate the fair value of the options, certain assumptions are made regarding components of the model, including the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected dividend yield and expected option life. Changes to the assumptions could cause significant adjustments to valuation. The Company estimated a volatility factor utilizing a weighted average of comparable published volatilities of peer companies. The Company has estimated a forfeiture rate of zero as the effect of forfeitures has not been significant and the small number of option holders does not provide a reasonable basis for prediction. The Company estimates the expected term based on the average of the vesting term and the contractual term of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant for treasury securities of similar maturity. The fair value of all options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was determined using the following assumptions:

 

Expected volatility

70% - 90%

Risk free interest rate

0.80% - 1.75%

Expected term (years)

3.0 - 5.0

Dividend yield

0%

As a result of the above stock and option transactions, we recorded total stock-based compensation of $135,778 and $198,541 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Stock option activity is as follows:

 

     Number of
Options
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Aggregate Fair
Value
 

Outstanding December 31, 2013

     4,045,324       $ 1.85       2.05 Years    $ 7,483,849   

Granted

     252,000       $ 3.80         

Exercised

     (1,138,331    $ 0.78         

Forfeited

     (14,000    $ 2.43         

Expired

     —           —           
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Outstanding December 31, 2014

  3,144,993    $ 2.39    1.48 Years $ 7,516,533   

Granted

  —        —     

Exercised

  (218,010 $ 1.50   

Forfeited

  —        —     

Expired

  —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Outstanding March 31, 2015

  2,926,983    $ 2.45    .89 Years $ 7,171,108   

Exercisable at March 31, 2015

  2,611,319    $ 2.36    $ 6,162,713   

Unvested at March 31, 2015

  315,664   

NOTE 12 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The shares of restricted common stock granted to certain officers and employees of the Company are included in the computation of basic net income (loss) per share only after the shares become fully vested. Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock includes both vested and unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted net income (loss) per common share of stock is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding. When a loss from continuing operations exists, all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. As the Company had income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 the potentially dilutive shares of 190,695 were included in the net loss per share calculation. For the three month period ended March 31, 2014, the potentially dilutive shares were anti-dilutive and were thus not included in the net loss per share calculation.

As of March 31 2015, potentially dilutive securities included (i) 52,500 unvested shares of restricted common stock and (ii) 2,926,983 in-the-money outstanding options.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

NOTE 13 — BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Our principal operations consist of exploration and production through Trans Energy, American Shale and Prima, and pipeline transmission with Ritchie County Gathering Systems and Tyler Construction Company.

Certain financial information concerning our operations in different segments is as follows:

 

     For the
Three
Months

Ended
March 31
   Exploration
and

Production
    Pipeline
Transmission
     Corporate     Total  

Revenue

   2015    $ 4,385,037      $ 42,716       $ 1,777      $ 4,429,530   
   2014      9,716,422        54,789         5,131        9,776,342   

Income (Loss) from operations

   2015      (421,576     29,580         (1,199,320     (1,591,316
   2014      4,554,604        56,327         (1,442,688     3,168,243   

Interest expense

   2015      3,115,358        —           379        3,115,737   
   2014      4,127,501        —           3,692        4,131,193   

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

   2015      1,782,313        250         20,267        1,802,830   
   2014      2,111,370        356         —          2,111,726   

Property and equipment acquisitions, including oil and gas Properties

   2015      7,108,042        —           2,239        7,110,281   
   2014      1,986,807        —           —          1,986,807   

Total assets, net of intercompany accounts:

            

March 31, 2015

        123,098,320        13,308           123,111,628   

December 31, 2014

        111,755,587        13,558           111,769,145   

Property and equipment acquisitions include accrued amounts and reclassifications.

NOTE 14 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In November 2013, Clarence E. Smith, a 5% Beneficial Owner, issued payment to the Company in the amount of $200,000. Mr. Smith was exercising 138,331 options at a price of $1.50 per share. On January 24, 2014, Mr. Smith’s stock was issued. The Company is recognizing interest since the funds were held approximately three months before the stock was actually issued. At December 31, 2013, the $205,314 due to Mr. Smith is recorded as a note payable, related party in the current liability section of the balance sheet.

During 2015 and 2014, the Company has conducted business with two companies owned by Clarence E. Smith. Work was awarded the companies after bids were sought and reviewed. The amount of payments total $35,000 and $16,000 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

NOTE 15 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 3, 2015, we and our wholly owned subsidiaries American Shale and Prima, along with Republic Energy Ventures, LLC, Republic Partners VIII, LLC, Republic Partners VI, LP, Republic Partners VII, LLC, and Republic Energy Operating, LLC (collectively, the “Sellers”) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “PSA”), pursuant to which the Sellers agreed to sell certain interests located in Wetzel County, West Virginia, including 5,159 net acres held by the Company and the Company’s interest in twelve Marcellus producing wellbores, to TH Exploration, LLC (“Buyer”). The Company expects to receive approximately $47.0 million at closing, net of funds used to repurchase assets that are to be included in the sale. The Company expects it will ultimately receive approximately $71.3 million in connection with the sale of its assets and the overriding royalty interests that are to be repurchased and included in the sale. The incremental funds are expected to be received upon the successful resolution of certain quiet title actions that are currently ongoing and the release of funds that will be held in escrow for a time following the closing.

The PSA contains customary representations, warranties and indemnities among the parties and the closing contemplated by the PSA is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions as described therein. Additionally, the PSA provides Buyer with the opportunity to terminate the agreement and receive its deposit plus reimbursement for diligence expenses in the event that certain conditions are not met. There can be no assurance at this time that all of the conditions may be satisfied.

The sale of the Assets pursuant to the PSA is scheduled to close within approximately ninety days after the signing of the PSA and is to be effective as of October 1, 2014.

The foregoing descriptions of the PSA and the consideration payable hereunder do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the PSA, a copy of which will be attached as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2015.

On April 27, 2015, our wholly owned subsidiary, American Shale entered into a consent and agreement (the “Consent and Agreement”) that amended the credit agreement dated May 21, 2014 and the associated NPI agreement by and among American Shale, several other financial institutions parties thereto as lenders, and Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. as the administrative agent. The Consent and Agreement reduced the contingent borrowing availability under the Tranche B facility from $47.5 million to $10.0 million, and eliminated the Tranche C facility. Potential borrowings under the Tranche B facility had been contingent on American Shale’s ability to meet certain levels of PV-9 value for its producing properties, and as such there was no additional availability under Tranche B as of the signing of the Consent and Agreement. There were no other changes to the terms of the Tranche A facility loans under the credit agreement. The NPI agreement was amended to set the contingent NPI percentage at approximately 2.53%.

Under the Consent and Agreement, the administrative agent also consented to the monetization of a portion of American Shale’s natural gas hedges and the disposition of a portion of American Shale’s working and net revenue interests in wells in Marion County, West Virginia (the “Working Interests”) that have been recently drilled but not completed.

On the same date, American Shale entered into an agreement with Republic Energy Operating, LLC. Under this agreement, American Shale agreed to use the proceeds from the aforementioned hedge monetization as well as the sale of the Working Interests to pay all amounts due under the March 2015 joint interest billing statement in the amount of approximately $13.8 million provided by Republic Energy Operating, LLC. American Shale reserved the option to reacquire the Working Interests pursuant to a notice of election at agreed upon prices set forth in the agreement.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion will assist in the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. The information below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, the related notes to consolidated financial statements and our 2014 Form 10-K. Our discussion contains both historical and forward-looking information. We assess the risks and uncertainties about our business, long-term strategy and financial condition before we make any forward-looking statements but we cannot guarantee that our assessment is accurate or that our goals and projections can or will be met. Statements concerning results of future exploration, development and acquisition expenditures as well as revenue, expense and reserve levels are forward-looking statements. We make assumptions about commodity prices, drilling results, production costs, administrative expenses and interest costs that we believe are reasonable based on currently available information. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control.

We intend to focus our development and exploration efforts in our Marcellus properties and utilize our acreage position to expand our reserve base through continued exploratory and development drilling in the Marcellus Shale during 2015 and beyond. We will evaluate our properties on a continuous basis in order to optimize our existing asset base. We plan to employ the latest drilling, completion, and fracturing technology in all of our wells to enhance recoverability and accelerate cash flows associated with these wells. We believe that our extensive acreage position will allow us to grow through high risk drilling in the near term.

In summary, our strategy is to increase our oil and gas reserves and production while keeping our development costs and operating costs as low as possible. We will implement this strategy through drilling exploratory and development wells from our inventory of available prospects that we have evaluated for geologic and mechanical risk and future reserve or resource potential. The success of this strategy is contingent on various risk factors, as discussed in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to March 31, 2014

The following table sets forth the relationship of total revenues of principal items contained in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    

Three months ended

March 31,

 
     2015      2014  

Total revenues

   $ 4,429,530       $ 9,776,342   

Total costs and expenses

     (6,020,846      (6,815,495

Gain on sale of assets

     —           207,396   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

  (1,591,316   3,168,243   

Other income (expenses), net

  4,259,985      (4,696,477

Income tax

  —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$ 2,668,669    $ (1,528,234
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1


Table of Contents

The following table is a summary of revenues, volumes, and pricing for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     2015      2014     

Natural gas sales

   $ 3,459,224       $ 7,937,764       $ (4,478,540      -56.4

Oil sales

   $ 3,985       $ 61,302       $ (57,317      -93.5

Natural gas liquid sales

   $ 921,828       $ 1,717,356       $ (795,528      -46.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total oil and gas sales

$ 4,385,037    $ 9,716,422    $ (5,331,385   -54.9

Transportation and other revenue

$ 44,493    $ 59,920    $ (15,427   -25.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total revenue

$ 4,429,530    $ 9,776,342    $ (5,346,812   -54.7

Net production

Natural gas sales (MCF)

  1,680,520      1,444,304      236,216      16.4

Oil sales (Bbls)

  130      788      (658   -83.5

Natural gas liquids (gallons)

  1,749,097      1,467,191      281,906      19.2

Natural gas equivalent (MCFe)

  1,931,170      1,658,630      272,540      16.4

Average sales price per unit

Natural gas (MCF)

$ 2.06    $ 5.50    $ (3.44   -62.5

Oil (Bbls)

$ 30.68    $ 77.81    $ (47.13   -60.6

Natural gas liquids (gallons)

$ 0.53    $ 1.17    $ (0.64   -54.7

Natural gas equivalent (MCFe)

$ 2.27    $ 5.86    $ (3.59   -61.3

Expenses

All data presented below is derived from costs and production volumes for the relevant period indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Costs and expenses of production:

     

Production expenses

   $ 2,666,709      $ 2,896,434   

Production taxes

     370,477        359,516   

G&A expenses (excluding share-based compensation)

     1,045,052        1,249,278   

Non-cash shared-based compensation

     135,778        198,541   

Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

     1,728,872        2,088,868   

Depreciation and amortization

     72,985        22,013   

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligation

     973        845   

Costs and expenses per MCFE of production:

     

Production expenses

     1.38         1.73   

Production taxes

     0.19         0.22   

G&A expenses (excluding share-based compensation)

     0.54         0.75   

Non-cash shared-based compensation

     0.07         0.12   

Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

     0.90         1.26   

Depreciation and amortization

     0.04         0.01   

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligation

     —           —     

 

2


Table of Contents

Total revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease in natural gas prices for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. We had 38 gross wells and 15.16 net wells compared to 28 gross wells and 12.08 net wells.

Production costs decreased $218,764 or 6.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period for 2014, primarily due to a decrease in natural gas liquid transportation and processing fees associated with the decreased commodity pricing in 2015.

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense decreased by $308,896 or 14.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period for 2014, primarily due to no depletion recorded on assets held for sale which was offset by increased production volumes and depreciation of additional assets.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $266,989 or 18.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period for 2014, primarily due to a decrease in legal and professional fees.

Interest expense decreased $1,015,456 or 24.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period for 2014 primarily due to an additional $1,101,165 amortization of debt discount included in the March 31, 2014 interest expense balance, which was eliminated with the Morgan Stanley refinancing. Stated interest rate was 10% for both periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 the average loan balance was $113,093,750 compared to $87,766,550 for the same period in 2014.

Gain on commodity derivative for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $7,375,180 as compared to a loss of $566,192 for the same period of 2014. This represents the increase in the fair value of our gas hedges.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $2,668,669 compared to a net loss of $1,528,234 for the same period of 2014. This increase in income is due primarily to the increase in gain of commodity derivative.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have satisfied our working capital needs with operating revenues, borrowed funds and the proceeds of acreage sales. At March 31, 2015, we had negative working capital of $8,926,396 compared to negative working capital of $4,211,011 at December 31, 2014. The decrease in working capital is primarily due to an increase in accounts payable to drilling operator.

During the first three months of 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $3,609,750 compared to net cash provided of $833,688 for the same period of 2014. This increase in cash flow from operations was primarily due to a gain on commodity derivatives as well as an increase in accounts payable to operator, and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Excluding the effects of significant unforeseen expenses or other income, our cash flow from operations fluctuates primarily because of variations in oil and gas production and prices, or changes in working capital accounts and actual well performance. In addition, our oil and gas production may be curtailed due to factors beyond our control, such as downstream activities on major pipelines causing us to shut-in production for various lengths of time.

During the first three months of 2015, net cash used by investing activities was $7,110,281 compared to net cash used of $1,727,264 for the same period of 2014. The change was due to higher capital expenditures in 2015.

During the first three months of 2015, net cash provided by financing activities was $3,097,657 compared to net cash provided of $12,647 for the same period in 2014. This change was primarily due to an increase in debt to M3 Appalachia Gathering LLC and an increase in stock issuances in 2015.

We anticipate meeting our working capital needs with revenues from our ongoing operations, particularly from our wells in Marshall, Marion and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, and additional borrowings.

 

3


Table of Contents

Critical accounting policies

We consider accounting policies related to our estimates of proved reserves, accounting for derivatives, share-based payments, accounting for oil and natural gas properties, asset retirement obligations and accounting for income taxes as critical accounting policies. The policies include significant estimates made by management using information available at the time the estimates are made. However, these estimates could change materially if different information or assumptions were used. These policies are summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected ventures, new products and services, anticipated market performance and similar matters. When used in this report, the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements regarding events, conditions, and financial trends that may affect our future plans of operations, business strategy, operating results, and our future plans of operations, business strategy, operating results, and financial position. We caution readers that a variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other matters expressed in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include:

 

    the sufficiency of existing capital resources and our ability to raise additional capital to fund cash requirements for future operations;

 

    uncertainties involved in the rate of growth of our business and acceptance of any products or services;

 

    success of our drilling activities;

 

    volatility of the stock market, particularly within the energy sector;

 

    the risk factors described elsewhere herein; and

 

    general economic conditions.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to be effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance of achieving the desired objectives. Also, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on the assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of March 31, 2015 due to insufficient financial reporting resources. The results of management’s assessment were reviewed with our Board of Directors. To remediate these issues, our management has retained the services of additional third party consulting personnel and will modify existing internal controls in a manner designed to ensure compliance.

During the period ended, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

4


Table of Contents

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We may be engaged in various lawsuits and claims, either as plaintiff or defendant, in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, based upon advice of counsel, the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Certain material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our property is subject, is set forth below:

EQT Corporation

On May 11, 2011, we filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia against EQT Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (Trans Energy, Inc., et al. v. EQT Corporation). The action relates to our attempt to quiet title to certain oil and gas properties referred to as the Blackshere Lease, consisting of approximately 22 oil and/or gas wells on the Blackshere Lease. On November 26, 2012, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment and on February 25, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond Virginia affirmed the summary judgment. The defendant’s time to appeal this judgment has passed, so this judgment in our favor is final.

On June 12, 2013, EQT Production Company filed a quiet title action in the Circuit Court of Wetzel County, West Virginia. The action relates to a quiet title action relating to a 1,314 acre lease in Wetzel County, West Virginia known as the Robinson lease. On February 28, 2014, the presiding Judge issued an order granting a motion to stay this case pending appeal of the Blackshere case and the same styled case pending in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of West Virginia.

On July 18, 2013, we filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia against EQT Production Company. The action relates to a quiet title action relating to a 1,314 acre lease known as the Robinson lease.

Abcouwer

On March 6, 2012, James K. Abcouwer (“Abcouwer”), former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, filed an action in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia against the Company (James K. Abcouwer vs. Trans Energy, Inc.). The action relates to the Stock Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into between the Company and Abcouwer on February 7, 2008. By his complaint, Abcouwer alleges that the Company has breached the Agreement by not permitting Abcouwer to exercise options that are the subject of the Agreement. The Company believes that according to the terms of the Agreement all options and other rights described in the Agreement terminated ninety (90) days after the termination of Abcouwer’s employment with the Company. Mr. Abcouwer is requesting an amount for his loss of the value of the stock options that are subject to the Agreement. Said amount has not been determined. Abcouwer and the Company filed cross motions for summary judgment, which were heard by the Court in June of 2014. All deadlines in the litigation have been suspended pending rulings on the motions for summary judgment.

On January 14, 2013, Abcouwer filed an action in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia against the Company, and two individual defendants currently on the Board of Directors of the Company – William F. Woodburn and Loren E. Bagley. In his complaint, Abcouwer alleges that Plaintiff and Defendants entered into a verbal agreement that required the Company to enter into a third party sales transaction which would have allegedly caused Abcouwer to make significant profit as the result of his ownership of Company stock. Abcouwer alleges that he lost approximately $30 million as a result of the fact that no sale of the Company ever took place. The Company believes that no such agreement existed and that Abcouwer’s claims are wholly without merit. On March 25, 2013, the Company filed an answer denying the existence of any liability and asserting, in the alternative, counterclaims for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The Company’s counterclaims allege that, to the extent a binding agreement between Abcouwer and the Company existed, Abcouwer failed to disclose such agreement to the Company and the SEC despite a duty to do so. The Company has filed a motion for summary judgment which was currently set to be heard on June 18, 2015, but still remains outstanding.

 

5


Table of Contents

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In February 2015, Trans Energy issued 100,000 shares of common stock to John G. Corp, President, for the 2014 Performance Payment at a price of $2.10 per share.

In February 2015, Trans Energy issued 100,000 shares of common stock to Stephen P. Lucado, Chairman of the Board, for the 2014 Performance Payment at a price of $2.10 per share.

In January, 2015, Trans Energy issued 109,005 shares of common stock to William F. Woodburn, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $1.50 per share.

In January, 2015, Trans Energy issued 109,005 shares of common stock to Loren E. Bagley, a related party, for the exercise of options at a price of $1.50 per share.

All of the foregoing shares were issued in transactions not constituting a public offering as provided in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
**101.INS XBRL Instance Document
**101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
**101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
**101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
**101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
**101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

** Filed herewith.

 

6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

TRANS ENERGY, INC.
Date: July 2, 2015 By

/s/ John G. Corp

John G. Corp
Principal Executive Officer
Date: July 2, 2015 By

/s/ Michael R. Guzzetta

Michael R. Guzzetta
Treasurer

 

7