PROSPECTUS
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
285,630 Shares of Common Stock
The 285,630 shares of common stock, par value $.50 per share (the "Common
Stock"), of Comstock Resources, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the
"Company") covered by this Prospectus are being or will be offered by certain
selling security holders (the "Selling Security Holders"). See "Selling Security
Holders." The shares will be issued to the Selling Security Holders upon
exercise of options to purchase shares of Common Stock at $5.00 per share. See
"Description of Capital Stock." The Company will not receive any proceeds from
the sale of Common Stock offered hereby; however, the Company will receive
proceeds from the exercise of the options by the Selling Security Holders. See
"Use of Proceeds".
The Selling Security Holders may sell any shares offered hereunder from
time to time in one or more transactions (including block transactions) on the
New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which the Common Stock may be
admitted for trading, or in the over-the-counter market. The Selling Security
Holders may also sell shares in special offerings, exchange distributions or
secondary distributions, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The Selling
Security Holders may effect such transactions by selling shares of Common Stock
directly, or to or through underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents, or any
combination thereof. Any sales may be made at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at
negotiated prices. See "Plan of Distribution."
The Company's Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol CRK. On January 9, 1997 the last sale price of the
Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $13.875 per share.
The shares of Common Stock offered hereby include preferred stock purchase
rights. See "Description of Capital Stock - Stockholders' Rights Plan."
The Company has agreed to register the shares of Common Stock offered and
to pay the expenses of such registration. Such expenses, including legal and
accounting fees, are estimated to be $5,000. The Company intends to keep the
registration statement, of which this Prospectus is a part, effective until
December 31, 1999 or, if earlier, until all the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby have been sold or the Company is no longer obligated to maintain such
effectiveness.
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PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY SHOULD CAREFULLY
CONSIDER THE MATTERS SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS" HEREIN. ----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ----------
January 10, 1997
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), in accordance therewith,
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and/or information statements and other
information filed by the Company may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission in Washington, D.C., and at
certain of the regional offices of the Commission. The addresses of the
facilities are: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661; and New York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, New
York, New York 10048. In addition, copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov) which contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants who file electronically with the
Commission.
The Company shall provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request by such person, a copy of
any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus (not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by
reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into
the information that the Prospectus incorporates). These documents are available
upon request directed to: Comstock Resources, Inc., 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite
1000, Dallas, Texas 75244; telephone number (972) 701-2000, Attention:
Secretary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Prospectus Summary...................................................3
Risk Factors.........................................................4
Description of Capital Stock.........................................6
Selling Security Holders............................................12
Plan of Distribution................................................14
Use of Proceeds.....................................................15
Incorporation of Certain Information By Reference...................15
Legal Matters.......................................................15
Experts.............................................................15
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
The Company
The Company was originally organized as a Delaware corporation in 1919
under the name Comstock Tunnel and Drainage Company for the primary purpose of
conducting gold and silver mining operations in and around the Comstock Lode in
Nevada. In 1983, the Company was reincorporated under the laws of the State of
Nevada. In November 1987, the Company changed its name to Comstock Resources,
Inc.
The Company's oil and gas acquisition, development and production
operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Comstock Oil &
Gas, Inc., Comstock Oil & Gas -- Louisiana, Inc., Comstock Offshore Energy, Inc.
and Black Stone Oil Company. Comstock Management Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary, manages the oil and gas properties of Comstock DR II Oil & Gas
Acquisition Limited Partnership.
The Company's executive offices are located at 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite
1000, Dallas, Texas 75244, and its telephone number is (972) 701-2000.
The Offering
Common Stock Offered by the Selling Security Holders...... ...285,630 shares
Common Stock Outstanding at January 10, 1997...............24,101,430 shares (1)
New York Stock Exchange Symbol...........................................CRK
(1) At January 10, 1997 an additional 4,232,507, shares of Common Stock are
reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants
and the conversion of the Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock. In connection
with the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby, 285,630 shares of Common Stock
will be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options.
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RISK FACTORS
Prior to making an investment decision, prospective investors should
consider fully, together with the other information contained in or incorporated
into this Prospectus, the following factors:
Market Conditions and Volatility of Oil and Natural Gas Prices
The revenues generated by the Company's operations are highly dependent
upon the prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. Historically, the
prices for oil and natural gas have been volatile and are likely to continue to
be volatile in the future. The Company is affected more by fluctuations in
natural gas prices than oil prices because a majority of its production is
natural gas (83% in fiscal 1995 on a gas equivalent basis). The price received
by the Company for its oil and natural gas production and the level of such
production are subject to wide fluctuations and depend on numerous factors
beyond the Company's control, including seasonality, the condition of the United
States economy (particularly the manufacturing sector), imports of crude oil and
natural gas, political conditions in other oil-producing and natural gas-
producing countries, the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries and domestic government regulation, legislation and policies.
Decreases in the prices of oil and natural gas have had, and could have in the
future, an adverse effect on the borrowing base under the Company's bank credit
facility, which would affect its ability to borrow additional funds. Although
the Company is not currently experiencing any significant involuntary
curtailment of its natural gas production, market, economic and regulatory
factors may in the future materially affect the Company's ability to sell its
natural gas production.
In order to mitigate its exposure to price risks in the marketing of its
oil and natural gas, the Company from time to time enters into energy price swap
arrangements to hedge a portion of anticipated sales of oil and natural gas.
Such arrangements may also restrict the ability of the Company to benefit from
unexpected increases in oil and natural gas prices. The Company believes that
its hedging strategies are generally conservative in nature.
Replacement of Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
The Company must continually acquire, explore for, develop or exploit new
oil and natural gas reserves to replace those produced or sold. Without
successful acquisition, drilling or exploitation operations, the Company's oil
and natural gas reserves and revenues will decline. Drilling activities are
subject to numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially viable oil or
natural gas production will be obtained. The decision to purchase, explore,
exploit or develop an interest or property will depend in part on the evaluation
of data obtained through geophysical and geological analyses and engineering
studies, the results of which are often inconclusive or subject to varying
interpretations. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often
uncertain. Drilling may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of many
factors, including title problems, weather conditions, compliance with
government permitting requirements, shortages of or delays in obtaining
equipment, reductions in product prices or limitations in the market for
products. Natural gas wells may be shut in for lack of a market or due to
inadequacy or unavailability of natural gas pipeline or gathering system
capacity or access.
Substantial Capital Requirements
The Company makes, and will continue to make, substantial capital
expenditures for the acquisition, exploitation, development, exploration and
production of oil and natural gas reserves. Historically, the Company has
financed these expenditures primarily with cash generated by operations, bank
borrowings and the sale of equity securities. The Company intends to spend in
excess of $20.0 million on identified development and exploration projects in
the fourth quarter of 1996 through 1997. During the nine months
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ended September 30, 1996, the Company had expended $6.3 million toward the
planned development. The Company believes that it will have sufficient cash
provided by operating activities and borrowings under its bank credit facility
to fund such planned capital expenditures. If revenues or the Company's
borrowing base decrease as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices,
operating difficulties or declines in reserves, the Company may have limited
ability to obtain the capital necessary to undertake or complete future
development programs and to continue its acquisition activities. There can be no
assurance that additional debt or equity financing or cash generated by
operations will be available to meet these requirements.
Operating Hazards and Uninsured Risks
The Company's operations are subject to all of the risks normally incident
to the exploration for and the production of oil and natural gas, including
blowouts, catering, oil spills and fires, each of which could result in damage
to or destruction of oil and natural gas wells, production facilities or other
property, or injury to persons. The Company anticipates that it will from time
to time conduct relatively deep drilling which will involve increased drilling
risks of high pressures and mechanical difficulties, including stuck pipe,
collapsed casing and separated cable. There can be no assurance that the levels
of insurance maintained by the Company will be adequate to cover any losses or
liabilities. The Company cannot predict the continued availability of insurance,
or availability at commercially acceptable premium levels.
Uncertainties in Estimating Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and
values of proved oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of
production and timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond
the control of the Company. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of
estimating the recovery from underground accumulations of oil and natural gas
that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve
estimate is a function of the quality of available data, of production history
and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Because all
reserve estimates are to some degree speculative, the quantities of oil and
natural gas that are ultimately recovered, production and operating costs, the
amount and timing of future development expenditures and future oil and natural
gas sales prices may all differ materially from those assumed in these
estimates. In addition, different reserve engineers may make different estimates
of reserve quantities and cash flows based upon the same available data. Such
estimates are subject to future revisions to reflect additional information from
subsequent activities, production history of the properties involved and any
adjustments in the projected economic life of such properties resulting from
changes in product prices. Any future downward revisions could adversely affect
the Company's financial condition, borrowing base under its bank credit
facility, future prospects and market value of its securities.
Government Regulation
The Company's business is regulated by certain federal, state and local
laws and regulations relating to the development, production, marketing,
pricing, transportation and storage of oil and natural gas. The Company's
business is also subject to extensive and changing environmental and safety laws
and regulations governing plugging and abandonment, the discharge of materials
into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. There
can be no assurance that present or future regulation will not adversely affect
the operations of the Company.
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Competition
The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. The Company's
competitors for the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of
oil and natural gas properties, purchases and marketing of natural gas and
transportation and processing of natural gas, and for capital to finance such
activities, include companies that have greater financial and personnel
resources available to them than the Company. The Company's ability to acquire
additional properties and to discover reserves in the future will be dependent
upon its ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate
transactions in a highly competitive environment.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The success of the Company will be highly dependent on M. Jay Allison, its
President and Chief Executive Officer, and a limited number of other senior
management personnel. Loss of the services of Mr. Allison or any of those other
individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Company's Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Stockholders' Rights
Plan and the provisions of Nevada law include a number of provisions that may
have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or
other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with the Board of Directors
rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. See "Description of Capital
Stock."
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000 shares
of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $10.00 par value (the
"Preferred Stock"). At January 10, 1997, there were issued and outstanding
24,101,430 shares of Common Stock and 706,323 shares of Preferred Stock
designated as the Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock. Options and warrants
to purchase 1,478,630 shares of Common Stock were also outstanding and
exercisable at that date. In the aggregate, 4,232,507 shares of Common Stock
have been reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options and
warrants currently outstanding and the conversion of the Series 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock. In connection with the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby,
285,630 shares of Common Stock will be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock
options.
Common Stock
Subject to the prior rights of the Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock
and any other shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued from time to time,
and except as otherwise set forth below, the shares of Common Stock of the
Company (1) are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the Board of
Directors, in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefor; (2) are
entitled to one vote per share on matters voted upon by the stockholders and
have no cumulative voting rights; (3) have no preemptive or conversion rights;
(4) are not subject to, or entitled to the benefits of, any redemption or
sinking fund provision; and (5) are entitled, upon liquidation, to receive the
assets of the Company remaining after the payment of corporate debts and the
satisfaction of any liquidation preferences of the Series 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock and any other Preferred Stock, if issued. Although the Company's
Articles of Incorporation do not deny preemptive rights to stockholders, under
Nevada law no stockholders have preemptive rights with respect to shares that,
upon issuance, are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Common
Stock is currently registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
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The Common Stock presently issued and outstanding is, and the shares being
offered by the Selling Security Holder upon issuance will be, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
Because the shares of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights,
the holders of a majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can
elect all members of the class of the Company's classified Board of Directors
that are to be elected at a meeting of the stockholders, subject to any rights
of the holders of the Series 1995 Convertible Preferred Stock. See "Description
of Capital Stock Preferred Stock."
The Company's Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange. The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock of the Company
is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
Stockholders' Rights Plan
General
As part of its long-term strategy to maximize, preserve and protect the
long-term value of the Company for the benefit of all stockholders, the Board of
Directors of the Company considered, and on December 4, 1990, adopted, a
stockholders' rights plan. The basic objective of the Stockholders' Rights Plan
(the "Rights Plan") is to encourage prospective purchasers to negotiate with the
board, whose ability to negotiate effectively with a potential purchaser, on
behalf of all stockholders, is significantly greater than that of the
stockholders individually. In the Board of Directors' view, some attempted
takeovers can pressure stockholders into disposing of their equity investment in
the Company at less than full value and can result in the unfair treatment of
minority stockholders, especially considering that prospective purchasers
typically are interested in acquiring targets as cheaply as they can. The rights
are designed to deter abusive takeover tactics, such as (i) accumulations of the
Company's stock by a prospective purchaser who through open market or private
purchases may achieve a position of substantial influence or control without
paying to selling or remaining stockholders a fair "control premium", (ii)
coercive two-tier, front-end loaded or partial offers which may not offer fair
value to all stockholders, (iii) accumulations of the Company's stock by a
prospective purchaser who lacks the financing to complete an offer and is only
interested in putting the Company "in play", without concern as to how its
activities may affect the business of the Company, and (iv) self-dealing
transactions by or with prospective purchasers who may seek to acquire the
Company at less than full value or upon terms that may be detrimental to
minority stockholders. Equally important, offers left open only a short time
might prevent management and the board from considering all alternatives to
maximize the value of the Company including, if appropriate, a search for
competing bidders. The Board of Directors believes that the specific benefits
derived by the stockholders of the Company as a result of having the Rights Plan
in place include:
o providing disincentives to potential purchasers who are not willing
or able to make and complete a fully financed offer to all
stockholders at a fair price;
o providing the board and management the time to consider available
alternatives and act in the best interests of all stockholders in
the event of an offer;
o protecting against abusive takeover tactics; and
o increasing the bargaining power of the Board of Directors.
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The Rights Plan was not adopted by the Board of Directors in response to
any specific effort to obtain control of the Company.
Description of Rights Plan
On December 4, 1990, the Company declared a dividend distribution of one
preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Common
Stock, payable on December 17, 1990 (the "Record Date") to stockholders of
record at that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from
the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, $10.00 par value per share, at an exercise price of $15.00 (the
"Purchase Price") per one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Stock, subject
to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights
Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") between the Company and American Stock
Transfer and Trust Company, as successor Rights Agent.
The Rights are initially evidenced by the Common Stock certificates as no
separate Rights certificates were distributed. The Rights separate from the
Common Stock and a "Distribution Date" will occur at the close of business on
the earliest of (i) the tenth business day following a public announcement that
a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person")
has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 20% or
more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Stock Acquisition Date"),
(ii) the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by action
of the Board of Directors) following the commencement of a tender offer or
exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 20% or
more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or (iii) the tenth business day
after the Board of Directors of the Company determines that any individual,
firm, corporation, partnership or other entity (each a "Person"), alone or
together with its affiliates and associates, has become the beneficial owner of
an amount of Common Stock which a majority of the continuing directors who are
not officers of the Company determines to be substantial (which amount shall in
no event be less than 10% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding) and at
least a majority of the continuing directors who are not officers of the
Company, after reasonable inquiry and investigation, including consultation with
such Person as the directors shall deem appropriate, shall determine that such
beneficial ownership by such Person is intended to cause the Company to
repurchase the Common Stock beneficially owned by such Person or to cause
pressure on the Company to take action or enter into a transaction or series of
transactions intended to provide such Person with short-term financial gain
under circumstances where the directors determine that the best long-term
interests of the Company and its stockholders would not be served by taking such
action or entering into such transaction or series of transactions at that time
or such beneficial ownership is causing or is reasonably likely to cause a
material impact to the Company (an "Adverse Person").
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on December 17, 2000, unless earlier redeemed by the
Company.
If (i) a Person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock (except (a) pursuant to certain offers for
all outstanding shares of Common Stock approved by at least a majority of the
continuing directors who are not officers of the Company or (b) solely due to a
reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as a result of the
repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the Company) or (ii) the Board of
Directors determines that a Person is an Adverse Person, each holder of a Right
will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, Common Stock (or, in
certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having
a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. However, Rights are
not exercisable following the occurrence of either of the events set forth in
this paragraph until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the
Company as set forth below. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, following the
occurrence of either
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of the events set forth in this paragraph, all Rights that are, or (under
certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially
owned by any Acquiring Person or Adverse Person will be null and void.
If at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i) the Company is
acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the
Company is not the surviving corporation, or in which the Company is the
surviving corporation, but its Common Stock is changed or exchanged (other than
a merger which follows an offer described in clause (i)(a) of the preceding
paragraph), or (ii) more than 50% of the Company's assets, cash flow or earning
power is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights which
previously have been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right
to receive upon exercise, Common Stock of the acquiring company having a value
equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.
At any time after the earlier to occur of (i) an Acquiring Person becoming
such or (ii) the date on which the Board of Directors of the Company declares an
Adverse Person to be such, the Board of Directors may cause the Company to
exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by the Adverse Person or Acquiring
Person, as the case may be, which will have become null and void), in whole or
in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock per Right (subject to
adjustment). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such exchange may be effected at
any time after any Person becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of shares of Preferred Stock or
other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject
to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Preferred
Stock, (ii) if holders of the Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or
warrants to subscribe for Preferred Stock or convertible securities at less than
the current market price of the Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the distribution
to holders of the Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets
(excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of subscription rights or
warrants (other than those referred to above).
At any time until the close of business on the earlier of the tenth day
following the Stock Acquisition Date or the tenth business day following the
date on which the Board of Directors first declares a person to be an Adverse
Person, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price
of $0.01 per Right. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Rights
Agreement, the decision to redeem shall require the concurrence of a majority of
the continuing directors (as defined in the Rights Agreement).
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right
to vote or to receive dividends.
The Rights Plan has certain anti-takeover effects including making it
prohibitively expensive for a raider to try to control or take over the Company
unilaterally and without negotiation with the Board of Directors. Although
intended to preserve for the stockholders the long term value of the Company,
the Rights Plan may make it more difficult for stockholders of the Company to
benefit from certain transactions which are opposed by the incumbent Board of
Directors.
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Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors is empowered, without approval of the stockholders,
to cause shares of its authorized Preferred Stock to be issued in one or more
classes or series, from time to time, with the number of shares of each class or
series and the rights, preferences and limitations of each class or series to be
determined by it. Among the specific matters that may be determined by the Board
of Directors are the rate of dividends, redemption and conversion prices, terms
and amounts payable in the event of liquidation and voting rights. Shares of
Preferred Stock may, in the Board of Directors' sole determination, be issued
with voting rights greater than one vote per share. Issuance of shares of
Preferred Stock could involve dilution of the equity of the holders of Common
Stock and further restrict the rights of such stockholders to receive dividends.
On June 16, 1995, the Board of Directors created a series of preferred
stock consisting of 1,500,000 shares designated as the Series 1995 Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Series 1995 Preferred"). On June 19, 1995, the Company
sold 1,500,000 shares of the Series 1995 Preferred in a private placement for
$15 million to certain investors and investment funds represented or managed by
Trust Company of the West. On November 25, 1996, holders of 793,677 shares of
the Series 1995 Preferred converted their shares into 1,511,761 shares of Common
Stock.
The Series 1995 Preferred pay quarterly dividends at the rate of 22
1/2(cent) on each outstanding share and is payable when, as and if declared on
each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Dividends on the Series
1995 Preferred are cumulative from the date of original issue. Unpaid dividends
bear interest at a rate of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. The Company, at
its option, can pay the dividend in cash or in shares of Common Stock valued at
80% of the lower of the Common Stock's 5 day or 30 day average closing price.
On June 30, 2000 and on each June 30, thereafter, so long as any shares of
the Series 1995 Preferred are outstanding, the Company is obligated to redeem
141,265 shares of the Series 1995 Preferred at $10.00 per share plus accrued and
unpaid dividends thereon. The mandatory redemption price may be paid either in
cash or in shares of Common Stock, at the option of the Company. If the Company
elects to pay the mandatory redemption price in shares of Common Stock, the
Common Stock will be valued at 80% of the lower of the Common Stock's 5 day or
30 day average closing price (immediately prior to the date of redemption).
The holders of the Series 1995 Preferred have the right, at their option
and at any time, to convert all or any part of such shares into shares of Common
Stock. The Common Stock conversion price as of the date hereof is $5.25 per
share. If the holders of the Series 1995 Preferred elected to convert all such
shares into Common Stock at the current conversion price, the holders would own
approximately 5.3% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock as of the date of the Prospectus. The Company has the option to redeem the
shares of the Series 1995 Preferred at a price that would provide the holders
with a specified rate of return on their original investment.
In the event of dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company, the
holders of the Series 1995 Preferred are entitled, after payments of all amounts
payable to the holders of Preferred Stock senior to the Series 1995 Preferred,
to receive out of the assets remaining $10.00 per share, together with all
dividends thereon accrued or in arrears, whether or not earned or declared,
before any payment is made or assets set apart for payment to the holders of the
Common Stock.
The holders of the Series 1995 Preferred are each entitled to vote with the
holders of Common Stock on all matters submitted for a vote of the holders of
shares of Common Stock on an "as converted" basis. Upon the occurrence of an
"event of noncompliance" with the Series 1995 Preferred as set forth therein,
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the holders of the Series 1995 Preferred have the right (for so long as such
event of noncompliance continues) to elect two additional directors to the Board
of Directors of the Company. "Events of noncompliance" include (i) the failure
to pay in the aggregate four quarterly dividends on such series, (ii) the
failure to redeem such series in accordance with its terms, (iii) a default by
the Company on certain indebtedness, (iv) M. Jay Allison ceasing to be the chief
executive officer of the Company, or (v) a bankruptcy or similar proceeding is
commenced by or against the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries.
The Company has the option to convert the Series 1995 Preferred to
convertible subordinated debt provided that the Company has satisfied certain
conditions, including obtaining the consent of the banks under the Company's
senior credit facility and granting to the holders of the Series 1995 Preferred
additional demand registration rights.
The Company may not, so long as any of the Series 1995 Preferred is
outstanding, alter any of the rights, preferences or powers of the Series 1995
Preferred or issue any shares of stock ranking on a parity with or senior to the
Series 1995 Preferred unless the requisite number of the holders have consented
thereto. Holders of the Series 1995 Preferred also have the right to approve (1)
a merger of the Company where the Company is not the surviving corporation; (2)
the issuance of more than 20% of the Common Stock in connection with a merger or
acquisition; (3) the sale or disposition of substantially all of the Company's
assets; or (4) payment of any dividend or distribution, on or for the redemption
of Common Stock in excess of $50,000 a year.
In addition to the Series 1995 Preferred and in connection with the
Stockholders' Rights Plan as described under "Description of Capital Stock -
Stockholders' Rights Plan", the Company has designated and reserved for issuance
150,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $10.00 par value per share, which, under the
Rights Plan, may be issued in units consisting of one one-hundredth of a share
(each, a "Unit"). Each Unit, if and when issued, will be entitled to receive a
cumulative quarterly cash dividend equal to the greater of $0.375 or the amount
of the dividend or distribution paid per share of Common Stock for the
applicable quarter. Such Preferred Stock dividend rights are senior to the
rights of holders of Common Stock to receive any dividend or distribution. Each
Unit, if and when issued, will be entitled to one vote, voting together with the
Common Stock, on all matters submitted to the holders of the Common Stock. Upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each Unit issued will be
entitled to the greater of $15.00 plus accrued but unpaid dividends or the
amount to be distributed in respect of each share of Common Stock, with such
Preferred Stock liquidation rights being senior to those of the holders of the
Common Stock. The Company has the option to redeem, in whole or in part, the
Preferred Stock, if issued, at any time for a per Unit price equal to the
greater of $15.00 or the current market price per share of Common Stock at the
time of redemption, in each case together with accrued but unpaid dividends.
-11-
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information as of January 10, 1997
with respect to the Common Stock beneficially owned by the Selling Security
Holders.
Number of Before After
Name and Address of Shares Number Offering Offering
Selling Security Beneficially of Shares Percentage of Percentage of
Holders Owned(1) Offered Common Stock Common Stock(2)
------- -------- ------- ------------ ---------------
Barclay Investments, Inc. 300 300 .00% -
66 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
Raymond L. Berry 27,725 27,725 .16% -
302 Cheswick Lane
Richmond, VA 23229
Richard Dolan 28,182 18,182 .12% .04%
4435 Waterfront Dr., Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Frank Gambosh 12,707 10,557 .05% .01%
3850 Gaskins Road, #240
Richmond, VA 23233
Fred Knaysi 41,529 36,364 .17% .02%
121 Brooks Chase Lane
Richmond, VA 23233
Ellen Kreisler 79,027 72,727 .33% .03%
2405 Lake Loreine Lane
Richmond, VA 23233
Mary T. Martin and Mary T. 357,518(3) 42,875 1.48% 1.30%
Martin as Trustee for the
Mary E. Martin, Edward Martin
and Timothy Martin Trusts
9717 Old Country Trace
Richmond, VA 23233
Donna Gail Morgan Sanderson 17,000 17,000 .07% -
11818 Rancho Bernardo Rd.
Suite 12345
San Diego, CA 92128
Irvin Sanderson 5,000 5,000 .02% -
11818 Rancho Bernardo Rd.
Suite 12345
San Diego, CA 92128
-12-
Number of Before After
Name and Address of Shares Number Offering Offering
Selling Security Beneficially of Shares Percentage of Percentage of
Holders Owned(1) Offered Common Stock Common Stock(2)
------- -------- ------- ------------ ---------------
Estate of Dwayne Wade Sanderson 1,800 1,800 .01% -
William L. Wilson
P.O. Box 26804
Kansas City, MO 64196
Richard A. Sanderson 2,100 1,800 .01% .00%
11180 Greenwood Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Michael W. Sanderson 1,300 1,000 .01% .00%
2402 Bransford Lane
Richmond, VA 23228
Willis H. Thompson 10,300 10,300 .04% -
1911 Oakengate Lane
Midlothian, VA 23236
Prudential Securities Incorporated 40,000 40,000 .17% -
One New York Plaza
16th Floor
New York, NY 10292
---------- -----------
624,488 285,630
========== ===========
(1) Includes shares issuable pursuant to stock options which are presently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of January 10, 1997 to purchase
327,130 shares of Common Stock.
(2) Assumes the sale by Selling Security Holders of all shares offered hereby.
(3) Includes shares held by Cecil E. Martin, Jr., Mrs. Martin's husband.
Transactions with the Selling Security Holders
During October through December 1994, the Company purchased certain
interests in the Bivins Ranch lease covering certain oil and gas properties in
the Texas Panhandle field from the Selling Security Holders. The Company paid
for the purchase of such interests by assuming outstanding joint interest
payables on the properties aggregating $186,000, paying $365,000 in cash and by
granting the Selling Security Holders five year options to purchase an aggregate
of 503,557 shares of Common Stock at a price of $5.00 per share.
The Selling Security Holders include the wife of and certain trusts for the
benefit of the children of Cecil E. Martin, Jr., a director of the Company, as
well as Herbert C. Pell, III., a former director of the Company.
-13-
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
`
The Selling Security Holders may sell any shares offered hereunder from
time to time in one or more transactions (including block transactions) on the
New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which the Common Stock may be
admitted for trading, or in the over-the-counter market, in each case pursuant
to and in accordance with any applicable rules of such market or exchange. The
Selling Security Holders may also sell shares in special offerings, exchange
distributions or secondary distributions, in each case pursuant to and in
accordance with any applicable rules of any market or exchange, in negotiated
transactions, including through the writing of options on shares of Common Stock
(whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise), or
otherwise. The Selling Security Holders may effect such transactions by selling
shares of Common Stock directly, or to or through underwriters, dealers, brokers
or agents, or any combination thereof. Any such underwriters, dealers, brokers
or agents may sell such shares to purchasers in one or more transactions
(including block transactions) on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise. Any
sales may be made at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Without
limiting the foregoing, brokers may act as dealers by purchasing any and all
shares of the Common Stock covered by this Prospectus either as agents for
others or as principals for their own accounts and reselling such shares
pursuant to this Prospectus. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by
the Selling Security Holders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to
participate. A member firm of a securities exchange may be engaged to act as the
Selling Security Holders' agent in the sale of shares by the Selling Security
Holders. Any underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents will receive commissions,
discounts or fees from the Selling Security Holders in amounts to be negotiated
prior to the sale.
The Selling Security Holders and any underwriters, brokers, dealers, agents
or others that participate with the Selling Security Holders in the distribution
of the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning thereof
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and any commissions, discounts or
fees received by such persons and any profit on the resale of the shares
purchased by such persons may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Agents may be entitled
under agreements entered into with the Selling Security Holders to
indemnification against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Any securities covered by this Prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to
Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather
than pursuant to this Prospectus. There can be no assurances that the Selling
Security Holders will sell any or all of the shares offered hereunder.
-14-
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the
shares of Common Stock by any of the Selling Security Holders; provided, however
the Company will receive $1,428,150 from the exercise of the options to purchase
the 285,630 shares of Common Stock which are the subject of this Prospectus.
Such proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. See "Plan of
Distribution."
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The Company hereby incorporates the following documents into this
Prospectus by reference:
1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1995.
2. The Company's Proxy Statement dated April 17, 1996 in connection with
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on May 15, 1996.
3. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1996.
4. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1996.
5. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1996.
6. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 1996.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Common Stock offered hereby shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional Corporation), Dallas,
Texas.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included therein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
-15-
