10-Q 1 f10q_110811.htm FORM 10-Q f10q_110811.htm
UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549


FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

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

Commission File Number 001-34709
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
 
05-0574281
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

13927 South Gessner Road
Missouri City, TX 77489

Telephone number:  (713) 972-9200


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes    [x]                   No   [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes    [x]                  No   [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (check one):
Large accelerated filer [  ]
Accelerated filer [  ]
Non-accelerated filer [x]
Smaller reporting company [  ]

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

At November 9, 2011, there were 37,014,627 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 

GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.
INDEX

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
     
Item 1.  Financial Statements
   
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
   
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 

 
 
ii

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,833,909     $ 28,237,302  
Restricted cash investments
    5,646,240       2,443,857  
Accounts receivable, net
    107,837,971       69,509,391  
Income and other taxes receivable
    6,666,278       6,954,864  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    6,289,095       4,842,496  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    135,273,493       111,987,910  
                 
MULTI-CLIENT LIBRARY, net
    223,529,721       145,896,355  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
    113,057,854       126,963,953  
                 
GOODWILL
    12,380,964       12,380,964  
                 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
    10,512,789       7,870,811  
                 
OTHER
    7,738,121       8,166,507  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 502,492,942     $ 413,266,500  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
1

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 56,491,891     $ 44,058,306  
Current portion of long-term debt
    7,425,843       3,344,261  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    5,755,638       -  
Income and other taxes payable
    3,256,698       5,601,356  
Deferred revenue
    47,323,149       47,496,895  
Other payables
    870,636       -  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    121,123,855       100,500,818  
                 
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion and
     unamortized discount
    265,703,148       209,418,242  
                 
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion
    3,029,987       -  
                 
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
    1,358,383       1,490,745  
                 
OTHER LIABILITIES
    750,000       -  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    391,965,373       311,409,805  
                 
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common Stock, $.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares,
     46,603,114 and 45,586,215 issued and 36,958,497 and 36,142,985 outstanding
     at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    466,031       455,862  
Additional paid-in capital
    244,408,332       239,248,935  
Accumulated deficit
    (37,887,783 )     (42,145,755 )
      206,986,580       197,559,042  
Less: treasury stock, at cost, 9,644,617 and 9,443,230 shares
     at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    96,459,011       95,702,347  
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    110,527,569       101,856,695  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 502,492,942     $ 413,266,500  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
2

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
                         
REVENUES
  $ 110,127,691     $ 60,469,517     $ 272,263,468     $ 161,240,902  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
    88,132,332       54,040,413       209,206,662       152,018,068  
                                 
GROSS PROFIT
    21,995,359       6,429,104       63,056,806       9,222,834  
                                 
SELLING, GENERAL, AND
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    11,228,816       10,183,285       33,465,236       30,210,560  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
    10,766,543       (3,754,181 )     29,591,570       (20,987,726 )
                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                               
Interest expense, net
    (6,458,479 )     (5,626,367 )     (18,548,935 )     (15,635,670 )
Foreign exchange (loss) gain
    (1,239,078 )     (44,028 )     462,245       (210,279 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       -       -       (6,035,841 )
Other income (expense)
    -       (100,229 )     (103 )     207,589  
TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE
    (7,697,557 )     (5,770,624 )     (18,086,793 )     (21,674,201 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    3,068,986       (9,524,805 )     11,504,777       (42,661,927 )
                                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
    2,424,098       9,120,597       7,379,167       (4,714,609 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) AFTER INCOME TAXES
    644,888       (18,645,402 )     4,125,610       (37,947,318 )
                                 
NET LOSS, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (238,523 )     -       (132,362 )     -  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 883,411     $ (18,645,402 )   $ 4,257,972     $ (37,947,318 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
                               
Basic
  $ .02     $ (.52 )   $ .12     $ (1.54 )
Diluted
  $ .02     $ (.52 )   $ .12     $ (1.54 )
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
                               
Basic
    36,808,407       35,908,480       36,550,802       24,652,434  
Diluted
    36,808,778       35,908,480       36,552,712       24,652,434  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
3

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 4,257,972     $ (37,947,318 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
    117,857,551       97,612,551  
Capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    (13,428,649 )     (22,316,593 )
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    964,974       735,610  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       6,035,841  
Noncontrolling interests
    (132,362 )     -  
Stock-based compensation
    3,853,946       2,259,625  
Non-cash charitable contribution
    154,784       51,595  
Non-cash revenue from Multi-client data exchange
    (2,015,697 )     (5,650,101 )
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
    660,174       (7,104,131 )
Unrealized gain on derivative instrument
    -       (331,163 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (1,469,344 )     2,337,778  
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (38,328,580 )     23,772,544  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,521,599 )     9,066,841  
Other assets
    321,366       759,228  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    7,772,056       11,058,494  
Deferred revenue
    (108,220 )     438,825  
Income and other taxes receivable
    288,586       148,657  
Income and other taxes payable and other payables
    (2,236,642 )     1,578,358  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    76,890,316       82,506,641  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (16,838,097 )     (8,632,772 )
Investment in Multi-client library
    (144,554,112 )     (117,993,803 )
Change in restricted cash investments
    (3,202,383 )     (1,200,524 )
Purchase of business
    (1,035,386 )     -  
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
    13,093,815       173,369  
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (152,536,163 )     (127,653,730 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discount
    11,208,978       194,018,000  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (7,327,396 )     (169,890,253 )
Net proceeds on revolving credit facility
    55,000,000       -  
Debt issuance costs
    -       (5,922,307 )
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
    (2,591,306 )     (2,063,018 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (756,664 )     (1,250,260 )
Issuances of stock, net
    708,842       76,434,818  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    56,242,454       91,326,980  
                 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (19,403,393 )     46,179,891  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    28,237,302       17,026,865  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 8,833,909     $ 63,206,756  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

         
Additional
               
Total
 
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Treasury
   
Accumulated
   
Stockholders'
 
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Stock
   
Deficit
   
Equity
 
                               
Balances at December 31, 2010
  $ 455,862     $ 239,248,935     $ (95,702,347 )   $ (42,145,755 )   $ 101,856,695  
                                         
Issuance of common stock
    10,169       448,756       -       -       458,925  
                                         
Compensation expense
     associated with stock grants
    -       3,853,946       -       -       3,853,946  
                                         
Charitable contribution expense
     associated with stock grant
    -       154,784       -       -       154,784  
              .                          
Put option liability
    -       701,911       -       -       701,911  
                                         
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       -       (756,664 )     -       (756,664 )
                                         
Net income
    -       -       -       4,257,972       4,257,972  
                                         
Balances at September 30, 2011
  $ 466,031     $ 244,408,332     $ (96,459,011 )   $ (37,887,783 )   $ 110,527,569  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
5

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements of Global Geophysical Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) included herein are unaudited and have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial information.  Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of any subsequent periods.  Certain information in the footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements has been condensed or omitted for the interim periods presented.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

NOTE 2 - SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Restricted cash investments:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
Pledged for letters of credit
  $ 5,646,240     $ 2,443,857  
                 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
Mobilization costs, net
  $ 4,091,961     $ 1,368,858  
                 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,553,134       923,638  
                 
Note receivable, current portion
    644,000       2,550,000  
                 
    $ 6,289,095     $ 4,842,496  
 
 
6

 
Accounts receivable, net:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 66,258,855     $ 47,775,478  
                 
Unbilled
    45,063,728       25,218,525  
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (3,484,612 )     (3,484,612 )
                 
    $ 107,837,971     $ 69,509,391  

The Company sometimes experiences disagreements or disputes with customers relating to the Company's charges. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had disputes with certain customers which relate to charges for the Company's services. Included in accounts receivable at September 30, 2011 are net receivables of approximately $4,800,000 related to such disputes. If the amount ultimately recovered with respect to any of these disputes is less than the revenue previously recorded, the difference will be recorded as an expense. None of these are expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Company's earnings. Bad debt expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $0 and $93,314, respectively, and $0 and $3,097,996 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Other:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
             
Debt issuance costs, net
  $ 5,045,992     $ 5,526,060  
                 
Deferred tax asset
    1,370,874       2,031,048  
                 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary
    958,222       -  
                 
Other
    363,033       609,399  
                 
    $ 7,738,121     $ 8,166,507  
 
7

 
NOTE 3 - MULTI-CLIENT SERVICES LIBRARY

Multi-client Services library consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
             
Multi-client library, at cost
  $ 435,347,296     $ 276,372,586  
                 
Less: accumulated amortization
    211,817,575       130,476,231  
                 
Multi-client library, net
  $ 223,529,721     $ 145,896,355  

Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $29,486,159 and $32,021,587, respectively, and $81,341,344 and $54,956,570 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
             
Machinery and equipment
  $ 315,239,933     $ 300,785,427  
Computers and software
    15,951,986       10,134,094  
Buildings
    13,600,605       11,721,548  
Boats
    7,174,287       7,174,287  
Land
    2,035,153       2,035,153  
Furniture and fixtures
    215,854       138,976  
      354,217,818       331,989,485  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    244,618,241       214,156,447  
      109,599,577       117,833,038  
Construction in process
    3,458,277       9,130,915  
                 
Property and equipment, net
  $ 113,057,854     $ 126,963,953  
 
 
8

 
The following tables represent an analysis of depreciation expense:
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 11,185,927     $ 13,212,943  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    4,230,471       10,282,418  
                 
Net depreciation expense
  $ 6,955,456     $ 2,930,525  
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 35,158,185     $ 42,242,432  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    13,428,649       22,316,593  
                 
Net depreciation expense
  $ 21,729,536     $ 19,925,839  
 
NOTE 5 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other intangibles included the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
             
Customer list
  $ 3,984,000     $ 3,934,000  
Trademark
    1,679,000       1,191,000  
Patents
    3,912,853       450,853  
Non-compete agreements
    865,539       865,539  
Intellectual property
    2,901,163       2,901,163  
      13,342,555       9,342,555  
Less: accumulated amortization
    2,829,766       1,471,744  
      10,512,789       7,870,811  
Goodwill
    12,380,964       12,380,964  
                 
Total goodwill and other intangibles
  $ 22,893,753     $ 20,251,775  

Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over their estimated useful lives which are between two and fifteen years.  Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $456,402 and $121,183, respectively, and $1,358,022 and $413,549 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Several immaterial acquisitions were made in the nine month period resulting in an increase of intangibles.
 
 
9

 
NOTE 6 - INCOME TAXES

The Company provides for income taxes during interim periods based on an estimate of the effective tax rate for the year.  Discrete items and changes in the estimate of the annual effective tax rate are recorded in the period in which they occur.

The Company assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from the existing deferred tax liabilities or future taxable income in each jurisdiction.  To the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, it establishes a valuation allowance.  The Company has recorded valuation allowances in several non-US jurisdictions for its net deferred tax assets since management believes it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized because the future taxable income necessary to utilize these losses cannot be established, projected, or the Company no longer has operations in these jurisdictions.

The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was 64.1% and 11.1%, respectively.

The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2011 and 2010 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, tax rate differential from US operations, and valuation allowances in non-US jurisdictions.

NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Senior Notes: On April 22, 2010, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Barclays Capital Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Banc of America Securities LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers (the “Initial Purchasers”), relating to the offer and sale by the Company of $200 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% senior notes due 2017 (the “Notes”).  The Company’s net proceeds from the offering were approximately $188.1 million after deducting the Initial Purchasers’ discounts, offering expenses and original issue discount. The issuance of the Notes occurred on April 27, 2010. The Notes were offered and sold to the Initial Purchasers and resold only to qualified institutional buyers in compliance with the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
 
The Notes are a general unsecured, senior obligation of the Company. The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed as to principal, premium, if any, and interest by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) on a senior unsecured basis. (See Note 15)
 
The Company used the proceeds from the offering and sale of the Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness and plans to use the remaining proceeds for anticipated capital expenditures and for general working capital purposes.

On April 27, 2010, in connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company entered into (i) an Indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., (the “Trustee”), and (ii) a Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial Purchasers. The following is a brief summary of the material terms and conditions of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement.

The Company and the Guarantors entered into an Indenture with the Trustee, pursuant to which the Company issued the Notes at a price equal to 97.009% of their face value.
 
Interest — The Notes will bear interest from April 27, 2010 at a rate of 10.5% per annum. The Company will pay interest on the Notes semi-annually, in arrears, on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2010.

 
10

 
Principal and Maturity — The Notes were issued with a $200 million aggregate principal amount and will mature on May 1, 2017.

Optional Redemption by the Company — At any time prior to May 1, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 110.500% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes redeemed if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding immediately after such redemption and the redemption occurs within 90 days of the closing date of such equity offering. On or after May 1, 2014, the Company may redeem the Notes at the following percentages of the original principal amount: (i) 105.250% from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015; (ii) 102.625% from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016; and (iii) 100% from May 1, 2016 and thereafter.
 
Repurchase Obligations by the Company — If there is a change of control of the Company (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of the Notes may require the Company to purchase their Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
 
Events of Default — The Indenture also contains events of default including, but not limited to, the following: (i) nonpayment; (ii) defaults in certain other indebtedness of the Company or the Guarantors; and (iii) the failure of the Company or the Guarantors to comply with their respective covenants in the event of a mandatory redemption, optional redemption, option to repurchase, or a merger, consolidation or sale of assets. Upon an event of default, the holders of the Notes or the Trustee may declare the Notes due and immediately payable. As of September 30, 2011, the Company is in compliance with all respective covenants.

Debt Issuance Costs: The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the maturity period of the related debt. Accumulated amortization is $876,316 and $396,248 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Bank of America Revolving Credit Facility: On April 30, 2010, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility under the terms of a Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and each lender from time to time party thereto. The Revolving Credit Facility provided for borrowings of up to $50.0 million. On June 9, 2011, the Company amended the Revolving Credit Facility to provide for borrowings of up to $70.0 million under substantially similar terms. The loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate or the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The Base Rate is defined as the higher of (x) the prime rate and (y) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%. The Applicable Rate is defined as a percentage determined in accordance with a pricing grid based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, that will decline from LIBOR plus 4.00% or the prime rate plus 3.00% to a minimum rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.50% or the prime rate plus 2.50%. The Company is able to prepay borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility at any time without penalty or premium, subject to reimbursement of the lenders’ breakage and redeployment costs in the case of prepayment of LIBOR borrowings. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum on the actual daily unused portions of the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
The Company’s Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets, the assets of the Company’s non-foreign subsidiaries, the stock of the Company’s non-foreign subsidiaries and 66% of the stock of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the Company’s non-foreign subsidiaries will guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The terms of the Revolving Credit Facility limit the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; grant additional liens on the Company’s assets; make certain investments or certain acquisitions of substantially all or a portion of another entity’s business or assets; merge with another entity or dispose of the Company’s assets; pay dividends; enter into transactions with affiliates; engage in other lines of business and repurchase stock.
 
 
11

 
Additionally, the Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Company maintain certain ratios of total senior, secured debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined therein), and of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest. The Revolving Credit Facility includes customary provisions with respect to events of default. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders will be able to, among other things, terminate their revolving loan commitments, accelerate the repayment of the loans outstanding and declare the same to be immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all respective covenants.
 
In connection with the closing of the Company’s initial public offering and the sale of $200 million of the Company’s 10.5% senior notes due 2017 on April 27, 2010, the Company repaid all outstanding borrowings under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Second Lien Credit Agreement, and the Construction Loan Agreement. These repayments resulted in the termination of each of these borrowing arrangements. The prepayment of the Construction Loan Agreement resulted in the incurrence of $160,000 in prepayment penalties.

Promissory Notes: In April 2011, in exchange for insurance services provided, the Company issued two negotiable promissory notes for $1,360,642 and $512,005 at interest rates of 3.05% and 3.19% per annum, respectively. The notes are due March 21, 2012 and January 8, 2012, respectively.
 
In June 2011, the Company issued three promissory notes to three financial institutions in Colombia for $3,193,880 at interest rates ranging from 6.7% to 7.2%. The notes were paid in full in August 2011. During the third quarter of 2011 the Company issued four promissory notes to three financial institutions in Colombia for $6,142,452 at interest rates ranging from 7.8% to 9.2%. The notes are due in February and March 2012 for $3,784,002 and $2,358,450, respectively.

Letter of Credit Facility:  In February 2007, the Company entered into a $10 million revolving line of credit which is secured by restricted cash.  The terms of the letter of credit facility as currently written only allow for letters of credit to be drawn on the available credit; however, the cash balance in excess of the total outstanding letters of credit may be withdrawn at any time.  As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the letters of credit outstanding were $5,121,061 and $2,432,700, respectively.

Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
Senior notes
  $ 200,000,000     $ 200,000,000  
Revolving credit facility
    70,000,000       15,000,000  
Promissory notes
    7,391,452       3,344,261  
Notes payable - insurance
    834,391       -  
      278,225,843       218,344,261  
Less:  unamortized discount
    5,096,852       5,581,758  
      273,128,991       212,762,503  
Less:  current portion
    7,425,843       3,344,261  
                 
Long-term debt,
     net of current portion and unamortized discount
  $ 265,703,148     $ 209,418,242  
 
 
12

 
NOTE 8 – CAPITAL LEASE

In April 2011, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback transaction for certain seismic equipment that is accounted for as a capital lease, with an interest rate of 5.25% per year. The Company received proceeds of $7,715,520 and will make monthly payments until the maturity date of May 2013. The balance as of September 30, 2011 is $5,149,214. In September 2011, the Company entered into another sale and leaseback transaction for certain computer equipment and vehicles that are accounted for as a capital lease, with an interest rate of 5.44% per year. The Company received proceeds of $4,000,995 and will make monthly payments until the maturity date of September 2013. The balance as of September 30, 2011 was $3,636,411.

NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows current guidance as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of this standard apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.
 
This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.   Hierarchical levels, as defined in this guidance and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
Level 3 – Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

The reported fair values for financial instruments that use Level 2 and Level 3 inputs to determine fair value are based on a variety of factors and assumptions. Accordingly, certain fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could have been realized as of September 30, 2011 or that will be realized in the future and do not include expenses that could be incurred in an actual sale or settlement.

In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in interest rates.  Market risk is defined for these purposes as the potential for change in the fair value of debt instruments resulting from an adverse movement in interest rates.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current debt approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments, and therefore, have been excluded from the table below.  The fair value of the Notes is determined by multiplying the principal amount by the market price.  The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 
13

 
 
 
     
September 30, 2011
     
December 31, 2010
 
     
(unaudited)
         
     
Carrying
     
Fair
     
Carrying
     
Fair
 
     
Amount
     
Value
     
Amount
     
Value
 
                                 
                Long-term debt
  $ 194,903,148     $ 193,250,000     $ 194,418,242     $ 198,250,000  

The Company is not a party to any hedge arrangements, commodity swap agreements or other derivative financial instruments.

The Company utilizes foreign subsidiaries and branches to conduct operations outside of the United States. These operations expose the Company to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates.
 
NOTE 10 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company follows the current guidance for share-based payments which requires all stock-based payments, including stock options, to be recognized as an operating expense over the vesting period, based on their grant date fair values.

In July 2006, the Company’s board of directors and stockholders adopted the Global Geophysical Services, Inc. 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2006 Incentive Plan”).  The 2006 Incentive Plan provides for a variety of  incentive awards, including nonstatutory stock options, incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or (the “Code”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance-based awards, and other stock-based awards.  A total of 9,203,058 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2006 Incentive Plan.  As of September 30, 2011, a total of 4,830,400 options have been granted and 2,297,500 have been forfeited.

Incentive Stock Options:  The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model.  The volatility is based on expected volatility over the expected life of eighty-four months.  As the Company has not historically declared dividends, the dividend yield used in the calculation is zero. Actual value realized, if any, is dependent on the future performance of the Company’s common stock and overall stock market conditions.  There is no assurance the value realized by an optionee will be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes-Merton model.

The following assumptions were used:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
                Risk-free interest rates
    2.68 %     2.76 %
                Expected lives (in years)
    7.00       7.00  
                Expected dividend yield
    0.00 %     0.00 %
                Expected volatility
    59.08 %     60.58 %

The computation of expected volatility during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was based on the historical volatility. Historical volatility was calculated from historical data for the time approximately equal to the expected term of the option award starting from the grant date. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the period corresponding with the expected life of the option.

 
14

 
A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock option plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented below:
 
               
Weighted
   
Weighted
 
   
Weighted
         
Average
   
Average
 
   
Average
   
Number of
   
Remaining
   
Optioned
 
   
Exercise
   
Optioned
   
Contractual
   
Grant Date
 
   
Price
   
Shares
   
Term in Years
   
Fair Value
 
                         
                Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 22.93       2,884,100           $ 6.04  
              Expired
    -       -             -  
              Granted
    21.92       65,000             13.49  
              Exercised
    -       -             -  
              Forfeited
    23.03       (416,200 )           8.19  
                               
                Balance as of September 30, 2011
  $ 22.89       2,532,900       6.91     $ 5.88  
                                 
                Exercisable as of September 30, 2011
  $ 22.99       1,724,150       6.82     $ 4.26  

Compensation expense associated with stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $421,752 and $434,025, respectively, and $1,331,331 and $1,196,010 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations. At September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company had 808,750 and 1,603,825 of nonvested stock option awards, respectively. The total cost of nonvested stock option awards which the Company had not yet recognized was approximately $3,082,000 at September 30, 2011.  Such amount is expected to be recognized over a period of 4 years from September 30, 2011.

Stock Warrants:  In July 2011, the holder of the Company’s 390,000 outstanding warrants exercised them in a cashless transaction, with 295,984 net shares being transferred to the holder.

        Restricted Stock:  To encourage retention and performance, the Company granted certain employees and consultants restricted shares of common stock with a fair value per share determined in accordance with conventional valuation techniques, including but not limited to, arm’s length transactions, net book value or multiples of comparable company earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as applicable.
 
   
Number of
   
Weighted
 
   
Nonvested
   
Average
 
   
Restricted
   
Grant Date
 
   
Share Awards
   
Fair Value
 
 
           
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding
     December 31, 2010
    595,053     $ 9.90  
  Granted
    690,350       11.70  
  Vested
    (130,479 )     8.67  
  Forfeited
    (154,593 )     11.07  
                 
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding
     September 30, 2011
    1,000,331     $ 11.12  

Compensation / charitable contribution expense associated with restricted stock for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $1,001,255 and $416,080, respectively, and $2,677,400 and $1,115,210 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations.  The total cost of non-vested stock awards which the Company has not yet recognized at September 30, 2011 was approximately $8,012,000. This amount is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

 
15

 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan: During the third quarter of 2011, the Company launched an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have a portion of their earnings withheld, subject to certain restrictions, to purchase the Company's common stock. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of the stock price at the beginning or end of the plan period at three-month intervals.
 
NOTE 11 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company follows current guidance for share-based payments which are considered as participating securities. All share-based payment awards that contained non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, were designated as participating securities and included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”).

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Net income (loss), attributable to
     common shareholders
  $ 883,411     $ (18,645,402 )   $ 4,257,972     $ (37,947,318 )
                                 
Basic
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
    36,808,407       35,908,480       36,550,802       24,652,434  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Shares issuable from the assumed conversion
     of stock options
    371       -       1,910       -  
                                 
Total
    36,808,778       35,908,480       36,552,712       24,652,434  
                                 
Basic income (loss) per share
  $ .02     $ (.52 )   $ .12     $ (1.54 )
                                 
Diluted income (loss) per share
  $ .02     $ (.52 )   $ .12     $ (1.54 )

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 2,513,900 out-of-the-money stock options have been excluded from diluted earnings per share because they are considered anti-dilutive.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, 2,930,300 stock options have been excluded from diluted earnings per share because they are considered anti-dilutive.

Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, 390,000 in-the-money stock warrants have been excluded from diluted earnings per share because they are considered anti-dilutive.

 
16

 
NOTE 12 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following is supplemental cash flow information:
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Interest paid
  $ 12,095,291     $ 5,788,141  
                 
Income taxes paid
  $ 6,718,993     $ 3,495,631  
 
The following is supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Property and equipment additions financed
     through accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 4,661,529     $ 10,500,149  
                 
Option payable recorded against
     additional paid in capital
  $ -     $ 701,910  
                 
Property and equipment sale financed
     through note receivable
  $ 644,000     $ 3,100,000  
                 
Non-cash Multi-client asset recorded
     as deferred revenue
  $ 65,526     $ 4,428,599  
                 
Note payable related to purchase of business
  $ 1,000,000     $ -  
                 
Original issue discount on notes payable
  $ -     $ 5,982,000  
                 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
  $ 958,222     $ -  
                 
Property and equipment additions financed through capital leases    $ 11,376,931     $ -  
 
 
17

 
NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company has two reportable segments: Proprietary Services and Multi-client Services.

The following table sets forth significant information concerning the Company’s reportable segments as of and for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
                                 
   
As of and for the Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2011 (unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary Services
   
Multi-Client Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 60,139,931     $ 49,987,760     $ -     $ 110,127,691  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (5,343,878 )   $ 16,239,645     $ (7,826,781 )   $ 3,068,986  
Income tax expense
  $ 2,561,373     $ -     $ (137,275 )   $ 2,424,098  
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
  $ -     $ -     $ (238,523 )   $ (238,523 )
Net income (loss),
     attributable to common shareholders
  $ (7,905,251 )   $ 16,239,645     $ (7,450,983 )   $ 883,411  
Total assets
  $ 70,079,993     $ 272,434,138     $ 159,978,811     $ 502,492,942  
                                 
                                 
   
As of and for the Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary Services
   
Multi-Client Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 18,324,307     $ 42,145,210     $ -     $ 60,469,517  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (4,977,974 )   $ 4,956,135     $ (9,502,966 )   $ (9,524,805 )
Income tax expense
  $ 551,893     $ -     $ 8,568,704     $ 9,120,597  
Net income (loss),
     attributable to common shareholders
  $ (5,529,867 )   $ 4,956,135     $ (18,071,670 )   $ (18,645,402 )
Total assets
  $ 35,816,570     $ 158,504,492     $ 210,118,035     $ 404,439,097  
 
   
As of and for the Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2011 (unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary Services
   
Multi-Client Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 145,629,326     $ 126,634,142     $ -     $ 272,263,468  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 2,803,202     $ 32,292,881     $ (23,591,306 )   $ 11,504,777  
Income tax expense
  $ 6,199,529     $ -     $ 1,179,638     $ 7,379,167  
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
  $ -     $ -     $ (132,362 )   $ (132,362 )
Net income (loss),
     attributable to common shareholders
  $ (3,396,327 )   $ 32,292,881     $ (24,638,582 )   $ 4,257,972  
Total assets
  $ 70,079,993     $ 272,434,138     $ 159,978,811     $ 502,492,942  
                                 
                                 
   
As of and for the Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary Services
   
Multi-Client Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 79,440,093     $ 81,800,809     $ -     $ 161,240,902  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (27,068,302 )   $ 14,870,232     $ (30,463,857 )   $ (42,661,927 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 2,506,988     $ -     $ (7,221,597 )   $ (4,714,609 )
Net income (loss),
     attributable to common shareholders
  $ (29,575,290 )   $ 14,870,232     $ (23,242,260 )   $ (37,947,318 )
Total assets
  $ 35,816,570     $ 158,504,492     $ 210,118,035     $ 404,439,097  
                                 
 
 
18

 
NOTE 14 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS,” (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU 2011-04 also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. This new guidance is to be applied prospectively. ASU 2011-04 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We believe that the adoption of this standard will not materially expand our consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.  2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment (Topic 350):  Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASU 2011-08”).  ASU 2011-08 amends current goodwill impairment testing guidance by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 will become effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011; however, early adoption is permitted.  We believe that this pronouncement will not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
 
NOTE 15 – GUARANTEES OF REGISTERED SECURITIES
 
On August 3, 2010, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under this registration statement, the Company exchanged $200 million of its publicly registered 10.50% senior notes due 2017 for a like amount of its privately placed 10.50% senior notes due 2017. The debt securities sold are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the guarantor subsidiaries which will correspond to all subsidiaries located in the United States. The non-guarantor subsidiaries consist of all subsidiaries outside of the United States.


 
19

 
Separate condensed consolidating financial statement information for the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

   
As of September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
BALANCE SHEET
                       
ASSETS
                       
Current assets
  $ 135,148,200     $ 51,496,285     $ (51,370,992 )   $ 135,273,493  
Multi-client library, net
    223,529,721       -       -       223,529,721  
Property and equipment, net
    110,068,644       2,989,210       -       113,057,854  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,099       -       (1,099 )     -  
Intercompany accounts
    33,721,264       (33,721,264 )     -       -  
Other non-current assets
    30,480,862       151,012       -       30,631,874  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 532,949,790     $ 20,915,243     $ (51,372,091 )   $ 502,492,942  
                                 
                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities
  $ 119,170,085     $ 53,324,762     $ (51,370,992 )   $ 121,123,855  
Long-term debt and capital lease
     obligations, net of current portion and
     unamortized discount
    268,733,135       -       -       268,733,135  
Deferred income tax and other
     non-current liabilities
    2,108,383       -       -       2,108,383  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    390,011,603       53,324,762       (51,370,992 )     391,965,373  
                                 
Stockholders' equity
    142,938,187       (32,409,519 )     (1,099 )     110,527,569  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
     STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 532,949,790     $ 20,915,243     $ (51,372,091 )   $ 502,492,942  
                                 
                                 
   
As of December 31, 2010
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
BALANCE SHEET
                               
ASSETS
                               
Current assets
  $ 116,600,714     $ 26,123,142     $ (30,735,946 )   $ 111,987,910  
Multi-client library, net
    145,896,355       -       -       145,896,355  
Property and equipment, net
    125,342,454       1,621,499       -       126,963,953  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,099       -       (1,099 )     -  
Intercompany accounts
    17,325,928       (17,325,928 )     -       -  
Other non-current assets
    28,403,426       14,856       -       28,418,282  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 433,569,976     $ 10,433,569     $ (30,737,045 )   $ 413,266,500  
                                 
                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities
  $ 98,383,785     $ 32,852,979     $ (30,735,946 )   $ 100,500,818  
Long-term debt and capital lease
     obligations, net of current portion and
     unamortized discount
    209,418,242       -       -       209,418,242  
Deferred income tax and other
     non-current liabilities
    1,490,745       -       -       1,490,745  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    309,292,772       32,852,979       (30,735,946 )     311,409,805  
                                 
Stockholders' equity
    124,277,204       (22,419,410 )     (1,099 )     101,856,695  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
     STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 433,569,976     $ 10,433,569     $ (30,737,045 )   $ 413,266,500  
 
 
20

 
 
   
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 83,697,333     $ 29,746,731     $ (3,316,373 )   $ 110,127,691  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Operating expenses
    60,784,083       30,398,002       (3,049,753 )     88,132,332  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    8,100,650       3,394,786       (266,620 )     11,228,816  
Total expenses
    68,884,733       33,792,788       (3,316,373 )     99,361,148  
Income (loss) from operations
    14,812,600       (4,046,057 )     -       10,766,543  
Interest (expense) income, net
    (6,459,807 )     1,328       -       (6,458,479 )
Other expense, net
    (258,581 )     (980,497 )     -       (1,239,078 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    8,094,212       (5,025,226 )     -       3,068,986  
Income tax expense
    1,545,449       878,649       -       2,424,098  
Income (loss) after income taxes
    6,548,763       (5,903,875 )     -       644,888  
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (238,523 )     -       -       (238,523 )
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 6,787,286     $ (5,903,875 )   $ -     $ 883,411  
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                               
Revenues
  $ 60,679,392     $ 1,427,755     $ (1,637,630 )   $ 60,469,517  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Operating expenses
    51,437,628       3,996,278       (1,393,493 )     54,040,413  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    8,937,310       1,490,112       (244,137 )     10,183,285  
Total expenses
    60,374,938       5,486,390       (1,637,630 )     64,223,698  
Loss from operations
    304,454       (4,058,635 )     -       (3,754,181 )
Interest (expense) income, net
    (5,626,396 )     29       -       (5,626,367 )
Other expenses, net
    (136,276 )     (7,981 )     -       (144,257 )
Loss before income taxes
    (5,458,218 )     (4,066,587 )     -       (9,524,805 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    9,104,750       15,847       -       9,120,597  
Net loss, attributable to common shareholders
  $ (14,562,968 )   $ (4,082,434 )   $ -     $ (18,645,402 )

 
21

 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 224,035,505     $ 54,989,286     $ (6,761,323 )   $ 272,263,468  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Operating expenses
    160,631,682       54,559,716       (5,984,736 )     209,206,662  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    26,267,006       7,974,817       (776,587 )     33,465,236  
Total expenses
    186,898,688       62,534,533       (6,761,323 )     242,671,898  
Income (loss) from operations
    37,136,817       (7,545,247 )     -       29,591,570  
Interest (expense) income, net
    (18,561,829 )     12,894       -       (18,548,935 )
Other income (expense), net
    1,225,266       (763,124 )     -       462,142  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    19,800,254       (8,295,477 )     -       11,504,777  
Income tax expense
    5,684,535       1,694,632       -       7,379,167  
Income (loss) after income taxes
    14,115,719       (9,990,109 )     -       4,125,610  
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (132,362 )     -       -       (132,362 )
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 14,248,081     $ (9,990,109 )   $ -     $ 4,257,972  
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                               
Revenues
  $ 145,035,359     $ 28,502,999     $ (12,297,456 )   $ 161,240,902  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Operating expenses
    130,505,007       32,975,309       (11,462,248 )     152,018,068  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    24,004,281       7,041,487       (835,208 )     30,210,560  
Total expenses
    154,509,288       40,016,796       (12,297,456 )     182,228,628  
Loss from operations
    (9,473,929 )     (11,513,797 )     -       (20,987,726 )
Interest (expense) income, net
    (15,635,719 )     49       -       (15,635,670 )
Other income (expenses), net
    (5,845,506 )     (193,025 )     -       (6,038,531 )
Loss before income taxes
    (30,955,154 )     (11,706,773 )     -       (42,661,927 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (5,492,660 )     778,051       -       (4,714,609 )
Net loss, attributable to common shareholders
  $ (25,462,494 )   $ (12,484,824 )   $ -     $ (37,947,318 )

 
22

 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 78,129,883     $ (1,239,567 )   $ -     $ 76,890,316  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (151,198,657 )     (1,337,506 )     -       (152,536,163 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    56,242,454       -       -       56,242,454  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (16,826,320 )   $ (2,577,073 )   $ -     $ (19,403,393 )
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 82,669,411     $ (162,770 )   $ -     $ 82,506,641  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (129,368,849 )     1,715,119       -       (127,653,730 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    91,326,980       -       -       91,326,980  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 44,627,542     $ 1,552,349     $ -     $ 46,179,891  
 
NOTE 16 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
The Company evaluates events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued. The Company evaluated such events and transactions through the date when the consolidated financial statements were filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 
23

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in combination with our Interim Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q and our Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our form 10-K (Commission file number: 001-34709).

Forward Looking Statements
 
Statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q that relate to forecasts, estimates or other expectations regarding future events regarding technological advancements and our financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of our management for future operations, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this Form 10-Q, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about business outlook for the year, backlog and bid activity, business strategy, and related financial performance and statements with respect to future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management’s experience and perception of historical trends, industry conditions, market position, future operations, profitability, liquidity, backlog, capital resources and other information currently available to management and believed to be appropriate. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, disruptions in the global economy, dependence upon energy industry spending, delays, reductions or cancellations of service contracts, high fixed costs of operations, weather interruptions, inability to obtain land access rights of way, industry competition, limited number of customers, credit risk related to our customers, asset impairments, the availability of capital resources, and operational disruptions. A discussion of these factors, including risks and uncertainties, is set forth under “Risk Factors” in our form 10-K (Commission file number: 001-34709) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategies and liquidity. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will be correct.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements that may accompany such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
 
Our backlog estimates represent those seismic data acquisition projects for which a client has executed a contract and has a scheduled start date for the project as well as unrecognized pre-committed funding from our Multi-client Services segment. Backlog estimates are based on a number of assumptions and estimates including assumptions related to foreign exchange rates and proportionate performance of contracts and our valuation of assets, such as seismic data, to be received by us as payment under certain agreements. The realization of our backlog estimates is further affected by our performance under term rate contracts, as the early or late completion of a project under term rate contracts will generally result in decreased or increased, as the case may be, revenues derived from these projects. Contracts for services are also occasionally modified by mutual consent. Because of potential changes in the scope or schedule of our clients' projects, we cannot predict with certainty when or if our backlog will be realized. Even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that the client may default and fail to pay amounts owed to us. In addition, the contracts in our backlog are cancelable by the client. Material delays, payment defaults or cancellations could reduce the amount of backlog currently reported, and consequently, could inhibit the conversion of that backlog into revenues.

 
24

 
Overview
 
We provide an integrated suite of seismic data solutions to the global oil and gas industry, including our high resolution RG-3D Reservoir Grade™ ("RG3D") seismic solutions. Our seismic data solutions consist primarily of seismic data acquisition, microseismic monitoring, data processing and interpretation services. Through these services, we deliver data that enable the creation of high resolution images of the earth's subsurface and reveal complex structural and stratigraphic details. These images are used primarily by oil and gas companies to identify geologic structures favorable to the accumulation of hydrocarbons, to reduce risk associated with oil and gas exploration, to optimize well completion techniques and to monitor changes in hydrocarbon reservoirs. We integrate seismic survey design, data acquisition, processing and interpretation to deliver enhanced services to our clients. In addition, we own and market a growing seismic data library and license this data to clients on a non-exclusive basis.

We provide seismic data acquisition for land, transition zone and shallow marine areas, including challenging environments such as marshes, forests, jungles, arctic climates, mountains and deserts worldwide. Our management team has significant operational experience in most of the major U.S. shale plays, including the Haynesville, Barnett, Bakken, Fayetteville, Eagle Ford and Woodford, where we believe our high resolution RG3D seismic solutions are particularly well-suited.
 
We currently own approximately 170,000 recording channels which include approximately 8000 of our proprietary AutoSeis channels. We expect a higher level of our recording channels (including previously idle marine OBC channels) to be deployed or in use or use during the fourth quarter versus the third quarter.

We primarily generate revenues by providing Proprietary Services and Multi-client Services to our clients. Our Proprietary Services generate revenues by conducting geophysical surveys for our clients on a contractual basis where our clients generally acquire all rights to the seismic data obtained through such survey. We also generate revenues by providing microseismic monitoring, data processing and interpretation services. Our Multi-client Services generate revenues by selling licenses, on a non-exclusive basis, to data we own as a part of our seismic data library.

 
25

 
Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
 
The following table sets forth our consolidated revenues for the period indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
Revenues by Service
 
(unaudited)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Proprietary Services
  $ 60.1       55 %   $ 18.3       30 %
Multi-client Services
    50.0       45 %     42.2       70 %
Total
  $ 110.1       100 %   $ 60.5       100 %
                                 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
Revenues by Area
 
(unaudited)
 
    2011     2010  
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
United States
  $ 56.8       52 %   $ 43.5       72 %
International
    53.3       48 %     17.0       28 %
Total
  $ 110.1       100 %   $ 60.5       100 %
 
Revenues. We recorded revenues of $110.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $60.5 million for the same period ended in 2010, an increase of $49.6, or 82%.
 
We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $60.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $18.3 million for the same period in 2010, an increase of $41.8 million. Latin America represented $40.7 million of that revenue, an increase of $28.2 million from the corresponding period in 2010. This growth was driven by additional program activity in Colombia and Brazil.  
 
Multi-client Services generated revenues of $50.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $42.2 million for the same period of 2010, an increase of $7.8 million, or 18%.  The $50.0 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $16.5 million of late sale revenues and $32.5 million of pre-commitment revenues. This compared to $0.9 million in late sales revenues and $36.0 million of pre-commitment revenues during the same period of 2010.
 
26

 
The following table sets forth our consolidated Multi-client Services revenues for the period indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client revenues
           
Pre-commitments
  $ 32.5     $ 36.0  
Late sales
    16.5       .9  
Subtotal
    49.0       36.9  
Non-cash data swaps
    1.0       5.3  
Total revenue
  $ 50.0     $ 42.2  
 
Operating expenses. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization increased by $38.6 million to $47.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The primary causes of the increases to cost were compensation, including local labor and benefits were up by $11.9 million, subcontractor cost up by $10.7 million, reimbursable cost up by $1.7 million and material and supplies up by $4.0 million from the ramp up in costs on the continuation of projects in our International areas for the three months ended September 30, 2011 versus the same period in 2010.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $0.8 million, or 8%, to $10.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The SG&A cost increases relate to our expanded sales and marketing staff, increased accounting and administrative costs and increases in our stock based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.  Total net depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.9 million, or 5%, to $36.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The Multi-client Services amortization expense was $29.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, representing a 59% average amortization rate for the period.  Gross depreciation expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $11.2 million, of which, $4.2 million was capitalized in connection with our Multi-client Services investments resulting in a net depreciation expense of $7.0 million.  Some of our older equipment continues to become fully depreciated and capital investments are less than our historical average.
 

 

 
 
27

 
The following table summarizes our depreciation and amortization for the three month period ended (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 11.2     $ 13.2  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    4.2       10.3  
                 
Net depreciation expense
  $ 7.0     $ 2.9  
                 
Amortization of intangibles expense
    0.4       0.1  
Multi-client amortization expense
    29.5       32.0  
                 
Total net depreciation and amortization expense
  $ 36.9     $ 35.0  
                 
Average Multi-client amortization rate for the period     59  %     76   %
 
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased by $0.9 million, or 16%, to $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $5.6 million for the same quarter of 2010.  The increases to interest expense relates to higher borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and borrowings under various Promissory Notes.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net, was a loss of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to a loss of $0.1 million in the same quarter of 2010. We recorded a foreign exchange loss in the third quarter of 2011 for $1.2 million compared to nil in the same period of 2010 related primarily to exchange rate changes with the Colombian Peso.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Our income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $2.4 million compared to $9.1 million in the same period of 2010. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was adjusted to reflect the effective tax rate of 64.1% and 11.1%, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2011 and 2010 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, tax rate differential from US operations, and valuation allowances in non-US jurisdictions.

 
28

 
Results of Operations

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited)
 
The following table sets forth our consolidated revenues for the period indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
Revenues by Service
 
(unaudited)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Proprietary Services
  $ 145.7       54 %   $ 79.4       49 %
Multi-client Services
    126.6       46 %     81.8       51 %
Total
  $ 272.3       100 %   $ 161.2       100 %
                                 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
Revenues by Area
 
(unaudited)
 
    2011     2010  
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
United States
  $ 140.9       52 %   $ 89.3       55 %
International
    131.4       48 %     71.9       45 %
Total
  $ 272.3       100 %   $ 161.2       100 %
 
                Revenues. We recorded revenues of $272.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $161.2 million for the same period ended in 2010, an increase of $111.1 million, or 69%.
 
We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $145.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $79.4 million for the same period in 2010, an increase of $66.3 million, or 84%. Latin America represented $108.5 million of that revenue, an increase of $69.2 million from the corresponding period in 2010. This growth was driven by additional program activity in Colombia and Brazil.  
 
Multi-client Services generated revenues of $126.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $81.8 million for the same period of 2010, an increase of $44.8 million, or 55%.  The $126.6 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $34.1 million of late sale revenues and $90.5 million of pre-commitment revenues. This compared to $5.7 million in late sales revenues and $70.5 million of pre-commitment revenues during the same period of 2010.
 
 
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The following table sets forth our consolidated Multi-client Services revenues for the period indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client revenues
           
Pre-commitments
  $ 90.5     $ 70.5  
Late sales
    34.1       5.7  
Subtotal
    124.6       76.2  
Non-cash data swaps
    2.0       5.6  
Total revenue
  $ 126.6     $ 81.8  
 
Operating expenses. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization increased by $37.8 million to $93.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 68%.  The increases for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are primarily related to additional crew activities in Latin America and the Eastern Hemisphere.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $2.2 million, or 8%, to $31.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The SG&A cost increases relate to our expanded sales and marketing staff, increased accounting and administrative costs and increases in our stock based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This was slightly offset from bad debt expense of $3.0 million recorded in the same period of 2010 versus nil in 2011.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.  Total net depreciation and amortization expense increased by $29.1 million, or 39%, to $104.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The Multi-client Services amortization expense was $81.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, representing a 64% average amortization rate compared to a 67% rate during the same period of 2010.  Gross depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $35.1 million, of which, $13.4 million was capitalized in connection with our Multi-client Services investments resulting in a net depreciation expense of $21.7 million.  Some of our older equipment continues to become fully depreciated and capital investments are less than our historical average.
 

 
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The following table summarizes our depreciation and amortization for the nine month period ended (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 35.1     $ 42.2  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    13.4       22.3  
                 
Net depreciation expense
  $ 21.7     $ 19.9  
                 
Amortization of intangibles expense
    1.4       0.4  
Multi-client amortization expense
    81.3       55.0  
                 
Total net depreciation & amortization expense
  $ 104.4     $ 75.3  
                 
Average Multi-client amortization rate for the period     64  %     67  %
 
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased by $2.9 million, or 19%, to $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $15.6 million for the same quarter of 2010.  The increases to interest expense relates to our borrowing costs from the issuance of $200 million, 10.5% senior notes and from our borrowings against the revolving line of credit.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net, was a gain of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to a loss of $5.9 million in the same quarter of 2010. We recorded a foreign exchange gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for $0.5 million, compared to a loss of $0.2 million during the same period of 2010, resulting in an overall increase to income for $0.7 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of our prior debt for $6.0 million, compared to nil in the same period of 2011.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Our income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $7.4 million compared to a benefit of $4.7 million in the same period of 2010. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was approximately 64.1% and 11.1%, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2011 and 2010 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, tax rate differential from US operations, and valuation allowances in non-US jurisdictions.

 
 
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EBITDA. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance derived in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income as an indication of operating performance. The table below presents a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
   
Amount
   
Per
Share (3)
 
Amount
   
Per
Share (3)
 
Amount
   
Per
Share (3)
 
Amount
   
Per
Share (3)
UNAUDITED
                                               
Net Income (Loss), attributable to common share holders
  $ 883,411     $ .02     $ (18,645,402 )   $ (.52 )   $ 4,257,972     $ .12     $ (37,947,318 )   $ (1.54 )
                                                                 
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (238,523 )             -               (132,362 )             -          
Income tax expense (benefit)
    2,424,098               9,120,597               7,379,167               (4,714,609 )        
Interest expense, net
    6,458,479               5,626,367               18,548,935               15,635,670          
EBIT
  $ 9,527,465     $ .26     $ (3,898,438 )   $ (.11 )   $ 30,053,712     $ .82     $ (27,026,257 )   $ (1.10 )
                                                                 
Add: Multi-client amortization
    29,486,159               32,021,587               81,341,344               54,956,571          
Add: Net depreciation and other amortization (2)
    7,055,707               5,488,476               21,618,215               22,677,165          
EBITDA
  $ 46,069,331     $ 1.25     $ 33,611,625     $ .94     $ 133,013,271     $ 3.64     $ 50,607,479     $ 2.05  
 
(1) EBIT, EBITDA, EBIT per share and EBITDA per share (as defined in the calculations above) are non GAAP measurements. Management uses EBIT and EBITDA because it believes that such measurements are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors and analyst to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance.
(2) Excludes gain (loss) of sale of assets and includes amortization of intangibles
(3) Calculated using diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
Our management believes EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because this measure is widely used by investors in the energy industry to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items excluded from the calculation of such term, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon, among other factors, accounting methods, book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. We believe EBITDA helps investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the effect of our capital structure and asset base from our operating structure. EBITDA is also used as a supplemental financial measure by our management in presentations to our board of directors, as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting, and as a component for setting incentive compensation.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by the Proprietary Services and Multi-client Services we provide to our clients, debt and equity offerings, our revolving credit facility, and equipment financings such as capital leases. Our primary uses of capital include the acquisition of seismic data recording equipment, seismic vehicles and vessels, other equipment needed to outfit new crews and to enhance the capabilities of and maintain existing crews’ energy sources, and investments in Multi-client Services data for our library. We also use capital to fund the working capital required to launch new crews and operate existing crews.  Our cash position, consistent with our revenues, depends to a large extent on the level of demand for our services. Historically, we have supplemented cash from operations with borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility periodically as the need arises.
 
 
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As of September 30, 2011, we had available liquidity as follows (amounts in millions):
 
   
As of September 30, 2011
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Available cash
  $ 8.8  
Undrawn borrowing capacity under Revolving Credit Facility
    -  
Net available liquidity
  $ 8.8  
 
We are considering additional options for providing liquidity since we currently have no further borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility. Any further reductions in our liquidity, from delayed collections from clients or otherwise, may result in scaling back our operations, reductions in capital expenditures and / or multi-client investments.
 
The following table summarizes the net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 
    September 30,  
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income  (loss)  to net cash
  $ 110.7     $ 35.7  
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities
    (33.8 )     46.8  
Operating activities
    76.9       82.5  
Investing activities
    (152.5 )     (127.7 )
Financing activities
    56.2       91.3  
 
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $76.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $82.5 million for the same period ended 2010, a decrease of $5.6 million. The primary changes were in net income which increased by $42.2 million, depreciation and amortization net of capitalized depreciation increase of $29.1 million, and were offset by the decrease in accounts receivable, net of $62.1 million.
 
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $152.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $127.7 million for the same period ended 2010, an increase of $24.8 million. The increase was primarily the result of increased investment in our Multi-client Services library.  The following table sets forth our investment in our Multi-client Services library for the period indicated (amounts in millions):
 
 
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Nine Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Multi-client investment (period)
           
Cash
  $ 144.6     $ 118.2  
Capitalized depreciation (1)
    13.4       22.3  
Non-cash data swaps
    1.0       9.9  
Total
   $ 159.0      $ 150.4  
                 
Investment (cumulative)
               
Cash
  $ 374.8     $ 177.7  
Capitalized depreciation (1)
    40.6       29.1  
Non-cash data swaps
    19.9       18.7  
Total
  $ 435.3     $ 225.5  
                 
Cumulative amortization
    211.8       92.7  
Multi-client net book value
  $ 223.5     $ 132.8  
 
(1)  
Represents capitalized cost of the equipment, owned or leased, and utilized in connection with Multi-client Services.
 
Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $56.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $91.3 million for the same period in 2010, a decrease of $35.1 million.  The decrease represents the impact of the Company’s Initial Public Offering and Senior Notes offering during 2010, offset by borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility for the period in 2011.
 
Capital Resources  On April 30, 2010, we completed the closing of a new revolving credit facility under the terms of a Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for each lender party to the Revolving Credit Facility.  Our Revolving Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $50.0 million. On June 9, 2011, we amended the Revolving Credit Facility to provide for borrowings of up to $70.0 million under substantially similar terms. The loans under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate or the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The Base Rate is defined as the higher of (x) the prime rate and (y) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%. The Applicable Rate is defined as a percentage determined in accordance with a pricing grid based upon our leverage ratio, that will decline from LIBOR plus 4.00% or the prime rate plus 3.00% to a minimum rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.50% or the prime rate plus 2.50%. We are able to prepay borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility at any time without penalty or premium, subject to reimbursement of the lenders’ breakage and redeployment costs in the case of prepayment of LIBOR borrowings. We also will pay a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum on the actual daily unused portions of the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $191.9 million consisting of purchases of property and equipment of $32.9 million and investments in our Multi-client Services library of $159.0 million.

 
 
34

 
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes the payments due in specific periods related to our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2011 (amounts in millions):
 
   
Total
   
Within 1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
After 5 Years
 
                               
Debt obligations
  $ 278.2     $ 7.4     $ 70.4     $ 0.4     $ 200.0  
Capital lease obligations
    8.8       5.8       3.0        -        -  
Operating lease obligations
    1.2       0.6       0.5       0.1       -  
    $ 288.2     $ 13.8     $ 73.9     $ 0.5     $ 200.0  
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not currently have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Backlog

The Company’s Backlog as of September 30, 2011 was approximately $239 million ($128 million Multi-client Services pre-commitments; $111 million Proprietary Services) compared to $225 million as of September 30, 2010. Backlog as of June 30, 2011 was approximately $260 million and at March 31, 2011 was approximately $278 million.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The primary sources of market risk are the volatility of oil and gas prices and the concentration of our clients in the oil and gas industry. The volatility of oil and gas prices may have a positive or negative effect on demand and pricing for our services. The concentration of substantially all of our clients in the oil and gas industry may have a positive or negative effect on our exposure to credit risk since all of our clients are similarly affected by changes in industry and economic conditions. We regularly maintain deposits in our bank accounts in excess of the $250,000 guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on our outstanding floating rate debt. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility bear floating-rate interest, at our option, based on LIBOR or the prime rate. We do not enter into interest rate hedges or other derivatives for speculative purposes.
 
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of unsecured trade receivables. In the normal course of business, we provide credit terms to our clients. Accordingly, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for possible losses.
 
We conduct business in many foreign countries. We are subject to foreign exchange risks because our contracts may, from time-to-time, be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar while a significant portion of our operating expenses and income taxes accrue in other currencies. Movements in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies may adversely affect our financial results. Historically, we have not attempted to hedge foreign exchange risk. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, approximately 40% of our revenues were recorded in foreign currencies, and we recorded net foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million. We attempt to match our foreign currency revenues and expenses in order to balance our net position of receivables and payables in foreign currency. Nevertheless, during the past three years, foreign-denominated revenues have exceeded foreign-denominated payables primarily as a result of contract terms required by our national oil company clients. Our management believes that this will continue to be the case in the future.
 
 
35

 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have performed an evaluation of the design, operation and effectiveness of the Company disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2011.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2011.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any pending legal proceedings other than certain routine litigation that is incidental to the Company’s business and that the Company believes is unlikely to materially impact the Company.  Moreover, the Company is not aware of any such legal proceedings that are contemplated by governmental authorities with respect to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors included in our form 10-K (Commission file number: 001-34709).

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

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)
 
 
Item 5.  Other Information

None
 
 
36

 
Item 6.  Exhibits (items indicated by an (*) are filed herewith)

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.3*
 
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C.  Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C.  Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.3
 
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C.  Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

 
 
37

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to 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.
 
 
 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.
   
   
Date:  November 9, 2011
/s/ Richard A. Degner
 
Richard A. Degner
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
   
Date:  November 9, 2011
/s/ P. Mathew Verghese
 
P. Mathew Verghese
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
   
   
Date:  November 9, 2011
/s/ Jesse Perez
 
Jesse Perez
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
38