10-Q 1 f10q_110713.htm FORM 10-Q f10q_110713.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, 2013

[  ]           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, Texas
 
77489
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (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 [x]
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
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 4, 2013, there were 38,117,059 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 
 

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.

 
Table of Contents

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

 
(In thousands)
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,774     $ 23,359  
Restricted cash investments
    985       1,830  
Accounts receivable, net
    40,162       51,766  
Inventory
    -       11,864  
Income and other taxes receivable
    386       1,472  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    9,323       21,480  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    67,630       111,771  
                 
MULTI-CLIENT LIBRARY, net
    279,183       309,067  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
    89,614       100,172  
                 
GOODWILL
    11,342       12,381  
                 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
    10,859       13,083  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
    10,035       6,401  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 468,663     $ 552,875  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
1

 

 GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(In thousands, except par value and share amounts)
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
           
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 43,779     $ 42,597  
Current portion of long-term debt
    10,252       22,970  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    3,990       5,639  
Income and other taxes payable
    2,436       3,563  
Deferred revenue
    10,364       22,498  
Other payables
    1,465       3,059  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    72,286       100,326  
                 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, net
    3,005       27,073  
                 
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion and unamortized discount
    327,325       311,250  
                 
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion
    2,849       4,176  
                 
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
    856       997  
                 
OTHER LIABILITIES
    970       1,505  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    407,291       445,327  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100.0 million shares authorized, 48.3 million and 47.6 million shares issued and 38.1 million and 37.6 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
    483       476  
Additional paid-in capital
    258,761       253,415  
Accumulated deficit
    (101,342 )     (49,815 )
      157,902       204,076  
Less: treasury stock, at cost, 10.2 million and 10.0 million shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
    96,530       96,528  
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    61,372       107,548  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 468,663     $ 552,875  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 

GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
                         
REVENUES
                       
Proprietary Revenues
  $ 41,407     $ 30,173     $ 95,617     $ 153,585  
Multi-client Data Library Pre-commitments
    14,481       48,476       56,861       90,852  
Multi-client Data Library Late Sales
    14,145       11,565       64,316       39,259  
TOTAL REVENUES
    70,033       90,214       216,794       283,696  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Operating Costs
    38,750       18,621       84,795       102,462  
Multi-client Data Library Revenue Amortization
    20,089       35,519       76,392       79,107  
Depreciation & Other Amortization
    9,233       5,727       24,921       18,953  
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
    68,072       59,867       186,108       200,522  
                                 
MULTI-CLIENT DATA LIBRARY AND OTHER IMPAIRMENT
    4,116       1,893       19,820       6,433  
                                 
MULTI-CLIENT DATA LIBRARY COMMISSIONS
    5,173       -       11,106       -  
                                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    11,460       9,410       39,028       34,390  
                                 
GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    (3,455 )     (2,231 )     (6,380 )     (12,112 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
    (15,333 )     21,275       (32,888 )     54,463  
                                 
OTHER EXPENSE
                               
Interest expense, net
    (8,884 )     (8,295 )     (25,683 )     (23,344 )
Foreign exchange loss
    (310 )     (206 )     (266 )     (1,255 )
Other expense, net
    (122 )     (1,952 )     (351 )     (2,371 )
TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE
    (9,316 )     (10,453 )     (26,300 )     (26,970 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (24,649 )     10,822       (59,188 )     27,493  
                                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
    (548 )     4,864       (7,519 )     12,319  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) AFTER INCOME TAXES
    (24,101 )     5,958       (51,669 )     15,174  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS), attributable to non-controlling interests
    98       151       (142 )     (109 )
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS), attributable to common shareholders
  $ (24,199 )   $ 5,807     $ (51,527 )   $ 15,283  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
                         
Basic
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.16     $ (1.36 )   $ 0.41  
Diluted
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.16     $ (1.36 )   $ 0.41  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
                 
Basic
    38,087       37,450       37,944       37,252  
Diluted
    38,087       37,450       37,944       37,252  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands)
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ (51,527 )   $ 15,283  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash  provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation (net) and amortization expense
    104,249       100,782  
Multi-client data library and other impairment
    19,820       6,433  
Non-cash revenue from Multi-client data exchange
    (138 )     (5,246 )
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
    (11,395 )     5,743  
Gain on sale of assets
    (6,380 )     (12,112 )
Bad debt expense
    664       2,558  
Stock-based compensation
    4,880       4,506  
Other
    2,142       1,354  
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable, net
    10,941       7,271  
Inventory
    (1,639 )     (11,229 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (5,483 )     (4,457 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    1,181       (5,487 )
Deferred revenue
    (12,135 )     (16,858 )
Other
    (470 )     4,771  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    54,710       93,312  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (6,611 )     (22,133 )
Investment in Multi-client library
    (61,589 )     (129,166 )
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
    (250 )     (500 )
Change in restricted cash investments
    845       3,321  
Purchase of intangibles
    (1,781 )     (3,264 )
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of assets
    4,500       -  
Proceeds from sale of assets
    9,203       19,417  
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (55,683 )     (132,325 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net proceeds from long-term debt
    81,442       47,829  
Net proceeds from (payments on) revolving credit facility
    (79,060 )     60  
Debt issuance costs
    (5,026 )     (1,804 )
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transaction
    1,940       -  
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
    (5,380 )     (5,659 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (2 )     (2 )
Issuances of stock
    474       633  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (5,612 )     41,057  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (6,585 )     2,044  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    23,359       21,525  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 16,774     $ 23,569  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In thousands, unaudited)

   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Accumulated
Deficit
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                               
Balances at January 1, 2013
  $ 476     $ 253,415     $ (96,528 )   $ (49,815 )   $ 107,548  
                                         
Issuance of common stock
    7       466       -       -       473  
                                         
Compensation expense associated with stock grants
    -       4,880       -       -       4,880  
                                         
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       -       (2 )     -       (2 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (51,527 )     (51,527 )
                                         
Balances at September 30, 2013
  $ 483     $ 258,761     $ (96,530 )   $ (101,342 )   $ 61,372  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Geophysical Services, Inc. and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” unless the context otherwise requires). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The Company provides an integrated suite of seismic data solutions to the global oil and gas industry.
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 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, 2012. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial information includes all 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 consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) has been condensed or omitted for the interim periods presented under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. As such, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain amounts in the 2012 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the classifications in the 2013 consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2 - SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Prepaid expenses and other current assets included the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets held for sale
  $ -     $ 4,878  
Prepaid expenses
    2,199       1,181  
Mobilization costs, net
    6,139       998  
Note receivable, current portion
    985       1,750  
Current deferred tax asset
    -       12,673  
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
  $ 9,323     $ 21,480  

As of December 31, 2012, other current assets included certain property and equipment which was identified as held for sale. The Company classifies assets as held for sale and ceases the depreciation and amortization of the assets when there is a plan for disposal of the assets and those assets meet the held for sale criteria as defined in FASB ASC 360 “Plant, Property and Equipment”. These assets were recorded at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value based on current market conditions. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has included the assets previously classified as held for sale in Property and Equipment to support the Company’s own asset requirements.
 
Accounts receivable, net included the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Accounts receivable, trade
  $ 17,191     $ 38,511  
Unbilled
    26,613       16,321  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (3,642 )     (3,066 )
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 40,162     $ 51,766  
 
Bad debt expense, net of recovery for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $(0.5) million and $(0.3) million, respectively, and $0.7 million and $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
6

 
Other assets included the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Debt issuance costs, net
  $ 9,405     $ 5,689  
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
    342       441  
Other
    288       271  
Total other assets
  $ 10,035     $ 6,401  
 
NOTE 3 - INVENTORY
 
The Company identifies certain recording systems produced or held for sale as inventory. Inventory consists primarily of finished products. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventory is determined by using the first-in, first-out method. The Company periodically reviews its inventory and makes provisions for damaged, missing or obsolete inventory. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has transferred all inventory to Property and Equipment to support the Company’s own asset requirements.
 
NOTE 4 - MULTI-CLIENT LIBRARY

Multi-client library included the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Multi-client library, at cost
  $ 720,766     $ 655,477  
Less: accumulated Multi-client library amortization     441,583       346,410  
Multi-client library, net
  $ 279,183     $ 309,067  
 
Multi-client library amortization expense included the following (in thousands):

   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client data library revenue amortization (1)
  $ 20,089     $ 35,519     $ 76,392     $ 79,107  
Backstop amortization (2)
    3,077       1,893       5,790       6,433  
Impairment (2)
    -       -       12,991       -  
    $ 23,166     $ 37,412     $ 95,173     $ 85,540  
 
(1) Multi-client data library revenue amortization is included in Operating Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Backstop amortization and Impairment are included in Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
 
7

 
The Company entered into a License and Marketing Agreement dated as of March 28, 2013 (“the Agreement”) with SEI-GPI JV LLC, a limited liability company jointly owned by Seismic Exchange, Inc. and Geophysical Pursuit, Inc., (“SEI/GPI”). Under the terms of the Agreement, SEI/GPI, as licensee, provides exclusive marketing services for a substantial portion of the Company’s North American onshore data library. SEI/GPI paid $25.0 million non-refundable license fee upon execution of the Agreement. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded late sale revenues of $0.7 million and $25.0 million, respectively, representing the portion of the license fee related to completed library assets. SEI/GPI receives, as compensation for marketing the data, a commission on all gross revenues resulting from the sub-licensing of the data subject to the Agreement. Revenues for sub-licenses issued by SEI/GPI as licensee are accounted for at gross, with the commission being recorded and classified as Multi-client Data Library Commissions expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded commission expense of $5.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively.

In connection with the Agreement, the Company evaluated certain Multi-client surveys for impairment. The impairment test compared the future cash flows from the surveys to their carrying value. If estimated future net cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the Multi-client asset, no impairment was required. If the carrying value exceeded estimated future net cash flows, the estimated future net cash flows were discounted to determine the survey’s estimated fair value. The variance between the discounted estimates of future net cash flows and the carrying value of respective Multi-client survey was recorded as impairment and the Multi-client survey’s carrying value was correspondingly reduced. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of zero and $13.0 million, respectively, classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment expense.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded amortization expense of $0.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively, on late sale revenues, related to the $25.0 million non-refundable license fee.
 
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment, net included the following (in thousands): 
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Machinery and equipment
  $ 299,017     $ 308,039  
Computers and software
    20,073       19,661  
Buildings
    13,601       13,601  
Boats
    7,634       7,634  
Land
    2,157       2,157  
Furniture and fixtures
    103       103  
      342,585       351,195  
Less: accumulated depreciation     268,062       258,248  
      74,523       92,947  
Construction in process
    15,091       7,225  
Property and equipment, net
  $ 89,614     $ 100,172  
 
In May 2013, a fire destroyed a warehouse in Colombia that contained Company equipment with a net book value of approximately $4.4 million. The equipment destroyed in the fire was insured. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company received payments of $2.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, from its insurance carriers.

 
8

 
The following table provides an analysis of depreciation expense (in thousands):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 10,296     $ 9,078     $ 28,781     $ 28,662  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    971       3,216       3,562       9,291  
Depreciation (net)
  $ 9,325     $ 5,862     $ 25,219     $ 19,371  
 
NOTE 6 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other intangibles included the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Customer list
  $ 3,984     $ 3,984  
Trademark
    1,759       1,759  
Patents
    3,913       3,913  
Non-compete agreements
    1,057       1,057  
Intellectual property
    9,297       8,883  
      20,010       19,596  
Less: accumulated amortization
    9,151       6,513  
Total intangible assets, net
    10,859       13,083  
Goodwill
    11,342       12,381  
Total goodwill and other intangibles, net
  $ 22,201     $ 25,464  

Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are between two and fifteen years. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalized $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of development costs related to internal use software as a component of intellectual property. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalized $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of development costs related to internal use software as a component of intellectual property.

At September 30, 2013, the Company was finalizing an agreement to divest its line-clearing business (see Note 17). As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge for the amount of goodwill and intangible assets associated with the business totaling $1.0 million classified in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment and $0.2 million classified in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, respectively.
 
NOTE 7 - 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 will not meet the more likely than not threshold, it establishes a valuation allowance. The Company has recorded valuation allowances in various jurisdictions, including the US, 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 or projected or the Company no longer has activities in these jurisdictions.

 
9

 
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 2.2% and 44.9%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 12.7% and 44.8%, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2013 and 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, foreign tax credit limitations, tax rate differential from non-US activities, and valuation allowances.

NOTE 8 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt included the following (in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Senior notes
  $ 250,000     $ 250,000  
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
    82,800       -  
Revolving credit facility
    -       79,060  
Promissory notes
    9,408       11,204  
Notes payable - insurance
    1,244       806  
      343,452       341,070  
Less: unamortized discount     5,875       6,850  
      337,577       334,220  
Less:  current portion
    10,252       22,970  
Long-term debt, net of current portion and unamortized discount
  $ 327,325     $ 311,250  
 
 
10

 
Senior Notes: On April 27, 2010, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% senior notes due 2017 (the “Notes”) pursuant to exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company’s net proceeds from the offering were approximately $188.1 million.
 
The Notes represent general unsecured, senior obligations of the Company and are unconditionally guaranteed as to principal, premium, if any, and interest by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) on a senior unsecured basis.
 
The Company used the proceeds from the offering and sale of the Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness and used the remaining proceeds for capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

The Notes were issued under an Indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., (the “Trustee”).

On March 28, 2012, the Company issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% senior notes due 2017 pursuant to exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The net proceeds to the Company from the issuance were approximately $47.0 million and were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s existing Revolving Credit Facility. On September 28, 2012, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% senior notes due 2017 that were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “New Notes”) in exchange for an identical amount of the unregistered notes issued on March 28, 2012. 

The New Notes represent general unsecured, senior obligations of the Company. The New Notes are unconditionally guaranteed as to principal, premium, if any, and interest by the Guarantors on a senior unsecured basis.

The Company used the proceeds from the offering and sale of the New Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under its existing Revolving Credit Facility.

The New Notes are covered under the terms of an Indenture dated March 28, 2012. The Notes and the New Notes are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Senior Notes”. The following is a brief summary of the material terms and conditions of the Senior Notes’ Indentures.

Interest — The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum and interest is paid semi-annually, in arrears, on May 1 and November 1 of each year.
 
Principal and Maturity — The Senior Notes were issued with a $250.0 million aggregate principal amount and will mature on May 1, 2017.

Optional Redemption by the Company — On or after May 1, 2014, the Company may redeem the Senior 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 — Upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the Indentures), each holder of the Senior Notes may require the Company to purchase their Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
 
Restrictive Covenants — The Indentures relating to the Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, certain restricted payments in respect of the Company’s equity interests and any subordinated debt, dividend restrictions affecting subsidiaries, incurrence of additional indebtedness and issuances of disqualified stock, certain asset sales and mergers with other entities, and certain liens (other than permitted liens).

Events of Default — The Indentures for the Senior Notes also contain 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 Senior Notes or the Trustee may declare the Senior Notes due and immediately payable. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all respective Indenture covenants.
 
Debt Issuance Costs: Costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized as a component of interest expense using the effective interest method over the maturity period of the related debt. Accumulated amortization was $2.7 million and $2.0 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
11

 
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility: On September 30, 2013, the Company entered into a Financing Agreement with TPG Specialty Lending, Inc. (“ TPG ”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, co-lead arranger and a lender, Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC (“ TCP ”), as co-lead arranger and a lender, and certain affiliates of TPG and TCP, as lenders (the “ Financing Agreement ”).

The Financing Agreement provides for (i) a senior secured first lien term loan A in the amount of $82.8 million (“ Term Loan A ”) and (ii) a senior secured first lien delayed-draw term loan B in the amount of $22.2 million (“ Term Loan B ” and together with Term Loan A, the “ Facility ”).  The Term Loan A was funded at closing, and the proceeds of the Term Loan A were used to pay in full indebtedness outstanding under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility and to pay related fees and expenses.  Subject to certain terms and conditions, the Term Loan B is available to be drawn after the closing date for potential future strategic acquisitions.

The Facility matures on September 30, 2016.  It is guaranteed by all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and those of the guarantors.

Under the Financing Agreement, loans bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either LIBOR plus 9.75% (subject to a LIBOR floor of 1%) or the alternate base rate (the highest of the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1%, the Wall Street Journal prime rate and the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1%, subject to a floor of 4%) plus 8.75%.

The loans under the Financing Agreement are subject to mandatory prepayments in certain instances including, without limitation, (i) with net proceeds of certain asset dispositions, casualty or condemnation events, equity and debt issuances and extraordinary receipts and (ii) in an amount equal to 75% of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Financing Agreement).

The Company is subject to certain financial covenants under the Financing Agreement that include the maintenance of the following financial covenants (in each case tested on a quarterly basis, based on the rolling four-quarter period that ends on the last day of each fiscal quarter and commencing as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013): (1) a Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Financing Agreement) to Consolidated Fixed Charges (as defined in the Financing Agreement) ratio of at least 1.00:1.00 initially and increasing to 1.25:1.00 over time, (2) a Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Financing Agreement) of not more than 1.75:1.00 initially and decreasing to 1.00:1.00 over time, and (3) for any fiscal quarter in which Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four fiscal quarters then ended does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Facility at such time, a net book value of Multi-client data greater than the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Facility.  In addition, the Company must maintain at all times Consolidated Liquidity (as defined in the Financing Agreement) of at least $10.0 million.

In addition, the Financing Agreement contains various covenants that, among other restrictions, limit the Company’s ability to

· create, issue, incur or assume indebtedness;
· create, incur or assume liens; engage in mergers or acquisitions;
· sell, transfer, assign or convey assets;
· repurchase the Company’s equity, make distributions to the Company’s equity holders and make certain other restricted payments;
· make investments;
· modify the terms of certain material agreements or prepay certain indebtedness;
· engage in transactions with affiliates;
· enter into certain burdensome agreements;
· enter into sale-leaseback arrangements;
· change the nature of the Company’s business; and
· make certain amendments to the Company’s organizational documents.

The Financing Agreement also contains customary events of default.  If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Required Lenders (as defined in the Financing Agreement) may accelerate the amounts due under the Financing Agreement (except with respect to a bankruptcy event of default, in which case such amounts will automatically become due and payable) and exercise other rights and remedies.  In addition, if any event of default exists under the Financing Agreement, the lenders may commence foreclosure or other actions against the collateral.

At September 30, 2013, the Company had $82.8 million of borrowings outstanding under the Financing Agreement with a weighted average interest rate of 10.75%.
 
12

 
Bank of America Revolving Credit Facility: On April 30, 2010, the Company entered into a $50.0 million revolving credit facility maturing April 30, 2013 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. 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 bore interest at a rate equal to London Interbank Offered Rate (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 or (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 declines 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 may 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 Revolving Credit Facility also provided for a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum on the actual daily unused commitments.
 
On July 20, 2012, the Company further amended the Revolving Credit Facility (the “Third Amendment”), with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as Syndication Agent and a Lender, Barclays Bank PLC, and Citibank, N.A (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”). Under the Third Amendment, the maximum amount of permitted borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was increased to $85.0 million until the initial Maturity Date of April 30, 2013, at which point the maximum amount of permitted borrowings was reduced to $67.5 million and the Maturity Date of the Revolving Credit Facility was extended to April 30, 2014 (the “Extended Maturity Date”). Under the Third Amendment, the Company, as Borrower, had the right to request an increase in lending commitments by an additional $10.0 million subject to the requirements of the Revolving Credit Facility until the Extended Maturity Date.

On April 24, 2013, the Company entered into the fourth amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Barclays Bank PLC, and Citibank, N.A. The Company requested and certain of the Lenders agreed to assume a portion of certain expiring commitments and extend such Lenders’ respective Commitments and/or the expiration thereof on the terms and conditions set forth in the Amendment. Under the Fourth Amendment, the maximum amount of permitted borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was reduced to $80.0 million until September 30, 2013, at which point the maximum amount of permitted borrowings was further reduced to $67.5 million through April 30, 2014.
 
As of September 30, 2013, the Company paid off all borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility with the Senior Secured Term Loan Facility.
 
Promissory Notes: From time to time, the Company issues short term promissory notes to various foreign financial institutions to finance equipment purchases and working capital needs for foreign operations.  The balance outstanding under these promissory notes as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $8.8 million and $10.4 million, respectively, at weighted average interest rates of 7.6% and 9.1%, respectively.
 
In January 2011, the Company issued a non-interest bearing promissory note related to the acquisition of STRM LLC. The balance outstanding under the promissory note as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Notes Payable - Insurance: In exchange for insurance services provided, the Company from time to time issues negotiable promissory notes. The balance outstanding under these promissory notes as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, at weighted average interest rates of 3.4% and 3.4%, respectively.
 
Letter of Credit Facility:  In February 2007, the Company entered into a $10.0 million revolving line of credit that was secured by restricted cash.  The terms of the letter of credit facility as 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 by the Company at any time.  As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the letters of credit outstanding were $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
 
13

 
NOTE 9 – CAPITAL LEASES

From time to time, the Company enters into leases and sale and leaseback transactions to acquire certain seismic equipment, computer equipment and vehicles that are accounted for as capital leases. The balance outstanding under these capital leases as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $6.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively, at weighted average interest rates of 5.7% and 5.3%, respectively.

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows ASU 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement” as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP 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, 2013 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 their market price.  The following table sets forth the level 1 fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
    (unaudited)              
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
 
$200.0 million senior notes
  $ 196,399     $ 170,000     $ 195,801     $ 178,000  
$50.0 million senior notes
  $ 47,726     $ 42,500     $ 47,349     $ 44,500  
 
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 and other financial controls.
 
 
14

 
NOTE 11 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company follows ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” 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, 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.  

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 can be 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 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013:

   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30, 2013
 
Risk-free interest rate
    1.19 %
Expected lives (in years)
    7  
Expected dividend yield
    0.00 %
Expected volatility
    78.76 %
 
The computation of expected volatility during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was based on 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.

Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is summarized as follows:
 
   
Number of
Optioned
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in Years
   
Weighted
Average
Optioned
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
    1,893,200     $ 22.87           $ 5.30  
Expired
    -       -             -  
Granted
    1,000,000       3.51             3.51  
Exercised
    -       -             -  
Forfeited
    (504,800 )     20.90             4.91  
Balance at September 30, 2013
    2,388,400     $ 15.11       4.85     $ 4.60  
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013
    1,328,375     $ 22.55       4.83     $ 5.12  
 
Through September 30, 2013, a total of 5,830,400 options have been granted and 3,442,000 have been forfeited.

Compensation expense associated with stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had 1,060,025 and 377,025 of non-vested stock option awards, respectively. The total cost of non-vested stock option awards that the Company had not yet recognized at September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  Such amount at September 30, 2013 is expected to be recognized approximately over a period of four years.

 
15

 
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 by multiplying the stock price on the date of the award by the number of shares awarded. Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is summarized as follows:

   
Number of
Nonvested
Restricted
Share Awards
   
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
    976,976     $ 6.72  
Granted
    508,647       3.43  
Vested
    (229,277 )     11.07  
Forfeited
    (222,119 )     9.54  
Balance at September 30, 2013
    1,034,227     $ 3.53  
 
Compensation expense associated with restricted stock for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and $3.7 million and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The total cost of non-vested stock awards that the Company has not yet recognized at September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $4.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively. This amount is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Performance Units Awards: During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted 1,114,950 performance unit awards, each of which contains a market condition, to executive and other key employees of the Company. The performance units granted may settle between zero and two shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares issued pursuant to the performance unit awards will be determined based on a number of factors, including total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock as compared to a group of peer companies measured over a three-year performance period. The expense related to the performance units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), under which 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. The expense related to the ESPP for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. 

NOTE 12 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company follows ASC 260 “Earnings Per Share” 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 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ (24,199 )   $ 5,807     $ (51,527 )   $ 15,283  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    38,087       37,450       37,944       37,252  
Diluted
                               
Shares issuable from the assumed conversion of stock options
    -       -       -       -  
Total
    38,087       37,450       37,944       37,252  
Basic income (loss) per share
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.16     $ (1.36 )   $ 0.41  
Diluted income (loss) per share
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.16     $ (1.36 )   $ 0.41  
 
As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, 2,388,400 and 2,020,800 out-of-the-money stock options have been excluded from diluted earnings per share because they are considered anti-dilutive.

 
16

 
NOTE 13 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following provides supplemental cash flow information (in thousands):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Interest paid
  $ 17,051     $ 15,079  
Income taxes paid
  $ 3,860     $ 5,514  

The following provides supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):

   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
             
Property and equipment additions transferred from inventory
  $ 13,503     $ -  
Property and equipment additions transferred from held-for-sale
  $ 4,292     $ -  
Property and equipment additions financed through capital leases
  $ 405     $ 1,819  
Non-cash Multi-client data swap asset recorded as deferred revenue
  $ -     $ 146  
Original issue discount on notes payable
  $ -     $ 3,000  
Non-cash property and equipment additions associated with swap of property and equipment
  $ -     $ 7,500  
Non-cash property and equipment additions associated with data swap
  $ -     $ 1,751  
Purchase price not paid at close of acquisition
  $ -     $ 2,993  
 
 
17

 
NOTE 14 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
In accordance with the way management views the business, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
  
   
As of and for the Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary
Services
   
Multi-client
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 41,407     $ 28,626     $ -     $ 70,033  
Segment loss before taxes
  $ (10,933 )   $ (13,602 )   $ (114 )   $ (24,649 )
Segment assets
  $ 32,600     $ 293,766     $ 142,297     $ 468,663  
 
 
   
As of and for the Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary
Services
   
Multi-client
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 30,173     $ 60,041     $ -     $ 90,214  
Segment income (loss) before taxes
  $ 299     $ 15,596     $ (5,073 )   $ 10,822  
Segment assets
  $ 41,659     $ 331,873     $ 182,865     $ 556,397  
 
 
   
As of and for the Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary
Services
   
Multi-client
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 95,617     $ 121,177     $ -     $ 216,794  
Segment loss before taxes
  $ (28,585 )   $ (9,379 )   $ (21,224 )   $ (59,188 )
Segment assets
  $ 32,600     $ 293,766     $ 142,297     $ 468,663  
 
 
   
As of and for the Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
   
Proprietary
Services
   
Multi-client
Services
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 153,585     $ 130,111     $ -     $ 283,696  
Segment income (loss) before taxes
  $ 12,252     $ 27,912     $ (12,671 )   $ 27,493  
Segment assets
  $ 41,659     $ 331,873     $ 182,865     $ 556,397  
 
NOTE 15 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." This ASU is intended to provide guidance and reduce diversity in practice in the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a tax loss or credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires that any unrecognized tax benefit or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except for certain defined situations. The provisions of this ASU are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and must be applied prospectively for unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the ASU will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 
18

 
NOTE 16 – GUARANTEES OF REGISTERED SECURITIES
 
The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all U.S. subsidiaries of the Company. The non-guarantor subsidiaries are comprised of all subsidiaries organized outside of the United States.

Separate condensed consolidating financial statement information for the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
As of September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
BALANCE SHEET
                       
ASSETS
                       
Current assets
  $ 113,508     $ 5,461     $ (51,339 )   $ 67,630  
Multi-client library, net
    277,841       1,342       -       279,183  
Property and equipment, net
    88,079       1,535       -       89,614  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1       -       (1 )     -  
Intercompany accounts
    26,238       (26,238 )     -       -  
Other non-current assets
    32,080       156       -       32,236  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 537,747     $ (17,744 )   $ (51,340 )   $ 468,663  
                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities
  $ 82,314     $ 41,311     $ (51,339 )   $ 72,286  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion and unamortized discount
    330,174       -       -       330,174  
Deferred income tax and other non-current liabilities
    4,831       -       -       4,831  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    417,319       41,311       (51,339 )     407,291  
Stockholders' equity
    120,428       (59,055 )     (1 )     61,372  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 537,747     $ (17,744 )   $ (51,340 )   $ 468,663  
 
 
   
As of December 31, 2012
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
BALANCE SHEET
                       
ASSETS
                       
Current assets
  $ 150,864     $ 21,761     $ (60,854 )   $ 111,771  
Multi-client library, net
    309,031       36       -       309,067  
Property and equipment, net
    97,129       3,043       -       100,172  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1       -       (1 )     -  
Intercompany accounts
    20,589       (20,589 )     -       -  
Other non-current assets
    31,728       137       -       31,865  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 609,342     $ 4,388     $ (60,855 )   $ 552,875  
                                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Current liabilities
  $ 102,568     $ 58,612     $ (60,854 )   $ 100,326  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion and unamortized discount
    315,426       -       -       315,426  
Deferred income tax and other non-current liabilities
    29,575       -       -       29,575  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    447,569       58,612       (60,854 )     445,327  
Stockholders' equity
    161,773       (54,224 )     (1 )     107,548  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 609,342     $ 4,388     $ (60,855 )   $ 552,875  
 
 
19

 
 
   
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 56,562     $ 15,567     $ (2,096 )   $ 70,033  
Operating expenses
    58,243       11,644       (1,815 )     68,072  
Multi-client data library and other impairment
    4,116       -       -       4,116  
Multi-client data library commissions
    5,173       -       -       5,173  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    8,702       3,039       (281 )     11,460  
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
    (3,455 )     -       -       (3,455 )
Income (loss) from operations
    (16,217 )     884       -       (15,333 )
Interest expense, net
    (8,883 )     (1 )     -       (8,884 )
Other expense, net
    (297 )     (135 )     -       (432 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (25,397 )     748       -       (24,649 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (696 )     148       -       (548 )
Income (loss) after income taxes
    (24,701 )     600       -       (24,101 )
Net income, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    98       -       -       98  
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ (24,799 )   $ 600     $ -     $ (24,199 )
 
 
   
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 65,883     $ 26,385     $ (2,054 )   $ 90,214  
Operating expenses
    40,536       21,122       (1,791 )     59,867  
Multi-client data library and other impairment
    1,893       -       -       1,893  
Multi-client data library commissions
    -       -       -       -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,983       3,690       (263 )     9,410  
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
    (2,231 )     -       -       (2,231 )
Income from operations
    19,702       1,573       -       21,275  
Interest income (expense), net
    (8,302 )     7       -       (8,295 )
Other income (expense), net
    (2,174 )     16       -       (2,158 )
Income before income taxes
    9,226       1,596       -       10,822  
Income tax expense
    3,225       1,639       -       4,864  
Income (loss) after income taxes
    6,001       (43 )     -       5,958  
Net income, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    151       -       -       151  
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 5,850     $ (43 )   $ -     $ 5,807  
 
 
20

 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 182,885     $ 39,032     $ (5,123 )   $ 216,794  
Operating expenses
    157,416       33,188       (4,496 )     186,108  
Multi-client data library and other impairment
    19,820       -       -       19,820  
Multi-client data library commissions
    11,106       -       -       11,106  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    30,897       8,758       (627 )     39,028  
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
    (6,380 )     -       -       (6,380 )
Income from operations
    (29,974 )     (2,914 )     -       (32,888 )
Interest expense, net
    (25,531 )     (152 )     -       (25,683 )
Other expense, net
    (226 )     (391 )     -       (617 )
Loss before income taxes
    (55,731 )     (3,457 )     -       (59,188 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (8,893 )     1,374       -       (7,519 )
Loss after income taxes
    (46,838 )     (4,831 )     -       (51,669 )
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (142 )     -       -       (142 )
Net loss, attributable to common shareholders
  $ (46,696 )   $ (4,831 )   $ -     $ (51,527 )
 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       
Revenues
  $ 186,672     $ 105,177     $ (8,153 )   $ 283,696  
Operating expenses
    115,603       92,119       (7,200 )     200,522  
Multi-client data library and other impairment
    6,433       -       -       6,433  
Multi-client data library commissions
    -       -       -       -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    18,791       16,552       (953 )     34,390  
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
    (11,922 )     (190 )     -       (12,112 )
Income (loss) from operations
    57,767       (3,304 )     -       54,463  
Interest income (expense), net
    (23,354 )     10       -       (23,344 )
Other expense, net
    (1,783 )     (1,843 )     -       (3,626 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    32,630       (5,137 )     -       27,493  
Income tax expense
    8,545       3,774       -       12,319  
Income (loss) after income taxes
    24,085       (8,911 )     -       15,174  
Net loss, attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (109 )     -       -       (109 )
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ 24,194     $ (8,911 )   $ -     $ 15,283  
 
 
21

 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 59,182     $ (4,472 )   $ -     $ 54,710  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (53,624 )     (2,059 )     -       (55,683 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (6,218 )     606       -       (5,612 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (660 )   $ (5,925 )   $ -     $ (6,585 )
 
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
   
Guarantors
   
Non-guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 91,320     $ 1,992     $ -     $ 93,312  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (127,916 )     (4,409 )     -       (132,325 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    42,958       (1,901 )     -       41,057  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,362     $ (4,318 )   $ -     $ 2,044  
 
NOTE 17 - 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 the consolidated financial statements were filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
In conjunction with the Company’s decision to exit the line clearing business in the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company agreed to purchase the 20% minority equity interest in Paisano Lease Company, Inc. (Paisano) for $0.9 million and sell the line clearing assets of Paisano to a new entity controlled by these minority shareholders at the net book value of the equipment. The transaction closed on October 17, 2013. No gain or loss was recorded on the sale of the equipment and subsequent to the purchase of the outstanding 20% minority interest. Paisano became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with the decision to exit the business and sell the underlying assets of this line clearing business, the outstanding goodwill and other intangibles were determined to be impaired by $1.0 million and $0.2 which has been reflected as a component of Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013.

 
22

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in combination with our Interim Financial Statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Financial Statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (Commission file number: 001-34709).

Forward Looking Statements
 
Statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report on 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. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.
 
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 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. 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 and assumptions reflected in such statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will prove to 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. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Our backlog estimates represent those seismic data acquisition projects for which a client has executed a contract and has scheduled a start date for the project and unrecognized pre-committed funding from our Multi-client Services segment. Backlog estimates are based on a number of assumptions including those 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. We and our clients may also modify contracts for services 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 generally subject to termination by the client. Material delays, payment defaults or termination could reduce the amount of backlog currently reported, and consequently, could prevent the conversion of that backlog into revenues.
 
 
23

 
Overview
 
We provide an integrated suite of seismic data solutions to the global oil and gas industry, including our high resolution RG-3D Reservoir GradeSM (“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 enables the creation of high resolution images of the earth’s subsurface and reveals 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, directly and indirectly, a seismic data library and license this data to clients on a non-exclusive basis.
 
We provide seismic data acquisition on a worldwide basis for land, transition zone and shallow marine areas, including challenging environments such as marshes, forests, jungles, arctic climates, mountains and deserts worldwide. Our seismic solutions are used by many of the world’s largest and most technically advanced oil and gas exploration and production companies, including national oil companies (“NOCs”), major integrated oil companies (“IOCs”), and large independent oil and gas companies. We believe our experience positions us well to serve our customers as they expand their involvement in shale and tight reservoir plays outside the U.S.
 
We generate revenues primarily 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 obtain all rights to the seismic data acquired. Proprietary Services also include revenues generated by providing microseismic monitoring, data processing and interpretation services. Our Multi-client Services generate revenues by selling licenses to seismic and other data we own as a part of our seismic data library.
 
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited)
 
The following tables set forth consolidated revenues by service and area for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Proprietary Services
  $ 41.4       59 %   $ 30.2       33 %
Multi-client Services
    28.6       41 %     60.0       67 %
Total
  $ 70.0       100 %   $ 90.2       100 %
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
United States
  $ 42.8       61 %   $ 56.0       62 %
International
    27.2       39 %     34.2       38 %
Total
  $ 70.0       100 %   $ 90.2       100 %
 
 
24

 
Revenues. We recorded revenues of $70.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $90.2 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $20.2 million, or 22%.
 
We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $41.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $30.2 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of $11.2 million, or 37%. The increase was primarily attributable to increased contribution from the Proprietary Services business in the United States.
 
Multi-client Services generated revenues of $28.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $60.0 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $31.4 million, or 52%. The $28.6 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $14.5 million of pre-commitment revenues and $14.1 million of late sale revenues that included $0.1 million in non-cash data swap transactions. This compared to $48.5 million of pre-commitment revenues and $11.5 million of late sale revenues that included $0.7 million in non-cash data swap transactions during the same period of 2012.
 
The following table sets forth consolidated Multi-client Services revenues for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client revenues
           
Pre-commitments
  $ 14.5     $ 48.5  
Late sales (1)
    14.1       11.5  
Total revenues
  $ 28.6     $ 60.0  

(1) Includes $0.1 million and $0.7 million in non-cash data swap transactions for the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Operating expenses. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $20.1 million, or 107%, to $38.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012.  The increase was primarily due to shifting more focus to Proprietary Services in the third quarter of 2013, whereas in the same period of 2012 the focus was on Multi-client Services resulting in a higher level of operating expenses in 2012.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, General and Administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $1.8 million, or 21%, to $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 in comparison to the same period of 2012. The SG&A cost increase was primarily due to increased employee costs for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Depreciation (net), Amortization and Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment.  Total depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment decreased by $9.6 million, or 22%, to $34.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. The Multi-client Services amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $23.2 million, representing an average amortization rate of 81% for the period. Gross depreciation expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 was $10.3 million, of which, $1.0 million was capitalized in connection with our Multi-client Services investments resulting in a net depreciation expense of $9.3 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, approximately $3.1 million of library amortization expense was attributable to backstop amortization.

 
25

 
The following table summarizes depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 10.3     $ 9.1  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    1.0       3.2  
Depreciation (net)
    9.3       5.9  
Multi-client amortization expense:
               
Multi-client data library revenue amortization
    20.1       35.5  
Backstop amortization
    3.1       1.9  
Impairment
    -       -  
      23.2       37.4  
Amortization expense of intangible assets
    1.0       0.8  
Goodwill impairment
    1.0       -  
Depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment
  $ 34.5     $ 44.1  
                 
Average Multi-client amortization rate for the period
    81 %     62 %
 
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased by $0.6 million, or 7%, to $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $8.3 million for the same period of 2012. The increase in interest expense related to an increase in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other expense, net and foreign exchange loss was $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $2.2 million for the same period of 2012. The primary difference is the difference between the write-off of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary of $1.8 million in 2012.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Our income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $0.5 million compared to income tax expense of $4.9 million for the same period of 2012. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately 2.2% and 44.9%, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2013 and 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, foreign tax credit limitations, tax rate differential from non-US activities, and valuation allowances.
 
 
26

 
Nine months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Nine months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited)
 
The following tables set forth consolidated revenues by service and area for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Proprietary Services
  $ 95.6       44 %   $ 153.6       54 %
Multi-client Services
    121.2       56 %     130.1       46 %
Total
  $ 216.8       100 %   $ 283.7       100 %
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
(unaudited)
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
United States
  $ 148.8       69 %   $ 149.1       53 %
International
    68.0       31 %     134.6       47 %
Total
  $ 216.8       100 %   $ 283.7       100 %
 
Revenues. We recorded revenues of $216.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $283.7 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $66.9 million, or 24%.
 
We recorded revenues from Proprietary Services of $95.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $153.6 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $58.0 million, or 38%. The decrease related to our international Proprietary operations was $61.5 million, primarily due to a decrease in crew activities in Colombia and Brazil.
 
Multi-client Services generated revenues of $121.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $130.1 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $8.9 million, or 7%. The $121.2 million in Multi-client Services revenues included $56.9 million of pre-commitment revenues and $64.3 million of late sale revenues that included $0.1 million in non-cash data swap transactions. This compared to $90.8 million of pre-commitment revenues that included $2.0 million in non-cash data swap transactions and $39.3 million of late sale revenues that included $3.2 million in non-cash data swap transactions during the same period of 2012.
 
The following table sets forth consolidated Multi-client Services revenues for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client revenues
           
Pre-commitments (1)
  $ 56.9     $ 90.8  
Late sales (2)
    64.3       39.3  
Total revenues
  $ 121.2     $ 130.1  
 
(1) Includes $2.0 million in non-cash data swap transactions for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.
(2) Includes $0.1 million and $3.2 million in non-cash data swap transactions for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
27

 
Operating expenses. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased by $17.7 million, or 17%, to $84.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 in comparison to the same period of 2012.  The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in active crews operating in international markets for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, General and Administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $4.4 million, or 14%, to $36.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 in comparison to the same period of 2012. The SG&A cost increase was primarily due to increased employee severance related charges.
 
Depreciation (net), Amortization and Multi-client Data Library and Other Impairment.  Total depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment increased by $16.8 million, or 16%, to $124.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 in comparison to the same period of 2012. The Multi-client Services amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $95.2 million, of which $13.0 million was attributable to impairment related charges for certain library assets, resulting in an increase in our average amortization rate to 79% for the period. Gross depreciation expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 was $28.8 million, of which, $3.6 million was capitalized in connection with our Multi-client Services investments resulting in a net depreciation expense of $25.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, approximately $5.8 million of library amortization expense was attributable to backstop amortization.
  
The following table summarizes depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment for the periods indicated (amounts in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Gross depreciation expense
  $ 28.8     $ 28.7  
Less: capitalized depreciation for Multi-client library
    3.6       9.3  
Depreciation (net)
    25.2       19.4  
Multi-client amortization expense:
               
Multi-client data library revenue amortization
    76.4       79.1  
Backstop amortization
    5.8       6.4  
Impairment
    13.0       -  
      95.2       85.5  
Amortization expense of intangible assets
    2.6       2.3  
Goodwill impairment
    1.0       -  
Depreciation (net), amortization and Multi-client data library and other impairment
  $ 124.0     $ 107.2  
                 
Average Multi-client amortization rate for the period
    79 %     66 %
 
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased by $2.4 million, or 10%, to $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $23.3 million for the same period of 2012. The increase in interest expense related to an increase in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and the New Notes.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other expense, net and foreign exchange loss was $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $3.6 million for the same period of 2012. The primary differences are a greater foreign exchange loss in 2012 and the difference between the write-off of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary of $1.8 million in 2012.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Our income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $7.5 million compared to income tax expense of $12.3 million for the same period of 2012. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately 12.7% and 44.8%, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate in 2013 and 2012 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, foreign tax credit limitations, tax rate differential from non-US activities, and valuation allowances. 
 
 
28

 

EBITDA. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and non-controlling interests. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance derived in accordance with 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) (in thousands):
 
   
Three Month Period Ended
 September 30,
   
Nine Month Period Ended
 September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
                         
Net income (loss), attributable to common shareholders
  $ (24,199 )   $ 5,807     $ (51,527 )   $ 15,283  
Net income  (loss), attributable to non-controlling interests
    98       151       (142 )     (109 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (548 )     4,864       (7,519 )     12,319  
Interest expense, net
    8,884       8,295       25,683       23,344  
EBIT (1)
  $ (15,765 )   $ 19,117     $ (33,505 )   $ 50,837  
                                 
Add: Multi-client data library revenue amortization
    20,089       35,519       76,392       79,107  
Add: Non-revenue based Multi-client amortization (2)
    3,077       1,893       18,781       6,433  
Add: Depreciation (net) and other amortization (3)
    11,393       6,644       28,896       21,675  
EBITDA (1)
  $ 18,794     $ 63,173     $ 90,564     $ 158,052  
                                 
Less: Multi-client data library revenue amortization
    (20,089 )     (35,519 )     (76,392 )     (79,107 )
Less: Non-revenue based Multi-client amortization (2)
    (3,077 )     (1,893 )     (18,781 )     (6,433 )
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
  $ (4,372 )   $ 25,761     $ (4,609 )   $ 72,512  
                                 
Add: Multi-client data library revenue amortization
    20,089       35,519       76,392       79,107  
Add: Non-revenue based Multi-client amortization (2)
    3,077       1,893       18,781       6,433  
Add: Stock-based compensation
    1,494       1,529       4,880       4,506  
Add: Foreign exchange loss
    310       206       266       1,255  
Less: Non-cash Multi-client revenue
    (138 )     (804 )     (138 )     (5,246 )
Less: Cash investment in Multi-client library
    (10,234 )     (49,396 )     (61,589 )     (129,166 )
Cash EBITDA (1)
  $ 10,226     $ 14,708     $ 33,983     $ 29,401  
 
(1)
EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Cash EBITDA (as defined in the calculations above) are non-GAAP measures.
(2)
Includes library impairment charges and backstop amortization.
(3)
Includes amortization of intangibles and goodwill impairment.
 
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.

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary internal sources of liquidity are cash generated by the Proprietary Services and Multi-client Services we provide to our clients, and proceeds from the sale of assets. Our primary external sources of liquidity have been borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, debt and equity offerings 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 seismic data library. We also use capital to fund the working capital required to add new crews and operate existing crews and to make debt service payments on our outstanding indebtedness.
 
Our internal sources of liquidity, including our cash position, depend to a large extent on the level of demand for our services. Historically, we have periodically supplemented our internal sources of liquidity with external sources, including borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, as the need arises. With our new Financing Agreement and low share price, our access to debt and equity capital markets are limited and we are substantially dependent on our internal sources of liquidity. For this reason, we are focused on remaining fully pre-funded on investments in our Multi-client library, increasing the weighting of Proprietary Services revenues as a percentage of total revenues and reducing costs. While we are focused on improving our liquidity, events beyond our control may affect our results of operations and financial condition, which could reduce or delay capital expenditures, including amounts we may spend on our Multi-client library. Under the Financing Agreement, we must maintain at all times Consolidated Liquidity (as defined in the Financing Agreement) of at least $10.0 million.
 
As of September 30, 2013, available liquidity consisted of the following (in millions):
 
   
September 30,
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Available cash
  $ 16.8  
Total available liquidity
  $ 16.8  
 
The following table summarizes the net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
 
   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Net income and adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
  $ 62.3     $ 119.3  
Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities
    (7.6 )     (26.0 )
Cash flows from operating activities
    54.7       93.3  
Cash flows from investing activities
    (55.7 )     (132.3 )
Cash flows from financing activities
    (5.6 )     41.1  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (6.6 )   $ 2.1  
 
Operating Activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $54.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $93.3 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $38.6 million. The decrease in operational cash flow primarily resulted from the decrease in operating income during the period, partially offset by increased working capital.

 
30

 
Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities was $55.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $132.3 million for the same period of 2012, a decrease of $76.6 million. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased investment in our Multi-client library and capital expenditures, partially offset by decreased sales of assets. The following table sets forth our cumulative investment in our Multi-client library for the periods indicated (in millions): 

   
Nine Month Period Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Multi-client investment (period)
           
Cash
  $ 61.6     $ 129.2  
Capitalized depreciation (1)
    3.6       9.3  
Non-cash data swaps (2)
    0.1       3.6  
Total
  $ 65.3     $ 142.1  
                 
Investment (cumulative)
               
Cash
  $ 634.7     $ 537.2  
Capitalized depreciation (1)
    58.9       53.3  
Non-cash data swaps (2)
    27.2       27.0  
Total
    720.8       617.5  
                 
Cumulative amortization
    441.6       328.7  
Multi-client net book value
  $ 279.2     $ 288.8  
 
(1) Represents capitalized cost of the equipment, owned or leased, and utilized in connection with Multi-client Services.
(2) Includes non-cash data swap investment recorded as deferred revenue.
 
Financing Activities. Net cash used by financing activities was $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $41.1 million for the same period of 2012, a difference of $46.7 million. The primary difference is due to the issuance of the $50.0 million Senior Notes in 2012.
 
Capital Resources.  On September 30, 2013, the Company entered into the Financing Agreement with TPG and TCP. The Financing Agreement provides for $82.8 million of Term Loan A and $22.2 million of Term Loan B. The Term Loan A was funded at closing, and the proceeds of the Term Loan A were used to pay in full indebtedness outstanding under the Company’s existing revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and to pay related fees and expenses.  Subject to certain terms and conditions, the Term Loan B is available to be drawn after the closing date for potential future strategic acquisitions.
 
On April 30, 2010, we entered into the Revolving Credit Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party to the Revolving Credit Facility. The loans under our Revolving Credit Facility bore 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 or (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 declines 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 may 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. The Revolving Credit Facility also provided for a commitment fee of 0.75% per annum on the actual daily unused commitments. On July 20, 2012, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. Under the Third Amendment, borrowings up to $85.0 million were permitted under our Revolving Credit Facility until April 30, 2013, at which point the maximum permitted borrowings were reduced to $67.5 million and the final maturity date was extended to April 30, 2014. Under the Third Amendment, the Company, as Borrower, had the ability until the Extended Maturity Date, April 30, 2014, to request an increase in lending commitments by an additional $10.0 million subject to the requirements of the Credit Agreement. On April 24, 2013, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Company’s Revolving Credit. The Company requested and certain of the Lenders have agreed to assume a portion of certain expiring commitments and extend such Lenders’ respective Commitments and/or the expiration thereof on the terms and conditions set forth in the Amendment. Under the Fourth Amendment, the maximum amount of permitted borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was reduced to $80.0 million until September 30, 2013, at which point the maximum amount of permitted borrowings was further reduced to $67.5 million through April 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2013, all outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility have been paid off.

 
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Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $68.2 million, consisting of cash investments in property and equipment of $6.6 million and investments in our Multi-client library of $61.6 million.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes the payments due in specific periods related to our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
 
   
Total
   
Within 1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
After 5 Years
 
                               
Debt obligations (1)
  $ 343,452     $ 10,252     $ 400     $ 332,800     $ -  
Capital lease obligations
    6,839       3,990       2,823       26       -  
Operating lease obligations
    4,427       2,168       1,999       260       -  
    $ 354,718     $ 16,410     $ 5,222     $ 333,086     $ -  
 
(1) Includes unamortized discount.
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not currently have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Backlog

The Company’s backlog at September 30, 2013 was approximately $190 million ($181 million in Proprietary Services; $9 million in Multi-client Services) compared to $132 million at September 30, 2012. Backlog at June 30, 2013 was approximately $201 million ($174 million in Proprietary Services; $27 million in Multi-client Services).

 
32

 

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 various 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, 2013, approximately 5% of our revenues were recorded in foreign currencies, and we recorded net foreign exchange loss of $0.3 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 receivables 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.
 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2013.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2013.

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.

 
33

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any pending legal proceedings other than litigation arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, and the Company believes that such litigation 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.
 

Our business has many risks. Factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity or the trading price of our shares are described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. As of the date of this report, these risk factors have not changed materially. This information should be considered carefully, together with other information in this report and other reports and materials we file with the SEC.
 

None.
 

None.
 

Not applicable. 
 

None
 
 
34

 
 
Item 6.  Exhibits (items indicated by an (*) are filed herewith)
 
Exhibit No.
Description
     
10.1
 
Financing Agreement dated as of September 30, 2013 by and among Global Geophysical Services, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Global Geophysical Services, Inc. party thereto, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, TPG Specialty Lending, Inc., as administrative agent, collateral agent and co-lead arranger, and Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, as co-lead arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on October 2, 2013).
     
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.
     
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.
     
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
     
101.SCH* 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL* 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF* 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB* 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE* 
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
35

 

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 12, 2013
/s/ Richard C. White
 
Richard C. White
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
   
Date:  November 12, 2013
/s/ P. Mathew Verghese
 
P. Mathew Verghese
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
36