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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - FAR EAST ENERGY CORPex32_2.htm
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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - FAR EAST ENERGY CORPex31_1.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

OR

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

Commission File Number 0-32455

Far East Energy Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Nevada
 
88-0459590
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

333 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 230, Houston, Texas 77060
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
832-598-0470
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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  o

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

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

Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock as of July 31, 2014.

UTitle of each classU
UNumber of sharesU
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
346,222,370



FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
UPage No.U
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.
21
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
39
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
40
 
 
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM1A.
41
 
 
ITEM 6.
44
 
 
 
 
 
45
 
 
 
 
46

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
(Unaudited)

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
ASSETS
 
Current assets
 
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,236
   
$
17,571
 
Accounts receivable
   
411
     
161
 
Inventory
   
1,169
     
1,261
 
Prepaid expenses
   
528
     
490
 
Deposits
   
148
     
142
 
Other current assets
   
21
     
22
 
Total current assets
   
9,513
     
19,647
 
 
               
Property and equipment
               
Oil and gas properties (Successful efforts method)
   
105,403
     
105,199
 
Other property and equipment
   
2,638
     
2,589
 
Total property and equipment
   
108,041
     
107,788
 
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
(6,798
)
   
(5,154
)
Total property and equipment, net
   
101,243
     
102,634
 
 
               
Deferred financing costs
   
1,697
     
2,227
 
Other long-term assets
   
1,118
     
604
 
Total assets
 
$
113,571
   
$
125,112
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
27,532
   
$
15,842
 
Accrued liabilities
   
13,108
     
24,329
 
Credit facility
   
21,000
     
21,000
 
Secured notes payable (net of discount of $1,265 and $1,634, respectively)
   
72,337
     
66,992
 
Equipment lease
   
3
     
3
 
Total current liabilities
   
133,980
     
128,166
 
 
               
Equipment lease, net of current portion
   
11
     
12
 
Asset retirement and environmental obligations
   
1,382
     
1,302
 
Total liabilities
   
135,373
     
129,480
 
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
               
 
               
Stockholders' equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized,  and 346,222,370 and 346,078,509 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
   
346
     
346
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
178,703
     
178,584
 
Unearned compensation
   
(380
)
   
(503
)
Accumulated deficit
   
(200,471
)
   
(182,795
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
(21,802
)
   
(4,368
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
113,571
   
$
125,112
 

See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Operating revenues:
 
   
   
   
 
Gas sales
 
$
874
   
$
195
   
$
1,666
   
$
511
 
Other, net
   
263
     
73
     
502
     
190
 
Total operating revenues
   
1,137
     
268
     
2,168
     
701
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Lease operating expense
   
1,695
     
1,103
     
4,103
     
2,342
 
Exploration costs
   
1,275
     
1,341
     
2,564
     
2,552
 
General and administrative
   
2,527
     
2,333
     
4,993
     
5,203
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
898
     
416
     
1,725
     
959
 
Total operating expenses
   
6,395
     
5,193
     
13,385
     
11,056
 
Operating loss
   
(5,258
)
   
(4,925
)
   
(11,217
)
   
(10,355
)
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
   
(3,470
)
   
(2,919
)
   
(6,762
)
   
(5,549
)
Interest income
   
2
     
1
     
3
     
2
 
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
   
14
     
(201
)
   
300
     
(309
)
Total other expense
   
(3,454
)
   
(3,119
)
   
(6,459
)
   
(5,856
)
Loss before income taxes
   
(8,712
)
   
(8,044
)
   
(17,676
)
   
(16,211
)
Income taxes
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net loss
 
$
(8,712
)
 
$
(8,044
)
 
$
(17,676
)
 
$
(16,211
)
 
                               
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(8,712
)
 
$
(8,044
)
 
$
(17,676
)
 
$
(16,211
)
 
                               
Net loss per share:
                               
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic and diluted
   
346,258
     
346,204
     
346,184
     
346,021
 

See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In Thousands Except Share Data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Common Stock
   
Additional
   
   
   
Total
 
 
 
Number of
   
Par
   
Paid-In
   
Unearned
   
Accumulated
   
Stockholders'
 
 
 
Shares
   
Value
   
Capital
   
Compensation
   
Deficit
   
Equity
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
   
346,078,509
   
$
346
   
$
178,584
   
$
(503
)
 
$
(182,795
)
 
$
(4,368
)
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(17,676
)
   
(17,676
)
Nonvested shares issued
   
300,000
     
-
     
33
     
123
     
-
     
156
 
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes
   
(49,139
)
   
-
     
(4
)
   
-
     
-
     
(4
)
Nonvested shares forfeited
   
(107,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Stock options issued
   
-
     
-
     
90
     
-
     
-
     
90
 
Balance at June 30, 2014
   
346,222,370
   
$
346
   
$
178,703
   
$
(380
)
 
$
(200,471
)
 
$
(21,802
)
 
                                               
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2012
   
344,785,689
   
$
345
   
$
175,554
   
$
(987
)
 
$
(148,785
)
 
$
26,127
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(16,211
)
   
(16,211
)
Nonvested shares issued
   
1,714,000
     
1
     
168
     
192
     
-
     
361
 
Nonvested shares withheld for taxes
   
(92,846
)
   
-
     
(8
)
   
-
     
-
     
(8
)
Nonvested shares forfeited
   
(328,334
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Stock options issued
   
-
     
-
     
272
     
-
     
-
     
272
 
Warrants issued
   
-
     
-
     
2,384
     
-
     
-
     
2,384
 
Balance at June 30, 2013
   
346,078,509
   
$
346
   
$
178,370
   
$
(795
)
 
$
(164,996
)
 
$
12,925
 

See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
   
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
   
 
Net loss
 
$
(17,676
)
 
$
(16,211
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
               
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
   
1,725
     
959
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
537
     
724
 
Amortization of warrants
   
369
     
327
 
Share-based compensation
   
246
     
634
 
Changes in components of working capital:
               
Accounts receivable and other assets
   
(763
)
   
(192
)
Inventory
   
92
     
(933
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(38
)
   
(385
)
Deposits
   
(6
)
   
473
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
6,233
     
1,481
 
Other, net
   
(5
)
   
(8
)
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(9,286
)
   
(13,131
)
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to oil and gas properties
   
(992
)
   
(8,313
)
Additions to other properties
   
(49
)
   
(95
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,041
)
   
(8,408
)
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net proceeds from credit facility
   
-
     
125
 
Net proceeds from secured note payable
   
-
     
58,500
 
Repayment of credit facility
   
-
     
(4,855
)
Repayment of capital lease
   
(1
)
   
-
 
Debt issue costs
   
(7
)
   
(1,790
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(8
)
   
51,980
 
 
               
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(10,335
)
   
30,441
 
Cash and cash equivalents--beginning of period
   
17,571
     
1,340
 
Cash and cash equivalents--end of period
 
$
7,236
   
$
31,781
 

See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.  Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business.  We were incorporated in Nevada on February 4, 2000. In January 2002, we renamed our company Far East Energy Corporation and changed our focus to exploring, developing, producing and selling coalbed methane gas ("CBM"). Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms "Far East Energy," "Far East," "we," "the Company," "us," "our" and "our company" refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. References to “FEEB” refer to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our principal operating subsidiary. References to "China" and "PRC" are references to the People's Republic of China. References to the “MofCom” are references to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the principal regulatory authority with oversight responsibility for our production sharing contracts. References to the “MLR” are references to the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources, the principal regulatory authority for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources in China. References to “CUCBM” are references to China United Coalbed Methane Company, Ltd, and references to “CNPC” are references to China National Petroleum Company. Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we use the term “our Chinese partner company” when referring to CUCBM and CNPC, as applicable.

The information, as furnished herein, reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Basis of Presentation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Management believes that the information and disclosures provided herein are adequate to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Annual Report").

Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Developments.  There were no recent accounting pronouncements at June 30, 2014 that materially affected our company.

2.  Going Concern and Liquidity

These consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business over a reasonable length of time. The Company generated net losses of $8.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, and has accumulated net losses of $200.5 million since inception.  In addition, the Company has negative working capital, negative cash flows from operating activities and negative net worth.  The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis and to
obtain additional financing or refinancing as may be required. Management is seeking to secure additional capital by exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our Production Sharing Contracts (“PSCs”), such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or by obtaining additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. No assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in generating sufficient cash flow or obtaining additional financing or refinancing.  Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these notes to the financial statements pertain to continuing operations.

All of our reserves are located in Shanxi Province, China. At December 31, 2013, our estimated net proved and net probable reserves were 67.5 billion cubic feet (“Bcf”) and 372.4 Bcf of CBM, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the standardized measure of our future net cash flows, discounted at 10 percent per annum, relating to our proved natural gas reserves was $151.8 million.

On June 12, 2010, CUCBM, our Chinese partner for the Shouyang PSC, and Shanxi Province Guoxin Energy Development Group Limited (“SPG”) executed a gas sales agreement (the "Gas Sales Agreement"), to which we are an express beneficiary, to sell CBM produced in the CBM field governed by the Shouyang PSC. Gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement with SPG commenced in the first quarter of 2011. As of June 30, 2014, gas sales proceeds to be collected were approximately $0.4 million, and were recorded in Accounts Receivable. We have funded our exploration and development activities primarily through the sale and issuance of common stock and proceeds received from the Notes (as defined below), the closing of the Facility Agreement (as defined below) and sales of CBM.

On November 28, 2011, FEEB entered into a Facility Agreement, as borrower, with Standard Chartered Bank (“SCB”), as lender, and the Company, as guarantor (the “Facility Agreement”). The Facility Agreement provided for a $25 million credit facility, the proceeds of which were used for project costs with respect to the Shouyang Area in Shanxi Province, China, as well as for finance costs and for general corporate purposes approved by SCB. The Facility Agreement has been fully drawn and no amounts remain for borrowing. See Note 4 - Facility Agreement.

On January 14, 2013, the Company sold senior secured notes of FEEB (the “Notes”) and warrants to purchase common stock of FEEC (the “Warrants”) to certain institutional investors for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation S thereunder (the “Private Placement”). The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.  See Note 3 – Senior Secured Notes.

On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (as amended, the “SCB Credit Facility”), among FEEC, FEEB and SCB, to provide for the extension of the maturity date thereof until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement.  The Facility Agreement and the Notes are cross-defaulted against one another.

On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (the “Sixth Amendment”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than on a quarterly basis.
On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the “Extension Agreement”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the “Second Extension Agreement”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

Our current work programs will satisfy the minimum exploration expenditures for our Shouyang PSC for 2014.  With respect to the Yunnan PSC, the Company and CUCBM have begun discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the Yunnan PSC.  The Company expects that any such relinquishment of the Yunnan PSC will be formalized during the second half of 2014. With respect to the PSC governing CBM production activities on the approximately 573,000 acres in the Qinnan Block of the Shanxi Province, we have halted activities on the Qinnan Block pending resolution of whether or not its exploration period will be extended as a result of certain force majeure claims.

Management is seeking to secure additional capital by exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or by obtaining additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain, and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction. There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.

3. Senior Secured Notes

On January 14, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”) under which FEEC and FEEB agreed to sell, and the Purchasers agreed to purchase, the Notes and Warrants for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in the Private Placement. The Warrants provide the holders the right to purchase up to 56,086,439 shares of FEEC common stock at an exercise price of $0.085 per share.  The Warrants will expire on December 31, 2017. The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.

The Notes are senior secured obligations of FEEB and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FEEC. The Notes were sold at an issue price of 100% of par for an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. The Notes accrue cash interest at a rate of 13.0% per year, which is paid semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year, commencing on June 30, 2013. FEEB may, at its option, elect to pay interest “in kind” at a rate of 14.5% per year by issuing additional Notes with the first interest payment required to be paid in kind. The Notes will mature on January 15, 2016.  On July 1, 2013, the Company issued $3,987,501 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on June 30, 2013. On December 30, 2013, the Company issued $4,639,095 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on December 30, 2013.  On June 30, 2014, the Company issued $4,975,428 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes for the paid in kind interest
that was due on June 30, 2014.  At June 30, 2014, the balance of the senior secured notes is $73.6 million.

The Notes and related guarantees rank equal in right of payment with the Facility Agreement. Except as specifically permitted by the indenture governing the Notes (the “Indenture”), any new indebtedness of FEEC, FEEB or any restricted subsidiary of FEEC will require the consent of SCB and the “Required Noteholders,” which means holders of 75% of aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes. The Notes and related guarantees are secured by substantially all of the assets of FEEC and FEEB, other than assets located in the PRC, assets the grant, creation or perfection of any lien on which would require the consent, authorization or approval of, or filing with, any governmental authority in the PRC and certain other excluded assets. Such collateral continues to secure the Facility Agreement with the administration of such collateral subject to a collateral agency and intercreditor agreement between SCB and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee of the Notes and as collateral agent.

If we fail to comply with the covenants in the Indenture governing the Notes or the Facility Agreement or fail to pay the Facility Agreement in full or extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement by September 15, 2014, it could lead to an event of default and the acceleration of the maturity of all outstanding debt under our Facility Agreement, as well as a cross default and acceleration of maturity under the Indenture governing the Notes.  We have assessed our current liquidity and financial condition, and have determined that the chances that the Company will not be able to pay the Facility Agreement in full or extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement by September 15, 2014 are not remote. As a result, we have included both the Notes and the Facility Agreement in the current liabilities section of the balance sheet as of June 30, 2014.

In certain circumstances specified in the Indenture and as summarized below, FEEB may or will be required to redeem or offer to repurchase the Notes at the relevant prices set forth below times the principal amount being redeemed or repurchased:

Closing Date to February 28, 2014
   
100
%
March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
   
104
%
January 1, 2015 and thereafter
   
108
%

plus accrued and unpaid interest thereof, if any, on the Notes to the applicable date of redemption or repurchase, as applicable.

We applied ASC 470 in the recording of the valuation of the Warrants.  We determined the fair value of the Warrants using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model (“BSOPM”).

The significant assumptions used in the valuation were as follows:

 
 
Black Scholes
 
 
 
Option Pricing Model
 
Volatility
   
70.81
%
Risk free interest rate
   
0.75
%
Expected dividend yield
   
-
 
Expected term
 
5 year
 

Based on the utilization of BSOPM valuation technique, the Warrants were valued at approximately $2.5 million at time of issuance.   The amount was recorded as a debt discount to the Notes in the liabilities section and as additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the balance sheet.  The debt discount is accreted as interest expense periodically over the term of the Notes.  We have recorded an accretion amount of $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In connection with the Notes, the Company incurred approximately $3.1 million of financing costs, which included among other items, 1.5 million warrants issued to the placement agent.  These warrants were valued at approximately $68,000 based on the same aforementioned BSOPM valuation technique.    The total financing costs of $3.1 million were allocated between the Notes and the Warrants in proportion to their respective fair values at time of issuance.  The costs related to the Warrants were recorded as an offset to the value of the Warrants in additional paid-in capital.  The costs related to the Notes were capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized based on the effective interest method over the term of the Notes.  The objective of that method is to arrive at a periodic interest cost which represents a level effective rate over the term of the Notes on its face amount reduced by the unamortized discount and expense at the beginning of the period.  The effective interest rate for the Notes as calculated is 17.8% per annum.  We have recorded an amortization amount of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the six-month periods ended  June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
4.  Facility Agreement
 
On November 28, 2011, FEEB entered into the Facility Agreement, as borrower, with SCB, as lender, and the Company, as guarantor. The Facility Agreement provided for a $25 million credit facility, the proceeds of which were used for project costs with respect to the Shouyang Area in Shanxi Province, China, as well as for finance costs and for general corporate purposes approved by SCB. The Facility Agreement had an initial 9-month term ending August 28, 2012. Loans under the Facility Agreement could be made in such amounts as may be specified from time to time in one or more utilisation requests according to an agreed expenditure schedule. Loans under the Facility Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin rate of 9.5% during the initial period and 10.0% thereafter, and mandatory costs, if any, to compensate SCB for certain Hong Kong regulatory compliance costs.  In connection with and as security for the Facility Agreement, FEEB and/or the Company entered into certain other ancillary agreements dated November 28, 2011, including a Share Pledge Agreement, an Account Charge Agreement, an Assignment of Shareholder Loans and a Subordination Agreement (collectively, the “Ancillary Agreements”).  Under the Ancillary Agreements, the Company pledged its shares in FEEB and granted a security interest in certain intercompany debt to SCB, and FEEB granted a security interest in certain bank accounts to SCB.

During 2012, the Company entered into several amendments to the Facility Agreement with SCB which effectively extended the termination date of the Facility Agreement and the due date for payment of all accrued interest to January 15, 2013.  On January 15, 2013, FEEC and FEEB entered into the Fifth Amendment to provide for the extension of the maturity date thereof until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement. See Note 3 – Senior Secured Notes for discussion of the Private Placement.

On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to, among other things,  extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than on a quarterly basis.
On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

At June 30, 2014, the total amount drawn under the Facility Agreement was $21.0 million. The related accrued interest was $0.1 million and $0.5 million as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2014, the effective interest rate for the Facility Agreement was 10.7% per annum.

At June 30, 2014 and 2013, total financing costs in connection with the Facility Agreement were approximately $19,000 and $0.6 million, respectively. The costs related to the Facility Agreement were capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized over the term of the Facility Agreement.  Amortization expense for the six-months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $43,000 and $0.3 million, respectively.

5.  Oil and Gas Properties
 
The costs associated with our oil and gas properties include the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
At June 30,
   
At December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Proved oil and gas properties
 
$
90,583
   
$
90,613
 
 
               
Unproved leasehold costs
   
275
     
275
 
Unproved oil and gas properties
   
14,545
     
14,311
 
Total unproved oil and gas properties
   
14,820
     
14,586
 
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
(5,329
)
   
(3,865
)
 
               
Total oil and gas properties, net
 
$
100,074
   
$
101,334
 

Unproved Leasehold Costs.  Unproved leasehold costs are composed of amounts we paid to MofCom and CUCBM pursuant to a PSC we entered into in 2002 with CUCBM to acquire the mineral rights in the Laochang area in the Yunnan Province.
 
Unproved Oil and Gas Properties. Unproved oil and gas property costs include only suspended well costs which are direct exploratory well costs pending determination of whether proved reserves have been discovered. Accounting guidance regarding capitalization of suspended well costs is provided by FASB ASC Topic 932. FASB ASC Topic 932 addresses whether there are circumstances under the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities that would permit the continued capitalization of exploratory well costs beyond one year, other than when additional exploration wells are necessary to justify major capital expenditures and those wells are under way or firmly planned for the near future. Capitalization of costs should be continued beyond one year in cases where reserves for the project are not yet proven, but the Company demonstrates sufficient continuing progress toward assessing those reserves. For the capitalized costs at June 30, 2014, our assessment indicated that our current work
programs demonstrated our efforts in making sufficient continuing progress toward assessing the reserves in the areas for which the costs were incurred. Therefore, we have continued to capitalize these costs.
 
The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs based on the date the costs were incurred and the number of related wells for which these exploratory well costs have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (in thousands, except number of projects):

 
 
At June 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less
 
$
5,499
 
Unevaluated exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year (1)
   
9,046
 
Total unevaluated exploratory well costs
 
$
14,545
 
 
       
Number of projects that have exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period greater than one year
   
1
 

(1)
Costs related to our exploratory project in the Shouyang Block in the Shanxi Province.

The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs (in thousands):

 
 
At June 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
Beginning balance at January 1
 
$
14,311
 
Additions to unevaluated exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves
   
234
 
Reclassifications of wells, facilities, and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves
   
-
 
Reclassified to Proved Oil and Gas Properties per Shouyang Modification Agreement
   
-
 
Unevaluated exploratory well costs charged to expense
   
-
 
Ending balance at June 30
 
$
14,545
 

6.  Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations
 
The following table presents the reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of short-term and long-term legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment at June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
At June 30, 2014
 
Carrying amount at beginning of period
 
$
1,302
 
Liabilities incurred
   
-
 
Liabilities settled
   
-
 
Accretion expense
   
80
 
Settlement of obligation
   
-
 
Revisions
   
-
 
Carrying amount at end of period
 
$
1,382
 
 
       
Current portion
 
$
-
 
Noncurrent portion
 
$
1,382
 
 
7.  Other Fixed Assets
 
Other fixed assets, net include the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
At June 30,
   
At December 31,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Other fixed assets
 
$
2,638
   
$
2,589
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(1,469
)
   
(1,289
)
Other fixed assets, net
 
$
1,169
   
$
1,300
 

Other fixed assets include leasehold improvements, equipment and furniture.  Depreciation expense for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $180,000 and $146,000, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $86,000 and $73,000, respectively.

8.  Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings.  We are periodically named in legal actions arising from normal business activities. We evaluate the merits of these actions and, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be estimated, we will establish the necessary accruals. We do not anticipate any material losses as a result of commitments and contingent liabilities.  We are involved in no material legal proceedings.

Shouyang Production Sharing Contract.   We are the operator under the Shouyang PSC to develop the Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province. The term of the Shouyang PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. During the exploration period, we hold a 100% participating interest in the properties, and we must bear all exploration costs for discovering and evaluating CBM-bearing areas. We have negotiated and signed multiple amendments with our Chinese partner companies to extend the exploration period under our PSCs. As provided to date, the exploration period of Area A (approximately 15,988 acres or 64.7 square kilometers) of the Shouyang PSC has not expired, and is transitioning to the development phase; while the exploration period of Area B (approximately 272,581 acres or 1,103.1 square kilometers) of the Shouyang PSC runs until June 30, 2016.  Area A will exit the exploration period and commence the development period when the overall development program (“ODP”) receives final regulatory approvals.  Until such time, Area A technically operates under the exploration period pursuant to the provisions of the Fifth Modification Agreement of the Shouyang PSC (the “Fifth
MA”).  The Fifth MA provides that the exploration period for part of the Contract Area will be extended without any further agreement from CUCBM for areas awaiting approval of an ODP.  We have submitted a report detailing CBM resources to CUCBM that reasonably complies with the Chinese CBM standards.  This report was submitted in connection with the development of an ODP and such report was subsequently approved and certifications were received from all requisite levels of the MLR.  We have agreed that we will drill at least 39 additional wells in Area B by June 30, 2016.  Additionally we relinquished 121,255 acres (approximately 490.7 square kilometers) known as Area C in June 2013.  The Shouyang PSC expires on July 1, 2032 unless extended.

The total acreage operated by the Company is approximately 288,569 acres (1,167.8 square kilometers) - Areas A and B of the Shouyang Block as referenced above.  Area A has recently been certified by the MLR, which is a step that is a necessary regulatory requirement to obtain a permanent development license. This portion of the block covers our pilot development wells located in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block (the "1H Pilot Area," the area of our current CBM sales) and a westward extension thereof. We have a 100% participating interest (subject to a net 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips China, Inc., a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips ("Phillips") in this portion of the block. With respect to Area B, CUCBM maintains the right to elect up to a 30% participating interest upon completion of certain milestones, and we retain the remaining participating interest in the contract area (subject to the 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips).

During the exploration period, FEEB must complete at least the minimum work program and seek commercial deposits of CBM that can be developed in commercially paying quantities. In order to shift from the exploration period to the development period, an overall development plan is prepared and submitted for governmental approval for a long-term development license for a particular CBM field. The preparation of an overall development plan to submit as part of the application for a long-term development license will require certification in accordance with MLR standards, as well as technical, commercial, environmental, health and safety plans demonstrating how the CBM field will be developed for the exploitation of CBM located therein. Currently, we and CUCBM have been in the process of jointly preparing an application for an overall development plan for approximately 24,661 acres (99.8 square kilometers) located in the northern portion of the Shouyang Block, which has been submitted to the National Energy Administration (“NEA”) of the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) on June 16, 2014.

Following expiration of the exploration periods, we may elect to continue the process of trying to convert portions of the Shouyang Block into MLR certified areas in order to transition these areas into the process for a long-term development license. Any acreage that is not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report that reasonably meets the criteria for MLR certification will be relinquished unless the parties agree otherwise.

The development period as to any portion of the Shouyang Block will begin after the date of commencement of production of commercial grade quantities of CBM with respect to that area. Any CBM produced and sold prior to the approval of an overall development plan is deemed to occur during the development period, and production is to be distributed in accordance with the parties participating interests in such CBM field. Provided we remain in compliance with the requirements under the Shouyang PSC, the Shouyang PSC allows production to continue on a CBM field until the earlier of the end of the useful life of that area or June 30, 2032, unless extended or otherwise amended.

Under the PSCs, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements for each PSC. Our minimum exploration expenditure requirement for each block is based on the minimum exploration expenditure requirements established by the MLR, subject to such additional commitments as may appear in any PSC modification agreements. The MLR sets its requirements by
applying a minimum expenditure per acre to the total acreage encompassed by each PSC. As a result, the minimum exploration expenditure requirement for 2014 is approximately $1.9 million for the Shouyang PSC, based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar to the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") as of June 30, 2014. Any portion of the exploration expenditures that exceeds the current year's minimum exploration expenditure requirement cannot be carried forward for the satisfaction of the subsequent year's minimum requirement. On December 6, 2013, we extended the exploration period of the portion of the Shouyang Block identified as Area B until June 30, 2016, and agreed that we will drill at least 39 additional wells in Area B by June 30, 2016.   Under the Shouyang PSC, we are required to pay certain fees totaling $0.5 million for the year of 2014. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits.

Qinnan Production Sharing Contract. FEEB is the operator under the Qinnan PSC to develop the Qinnan Block in Shanxi Province. CUCBM is in the process of assigning the Qinnan PSC to CNPC. The term of the Qinnan PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. During the exploration period, we hold a 100% participating interest in the properties, and we must bear all exploration costs for discovering and evaluating CBM-bearing areas. If any CBM field is discovered, the development costs for that CBM field will be borne by us and CUCBM or CNPC (following the assignment of the Qinnan PSC) in proportion to the respective participating interests. At that time, we will recover that share of the up-front exploration costs allocable to our Chinese partner company through a gradual cost recovery mechanism. The exploration period is divided into three phases called Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. We have completed our Phase I, Phase II and Phase III work program obligations under the Qinnan PSC, and intend to continue pilot development and exploration activities in Phase III until we transition into the development period.

The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province expired on June 30, 2009, and we cannot continue our exploration activities in the Qinnan Block without an extension of the exploration period or a new PSC. We are continuing to pursue an extension of the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC, but we cannot predict the outcome at this time. We believe that the underlying exploration period should be extended due to events beyond our reasonable control, namely the lengthy transfer of rights taking place from CUCBM to CNPC. At our Chinese partner company’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information to assist them in the decision making process as to whether to recognize an extension of the exploration period in Qinnan. PetroChina, CNPC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed an accounting audit pursuant to the Qinnan PSC of our expenditures for 2007 and 2008. We have also provided to PetroChina, at their request, our work plan for 2010 for Qinnan. In January 2011, we received a formal notice from CNPC that it has purportedly received all Chinese approvals with respect to the transfer of CUCBM’s interest to it, and subsequently to PetroChina. CNPC also requested we execute a modification agreement to confirm PetroChina as our Chinese partner company for the Qinnan PSC. In negotiations with CUCBM and PetroChina related to this request, we have endeavored to negotiate an assignment agreement that would reflect the transfer of interest to CNPC while CNPC and PetroChina would acknowledge delays that were incurred by virtue of us not having, for an extended period of time, an official Chinese partner company that had the capacity or authority under the Qinnan PSC to work with us. Because of the inability to hold a formal joint management committee (“JMC”) meeting or to have the effective involvement of our Chinese partner company, we believe that our efforts to continue CBM operations in the Qinnan Block have been materially hindered. Technically, the exploration period under the Qinnan PSC expired on June 30, 2009; however, we have maintained the position that the doctrine of force majeure under the Qinnan PSC entitled us to an extension of the exploration period. We continue to discuss this situation with CUCBM and PetroChina, and as recently as January 2012, have submitted a notice of force majeure in accordance with the Qinnan PSC. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in extending the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC or that a new PSC will be granted. Additionally, in connection with obtaining this extension or a new PSC, we may be required to commit to
certain expenditures or to modify the terms or respective ownership interests and/or acreage in the applicable PSC.

Under the Qinnan PSC, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements. As with the Shouyang PSC, our minimum expenditure requirement is based on the minimum exploration expenditure requirements of CNPC established by the MLR. The MLR sets its requirements by applying a minimum expenditure per square kilometer to the total acreage encompassed by each PSC. The annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement under the Qinnan PSC is approximately $3.8 million in the aggregate based on the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of June 30, 2014. These expenditure requirements are denominated in the RMB and, therefore, are subject to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. Under the Qinnan PSC, we are also required to pay certain fees totaling $0.4 million annually. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits.   Because the stated expiration date for the exploration period for the Qinnan PSC occurred on June 30, 2009, and we have not yet received an extension, we have halted activities associated with the Qinnan Block pending receipt of an extension, should one ultimately be granted.  Accordingly, we ceased to accrue for the $0.4 million annual fees effective January 1, 2013.  We believe the $1.9 million amount accrued is sufficient to cover any obligation related to the fees should the extension be granted.

Yunnan Production Sharing Contract.   On January 25, 2002, we entered into a PSC to develop two areas in Yunnan Province: (1) the Enhong area, which covers approximately 145,198 acres (587.6 square kilometers), and (2) the Laochang area, which covers approximately 119,327 acres (482.9 square kilometers) ( the "Yunnan PSC"). FEEB is the operator under the Yunnan PSC. The term of the Yunnan PSC consists of an exploration period, a development period and a production period. The exploration period is divided into two phases, Phase I and Phase II. We have completed Phase I and are operating in Phase II. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we signed a modification agreement to the Yunnan PSC, which was approved by MofCom on June 15, 2012 and extended the exploration period until December 31, 2013, in exchange for allowing CUCBM to proceed at its sole risk with a 100% participating interest in the 145,198 acres (587.6 square kilometers) in the Enhong part of the Yunnan PSC contract area (hence, our interest in the Yunnan PSC now comprises the Laochang area only, and is called the Laochang Block). The exploration period expired on December 31, 2013 and was not amended or extended. Following expiration of the exploration period, we had the right to elect to continue the process of trying to convert portions of the Laochang Area into MLR certified areas in order to transition these areas into the process for a long-term development license and the development period for certain areas. Any acreage that was not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report to CUCBM that reasonably met the criteria for MLR certification would be relinquished unless the parties otherwise agree.  We have been evaluating this acreage with an exploratory drilling program, and while we believe the acreage to have potential, we have chosen to focus our capital and resources upon the high permeability/high gas content acreage in Shouyang and in light of the continued lack of infrastructure in Yunnan.  The Company and CUCBM have begun discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the PSC.  The Company expects that any such relinquishment of the PSC will be formalized during the second half of 2014.

Under the Yunnan PSC, we have committed to satisfy certain annual minimum exploration expenditure requirements. Our minimum exploration expenditure requirements for the blocks subject to the Yunnan PSC are based our negotiated agreement to extend the Yunnan PSC exploration period. We are currently obligated to drill a total of eight wells during the entire exploration period, as extended, spending at least $0.8 million (4,850,000 RMB) per year based on the current exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of June 30, 2014. Under applicable MLR rules for minimum expenditure requirements, the annual minimum exploration expenditure requirement for the Yunnan PSC was approximately $1.8 million per year before the modification but reduced to $0.8 million per year with relinquishment of acreage, based on
the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB as of June 30, 2014. As we had previously drilled five wells during Phase I and eight wells during Phase II of the Yunnan exploration period in the Yunnan region, we have satisfied the minimum work commitment. The Company and CUCBM have begun discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the PSC.

These requirements are denominated in RMB and, therefore, are subject to fluctuations in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the RMB. The MLR minimum expenditure requirements are a significant factor that influences our exploration work program. Under the Yunnan PSC, we were required to pay certain fees totaling $0.4 million for the year of 2014. These fees include assistance fees, training fees, fees for CBM exploration rights and salaries and benefits. Based on the Yunnan modification agreement, the unfulfilled exploration work commitment will be added to the minimum exploration work commitment for the following year. If we terminate the Yunnan PSC and there exists an unfulfilled balance of the minimum exploration work commitment, we may be required to pay the balance to CUCBM.
 
9.  Common Stock

Shares Withheld for Taxes.  During the first half of 2014, we withheld 49,139 shares of our common stock from the vesting of nonvested shares (also commonly referred to as "restricted stock") granted to employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations of approximately $6,000.  Once withheld, the shares were canceled and removed from the number of outstanding shares.  Accordingly, we reduced our common stock and our additional paid in capital on our consolidated balance sheet by an amount which equaled the fair market value of the withheld shares on the date of withholding and cancellation.  We subsequently remitted the amount withheld to the tax authority.

Outstanding Warrants.  A summary of warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except exercise price):

   
Warrants
   
Expiration
 
Exercise Price
   
Outstanding
   
2014
   
2015
   
2017
 
$
0.09
     
57,586
     
-
     
-
     
57,586
 
$
0.54
     
290
     
290
     
-
     
-
 
$
0.80
     
4,662
     
-
     
4,662
     
-
 
$
1.25
     
4,623
     
4,623
     
-
     
-
 
Total
     
67,161
     
4,913
     
4,662
     
57,586
 

10.  Share-Based Compensation

We grant nonvested shares of common stock and options to purchase common stock to employees, members of the board of directors and consultants under our shareholder-approved 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2005 Plan").  Grants prior to the adoption of the 2005 Plan and inducement grants associated with hiring of new employees and appointment of new directors were generally issued outside of the 2005 Plan.  During the first six months of 2014, we awarded options to purchase up to 325,000 shares of our common stock and 300,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to a consultant.  During the first six months of 2013, we awarded options to purchase up to 3,610,000 shares of our common stock and 1,604,000 nonvested shares under the 2005 Plan to employees and members of the board of directors; and options to purchase up to 325,000 shares of our common stock and 110,000 nonvested shares outside the 2005 Plan to consultants.  As of June 30, 2014, we had 8,819,700 shares available for awards under the 2005 Plan, of which 435,533 shares could be issued as nonvested shares or other full-valued stock-based awards.

We account for share-based compensation expense under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). We measure the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for stock options and other equity awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards.  We use the BSOPM to determine the grant date fair value of options and the closing share price on date of grant to determine the grant date fair value of nonvested shares.  We recognize the compensation expense over the period during which the grantee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

The compensation expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Exploration Costs
 
$
16
   
$
39
   
$
32
   
$
88
 
General and Administrative
   
97
     
223
     
214
     
546
 
 
 
$
113
   
$
262
   
$
246
   
$
634
 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions during the six-months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands, except grant price):

 
 
Options
   
Weighted
Average Grant
Price
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
13,557
   
$
0.72
 
Granted
   
325
     
0.11
 
Forfeited
   
(100
)
   
0.10
 
Cancelled
   
-
     
-
 
Expired
   
(1,600
)
   
2.02
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
   
12,182
   
$
0.55
 
 
               
Exercisable at June 30, 2014
   
9,698
   
$
0.64
 

At June 30, 2014, the weighted average remaining contractual life for the stock options outstanding and exercisable was 5.93 years and 5.34 years, respectively.

The following table summarizes shares of nonvested stock transactions during the six-months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):

 
 
Nonvested
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Per Share
   
Vest Date Fair
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
   
3,344
   
$
0.27
   
 
Granted
   
300
     
0.11
   
 
Vested
   
(1,732
)
   
0.33
   
$
199
 
Forfeited
   
(107
)
   
0.21
         
Withheld for Taxes
   
(49
)
   
0.36
         
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
   
1,756
   
$
0.20
         

As of June 30, 2014, we had approximately $0.4 million in total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation, of which $0.2 million was related to shares of nonvested stock grants and was recorded in unearned compensation on our consolidated balance sheets.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.35 years at June 30, 2014.  This cost does not include the impact of any future share-based compensation awards.

11.  Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
We use the indirect method to present cash flows from operating activities. Cash paid for interest expense for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.5 million. Cash paid for income taxes for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was zero.  Other supplemental cash flow information for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Non-cash transactions:
 
   
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
 
$
537
   
$
724
 
Non-cash share-based compensation
   
246
     
634
 
Asset retirement and environmental obligation
   
-
     
99
 

12. Subsequent Events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date financial statements were filed with the SEC.  There were no items that would have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 ("2013 Annual Report"), our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the risk factors contained herein and in our 2013 Annual Report, and all of the other information contained elsewhere in this report.  The terms "we," "us," "our," “the Company” and "our company" refer to Far East Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise. The term "FEEB" refers to Far East Energy (Bermuda), Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary, which conducts substantially all of our operations in China.

Overview.  We are a party to the Shouyang PSC with CUCBM, which provides for an operating interest in approximately 288,569 acres (1,167.8 square kilometers) in the Shanxi Province, which includes approximately 15,988 acres, or approximately 64.7 square kilometers (Area A), in the 1H Pilot Area for which the CBM resources have been certified by the MLR to support the request for a long-term development license and in which we hold a 100% participation interest.  As of December 31, 2013, we had estimated net proved gas reserves of 67.5 billion cubic feet (“Bcf”) with an associated standardized measure of our future net cash flows of proved reserves, discounted at 10 percent per annum of $151.8 million. This represents an increase of 32% over the net proved gas reserves of 51.3 Bcf as of December 31, 2012.  As of December 31, 2013, total net probable reserves were estimated to be 372.4 Bcf.

The proved reserves are attributable to approximately 13,732 gross acres (approximately 55.6 square kilometers). The probable and possible reserves are attributable to approximately 85,428 gross acres (approximately 345.7 square kilometers), which includes the Shouyang Block proved reserve locations. This combined acreage with proved, probable and possible reserves represents only approximately 29% and 41%, respectively, of our total gross and net acreage of the Shouyang Block.

During the first six months of 2014, we continued our efforts to explore and develop CBM pursuant to our Shouyang PSC.  Currently, we have 95 wells connected to the gathering lines in the 1H Pilot Area, 70 of which are currently producing gas.  Gas sales volume, net to the Company, was 244 million cubic feet (“MMcf”) during the six months ended June 30, 2014.  Sales volumes increased 136 MMcf, or 126%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013 due to increased production resulting from the 2013 drilling program.   Sales revenues increased 209% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013 due to the increased 2014 gas contract price (up 42% from the 2013 gas contract price), as well as the increase in production.

We continued to employ numerous safety precautions to ensure the safety of our employees and independent contractors.  We also seek to conduct our operations in accordance with various laws and regulations concerning the environment, occupational safety and health.

We believe that good environmental, social, health and safety performance is an integral part of our business success. We conduct our business with respect and care for our employees, contractors, communities, and the environments in which we operate.  Our vision is zero harm to people and the environment while creating value for our shareholders as well as for China, including the regions and communities within which we operate.  Our commitment to these principles is demonstrated by the fact that we have had no lost-time accidents in over nine years and no major environmental incidents.  We have a commitment to being good corporate citizens of China, striving to emphasize and utilize very high levels of Chinese content in personnel, services, and equipment; and we have achieved very high percentages of
Chinese content in each category.

On November 28, 2011, FEEB and the Company entered into a facility agreement with SCB (the “Facility Agreement”). The Facility Agreement provided for a $25 million credit facility to be used for project costs with respect to the Shouyang Block, finance costs and other general corporate purposes approved by SCB. The Facility Agreement had an initial 9-month term and was subsequently extended. At June 30, 2014, the total amount drawn under the Facility Agreement was $21.0 million. In addition, the related accrued interest as of June 30, 2014 was $0.1 million.

On January 14, 2013, the Company sold senior secured notes of FEEB (the “Notes”) and warrants to purchase common stock of FEEC (the “Warrants”) to certain institutional investors for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof and Regulation S thereunder (the “Private Placement”). The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.

On January 15, 2013, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”), to provide for the extension of the maturity date thereof until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement.  After taking into account the amounts paid pursuant to the Fifth Amendment and transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Fifth Amendment and the Private Placement, the net proceeds to the Company of the Private Placement were $52.0 million.

On July 1, 2013, the Company issued $3,987,501 aggregate principal amount of senior notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on June 30, 2013. On December 30, 2013, the Company issued $4,639,095 aggregate principal amount of senior notes for the paid in kind interest that was due on December 30, 2013.

On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Facility Agreement (the "Sixth Amendment"), to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than a quarterly basis.

On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the “Extension Agreement”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to the Facility Agreement (the “Second Extension Agreement”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

To secure additional capital for future work programs and to repay the Facility Agreement on or before its maturity date, management must either explore potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or obtain additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. In
addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain, and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Due to certain factors, an offering of our common stock is likely not a viable alternative at this time, but a non-convertible preferred stock offering might be possible under certain circumstances. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.

Although we believe the results of our exploration activities in Shanxi Province to date have been favorable, we will need to complete more wells to achieve commercial viability in this province, which will require additional capital expenditures. Our current and future work programs for our PSCs will depend on our ability to raise additional capital to fund our exploration activities. Our current work programs are described below.

Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province.  We are a party to the Shouyang PSC with CUCBM, which provides for an operating interest in approximately 288,569 acres (1,167.8 square kilometers) in the Shanxi Province, which includes approximately 15,988 acres, or approximately 64.7 square kilometers (Area A), in the 1H Pilot Area for which the CBM resources have been certified by the MLR to support the request for a long-term development license and in which we hold a 100% participation interest.

In exchange for CUCBM’s election to forego its participation rights to the approximately 15,988 acres, or approximately 64.7 square kilometers comprising Area A, that have received MLR certification, in April 2012 we elected to forgo our rights to approximately 8,673 acres (35.1 square kilometers) of the original Shouyang PSC, which had also been certified by the MLR, allowing CUCBM to proceed independently at its sole risk to develop this area. We believe that this is an advantageous arrangement for us because it provides us with a 100% participating interest (subject to a net 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips China, Inc., a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips ("Phillips") in the approximately 15,988 acre (approximately 64.7 square kilometer) area, which contains all of the wells in the 1H Pilot Area (the area of our current CBM sales) and the planned expansion thereof.

Also we relinquished 121,255 acres (approximately 490.7 square kilometers) in June 2013.  With respect to the remaining approximately 272,581 acres (1,103.1 square kilometers), CUCBM maintains the right to elect up to a 30% participating interest upon completion of certain milestones, and we retain the remaining participating interest in the contract area, subject to the 3.5% revenue interest held by Phillips.

The P8 well was a well drilled on a portion of the Shouyang Block which we relinquished in April 2008. Under the terms of the April 26, 2012 Fifth Modification Agreement, this well will be replaced by CUCBM pursuant to an agreement whereby CUCBM has agreed to drill an appraisal well which shall include the expenses associated with coring, fracturing and other testing on our behalf in Area B in a location as determined by FEEB, nearby the P8 well and to the same coal seam as the P8 well.

During the exploration period, FEEB, as operator, must complete at least the minimum work program and seek commercial deposits of CBM that can be developed in commercially paying quantities. Under the Shouyang PSC, as modified to date, we are required to conduct pilot testing to obtain information necessary to prepare an application for an overall development plan to submit as part of the application for a long-term development license for a particular CBM field or area within the Shouyang Block.
The preparation of an Overall Development Plan (“ODP”) to be submitted jointly with CUCBM as part of the application for a long-term development license requires adequate CBM resources certified to the applicable standard by the MLR, as well as technical, commercial, environmental, health and safety plans demonstrating how the CBM field will be developed for the exploitation of CBM resources located therein.

The key certification required to be granted by the MLR is certification that the identified development area contains verifiable/recoverable CBM resources that can be extracted in a commercially economic manner to the standards and guidelines set forth in the Specifications for Coalbed Methane Resources/Reserves (DZ/T0216-2010) (the “CBM Specifications”) promulgated by the MLR.

We obtained this certification from the MLR in June 2012, with respect to an area 99.8 square kilometers in the Nanyanzhu area of the northern Shouyang Block. This 99.8 square kilometers is comprised of the approximately 64.7 square kilometers comprising Area A, and the approximately 35.1 square kilometers of the original Shouyang PSC, in which we had elected to forgo our rights in favor of CUCBM to allow CUCBM to proceed independently at its sole risk to develop.

The first step in the certification process was to engage a Chinese company licensed by the MLR to compile reports as to CBM resources in accordance with MLR requirements. The licensed Chinese vendor estimated CBM resources subject to certain conditions and assumptions specified in the CBM Specifications with respect to well spacing, the types of wells emphasized in the estimation of resources, the level of output of individual wells and the method of determining such output. Such an estimation of CBM resources at the necessary level is conducted only on blocks containing wells achieving a minimum standard of production for the CBM resources claimed for a time period of at least three months.

Upon completion of a preliminary draft of the report, a group of independent CBM experts reviewed the report and provided comments to the licensed Chinese vendor. Our Chinese partner company then submitted the report to the Petroleum Reserve Office of the MLR. The report was approved by the Petroleum Reserve Office of the MLR and submitted to the Reserve Review and Exam Office of the MLR for further review and certification. After review and resolution of questions or comments, the CBM resources were then certified by the Reserve Review and Exam Office of the MLR to the requisite levels under the CBM Specifications, at which point work commenced on the application process for a long-term development license for the identified development area (an ODP).

After several revisions, the final draft of the Nanyanzhu ODP was finished and an internal review was completed. An external expert review was held on March 27, 2014, and the ODP passed review of the required external experts, and the expert group recommended that the relevant parties approve the ODP report. This draft ODP report was submitted to the NEA on June 16, 2014 to receive a “Road Pass.” The Road Pass is anticipated to be awarded in the fourth quarter of 2014, allowing FEEB to apply for permits and approvals from local government bureaus in land use, grid power supply, environment protection, land reclamation, and safety. Vendors of six third parties have been engaged to compile supplementary reports needed to obtain various permits from local government bureaus that are required by the ODP process.  All of these permits and approvals, as well as the ODP report, will be submitted to NDRC again approximately by the first quarter of 2015. The Company expects to receive formal ODP approval by the end of June 2015.

The development period as to any CBM field covered by the Shouyang PSC will begin after the approval of the overall development plan for any such CBM field. As discussed above, CUCBM has agreed to waive its right to any participating interest share in approximately 15,988 acres (approximately 64.7 square kilometers) of the Shouyang Block.  Thus, Far East will be entitled to a 100% participating interest share in the entirety of its 1H Pilot Area (subject to Phillips 3.5% revenue interest).  Also, CUCBM has not currently elected to exercise its option to receive a 30% participating interest in any other CBM field that is developed in the Shouyang Block.
Effective January 1, 2014, the price received from SPG for CBM under the Gas Sales Agreement is 1.7 RMB per cubic meter (or $7.84 per Mcf, inclusive of $0.90 for VAT and $0.11 for provincial taxes, based on the June 30, 2014 exchange rate, before any applicable subsidies). The VAT portion of the sales price is refundable to the Company. The Gas Sales Agreement also provides for price adjustments in accordance with changes to the published Chinese national natural gas price and annual price adjustments based on the parties’ mutual agreement. If the parties do not agree on a new price, the then-current price shall continue in effect and either party may seek to resolve any pricing dispute pursuant to arbitration.

Additionally, the Chinese government and Shanxi provincial authorities enacted subsidies equal to 0.20 RMB and 0.05 RMB per cubic meter, respectively, for a total of 0.25 RMB per cubic meter. Effective January 1, 2014, the price received by CUCBM and FEEB, including subsidies for gas sales, is 1.95 RMB per cubic meter. The total price received is approximately $8.85 per Mcf after taxes, based on the June 30, 2014 exchange rate.

Work programs are being carried out to achieve three primary goals: (i) to expand the producing area in the 1H Pilot Area to increase gas production, (ii) to determine the optimal development approach in order to minimize costs and maximize CBM recovery and (iii) to add appraisal wells, spaced at intervals of several kilometers across the entire Shouyang Block to help delineate the geographic extent of the high permeability and high gas content coal located in the area. We refer to an “appraisal well” as a CBM well drilled outside of the 1H Pilot Area to determine the physical extent of commercially attractive parameters of the coal (such as high gas content, high permeability and good coal thickness), as well as to contribute to the identification of reserves.

We believe that the addition of production wells in the 1H Pilot Area will increase production and the addition of appraisal wells throughout the Shouyang Block could add substantially to proved and probable reserves. The following discussion regarding our drilling activity involves the drilling of wells that constitute “exploratory wells,” as such term is defined in Rule 4-10(a)(13) of Regulation S-X.

During the first half of 2014, no wells were spudded or fracture stimulated. Additionally, from inception of the Shouyang PSC through July 31, 2014, one well has been abandoned in the Shouyang Block.

In conjunction with the review of the results of the 2013 drilling program, 41 wells were shut in during the second quarter of 2014.  They were comprised of 12 wells in Area B, the Company’s appraisal/exploration area, and 29 wells in Area A, the Company’s production/gas sales area. The 12 wells in Area B had already provided sufficient test data and did not yet contribute to gas sales due to their location, as they were not yet connected to the gas gathering system.  The 29 wells in Area A can be divided into two subsets.  The first subset included those which lay outside the main pattern of dewatering activity and have demonstrated significant dewatering capability.  However, due to their location, they did not contribute meaningfully to dewatering the main pattern, would not produce gas for quite some time and were not tied in to the sales line. The Company plans to return these wells to gas production as the pattern expands in their nearby vicinity. After the expanded development, the gathering and sales system will be extended to accept sales gas from these wells. The second subset included the poorer performing wells from the 2011 drilling and fracing campaign. These wells were part of a gel-based fracing campaign which had subsequently proved to be ineffective in our particular coal seam. These wells are scheduled for remedial work involving re-fracturing using different and appropriate formulations of proppant, fluid and rates.

FEEC operates the Shouyang drilling program using the most efficient and environmentally responsible methods available in China. In its execution, the Company has elected to pursue pad drilling operations placing as many as 5 wells on one location, thus creating a small footprint. This saves important agricultural lands, reduces infrastructure loads, lowers manpower requirements and lightens our impact on the environment. While this approach places additional burdens on the orchestration of drilling, fracturing and completion operations and could introduce minor delays, these factors are mitigated by our ability to batch wells for the fracturing operations. Through careful cooperation between our fracturing service company, logistics department, and local suppliers, the Company is able to maintain a fracture treatment program of up to one well per day for extended periods.

The gross and net number of productive wells in the Shouyang Block as of July 31, 2014, after giving effect to CUCBM’s right to make participating elections in the Shouyang Block as if made on such date, was 91 and 88.6, respectively. Of these 91 wells, 82 are wells drilled in the initial 1H Pilot Area to expand the field to the west and 9 are appraisal wells. In addition to these wells, there are wells in various stages of drilling and fracing operations as noted above.

A number of appraisal wells have been drilled to the west, south and east of the 1H Pilot Area, which is adjacent to the northern boundary of the Shouyang Block, with the goal of providing data to support the full extent of the northern portion of the Shouyang Block that contains high gas content as well as good permeability characteristics.

Through the drilling of the appraisal wells we seek to determine what portion of the Shouyang Block shares the same rare combination of high permeability and high gas content as discovered in the 1H Pilot Area. The wells drilled to the west, east and south of the 1H Pilot Area have revealed both high gas content and high permeability. The drilling and subsequent production testing of a number of these wells demonstrate that permeability and the potential for significant gas production extend into these portions of the block. Most significantly, the SYS05 well in the southeastern portion of the block and approximately 35 kilometers southeast of the 1H Pilot Area was successfully production tested at a rate exceeding MLR certification requirements.

Provided we remain in compliance with the requirements under the Shouyang PSC, the Shouyang PSC allows production to continue on a CBM field until the earlier of the end of the useful life of the field or June 30, 2032, unless such term is extended or otherwise amended.
The following table reflects the range of permeability determined in the Shouyang Block:
 
 
 
Permeability Range
 
Number of Wells
Well Area
 
 (Millidarcies - mD)
 
 In this Range
1H Pilot Area
 
 80-100
 
 1H Pilot Area Wells
Appraisal/ Exploration Wells
 
 200-300
 
1
Appraisal/ Exploration Wells
 
 100-199
 
3
Appraisal/ Exploration Wells
 
 50-99
 
4
Appraisal/ Exploration Wells
 
10-49
 
14

With permeabilities ranging from 10 millidarcies to 300 millidarcies, we believe that the No. 15 coal seam in the expanded areas tested appears to contain areas of high permeability coupled with high gas content.

Qinnan Block, Shanxi Province. The exploration period of the Qinnan PSC in Shanxi Province expired on June 30, 2009, and we cannot continue our exploration activities in the Qinnan Block without an extension or a new PSC. We are continuing to pursue an extension of the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC, but we cannot be optimistic at this time. The Company believes the underlying exploration period should be extended due to events beyond its reasonable control, namely the lengthy transfer of rights taking place from CUCBM to CNPC. At our Chinese partner’s request, we have provided certain operational and financial information about our company to assist them in the decision-making process as to whether to recognize an extension of the exploration period in Qinnan. PetroChina, CNPC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed an accounting audit pursuant to the Qinnan PSC of our expenditures for 2007 and 2008. We have also provided to PetroChina at their request our work plan for 2010 for Qinnan. In January 2011, we received a formal notice from CNPC that it has purportedly received all Chinese approvals with respect to the transfer of CUCBM’s interest to it, and subsequently to PetroChina. CNPC also requested we execute a modification agreement to confirm PetroChina as our Chinese partner company for the Qinnan PSC. In negotiations with CUCBM and PetroChina related to this request, we have endeavored to negotiate an assignment agreement that would reflect the transfer of interest to CNPC while CNPC and PetroChina would acknowledge delays that were incurred by virtue of FEEB not having, for an extended period of time, an official Chinese partner that had the capacity or authority under the Qinnan PSC to work with us.

Because of the inability to hold a formal JMC meeting or to have the effective involvement of our Chinese partner, we believe that our efforts to continue CBM operations in the Qinnan Block have been materially hindered. Technically, the exploration period under the Qinnan PSC expired on June 30, 2009; however, we have maintained the position that the doctrine of force majeure under the Qinnan PSC entitled us to an extension. We continue to discuss this situation with CUCBM and PetroChina, and as recently as January 2012 have submitted a notice of force majeure in accordance with the Qinnan PSC. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in extending the exploration period of the Qinnan PSC or that a new PSC will be granted. Additionally, in connection with obtaining this extension or a new PSC, we may be required to commit to certain expenditures or to modify the terms or respective ownership interests and/or acreage in the applicable PSC.

Laochang Area, Yunnan Province.  We were a party to the Yunnan PSC with CUCBM, which provided for an operating interest in approximately 119,327 acres (482.9 square kilometers) in the Laochang Area. CUCBM had the right to accept up to a 40% participating interest within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of Chinese certifications of CBM resources in a particular CBM field. The exploration period expired on December 31, 2013 and was not amended or extended. Following expiration of the exploration period, we had the right to elect to continue the process of trying to convert portions of the Laochang Area into MLR certified areas in order to transition these areas into the process for a long-term development license and the development period for certain areas. Any acreage that was not at or past the stage of submittal of a technical report to CUCBM that reasonably met the criteria for MLR certification would be relinquished unless the parties otherwise agree.  The Company and CUCBM have begun discussions that will likely result in the relinquishment of all of the Yunnan acreage covered by the PSC.  The Company expects that any such relinquishment of the PSC will be formalized during the second half of 2014.

Our Ability To Continue as a Going Concern

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued its report in connection with the audit of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, which included an explanatory paragraph describing the existence of conditions that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements as of June 30, 2014 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. If we are not able to continue as a going concern, it is possible that holders of our common stock could lose all of their investment. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. Three Months Ended June 30, 2013:
 
The following table sets forth the natural gas sales data for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Natural Gas
 
   
 
Sale Volumes, net (Mcf)
   
128,499
     
40,991
 
Per Day Volumes, net (Mcf per day)
   
1,412
     
450
 
 
               
Average Gas Sales Price, net of taxes (per Mcf)
 
$
6.80
   
$
4.76
 
PRC National and Provincial Subsidies (per Mcf)
   
1.15
     
1.14
 
VAT Refund (per Mcf)
   
0.90
     
0.63
 
Total Gas Sales and Other Revenues (per Mcf)
 
$
8.85
   
$
6.53
 
 
               
Operating Revenue (in thousands)
 
$
1,137
   
$
268
 

Operating Revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $0.9 million, or 324%, as compared to the same period a year ago due primarily to the increase in the number of producing wells connected to the gathering system and the increased 2014 gas contract price (up 42% from the 2013 gas contract price).

The table below sets out major components of our expenditures (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Additions to Oil and Gas Properties (capitalized)
 
   
 
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province (1)
 
$
87
   
$
10,481
 
Exploration Expenditures (expensed)
               
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province
   
1,148
     
1,216
 
- Qinnan Block, Shanxi Province
   
30
     
(95
)
- Laochang Block, Yunnan Province
   
97
     
220
 
- Total
   
1,275
     
1,341
 
Lease Operating Expenditures (expensed)
               
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province
   
1,695
     
1,103
 
 
               
Total Capital and Operating Expenditures
 
$
3,057
   
$
12,925
 
 
               
General and Administrative Expenses
 
$
2,527
   
$
2,333
 

(1)
Capitalized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The table below sets out the operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Lease operating expense
 
$
1,695
   
$
1,103
 
Exploration costs
   
1,275
     
1,341
 
General and administrative
   
2,527
     
2,333
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
898
     
416
 
Total
 
$
6,395
   
$
5,193
 

The table below sets out components of exploration costs for the three–month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Technical personnel compensation
 
$
63
   
$
47
 
PSC related payments
   
210
     
144
 
Geological and other indirect field costs
   
1,002
     
1,150
 
Total
 
$
1,275
   
$
1,341
 

Exploration costs for the three months ended June 30, 2014 are materially unchanged compared to the same period in 2013.

The table below sets out components of lease operating expense ("LOE") for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Pumping Related Costs
 
$
740
   
$
709
 
Compression
   
328
     
175
 
Workovers
   
151
     
150
 
Supervision
   
476
     
69
 
Total
 
$
1,695
   
$
1,103
 

LOE for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was comprised of costs pertaining to the production and dewatering efforts in the Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province.  LOE for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $0.6 million compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to increases in supervision of $0.4 million and compression of $0.2 million.  The various components of LOE have increased due to the additional wells producing in 2014 that were drilled in 2013.

General and administrative ("G&A") expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $0.2 million compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in legal expense, a $0.2 million increase in professional services, and a $0.1 million increase in payroll expense partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in share-based compensation and a $0.1 million decrease in investor relations expenses.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2013:
 
The following table sets forth the natural gas sales data for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Natural Gas
 
   
 
Sale Volumes, net (Mcf)
   
244,345
     
107,938
 
Per Day Volumes, net (Mcf per day)
   
1,350
     
596
 
 
               
Average Gas Sales Price, net of taxes (per Mcf)
 
$
6.82
   
$
4.73
 
PRC National and Provincial Subsidies (per Mcf)
   
1.15
     
1.13
 
VAT Refund (per Mcf)
   
0.90
     
0.63
 
Total Gas Sales and Other Revenues (per Mcf)
 
$
8.87
   
$
6.49
 
 
               
Operating Revenue (in thousands)
 
$
2,168
   
$
701
 
 
Operating Revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $1.5 million, or 209%, as compared to the same period a year ago due primarily to the increase in the number of producing wells connected to the gathering system and the increased 2014 gas contract price (up 42% from the 2013 gas contract price).

The table below sets out major components of our expenditures (in thousands):

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Additions to Oil and Gas Properties (capitalized)
 
   
 
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province (1)
 
$
204
   
$
11,183
 
Exploration Expenditures (expensed)
               
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province
   
2,287
     
2,058
 
- Qinnan Block, Shanxi Province
   
36
     
21
 
- Laochang Block, Yunnan Province
   
241
     
473
 
- Total
   
2,564
     
2,552
 
Lease Operating Expenditures (expensed)
               
- Shouyang Block, Shanxi Province
   
4,103
     
2,342
 
 
               
Total Capital and Operating Expenditures
 
$
6,871
   
$
16,077
 
 
               
General and Administrative Expenses
 
$
4,993
   
$
5,203
 

The table below sets out the operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Lease operating expense
 
$
4,103
   
$
2,342
 
Exploration costs
   
2,564
     
2,552
 
General and administrative
   
4,993
     
5,203
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
1,725
     
959
 
Total
 
$
13,385
   
$
11,056
 

The table below sets out components of exploration costs for the six–month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Technical personnel compensation
 
$
124
   
$
153
 
PSC related payments
   
423
     
407
 
Geological and other indirect field costs
   
2,017
     
1,992
 
Total
 
$
2,564
   
$
2,552
 

Exploration costs for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are materially unchanged compared to the same period in 2013.

The table below sets out components of LOE for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Pumping Related Costs
 
$
2,209
   
$
1,541
 
Compression
   
614
     
351
 
Workovers
   
334
     
262
 
Supervision
   
946
     
188
 
Total
 
$
4,103
   
$
2,342
 

LOE for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was comprised of costs pertaining to the production and dewatering efforts in the Shouyang Block in Shanxi Province.  LOE for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $1.8 million compared to the same period in 2013 due primarily to increases in pumping related costs of $0.7 million, supervision costs of $0.8 million and compression costs of $0.3 million.  The various components of LOE have increased due to the additional wells producing in 2014 that were drilled in 2013.

G&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are materially unchanged compared to the same period in 2013.

Capital Resources and Liquidity. Although gas sales under the Gas Sales Agreement commenced in the first quarter of 2011, our primary source of cash flow has been cash proceeds from public offerings and private placements of our common stock and warrants to purchase our common stock, the exercise of warrants and options to purchase our common stock, and proceeds received from the closing of the Facility Agreement and the issuance of the Notes.

On January 14, 2013, the Company sold the Notes and the Warrants to certain institutional investors for $60.0 million of gross proceeds in the Private Placement, which was exempt from the Securities Act. The Private Placement closed on January 15, 2013.

On January 15, 2013, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to provide for the extension of the maturity date of the Facility Agreement until January 15, 2014. The Fifth Amendment was subject to the repayment of $4.125 million of the outstanding principal amount and the repayment of $0.7 million of capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement. The total amount of outstanding principal and capitalized interest under the Facility Agreement prior to the repayment of such amount was $25.8 million (which included $125,000 borrowed on January 11, 2013). In addition, accrued interest, amendment fees and certain transaction expenses were paid at closing out of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement.  As of January 15, 2013, the amount remaining owed under the Facility Agreement was $21.0 million. After taking into account the amounts paid pursuant to the Fifth Amendment and transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Fifth Amendment and the Private Placement, the net proceeds to the Company of the Private Placement were $52.0 million.

On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from January 15, 2014 to April 15, 2014.  The Sixth Amendment also requires the Company to pay interest under the Facility Agreement on a monthly basis rather than a quarterly basis.

On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from April 15, 2014 to July 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into the Second Extension Agreement to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement from July 15, 2014 to September 15, 2014.  The Extension Agreement contained certain customary representations, warranties, releases and confirmations.

To secure additional capital for future work programs and to repay the Facility Agreement on or before its maturity date, management must either explore potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or obtain additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain, and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Due to certain factors, an offering of our common stock is likely not a viable alternative at this time, but a non-convertible preferred stock offering might be possible under certain circumstances. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. There can be no
guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.  See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for information regarding the Facility Agreement.

In addition to payment of the above amounts to SCB, FEEB and FEEC have used the net proceeds of the Private Placement for (i) drilling and development expenses for the Shouyang CBM project in the Shanxi Province in China, including drilling and completion expenses of appraisal wells, drilling and completion expenses of production wells, construction and installation of gathering and compression facilities and submission of an overall development plan for the project, (ii) general corporate purposes, including exploration costs for such project, operating costs on the Shouyang PSC and general and administrative expenses and (iii) transaction expenses. Under the securities purchase agreement for the Private Placement and the Indenture, FEEB and FEEC are obligated to apply the net proceeds according to the estimated amounts of each category set forth therein within an agreed range, provided that FEEC and FEEB shall apply not less than $21.6 million for the drilling and completion of production wells.

There can be no guarantee of future capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success or that we will realize the value of our unproved exploratory well costs.

Summary of Material Terms of the Notes.

The Notes are senior secured obligations of FEEB and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FEEC. The Notes were sold at an issue price of 100% of par for an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. The Notes accrue cash interest at a rate of 13.0% per year, which is paid semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year, commencing on June 30, 2013. FEEB may, at its option, elect to pay interest “in kind” at a rate of 14.5% per year by issuing additional Notes with the first interest payment required to be paid in kind. The Notes will mature on January 15, 2016.

The Notes and related guarantees rank equal in right of payment with the Facility Agreement. Except as specifically permitted by the Indenture, any new indebtedness of FEEC, FEEB or any restricted subsidiary of FEEC will require the consent of SCB and the “Required Noteholders,” which means holders of 75% of aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes. The Notes and related guarantees are secured by substantially all of the assets of FEEC and FEEB, other than assets located in the People’s Republic of China, assets the grant, creation or perfection of any lien on which would require the consent, authorization or approval of, or filing with, any governmental authority in the People’s Republic of China and certain other excluded assets. Such collateral continues to secure the Facility Agreement with the administration of such collateral subject to a collateral agency and intercreditor agreement between SCB and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee of the Notes and as collateral agent.

In certain circumstances specified in the Indenture and as summarized below, FEEB may or will be required to redeem or offer to repurchase the Notes at the relevant prices set forth below times the principal amount being redeemed or repurchased:

Closing Date to February 28, 2014
   
100
%
March 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
   
104
%
January 1, 2015 and thereafter
   
108
%

plus accrued and unpaid interest thereof, if any, on the Notes to the applicable date of redemption or repurchase, as applicable.

FEEB has the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after all obligations under the Facility Agreement have been repaid in full at the relevant redemption prices set forth above.
In the event that FEEC and FEEB obtain financing pursuant to a credit facility, agreement or indenture with one or more banks or other institutional lenders or a trustee or investors (a “Future Financing”), which in certain circumstances would require the consent of the Required Noteholders and SCB, or if FEEC sells capital stock at a time when the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding exceeds $10.0 million, the net proceeds of such Future Financing and the net proceeds of such capital stock offering in excess of $5.0 million, as applicable, shall first be used to repay obligations under the Facility Agreement and thereafter to redeem the Notes at the redemption prices set forth above to the extent of such amounts.

In the event that (i) FEEC and FEEB generate “excess cash flow” as defined in the Indenture, (ii) FEEC or FEEB sell assets in circumstances described in the Indenture or (iii) a casualty loss of property or assets of FEEC or FEEB occurs and the insurance proceeds with respect to such loss exceed $30.0 million, then FEEB will be required to apply the “excess cash flow amount” (as defined in the Indenture), the net proceeds of such asset sale or such insurance proceeds, as applicable, to first repay obligations under the Facility Agreement and thereafter to offer to repurchase the Notes at the purchase prices set forth above. The “excess cash flow amount” means, with respect to any period, 50% of the excess cash flow for such period minus $5.0 million of cash and cash equivalents for such period minus the principal amount of the Facility Agreement repaid with such excess cash flow during such period.

In the event of a change of control of FEEC, FEEB will be required to repay all obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement and to offer to repurchase the Notes at the purchase prices set forth above.

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other restrictions, limit FEEC’s and FEEB’s ability and the ability of certain of their subsidiaries to:
 
                  amend our constitutional documents;

                  incur or guarantee additional indebtedness other than up to $15.0 million of aggregate principal amount of additional Notes and additional warrants on terms identical to or more favorable to FEEC than the Warrants;

                  issue certain preferred stock;

                  create or incur liens other than liens permitted by the Indenture;

                 pay dividends, repurchase equity securities, redeem subordinated debt, repay certain intercompany indebtedness up to a specified amount or make investments or other restricted payments;

                 transfer or sell assets;

                  incur dividend or other payment restrictions;

                  enter into certain transactions with affiliates;

                  change FEEC’s or FEEB’s line of business;

                  form subsidiaries;

                  sell capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; and

                  merge, consolidate or transfer all or substantially all of FEEC’s and FEEB’s assets.
In addition, the Indenture contains covenants that, among other obligations, require FEEC and FEEB to:

                  be in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations;

                  provide specified financial reports to holders of Notes;

                  maintain customary insurance policies;

                  maintain FEEB’s foreign exchange registration certificate;

                  use the net proceeds of the Private Placement as set forth in the Indenture; and

                  use their commercially reasonable efforts to list the Notes on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange within six months of the issue date and maintain such listing.

The Indenture contains customary events of default that could, subject to certain conditions, cause the Notes to become immediately due and payable, including but not limited to:

                  the failure to make principal (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) or interest payments when due;

                  the failure to make, and to accept and pay the purchase price for Notes tendered pursuant to, the offers to purchase required by the Indenture;

                  the failure to comply with certain covenants in the Indenture or any of the collateral documents;

                  the failure to comply with the reporting obligations in the Indenture for ten days after notice by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes;

                  the default by FEEC or any of its restricted subsidiaries under any mortgage, indenture or other indebtedness in the aggregate of $1 million or more if caused by the failure to pay principal or interest when due or if such default entitles the creditor to declare such indebtedness due and payable prior to its stated maturity;

                  the failure to satisfy certain final, non-appealable judgments of any court of competent jurisdiction in excess of $1.0 million;

                  if any Note guarantee is held to be unenforceable or is repudiated by the guarantor thereof;

                  certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency;

                  the liens securing the Notes cease to be in full force in effect or cease to have priority over certain other lienholders with respect to collateral with a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or are contested by FEEB or any guarantor in circumstances specified by the Indenture;

                  any representation or warranty made by FEEC or FEEB in the securities purchase agreement for the Private Placement proves to be incorrect in any material respect;

                  the validity of the Notes, the guarantees of the Notes or the Indenture is contested by FEEB or any guarantor;
                  the Shouyang project is abandoned in whole or in part, the Shouyang PSC is terminated, revoked or ceases to be in full force and effect or an event of loss occurs with respect to any of the property or assets of FEEC or FEEB in excess of $10 million net of any insurance proceeds; and

                  certain acts of governmental expropriation or nationalization or certain governmental restrictions on foreign currency exchange or that prevents FEEC or FEEB from paying its obligations in U.S. dollars.
 
Summary of Material Terms of the Warrants.

The Warrants provide the holders the right to purchase up to 56,086,439 shares of FEEC common stock at an exercise price of $0.085 per share, subject to adjustments described below. The Warrants are exercisable at any time after issuance and will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 31, 2017. The Warrants have anti-dilution provisions specified in the Warrant Agreement, dated January 15, 2013 (the “Warrant Agreement”), between FEEC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, including, but not limited to, adjustments for (i) stock splits, reverse stock splits and stock dividends, (ii) the issuance of rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities at a price per share less than the current market value of FEEC common stock at the record date therefore, (iii) certain distributions of cash, evidence of indebtedness or other property or assets to holders of any class of common stock, (iv) certain reclassifications, consolidations, mergers or sales of assets of FEEC and (v) certain issuances or sales, or deemed issuances or sales, of shares of common stock for an effective price below the then-effective exercise price of the Warrants or for an effective price greater than the then-effective exercise price but less than or equal to $0.425 per share, subject to adjustment, or for an effective price greater than $0.425, subject to adjustment, but less than the current market price per share at the time of such issuance or sale.

The holders of the Warrants are entitled to certain registration rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 15, 2013 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), between FEEC and the purchasers of the Warrants. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, FEEC will file a registration statement (the "Primary Registration Statement") on the appropriate form with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to register under the Securities Act the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants within 210 days after the closing date and will use its best efforts to cause the Primary Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act within 360 days after the closing date (or within 390 days after the closing date if FEEC receives comments on the Primary Registration Statement from the SEC). In addition, the holders of common stock underlying the Warrants will have "piggyback" registration rights for the resale of such shares of common stock.

Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders but subject to restrictions in the Warrant Agreement and Indenture, to issue up to 500 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of each series. We also have 500 million shares of Common Stock authorized under our charter documents, of which approximately 346.2 million shares were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2014.

The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on the common stock or delaying or preventing our change in control without further action by the stockholders. While we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock, we may need to do so in the future in connection with capital raising transactions. In addition, we may issue additional shares of common stock in connection with capital raising activities. The issuance of additional common stock would also have a dilutive impact on our stockholders' ownership interest in our company.

Work Program and Other Funding. Our current work programs satisfied the minimum exploration expenditures for our Shouyang and Yunnan PSCs for 2013. With respect to the Qinnan PSC, we have halted
activities on the Qinnan Block pending regulatory approval or denial of our force majeure claims. To secure additional capital for future work programs and to repay the Facility Agreement on or before its maturity date, management must either explore potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or obtain additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through debt, reserve based, project or equity- related financing. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Due to certain factors, an offering of our common stock is likely not a viable alternative at this time, but a non-convertible preferred stock offering might be possible under certain circumstances. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult. In particular, any transfer of our rights under the PSCs will require the approval of our Chinese partner company and the MofCom. However, on May 15, 2013, the State Council of PRC announced that such approval will no longer require the approval by MofCom. The Company is still analyzing the impact of the change and the affect it could have on its business and operations. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for the consummation of a transaction or transfer. There can be no guarantee of future success in capital acquisition, fundraising or exploration success.

Our capital resources and planning can be impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar and RMB exchange rate as well as inflation in these countries.  For further discussion of these risks, see Item 3. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."

Cash Flows.  As of June 30, 2014, our balance in cash and cash equivalents was $7.2 million, a decrease of $10.3 million from the balance of $17.6 million as of December 31, 2013.  The decrease was due to $9.3 million used in operating activities and $1.0 million used in investing activities.

Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $9.3 million as compared to cash used in operating activities for the same period in 2013 of $13.1 million.  The decrease was primarily due to $5.1 million favorable change in working capital, the decrease was offset by an increase of $1.7 million in LOE.

Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $1.0 million as compared to $8.4 million for the same period in 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in additions to oil and gas properties of $7.3 million.

Cash used by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $8,000 as a result of financing costs related to the Extension Agreement.  Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $52.0 million as a result of net proceeds from the Private Placement during the first quarter of 2013.

Forward-Looking Statements.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.  The words "believe," "may," "will," "plan," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "project," and
similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effects on our business or operations. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: the preliminary nature of well data, including permeability and gas content; there can be no assurance as to the volume of gas that is ultimately produced or sold from our wells; the fracture stimulation program may not be successful in increasing gas volumes; due to limitations under Chinese law, we may have only limited rights to enforce the Gas Sales Agreement, to which we are an express beneficiary; additional wells may not be drilled, or if drilled may not be timely; additional pipelines and gathering systems needed to transport our gas may not be constructed, or if constructed may not be timely, or their routes may differ from those anticipated; the pipeline and local distribution/compressed natural gas companies may decline to purchase or take our gas (although the Gas Sales Agreement with the pipeline is a “take or pay” contract), or we may not be able to enforce our rights under definitive agreements with pipelines; conflicts with coal mining operations or coordination of our exploration and production activities with mining activities could adversely impact or add significant costs to our operations; if required, the MofCom may not approve on a timely basis or at all, the extension of the Qinnan PSC or, if so, on commercially advantageous terms; our Chinese partner companies or the MofCom may require certain changes to the terms and conditions of the Shouyang or Yunnan PSCs in conjunction with their approval of any extension of the exploration period, including reductions in acreage or a reduction in the term of the extension for the exploration period; our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate management of our cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of CBM; our inability to extract or sell all or a substantial portion of our estimated CBM resources; we may not satisfy requirements for listing our securities on a securities exchange; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; disruptions in capital markets affecting fundraising; matters affecting the energy industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our filings with the SEC.

When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these factors, the risk factors set forth in our 2013 Annual Report and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and in other filings with the SEC and the other cautionary statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. We assume no obligation to update any of these statements.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Risk

In addition to the U.S. Dollar, we conduct our business in RMB and, therefore, are subject to foreign currency exchange risk on cash flows related to expenses and investing transactions. In June 2010, China announced that it would gradually allow the RMB to float against the U.S. Dollar and, as a result, the Chinese currency is expected to slowly appreciate with respect to the U.S. Dollar. All of our costs to operate our Chinese offices are paid in RMB. Our exploration costs in China may be incurred under contracts denominated in RMB or U.S. Dollars. As of June 30, 2014, the U.S. Dollar ($) to RMB (¥) depreciated slightly at an exchange rate of about $1 to ¥6.16, compared to an exchange rate of $1 to ¥6.17 at June 30, 2013.  If the RMB appreciates with respect to the U.S. Dollar, our costs in China may increase. To date we have not engaged in hedging activities to hedge our foreign currency exposure. In the future, we may enter into hedging instruments to manage our foreign currency exchange risk or continue to be subject to exchange rate risk. If the RMB had appreciated by 10% during the second quarter of 2014, our costs would have increased by approximately $0.2 million. If the RMB had depreciated by 10%, it is estimated that our costs would have been approximately $0.1 million lower in the second quarter of 2014.

Inflation Risk

Although inflation has not materially impacted our operations in the recent past, increased inflation in China or the U.S. could have a negative impact on our operating and general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase. In the last couple of years, we have increased our use of Chinese suppliers, including drilling contractors, that are paid in RMB. Since 2008, China experienced inflationary pressures, which increased our costs associated with our operations in China. In the future, inflation in China may result in higher minimum expenditure requirements under our PSCs if our Chinese partner companies adjust these requirements for inflation. The actual inflationary impact on the Company may also be exacerbated by the increasing demand for goods and services in the oil and gas industry. A material increase in these costs could adversely affect our operations and, if there are material changes in our costs, we may seek to secure additional capital earlier than anticipated.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest on our outstanding debt as of June 30, 2014 is both floating and fixed. Fixed rates are in place on our $60.0 million Senior Secured Notes due 2016 at 13.0 % per year (or 14.5% per year if FEEB elects to pay interest “in kind”) and floating rates are in place on $21.0 million of borrowings under our Facility Agreement due September 15, 2014.  Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk that we may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at a higher rate.  All other things being equal, the fair value of our fixed rate debt will increase or decrease as interest rates change.  If short-term interest rates increase, we will incur higher interest rates on any outstanding balances under the Facility Agreement.  As it relates to our variable rate debt, if variable interest rates increased by 1%, our interest expense for the second quarter of 2014 would have increased by approximately $53,000.  To date we have not engaged in hedging activities to hedge our interest rate exposure. In the future, we may enter into hedging instruments to manage our interest rate risk or continue to be subject to interest rate risk.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
0BPART II  OTHER INFORMATION

FAR EAST ENERGY CORPORATION

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in our 2013 Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results.  The risks described in our 2013 Annual Report are not the only risks facing our company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We must obtain additional capital in order to continue our operations.

We are not able to predict exactly when we will recognize significant revenues. We expect to experience operating losses and negative cash flow until production levels in the Shouyang Block increase sufficiently, which will require the drilling and completion of a significant number of productive wells.

Management will continue to seek to secure additional capital to continue operations, repay the Facility Agreement on or before its maturity date and to meet future expenditure requirements necessary to retain our rights under our PSCs. In connection therewith, management must either seek to secure additional capital by exploring potential strategic relationships or transactions involving one or more of our PSCs, such as a joint venture, farmout, merger, acquisition or sale of some or all of our assets or obtain additional debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into any strategic relationship or transaction, securing capital or raising funds through debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserve based, project or equity-related financing are uncertain and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price. Due to certain factors, an offering of our common stock is likely not a viable alternative at this time, but a non-convertible preferred stock offering might be possible under certain circumstances. Under certain circumstances, the structure of a strategic transaction may require the approval of the Chinese authorities, which could delay closing or make the consummation of a transaction more difficult or impossible. In particular, any transfer of our rights under any PSC will require the approval of our Chinese partner company. There can be no assurance that the Chinese authorities will provide the approvals necessary for a transaction or transfer. In addition, the terms and conditions of any potential strategic relationship or transaction or of any debt, reserves based, project or equity related financing are uncertain and we cannot predict the timing, structure or other terms and conditions of any such arrangements or the consideration that may be paid with respect to any transaction or offering of securities and whether the consideration will meet or exceed our offering price.

If our operating requirements or drilling obligations materially change from those currently planned, we may require more capital than currently anticipated or may be required to secure capital earlier than anticipated. For example, it is possible that the MLR or one of our Chinese partner companies could seek to, among other things, force us to relinquish acreage, increase our capital expenditures or accelerate our drilling program. If we are unable to commit to the expenditures or accelerate our drilling and dewatering efforts, it may adversely affect our ability to extend the terms of our PSCs. If we fail to obtain the necessary funds to complete our exploration activities under our PSCs, and we cannot obtain extensions to the
requirements under our PSCs, we would not be able to successfully complete our exploration and development activities and we may lose rights under our PSCs or we may have to limit the acreage used in the Shouyang Block.

We may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued a going concern opinion indicating that our operating losses, working capital deficit and inability to generate sufficient revenues, cause substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and that there is uncertainty as to whether we have the capability to continue our operations without additional funding.  If we are unable to obtain necessary funding, we may be forced to cease business operations, sell assets and/or seek protection under applicable bankruptcy laws.  Any such inability to continue as a going concern could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.  If we are not able to continue as a going concern, it is possible that holders of our common stock could lose all of their investment.

We have a limited source of revenue.

We will not generate material revenues from our existing properties until we have successfully completed exploration and development, and started meaningful production of CBM. Although we have had some sales under the Gas Sales Agreement since early in the first quarter of 2011, we are not able to predict exactly when we will recognize significant revenues. Although SPG has completed its pipeline, which runs within 2 kilometers of our 1H Pilot Area and is being used to transport CBM sold pursuant to the Gas Sales Agreement and in-field gathering system and compression equipment were connected to the pipeline in early January 2011, we have not yet achieved significant production in the Shouyang Block. Our ability to realize significant revenues from any producing wells may be impaired until production increases significantly in the Shouyang Block and additional pipelines or facilities are built out or arrangements are made to deliver a higher level of production to market.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.

As of June 30, 2014, on a consolidated basis, we had total senior secured indebtedness outstanding of approximately $94.6 million, consisting of $73.6 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes due January 15, 2016 and approximately $21.0 million aggregate principal amount under the Facility Agreement with SCB plus related accrued interest on such amounts due on September 15, 2014. The Notes and the Facility Agreement are cross-defaulted against one another. Subject to the restrictions in the Indenture and in the Facility Agreement, we may incur additional indebtedness. In addition, the Notes provide for paid in kind interest, which will add to the aggregate principal amount outstanding on each interest payment date in which we are required or elect to pay paid in kind interest. Our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences for an investment in us and significant effects on our business. For example, our level of indebtedness and the terms of our debt agreements may:

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations under our indebtedness and our contractual and commercial commitments and increase the risk that we may default on our debt obligations or be unable to repay our debt obligations on or before their respective maturity dates;

prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase Notes tendered to us if there is a change of control or in connection with an excess cash flow offer, asset sale offer or insurance proceeds offer, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, which would constitute a default under the Indenture governing the Notes;
require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations or from additional indebtedness or equity capital raises to pay interest and principal on the Facility Agreement and the Notes, which would reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing for additional drilling, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other investments, or general corporate purposes, which may limit our ability to execute our business strategy;

heighten our vulnerability to downturns in our business, our industry or in the general economy and restrict us from exploiting business opportunities or making acquisitions;

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to those of our competitors that may have proportionately less debt;

limit management’s discretion in operating our business; and

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate or the general economy.

Servicing our indebtedness requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial indebtedness.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of debt principal and interest or to refinance our indebtedness depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control.  We may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future to both service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures.  If we are unable to generate such cash flows, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive.  In the absence of such cash flows, we could have substantial liquidity problems and might be required to sell material assets or operations in attempt to meet our debt service and other obligations.  Any proceeds we do receive from asset sales may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due.  Our ability to refinance our indebtedness would depend upon the conditions in the capital markets and our financial condition at such time.  We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition.  If we fail to comply with the covenants in the Indenture governing the Notes or the Facility Agreement or pay the Facility Agreement in full or extend the maturity date of the Facility Agreement by September 15, 2014, it could lead to an event of default and the acceleration of the maturity of all outstanding debt under our Facility Agreement, as well as a cross default and acceleration of maturity under the Indenture governing the Notes, and we may be forced to seek relief through a filing under the CCAA and Chapter 11 or Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (or an involuntary petition for bankruptcy may be filed against us).

If we file for bankruptcy protection, or if an involuntary petition for bankruptcy is filed against us, our business and operations will be subject to certain risks.  A bankruptcy filing by or against us would subject our business to certain risks, including but not limited to, the following:

a bankruptcy filing by or against us may adversely affect our business prospects, including our ability to continue to obtain and maintain the contracts necessary to operate our business on competitive terms;

a bankruptcy filing by or against us may cause an event of default under the Indenture governing the Notes;
certain provisions in our operating agreements may be triggered such that we would be deemed to have resigned as operator or the agreements may be terminated by the other party;

we may be unable to retain and motivate key executives and employees through the process of reorganization, and we may have difficulty attracting new employees;

there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization that are acceptable to the bankruptcy court and our creditors, equity holders and other parties in interest; and

the value of our common stock could be reduced as a result of a bankruptcy filing.

We are in the exploration and development phase of our PSCs and have substantial capital requirements that, if not met, will hinder our ability to continue as a going concern.

We face significant challenges, expenses and difficulties as we seek to explore, develop and produce CBM. The development of our projects in China will require that we obtain funding to satisfy very significant expenditures for exploration and development of these projects, if they are to be successful. We will also require resources to fund significant capital expenditures for exploration and development activities in future periods. In this regard, CUCBM or CNPC could seek to renegotiate our PSCs to, among other things, increase our expenditures or accelerate our drilling program beyond the minimum contractual requirements under our PSCs. Our success will depend on our ability to secure additional capital to fund our capital expenditures until such time as revenues are sufficient to fund our activities. If we cannot obtain adequate capital, or do not have sufficient revenue to fund our activities, and we cannot obtain extensions to the requirements under our PSCs, we will not be able to successfully complete our exploration and development activities, and we may lose rights under our PSCs. This would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Each of these factors may have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and viability. Our ability to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors affecting our company and industry, many of which are beyond our control.
 
ITEM 6. 
EXHIBITS

Exhibits required to be attached by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 46 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements 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.

 
Far East Energy Corporation
 
 
 
U/s/ Michael R. McElwrath U
 
Michael R. McElwrath
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
U/s/ Jennifer D. WhitleyU
 
Jennifer D. Whitley
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
Date:  August 6, 2014
 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, which was filed on March 15, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 13, 2014, between Far East Energy Corporation and Michael R. McElwrath (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 13, 2014, between Far East Energy Corporation and Jennifer D. Whitley (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350.
101.INS†
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH†
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL†
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF†
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB†
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE†
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 

**
Furnished herewith
Filed herewith
 
 
46