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Freedom Holding Corp. - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 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, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

 

o

 

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the Transition Period From ________ to _________

 

Commission File Number 001-33034

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada

 

30-0233726

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

202 Dostyk Ave, 4th Floor

 

 

Almaty, Kazakhstan

 

050051

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

+7 (3272) 375-125

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for any shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):

 

Large accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer x Non-accelerated Filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)

Yes o No x

 

As of November 1, 2007, the registrant had 44,690,657 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Page

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007

and March 31, 2007

 

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended

September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended

September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

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

and Results of Operations

 

27

 

 

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

45

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

46

 

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

47

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

48

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

50

 

 

Signatures

50

 

 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Notes

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

3

$   47,705,629

 

$   12,172,940 

Inventories

4

8,219,408

 

10,334,696 

Trade accounts receivable

 

5,189,042

 

3,994,662 

Prepayments for materials

 

3,458,179

 

1,409,213 

Prepaid expenses and other assets, net

 

8,069,140

 

2,060,024 

Total current assets

 

72,641,398

 

29,971,535 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, full cost method, net

5

133,290,971

 

104,187,568 

Construction in progress

6

5,193,822

 

4,463,063 

Long term VAT recoverable

7

5,981,102

 

4,351,059 

Convertible notes issue costs

 

3,627,142

 

— 

Other fixed assets, net

 

1,792,613

 

1,519,123 

Restricted cash

 

303,697

 

303,697 

Total long term assets

 

150,189,347

 

114,824,510 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$ 222,830,745

 

$ 144,796,045 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$ 11,090,345

 

$ 8,542,052 

Accrued coupon on convertible notes

8

641,667

 

— 

Taxes payable

 

447,106

 

324,053 

Accrued liabilities and other payables

 

369,345

 

254,194 

Total current liabilities

 

12,548,463

 

9,120,299 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Convertible notes payable

8

60,153,360

 

— 

Deferred taxes

 

12,019,068

 

7,948,297 

Liquidation fund

9

2,574,990

 

2,165,829 

Total long term liabilities

 

74,747,418

 

10,114,126 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

14

 

— 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares

 

 

 

 

authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

10

 

— 

Common stock - $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares

 

 

 

 

authorized; 44,690,657 and 44,690,657 shares

 

 

 

 

outstanding, respectively

10

44,691

 

44,691 

Additional paid in capital

10

134,875,779

 

133,721,865 

Retained earnings / (Accumulated deficit)

 

614,394

 

(8,204,936)

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

135,534,864

 

125,561,620 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

$ 222,830,745

 

$ 144,796,045 

 

See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Six months ended September 30,

 

Notes

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

11

$  12,764,397 

 

$   4,016,972 

 

$ 24,345,355 

 

$   6,362,944 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating

 

1,190,481 

 

575,698 

 

2,230,370 

 

990,573 

General and administrative

 

3,591,491 

 

1,955,246 

 

6,965,955 

 

7,322,942 

Depletion

 

1,256,318 

 

427,477 

 

2,506,955 

 

667,968 

Amortization and depreciation

 

56,371 

 

41,366 

 

112,219 

 

76,511 

Accretion expenses

 

63,691 

 

24,453 

 

92,359 

 

64,058 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and operating expenses

 

6,158,352 

 

3,024,240 

 

11,907,858 

 

9,122,052 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME / (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

 

6,606,045 

 

992,732 

 

12,437,497 

 

(2,759,108)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange gain / (loss), net

 

415,688 

 

(232,907)

 

(77,550)

 

(74,263)

Interest income, net

 

548,335 

 

489,494 

 

639,390 

 

1,004,729 

Other expense, net

 

(89,655)

 

(57,454)

 

(109,236)

 

(120,254)

Total other income

 

874,368 

 

199,133 

 

452,604 

 

810,212 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME / (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

7,480,413 

 

1,191,865 

 

12,890,101 

 

(1,948,896)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

(2,543,340)

 

(175,513)

 

(4,070,771)

 

(175,513)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME / (LOSS)

 

$   4,937,073 

 

$   1,016,352 

 

$   8,819,330 

 

$  (2,124,409)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

12

$            0.11 

 

$            0.02 

 

$            0.20 

 

$           (0.05)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

12

$            0.11 

 

$            0.02 

 

$            0.20 

 

$           (0.05)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$    8,819,330 

 

$  (2,124,409)

Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash

 

 

 

 

provided by/(used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depletion

5

2,506,955 

 

667,968   

Depreciation and amortization

 

112,219 

 

76,511   

Accretion expenses

9

92,359 

 

64,058   

Stock based compensation expense

10

986,536 

 

3,555,346   

Stock issued for services

10

167,378 

 

455,000   

Income taxes

 

4,070,771 

 

175,513   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

(Increase )/decrease in trade accounts receivable

 

(1,194,380)

 

943,662   

Decrease/(increase) in inventories

 

2,115,288 

 

(4,198,168)  

Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(8,058,082)

 

(7,005,940)  

Increase in VAT recoverable

 

(1,630,043)

 

(1,020,350)  

Increase in current liabilities

 

2,786,497 

 

2,434,643   

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities

 

10,774,828 

 

(5,976,166)  

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of oil and gas properties

5

(30,247,382)

 

(13,688,784)  

Acquisition of other fixed assets

 

(474,761)

 

(481,469)  

Increase in construction in progress

6

(730,759)

 

(2,470,000)  

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(31,452,902)

 

(16,640,253)  

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt

8

56,210,763 

 

—   

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 

 

 

 

and warrants

 

— 

 

5,758,502   

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

56,210,763 

 

5,758,502   

 

 

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

35,532,689 

 

(16,857,917)  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning

 

 

 

 

of period

 

12,172,940 

 

51,141,732   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period

 

$ 47,705,629

 

$ 34,283,815   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(CONTINUED)

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation incurred in property development

9

$ 316,802

 

$              —

Accrued coupon on convertible notes incurred in property development

 

8

641,667

 

Accretion of discount on convertible notes incurred in property development

 

8

153,360

 

Amortization of convertible notes issue costs incurred in property development

 

$ 162,095

 

$             —

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The corporation now known as BMB Munai, Inc., (“BMB Munai” or the “Company”) was originally incorporated in Utah in July 1981. On February 7, 1994, the corporation changed its name to InterUnion Financial Corporation (“InterUnion”) and its domicile to Delaware. BMB Holding, Inc. (“BMB Holding”) was incorporated on May 6, 2003 for the purpose of acquiring and developing oil and gas fields in the Republic of Kazakhstan. On November 26, 2003, InterUnion executed an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) with BMB Holding. As a result of the merger, the shareholders of BMB Holding obtained control of the corporation. BMB Holding was treated as the acquiror for accounting purposes. A new board of directors was elected that was comprised primarily of the former directors of BMB Holding and the name of the corporation was changed to BMB Munai, Inc.

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements presented are a continuation of BMB Holding, and not those of InterUnion Financial Corporation, and the capital structure of the Company is now different from that appearing in the historical financial statements of InterUnion Financial Corporation due to the effects of the recapitalization.

 

The Company has a representative office in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

From inception (May 6, 2003) through January 1, 2006 the Company had minimal operations and was considered to be in the development stage. From January 1, 2006 the Company started to generate significant revenues and is no longer in the development stage.

 

BMB Munai is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development, acquisition and production of crude oil and natural gas properties in the Republic of Kazakhstan. BMB Munai carries out its activities in Kazakhstan through its wholly-owned subsidiary Emir Oil LLP. Emir Oil LLP is the operator of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields in western Kazakhstan (the “ADE Block”, the “ADE Fields”). The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “Government”) initially issued the license to Zhanaozen Repair and Mechanical Plant on April 30, 1999. On June 9, 2000, the contract for exploration of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields was entered into between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Investments and the Zhanaozen Repair and Mechanical Plant. On September 23, 2002, the contract was assigned to Emir Oil LLP. On September 10, 2004 the Government extended the term of the Contract for exploration and the License from five years to seven years through July 9, 2007. On December 7, 2004 the Government assigned to Emir Oil LLP the exclusive right to explore an additional territory adjacent to the ADE Block during the remaining term of the License. On February 27, 2007, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“MEMR”) granted a

 

7

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

second extension of the Company’s exploration contract. Under the terms of the contract extension, the exploration period was extended to July 2009 over the entire exploration contract territory. To move from the exploration and development stage to the commercial production stage, the Company must apply for and be granted commercial production rights. The Company has the exclusive right to apply for and negotiate commercial production rights to the ADE Block and the Extended Territory with the Government. The Government is obligated to conduct these negotiations under the Law of Petroleum in Kazakhstan. If the Company does not move from the exploration and development stage to the commercial production stage, it has the right to produce and sell oil, including export oil, under the Law of Petroleum until the expiration of its exploration license in July 2009.

 

NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The consolidated financial information included herein is unaudited, except for the balance sheet as of March 31, 2007, which is derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007. However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results to be expected for an entire year.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 2007 on Form 10-K.

 

The accounting principles applied are consistent with those as set out in the Company’s annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements present the consolidated results of BMB Munai, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Emir Oil LLP (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated from the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

8

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates and affect the results reported in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Foreign currency translation

 

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Any gains or losses arising from a change in exchange rates subsequent to the date of the transaction are included as an exchange gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Share-based compensation

 

The Company accounts for options granted to non-employees at their fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share Based Payment and EITF Abstracts Issue 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. Under SFAS No. 123R, share-based compensation is determined as the fair value of the equity instruments issued. The measurement date for these issuances is the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the recipient to earn the equity instruments is reached or the date at which the recipient’s performance is complete. Stock options granted to the “selling agents” in the private equity placement transactions have been offset to the proceeds as a cost of capital. Stock options and stocks granted to other non-employees are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The Company has a stock option plan as described in Note 10. Compensation expense for options and stocks granted to employees is determined based on their fair values at the time of grant, the cost of which is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the vesting periods of the respective options.

 

Risks and uncertainties

 

The ability of the Company to realize the carrying value of its assets is dependent on being able to develop, transport and market oil and gas. Currently exports from the Republic of Kazakhstan are primarily dependent on transport routes either via rail, barge or pipeline through Russian territory. Domestic markets

 

9

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

in the Republic of Kazakhstan historically and currently do not permit world market price to be obtained. However, management believes that over the life of the project, transportation options will improve as additional pipelines and rail-related infrastructure is built that will increase transportation capacity to the world markets.

 

Recognition of revenue and cost

 

Revenue and associated costs from the sale of oil are charged to the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, delivery of oil has occurred or when ownership title transfers. Produced but unsold products are recorded as inventory until sold.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under the liability method, the effect on previously recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period in which the change is enacted.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all demand deposits, money market accounts and marketable securities purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets are stated at their net realizable values after deducting provisions for uncollectible amounts. Such provisions reflect either specific cases or estimates based on evidence of collectability. The fair value of prepaid expense and other asset accounts approximates their carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.

 

10

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

Inventories

 

Inventories of equipment for development activities, tangible drilling materials required for drilling operations, spare parts, diesel fuel, and various materials for use in oil field operations are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Under the full cost method, inventory is transferred to oil and gas properties when used in exploration, drilling and development operations in oilfields.

 

Inventories of crude oil are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labor costs and overhead, which has been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs to completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

 

The Company periodically assesses its inventories for obsolete or slow moving stock and records an appropriate provision, if there is any. The Company has assessed its inventory at September 30, 2007.

 

No provision for obsolete inventory has been provided.

 

Oil and gas properties

 

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for its costs of acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties.

 

Under full cost accounting rules, the net capitalized costs of evaluated oil and gas properties shall not exceed an amount equal to the present value of future net cash flows from estimated production of proved oil and gas reserves, based on current economic and operating conditions, including the use of oil and gas prices as of the end of the period.

 

Given the volatility of oil and gas prices, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves could change. If oil and gas prices decline, even if only for a short period of time, it is possible that impairments of oil and gas properties could occur. In addition, it is reasonably possible that impairments could occur if costs are incurred in excess of any increases in the cost ceiling, revisions to proved oil and gas reserves occur, or if properties are sold for proceeds less than the discounted present value of the related proved oil and gas reserves.

 

All geological and geophysical studies, with respect to the licensed territory, have been capitalized as part of the oil and gas properties.

 

11

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

The Company’s oil and gas properties primarily include the value of the license and other capitalized costs.

 

Depletion of producing properties is computed using the unit-of-production method based on estimated proved reserves.

 

Liquidation fund

 

Liquidation fund (site restoration and abandonment liability) is related primarily to the conservation and liquidation of the Company’s wells and similar activities related to its oil and gas properties, including site restoration. Management assessed an obligation related to these costs with sufficient certainty based on internally generated engineering estimates, current statutory requirements and industry practices. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of this liability. These estimated costs were recorded as an increase in the cost of oil and gas assets with a corresponding increase in the liquidation fund. The oil and gas assets related to liquidation fund are depreciated on the unit-of-production basis separately for each field. An accretion expense, resulting from the changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest method of allocation to the amount of the liability, is recorded as accretion expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

The adequacies of the liquidation fund are periodically reviewed in the light of current laws and regulations, and adjustments made as necessary.

 

Other fixed assets

 

Other fixed assets are valued at historical cost adjusted for impairment loss less accumulated depreciation. Historical cost includes all direct costs associated with the acquisition of the fixed assets.

 

Depreciation of other fixed assets is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings and improvements

7-10 years

Machinery and equipment

6-10 years

Vehicles

3-5 years

Office equipment

3-5 years

Software

3-4 years

Furniture and fixtures

2-7 years

 

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized.

 

12

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

Other fixed assets of the Company are evaluated for impairment. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than net book value unamortized costs of other fixed assets will be reduced to a fair value.

 

Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash includes funds deposited in a Kazakhstan bank and is restricted to meet possible environmental obligations according to the regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

Concentrations of credit risk and accounts receivable

 

The Company exports nearly all of its test production for sale in the world market. Currently, all of the production the Company exports is being sold to one client, Euro-Asian Oil AG. In the exploration, development and production business, production is normally sold to relatively few customers. Our customers are concentrated in the oil and gas industry, and revenue can be materially affected by current economic conditions and the price of certain commodities such as natural gas and crude oil, the cost of which is passed through to the customer. Nearly all of the Company’s accounts receivable are from Euro-Asian Oil AG. Oil sales are unsecured, however, the Company has not had any credit losses in the past and believes its accounts receivable are fully collectible. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided.

 

Convertible notes payable issue costs

 

In accordance with the Accounting Principles Board Opinion 21 “Interest on Receivables and Payables”, the Company recognizes convertible notes payable issue costs on the balance sheet as deferred charges, and amortizes the balance over the term of the related debt. The Company follows the guidance in the EITF 95-13 “Classification of Debt Issue Costs in the Statement of Cash Flows” and classifies cash payments for bond issue costs as a financing activity.

 

Income per common share

 

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if all contracts to issue common stock were converted into common stock, except for those that are anti-dilutive.

 

13

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the Board having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not anticipate this Statement will impact the Company’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations and cash flows.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the Board’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not anticipate this Statement will impact the Company’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations and cash flows.

 

NOTE 3 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 cash and cash equivalents included:

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

US Dollars

$ 47,542,476

 

$    8,577,949

Foreign currency

163,153

 

3,594,991

 

$  47,705,629

 

$  12,172,940

 

As of September 30, 2007 cash and cash equivalents included the amount of $41,899,905 placed in money market funds having a 30 day simple yield of 4.84%.

 

As of March 31, 2007 cash and cash equivalents included the amount of $7,702,483 placed in money market funds having a 30 day simple yield of 4.99%.

 

14

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 cash and cash equivalents included the amounts of $0 and $292,679, respectively, presented by letters of credit opened for the purpose of purchasing production equipment.

 

NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

 

Inventories as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Construction material

$7,898,424

 

 

$ 10,051,888

Spare parts

34,850

 

 

31,804

Crude oil produced

3,438

 

 

4,810

Other

282,696

 

 

246,194

 

$ 8,219,408

 

 

$ 10,334,696

 

NOTE 5 - OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

 

Oil and gas properties using the full cost method as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Cost of drilling wells

$ 47,631,968 

 

$ 33,263,035 

Professional services received in exploration and

 

 

 

development activities

27,324,531 

 

21,187,753 

Material and fuel used in exploration and development activities

22,341,744 

 

16,417,280 

Subsoil use rights

20,788,119 

 

20,788,119 

Deferred tax

7,219,219 

 

7,219,219 

Geological and geophysical

3,814,037 

 

2,803,215 

Infrastructure development costs

1,968,350 

 

1,753,222 

Accrued interest, accreted discount and amortised bond

 

 

 

issue costs on convertible notes issued

957,122 

 

— 

Other capitalized costs

7,156,311 

 

4,159,200 

Accumulated depletion

(5,910,430)

 

(3,403,475)

 

$ 133,290,971 

 

$ 104,187,568 

 

NOTE 6 - CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS

 

On April 13, 2006 the Company entered into an Agreement on Joint Business

(the “Agreement”) with Ecotechnic Chemicals AG incorporated in Switzerland (the “Ecotechnic”) for construction of a facility within our licensed territory for the utilization of associated gas on the Company’s fields (the “Facility”). After completion of the Facility construction the Company and Ecotechnic will sign the agreement on formation of a joint venture company, which will operate the Facility.

 

In accordance with terms of the Agreement the Company has made payments of USD $5,193,822 for development of project documentation, purchase of equipment, transportation and customs and construction of a gas pipeline.

 

15

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

NOTE 7 - LONG TERM VAT RECOVERABLE

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 the Company had long term VAT recoverable in the amount of $5,981,102 and $4,351,059, respectively. The VAT recoverable is a Tenge denominated asset due from the Republic of Kazakhstan. The VAT recoverable consists of VAT paid on local expenditures and imported goods. VAT charged to the Company is recoverable in future periods as either cash refunds or offsets against the Company’s fiscal obligations, including future income tax liabilities. Management believes that this asset will not be realized in the current year because in order to return funds or offset this tax with other taxes a tax examination must be performed by local Kazakhstan tax authorities. This examination is not expected to be completed during the current fiscal year.

 

NOTE 8 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

 

On July 16, 2007 the Company completed the private placement of US$60 million in principal amount of 5.0% convertible senior notes due 2012 (“Notes”) to non-U.S. persons outside of the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and in compliance with the laws and regulations applicable in each country where the placement took place.

 

The Notes carry a 5% coupon and have a yield to maturity of 6.25%. Interest will be paid at a rate of 5.0% per annum on the principal amount, payable semiannually in arrears on January 13 and July 13 of each year, beginning on January 13, 2008.

 

The Notes are also convertible into the Company’s common shares. The initial conversion price was set at US$ 7.2094 per share, subject to customary adjustments in certain circumstances, including but not limited to, changes of control and certain future equity financings. If the conversion price is adjusted pursuant to the conversion provisions, the conversion price shall not be adjusted below U.S. $6.95, provided that if the conversion price is adjusted due to (1) the payment of a dividend; (2) a bonus issue; (3) a consolidation or subdivision of the shares; (4) the issuance of shares, share-related securities, rights in respect of shares or rights in respect of share-related securities to all or substantially all of the shareholders as a class; (5) the issuance of other securities to substantially all shareholders as a class; or (6) other arrangements to acquire securities, then the minimum conversion price will be adjusted at the same time by the same proportion.

 

16

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

A change of control event occurs if an offer in respect of the Company’s common shares, for which the consideration is or can be received wholly or substantially in cash, has become or been declared unconditional in all respects and the Company becomes aware that the right to cast more than 50% of the votes which may ordinarily be cast on a poll at a general meeting of the shareholders has or will become unconditionally vested in the offeror and/or any associate(s) of the offeror, or an event occurs which has a like or similar effect. If a change of control event occurs, the conversion price in respect of a conversion date that occurs after the date on which notice of such change in control event is given by the Company, but on or prior to the 60th day following the date of such notice, shall become the product of (1) the conversion price that would otherwise apply on such conversion date in the absence of a change of control event and (2) the percentage determined in accordance with the following:

Conversion Date

Percentage

 

 

On or before July 13, 2008

81.6

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2009

86.2

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2010

90.9

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2011

95.5

Thereafter, and until Maturity Date

100.0

 

If a holder of notes shall convert its notes following the date on which notice of a change in control event is given by us but on or prior to the 60th day following the date of such notice, then we shall pay to such holder the following U.S. Dollar amounts per U.S. Dollar of notes held by the holder that are to be so converted.

 

Conversion Date

Amount

 

 

On or before July 13, 2008

$0.12239

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2009

$0.07246

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2010

$0.02250

Thereafter, but on or before July 13, 2011

$0

Thereafter, and until Maturity Date

$0

 

The Notes are callable after three years at a price equal to 104% of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption, subject to the share price trading at least 30% above the conversion price. Holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Company to redeem all or a portion of their Notes on July 13, 2010 at a price equal to 104% of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. Unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to 107.2% of the principal amount thereof on July 13, 2012. The Notes constitute direct, unsubordinated and unsecured, interest bearing obligations of the Company.

 

17

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

The net proceeds from the Notes issuance will be used for further exploration and development of the Company’s oil and gas drilling and production activities in western Kazakhstan.

 

The Company granted a registration right to the Noteholders. The Company agreed to file, pursue to effectiveness and maintain effective a registration statement in respect of the Notes and the underlying shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Notes (collectively, the “Covered Securities”), until such time as all Covered Securities:

 

 

have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the registration statement relating thereto;

 

 

may be resold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereto;

 

 

(A) are not subject to the restrictions imposed by Rule 903(b)(3)(iii) under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereto and (B) may be resold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereto without being subject to the restrictions imposed by paragraphs (e), (f) and (h) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provisions thereto; provided that the requirements set forth in paragraph (c) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereto are met as of such date; or

 

 

have been publicly sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereto.

 

On October 19, 2007 the Company filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-3, as amended on October 25, 2007, (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) registering the Covered Securities for resale. The Company is required to use its best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as possible, but in any event within 200 days after July 13, 2007. The Company will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of Covered Securities, if it fails to meet this deadline.

 

As of September 30, 2007 the Company accrued interest in the amount of $641,667. The Company amortized discount on convertible notes (difference between the redemption amount and the carrying amount as of the date of issue) in the amount of $153,360. The carrying value of convertible notes will be accreted to the redemption value of $64,323,785.

 

 

18

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 the convertible notes payable amount is presented as follows:

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Convertible notes redemption value

$ 64,323,785 

 

$—

Unamortized discount

(4,170,425)

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 60,153,360 

 

$

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 34, Capitalization of Interest and FIN 33, Applying FASB Statement No. 34 to Oil and Gas Producing Operations Accounted for by the Full Cost Method and interpretation of FASB Statement No. 34, accrued interest in amount of $641,667 and discount on convertible notes (difference between the redemption amount and the carrying amount as of the date of issue) in the amount of $153,360 was capitalized to oil and gas properties for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

NOTE 9 - LIQUIDATION FUND

 

Reconciliation of the Liquidation Fund (Asset Retirement Obligation) at September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

 

Total

 

 

At March 31, 2007

$    2,165,829

Accrual of liability

316,802

Accretion expenses

92,359

At September 30, 2007

$ 2,574,990

 

Management believes that the liquidation fund should be accrued for future abandonment costs of 13 wells located in the Aksaz, Dolinnoe, Emir and Kariman oil fields. Management believes that these obligations are likely to be settled at the end of the production phase at these oil fields.

 

19

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

At September 30, 2007, undiscounted expected future cash flows that will be required to satisfy the Company’s obligation by 2009 for the Aksaz, Dolinnoe, Emir and Kariman oilfields, respectively, are $3,067,390. After application of a 10% discount rate, the present value of the Company’s liability at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, is $2,574,990 and $2,165,829, respectively.

 

NOTE 10 - SHARE AND ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL

 

Common and preferred stock as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

March 31, 2007

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value

 

 

 

Authorized

20,000,000

 

20,000,000

Issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value

 

 

 

Authorized

500,000,000

 

500,000,000

Issued and outstanding

44,690,657

 

44,690,657

 

On June 21, 2006 the Company filed Certificate of Amendment to BMB Munai, Inc. Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State to increase the Company’s authorized common stock from 100,000,000 to 500,000,000 shares. Authorized preferred stock remained unchanged.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 the shareholders of the Company approved an incentive stock option plan (the “Plan”) under which directors, officers and key personnel may be granted options to purchase common shares of the Company, as well as other stock based awards. 5,000,000 common shares were reserved for issuance under the Plan. The Board determines the terms of options and other awards made under the Plan. Under the terms of the Plan, no incentive stock options shall be granted with an exercise price at a discount to the market.

 

Common Stock

 

On July 18, 2005, the Company granted 90,000 restricted common shares to three Company employees. Each employee’s stock grant vests in three equal tranches of 10,000 shares on the first, second and third anniversaries of his employment with the Company. We record the fluctuations in the fair value of certain unvested stock grants as a deferred compensation asset (reported as a reduction of shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet). This asset is amortized upon vesting of related stock grants as non-cash compensation expense. Compensation expense for vested stock grants in the amount of $9,068 has been recognized in the Consolidated Statement of

 

20

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheet for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

As of September 30, 2007 there was $13,386 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.34 years.

 

On March 30, 2007, the Company granted common stock to officers, employees and outside consultants of the Company under the Plan. The total number of restricted common shares granted was 950,000. The restricted stock grants were valued at $5.38 per share. The restricted stock grants were awarded on the same terms and subject to same vesting requirements. The restricted stock grants will vest to the grantees at such time as either of the following events occurs (the “Vesting Events”): i) the Company enters commercial production and is granted a commercial production license from the Republic of Kazakhstan; or ii) the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event. An “Extraordinary Event” is defined in the restricted stock agreement as any consolidation or merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with another person, or any acquisition of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any person or group of persons, acting in concert, equal to thirty percent (30%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. In the event of an Extraordinary Event, the grants shall be deemed fully vested one day prior to the effective date of the Extraordinary Event. The Board of Directors shall determine conclusively whether or not an Extraordinary Event has occurred and the grantees have agreed to be bound by the determination of the Board of Directors. The grantees have the right to vote the shares, receive dividends and enjoy all other rights of ownership over the entire grant amount from the grant date, except for the right to transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, dispose of or otherwise directly or indirectly profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the shares prior to the occurrence of a Vesting Event. Shares will only vest to the grantee if the grantee is employed by the Company at the time a Vesting Event occurs. If a Vesting Event has not occurred at the time a grantee’s employment with the Company ceases, for any reason, the entire grant amount shall be forfeited back to the Company.

 

Compensation expense for vested stock grants in amount of $567,889 has been recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheet for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

As of September 30, 2007, there was $3,975,222 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.75 years.

 

21

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

Stock Options

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, the Company had stock options outstanding and exercisable of 1,173,583 with a weighted average exercise price of $5.33. No options were issued during the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

Additional information regarding outstanding options as of September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

Range of

Exercise Price

 

Options

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)

 

Options

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 4.00 – $ 7.40

 

1,173,583

 

$ 5.33    

 

4.15

 

1,173,583

 

$ 5.33

 

 

Warrants

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, the Company had warrants outstanding and exercisable of 142,857 with the weighted average exercise price of $3.50.

 

Additional information regarding warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

Warrants Outstanding

 

Warrants Exercisable

Range of

Exercise Price

 

Warrants

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)

 

Warrants

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 3.50

 

142,857

 

$ 3.50    

 

5.01     

 

142,857

 

$ 3.50     

 

NOTE 11 – REVENUES

 

 

Three months ended

September 30,

 

Six months ended

September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Export sales

$ 12,367,488

 

$ 4,016,972

 

$ 23,948,446

 

$ 6,362,944

Domestic sales

396,909

 

 

396,909

 

 

$ 12,764,397

 

$ 4,016,972

 

$24,345,355

 

$ 6,362,944

 

 

The Company exports oil for sale to the world markets via the Aktau sea port. Sales prices at the port locations are based on the average quoted Brent crude oil price from Platt’s Crude Oil Marketwire for the three days following the bill of lading

 

22

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

date less discount of $14.15 for transportation expenses, freight charges and other expenses borne by Euro-Asian Oil AG.

 

NOTE 12 - EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION

 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/loss per share is based on the following data:

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Six months ended

September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income / (loss)

$ 4,937,073

 

$ 1,016,352

 

$ 8,819,330

 

$ (2,124,409)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding

44,690,657

 

43,690,652

 

44,690,657

 

43,270,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrants

58,384

 

45,770

 

56,530

 

Stock options

217,292

 

163,642

 

209,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive weighted average common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shares outstanding

44,966,333

 

43,900,064

 

44,956,598

 

43,270,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income / (loss) per common share

$          0.11

 

$          0.02

 

$          0.20

 

$       (0.05)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive income / (loss) per common share

$          0.11

 

$          0.02

 

$          0.20

 

$       (0.05)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007 do not include the effect of the potential conversion of the Notes because conversion of the Notes is not contingent upon any market event. Rather, the Notes are convertible to common stock upon the first to occur of (a) the tenth New York business day following the Shelf Registration Statement Effective Date and (b) 13 July 2008.

 

NOTE 13 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company leases ground fuel tanks and other oil fuel storage facilities and warehouses from Term Oil LLC. The lease expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, totaled to $60,776 and $54,021, respectively. Also the Company had accounts payable to Term Oil LLC in the amount of $43,824 and $50,982 as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively. One of our significant shareholders is the owner of Term Oil LLC.

 

23

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Historical investments by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

 

The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan made historical investments in the ADE Block and the Extended Territory of $5,994,200 and $5,350,680, respectively. When and if, the Company applies for and, when and if, it is granted commercial production rights for the ADE Block and Extended Territory, the Company will be required to begin repaying these historical investments to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The terms of repayment will be negotiated at the time the Company is granted commercial production rights.

 

Capital Commitments

 

Under the terms of its subsurface exploration contract, Emir Oil LLP is required to spend a total of $48.7 million in exploration and development activities on the ADE Block and the Extended Territory. Through December 31, 2006 the Company had spent $77.5 million in exploration and development activities. To retain its rights under the contract, the Company must spend $12.7 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $70 thousand in 2009. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had already met its minimum expenditure requirement for 2007. The Company must also comply with the terms of the work program associated with the contract, which includes the drilling of at least nine additional new wells by July 9, 2009. The Company received approval to extend the subsurface exploration contract to July 2009. The failure to meet the minimum capital expenditures or to comply with the terms of the work program could result in the loss of the subsurface exploration contract.

 

Litigation

 

In December 2003, a complaint was filed in the 15th Judicial Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, naming, among others, the Company and former directors, Georges Benarroch and Alexandre Agaian, as defendants. The plaintiffs, Brian Savage, Thomas Sinclair and Sokol Holdings, Inc. allege claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and violation of a Florida trade secret statute in connection with a business plan for the development of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields owned by Emir Oil, LLP. The parties mutually agreed to dismiss this lawsuit without prejudice.

 

24

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

In April 2005, Sokol Holdings, Inc., also filed a complaint in United States District Court, Southern District of New York alleging that BMB Munai, Inc., Boris Cherdabayev, and former BMB directors Alexandre Agaian, Bakhytbek Baiseitov, Mirgali Kunayev and Georges Benarroch wrongfully induced Toleush Tolmakov to breach a contract under which Mr. Tolmakov had agreed to sell to Sokol 70% of his 90% interest in Emir Oil LLP.

 

In October and November 2005, Sokol Holdings filed amendments to its complaint in the U.S. District Court in New York to add Brian Savage and Thomas Sinclair as plaintiffs and to add Credifinance Capital, Inc., and Credifinance Securities, Ltd., (collectively “Credifinance”) as defendants in the matter. The amended complaints alleged: i) tortious interference with contract, specific performance, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair competition-misappropriation of labors and expenditures against all defendants; ii) breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Agaian, Mr. Benarroch and Credifinance; and iii) breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Cherdabayev, Mr. Kunayev and Mr. Baiseitov, in connection with a business plan for the development of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields owned by Emir Oil, LLP. The plaintiffs have not named Toleush Tolmakov as a defendant in the action nor have the plaintiffs ever brought claims against Mr. Tolmakov to establish the existence or breach of any legally binding agreement between the plaintiffs and Mr. Tolmakov. The plaintiffs seek damages in an amount to be determined at trial, punitive damages, specific performance and such other relief as the Court finds just and reasonable.

 

The Company has retained the law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP in New York, New York to represent us in the lawsuit. The Company moved for dismissal of the amended complaint or for a stay pending arbitration in Kazakhstan. That motion was denied, without prejudice to renewing it, to enable defendants to produce documents to plaintiffs relating to the issues raised in the motion. Following completion of document production, the motion was renewed. Briefing on the motion was completed on August 24, 2006. On June 14, 2007, the court ruled on our motion. The court (a) denied the motion to dismiss on the ground that Kazakhstan is a more convenient forum; (b) denied the motion to dismiss in favor of litigation in New York state court; (c) denied the motion to stay pending arbitration in Kazakhstan; and (d) denied the motion to dismiss on the ground that Mr. Tolmakov is an indispensable party. The court also (a) denied the motion (by defendants other than the Company) to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and (b) granted the motion (by defendants other than the Company) to dismiss several claims for relief alleging breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The court dismissed as moot the Company’s cross-motion to stay discovery and instructed the parties to comply with the Magistrate Judge’s discovery schedule.

 

25

 


BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

The Company has appealed the court’s refusal to stay the litigation pending arbitration in Kazakhstan. The Company moved for an order to stay all proceedings in the lower court while the aforementioned appeal is pending. This motion was denied by the lower court and we have made a similar motion before the Court of Appeals. Oral argument on the appeal was held on October 26, 2007. In the meantime, discovery in the case is ongoing. The Magistrate Judge will determine the scope of discovery that will be allowed in this matter.

 

NOTE 15 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 cash and cash equivalents included deposits in Kazakhstan banks in the amount $2,920,088 and $4,181,698, respectively and deposits in U.S. banks in the amount of $44,785,541 and $7,991,242, respectively. Kazakhstan banks are not covered by FDIC insurance, nor does the Republic of Kazakhstan have an insurance program similar to FDIC. Therefore, the full amount of our deposits in Kazakhstan banks was uninsured as of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007. Our deposits in the U.S. banks are also in non-FDIC insured accounts which means they too are not insured to the $100,000 FDIC insurance limit. To mitigate this risk, we have placed all of our U.S. deposits in a money market account that invests in U.S. government backed securities. As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 the Company made advance payments to Kazakhstan companies and government bodies in the amount $16,608,683 and $7,115,297, respectively. As of September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007 restricted cash reflected in the long-term assets consisted of $303,697 and $303,697, respectively, deposited in a Kazakhstan bank and restricted to meet possible environmental obligations according to the regulations of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the primary asset of the Company is Emir Oil LLP; an entity formed under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

26

 


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

 

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition. Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included in this Form 10-Q contain additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material and this document should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

Statements in this discussion may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below, which could cause actual results to differ from those expressed.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “seek,” “could,” “should,” “predict,” “continue,” “future,” “may” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, estimates and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from any results, performance or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in this prospectus and identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, among others, the following risk factors:

 

 

substantial or extended decline in oil prices;

 

inaccurate reserve estimates;

 

twenty-two percent of our proven properties are undeveloped;

 

inability to extend our current contract or enter a new contract with the Republic
  of Kazakhstan;

 

drilled prospects may not yield oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities;

 

substantial losses or liability claims as a result of operations;

 

complex laws that could affect the cost of doing business;

 

substantial liabilities to comply with environmental laws and regulations;

 

the need to replenish older depleting oil and natural reserves with new oil and
  natural gas reserves;

 

inadequate infrastructure in the region our properties are located;

 

unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and
  oil field services;

 

unavailability or high price of transportation systems;

 

competition in the oil and gas industry; and

 

adverse government actions, political risks, expropriation of assets and risks
  of civil war, primarily in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

                

This list of factors that may affect future results, performance or events and the accuracy of any forward-looking statement is illustrative but not exhaustive. In addition, new risks and uncertainties may arise from time to time. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

 

27

 


 

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement for any reason or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

 

Overview

 

BMB Munai is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development, acquisition and production of crude oil and natural gas properties in the Republic of Kazakhstan (sometimes also referred to herein as the “ROK” or “Kazakhstan”). We hold a contract that allows us to explore and develop approximately 460 square kilometers in western Kazakhstan. Our contract grants us the right to explore and develop the ADE Block and an area adjacent to the ADE Block referred to herein as “the Extended Territory”, which includes the Kariman, Borly and Yessen oil and gas fields. The ADE Block and Extended Territory are collectively referred to herein as “our properties.”

 

Exploration Stage Activities

 

Under the statutory scheme in Kazakhstan prospective, oil fields are developed in two stages. The first stage is an exploration and development stage. During this stage the primary focus is on the search for a commercial discovery, i.e., a discovery of a sufficient quantity of oil and gas to make it commercially feasible to pursue execution of, or transition to, a production contract with the government.

 

As discussed above, we are currently engaged in exploration and development of our properties and are working to satisfy the requirements to move to commercial production. Based on discussions with the MEMR, the MEMR expects a contract holder to engage in three primary activities during exploration stage before it will be granted commercial production rights. These activities fall within three primary areas:

 

 

fulfillment of minimum work program commitments;

 

establishment of the existence of commercially producible reserves; and

 

preparation, submission and receipt of approval of a development plan prepared
  by a third-party petroleum institute in Kazakhstan for the exploitation of the
  established commercial reserves.

 

 

28

 


Minimum Work Program Requirements

 

In order to be assured that adequate exploration activities are undertaken during exploration stage, the MEMR establishes an annual mandatory minimum work program to be accomplished in each year of the exploration contract. Under the minimum work program the contractor is required to invest a minimum dollar amount in exploration activities on the contract territory, which may include geophysical studies, construction of field infrastructure or drilling activities. During the exploration stage, the contractor is also required to drill sufficient wells in each field to establish the existence of commercially producible reserves in any field for which it seeks a commercial production license. Failure to complete the minimum work program requirements for any particular field during the term of the exploration contract could preclude the contractor from receiving a longer-term production contract for such field, regardless the success of the contractor in proving commercial reserves during the partial fulfillment of the minimum work program.

 

The contract we hold follows the above format. The contract sets the minimum dollar amount we must expend during each year of our work program. Under our exploration license our work program year ends on July 9 each year. Therefore our work program year does not coincide with our fiscal fear. As a result these timing differences, the amounts reflected in this table as “Actually Made” may differ from amounts disclosed elsewhere in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Consolidated Financial Statements, which present figures based on our fiscal year rather than our work program year.

 

Amount of
Expenditure

Prior to
July 2005

July 2005 to
July 2006

July 2006 to
July 2007

July 2007 to
July 2008

July 2008 to
July 2009

Total

Mandated by
Contract

$21,500,000

$6,000,000

$12,700,000

$ 8,480,000

$70,000

$48,750,000

Actually Made

$38,400,000

$12,700,000

$53,650,000

$ 20,180,000*

$—

$124,930,000

 

* Investment as of September 30, 2007.

 

Under the rules of the MEMR there is an option for expenditures above the minimum requirements in one period to be carried over to meet minimum obligations in future periods. As the above chart shows we have exceeded the minimum expenditure requirement in each period of the contract and have more than doubled the total minimum capital expenditure requirement during the exploration stage. Moreover, we expect our planned drilling activities through 2009 to exceed the amounts required in 2008 and 2009. Therefore, we are confident we have already satisfied the minimum capital expenditure requirements of our exploration contract.

 

The second aspect of the mandatory minimum work program is the requirement to drill a sufficient number of wells on any field for which we plan to seek commercial production rights to support our claim of a commercial discovery within the field.

 

29

 


In Kazakhstan, typically, one exploratory well and two appraisal wells are sufficient to support a claim of commercially producible reserves in a particular field, although in some cases, commercial reserves have been demonstrated with fewer wells. The total number of wells the MEMR will require during exploration stage is generally determined by the number of fields or structures identified by the seismic studies done on a territory. The 3D seismic studies of our contract territory, as extended, have identified six potential fields or structures. Therefore, if we wish to apply for commercial production rights on all six fields we anticipate the need to drill three wells in each field, or at least 18 wells during the exploration phase of our contract, as reflected on the top half of the following chart:

 

Structures

Aksaz

Dolinnoe

Emir

Kariman

Borly

Yessen

Exploratory Wells

1

1

1

1

1

1

Appraisal Wells

2

2

2

2

2

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Existing Wells

3

4

2

4

0

0

Wells in
Progress

0

1

1

2

0

0

Remaining Wells to
Drill by
2009

0

0

0

0

3

3

 

The bottom half of the above chart shows our current progress on drilling of exploratory and appraisal wells. As the chart shows, for purposes of meeting the minimum work program requirements, we have completed drilling of thirteen wells in four fields and are currently drilling four additional wells.

 

To date we have been conservative in our approach to exploration. It has been our practice to drill our first few wells serially. We have verified the presence of oil and gas in all our wells thus far. We have expended substantial time and money to study our wells very closely.

 

In addition to the wells currently in progress, we anticipate the need to (a) drill three wells in the Borly field and three wells in the Yessen field and (b) make commercial discoveries in each of those fields by the end of the term of our exploration contract if we wish to qualify for commercial production rights on each of our six fields. This will require that we continue to accelerate our drilling activities during the next two years. We continue to search for and negotiate with drilling rig providers for delivery of additional rigs to accelerate our drilling program.

 

30

 


Establishing the Existence of Commercially Producible Reserves

 

Establishing the existence of commercially producible reserves is accomplished through drilling wells and engaging in test production of those wells during the exploration stage. We have established the presence of oil and/or natural gas in each of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe, Emir and Kariman fields and are engaged in testing to gather the necessary data and to determine the presence of commercially producible reserves in each of those fields. We have not drilled any wells in the Borly and Yessen fields. The failure to establish commercially producible reserves within the Borly and/or Yessen fields would not preclude us from applying for commercial production rights to the other fields within our contract territory where we establish commercially producible reserves.

 

Preparation, Submission and Approval of a Development Plan

 

Our goal during exploration stage is to study the geology and geophysical characteristics of each field and individual well, with a view to qualifying for a longer-term production contract. Once we complete drilling of a well, our emphasis focuses on an extended period of testing the well’s production characteristics and capacities to determine the best method for producing oil from the well and to gain insight into the further development of the entire field. During this stage of exploration, oil production is subject to wide fluctuations caused by varying pressures commonly experienced by new wells and by significant periods of well closure to accommodate various mandatory testing. The data gathered during these testing procedures will be submitted by us to a third-party independent petroleum institute in Kazakhstan and will be the basis for preparing a development plan. The development plan, which is submitted to the MEMR for review and approval, sets forth the parameters and guidelines for the future commercial production and ongoing development of each field.

 

While we may satisfy all of the requirements to move some or all of our fields to commercial production prior to July 2009, we do not anticipate applying for commercial production rights until some time in 2009 because we enjoy certain economic advantages during exploration stage.

 

During exploration stage, we have the right to produce and sell oil and natural gas at a royalty rate of 2%. If and when we move to commercial production, the terms of our commercial production rights and royalty rates will be renegotiated. The royalty rates may change depending on reserves and production rates. Royalty rates are established by the taxing authorities of the ROK and are based on production rates. The rate increases on a sliding scale. Current royalty rates range from 2% to 6%.

 

Under our contract during exploration stage we are not required to pay rent export tax on the oil and natural gas we sell to the world markets. We anticipate that we will be required to pay rent export tax on all oil and natural gas we sell outside of the domestic market in Kazakhstan if and when we move to commercial production. The current rent export tax rate is tied to the Brent oil price. Rent export tax also increases on a sliding scale. At the present time the rate is 33% of net revenues.

 

Drilling Operations

 

We completed drilling operations on the Kariman-3 and Kariman-4 wells during the quarter ended September 30, 2007. We completed drilling operations on the Aksaz-3 well subsequent to the quarter ended September 30, 2007. We are currently engaged in extensive geological and geophysical survey activities and testing of various discovered intervals within these wells.

 

31

 


 

In July 2007 we commenced re-entry operations on the Aksaz-3 well. The well drill-in was completed in October and testing operations commenced at the end of October/beginning of November.

 

Following completion of drilling of the Kariman-3, Kariman-4 and Aksaz-3 wells, the drilling rigs were relocated and have spudded the Emir-2, Kariman-5, Dolinnoe-5 and Kariman-6 wells, each of which is a new well.

 

Well Performance and Production

 

The following table sets forth the number of oil and natural gas wells in which we owned an interest as of September 30, 2007.

 

 

Company-operated

 

Non-operated

 

Total

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil

12

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

12

Natural Gas

 

 

 

 

 

Total

12

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

12

 

As noted above, as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 we had twelve wells in workover, testing or test production. Drilling of our thirteenth well was completed subsequent to the quarter end.

 

According to the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, we are required to test every prospective object on our properties separately, this includes the completion of well surveys on different modes with various choke sizes on each horizon.

 

In the course of well testing, when the transfer from object to object occurs, the well must be shut in; oil production ceases for the period of mobilization/ demobilization of the workover rig, pull out of the hole, run in the hole, perforation, packer installation time, etc. This has the effect of artificially diminishing production rates averaged over a set period of time.

 

Following is a brief description of the current production status of each of our thirteen wells.

 

32

 


 

Well

 

Current Single Interval
Production Rate

 

Diameter Choke Size

 

 

 

 

 

Aksaz -1

 

-0-(1)

 

-

Aksaz -3

 

210-433 bpd

 

4 mm

Aksaz -4

 

68-107 bpd

 

6 mm

Dolinnoe -1

 

130-235 bpd

 

6 mm

Dolinnoe -2

 

31-266 bpd

 

8 mm

Dolinnoe -3

 

150-210 bpd

 

8 mm

Dolinnoe -6

 

160-350 bpd

 

12 mm

Emir -1

 

-0-(2)

 

-

Emir -6

 

5-37 bpd(3)

 

-

Kariman -1

 

3-19 bpd(4)

 

-

Kariman -2

 

1,390-1,485 bpd

 

6 mm

Kariman -3

 

-0-(5)

 

-

Kariman -4

 

1,000-1,910 bpd

 

14 mm

 

 

(1)

This well is currently not producing because it is undergoing workover operations. Prior to workover, four producing intervals were tested. The single interval test production rate in Aksaz-1 using a 10 mm diameter choke was 140 bpd. A light weight workover rig operated by Great Wall was rigged up on Aksaz-1 in June 2007 and is continuing workover operations on the well. Due to the nature of the activities (fishing works) it is difficult to predict with any degree of certainty the time for completion of the workover.

   

(2)

This well currently is not producing because it is undergoing workover operations. Single interval production from this well prior to workover was 5 to 6 bpd.

   

(3)

Drilling of the Emir-6 well was completed on June 2, 2007. This well was drilled to a depth of 3,197 meters. Completion activities have been performed and the well has been perforated. Upon completion of various surveys we have determined that the primary depletion mechanism is not a suitable option for production from this well. We have installed a down hole pump and review various oil flow stimulation options for this well depending on workover rig availability.

   

(4)

We have installed a downhole pump for test production purposes. We plan to review oil flow stimulation options for this well depending on workover rig availability.

   

(5)

This well was completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Currently we are engaged in testing activities on the intervals discovered in Middle Triassic carbonate and Upper Triassic sandstone intervals.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Revenue and Production

 

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and operating revenue for our oil and natural gas operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

33

 


 

 

Three months ended
September 30, 2007
to the three months ended
September 30, 2006

 

 

For the three

 

For the three

 

$

 

%

 

 

months ended

 

months ended

 

Increase

 

Increase

 

 

September 30,
2007

 

September 30,
2006

 

(Decrease)

 

(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate (Bbls)

 

215,953

 

75,767

140,186

 

185%

Barrels of Oil equivalent
    (BOE)

 

215,953

 

75,767

140,186

 

185%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate (Bbls)

 

215,123

 

75,260

139,863

 

186%

Barrels of Oil equivalent
     (BOE)

 

215,123

 

75,260

139,863

 

186%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Sales Price (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($ per Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)

 

$ 59.34

 

$ 53.37

$ 5.97

 

11%

Barrels of Oil equivalent
     ($ per BOE)

 

$ 59.34

 

$ 53.37

$ 5.97

 

11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids

 

 

 

Oil and condensate

 

$12,764,397

 

$ 4,016,972

$ 8,747,425

 

218%

Gain on hedging and
  derivatives (2)

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

At times, we may produce more barrels than we sell in a given period. The average sales price is calculated based on the average sales price per barrel sold, not per barrel produced.

(2)

We did not engage in hedging transactions, including derivatives during the three months ended September 30, 2007, or the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Revenues. We generate revenue under our contract from the sale of oil recovered during test production. During the three months ended September 30, 2007 our oil production increased 185% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. This significant increase in production is primarily attributable to the fact that we had three additional wells in testing or test production during the entire current fiscal quarter and two additional wells we began testing during at least some part of the quarter compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2007 we realized revenue from oil sales of $12,764,397 compared to $4,016,972 during the three months ended September 30, 2006. The largest contributing factor to the 218% increase in revenue was a 186% increase in sales volume. Another factor contributing to increase in revenues was an 11% increase in the price per barrel we received for oil sales during the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. During the fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 we exported 97% and 100% of our oil, respectively, to the world markets and realized the world market price for those sales.

 

34

 


We anticipate production to remain fairly constant until we complete the new wells that are currently being drilled and begin test production at those wells.

 

As discussed above, our revenue is sensitive to changes in prices received for our oil. Most of our production is currently being sold at the prevailing world market price, which fluctuates in response to many factors that are outside our control. Imbalances in the supply and demand for oil can have a dramatic effect on the price we receive for our production. Similarly, if we were denied an export quota or were otherwise forced to sell all, or a significant portion, of our production to the domestic market in Kazakhstan, we anticipate the price we would receive per barrel of oil would be much lower than the price we currently realize. Political instability, the economy, weather and other factors outside our control could have an impact on both supply and demand.

 

Costs and Operating Expenses

 

The following table presents details of our expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

$ 1,190,481

 

$       575,698

General and administrative

 

3,591,491

 

1,955,246

Depletion(2)

 

1,256,318

 

427,477

Accretion expenses

 

63,691

 

24,453

Amortization and depreciation

 

56,371

 

41,366

Total

 

$ 6,158,352

 

$ 3,024,240

Expenses ($ per BOE):

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

5.53

 

7.65

Depletion (2)

 

5.84

 

5.68

 

(1)

Includes transportation cost, production cost and ad valorem taxes.

(2)

Represents depletion of oil and gas properties only.

 

Oil and Gas Operating Expenses. During the three months ended September 30, 2007 we incurred $1,190,481 in oil and gas operating expenses compared to $575,698 during the three months ended September 30, 2006. This significant increase is primarily the result of increased royalty and transportation expenses.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2007 royalty paid to the Government increased $195,640 or 213% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in royalty corresponds with the increase in production volume. While royalty expense increased significantly, as a percentage of total revenue, royalty expense remained constant. We anticipate that royalty expense will continue to fluctuate in proportion to production volume and realized sales price.

 

We calculate oil and gas operating expense per BOE based on the volume of oil actually sold rather than production volume because not all volume produced during the period is sold during the period. The related production costs are expensed only for the units sold, not produced.

 

35


While oil and gas operating expenses increased 107% during the current fiscal quarter compared to the comparable fiscal quarter of the prior year, expense per BOE decreased from $7.65 per BOE in prior fiscal quarter to $5.53 in current fiscal quarter. The reason expense per BOE decreased is due to the fact that we increased our sales volume in the current fiscal quarter. In the quarter ended September 30, 2006 we sold 75,260 barrels of oil during the current quarter ended September 30, 2007 we sold 215,123 barrels of oil. As expense per BOE is a function of total expense divided by the number of barrels of oil sold, the 186% increase in sales volume more than offset the 107% increase in expenses resulting in the 28% decrease in oil and gas operating expense per BOE.

 

Salary expenses remained approximately the same in current fiscal quarter compared to the comparable prior year fiscal quarter.

 

Transportation expenses increased $438,463 or 149% as a result of two factors. First, transportation expense increased because of the increased volume of oil we produced and transported. Second, transportation expense increased because the Kariman-2 and Kariman-4 wells are located farther from our oil base than our other existing wells and Kariman-2 and Kariman-4 are our highest producing wells. We anticipate transportation expenses will continue to increase with increases in production.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2007 were $3,591,491 compared to $1,955,246 during the three months ended September 30, 2006. This represents an 84% increase in general and administrative expenses. This increase in general and administrative expenses was the result of our recognizing compensation expense of $576,957 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 resulting from restricted stock grants made to employees and outside consultants. By comparison, during the three months ended September 30, 2006 we did not recognize compensation expense for restricted stock grants issued to employees and outside consultants.

 

But for the significant compensation expense recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2007, general and administrative expense during the three months ended September 30, 2007 would have been approximately 54% higher than during the quarter ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of a 54% increase in payroll and related costs as we hired additional administrative personnel to fulfill business needs, increased employee pay rates for existing employees, a 33% increase in rent expense as a result of renting special equipment, apartments and additional vehicles and a 196% increase in professional services resulting from legal fees incurred in our ongoing litigation. We anticipate general and administrative expenses will remain relatively consistent with expenses realized during the three months ended September 30, 2007 in upcoming quarters.

 

Depletion. Depletion expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $828,841 or 194% compared to depletion expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The major reason for this increase in depletion expense was the 186% increase in sales volume during the current fiscal quarter compared to same quarter of last year. The increase in depletion expense is also attributable to the fact that we had five additional wells, continued workover on existing wells and developed additional infrastructure during current fiscal quarter.

 

36

 


Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased 36% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase resulted from purchases of fixed assets during the current fiscal year.

 

Income from Operations. As a result of a 218% increase in revenues during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 we realized income from operations of $6,606,045 compared to income from operations of $992,732 during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. This represents a 565% increase in income from operations during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 compared to the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. In future periods, we believe production rates and oil prices will be such that we will continue to generate sufficient revenue from oil sales to offset our expenses. If, however, production levels or oil prices were to decrease, we may be unable to offset our operating expenses with revenue from production and could experience losses from operations.

 

Other Income/Expense. During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 we realized total other income of $874,368 compared to total other income of $199,133 during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. This 339% increase is largely attributable to a $648,595 increase in foreign exchange gain resulting from fluctuations of foreign currency rates against the U.S. Dollar and an increase in interest income of $58,841. This income was partially offset by an increase in other expenses in amount of $32,201.

 

Net Income. For all of the foregoing reasons, during the three months ended September 30, 2007 we realized net income of $4,937,073 or $0.11 per share compared to a net income of $1,016,352 or $0.02 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

37

 


Results of Operations

 

Six months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Revenue and Production

 

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and operating revenue for our oil and natural gas operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2006.

 

 

Six months ended
September 30, 2007

to the six months ended

September 30, 2006

 

 

For the six

 

For the six

 

$

 

%

 

 

months ended

 

months ended

 

Increase

 

Increase

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

September 30, 2006

 

(Decrease)

 

(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate (Bbls)

 

415,126

 

126,031

289,095

 

229%

Barrels of Oil equivalent     (BOE)

 

415,126

 

126,031

289,095

 

229%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids (Bbls)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate (Bbls)

 

412,696

 

119,878

292,818

 

244%

Barrels of Oil equivalent      (BOE)

 

412,696

 

119,878

292,818

 

244%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Sales Price (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($ per Mcf)

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids ($ per     Bbl)

 

 

 

Oil and condensate ($ per     Bbl)

 

$ 58.99

 

$ 53.08

$ 5.91

 

11%

Barrels of Oil equivalent

  ($ per BOE)

 

$ 58.99

 

$ 53.08

$ 5.91

 

11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

 

 

Natural gas liquids

 

 

 

Oil and condensate

 

$ 24,345,355

 

$ 6,362,944

$ 17,982,411

 

283%

Gain on hedging and   derivatives (2)

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

At times, we may produce more barrels than we sell in a given period. The average sales price is calculated based on the average sales price per barrel sold, not per barrel produced.

(2)

We did not engage in hedging transactions, including derivatives during the six months ended September 30, 2007, or the six months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Revenues. We generate revenue under our contract from the sale of oil recovered during test production. During the six months ended September 30, 2007 our oil production increased 229% compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006. This significant increase in production is primarily attributable to the fact that we had twelve

 

38

 


wells in testing or test production during all or some portion of the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to seven wells during all or some portion of the six month period ended September 30, 2006.

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2007 we realized revenue from oil sales of $24,345,355 compared to $6,362,944 during the six months ended September 30, 2006. The largest contributing factor to the 283% increase in revenue was a 244% increase in sales volume. Another factor contributing to the increase in revenues was an 11% increase in the price per barrel we received for oil sales during the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006. During the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 we exported 98% and 100% of our oil to the world markets, respectively, and realized the world market price for those sales. We anticipate production to remain fairly constant until we complete and begin testing of the four wells that are currently being drilled.

 

As discussed above, our revenue is sensitive to changes in prices received for our oil. Approximately 97% of our production is currently being sold at the prevailing world market price, which fluctuates in response to many factors that are outside our control. Imbalances in the supply and demand for oil can have a dramatic effect on the price we receive for our production. Similarly, if we were denied an export quota or granted a reduced export quota that would require us to sell all or a significant percentage of our production to the domestic market in Kazakhstan, we anticipate the price we would receive per barrel of oil would be much lower than the price we currently realize. Political instability, the economy, weather and other factors outside our control could have an impact on both supply and demand.

 

Costs and Operating Expenses

 

The following table presents details of our expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2007

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2006

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

$     2,230,370

 

$       990,573

General and administrative

 

6,965,955

 

7,322,942

Depletion(2)

 

2,506,955

 

667,968

Accretion expenses

 

92,359

 

64,058

Amortization and depreciation

 

112,219

 

76,511

Total

 

$ 11,907,858

 

$ 9,122,052

Expenses ($ per BOE):

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

5.40

 

8.26

Depletion (2)

 

6.07

 

5.57

 

(1)

Includes transportation cost, production cost and ad valorem taxes.

(2)

Represents depletion of oil and gas properties only.

 

39

 


Oil and Gas Operating Expenses. During the six months ended September 30, 2007 we incurred $2,230,370 in oil and gas operating expenses compared to $990,573 during the six months ended September 30, 2006. This significant increase is primarily the result of several factors, including increased royalty, salary and transportation expenses.

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2007 royalty paid to the Government increased by $387,555 or 247% compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in royalty corresponds with the increase in production. While royalty expenses increased significantly, as a percentage of total revenue, royalty expense remained nearly unchanged. We anticipate that royalty expenses will continue to fluctuate in proportion to production volume and realized sales price.

 

We calculate oil and gas operating expense per BOE based on the volume of oil actually sold rather than production volume because not all volume produced during the period is sold during the period. The related production costs are expensed only for the units sold, not produced.

 

While oil and gas operating expenses increased 125% during the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006, expense per BOE decreased from $8.26 per BOE during the six months ended September 30, 2006 to $5.40 during the six months ended September 30, 2007. The reason expense per BOE decreased is due to the fact that we increased our sales volume during the six months ended September 30, 2007. During the six months ended September 30, 2006 we sold 119,878 barrels of oil, during the six months ended September 30, 2007 we sold 412,696 barrels of oil. As expense per BOE is a function of total expense divided by the number of barrels of oil sold, the 244% increase in sales volume more than offset the 125% increase in expenses resulting in the 35% decrease in oil and gas operating expense per BOE.

 

Salary expenses remained approximately the same during six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Transportation expenses increased $875,394 or 168% as a result of two factors. First, transportation expense increased because of the increased volume of oil we produced and transported. Second, transportation expense increased because the Kariman-2 and Kariman-4 wells are located farther from our oil base than our other existing wells and Kariman-2 and Kariman-4 are our highest producing wells. We anticipate transportation expenses will continue to increase with increases in production.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses during the six months ended September 30, 2007 were $6,965,955 compared to $7,322,942 during the six months ended September 30, 2006. This represents a 5% decrease in general and administrative expenses. This decrease in general and administrative expenses, however, is due to our recognizing compensation expense of $4,010,346 during the six months ended September 30, 2006 resulting from restricted stock grants made to employees and outside consultants. By comparison, during the six months ended September 30, 2007 we recognized compensation expense for restricted stock grants issued to employees and outside consultants in amount of $1,153,914.

 

40

 


But for the compensation expense recognized during the six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, general and administrative expense would have been $3,312,596 or 75% lower than during the six months ended September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily the result of a 52% increase in payroll and related costs as we hired additional administrative personnel to fulfill business needs, increased employee pay rates for existing employees, a 40% increase in rent expense from renting special equipment, apartments and additional vehicles and a 227% increase in professional services resulting from legal fees incurred in our ongoing litigation. We anticipate general and administrative expenses will remain relatively consistent with expenses realized during the three months ended September 30, 2007 in upcoming quarters.

 

Depletion. Depletion expense for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased by $1,838,987 or 275% compared to depletion expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2006. The major reason for this increase in depletion expense was the 244% increase in sales volume during the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to same period of last year. The increase in depletion expense is also attributable to the fact that we drilled additional wells, continued workover on existing wells and developed additional infrastructure during current fiscal quarter.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended September 30, 2007 increased 47% compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006. The increase resulted from purchases of fixed assets during the year.

 

Income/Loss from Operations. As a result of a 283% increase in revenues during the six months ended September 30, 2007 we realized an income from operations of $12,437,497 compared to a loss from operations of $2,759,108 during the six months ended September 30, 2006. This represents a 551% increase in income from operations during the six months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2006. In future periods, we believe production rates and oil prices will be such that we will continue to generate sufficient revenue from oil sales to offset our expenses. If, however, production levels or oil prices were to decrease, we may be unable to offset our operating expenses with revenue from production and could experience losses from operations.

 

Other Income/Expense. During the six months ended September 30, 2007 we realized total other income of $452,604 compared to total other income of $810,212 during the six months ended September 30, 2006. This 44% decrease is largely attributable to a $365,339 decrease in interest income.

 

Net Income/Loss. For all of the foregoing reasons, during the six months ended September 30, 2007 we realized net income of $8,819,330 or $0.20 per share compared to a net loss of $2,124,409 or $0.05 per share for the six months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Funding for our activities has historically been provided by funds raised through the sale of our common stock. From inception on May 6, 2003 through September 30, 2007 we have raised approximately $94.6 million through the sale of our common stock. Additionally during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 we completed the placement of $60 million in principal amount of 5.0% convertible senior notes due in 2012.

 

41

 


 

Our need for capital is primarily to fund our ongoing operations to meet the drilling requirements of our minimum work program. For the period from inception through September 30, 2007, we have incurred capital expenditures of $133,290,971 for exploration, development and acquisition activities.

 

We continually evaluate our capital needs and compare them to our capital resources. We project we will need up to an additional $65 million to complete exploration of our properties in order to secure a commercial production contract over our entire exploration contract territory. We anticipate that required financial resources will be derived from our current and future production revenues and commercial debt.

 

As noted above, on July 16, 2007 we completed the private placement of US$60 million in principal amount of 5.0% convertible senior notes due 2012 to non-U.S. persons outside of the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act and in compliance with the laws and regulations applicable in each country where the placement took place. The Notes carry a 5% coupon and have a yield to maturity of 6.25%. Interest will be paid at a rate of 5.0% per annum on the principal amount, payable semiannually in arrears on January 13 and July 13 of each year, beginning on January 13, 2008.

 

The Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock. The initial conversion price was set at US$ 7.2094 per share, subject to customary adjustments in certain circumstances, including but not limited to, changes of control and certain future equity financings, but shall not be adjusted below U.S. $6.95.

 

The Notes are callable after three years at a price equal to 104% of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption, subject to the share price trading at least 30% above the conversion price. Holders of the Notes will have the right to require us to redeem all or a portion of their Notes on July 13, 2010 at a price equal to 104% of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. Unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed by us at a price equal to 107.2% of the principal amount thereof on July 13, 2012. The Notes constitute direct, unsubordinated and unsecured, interest bearing obligations of the Company.

 

We granted a registration right to the Noteholders. In the event the Notes and the underlying shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Notes (collectively, the “Covered Securities”), have not been registered for resale pursuant to the Securities Act within 200 days after July 13, 2007 we will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Covered Securities.

 

For additional detail regarding the Notes, including adjustments to the initial conversion price and the registration right of the Noteholders and see Note 8 to the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, September 30, 2007.

 

42

 


The net proceeds from the Note issuance of approximately $56.2 million will be used to continue our drilling program. We anticipate that even with these funds, and anticipated revenue from operations we will need to obtain additional funding to finance our operations through the end of our exploration activities in July 2009. We are currently negotiating an unsecured revolving credit facility, which we believe, when coupled with anticipated revenue from operations, will provide us sufficient capital to complete our planned exploration activities through July 2009.

 

In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient funding to fully explore our entire exploration contract territory, we will forego exploration of one or more of the potential fields within the Extended Territory. The failure to explore a particular field by the end of our exploration contract would terminate our rights to explore that field in the future and would preclude us from making application for a commercial production contract for that field.

 

Cash Flows

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2007 cash was primarily used to fund exploration and development expenditures. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.

 

Six months ended
September 30, 2007

 

Six months ended
September 30, 2006

Net cash provided by/(used in)

 

 

operating activities

$   10,774,828 

$   (5,976,166)

Net cash used in investing activities

$ (31,452,902)

$ (16,640,253)

Net cash provided by financing activities

$  56,210,763 

 

$     5,758,502 

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH

 

 

EQUIVALENTS

$  35,532,689 

 

$  (16,857,917)

 

Our principal source of liquidity during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 was cash and cash equivalents. At March 31, 2007 cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $12.2 million. At September 30, 2007 cash and cash equivalents had increased to approximately $47.7 million. During the six months ended September 30, 2007 we spent approximately $30.2 million to fund our drilling and development activities and we received approximately $56.2 million as net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes.

 

While we anticipate revenue to increase in upcoming quarters as new wells are completed and put into test production, at this time we cannot predict how much our production, and correspondingly, our revenue might increase. At current production rates, we expect that we will need to seek additional debt financing if we are to drill the additional wells we need to support our claims of commercially producible reserves in each field within our contract territory by the end of the term of our exploration contract. While we are in preliminary negotiations with a party to provide us a revolving credit facility, we have not at this time executed any definitive agreements. There is no guarantee that we will be able to secure additional funding on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

43

 


Certain operating cash flows are denominated in local currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction. Because of the potential for civil unrest, war and asset expropriation, some or all of these matters, which impact operating cash flow, may affect our ability to meet our short-term cash needs.

 

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

 

The following table lists our significant commitments at September 30, 2007, excluding current liabilities as listed on our consolidated balance sheet:

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

Contractual obligations

 

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3 years

 

4-5 years

 

After 5 years

Capital Expenditure
Commitment(1)

 

$ 21,250,000

 

$12,700,000

 

$ 8,550,000

 

$    —

 

$    —

Due to the Government of
the Republic of Kazakhstan(2)

 

11,344,880

 

 

11,344,880

 

 

Liquidation Fund

 

2,574,990

 

 

2,574,990

 

 

Total

 

$ 35,169,870

 

$12,700,000

 

$22,469,870

 

$    —

 

$    —

 

(1)

Under the terms of our subsurface exploration contract we are required to spend a total of $48.7 million in exploration and development activities on our properties, including a minimum of $12.7 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $70 thousand in 2009. As of September 30, 2007, we have spent a total of $124.9 million in exploration and development activities, including $20.2 million through nine calendar months ended September 30, 2007.

(2)

In connection with our acquisition of the oil and gas contract covering the ADE Block and the Extended Territory, we are required to repay the ROK for historical costs incurred by it in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements. Our repayment obligation for the ADE Block is $5,994,200 and our repayment obligation for the Extended Territory is $5,350,680. The terms of repayment of these obligations, however, will not be determined until such time as we apply for and are granted commercial production rights by the ROK. Should we decide not to pursue a commercial production rights, we can relinquish the ADE Block and/or the Extended Territory to the ROK in satisfaction of their associated obligations.

 

44

 


Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

 

 

As of September 30, 2007, we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

 

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Our primary market risks are fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not currently use derivative commodity instruments or similar financial instruments to attempt to hedge commodity price risks associated with future crude oil production.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

Our revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for crude oil. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to either borrow or raise additional capital. Price affects our ability to produce crude oil economically and to transport and market our production either through export to international markets or within Kazakhstan. Our first two fiscal quarters 2008 crude oil sales in the international export market were based on prevailing market prices at the time of sale less applicable discounts due to transportation.

 

Historically, crude oil prices have been subject to significant volatility in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control. Crude oil prices are likely to continue to be volatile and this volatility makes it difficult to predict future oil price movements with any certainty. Any declines in oil prices would reduce our revenues, and could also reduce the amount of oil that we can produce economically. As a result, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Emir Oil, LLP, our Kazakhstani subsidiary, also uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. To the extent that business transactions in Kazakhstan are denominated in the Kazakh Tenge we are exposed to transaction gains and losses that could result from fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar—Kazakh Tenge exchange rate. We do not engage in hedging transactions to protect us from such risk.

 

45

 


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosures. Because of inherent limitations, our disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such disclosure controls and procedures are met.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Report we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2007.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

In December 2003, a complaint was filed in the 15th Judicial Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, naming, among others, the Company and former directors, Georges Benarroch and Alexandre Agaian, as defendants. The plaintiffs, Brian Savage, Thomas Sinclair and Sokol Holdings, Inc., allege claims of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and violation of a Florida trade secret statute in connection with a business plan for the development Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields owned by Emir Oil, LLP. The parties mutually agreed to dismiss this lawsuit without prejudice.

 

In April 2005, Sokol Holdings, Inc., also filed a complaint in United States District Court, Southern District of New York alleging that BMB Munai, Inc., Boris Cherdabayev, and former BMB directors Alexandre Agaian, Bakhytbek Baiseitov, Mirgali Kunayev and Georges Benarroch wrongfully induced Toleush Tolmakov to breach a contract under which Mr. Tolmakov had agreed to sell to Sokol 70% of his 90% interest in Emir Oil LLP.

 

46

 


In October and November 2005, Sokol Holdings filed amendments to its complaint in the U.S. District Court in New York to add Brian Savage and Thomas Sinclair as plaintiffs and to add Credifinance Capital, Inc., and Credifinance Securities, Ltd., (collectively “Credifinance”) as defendants in the matter. The amended complaints alleged: i) tortious interference with contract, specific performance, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair competition-misappropriation of labors and expenditures against all defendants; ii) breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Agaian, Mr. Benarroch and Credifinance; and iii) breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Cherdabayev, Mr. Kunayev and Mr. Baiseitov, in connection with a business plan for the development of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields owned by Emir Oil, LLP. The plaintiffs have not named Toleush Tolmakov as defendant in the action nor have the plaintiffs ever brought claims against Mr. Tolmakov to establish the existence or breach of any legally binding agreement between the plaintiffs and Mr. Tolmakov. The plaintiffs seek damages in an amount to be determined at trial, punitive damages, specific performance and such other relief as the Court finds just and reasonable.

 

We have retained the law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP in New York, New York to represent us in the lawsuit. We moved for dismissal of the amended complaint or for a stay pending arbitration in Kazakhstan. That motion was denied, without prejudice to renewing it, to enable defendants to produce documents to plaintiffs relating to the issues raised in the motion. Following completion of document production, the motion was renewed. Briefing on the motion was completed on August 24, 2006. On June 14, 2007, the court ruled on our motion. The court (a) denied the motion to dismiss on the ground that Kazakhstan is a more convenient forum; (b) denied the motion to dismiss in favor of litigation in New York state court; (c) denied the motion to stay pending arbitration in Kazakhstan; and (d) denied the motion to dismiss on the ground that Mr. Tolmakov is an indispensable party. The court also (a) denied the motion (by defendants other than the Company) to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and (b) granted the motion (by defendants other than the Company) to dismiss several claims for relief alleging breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The court dismissed our cross-motion to stay discovery and instructed the parties to comply with the Magistrate Judge’s discovery schedule.

 

We have appealed from the court’s refusal to stay the litigation pending arbitration in Kazakhstan. We have also moved for an order to staying all proceedings in the lower court while the aforementioned appeal is pending. This motion was denied by the lower court and we have made a similar motion before the Court of Appeals. Oral argument on the appeal was held on October 26, 2007. In the meantime, discovery in the case is ongoing. The Magistrate Judge will determine the scope of discovery that will be allowed in this matter.

 

Other than the foregoing, to the knowledge of management, there is no other material litigation or governmental agency proceeding pending or threatened against the Company or our management.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A to Part I of our Form 10-K filed on June 14, 2007 and the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A to Part II of our Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2007 please see the following additional risk factors.

 

47

 


 

We may not have the funds, or the ability to raise the funds, necessary to repurchase the Notes upon a fundamental change or on any other repurchase date, as required by the trust indenture governing the Notes.

 

Following (1) a change in control or (2) on July 13, 2010, holders of Notes may require us to repurchase their Notes. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient financial resources or that we will be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price with respect to any Notes tendered by holders for repurchase on any of these dates or upon a fundamental change.

 

In addition, restrictions in our then existing indebtedness may not allow us to repurchase the Notes. Our failure to repurchase the Notes when required would result in an event of default with respect to the Notes. Such an event of default could negatively affect the trading price of the Notes and our common stock because the event of default could lead to the principal and accrued but unpaid interest on the outstanding Notes becoming immediately due and payable.

 

If we violate certain undertakings contained in the trust indenture governing the Notes we could be sued by the noteholders.

 

In the trust indenture governing the Notes we agreed to a number of undertakings, including but not limited to:

 

 

maintaining a net debt to equity ratio of no more than 3:5;

 

not creating or allowing to subsist any security interest for the benefit of holders of our debt securities or guarantees of such debt securities upon all, or any part of our respective undertakings, assets or revenues, or those of our material subsidiaries, without at the same time or prior thereto securing the Notes;

 

not making substantial changes to the general nature of our business from that of hydrocarbon exploration and development; and

 

not disposing, and procuring that none of our subsidiaries will dispose, of more than 20% of (i) our rights in the Dolinnoe Field or (ii) any ownership interest that we have in any company holding rights in the Dolinnoe Field.

 

If we breach the undertakings we agreed to in the note agreements the trustee, on behalf of the noteholders, has the right to institute such proceeding as it deems necessary to enforce the rights of the noteholders.

 

Conversion of the Notes into our common stock will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders, including Noteholders who had previously converted their Notes.

 

The conversion of some or all of the Notes into our common stock will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Notes could depress the price of our common stock.

 

48

 


 

Other than the foregoing, there have been no material changes in the risk factors previously described in Item 1A to Part I of our Form 10-K filed on June 14, 2007 or Item 1A to Part II of our Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2007.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

Exhibits. The following exhibits are included as part of this report:

                

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to

 

 

 

Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to

 

 

 

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-

 

 

 

Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-

 

 

 

Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

49

 


SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 9, 2007

/s/ Gamal Kulumbetov

 

 

 

Gamal Kulumbetov, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 9, 2007

/s/ Sanat Kasymov

 

 

 

Sanat Kasymov, Chief Financial Officer

 

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