10-K 1 poc10k.txt PYRAMID OIL COMPANY FORM 10-K 12/31/2009 1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 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 0-5525 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) CALIFORNIA 94-0787340 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 2008 - 21st. Street, P. O. Box 832 93302 Bakersfield, California (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number: (661) 325-1000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Exchange Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock NYSE AMEX Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Exchange Act: NONE Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X] Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [X] 2 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 preceding 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 Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ ] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ] 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 [ ] 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] The aggregate market value on June 30, 2009, (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) of the voting shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $15,464,000 based on the closing sales price of the registrant's Common Stock on such date. At March 30, 2010, there were 4,677,728 shares of Common Stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the registrant's fiscal year are incorporated by reference into Part III. 3 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY 2009 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents Page PART I Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . 14 Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Item 4. (Removed and Reserved) . . . . . . . . . 19 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . 19 Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . 20 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 21 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . 32 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 33 Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 68 Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . 68 Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . 69 Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . 70 4 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . 70 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 70 Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . 70 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Schedules . . . . . 71 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND OTHER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS Pyramid Oil Company is including the following discussion to inform existing and potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect the Company and to take advantage of the "safe harbor" protection for forward-looking statements afforded under the federal securities laws. Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may be forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, the Company may otherwise make forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential security holders about the Company. These statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and the Company's future (1) income, (2) oil and gas production, (3) oil and gas reserves and reserve replacement and (4) capital spending. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "goal" or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. In addition, except for the historical information contained in this report, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and will be influenced by various factors. Should any of the assumptions underlying a forward-looking statement prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially. 5 PART I ------ ITEM 1 - BUSINESS GENERAL BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Pyramid Oil Company is a California corporation that has been in the oil and gas business continuously, since it was incorporated on October 9, 1909. Pyramid Oil Company, hereinafter referred to as "Pyramid" or the "Company," is engaged in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. Pyramid acquires interests in land and producing properties through acquisition and lease on which it drills and/or operates crude oil or natural gas wells in efforts to discover and/or to produce oil and gas. Crude oil and natural gas produced from these properties are sold to various refineries and pipeline companies. The majority of all oil and gas properties that Pyramid owns and operates is for its own account. Pyramid also participates in specific joint ventures with other companies in the development of oil and gas properties. Pyramid's interests in these properties will vary depending on the availability of said interests and their locations. Although the Company owns some minor oil and gas interests in New York, Wyoming and Texas, all of the Company's operations and major revenue producing properties are in California. The Company's executive offices are located at 2008 21st Street, Bakersfield, California, 93301, telephone (661) 325-1000, facsimile (661) 325-0100. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS - OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT Pyramid operates in a highly competitive industry wherein many companies, from large multinational companies to small independent producers, are competing for a finite amount of oil and gas resources. The Company seeks out properties to explore for oil and gas by drilling and also seeks out producing oil and gas properties that can be purchased and operated. Management believes that under the right economic conditions, several of the producing properties that the Company owns could have further developmental potential. Certain oil properties currently owned and operated by the Company may be receptive to enhanced oil recovery procedures under certain economic conditions. OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS Pyramid owns and operates 27 oil and gas leases (properties) located within Kern and Santa Barbara Counties in the State of California. Ten of these properties were shut-in during 2009. Most of these properties are capable of producing oil or natural gas, although not all of these properties are considered profitable under certain economic conditions. 6 During 2009, the Company operated 17 leases within California, 13 of these leases had total annual gross oil production exceeding 1,000 barrels per lease. Production activities primarily consist of the daily pumping of oil from a well(s) into tanks, maintaining the production facilities both at the well and tank settings, preparing and shipping the crude oil to buyers. Daily operations differ from one property to another, depending on the number of wells, the depth of the wells, the gravity of the oil produced and the location of the property. All of Pyramid's oil production is classified as primary recovery production at this time; although certain properties may be conducive to secondary recovery operations in the future, depending on the prevailing price of oil. Primary recovery of oil and gas is by means of natural flow(s) or artificial lift of oil and gas from a single well bore. Natural gas and petroleum fluids enter the well bore by means of reservoir pressure or gravity flow; fluids and gases are moved to the surface by natural pressure or by means of artificial lift (pumping). In secondary recovery operations, liquids or gases are injected into the reservoirs for the purpose of augmenting reservoir energy or increasing reservoir temperatures. Secondary recovery operations, usually, but not always, are done after the primary-recovery phase has passed. The Company employs field personnel (i.e., pumpers, rig crews, roustabouts and equipment operators) that perform basic daily activities associated with producing oil and gas. Daily operations include inspections of surface facilities and equipment, gauging, reporting and shipping oil, and routine maintenance and repair activities on wells, production facilities and equipment. The Company owns and maintains various pieces of equipment necessary for employees to perform various repair and maintenance tasks on Company properties. Such equipment consists of service rigs, mobile pumps, vacuum trucks, hot oil truck, backhoe, trucks and trailers. Occasionally, the Company drills new wells or redrills existing wells on properties owned by the Company in an attempt to increase oil and gas production. In the last five years, the Company has utilized the services of outside drilling contractors for drilling new wells and redrilling existing wells. Maintenance and repairs of existing wells to maintain or increase oil and gas production are carried out by Company personnel on a continuing basis. Most maintenance and repair work is performed with Company rigs. Economic factors associated with the price of oil and gas and the productive output of wells determine the number of active wells the Company operates. Under certain economic conditions, the Company has the potential to operate approximately 121 wells, and of these, approximately 56 were in operation during 2009. The Company also owns other oil and gas interests outside of California that it does not operate. These interests are located in Wyoming, Texas and New York. 7 MARKETING OF CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS The Company sells its crude oil to ConocoPhillips and Kern Oil & Refining, accounting for approximately 55% and 42%, respectively, of Pyramid's crude oil and gas sales in 2009. While revenue from these customers is significant, and the loss of any one could have an adverse effect on the Company, it is management's opinion that the oil and gas it produces could be sold to other crude oil purchasers, refineries or pipeline companies. ConocoPhillips, and its predecessors, and Kern Oil have been customers of the Company for over twenty years. Natural gas is sold to companies in the area of operations. The Company sells its oil pursuant to short-term contracts. Accordingly, the amount of oil the Company sells is dependent upon market demand. Market demand for Pyramid's production is subject to various influences and can never be assured, especially in an era of changing prices. The base values for crude oil the Company sells is set by major oil companies in response to area and market strengths and international influences. Types and qualities of crude oil vary substantially in base values posted by crude oil buyers in various areas of the country. Pyramid's crude oil sales are not seasonal, but uniform throughout the year. COMPETITION AND INDUSTRY CONDITIONS The profitability of the Company's operations depends primarily on the production of oil and gas in commercially profitable quantities. Oil and gas properties often fail to provide a return sufficient to repay the substantial sums of money required for their acquisition, exploration and development. The acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties is a highly competitive business. Many entities with which the Company competes have significantly greater financial and staff resources. Such competitive disadvantages could materially and adversely affect the Company's ability to acquire new properties or develop existing properties. REGULATIONS The Company's business is affected by numerous governmental laws and regulations, including energy, environmental, conservation, tax and other laws and regulations relating to the petroleum industry. Changes in any of these laws and regulations could have a material and adverse effect on the Company's business and financial stability. In view of the many uncertainties with respect to current laws and regulations, including their applicability to the Company, the Company cannot predict the overall effect of such laws and regulations on future operations. TAXATION The operations of the Company, as is the case in the petroleum industry generally, are significantly affected by Federal tax laws. Federal, as well as state, tax laws have many provisions applicable to corporations which could affect the future tax liability of the Company. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL The Company's activities are subject to existing federal and state laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control. These laws may require the acquisition of permits relating to certain ongoing operations, for drilling, emissions, waste water disposal and other air and water quality controls. In view of the uncertainty and unpredictability of environmental statutes and regulations, the Company cannot ensure that such laws and regulations will not materially and adversely affect the business of the Company. The Company does not currently anticipate any material effect on its capital expenditures or earnings as the result of governmental regulations, enacted or proposed, concerning environmental protection or the discharge of material into the environment. The Company is actively pursuing an ongoing policy of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with current and proposed environmental regulations. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is liable for future dismantlement and abandonment costs associated with its oil and gas properties. These costs include down-hole plugging and abandonment of wells, future site restoration, post closure and other environmental exit costs. The costs of future dismantlement and abandonment have been accrued and recorded in the financial statements. See Note 7 of Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. OTHER The Company employed fourteen full-time and two part-time people as of December 31, 2009. Three full-time and two part-time people were office or administrative personnel, and the rest of whom were field personnel. The Company contracts for additional labor services when needed. The Company is not a party to any union or labor contracts. The Company had no material research and development costs for the three years ended December 31, 2009. All of the Company's revenues during 2009 were derived from domestic sources. The Company does not have any patents or trademarks, and it does not believe that its business or operations are dependent upon owning any patents or trademarks. 9 ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS In addition to other information in this annual report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company's business because such factors may have a significant impact on the Company's business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact the Company's business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, the Company's business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, the trading price of the Company's securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of YOUR INVESTMENT in the Company. RISKS RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS AND THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THE COMPANY'S FUTURE PERFORMANCE IS DEPENDENT UPON THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY, ACQUIRE AND DEVELOP ADDITIONAL OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES, THE FAILURE OF WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNDER USE OF CAPITAL AND LOSSES. The Company's future performance depends upon the Company's ability to continue to identify, acquire and develop additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable. The Company's success will depend upon the Company's ability to continue to acquire working and revenue interests in properties upon which oil and gas reserves are ultimately discovered in commercial quantities, and the Company's ability to develop additional prospects that contain proven oil and gas reserves to the point of production. The successful acquisition and development of oil and gas properties requires an assessment of recoverable reserves, future oil and gas prices and operating costs, potential environmental and other liabilities, and other factors. Such assessments are necessarily inexact and their accuracy inherently uncertain. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Company's future exploitation and development activities will result in the discovery of additional reserves. THE COMPANY HAS A VERY SMALL MANAGEMENT TEAM AND THE LOSS OF ANY MEMBER OF THE COMPANY'S TEAM MAY PREVENT US FROM IMPLEMENTING THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS PLAN IN A TIMELY MANNER. The Company currently has two executive officers and a small number of full time employees and consultants upon whom the Company's success largely depends. We do not maintain key person life insurance policies on the Company's executive officers or consultants, the loss of which could seriously harm the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In such an event, we may not be able to recruit personnel to replace the Company's executive officers or consultants in a timely manner, or at all, on acceptable terms. 10 THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, AND THE COMPANY MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY. The oil and gas industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with oil and natural gas companies and other individual producers and operators, many of which have substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company. The Company's larger competitors, by reason of their size and relative financial strength, can more easily access capital markets than the Company can and may enjoy a competitive advantage in the recruitment of qualified personnel. Competitors may be able to absorb the burden of any changes in laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business and handle longer periods of reduced prices for oil and gas more easily than we can. The Company's competitors may be able to pay more for oil and gas leases and properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of leases and properties than the Company can. Further, these companies may enjoy technological advantages and may be able to implement new technologies more rapidly than the Company can. The Company's ability to acquire additional properties in the future will depend upon the Company's ability to conduct efficient operations, evaluate and select suitable properties, implement advanced technologies and consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. THE COMPANY'S EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS WHICH MAY AFFECT THE COMPANY'S COSTS OF OPERATIONS. In general, the Company's exploration and production activities are subject to certain federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental quality and pollution control. Such laws and regulations increase the costs of these activities and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of a given operation. Specifically, the Company is subject to legislation regarding emissions into the environment, water discharges and storage and disposition of hazardous wastes. However, such laws and regulations are frequently changed and any such changes may have material adverse effects on the Company's activities. The Company is unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with such laws and regulations. Generally, environmental requirements do not appear to affect the Company any differently or to any greater or lesser extent than other companies in the industry. To date the Company has not been required to spend any material amounts on compliance with environmental regulations. However, the Company may be required to do so in future and this may affect the Company's ability to expand or maintain the Company's operations. ANY CHANGE TO GOVERNMENT REGULATION/ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO OPERATE AND THE COMPANY'S PROFITABILITY. The business of oil and gas exploration and development is subject to substantial regulation under federal, state, local and foreign laws relating to the exploration for, and the development, upgrading, marketing, pricing, taxation, and transportation of oil and gas and related products and other matters. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and 11 activities of oil and gas exploration and development operations could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business. In addition, there can be no assurance that income tax laws, royalty regulations and government incentive programs related to the Company's oil and gas properties and the oil and gas industry generally, will not be changed in a manner which may adversely affect the Company's progress and cause delays, inability to explore and develop or abandonment of these interests. Permits, leases, licenses, and approvals are required from a variety of regulatory authorities at various stages of exploration and development. There can be no assurance that the various government permits, leases, licenses and approvals sought will be granted in respect of the Company's activities or, if granted, will not be cancelled or will be renewed upon expiry. There is no assurance that such permits, leases, licenses, and approvals will not contain terms and provisions which may adversely affect the Company's exploration and development activities. THE COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO REPLACE, MAINTAIN OR EXPAND THE COMPANY'S OIL AND GAS RESERVES IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE COMPANY'S FUTURE RESERVES AND PRODUCTION FROM DECLINING, WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT FUTURE CASH FLOWS AND INCOME. In general, production from oil and gas properties declines over time as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics. The Company's future oil and gas production is highly dependent upon the Company's ability to economically find, develop, acquire and maintain reserves in commercial quantities. To the extent cash flow from operations is reduced, either by a decrease in prevailing prices for oil and gas or an increase in finding and development costs, and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable, the Company's ability to make the necessary capital investment to maintain or expand the Company's asset base of oil and gas reserves would be impaired. Even with sufficient available capital, the Company's future exploration and development activities may not result in additional proved reserves, and we might not be able to drill productive wells at acceptable costs. THE OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INDUSTRY IS HISTORICALLY A CYCLICAL INDUSTRY AND MARKET FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PRICES OF OIL AND GAS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS. Prices for oil and gas tend to fluctuate significantly in response to factors beyond the Company's control. These factors include: - weather conditions in the United States and where the Company's property interests are located; - economic conditions, including demand for petroleum-based products, in the United States and the rest of the world; - actions by OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; political instability in the Middle East and other major oil and gas producing regions; 12 - governmental regulations; - domestic tax policy; - the price of foreign imports of oil and gas; - the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas; - the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves; - the rate of decline of existing and new oil and gas reserves; - available pipeline and other oil and gas transportation capacity; - the ability of oil and gas companies to raise capital; - the overall supply and demand for oil and gas; and - the availability of alternate fuel sources. Changes in commodity prices may significantly affect the Company's capital resources, liquidity and expected operating results. Price changes will directly affect revenues and can indirectly impact expected production by changing the amount of funds available to reinvest in exploration and development activities. Reductions in oil and gas prices not only reduce revenues and profits, but could also reduce the quantities of reserves that are commercially recoverable. Significant declines in prices could result in non-cash charges to earnings due to impairment. Changes in commodity prices may also significantly affect the Company's ability to estimate the value of producing properties for acquisition and divestiture and often cause disruption in the market for oil and gas producing properties, as buyers and sellers have difficulty agreeing on the value of the properties. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for and project the return on acquisitions and the development and exploitation of projects. We expect that commodity prices will continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. EXPLORATORY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DRILLING AND PRODUCTION OPERATIONS INVOLVES MANY RISKS THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE COMPANY'S CONTROL AND WHICH MAY RESULT IN A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. The business of exploring for, developing and producing oil and gas involves a substantial risk of investment loss. Drilling and operating oil and gas wells involves the risk that the wells may be unproductive or that, although productive, the wells may not produce oil or gas in economic quantities. Other hazards, such as unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, fires, blowouts, power outages, gas leakage, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or prevent completion of any well. Adverse weather conditions can also hinder drilling operations. A productive well may become uneconomic if water or other deleterious substances 13 are encountered that impair or prevent the production of oil or gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is impregnated with water or other deleterious substances. There can be no assurance that oil and gas will be economically produced from all properties in which the Company has interests. AT TIMES THE COMPANY PARTICIPATES IN JOINT VENTURES WHEREIN THE COMPANY IS DEPENDANT UPON THE EFFORTS OF VARIOUS THIRD PARTIES THAT THE COMPANY DOES NOT CONTROL AND, AS A RESULT, THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE TIMING OF DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS, ASSOCIATED COSTS, OR THE RATE OF PRODUCTION OF RESERVES (IF ANY). The success of the Company's business interests in certain joint ventures, where the Company owns less than a majority interest depends upon the efforts of various third parties that the Company does not control. As a result, the Company may have limited ability to exercise influence over certain joint venture decisions, operations or costs in certain joint venture activities. The Company's dependence on the operator and, where applicable, other working interest owners for these projects and the Company's limited ability to influence operations and associated costs could prevent the Company from realizing targeted returns on capital in drilling or acquisition activities. The success and timing of development and exploitation activities on joint venture properties operated by others depend upon a number of factors that will be largely outside of the Company's control, including: - the timing and amount of capital expenditures; - the operator's expertise and financial resources; - approval of other participants in drilling wells; - selection of technology; - the rate of production of the reserves; and - the availability of suitable drilling rigs, drilling equipment, production and transportation infrastructure, and qualified operating personnel. The Company relies upon various consultants and service companies to provide us with technical assistance and services. The Company relies upon the services of geologists, geophysicists, chemists, engineers and other scientists to explore and analyze oil and gas prospects to determine a method in which the oil and gas prospects may be developed in a cost-effective manner. Although the Company's management has relationships with a number of third-party service providers, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to rely on such consultants or services in the future. 14 RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY THE COMPANY' BY-LAWS CONTAIN PROVISIONS INDEMNIFYING THE COMPANY'S OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. The Company's by-laws provide for the indemnification of the Company's directors and officers to the fullest extent legally permissible under the California corporate law against all expenses, liability and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding. Furthermore, the Company's by-laws provide that the Company's board of directors may cause the Company to purchase and maintain insurance for the Company's directors and officers. THE COMPANY'S BY-LAWS DO NOT CONTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND THUS THE COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS MAY CHANGE IF THERE IS A TAKE-OVER OF THE COMPANY. We do not currently have a shareholder rights plan or any anti-takeover provisions in the Company's by-laws. Without any anti-takeover provisions, there is no deterrent for a take-over of the Company. If there is a take-over of the Company, the Company's management and directors may change. ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES (a) DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES The principal assets of the Company consist of proven and unproven oil and gas properties, oil and gas production related equipment and developed and undeveloped real estate holdings. The Company's oil and gas properties are located exclusively in the continental United States, in California, Wyoming, Texas and New York. The general business description and the description of the Company's oil and natural gas operations are described on page 5 under Item 1. Business. Information required by Subpart 1200 of Regulation S-K (Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Oil and Gas Producing Activities) is also contained in Item 1. and in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Supplemental Information - Oil and Gas Producing Activities is on pages 61 to 66. The preceding information is incorporated by reference into this Item 2. Developed oil and gas properties are those on which sufficient wells have been drilled to economically recover the estimated reserves calculated for the property. Undeveloped properties do not presently have sufficient wells to recover the estimated reserves. The Company had proved undeveloped reserves of 96,000, 9,500 and 79,600 at January 1, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company had no significant proved undeveloped properties at January 1, 2006, and 2005. 15 (b) OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES The Company's estimated future net recoverable oil and gas reserves from proved reserves, both developed and undeveloped properties, were assembled by MHA Petroleum Consultants, independent petroleum engineers, and are as follows:
Crude Oil Natural Gas (BBLS) (MCF) --------- ----------- January 1, 2010 506,000 81,000 2009 471,000 155,000 2008 806,000 331,000 2007 741,000 65,000 2006 715,000 94,000
The Company's estimated future net recoverable oil and gas reserves, noted in the table above, have not been filed with any other Federal authority or agency since January 1, 2009. Using year-end oil and gas prices and lease operating expenses, the estimated value of future net revenues before income taxes to be derived from Pyramid's proved developed oil and gas reserves, discounted at 10%, were $9,158,000 at December 31, 2009, $4,106,000 at December 31, 2008, $27,414,000 at December 31, 2007, $12,358,000 at December 31, 2006, and $12,694,000 at December 31, 2005. Pyramid participates in the drilling of developmental wells, no single one of which would cause a significant change in the net reserve figure. INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER RESERVE ESTIMATION Our proved reserve information as of December 31, 2009 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was estimated by our independent petroleum consultant, MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, in accordance with generally accepted petroleum engineering and evaluation principles and definitions and guidelines established by the SEC. For the company's estimation procedures, credentials and statement of independence, see the MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, report filed herein on Exhibit 99.1. The technical persons responsible for preparing the reserves estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity and confidentiality set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, and their predecessors have been preparing the Company's reserve information for over twenty years and thus, are very familiar with the Company's operations and their oil and gas properties. 16 John H. Alexander, President and Lee Christianson, CFO, provides company data (such as well ownership interests, oil and gas prices, production volumes and well operating costs) to MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, and are the primary Company employees responsible for reviewing MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, use of our data and MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, estimation of our reserves. Mr. Alexander and an employee who is a petroleum engineer provide MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, with technical data (such as well logs, geological information and well histories). Mr. Alexander and Mr. Christianson have been with the Company for over twenty years. Mr. Alexander has over forty years experience in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. John Alexander and Lee Christianson review the preliminary MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, reserve estimates and the financial inputs in the estimates. Mr. Christianson, CFO, calculates the disclosed changes in reserve estimates and the disclosed changes in the Standardized Measure relating to proved oil and gas reserves. Mr. Christianson has over thirty years experience in oil and gas accounting. Our company codes of business conduct and ethics are general internal controls for preventing and detecting errors or fraud by our employees responsible for the reserve estimation procedures and disclosure in our filings with the SEC. Pyramid's net oil and gas production after royalty and other working interests for the past five years ending December 31, were as follows.
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Crude oil (Bbls) 57,000 65,000 67,000 66,000 71,000 Natural gas (MCF) 5,000 5,000 5,000 7,000 7,000
17 Pyramid's average sales prices per barrel or per MCF of crude oil and natural gas, respectively, and production costs per equivalent barrel (gas production is converted to equivalent barrels at the rate of 6 MCF per barrel, representing the estimated relative energy content of gas to oil) for the past five years ending December 31, were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Sales price: Crude oil $57.16 $93.47 $67.83 $58.88 $47.96 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== Natural gas $ 4.02 $ 7.94 $ 7.16 $ 7.28 $ 6.77 ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== Production costs $24.20 $27.20 $24.00 $22.80 $19.30 ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
The average selling price of the Company's crude oil at December 31, 2009, was approximately $71.88 per barrel and the average selling price of the Company's natural gas at December 31, 2009, was approximately $4.50 per MCF. As of December 31, 2009, Pyramid had the following gross and net position in wells and proved acres: WELLS PROVED ACRES ----------------- ----------------- Gross (1) Net (1) Gross (2) Net (2) -------- ------ -------- ------ 148 132 21,387 5,844 === === ====== =====
(1) "Gross wells" represents the total number of wells in which the Company has a working interest. "Net wells" represents the number of gross wells multiplied by the percentage of the working interests therein held by the Company. (2) "Gross acreage" represents all acres in which the Company has a working interest. "Net acres" represents the aggregate of the working interests of the Company in the gross acres. The Company drilled one well in 2008 on the Santa Fe lease. The Company also participated as a non-operator, along with a group of partners, in the drilling of two natural gas wells in Texas, one each in 2008 and 2009. The Company drilled two wells in 2007 on the Anderson lease. The Company drilled four new wells in 2006, two on the Santa Fe lease, one on the Anderson lease 18 and one joint-venture well. The Company participated with one other oil company as non-operator in the drilling of the joint venture well in 2006. No wells were drilled in 2005. "Unproven" oil and gas properties are those on which the presence of commercial quantities of reserves of crude oil or natural gas has not been established. "Undeveloped" acreage exists on those oil and gas properties where economically recoverable reserves are estimated to exist in proved reservoirs from wells to be drilled in the future. As of December 31, 2009, Pyramid held positions in unproven acreage in the following locations:
ACRES ------------------ Gross Net ------ ------ New York Mount Morris and Livingston Counties 34,800 9,788 Texas McMullen County 5,700 713
(c) REAL PROPERTY OWNED Pyramid owned the following real property as of December 31, 2009, all located in California. County of Kern Mullaney yard 20 acres Miller property 112 acres Ranton property 80 acres City of Bakersfield 3 lots Located on the three lots of real property in the city of Bakersfield is the Company's executive offices. This property was acquired by the Company in 1986. The office building located on this property is a one story structure with approximately 4,200 square feet in good condition. 19 ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is subject to potential litigation within the normal course of business. The resolution in any reporting period of such litigation could have a material impact on Pyramid's financial position or results of operations for that period. Pyramid is not party to any proceedings or actions which management believes might have a material effect upon its financial position or results of operations. ITEM 4 - (REMOVED AND RESERVED) PART II ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (a) PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES The common stock of Pyramid is traded on the NYSE Amex under the symbol "PDO". The following are high and low sales prices for each quarter of 2009 and 2008, and reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commission.
High Low ---- ----- Fiscal Quarter Ending 2009 March 31, $ 6.3100 $2.8000 June 30, 9.5000 3.4718 September 30, 6.1600 4.2000 December 31, 6.3900 4.3500 Fiscal Quarter Ending 2008 March 31, 3.9500 3.1000 June 30, 46.0000 3.2000 September 30, 38.2000 5.7000 December 31, 6.5000 2.7100
At December 31, 2009, the Company had 243 shareholders of record, and an unknown number of additional holders whose stock is held in "street name". The Company did not repurchase any securities during 2009, or issue any securities during 2009 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. 20 On June 5, 2008, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 5 for 4 stock split payable on July 3, 2008, to shareholders of record as of June 24, 2008. The effective date of the split is July 7, 2008. ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected financial data is not necessarily indicative of our future financial position or results of future operations, and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands except per share data) 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA Total Revenue $3,312 $6,611 $4,945 $3,958 $3,761 Income from Operations ( 537) 1,094 1,767 923 1,087 Net Income ( 189) 1,514 1,495 949 1,089 Net Income per Share Basic and Diluted ($0.04) $0.32 $0.32 $0.20 $0.23 Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted 4,678 4,678 4,678 4,678 4,678 BALANCE SHEET DATA Cash and Cash Equivalents $1,439 $1,794 $ 618 $ 619 $1,333 Short-term Investments 3,344 2,789 1,479 1,451 1,409 Total Assets 10,142 10,277 8,460 6,696 5,907 Notes Payable 21 45 71 37 64 Stockholders' Equity 8,373 8,352 6,604 5,109 4,160 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 10,142 10,277 8,460 6,696 5,907 PER SHARE DATA Net Book Value per Common Share $1.79 $1.79 $1.41 $1.09 $0.89 Common Shares Outstanding 4,678 4,678 4,678 4,678 4,678
21 ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IMPACT OF CHANGING PRICES Average prices decreased by approximately $36.40 per equivalent crude oil and gas barrel sold during 2009 as compared with average prices for 2008. In 2009 there were 247 separate crude oil price changes, as compared with 250 price changes in 2008. The difference between the highest ($78.70) and lowest ($27.85) posted prices in 2009 was $50.85 per barrel. By comparison, this same differential in 2008 was $111.45 per barrel. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company had cash and short-term investments of $4,783,000 at December 31, 2009, for a net increase of $200,000, when compared to December 31, 2008. Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit having original maturities of three months or more. Operating activities generated cash of $573,000 during 2009. During 2009, cash was consumed by purchase of short- term investments of $500,000, capital spending of $348,000 and principal payments on the Company's long-term debt totaling $24,000. The components of the changes in cash for 2009 are described in the Statements of Cash Flows included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Adequate funds were available to carry out all necessary oil and gas operations and to maintain its equipment. A $500,000 line of credit, unused at December 31, 2009, also provided additional liquidity during 2009. The Company believes that its existing current assets and the amount of cash it anticipates it will generate from current operations will be sufficient to fund the anticipated liquidity and capital resource needs of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. In addition to its current assets, the Company also has a credit facility for $500,000 available in the event that it needs other resources to fund its liquidity and capital resource needs. Although the Company may increase its capital expenditures during the current fiscal year to enhance its current oil production capacities, it does not anticipate that such expenditures would exceed the amount of liquidity currently available to the Company. The Company's beliefs that its existing assets and the cash expected to be generated from operations will be sufficient during the current fiscal year are based on the following: As of December 31, 2009, the amount of cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments was equal to $4,783,000 in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $5,712,000 in current assets, and only $576,000 of current liabilities. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had no long-term indebtedness (net of current maturities). 22 The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements and does not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. In addition, the Company has no financial guarantees, debt or lease agreements or other arrangements that could trigger a requirement for an early payment or that could change the value of the Company's assets. Management continues to examine various alternatives for increasing capital resources including, among other things, participation with industry and/or private partners in drilling and exploration prospects and specific rework of existing properties to enhance production and expansion of its sales of crude oil and natural gas in California. If necessary, Pyramid could sell certain nonessential assets to raise capital for the benefit of these programs. The Company participated as a non-operator in the drilling of a natural gas well in Texas during 2009. The Company drilled two wells in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. The Company drilled four wells in the year ended December 31, 2006. No wells were drilled in 2005. One of the wells drilled in 2006 was an exploratory well which was abandoned due to non-economic production of crude oil. The Company's proved developed producing crude oil reserves decreased by 63,000 barrels at December 31, 2009. The decrease is due primarily to production of approximately 57,000 barrels of crude oil during 2009. The remaining decline of 6,000 barrels in the reserves is due to revisions of previous estimates. The Company did not drill any crude oil wells during 2009. The Company's proved developed producing natural gas reserves decreased by 56,000 MCF's at December 31, 2009. The decrease is due primarily to revisions of previous estimates. The estimates of gas reserves for the Texas gas prospect decreased by approximately 40,000 MCF's due to unfavorable production results from a gas well that was drilled in 2008 by the Texas joint venture. The Company's crude oil reserves for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased due primarily to a decrease in crude oil sales prices. Proved developed producing crude oil reserves decreased by 213,000 barrels at December 31, 2008. The crude oil prices at the end of a given year are one of the most significant factors used to determine the value of crude oil reserves. The average prices at December 31, 2008 declined by approximately $53.00 per barrel compared with the average prices at December 31, 2007. Based on these prices, many of the Company's leases were uneconomic and no reserves were attributed to these leases. The Company's crude oil reserves for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased due primarily to revision of previous estimates. The drilling of two new wells in 2007 and higher average crude oil prices at December 31, 2007, combined to generate higher year-end reserves of proved developed producing properties. Proved developed producing crude oil reserves increased by 120,600 barrels at December 31, 2007. The Company's gas reserves increased by approximately 267,000 MCF's for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase is due to the Company's investment in a joint venture gas prospect in Texas. 23 The Company's crude oil reserves for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased due primarily to the drilling of four wells in 2006. The Company's crude oil reserves for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased due primarily to the recognition of proved developed non-producing and proved undeveloped reserves as a result of the review of the Company's geological data by independent petroleum engineers. Certain properties that the Company owns have become uneconomic and have been shut-in. When these properties are not operated, any reserves that could be assigned to these properties are not included in the year-end engineering report of total Company reserves. Another major factor that directly affects the Company's future reserve base is the price of crude oil at December 31, of any given year. The year-end price of oil and gas has a significant impact on the estimated future net recoverable oil and gas reserves from proved developed properties. At certain depressed price levels, some of the Company's oil and gas properties are not economical to operate and thus its year-end engineering reserve reports do not assign any oil and gas reserves to these properties. Conversely, if year-end prices should increase to a certain level, the reserves on these leases would be economic to produce and would increase the Company's reserves. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Looking forward into 2010, crude oil prices have increased by approximately ninety cents per barrel as of March 26, 2010, compared to prices at December 31, 2009. There have been 56 separate price changes since December 31, 2009. In January 2010, the Company successfully drilled a new well on its Anderson property in the Carneros Creek field, located in Kern County, California. The well was drilled to approximately 3,300 feet, logged, and completed by running casing. In late February, a small portion of the Point of Rocks formation in this well was hydraulically fractured with the injection of crude oil and sand. The well's oil production after recovery of all treating fluids has been in the range of 25 barrels of oil per day. During December of 2009, Union Gas Company of Houston Texas commenced field operations on the Company's Texas Joint Venture Farmout. The original joint venture well, the Murray Franklin Estate #1, was horizontally re-drilled into the Eagleford formation at a depth of approximately 4,500 feet. The well was stimulated with a multi-stage hydraulic frac, and testing began in mid-March. As of this writing, no specific production results were available. In the fourth quarter of 2009, management began an extensive review of a number of the Company's properties located in Kern, County. Management hired a highly regarded independent geologist to help identify and target new prospects on existing leases, as management seeks to increase production. Several prospects were initially identified and management has chosen one of these for drilling a new well utilizing horizontal technology. Current plans call for drilling operations to begin during the second week of April. Drilling results will be announced following completion and testing operations. 24 In addition to this specific drilling prospect, the geological review is progressing on various other properties the Company owns. Several other prospects on existing properties have been identified during the review, and management is in the process of evaluating their economics. Management plans to continue with drilling several additional wells during the current year. The Company continues to seek and evaluate opportunities within the energy sector, to enhance the value of the Company. The Company's growth in 2009 will be highly dependant on the amount of success the Company has in its operations and capital investments, including the outcome of wells that have not yet been drilled. The Company's capital investment program may be modified during the year due to exploration and development successes or failures, market conditions and other variables. The production and sales of oil and gas involves many complex processes that are subject to numerous uncertainties, including reservoir risk, mechanical failures, human error and market conditions. The Company has positioned itself, over the past several years, to withstand various types of economic uncertainties, with a program of consolidating operations on certain producing properties and concentrating on properties that provide the major revenue sources. The drilling of a new well and several limited work-overs of certain wells have allowed the Company to maintain its crude oil reserves for the last three years. The Company expects to maintain its reserve base in 2009, by drilling new wells and routine maintenance of its existing wells. The Company may be subject to future costs necessary for compliance with the new implementation of air and water environmental quality requirements of the various state and federal governmental agencies. The requirements and costs are unknown at this time, but management believes that costs could be significant in some cases. As the scope of the requirements become more clearly defined, management may be better equipped to determine the true costs to the Company. The Company continues to absorb the costs for various state and local fees and permits under new environmental programs, the sum of which were not material during 2008. The Company retains outside consultants to assist the Company in maintaining compliance with these regulations. The Company is actively pursuing an ongoing policy of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with current and proposed environmental regulations. The costs of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with environmental regulations have not been determined. Management believes that these costs will not have a material adverse effect upon its financial position or results of operations. 25 ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 REVENUES OIL AND GAS SALES The decrease in revenues of $3,298,733 is due primarily to lower average prices combined with lower crude oil production/sales for 2009. Oil and gas sales decreased by 50% for the year ended December 31, 2009, when compared with the same period for 2008. The average price of the Company's oil and gas decreased by approximately $36.40 per equivalent barrel for 2009 when compared to 2008. Crude oil production/sales decreased by approximately 12,600 barrels. The decrease in crude oil production is primarily the result of the decline in production on the Company's Anderson and Santa Fe leases. OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses decreased by $530,167 for the year ended December 31, 2009, when compared with the same period for 2008. Operating expenses decreased by 27% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during 2009 was approximately $24.21 per barrel, a decrease of approximately $3.03 per barrel when compared with production costs for 2008. The decrease in lease operating expenses is caused by many factors. These include lower costs for labor, parts and supplies, pump repairs, equipment rental and equipment fuel. The Company has reduced its maintenance activities as a result of the lower crude oil sales prices. Company labor as a component of total operating expenses decreased by approximately 8% due to a reduction in overtime hours worked, a reduction in hourly labor rates, a reduction in personnel and a reduction in bonuses paid. Parts and supplies as a component of total operating expenses decreased by approximately 6% due to a reduction in maintenance activities. Pump repairs as a component of total operating expenses were lower by approximately 3% due to the decline in maintenance work during 2009 and the replacement of down-hole pumps in prior years with more expensive pumps that are more efficient and have better longevity. Equipment rental costs as a component of total operating expenses were lower by approximately 3% during 2009 due to the discontinuance of the rental of crude oil storage tanks for the Santa Fe and Anderson leases. Equipment fuel as a component of total operating expenses was lower by approximately 3% due to lower overall maintenance activities and lower prices for gasoline and diesel during 2009. 26 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES General and administrative expenses decreased by $77,114 for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared with the same period of 2008. Accounting services decreased by approximately $54,400 due primarily to lower costs incurred for SOX-404 internal control compliance and tax related matters. PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $304,430 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, when compared with the same period for 2008. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in depletion of the Company's oil and gas properties in the amount of $318,202. The decrease in depletion is due to a decrease in crude oil production for 2009 and a decrease in the depletable base due to the write-down of certain oil and properties in 2008. VALUATION ALLOWANCES Valuation allowance expense decreased by $803,622 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, when compared with the same period for 2008. At December 31, 2008, the valuation of the Company's oil and gas properties declined due primarily to lower crude oil prices. During 2009, crude oil prices have increased and this has been reflected in higher valuations of the Company's oil and gas properties at December 31, 2009. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 REVENUES OIL AND GAS SALES Oil and gas sales increased by 47% for the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period for 2007. The increase in revenues of $2,107,773 is due primarily to higher average prices for 2008. The average price of the Company's oil and gas increased by approximately $26.16 per equivalent barrel for 2008 when compared to 2007. Crude oil production/sales increased by approximately 3,800 barrels due primarily to the fracturing of three wells in the first quarter of 2008 and increased production on wells that were drilled in 2007. 27 OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses increased by 20% for the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period of 2007. The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil increased by approximately $3.25 per barrel for 2008 when compared to 2007, for a total cost of approximately $27.24 per equivalent barrel. The increase in operating expenses of approximately $321,000 was due to many factors. These include higher costs for labor, down-hole pump repairs, equipment fuel, parts and supplies, equipment rental and insurance. The increase in operating expenses is due primarily to the following (each as a component of total operating costs): Labor costs increased by 6% due primarily to an increase in the number of field employees. Down-hole pump repairs increased by approximately 4% due to the replacement of down-hole pumps with more expensive pumps that are more efficient and have better longevity. Equipment fuel increased by approximately 2% due primarily to the increased per unit costs of gasoline and diesel fuel during 2008. Repair and maintenance parts and supplies increased by approximately 2% due to increased levels of repair and maintenance activities. Equipment rental increased by approximately 2% due primarily to the rental of crude oil storage tanks for the new wells that were drilled in 2007 and 2008 on the Anderson and Santa Fe leases. The Company also rented crude oil storage tanks for the three wells that were fraced in the first quarter of 2008. Insurance costs increased by approximately 1.5% due primarily to higher premiums for health insurance and workers' compensation insurance. EXPLORATION COSTS In the first quarter of 2008, the Company received a payment, from its joint venture partner, in the amount of $28,812 for its share of certain tangible completion equipment on an exploratory well that had been abandoned in 2006. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES General and administrative expenses increased by approximately 17% for the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period for 2007. The increase in General and administrative expenses of $144,045 is due primarily to the following factors: 28 Legal fees increased by approximately 6%, as a component of total administrative expense, due to services that were rendered for the stock split that was declared on June 5, 2008 (see footnote 11), increased costs for compliance with SEC filings and general corporate matters. Compensation costs, as a component of total administrative expenses, increased by 5% due to a number of factors. Compensation costs increased due to the following: an increase in annual salaries that was effective June 1, 2008; an increase in bonuses for 2008 when compared with 2007; and the hiring of a part-time employee that was effective July 1, 2007. Accounting services increased by 3%, as a component of total administrative expenses, due primarily to continuing compliance costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley. PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization increased by $483,364 for the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period for 2007. The increase is due to an increase of approximately $274,000 in the depletion of the Company's oil and gas properties and an increase of $202,000 in the amortization of the leaseholds on the Company's Texas gas prospect. VALUATION ALLOWANCES Valuation allowances increased by $1,159,055 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period for 2007. At December 31, 2008, the valuation of the Company's oil and gas properties declined due primarily to lower crude oil prices resulting in the write-down of certain properties to the value of their estimated discounted cash flows. ACCRETION EXPENSE The increase in accretion expense of $46,697 for the year ended December 31, 2008, is due primarily to an increase in the Company's liability for asset retirement obligations (ARO). The adjustment to the ARO is due to an increase in the estimated costs associated with the retirement of its oil and gas properties. 29 OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES Other costs and expenses increased by approximately $91,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared with the same period for 2007. The increase is due to the retention of an investor relations consultant at a monthly fee of $5,000 that was effective March 12, 2008 (see footnote 16). The remaining increase in costs is due to an increase in the annual listing fees for the NYSE AMEX and the payment of a one-time fee to the NYSE AMEX for the stock split that was declared on June 5, 2008 (see footnote 11). CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES COSTS INCURRED IN OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES The Company has adopted the "successful efforts" method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development activities, as set forth in FASB ASC Topic No. 932. The Company initially capitalizes expenditures for oil and gas property acquisitions until they are either determined to be successful (capable of commercial production) or unsuccessful. The carrying value of all undeveloped oil and gas properties is evaluated periodically and reduced if such carrying value appears to have been impaired. Leasehold costs relating to successful oil and gas properties remain capitalized while leasehold costs which have been proven unsuccessful are charged to operations in the period the leasehold costs are proven unsuccessful. Costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred. The costs of drilling and equipping development wells are capitalized, whether the wells are successful or unsuccessful. The costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells are capitalized until they are determined to be either successful or unsuccessful. If the wells are successful, the costs of the wells remain capitalized. If, however, the wells are unsuccessful, the capitalized costs of drilling the wells, net of any salvage value, are charged to operations in the period the wells are determined to be unsuccessful. The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" (the Statement). The Statement specifies when an impairment loss should be recognized and how impairment losses should be measured for long-lived assets to be held and used and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. In accordance with the Statement, the costs of proved oil and gas properties and equipment are periodically assessed on a lease by lease basis to determine if such costs exceed undiscounted future cash flows, and if conditions warrant an 30 impairment reserve will be provided based on the estimated future discounted cash flows. The Company recorded an impairment reserve of $358,757 and $1,162,379 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively (see Note 6 of Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K). The accumulated impairment reserve was $2,769,430 and $2,410,673 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION Depletion of leasehold costs of producing oil and gas properties is provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved reserves. Depreciation and amortization of the costs of producing wells and related equipment are provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved developed reserves. Amortization of the costs of undeveloped oil and gas properties is based on the Company's experience, giving consideration to the holding periods of leaseholds. The average depletion per equivalent barrel of crude oil produced for 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $14.97, $27.86 and $5.03, respectively. Drilling and operating equipment, buildings, automotive, office and other property and equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the applicable lease terms (range of 3 to 19 years). Any permanent impairment of the carrying value of property and equipment is provided for at the time such impairments become known. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which provides amendments to the FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 that require new disclosures regarding (I) transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and (ii) activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 also clarifies existing disclosures regarding (I) the level of asset and liability disaggregation and (ii) fair value measurement inputs and valuation techniques. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the disclosure impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (ASU 2009-13). ASU 2009-13 provides guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables. Specifically, the updated accounting standard requires an entity to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all of its deliverables based on their relative selling prices. ASU 2009-13 also eliminates the residual method of allocation and requires use of the relative-selling-price method in all circumstances in PAGE <31> which an entity recognizes revenue for an arrangement with multiple deliverables. ASU 2009-13 is effective as of January 2011 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 13 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASU 2009-05), which is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after August 2009. ASU 2009-05 amends FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 (FASB ASC 820-10). The update provides clarification on the techniques for measurement of fair value required of a reporting entity when a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168 "The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" ("SFAS 168"). SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") as the single source of authoritative GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities, except for the rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws, which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. The Codification does not change GAAP. SFAS 168 is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this standard only impacts the references to the accounting standards. References to accounting standards in this Form 10-K now refer to the relevant ASC topic. In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, "Subsequent Events". SFAS No. 165 was issued in order to establish principles and requirements for reviewing and reporting subsequent events and requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events are evaluated and whether the date corresponds with the time at which the financial statements were available for issue (as defined) or were issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. SFAS No. 165 was codified in the ASC topic on Subsequent Events. In April 2009, the FASB issued three related Staff Positions: (I) FSP 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, or FSP 157-4, (ii) SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, or FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, and (iii) SFAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, or FSP 107 and APB 28-1, which are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. FSP 157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities under SFAS 157 in the current economic environment and reemphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. If we were to conclude that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity of the asset or liability in relation to normal market activities, quoted market values may not be representative of fair value and we may conclude that a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation PAGE <32> techniques may be appropriate. FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 modify the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities and revise the existing impairment model for such securities, by modifying the current intent and ability indicator in determining whether a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired. FSP 107 and APB 28-1 enhance the disclosure of instruments under the scope of SFAS 157 for both interim and annual periods. The above staff positions did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The above staff positions and ABP 28-1 were codified in the ASC topic on Financial Instruments. In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. 141R-1 Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies, or FSP 141R-1. FSP 141R-1 amends the provisions in Statement 141R for the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosures for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations. The FSP eliminates the distinction between contractual and non-contractual contingencies, including the initial recognition and measurement criteria in Statement 141R and instead carries forward most of the provisions in SFAS 141 for acquired contingencies. FSP 141R-1 is effective for contingent assets and contingent liabilities acquired in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We will apply the requirements of SFAS 141R prospectively to any future acquisitions. FAS 141R was codified in the ASC topic on Business Combinations. ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK Not applicable. 33 ITEM 8- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA PYRAMID OIL COMPANY INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2009 Page REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM . . . . . . 34 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Balance sheets - December 31, 2009 and 2008 . . . . . . . . . . 35-36 Statements of operations - years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-38 Statements of shareholders' equity - years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Statements of cash flows - years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Notes to financial statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 34 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Pyramid Oil Company Bakersfield, California We have audited the balance sheets of Pyramid Oil Company (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provided a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pyramid Oil Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We were not engaged to examine management's assessment of the effectiveness of Pyramid Oil Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 included in the accompanying report of management in Disclosure Controls and Procedures in Item 9A(T) of Form 10K, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon. SINGERLEWAK LLP Los Angeles, California March 30, 2010 35 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PYRAMID OIL COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS
December 31, -------------------------- 2009 2008 ---------- ------------ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,438,825 $ 1,793,563 Short-term investments 3,344,061 2,789,099 Trade accounts receivable (net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $4,000 in 2009 and 2008) 375,954 213,588 Income taxes receivable 124,281 -- Crude oil inventory 62,760 82,025 Prepaid expenses and other assets 169,595 186,353 Deferred income taxes 196,200 108,000 --------- ---------- Total current assets 5,711,676 5,172,628 --------- ---------- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost: Oil and gas properties and equipment (successful efforts method) 16,085,228 15,755,472 Capitalized asset retirement costs 382,550 382,550 Drilling and operating equipment 2,109,993 2,109,993 Land, buildings and improvements 1,065,371 1,065,371 Automotive, office and other property and equipment 1,160,617 1,162,324 ---------- ---------- 20,803,759 20,475,710 Less - accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances (17,125,834) (16,147,157) ---------- ---------- 3,677,925 4,328,553 ---------- ---------- OTHER ASSETS Deferred income taxes 485,400 509,245 Deposits 250,000 250,000 Other assets 17,013 17,013 ---------- ---------- $10,142,014 $10,277,439 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
36 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
December 31, ---------------------------- 2009 2008 ---------- ---------- CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 88,170 $ 40,820 Accrued professional fees 138,381 130,261 Accrued taxes, other than income taxes 62,310 76,222 Accrued payroll and related costs 51,606 50,451 Accrued royalties payable 159,933 132,472 Accrued insurance 54,947 59,096 Accrued income taxes -- 239,815 Current maturities of long-term debt 20,640 23,901 --------- ---------- Total current liabilities 575,987 753,038 --------- ---------- LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities -- 20,640 --------- ---------- LIABILITY FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS 1,193,324 1,151,706 --------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, no par value (Note 13) Authorized - 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none -- -- Common stock, no par value (Note 11,12 & 13) Authorized - 50,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 4,677,728 shares 1,515,945 1,306,010 Retained earnings 6,856,758 7,046,045 ---------- ---------- 8,372,703 8,352,055 ---------- ---------- $10,142,014 $10,277,439 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
37 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- REVENUES: Oil and gas sales $ 3,311,895 $ 6,610,628 $ 4,502,855 Gain on sales of fixed assets -- 500 441,927 ---------- ---------- ---------- 3,311,895 6,611,128 4,944,782 ---------- ---------- ---------- COSTS AND EXPENSES: Operating expenses 1,411,721 1,941,888 1,611,269 Exploration costs -- (28,812) 6,687 General and administrative 924,676 1,001,791 857,746 Stock based compensation 209,935 167,400 67,000 Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes 147,724 131,215 111,909 Provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization 639,738 944,168 460,804 Valuation allowances 358,757 1,162,379 3,324 Accretion expense 41,618 68,832 22,135 Other costs and expenses 115,164 128,090 36,818 --------- --------- ---------- 3,849,333 5,516,951 3,177,692 --------- --------- ---------- OPERATING INCOME ( 537,438) 1,094,177 1,767,090 --------- --------- ---------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest income 75,427 88,792 85,003 Other income 14,400 28,431 19,886 Interest expense ( 1,313) ( 2,235) ( 1,768) ---------- --------- --------- 88,514 114,988 103,121 ---------- --------- --------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION (448,924) 1,209,165 1,870,211 Income tax provision (benefit) Current ( 195,282) 312,710 375,150 Deferred ( 64,355) (617,245) -- ---------- --------- ---------- ( 259,637) (304,535) 375,150 ---------- --------- --------- NET INCOME $ ( 189,287) $ 1,513,700 $ 1,495,061 ========== ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
38 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.04) $ 0.32 $ 0.32 ========== ========= ========= DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.04) $ 0.32 $ 0.32 ========== ========= ========= Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 4,677,728 4,677,728 4,677,728 ========== ========= ========= Diluted average number of common shares outstanding 4,686,249 4,713,055 4,677,728 ========== ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
39 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Shares Issued and Common Retained Outstanding Stock Earnings ------------- ---------- ---------- Balances, December 31, 2006 3,741,721 $1,071,610 $4,037,284 Net income -- -- 1,495,061 --------- --------- --------- Balances, December 31, 2007 3,741,721 1,071,610 5,532,345 5 for 4 stock split 936,007 Severance award agreement -- 165,400 -- Stock based compensation -- 69,000 -- Net income -- -- 1,513,700 --------- --------- --------- Balances, December 31, 2008 4,677,728 1,306,010 7,046,045 Severance award agreement -- 209,935 -- Net (loss) -- -- ( 189,287) --------- --------- --------- Balances, December 31, 2009 4,677,728 $1,515,945 $6,856,758 ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
40 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, -------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 --------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $( 189,287) $1,513,700 $1,495,061 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization 639,738 944,168 460,804 Valuation allowances 358,757 1,162,379 3,324 Accretion expense 41,618 68,832 22,135 Exploration costs -- (28,812) 6,687 Stock based compensation 209,935 167,400 67,000 Gain on sale of property and equipment -- (500) (441,927) Loss on disposal of fixed assets -- -- 18,000 Accrued termination costs -- -- (142,157) Deferred income taxes (64,355) (617,245) -- Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable and interest receivable (286,648) 429,752 (147,967) Decrease (increase) in crude oil inventories 19,265 (10,727) (14,759) (Increase) in prepaid expenses 17,458 (12,988) (18,015) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (173,790) 22,410 281,925 --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 572,691 3,638,369 1,590,111 --------- --------- --------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
41 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
Year ended December 31, ------------------------------ 2009 2008 2007 ------- ------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures $( 347,866) $(1,126,565) $(2,085,327) Purchase of short-term investments ( 500,000) (1,250,000) (180,000) Increase in short-term investments (54,962) (60,120) (28,069) Redemption of certificate of deposit -- -- 200,000 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets -- 500 468,621 --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities ( 902,828) (2,436,185) (1,624,775) --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from line of credit -- -- 150,000 Payments on line of credit -- -- (150,000) Principal payments on long-term debt ( 23,901) ( 26,869) ( 37,054) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt -- -- 71,165 Principal payments from loans to employees 3,100 2,500 2,000 Loans to employees ( 3,800) ( 2,700) ( 2,000) ------- -------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (24,601) (27,069) 34,111 ------- -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (354,738) 1,175,115 (553) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,793,563 618,448 619,001 --------- ---------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $1,438,825 $ 1,793,563 $ 618,448 ========= ========== ========= SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the year for interest $ 1,313 $ 2,235 $ 1,768 ======= ======= ======= Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ 168,814 $ 232,946 $ 36,125 ======= ======= ======= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
42 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2009 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NATURE OF OPERATIONS Pyramid Oil Company (the Company), a California Corporation, has been in the oil and gas business continuously for 99 years since it was incorporated on October 9, 1909. The Company is in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. The Company operated and has interests in 27 oil and gas leases in Kern and Santa Barbara Counties in the State of California. The Company also owns oil and gas interests in Wyoming and New York that it does not operate. The Company grants short-term credit to its customers and historically receives payment within 30 days. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits and certificates of deposits having original maturities of three months or less. At December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $1,200,000 of cash and cash equivalents that were not fully insured by the FDIC. INVESTMENTS Investments consist of certificates of deposit having original maturities of three months or more and are valued at cost. INVENTORY Inventories of crude oil and condensate are valued at the lower of cost, predominately on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, or market, and include certain costs directly related to the production process. DEPOSITS In April 2004, the Company replaced its state of California oil and gas blanket performance surety bond, with a cash bond in the form of an irrevocable certificate of deposit in the amount of $250,000. 43 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 COSTS INCURRED IN OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES The Company has adopted the "successful efforts" method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development activities, as set forth in FASB ASC Topic No. 932. The Company initially capitalizes expenditures for oil and gas property acquisitions until they are either determined to be successful (capable of commercial production) or unsuccessful. The carrying value of all undeveloped oil and gas properties is evaluated periodically and reduced if such carrying value appears to have been impaired. Leasehold costs relating to successful oil and gas properties remain capitalized while leasehold costs which have been proven unsuccessful are charged to operations in the period the leasehold costs are proven unsuccessful. Costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed as incurred. The costs of drilling and equipping development wells are capitalized, whether the wells are successful or unsuccessful. The costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells are capitalized until they are determined to be either successful or unsuccessful. If the wells are successful, the costs of the wells remain capitalized. If, however, the wells are unsuccessful, the capitalized costs of drilling the wells, net of any salvage value, are charged to operations in the period the wells are determined to be unsuccessful. The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic No. 360-10-15, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" (the Statement). The Statement specifies when an impairment loss should be recognized and how impairment losses should be measured for long-lived assets to be held and used and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. In accordance with the Statement, the costs of proved oil and gas properties and equipment are periodically assessed on a lease by lease basis to determine if such costs exceed undiscounted future cash flows, and if conditions warrant an impairment reserve will be provided based on the estimated future discounted cash flows. The Company recorded an impairment reserve of $358,757 and $1,162,379 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively (see Note 6). The accumulated impairment reserve was $2,769,430 and $2,410,673 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 44 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION Depletion of leasehold costs of producing oil and gas properties is provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved reserves. Depreciation and amortization of the costs of producing wells and related equipment are provided on the unit-of-production method, by individual property unit, based on estimated recoverable proved developed reserves. Amortization of the costs of undeveloped oil and gas properties is based on the Company's experience, giving consideration to the holding periods of leaseholds. The average depletion per equivalent barrel of crude oil produced for 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $14.97, $27.86 and $5.03, respectively. Drilling and operating equipment, buildings, automotive, office and other property and equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the applicable lease terms (range of 3 to 19 years). Any permanent impairment of the carrying value of property and equipment is provided for at the time such impairments become known. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION We account for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASC 718). Accordingly, we measure share-based compensation expense at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognize the expense over the employee's requisite service period using the straight-line method. The measurement of share-based compensation expense is based on several criteria including but not limited to the valuation model used and associated input factors, such as expected term of the award, stock price volatility, risk free interest rate and award cancellation rate. These inputs are subjective and are determined using management's judgment. If differences arise between the assumptions used in determining share-based compensation expense and the actual factors, which become known over time, we may change the input factors used in determining future share-based compensation expense. Any such changes could materially impact our results of operations in the period in which the changes are made and in periods thereafter. We elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation and continue to use the simplified method in developing the expected term used for our valuation of share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Maintenance, repairs and replacement expenditures are charged to operations as incurred, while major renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives. 45 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 RETIREMENT OR DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT Costs and accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances of property and equipment retired, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts upon disposal, and any resulting gain or loss is included in operations in the year of disposition. However, upon disposal of a portion of an oil and gas property, any proceeds received are treated as a recovery of cost and no gain or loss is recognized in the year of disposition. INCOME TAXES The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 740-10-25, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007 (ASC 740-10-25). As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10-25, the company made a comprehensive review of its portfolio of tax positions in accordance with recognition standards established by ASC 740-10-25. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, the Company recognized no material adjustments to liabilities or stockholders equity. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction, California and New York states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examination for the years before 2006. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2005 to 2008. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months. The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of FIN 48, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009. 46 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK The Company sells its crude oil to ConocoPhillips and Kern Oil & Refining, accounting for approximately 55%, and 42%, respectively, of Pyramid's crude oil and gas sales in 2009. Crude oil sales were approximately 65% and 32% attributable to ConocoPhillips and Kern Oil and Refining respectively at December 31, 2008. While revenue from these customers is significant, and the loss of any one could have a short-term adverse effect on the Company, it is management's opinion that the oil and gas it produces could be sold to other crude oil purchasers, refineries or pipeline companies. Trade receivables were approximately 55% and 44% attributable to ConocoPhillips and Kern Oil and Refining respectively at December 31, 2009. Trade receivables were approximately 60% and 38% attributable to ConocoPhillips and Kern Oil and Refining respectively at December 31, 2008. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which provides amendments to the FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 that require new disclosures regarding (I) transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and (ii) activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 also clarifies existing disclosures regarding (I) the level of asset and liability disaggregation and (ii) fair value measurement inputs and valuation techniques. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the disclosure impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (ASU 2009-13). ASU 2009-13 provides guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables. Specifically, the updated accounting standard requires an entity to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all of its deliverables based on their relative selling prices. ASU 2009-13 also eliminates the residual method of allocation and requires use of the relative-selling-price method in all circumstances in which an entity recognizes revenue for an arrangement with multiple deliverables. ASU 2009-13 is effective as of January 2011 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 13 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASU 2009-05), which is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after August 47 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 2009. ASU 2009-05 amends FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 (FASB ASC 820-10). The update provides clarification on the techniques for measurement of fair value required of a reporting entity when a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168 "The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" ("SFAS 168"). SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification") as the single source of authoritative GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities, except for the rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws, which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. The Codification does not change GAAP. SFAS 168 is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this standard only impacts the references to the accounting standards. References to accounting standards in this Form 10-K now refer to the relevant ASC topic. In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, "Subsequent Events". SFAS No. 165 was issued in order to establish principles and requirements for reviewing and reporting subsequent events and requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events are evaluated and whether the date corresponds with the time at which the financial statements were available for issue (as defined) or were issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. SFAS No. 165 was codified in the ASC topic on Subsequent Events. In April 2009, the FASB issued three related Staff Positions: (I) FSP 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, or FSP 157-4, (ii) SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, or FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2, and (iii) SFAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, or FSP 107 and APB 28-1, which are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. FSP 157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities under SFAS 157 in the current economic environment and reemphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. If we were to conclude that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity of the asset or liability in relation to normal market activities, quoted market values may not be representative of fair value and we may conclude that a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 modify the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities and revise the existing impairment model for such securities, by modifying the current intent and ability indicator in determining whether a debt security is 48 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 other-than-temporarily impaired. FSP 107 and APB 28-1 enhance the disclosure of instruments under the scope of SFAS 157 for both interim and annual periods. The above staff positions did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The above staff positions and ABP 28-1 were codified in the ASC topic on Financial Instruments. In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. 141R-1 Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies, or FSP 141R-1. FSP 141R-1 amends the provisions in Statement 141R for the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosures for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations. The FSP eliminates the distinction between contractual and non-contractual contingencies, including the initial recognition and measurement criteria in Statement 141R and instead carries forward most of the provisions in SFAS 141 for acquired contingencies. FSP 141R-1 is effective for contingent assets and contingent liabilities acquired in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We will apply the requirements of SFAS 141R prospectively to any future acquisitions. FAS 141R was codified in the ASC topic on Business Combinations. RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior financial statements to conform to the 2009 presentation. REVENUE RECOGNITION The Company recognizes sales when: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) product delivery has occurred; (3) pricing is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured. To satisfy these criteria, the Company: (1) has crude oil sales contracts with its crude oil purchasers; (2) records revenue based upon receipt of evidence of shipment of crude oil and when risk of loss and title transfer has occurred; (3) the Company's crude oil contracts specify the pricing terms which are fixed and determinable; (4) validates creditworthiness through past payment history and other financial date. Sales rebates, discounts and customer returns are not applicable to the oil and gas industry. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS Our accounts receivable are unsecured and are at risk to the extent such amounts become uncollectible. The Company has had the same two major customers for approximately 20 years with no history of non-payment or 49 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 default. Pursuant to the terms of the crude oil sales contracts, the Company receives payment around the 20th of the month following crude oil shipments. The Company has established a nominal allowance for doubtful accounts due to the Company's evaluation of its customers past payment history, creditworthiness and other financial data. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 19 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or disposition of property, the asset and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is charged to operations. The carrying value of property and equipment is assessed periodically and/or when factors indicating impairment are present. We recognize impairment losses when the expected cash flows are less than the asset's carrying value, in which case the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. 2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the guidance establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value: Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. 50 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 In accordance with this guidance, we measure our cash equivalents and short- term investments at fair value. Our cash equivalents and short term investments are classified within Level 1. Cash equivalents and shot term investments are valued primarily using quoted market prices utilizing market observable inputs. At December 31, 2009, cash equivalents and short term investments consisted of certificates of deposit measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair values of our certificates of deposit were $3,684,895, of which $340,833 was included in cash equivalents and $3,344,061 were included in short-term investments at December 31, 2009. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted, the FASB staff position that delayed the guidance on fair value measurements for non financial assets and non financial liabilities. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 3. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINE OF CREDIT Long-term debt at December 31, 2009 and 2008, is summarized as follows: December 31,
---------------------- 2009 2008 --------- --------- Note payable to GMAC, secured by equipment purchased with the proceeds of the loan, payable in monthly installments of $1,193 principal and interest, interest at 3.9% final payment in 2010. $ 11,714 $ 25,279 Note payable to GMAC, secured by equipment purchased with the proceeds of the loan, payable in monthly installments of $909 principal and interest, interest at 3.9% final payment in 2010. 8,926 19,262 ------- ------- 20,640 44,541 Less - current maturities -- ( 23,901) ------- ------- $ 20,640 $ 20,640 ======= =======
At December 31, 2009 approximately $101,000 of gross property and equipment was pledged as collateral to secure $20,640 principal amount of long-term debt. 51 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 At December 31, 2009, the Company had an unsecured line of credit with a bank, under which the Company may borrow up to $500,000 through May 31, 2010. Interest on any borrowing is accrued at the bank's index rate plus 0.50 percentage points. The bank's index rate was 4.75% at December 31, 2009. 4. INCOME TAXES Income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following:
Year Ended December 31, ----------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ------- ------- ------ Federal income taxes: Current $(193,411) $276,170 $ 308,715 Deferred ( 54,975) (527,245) -- ------- ------- ------- (248,386) (251,075) 308,715 ------- ------- ------- State income taxes: Current ( 1,871) 36,540 66,435 Deferred ( 9,380) (90,000) -- ------- ------- ------- ( 11,251) (53,460) 66,435 ------- ------- ------- Income tax provision $(259,637) $(304,535) $375,150 ======= ======= =======
52 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 Differences exist between certain accounting policies and related provisions included in federal income tax rules. The amounts by which these differences and other factors cause the total income tax provision to differ from an amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to financial income is set forth in the following reconciliation: Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 -------- -------- -------- Federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate $(152,634) $ 408,745 $ 635,872 Statutory depletion -- (551,762) (156,526) Termination pay -- -- ( 44,433) Intangible Drilling Costs -- -- (161,737) Prior period tax changes ( 93,584) (136,960) -- State income taxes ( 15,094) 5,439 66,435 Other 1,675 ( 29,997) 35,439 -------- -------- -------- Income tax provision $(259,637) $(304,535) $ 375,150 ======== ======== ========
The components of net deferred tax asset (liability) are as follows:
December 31, --------------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ----------- ----------- ----------- Current deferred taxes: Gross assets $ 196,200 $ 107,000 $ 69,842 Gross liabilities -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- 196,200 107,000 69,842 ---------- ---------- ---------- Noncurrent deferred taxes: Gross assets 2,251,600 2,272,245 2,287,049 Gross liabilities -- -- ( 599,537) Valuation allowance (1,766,200) (1,762,000) (1,757,354) ---------- --------- --------- 485,400 510,245 ( 69,842) ---------- --------- --------- $ 681,600 $ 617,245 $ -- ========== ========= =========
53 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:
December 31, --------------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ----------- ----------- ----------- Accounts receivable $ 1,600 $ 1,600 $ 1,712 Asset retirement obligations 466,000 449,000 432,666 Statutory depletion carryover 1,766,200 1,762,000 1,825,707 Accrued liabilities 194,600 107,000 96,806 ---------- --------- --------- Total deferred tax assets 2,428,400 2,319,600 2,356,891 Property and equipment 19,400 59,645 ( 599,537) Valuation allowance (1,766,200) (1,762,000) (1,757,354) ---------- --------- --------- $ 681,600 $ 617,245 $ -- ========== ========= =========
At December 31, 2009, a valuation allowance has been provided against the statutory depletion carryover due to the uncertainty of its future utilization. The Company believes that its estimate of deferred tax assets and determination to record a valuation allowance against the statutory depletion carryover are critical accounting estimates because they are subject to, among other things, an estimate of future taxable income, which is susceptible to change and dependent upon events that may or may not occur, and because the impact of recording a valuation allowance may be material to the assets reported on the balance sheet and results of operations. At December 31, 2009, the Company has Federal income tax net operating loss carrybacks/carryforwards of approximately $88,000. For California franchise tax purposes, as of December 31, 2009, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15,000. At December 31, 2009, the Company has, for Federal income tax purposes, a statutory depletion carryover of approximately $4,544,000, which currently has no expiration date. 54 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 740-10-25 (ASC 740- 10-25), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10-25, the company made a comprehensive review of its portfolio of tax positions in accordance with recognition standards established by ASC 740-10-25. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10-25, the Company recognized no material adjustments to liabilities or stockholders equity. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction, California and New York states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examination for the years before 2006. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2005 to 2008. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months. The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of ASC 740-10-25, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009. 5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTION Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, an officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate. The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group. Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $188,500, $462,800 and $324,700 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In December of 2007, Mr. Alexander purchased a used pickup truck from the Company for $20,150. The sale of the vehicle to Mr. Alexander in December of 2007, resulted in a gain to the Company of approximately $1,500. As a director, Mr. Alexander has abstained from voting on any of the above matters that have been brought before the Board of Directors, involving the Santa Fe lease. See Note 15 for discussion of severance awards entered into with Mr. Alexander. 55 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 6. FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS (UNAUDITED) During the fourth quarters of 2009 and 2008, the Company made adjustments to the carrying value of some of its oil and gas properties. The Company recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $358,757 and $1,162,379, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, to reflect the change in the projected future undiscounted net cash flows for the properties, as the result of the analysis of the Company's oil and gas reserves by independent consultants. The adjustment at December 31, 2009, of $358,727, is due to write-downs of the Company's investment in two natural gas wells drilled by the Texas joint venture. The economic results from the first well during 2009 and the projected future discounted net cash flows from the second well did not support the costs that had been capitalized at December 31, 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded additional depletion of approximately $60,000 on its oil and gas properties as a result of the analysis of the Company's oil and gas reserves by independent consultants. There were no significant adjustments made during the fourth quarter of 2007. 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is liable for future dismantlement and abandonment costs associated with its oil and gas properties. These costs include down-hole plugging and abandonment of wells, future site restoration, post closure and other environmental exit costs. The costs of future dismantlement and abandonment have been accrued and recorded in the financial statements. See Note 10, Assets Retirement Obligations. The Company is subject to potential litigation within the normal course of business. In management's opinion, the resolution of such litigation would not have a material adverse effect upon the financial position of the Company, although the resolution in any reporting period of such litigation could have a material impact on Pyramid's results of operations for that period. In February 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John H. Alexander pursuant to which Mr. Alexander agreed to serve as the Company's Vice President. On June 3, 2004, Mr. Alexander was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement is for an initial term of six years, which term automatically renews annually if written notice is not tendered. Pursuant to the employment agreement, the Company may terminate Mr. Alexander's employment with or without cause at any time before its term expires upon providing written notice. In the event the Company terminates Mr. Alexander's employment without cause, Mr. Alexander would be entitled to receive a severance amount equal to his annual base salary and benefits for the balance of the term of his employment agreement. In the event of 56 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 termination by reason of Mr. Alexander's death or permanent disability, his legal representative will be entitled to receive his annual salary and benefits for the remaining term of his employment agreement. In the event of, or termination following, a change in control of the Company, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Alexander would be entitled to receive his annual salary and benefits for the remainder of the term of his agreement. In the event that Mr. Alexander is terminated the Company would incur approximately $600,000 in costs. The Company has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a final settlement offer to settle its potential liability as a generator of waste containing hazardous substances that was disposed of at a waste disposal site in Santa Barbara County. The Company has responded to the EPA by indicating that the waste contained petroleum products that fall within the exception to the definition of hazardous substances for petroleum-related substances of the pertinent EPA regulations. Management has concluded that under both Federal and State regulations no reasonable basis exists for any valid claim against the Company. As such, the likelihood of any settlement is deemed remote. 8. GAIN ON SALE OF FIXED ASSETS During 2007, the Company sold real property (160 acres of grazing land) for a gain of approximately $441,000. All of the assets sold in 2007 had insignificant net book values. 9. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN The Company has a defined contribution plan (Simple IRA) available to all employees meeting certain service requirements. Employees may contribute up to a maximum of $6,000 of their compensation to the plan. The Company will make a contribution to the plan in an amount equal to the employees contributions up to 3% of their salaries. Contributions of $10,428, $12,834 and $13,119 were made during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 10. ASSETS RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS The Company recognizes a liability at discounted fair value for the future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated assets retirement cost associated with the petroleum and natural gas properties. The fair value of the liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized to expense over its useful life. The liability accretes until the date of expected settlement of the retirement obligations. The related accretion expense is recognized in the statement of operations. The provision will be revised for the effect of any changes to timing related to cash flow 57 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 or undiscounted abandonment costs. Actual expenditures incurred for the purpose of site reclamation are charged to the asset retirement obligations to the extent that the liability exists on the balance sheet. Differences between the actual costs incurred and the fair value of the liability recorded are recognized in income in the period the actual costs are incurred. There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations. The Company has recognized deferred tax benefits of approximately $466,000 for the asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2009. A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented are as follows:
December 31, --------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 --------- --------- --------- Beginning balance $1,151,706 $1,010,903 $ 982,389 Incurred during the period -- -- -- Additions for new wells -- 9,394 6,379 Accretion expense 41,618 131,409 22,135 --------- --------- --------- Ending Balance $1,193,324 $1,151,706 $1,010,903 ========= ========= =========
11. STOCK SPLIT On June 5, 2008, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 5 for 4 stock split payable on July 3, 2008, to shareholders of record as of June 24, 2008. The effective date of the split is July 7, 2008. Common Stock --------- Shares outstanding at June 30, 2008 3,741,721 Shares issued 5 for 4 stock split July 3, 2008 936,007 --------- Shares outstanding at July 7, 2008 4,677,728 ========= All share and per share data for the periods presented have been retroactively restated to reflect this stock split. 58 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 12. WARRANTS ISSUED Effective, November 13, 2008, the Company's Board of Directors approved the issuance of warrants to Pfeiffer High Investor Relations, Inc. (PHIR), see footnote 17. The Company approved the issuance of 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.20 per share. The warrants will have a two-year term, will be assignable and will have piggyback registration rights and cashless exercise provisions. The Company valued the warrants using the Black-Scholes model using inputs of a 2 year expected life, 135% volatility and a 1.19% risk free interest rate. The Company recorded stock based compensation of $69,000 for the period ended December 31, 2008. The Company has adopted FASB ASC Topic No. 718 (ASC 718) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees, directors and consultants based on estimated fair values. ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of the award that is ultimately expected to vest to be recognized as expense. ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of the grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The Company's determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant uses the Black-Scholes model, which is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, and actual and projected option exercise behaviors. The Company estimated expected volatility using historical data. The fair value of each warrant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 1.19% Expected term (years) 2.0 Volatility 135% Expected annual dividends - Stock price at November 13, 2008 $3.96 59 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The following table summarizes the warrant activity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009: Number Weighted-Average of Warrants Exercise Price ----------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 2008 25,000 $3.20 Granted -- -- Exercised -- -- Cancelled -- -- ------ ---- Outstanding, December 31 , 2009 25,000 $3.20 ====== ==== The following summarizes the warrants issued, outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2009: Grant Date November, 2008 Strike Price $3.20 Expiration Date November, 2010 Warrants Remaining 25,000 Proceeds if Exercised $80,000 Call Feature None 13. SEVERANCE AWARD AGREEMENTS On June 4, 2009, the Company and John Alexander entered into a Severance Award Agreement pursuant to which the Company awarded Mr. Alexander a supplemental payment in connection with his future severance of employment with the Company and recorded an increase to stockholders' equity of $209,935. Pursuant to the Severance Award Agreement and following the termination of Mr. Alexander's employment, he will be entitled to receive (at the Company's option) 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock or the then-fair market value of the shares. As of June 30, 2009, the Company intends to deliver the Company's common shares for the Severance Award; therefore, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, management has classified the share-based compensation as stockholders' equity at June 30, 2009. On December 30, 2008, the Company and John Alexander entered into a Severance Award Agreement pursuant to which the Company awarded Mr. Alexander a supplemental payment in connection with his future severance of employment with the Company and recorded an increase to stockholders' equity of $100,000. Pursuant to the Severance Award Agreement and following the termination of Mr. Alexander's employment, he will be entitled to receive (at the Company's 60 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 option) 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock or the then-fair market value of the shares. As of December 31, 2008, the Company intends to deliver the Company's common shares for the Severance Award; therefore, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, management has classified the share-based compensation as stockholders' equity. On January 9, 2007, the Company and John Alexander entered into a Severance Award Agreement pursuant to which the Company awarded Mr. Alexander a supplemental payment in connection with his future severance of employment with the Company and recorded a liability for share-based compensation of $65,400. Mr. Alexander serves as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Severance Award Agreement and following the termination of Mr. Alexander's employment, he will be entitled to receive (at the Company's option) 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock or the then-fair market value of the shares. As of December 30, 2008, the Company intends to deliver the Company's common shares for the Severance Award; therefore, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, management has reclassified the liability for share-based compensation to stockholders' equity. 14. INCENTIVE AND RETENTION PLAN On January 9, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors adopted an Incentive and Retention Plan pursuant to which the Company's officers and other employees selected by the Company's Compensation Committee are entitled to receive payments if they are employed by the Company as of the date of a 'Corporate Transaction,' as defined in the Incentive and Retention Plan. A 'Corporate Transaction' includes certain mergers involving the Company, sales of Company assets, and other changes in the control of the Company, as specified in the Incentive and Retention Plan. In general, the amount that is payable to each plan participant will equal the number of plan units that have been granted to him or her, multiplied by the increase in the value of the Company between January 9, 2007 and the date of a Corporate Transaction. There has been no Corporate Transaction since the adoption of the Incentive and Retention Plan. 15. REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 22,2009, that became effective on January 14, 2010. The registration statement is designed to provide the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time up to $20 million of the Company's common stock. The Company may offer and sell such securities through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs. The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be established at the time of such offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering. The Company has not filed any supplemental prospectus with the SEC or sold any common stock under this registration statement. 61 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES DECEMBER 31, 2009 FASB ASC Topic 932, Extraction Activities - Oil and Gas, requires disclosure of certain financial data for oil and gas operations and reserve estimates of oil and gas. This information, presented here, is intended to enable the reader to better evaluate the operations of the Company. All of the Company's oil and gas reserves are located in the United States. The aggregate amounts of capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities and the related accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortization and valuation allowances as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- Proved properties $15,906,600 $15,576,800 $14,556,300 Unproved properties being amortized 178,600 178,600 178,600 Unproved properties not being amortized -- -- -- Capitalized asset retirement costs 382,600 382,600 310,600 Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances (14,093,800) (13,209,000) (11,228,400) ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 2,374,000 $ 2,929,000 $ 3,817,100 ========== ========== ==========
62 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The estimated quantities and the change in proved reserves, both developed and undeveloped, for the Company are as follows:
2009 2008 2007 ------------ ------------- ------------- Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas (MBbls) (MMCF) (MBbls) (MMCF) (MBbls) (MMCF) ----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ---- Proved developed and undeveloped reserves: Beginning of year 471 155 806 331 741 65 Revisions of previous estimates 92 ( 69) (270) (228) 132 4 Extensions, discoveries and other additions -- -- -- 57 -- 267 Production (57) ( 5) (65) ( 5) (67) ( 5) ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- End of year 506 81 471 155 806 331 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Proved developed reserves: Beginning of year 447 59 660 64 556 65 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== End of year 383 43 447 59 660 64 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== Proved undeveloped reserves: Beginning of year 24 96 146 267 185 -- ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== End of year 123 38 24 96 146 267 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
The foregoing estimates have been prepared by the Company from data prepared by an independent petroleum engineer in respect to certain producing properties. Revisions in previous estimates as set forth above resulted from analysis of new information, as well as from additional production experience or from a change in economic factors. The reserve estimates are believed to be reasonable and consistent with presently known physical data concerning size and character of the reservoirs and are subject to change as additional knowledge concerning the reservoirs becomes available. 63 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The present value of estimated future net revenues of proved developed reserves, discounted at 10%, were as follows:
December 31, -------------------------------------- 2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- Proved developed and undeveloped reserves (Present value before income taxes) $ 9,158,000 $ 4,106,000 $27,414,000 ========== ========== ==========
FASB ASC Topic 932, Extraction Activities - Oil and Gas, requires certain disclosures of the costs and results of exploration and production activities and established a standardized measure of oil and gas reserves and the year-to-year changes therein. In addition to the foregoing disclosures, FASB ASC Topic 932 established a "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves". Costs incurred, both capitalized and expensed, of oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 -------- ------- ------- Property acquisition costs $ -- $ 393,200 $ -- Exploration costs - expensed -- (28,800) 7,000 Development costs 329,800 1,030,500 1,176,000 Asset retirement costs -- 72,000 6,400
64 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The results of operations for oil and gas producing activities for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- Sales $ 3,312,000 $ 6,611,000 $ 4,503,000 Production costs 1,552,000 2,066,000 1,716,000 Exploration costs -- (29,000) 7,000 Accretion expense 42,000 69,000 22,000 Depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowance 885,000 1,981,000 349,000 --------- --------- --------- 833,000 2,524,000 2,409,000 Income tax (benefit) provision (260,000) (305,000) 375,000 --------- --------- --------- Results of operations from production activities $ 1,093,000 $ 2,829,000 $ 2,034,000 ========= ========= =========
The standardized measure of discounted estimated future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- Future cash inflows $30,177,000 $18,529,000 $75,649,000 Future development and production costs 15,063,000 11,501,000 29,961,000 Future abandonment costs 1,193,000 1,152,000 1,011,000 Future income tax expense 2,744,000 473,000 12,856,000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Future net cash flow 11,177,000 5,403,000 31,821,000 10% annual discount 3,824,000 1,612,000 12,283,000 Standardized measure ---------- ---------- ---------- of discounted future net cash flow $ 7,353,000 $ 3,791,000 $19,538,000 ========== ========== ==========
65 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 The principal changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
2009 2008 2007 ---------- ---------- ---------- Extensions $ -- $ -- $ 3,741,000 Revisions of previous estimates Price changes 2,784,000 (19,066,000) 11,969,000 Quantity estimate 3,297,000 (4,023,000) 2,581,000 Change in production rates, timing and Other 1,421,000 (594,000) (3,138,000) Development costs incurred 248,000 1,236,000 1,853,000 Changes in estimated future development costs (1,464,000) 919,000 (455,000) Estimated future abandonment costs 33,000 ( 27,000) ( 14,000) Sales of oil and gas, net of production costs (1,760,000) (4,574,000) (2,780,000) Accretion of discount 492,000 2,821,000 1,298,000 ---------- ---------- ---------- 5,051,000 (23,308,000) 15,055,000 Net change in income taxes 1,489,000 (7,561,000) 4,939,000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net (decrease) increase $ 3,562,000 $(15,747,000) $10,116,000 ========== ========== ==========
Estimated future cash inflows are computed by applying year-end prices of oil and gas to year-end quantities of proved reserves. Estimated future development and production costs are determined by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves, as well as certain abandonment costs, based on year-end cost estimates and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. Estimated future income tax expense is calculated by applying the year-end effective tax rate to estimated future pretax net cash flows related to proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved. These estimates are furnished and calculated in accordance with requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of the unpredictable variances in expenses and capital forecasts, crude oil and natural gas price changes being largely influenced and controlled by United States and foreign governmental actions, and the fact that the basis for such estimates vary significantly, management believes the 66 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 2009 usefulness of these projections is limited. Estimates of future net cash flows do not represent management's assessment of future profitability or future actual cash flows of the Company. It should be recognized that applying current costs and prices and a ten percent standard discount rate allows for comparability but does not convey absolute value. The discounted amounts arrived at are only one measure of financial quantification of proved reserves. The standardized measure of discounted future cash flows before income taxes increased by $5,051,000 at December 31, 2009. The increase in income taxes offset discounted future cash flows by $1,489,000 for a net increase in future cash flows of $3,562,000 after income taxes as of December 31, 2009. The major factor contributing to the increase in cash flows is higher average crude oil prices. Average crude oil prices at December 31, 2009, increased by approximately $21.90 per barrel. This price increase contributed to an increase in discounted cash flows due to price changes of $2,784,000 and a change in quantity estimates of $3,297,000. The increase in estimated discounted future income taxes is due to the increase in the value of the Company's oil and gas reserves due to the higher crude oil prices. The standardized measure of discounted future cash flows before income taxes decreased by $23,308,000 at December 31, 2008. The decrease in income taxes offset discounted future cash flows by $7,561,000 for a net decrease in future cash flows of $15,747,000 after income taxes as of December 31, 2008. The major factor contributing to the decrease in cash flows is lower crude oil prices. Average crude oil prices at December 31, 2008, decreased by approximately $53.00 per barrel. This price decrease contributed to a decrease in discounted cash flows due to price changes of $19,066,000 and a decrease in quantity estimated revisions of $4,023,000. The decrease in estimated discounted future income taxes is due to the decrease in the value of the Company's oil and gas reserves due to the lower crude oil prices. The standardized measure of discounted future cash flows before income taxes increased by $15,055,000 at December 31, 2007. The change in income taxes decreased discounted future cash flows by $4,939,000 for a net increase in future cash flows of $10,116,000 after income taxes as of December 31, 2007. Average crude oil prices at December 31, 2007, increased by approximately $34.60 per barrel when compared with prices at December 31, 2006. This price increase generated an increase in discounted cash flows due to price changes of $11,969,000. The Company acquired an interest in a joint venture gas prospect in Texas that caused an increase in discounted future cash flows of $3,741,000. 67 PYRAMID OIL COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) QUARTERLY RESULTS
2009 2008 ---------- ---------- REVENUES: Quarter Ended: March 31 $ 594,045 $ 1,589,896 June 30 801,901 2,123,186 September 30 945,413 1,999,619 December 31 970,536 898,427 ---------- ---------- $ 3,311,895 $ 6,611,128 ========== ========== NET INCOME (LOSS): Quarter Ended: March 31 $ (189,215) $ 834,271 June 30 ( 38,918) 907,994 September 30 221,374 704,285 December 31 (a) (182,528) (932,850) ---------- ---------- $ (189,287) $ 1,513,700 ========== ========== INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Quarter Ended: March 31 $ (.04) $ .18 June 30 (.01) .19 September 30 .05 .15 December 31 (a) (.04) (.20) ---------- ---------- $ (.04) $ .32 ========== ==========
(a) Reflects valuation allowances of $359,000 and $1,162,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, due to the write-down of certain oil and gas properties (see Note 6 of Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K). 68 ITEM 9 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None ITEM 9A(T) - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including it principal executive and financial officers, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on the foregoing, the Company's principal executive and financial officers concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is timely recorded, processed and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING This report is provided by the Company's management pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC rules promulgated thereunder. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for assessing the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. The Company's control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Untied States. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company's assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that the Company's receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company's management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 69 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management has assessed the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2009 the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective. This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this Annual Report. There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B - OTHER INFORMATION The Company is aware of no information that was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2009 but was not reported. PART III ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information to be contained under the section entitled "Directors and Executive Officers" or a similarly entitled section from its definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company has adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to all of its directors, officers and employees. A copy of the code is available at no charge to any person who sends a request for a copy to the Corporate Secretary, Pyramid Oil Company, P.O. Box 832, Bakersfield, California 93302. 70 ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information to be contained under the section entitled "Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers" or a similarly entitled section from its definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information to be contained under the section entitled "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof" or a similarly entitled section from its definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, an officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate. The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group. Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $188,500 in 2009, $462,800 in 2008 and $324,700 in 2007. As a director, Mr. Alexander has abstained from voting on any of the above matters that have been brought before the Board of Directors involving the Santa Fe lease. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information contained under the section entitled ''Principal Accounting Fees and Services'' or a similarly entitled section from its definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 71 ITEM 15 - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL SCHEDULES 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Pyramid Oil Company (previously filed by the registrant on December 17, 2009 as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference). 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pyramid Oil Company (previously filed by the registrant on December 17, 2009 as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference). 10.1 Employment Agreement of John H. Alexander, dated February 21, 2002 (previously filed by the registrant on March 29, 2002 as Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, and incorporated herein by reference). 23.1 Consent of SingerLewak LLP. 23.2 Consent of MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC. 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 99.1 Report dated February 23, 2010 of MHA Petroleum Consultants, LLC, independent petroleum engineers. 72 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. PYRAMID OIL COMPANY March 30, 2010 By: JOHN H. ALEXANDER ---------------------- John H. Alexander Director/President Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. JOHN H. ALEXANDER Director/President March 30, 2010 --------------------------- Chief Executive Officer John H. Alexander MICHAEL D. HERMAN Director March 30, 2010 --------------------------- Chairman of the Board Michael D. Herman THOMAS W. LADD Director March 30, 2010 --------------------------- Thomas W. Ladd GARY L. RONNING Director March 27, 2010 --------------------------- Gary L. Ronning JOHN E. TURCO Director March 27, 2010 --------------------------- John E. Turco LEE G. CHRISTIANSON Corporate Secretary/ March 27, 2010 --------------------------- Principal Accounting and Lee G. Christianson Financial Officer