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ZION OIL & GAS INC - Quarter Report: 2011 September (Form 10-Q)

Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

MARK ONE
 
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2011; or
 
¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from
________ to ________
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-33228
 
ZION OIL & GAS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
20-0065053
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)
 
 
6510 Abrams Rd., Suite 300
 
Dallas, Texas
75231
  (Address of principal executive offices)
Zip Code
 
(214) 221-4610
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No ¨
  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
  
As of October 27, 2011, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. had outstanding 30,432,360 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
 
 
 

 

 
INDEX PAGE
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
 
Page
   
Item 1 - Financial Statements – Unaudited
1
 
 
Balance Sheets  - September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
2
 
 
Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011
3
 
 
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended  September  30, 2011 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011
4
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended  September  30, 2011 and 2010 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011
15
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
17
 
 
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
36
   
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
43
 
 
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
43
 
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings
44
   
Item A – Risk Factors
44
   
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
44
 
 
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities
44
 
 
Item 4 – (Removed and Reserved)
44
   
Item 5 - Other Information
44
 
 
Item 6 – Exhibits
44
 
 
SIGNATURES
46

 
1

 

 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Balance Sheets as of

   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
             
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
    24,909       21,243  
Short term bank deposits
    274       250  
Prepaid expenses and other
    63       876  
Refundable value-added tax
    752       801  
Total current assets
    25,998       23,170  
                 
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method (see Note 2A)
    3,324       25,882  
                 
Property and equipment at cost
               
Net of accumulated depreciation of $148,000 and $116,000
    227       159  
                 
Other assets
               
Assets held for severance benefits
    133       92  
                 
Total assets
    29,682       49,303  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
    252       388  
Asset retirement obligation
    870       50  
Accrued liabilities
    3,050       2,136  
Deferred officers compensation
    -       21  
Total current liabilities
    4,172       2,595  
                 
Provision for severance pay
    422       339  
                 
Total liabilities
    4,594       2,934  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 5)
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, par value $.01; Authorized:
               
September 30, 2011 - 100,000,000; December 31, 2010 – 50,000,000 Issued and outstanding:
               
September 30, 2011 – 30,426,454; December 31, 2010 - 24,867,218 shares
    304       248  
Additional paid-in capital
    130,248       102,608  
Deficit accumulated in development stage
    (105,464 )     (56,487 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    25,088       46,369  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
    29,682       49,303  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statements of Operations

               
Period from
 
               
April 6, 2000
 
   
For the three month period
   
For the nine month period
   
(inception) to
 
   
ended September 30
   
ended September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Revenues
    -       -       -       -       -  
                                         
General and administrative expenses
                                       
Legal and professional
    260       138       840       633       7,690  
Salaries
    592       651       2,657       2,090       13,118  
Other
    1,204       746       2,963       1,591       10,327  
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
    42,488       -       42,488       22,022       74,004  
Loss from operations
    (44,544 )     (1,535 )     (48,948 )     (26,336 )     (105,139 )
                                         
Other expense, net
                                       
Termination of initial public offering
    -       -       -       -       (527 )
Other income, net
    -       -       -       -       80  
Interest income (expenses), net
    (102 )     102       (29 )     17       122  
                                         
Loss before income taxes
    (44,646 )     (1,433 )     (48,977 )     (26,319 )     (105,464 )
Income taxes
    -       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Net loss
    (44,646 )     (1,433 )     (48,977 )     (26,319 )     (105,464 )
                                         
Net loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted (in US$)
    (1.52 )     (0.06 )     (1.81 )     (1.22 )     (8.45 )
                                         
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic and diluted (in thousands)
    *29,315       *22,914       *27,110       *21,522       *12,478  

* Adjusted to reflect bonus element in rights offering. (See note 2B)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
3

 

 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
 
                     
Deficit
       
                     
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                                           
Balances at April 6, 2000
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                         
Issued for cash ($0.001 per share)
    -       -       2,400       * -       2       -       2  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering  ($1 per share)
    -       -       100       * -       100       -       100  
                                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       -       -       (24 )     -       (24 )
                                                         
Waived interest on conversion of debt
    -       -       -       -       * -       -       * -  
                                                         
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       -       -       2       -       2  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (5 )     (5 )
Balances as of December 31, 2000
    -       -       2,500       * -       80       (5 )     75  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering in January 2001 ($1 per share)
    -       -       135       * -       135       -       135  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering which closed in September 2001 ($1 per share)
    -       -       125       * -       125       -       125  
                                                         
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of shares and warrants
    -       -       40       * -       40       -       40  
                                                         
Payment of note payable through issuance of shares and warrants
    -       -       25       * -       25       -       25  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering which closed in November 2001 ($1 per share)
    -       -       175       * -       175       -       175  
                                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       -       -       (85 )     -       (85 )
Waived interest on conversion of debt
    -       -       -       -       1       -       1  
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       -       -       37       -       37  
Value of warrants granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       -       -       3       -       3  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (207 )     (207 )
Balances as of December 31, 2001
    -       -       3,000       * -       536       (212 )     324  

 
* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
4

 

 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
  
                     
Deficit
       
                     
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                                           
Change in par value of common shares from $ 0.0001 per share to $0.01 per share
    -       -       -       30       (30 )     -       -  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering which closed in January 2002 ($1 per share)
    -       -       20       * -       20       -       20  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering which closed in November 2002 ($10 per share)
    25       * -       22       * -       254       -       254  
                                                         
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of preferred shares and warrants
    13       * -       -       -       127       -       127  
                                                         
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of common shares and warrants
    -       -       111       1       131       -       132  
                                                         
Payment of note payable through issuance of shares and warrants
    5       * -       -       -       50       -       50  
                                                         
Payment of accounts payable to employee through issuance of shares upon exercise of warrants
    -       -       400       4       76       -       80  
                                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       -       -       (160 )     -       (160 )
                                                         
Waived interest on conversion of debt
    -       -       -       -       3       -       3  
                                                         
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions / modifications
    -       -       -       -       21       -       21  
                                                         
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       -       -       1       -       1  
                                                         
Value of warrants granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       -       -       13       -       13  
                                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (403 )     (403 )
                                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2002
    43       * -       3,553       35       1,042       (615 )     462  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
5

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)

 
                     
Deficit
       
               
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
Issuance of shares in connection with executive employment
    -       -       50       1       49       -       50  
                                                         
Issuance of share on warrants exercise
    -       -       165       2       31       -       33  
                                                         
Issuance of dividend shares to record holders as of December 31,2002
    4       * -       -       -       * -       -       -  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering which closed in February 2003 ($10 per share):
                                                       
for cash consideration
    10       * -       -       -       105       -       105  
for reduction of accounts payable
    5       * -       -       -       45       -       45  
                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants as compensation for extension of $100,000 line of credit
    1       * -       -       -       10       -       10  
                                                         
Payment of account payable through issuance of shares and warrants
    * -       * -       -       -       1       -       1  
                                                         
Conversion of preferred shares to common shares in reincorporation merger
    (63 )     * -       763       7       (7 )     -       -  
                                                         
Issuance of shares in a private offering which closed in July 2003 ($3 per share):
                                                       
for cash consideration
    -       -       33       * -       99       -       99  
for reduction of accounts payable
    -       -       3       * -       9       -       9  
                                                         
Issuance of shares upon exercise of warrants:
                                                       
for cash consideration
    -       -       25       * -       25       -       25  
for reduction of accounts payable
    -       -       124       1       142       -       143  
                                                         
Issuance of shares upon exercise of warrants for cash consideration
    -       -       63       1       82       -       83  
                                                         
Payment of account payable through issuance of shares
    -       -       80       1       139       -       140  
                                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       -       -       (58 )     -       (58 )
                                                         
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       -       -       47       -       47  
                                                         
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions / modifications
    -       -       -       -       (10 )     -       (10 )
                                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (873 )     (873 )
                                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2003
    -       -       4,859       48       1,751       (1,488 )     311  
 
·
Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000
 
·
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
 
               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Issuance of shares on warrants exercise
    123       1       183       -       184  
                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering
    251       3       1,002       -       1,005  
                                         
Payment of officer salaries through issuance of shares and warrants
    46       1       184       -       185  
                                         
Payment of accounts payable to officers and consultants upon exercise of warrants
    80       1       99       -       100  
                                         
Payment of director honorariums through issuance of shares and warrants
    11       * -       45       -       45  
                                         
Payment of account payable through issuance of shares and warrants
    13       * -       50       -       50  
                                         
Payment of bridge loan through issuance of shares and warrants
    125       1       499       -       500  
                                         
Payment of bridge loan interest and commitment fee through issuance of shares and warrants
    8       * -       30       -       30  
                                         
Payment of bridge loan finders fee through issuance of shares and warrants
    2       * -       7       -       7  
                                         
Payment of service bonus through issuance of shares and warrants
    20       * -       20       -       20  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (59 )     -       (59 )
                                         
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       41       -       41  
                                         
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions / modifications
    -       -       30       -       30  
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (1,737 )     (1,737 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2004
    5,538       55       3,882       (3,225 )     712  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
7

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)

               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Issuance of shares on warrants exercised:
                             
For cash
    493       5       872       -       877  
For payment of deferred officer salaries
    17       * -       21       -       21  
For exchange of shares of common stock
    120       1       (1 )     -       -  
                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering that closed in March 2005:
                                       
For cash
    519       5       2,070       -       2,075  
For payment of deferred officer salaries
    10       * -       40       -       40  
For payment of accounts payable
    6       * -       25       -       25  
                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering that closed in June 2005:
                                       
For cash
    259       3       1,292       -       1,295  
For payment of directors honoraria
    14       * -       70       -       70  
For payment of accounts payable
    3       * -       15       -       15  
                                         
Issuance of shares in a private offering that closed in October 2005:
                                       
For cash
    584       6       2,914       -       2,920  
For payment of deferred officer salaries
    40       * -       200       -       200  
For payment of accounts payable
    22       * -       110       -       110  
                                         
Issuance of shares in a private offering that closed in December 2005
    80       1       439       -       440  
                                         
Shares to be issued for services provided by director
    -       -       42       -       42  
                                         
Value of warrants and options granted to employees
    -       -       216       -       216  
                                         
Value of warrants granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       16       -       16  
                                         
 Deferred financing costs on debt conversions /modifications
    -       -       44       -       44  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (275 )     -       (275 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (1,605 )     (1,605 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2005
    7,705       76       11,992       (4,830 )     7,238  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
8

 
 
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
 
               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Issuance of shares on warrants exercised:
                             
For cash
    253       3       1,151       -       1,154  
For debt
    60       1       276       -       277  
                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in private offering closings in first quarter 2006:
                                       
For cash
    66       1       362       -       363  
For payment of accounts Payable
    3       * -       14       -       14  
                                         
Shares issued for services provided by officer
    200       2       248       -       250  
                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private offering that closed in September 2006 for cash
    23       * -       126       -       126  
                                         
Value of options granted to employees
    -       -       162       -       162  
                                         
Value of warrants granted to underwriter
    -       -       20       -       20  
                                         
Value of shares gifted to directors, employees and service providers
    -       -       147       -       147  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (681 )     -       (681 )
                                         
Funds received from public offering for subscription shares:
                                       
For cash
    410       4       2,867       -       2,871  
For debt
    27       * -       188       -       188  
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (2,510 )     (2,510 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2006
    8,747       87       16,872       (7,340 )     9,619  

 
* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
9

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)

               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
 Funds received from public offering for subscription shares:
                             
For cash
    1,336       14       9,338       -       9,352  
For debt
    33       * -       235       -       235  
                                         
Compensation in respect of shares previously issued for services provided by officer
    -       -       208       -       208  
                                         
Value of options granted to employees
    -       -       337       -       337  
                                         
Value of warrants granted to underwriter
    -       -       79       -       79  
                                         
Value of shares granted to employees
    5       *-       25       -       25  
                                         
Value of shares gifted to employees
    -       -       7       -       7  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (1,027 )     -       (1,027 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (13,047 )     (13,047 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2007
    10,121       101       26,074       (20,387 )     5,788  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
10

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)

Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)

               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Funds received from Unit Offering for subscription shares:
                             
For cash
    405       4       4,040       -       4,044  
For debt
    12       *-       120       -       120  
                                         
Value of warrants granted to employees
    -       -       266       -       266  
                                         
Value of options granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       44       -       44  
                                         
Value of shares granted to employees
    4       *-       25       -       25  
                                         
Value of shares gifted to employees
    -       -       101       -       101  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (815 )     -       (815 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (4,018 )     (4,018 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2008
    10,542       105       29,855       (24,405 )     5,555  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.
 
 
11

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)

Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
 
               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Funds received from Unit Offering for subscription shares:
                             
For cash
    237       3       2,370       -       2,373  
For debt
    13       *-       126       -       126  
                                         
Funds received from Rights Offering
    4,200       42       20,958       -       21,000  
                                         
Funds received from Second Rights Offering
    3,600       36       17,964       -       18,000  
                                         
Funds received from warrant exercises
    59       1       414       -       415  
                                         
Underwriter warrants exercised in cashless exercise
    13       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Director warrants and options exercised in cashless exercises
    37       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Value of options granted to employees
    -       -       494       -       494  
                                         
Value of options granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       328       -       328  
                                         
Value of shares granted to consultants for services
    5       *-       46       -       46  
                                         
Value of shares gifted to employees
    -       -       4       -       4  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (478 )     -       (478 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (4,424 )     (4,424 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2009
    18,706       187       72,081       (28,829 )     43,439  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
12

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
 
               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Funds received from warrant exercises
    *-       *-       3       -       3  
                                         
Funds received from option exercises
    44       *-       *-       -       *-  
Funds received from the Third Rights Offering
    2,471       25       12,331       -       12,356  
                                         
Funds received from the Fourth Rights Offering
    3,643       36       18,178       -       18,214  
                                         
Value of shares granted to consultants for services
    3       *-       15       -       15  
                                         
Value of options granted to employees
    -       -       479       -       479  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (479 )     -       (479 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (27,658 )     (27,658 )
                                         
Balances as of December 31, 2010
    24,867       248       102,608       (56,487 )     46,369  

 
* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
13

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (cont’d)
 
               
Deficit
       
         
Additional
   
accumulated
       
   
Common Stock
   
paid-in
   
in development
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
capital
   
stage
   
Total
 
   
Thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
                               
Funds received from warrant exercises
    450       5       1,798       -       1,803  
                                         
Funds received from option exercises
    194       2       -       -       2  
                                         
Funds received from the Fifth Rights Offering
    4,915       49       24,528       -       24,577  
                                         
Value of options granted to employees
    -       -       1,562       -       1,562  
                                         
Costs associated with the issuance of shares
    -       -       (248 )     -       (248 )
                                         
Net loss
    -       -       -       (48,977 )     (48,977 )
                                         
Balances as of September 30, 2011
    30,426       304       130,248       (105,464 )     25,088  

* Represents an amount less than US$ 1,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
14

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
 (A Development Stage Company)
Statements of Cash Flows
 
               
Period from
 
               
April 6, 2000
 
   
For the nine month
   
(inception) to
 
   
period ended September 30
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                 
Net loss
    (48,977 )     (26,319 )     (105,464 )
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    32       24       154  
Officer, director and other fees, paid via common stock
    -       15       2,330  
Cost of warrants issued to employees, directors & others
    1,212       553       3.797  
Interest in short term bank deposits
    (11 )     -       (11 )
Interest paid through issuance of common stock
    -       -       17  
Write-off of costs associated with public offering
    -       -       507  
Loss on disposal of equipment
    -       -       4  
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
    42,488       22,022       74,004  
Asset retirement obligation
    240       -       290  
Change in assets and liabilities, net:
                       
Decrease in inventories
    -       -       150  
Prepaid expenses and other
    813       (53 )     (63 )
Increase in deferred offering costs
    -       (26 )     -  
Change in refundable value-added tax
    49       424       (752 )
Severance pay, net
    42       98       289  
Accounts payable
    (136 )     1,591       900  
Accrued liabilities, net
    94       (1,237 )     2,230  
Increase (decrease) in deferred officers' compensation (net)
    (21 )     (383 )     240  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (4,175 )     (3,291 )     (21,378 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Investment in short term bank deposits
    (13 )     -       (263 )
Acquisition of property and equipment
    (100 )     (104 )     (383 )
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties
    (18,180 )     (17,800 )     (75,728 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (18,293 )     (17,904 )     (76,374 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions and modification
    -       -       89  
Loan proceeds – related party
    -       -       259  
Loan principal repayments – related party
    -       -       (259 )
Loan proceeds – other
    -       -       500  
Proceeds from sale and exercise of stock and warrants
    26,382       12,356       126,562  
Costs associated with the issuance of stock and warrants
    (248 )     (213 )     (4,490 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    26,134       12,143       122,661  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    3,666       (9,052 )     24,909  
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period
    21,243       20,734       -  
Cash and cash equivalents– end of period
    24,909       11,682       24,909  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim financial statements.

 
15

 

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Cash Flows (cont'd)
 
         
Period from
 
         
April 6, 2000
 
   
For the nine month
   
(inception) to
 
   
period ended September 30
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
Supplemental information
                 
                   
Cash paid for interest
    -       14       78  
Cash paid for income taxes
    -       -       -  
                         
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                       
                         
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of common stock
    -       -       575  
Payment of accounts payable through issuance of note payable
    -       -       35  
Financing costs paid through issuance of common stock
    -       -       25  
Increase in accounts payable for financing costs
    -       -       382  
Waived interest on debt conversions
    -       -       4  
Shares issued for debt conversion
    -       -       940  
Value of warrants and options granted to directors and consultants
    -       -       405  
Value of warrants and options granted to employees
    -       -       1,544  
Value of warrants granted to underwriters
    -       -       99  
Value of shares gifted to directors, employees and service providers
    -       -       259  
Deferred financing costs
    -       -       85  
Cost of options granted to employees attributed to Oil & Gas properties
    350       -       350  
Investment in Oil &Gas properties
    1,400       -       1,400  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited interim financial statements.
 
 
16

 

Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

 
A.
Nature of Operations

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (“Zion” or the “Company”) is a development stage oil and gas exploration company with a history of more than 10 years of oil & gas exploration in Israel. The Company currently holds three petroleum exploration licenses, all onshore Israel, comprised of the Joseph License (covering approximately 83,272 acres), the Asher-Menashe License (covering approximately 78,824 acres) and the Jordan Valley License (covering approximately 55,845 acres of land in the Jordan Valley area).] The areas covered by the Joseph License and the Asher Menashe License have been subject to a series of exploration permits and licenses that have been granted to and held by the Company under the Israeli Petroleum Law, 5712-1952 (the “Petroleum Law”) since 2007. The Company was awarded the Jordan Valley License in April 2011.
 
Zion currently has pending before the Petroleum Commissioner of the State of Israel (the “Commissioner”) applications for one exploration license and two preliminary exploration permits. In February 2011, the Company submitted to the Commissioner a license application for an area covering approximately 74,925 acres of land within the vicinity of the Dead Sea, in central Israel, which it has named the Dead Sea License Application as well as an application for a preliminary exploration permit covering part of the area previously covered by its previous Issachar-Zebulun Permit, which expired on February 23, 2011 (the Zebulun Permit Application), covering approximately 157,480 acres of land. Subsequently, in June 2011, the Company submitted an application to the Commissioner for a preliminary exploration permit on an area adjacent to the Joseph License area. The Company named the new permit application the “Asher-Joseph Permit Application.” The Asher-Joseph Permit Application area is on approximately 80,000 acres of land and is to the west and south of Zion's Joseph License area. It is onshore Israel and traverses a section of land, adjacent to the coastline, between Haifa and Tel Aviv. No assurance can be provided that any of the Dead Sea License Application, the Zebulun Permit Application or Asher-Joseph Permit Application will ultimately be granted.
 
Licenses
 
(1) The Asher-Menashe License covers an area of approximately 78,824 acres located on the Israeli coastal plain and the Mount Carmel range between Caesarea in the south and Haifa in the north. The Asher-Menashe License had an initial three-year term, which commenced on June 10, 2007, and has been extended for additional one-year periods and is currently scheduled to expire on June 9, 2012. At the option of the Petroleum Commissioner, the Asher-Menashe License may be extended for additional one-year periods up to 2014. To date, the Company has partly completed one exploratory well in the Asher-Menashe License Area, the Elijah #3 well. The Company commenced drilling this well in October 2009 toward the Triassic age geological formation, which the Company estimated was below approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). As of January 15, 2010, the Company drilled to a depth of 10,938 feet (3,334 meters). In early February 2010, the Company temporarily suspended drilling operations in the well following its unsuccessful efforts to retrieve a stuck pipe, pending further analysis of the situation. Work on this well was subsequently suspended and an impairment charge was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. (See Note 2A)
 
(2) The Joseph License covers approximately 83,272 acres on the Israeli coastal plain south of the Asher-Menashe License between Caesarea in the north and Netanya in the south. The Joseph License had an initial three-year term, which commenced on October 11, 2007 and was extended for an additional one-year period, which ended on October 11, 2011. On September 21, 2011, the Company submitted an application for an extension to the Joseph License and on October 26, 2011, the Company was notified that the license was extended through October 10, 2012. The Joseph License may be extended for additional one-year periods up to 2014. The areas covered by the Joseph License include the Ma’anit structure, on which the Company previously drilled the Ma’anit #1 and Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 wells and the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, which has been tested. In July 2011 the Company conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities. Work on this well was subsequently suspended and an impairment charge was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. (See Note 2A)

 
17

 

Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (cont'd)

 
A.
Nature of Operations (cont'd)

In the event of a discovery on either of the licenses held, the Company will be entitled to convert the relevant portions of the license to a 30-year production lease, extendable to 50 years, subject to compliance with a field development work program and production.
 
Newly Submitted License & Permit Applications
 
(i) On February 17, 2011, prior to the expiration of the Issachar-Zebulun Permit, the Company submitted an application to the Petroleum Commissioner for an exploration license on approximately 55,485 acres of land (the Jordan Valley License Application) and an application for a new preliminary exploration permit on approximately 157,000 acres of land (the Zebulun Permit), most of which were within the area included within the Company’s previous Issachar-Zebulun Permit. As noted above, the Jordan Valley License application was awarded in April 2011. Together, the new Jordan Valley License Application and the new Zebulun Permit Application cover much of the land previously held under the Issachar-Zebulun Permit.
 
To assist in identifying potential drilling prospects within the previous Issachar-Zebulun Permit area, in June 2010, the Company acquired an additional 2-D seismic line approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) long and the data was processed and integrated into the Company’s geological/geophysical database by its geologists. The Company has identified various areas of potential for further exploration activity within the Jordan Valley License Application area. On October 4, 2011, in connection with planned seismic, magnetic and gravimetric surveys on the Jordan Valley License area, the Company entered into an agreement with the Geophysical Institute of Israel to obtain seismic data in the license area and acquire an additional 2-D seismic line approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) long.
 
(ii) The Company’s geologists identified the Dead Sea area as one worthy of exploration and in February, 2011, the Company applied for a license in the Dead Sea area on approximately 75,000 acres of land (the Dead Sea License Application). The Company has been informed that its Dead Sea License application has not yet been considered by the Commissioner, due to a review by outside consultants, taking place within the Commissioner's office, concerning the process of granting both permits and licenses.
 
(iii) In June 2011, the Company submitted an application to the Commissioner for a preliminary exploration permit on an area adjacent to the Joseph License area. The Company named the new permit application the “Asher-Joseph Permit Application.” The Asher-Joseph Permit Application area covers approximately 80,000 acres of land and is to the west and south of Zion's Joseph License area. It is onshore Israel and traverses a section of land, adjacent to the coastline, between Haifa and Tel Aviv. The Company has been informed that the Asher-Joseph Permit application has not yet been considered by the Commissioner, due to a review by outside consultants, taking place within the Commissioner's office, concerning the process of granting both permits and licenses.
 
No assurance can be provided that any of the Zebulun Permit Application, the Dead Sea License Application, or the Asher-Joseph Permit Application will ultimately be granted.
 
Summary of Drilling and Exploration Activities
 
Joseph License
 
To date, the Company completed drilling three exploratory wells in the Joseph License area, the last of which, the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, was completed in June 2011. In July 2011, after reaching the target depth of approximately 19,357 feet (5,900 meters) on the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, the Company conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities in the zone tested.
 
 
18

 

Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (cont'd)

 
A.
Nature of Operations (cont'd)

The first exploratory well, named the Ma’anit #1 well, was drilled to a depth of 15,842 feet (4,829 meters) to Triassic-age formations with encouraging but inconclusive results. However, notwithstanding these results, due to the mechanical condition of the well-bore, the Company determined that the well was incapable of producing oil and/or gas in commercial quantities and, consequently, in June 2007, it abandoned the well.

In 2009, the Company drilled its second well (the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well), ‘directionally’ to a depth of 17,913 feet (5,460 meters). The purpose of the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well was both to appraise the apparent findings of the Ma’anit #1 in the Triassic-age formations (at a depth of between approximately 12,000 and 15,400 feet) and to test the deeper Permian-age horizons at a depth of approximately 16,000 to 18,000 feet.
 
The well penetrated a number of geologic formations that were preliminarily deemed to have hydrocarbon potential and, during well operations, a small quantity of crude oil was retrieved. However, in April 2010, following the completion of testing procedures, the Company determined that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons were not present in the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well and, accordingly, it suspended drilling operations in that well. In connection with this decision, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge to its unproved oil and gas properties in the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

As the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well did not reach the Permian-age geological formation beneath the Joseph License area, the Company decided to drill a subsequent well, the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well, at a location near the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well (in the Joseph License Area).
 
The drilling of the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well commenced in August 2010 and was planned to test the Permian-age geological formation. On June 13, 2011, the Company reached its target depth of approximately 19,357 feet (5,900 meters) in Northern Israel, after which it carried out open-hole wireline logging operations to learn more regarding the well's lithology (rock types) and hydrocarbon potential. The interpretation of the logging indicated that there was little chance that Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well contained hydrocarbons in commercial quantities. However, during drilling, the Company recorded significant natural gas shows. The Company decided to test the well, to know the hydrocarbon production capacity of the well, if any, to gain extra insight into exactly what stratigraphic interval(s) the gas was coming from, and to learn more about the future exploration potential in this part of northern Israel. In July 2011, the Company conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities in the zone tested. Following review and further analysis of the operations and geological reports prepared by the Company’s geoscientists, in consultation with outside consultants, relating to the drilling and testing of the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well, it was concluded that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are not present within the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 wellbore and that no further drilling will take place in this well. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $42,488,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 to its unproved oil and gas properties (see note 2A) in respect of both the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 and Elijah #3 wells.
 
Asher-Menashe License

To date, the Company has partly completed one exploratory well in the Asher-Menashe License Area. In October 2009, the Company commenced drilling the Elijah #3 well, within the Asher-Menashe License area, toward the Triassic geological formation, which it estimated was below approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). As of January 15, 2010, it had drilled to a depth of 10,938 feet (3,334 meters). In early February 2010, it temporarily suspended drilling operations in the well following our unsuccessful efforts to retrieve a stuck pipe, pending further analysis of the situation.

Approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers) of 2-D seismic data was acquired in June 2010 and has been processed by a geophysical consultant in the United States and integrated into the Company's geological assessment by the Company's geologists. Analysis of the acquired data helped the Company to refine the geologic model of the area and indicated that the Asher volcanic section, wherein the drilling tools were

 
19

 
 
Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (cont'd)

 
A.
Nature of Operations (cont'd)

stuck, is likely substantially greater (i.e., thicker and deeper) than originally predicted by the older, original data. Following review and further analysis of the operations and geological reports prepared by the Company’s geoscientists, in consultation with outside consultants relating to the drilling and testing of the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well (in the Joseph License area), it was concluded that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are not present within the Elijah # 3 wellbore and that no further drilling will take place in this well. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $42,488,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 to its unproved oil and gas properties (see note 2A) in respect of both the Elijah #3 and the Ma’anit-Joseph # 3 wells.
 
Notwithstanding these developments, the Company may seek to acquire additional geologic information relating to drilling prospects in the Asher-Menashe License area by wireline logs in the Elijah #3 wellbore. Additional seismic and/or other geophysical data in the Asher-Menashe License may also be acquired.

 
Jordan Valley License

On October 4, 2011, in connection with planned seismic, magnetic and gravimetric surveys on the Jordan Valley License area, the Company entered into an agreement with the Geophysical Institute of Israel to obtain seismic data in the license area and acquire an additional 2-D seismic line approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) long. (See Note 6).
 
 
B.
Basis of Presentation

The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Since the Company is in the development stage, it has limited capital resources, no revenue, and a loss fromoperations. The appropriateness of using the going concern basis is dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain additional financing or equity capital to finance its current operations and, ultimately, to realize profitable operations. The uncertainty of these conditions raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The interim financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for the preparation of interim financial statements and, therefore, do not include all disclosures necessary for a complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles used in annual financial statements. All adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements, have been included. Nevertheless, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company's annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year or any other interim period.
 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 
A.
Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment
 
The Company follows the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.
 
 
20

 

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont’d)

 
A.
Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment (cont’d)

All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is included in loss from continuing operations before income taxes and the adjusted carrying amount of the unproved properties is amortized on the unit-of-production method.

The Company’s oil and gas property represent an investment in unproved properties. Oil and gas property in general is excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not yet been established. Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.
 
In July 2011, following production and other testing conducted at the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, the Company conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities in the zone tested. Following review and further analysis of the final reports prepared by the Company’s geoscientists, in consultation with outside consultants relating to the drilling and testing of the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, management concluded that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are not present in the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well. Following the conclusions as to the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, the Company also concluded it is not likely that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are present within the Elijah #3 wellbore. Accordingly, no further drilling is planned on these wells. Notwithstanding these findings, in order to identify potential drilling prospects in the Asher-Menashe License area, additional wireline logs may be run in the Elijah #3 well and/or additional seismic surveys may be obtained in the Asher-Menashe License area. As a result of the above determinations, in the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge to its unproved oil and gas properties of the two wells totaling $42,488,000. Previously, as discussed further below, during 2010 and 2007, impairment charges of $22,022,000 and $9,494,000 were recorded.
 
Abandonment of properties is accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs. The net capitalized costs are subject to a “ceiling test” which limits such costs to the aggregate of the estimated present value of future net revenues from proved reserves discounted at ten percent based on current economic and operating conditions, plus the lower of cost or fair market value of unproved properties. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for oil and gas properties is dependent upon the identification of economically recoverable reserves, together with obtaining the necessary financing to exploit such reserves and the achievement of profitable operations.

In June 2007, following the analysis of the results of the testing of the Company’s Ma’anit #1 well workover and an evaluation of the mechanical condition of the well, the Company determined that the well was incapable of producing oil and/or gas in commercial quantities. In order to optimize drilling operations on the Company’s planned Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well, the Company ceased operations on the Ma’anit #1 well and, as required by the Petroleum Law, formally relinquished the Ma’anit-Joseph License. As planned, the Company used the Ma’anit #1 wellbore, down to approximately 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), as the upper part of the wellbore for the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well. This well was directionally drilled from that point to penetrate the middle and the lower Triassic. The Company drilled this well to a depth of 5,460 meters (17,913 feet). In April 2010, following production and other testing, management concluded that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons were not present in the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $22,022,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2010 to its unproved oil and gas properties.

 
21

 

 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont'd)

 
A.
Oil and Gas Properties and Impairment (cont'd)
 
Immediately after the relinquishment of the Ma’anit-Joseph License, the Company filed an application with the Petroleum Commissioner for a petroleum exploration license, the Joseph License, covering approximately 83,272 acres of the original Ma’anit-Joseph License including the Ma’anit structure on which the Ma’anit #1 well was drilled, which license was subsequently granted on October 11, 2007. As a result of the abandonment of the Ma’anit #1 well and formal relinquishment of the Ma’anit-Joseph License, the Company recorded in June 2007 an impairment of $9,494,000 to its unproved oil and gas properties.
 
The Company’s ability to maintain present operations is currently dependent on its petroleum exploration licenses.
 
Currently, the Company has no economically recoverable reserves and no amortization base. Excluding the impairment charges discussed above in the aggregate amount of $74,004,000, the Company’s unproved oil and gas properties consist of capitalized exploration costs of $3,324,000 at September 30, 2011.
 
Unproved oil and gas properties, under the full cost method, are comprised as follows:
 
   
September 30
2011
   
December 31
2010
 
   
US$ thousands
   
US$ thousands
 
Excluded from amortization base:
           
Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs
    1,205       20,383  
Capitalized salary costs
    187       883  
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs
    1,932       2,694  
Other costs
    -       1,922  
      3,324       25,882  

Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties are comprised as follows:
 
   
Nine
 month
period
 ended
 September
30, 2011
   
Year
 ended
December
31, 2010
   
Period
 from April
6, 2000
(inception)
 to
 September
30, 2011
 
   
US$
thousands
   
US$
thousands
   
US$
thousands
 
                   
Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs
    35,934       20,419       64,312  
Capitalized salary costs
    2,500       620       3,803  
Legal costs, license fees and other preparation costs
    26       -       535  
Other costs
    4,028       983       5,354  
      42,488       22,022       74,004  
 
 
22

 

 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont'd)

 
B.
Net Loss per Share Data

Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share as the inclusion of 14,231,827 and 1,015,261 common stock equivalents in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, would be anti-dilutive. These warrants and options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future years.

Due to the new shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) that were issued in connection with the rights offerings completed in December 2010 and in July 2011, the weighted average shares outstanding was adjusted by a factor of 1.071 and 1.037, respectively, which, in turn, adjusted the earnings per share calculations for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, as prescribed by ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share”.

 
C.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

During 2011, to date, there were no accounting pronouncements which were issued and which have relevancy to the Company’s business.

Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity

 
A.
Authorized Common Shares

In June 2011, the Company’s shareholders voted to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 50 million to 100 million. The increase became effective on June 27, 2011. Previously, in June 2009, the shareholders of the Company voted to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 30 million to 50 million. In June 2008, the shareholders of the Company approved an increase of the authorized shares of Common Stock from 20 million to 30 million.
 
 
B.
Fifth Rights Offering

On May 16, 2011, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to a shelf offering. The registration statement, as subsequently amended on May 25, 2011, was declared effective on May 26, 2011 (the “2011 Shelf Registration Statement”).

Utilizing the 2011 Shelf Registration Statement, in June 2011, the Company launched a rights offering (the “Fifth Rights Offering”) to holders of its Common Stock on the close of business on June 15, 2011. Under the Fifth Rights Offering, the Company distributed to each holder of record as of close of business on June 15, 2011, at no charge, 0.25 of a subscription right for each share held as of such date (i.e. one subscription right for each four shares). Each whole subscription right entitled the stockholder to purchase one unit (a “Unit”) at the purchase price of $5.00 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of (a) one share of Common Stock, and (b) warrants to purchase two additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share (each a “RO Warrant” and collectively, the “RO Warrants”). Shareholders who exercised their rights in full were entitled to purchase additional shares pursuant to an over-subscription right to the extent holders did not fully subscribe for their basic subscription rights.
 
The Fifth Rights Offering terminated on its scheduled expiration date of July 25, 2011. The Company received subscriptions for a total of 4,915,349 Units, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $24,577,000, before payment of offering related expenses of approximately $248,000. As a result of the Fifth Rights Offering, the Company issued 4,915,349 shares of Common Stock and 9,830,698 RO Warrants for an additional 9,830,698 shares of Common Stock.

Due to the new shares of Common Stock that were issued in connection with the Fifth Rights Offering during August 2011, the weighted average shares outstanding in previous periods has been adjusted by a factor of 1.037 which in turn adjusted the earnings per share calculations for the bonus element associated with the Fifth Rights Offering, as prescribed by ASC 260-10, “Earnings per Share”.
 
 
23

 

Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity (cont'd)
 
 
C.
2005 Stock Option Plan and the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2011 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan
 
In January 2010, the Company’s Board agreed to and approved an option award grant under the 2005 Stock Option Plan to one employee pursuant to which such employee is to be awarded, at the end of each quarter, fully vested options exercisable through January 31, 2020 at a per share exercise price of $0.01, to purchasesuch number of shares of the Company Common Stock as shall equal $12,500 divided by the closing price on the last trading day of the calendar quarter of the Company’s publicly traded share of Common Stock, but in no event at a per share price of less than $5.00. Pursuant thereto, the employee received a third quarter award to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock. The expenses are amortized based on the vesting periods, posting appropriate amounts each quarter. In October 2011, the employee’s employment with the Company was terminated. (See Note 6)

In January 2011, the Company awarded to its directors, executive officers, other staff members and service providers options to purchase, in the aggregate, 384,500 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. All stock options were granted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2005 Stock Option Plan. The stock option agreements evidencing the grants under the Plan provide for, among other things, (i) a grant date of January 6, 2011, (ii) an exercise period commencing on January 1, 2012 and continuing through December 31, 2014 and (iii) an exercise price per share of $2.50.
 
In June 2011, the Company’s shareholders authorized adoption of the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, initially reserving for issuance thereunder 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock and the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, initially reserving for issuance thereunder 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
 
D.
Fair Value of Warrants and Options

The Company has reserved under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan 14,231,827 shares of common stock as of September 30, 2011 for the exercise of warrants and options to employees and non-employees, of which 13,824,827 are exercisable. These warrants and options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future years. The warrants and options exercise prices and expiration dates are as follows:

   
Exercise
   
Number of
 
Expiration
 
Warrants or
   
price
   
Shares
 
Date
 
Options
   
US$
             
To non-employees
                 
      8.25       58,000  
June 16, 2012
 
Options
      2.50       25,000  
December 31, 2014
 
Options
To employees and directors
               
      8.25       42,000  
June 16, 2012
 
Options
      7.15       12,000  
December 31, 2014
 
Options
      0.01       10,000  
December 3, 2017
 
Options
      0.01       30,266  
January 31, 2020
 
Options
                       
      4.45       25,000  
January 26, 2016
 
Options
      0.01       15,000  
January 31, 2016
 
Options
      2.50       359,500  
December 31, 2014
 
Options
      4.92       25,000  
August 30, 2014
 
Options
To investors
                     
      3.50       9,829,860  
August 15, 2012
 
Warrants
      4.00       3,295,122  
December 31, 2012
 
Warrants
      7.00       505,079  
January 31, 2012
 
Warrants
      3.75 *     14,231,827        
* Weighted Average

 
24

 

Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity (cont'd)

 
D.
Fair Value of Warrants and Options (Cont'd)

The warrant and option transactions since April 6, 2000 (inception) are shown in the table below:
 
         
Weighted
Average
 
   
Number of shares
   
exercise price
 
         
US$
 
             
Changes from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2008 to:
       
         
Employees, officers and directors as part compensation
    1,884,818       1.76  
Underwriters (in connection with IPO)
    46,621       8.75  
Private placement investors and others
    1,105,492       2.84  
Investors in Follow On Public Offering
    416,404       7.00  
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited
    (705,684 )     2.61  
Exercised
    (1,984,077 )     1.59  
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
    763,574       5.81  
                 
Changes during 2009 to:
               
Employees, officers and directors as part compensation
    202,000       6.55  
Investors in Follow On Public Offering
    249,939       7.00  
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited
    (40,000 )     5.22  
Exercised
    (180,810 )     6.62  
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
    994,703       6.14  
                 
Changes during 2010 to:
               
Employees, officers and directors
    106,415       2.49  
Investors in Fourth Rights Offering
    3,642,821       4.00  
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited
    (161,917 )     6.21  
Exercised
    (44,357 )     0.08  
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
    4,537,665       6.14  
                 
Changes to:
               
Employees, officers and directors
    534,101       2.27  
Investors in Fifth Rights Offering
    9,830,698       3.50  
Expired/Cancelled/Forfeited
    (26,750 )     7.48  
Exercised
    (643,887 )     2.80  
Outstanding, September 30, 2011
    14,231,827       3.75  
Exercisable, September 30, 2011
    13,824,827       3.79  
 
 
25

 
 
Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity (cont'd)

 
D.
Fair Value of Warrants and Options (Cont'd)

The following table summarizes information about stock warrants and options outstanding as of September 30, 2011:
 
Shares underlying outstanding
   
Shares underlying outstanding
 
warrants and options (non vested)
   
warrants and options (all fully vested)
 
         
Weighted
                     
Weighted
       
         
average
     Weighted                
average
   
Weighted
 
         
remaining
   
Average
   
Range of
         
remaining
   
Average
 
Range of
 
Number
   
contractual
   
Exercise
   
exercise
   
Number
   
contractual
   
exercise
 
exercise price
 
outstanding
   
life (years)
   
price
   
price
   
Outstanding
   
Life (years)
   
 price
 
US$
             
US$
   
US$
               
US$
 
0.01
    10,000       6.18       0.01     -       -     -     -  
0.01
    5,000       8.34       0.01       0.01       21,516       8.34       0.01  
4.55
    3,750       4.34       0.01       0.01       11,250       4.34       4.55  
0.01
    3,750       8.34       0.01       7.00       505,079       0.34       7.00  
-
    -       -       -       4.00       3,295,122       1.25       4.00  
-
    -       -       -       3.50       9,829,860       0.88       3.50  
-
    -       -       -       7.15       12,000       3.25       7.15  
-
    -       -       -       4.45       25,000       4.33       4.45  
-
    -       -       -       2.5       384,500       3.25       2.5  
-
    -       -       -       4.92       25,000       1.92       4.92  
-
    -       -       -       8.25       100,000       0.71       8.25  
0.01-4.55
    22,500               0.01       0.01-8.25       14,209,327               3.75  
 
Granted to employees

The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to employees and directors during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:
 
   
For the nine month period
   
Period from April 6,
 
   
ended September 30,
   
2000 (inception) to
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
September 30, 2011
 
                         
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date
    $4.53       $6.45       $3.00 - $8.23  
Dividend yields
    -       -       -  
Expected volatility
    75%-80 %     71%-79 %     28.2% - 80 %
Risk-free interest rates
    0.38% - 2.24 %     2.38%-3.84 %     0.38% - 5.15 %
Expected lives (in years)
    1.50 - 5.00       2.19-4.88       1.50 - 5.31  
Weighted-average grant date fair value
    $2.76       $2.80-$6.51       $0.76 - $6.51  
 
 
26

 
 
Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity (cont'd)
 
D.
Fair Value of Warrants and Options (cont'd)

Granted to non-employees

The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to non-employees during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:

   
For the nine month period
   
Period from April 6,
 
   
 
ended September 30,
   
2000 (inception) to
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
September 30, 2011
 
                   
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date
    $4.48       -       $1.00 - $8.75  
Dividend yields
    -       -       -  
Expected volatility
    77.31 %     -       32.20% - 99.80 %
Risk-free interest rates
    1.60 %     -       1.60% - 5.50 %
Expected lives (in years)
    4.00       -       0.56 – 4.00  
Weighted-average grant date fair  value
    $3.11       -       $0.68 - $3.11  

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options.

The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of the option granted to non-employees equals their contractual term.  In the case of an extension of the option life, the calculation was made on the basis of the extended life.
 
 Prior to 2008, due to the lack of sufficient history of the Company’s stock volatility, the Company estimated its own expected stock volatility based on the historic volatility for other oil exploration companies.  Beginning in 2008 and continuing through September 30, 2011, the Company’s stock volatility is based on actual trading of the Company’s stock.

 
E.
Compensation Cost for Warrant and Option Issuances

The compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and from April 6, 2000 (inception) to September 30, 2011 amounted to $46,000, $1,562,000, $106,000, $553,000 and $4,147,000, respectively.

As of September 30, 2011, there was $32,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, related to non vested stock options granted under the Company’s various stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized as follows:

   
US$
thousands
 
October 1 - December 31, 2011
    29  
During 2012
    3  
       32  
 
 
27

 
Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity (cont'd)
 
 
F.
Warrant Descriptions

Through the balance sheet date the Company issued eleven different series of warrants to employees, non-employees and investors. The price and the expiration dates are as follows:

 
Period of Grant
 
US$
 
Expiration Date
           
A Warrants
January 2001 – December 2001
    1.00  
January 31, 2005
B Warrants
November 2001 – February 2003
    1.50  
January 31, 2005
C Warrants
July 2003 – March 2004
    3.00  
December 31, 2005
$3.00 Warrants
June 2004 – August 2004
    3.00  
December 31, 2006
D Warrants
September 2004 – April 2005
    4.00  
December 31, 2006
E Warrants
September 2004 – June 2005
    5.00  
December 31, 2006
F and FF Warrants
October 2005
    5.00  
* December 31, 2008
G Warrants
December 2005 – January 2006
    5.50  
December 31, 2008
H Warrants
December 2006 –May 2007
    8.75  
September 26, 2009
ZNWAW Rights Offering Warrants
October 2008 – December 2008
    7.00  
January 31, 2012
ZNWAZ Rights Offering Warrants
December 2010
    4.00  
December 31, 2012
ZNWAL Rights Offering Warrants
August 2011
    3.50  
August 31, 2012

* Subsequently extended to December 31, 2009 for some of this class of warrants

The Unit Warrants were issued as a component of a Unit that consisted of one share of Common Stock and one warrant during the Company’s follow on public offering.  On February 9, 2009, the Unit split into its two components.  The warrant became exercisable as of such date.  The Fourth Rights Offering Warrants were issued as a component of a Unit that consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant in the Company’s rights offering that closed in December 2010. The Fifth Rights Offering Warrants were issued as a component of a Unit that consisted of one share of Common Stock and two warrants in the Company’s rights offering that expired in July 2011.

Commencing January 3, 2011 and continuing through March 7, 2011, the Company reduced the exercise price of its outstanding publicly traded Unit Warrants to $4.00 (from the $7.00 exercise price provided by the original terms of the Warrants). Any and all Unit Warrants properly exercised in accordance with the terms of the Unit Warrants after January 3, 2011 but prior to March 7, 2011 were accepted by Zion at the reduced exercise price. Commencing March 8, 2011, the $7.00 exercise price included in the original terms of the Warrants was reinstituted. Except for the reduced exercise price of the Warrants prior to the Expiration Time, the terms of the Warrants remained unchanged.

Note 4 - Related Party Transactions

At December 31, 2010, there was $21,000 deferred officers’ compensation which was fully paid in January 2011.  

Richard J. Rinberg

In October 2005, Mr. Rinberg was elected President of the Company and effective November 1, 2005, entered into a two year Retention and Management Agreement with the Company (the “Retention Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Retention Agreement, Mr. Rinberg was awarded 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company valued at $500,000 as compensation for his services during the two year period beginning November 1, 2005, subject to restrictions and vesting requirements.  The Rinberg Shares were subject to repurchase by the Company at $0.01 per share if Mr. Rinberg had left his position with the company prior to October 31, 2007.  In May 2006, the Company issued the referenced 200,000 shares of common stock to a trust company for the benefit of Mr. Rinberg.
 
 
28

 
Note 4 - Related Party Transactions (cont’d)
 
In March 2007, Mr. Rinberg was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer.  Effective November 1, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rinberg (“the Rinberg Employment Agreement”) with an initial expiration term through December 31, 2008, which term is automatically renewed for additional two year terms unless either the Company or Mr. Rinberg gives notice to the other at least 90 days prior to the end of a scheduled term of its election to not renew the agreement.  The Rinberg Employment Agreement is currently in effect through December 2012.  In connection with the Rinberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Rinberg was granted options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock each year.  Accordingly, 40,000 options were granted in each of December 2007, January 2009 and January 2010.  In February 2011, an additional 40,000 options have been granted for the 2011 calendar year, per the terms of the agreement, and are scheduled to vest in equal installments of 10,000 shares per calendar quarter (See Note 3C). As of September 30, 2011, options for 150,000 shares were exercised.

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies

 
A. 
Environmental and Asset Retirement Matters

The Company is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production and may become subject to certain liabilities as they relate to environmental cleanup of well sites or other environmental restoration procedures as they relate to the drilling of oil and gas wells or the operation thereof.

The Company currently (following the conclusions that the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well and the Elijah #3 well do not contain commercial quantities of hydrocarbons) estimates that environmental clean up/restoration of the well sites will be approximately $870,000 based on current cost rather than Net Present Value. Liabilities for expenditures are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable and the timing and costs can be reasonably estimated.

In March 2011, the Ministry of Environmental Protection issued initial guidelines relating to oil and gas drilling. This is the first time that the Ministry published specific environmental guidelines for oil and gas drilling operations, relating to onshore and offshore Israel.

The guidelines are detailed and provide environmental guidelines for all aspects of drilling operations, commencing from when an application for a preliminary permit is filed, and continuing through license, drilling exploration, production lease, petroleum production and abandonment of the well. The guidelines address details that must be submitted regarding the drill site, surrounding area, the actual drilling operations, the storage and removal of waste and the closing or abandoning of a well. Following meetings between the Ministry and industry representatives, the Ministry indicated that certain of their initial published guidelines will be revised.

 
B. 
Royalty and Levy Commitments

The Company is obligated, according to the Petroleum Law, to pay royalties to the Government of Israel on the gross production of oil and gas from the oil and gas properties of the Company located in Israel (excluding those reserves serving to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities). The royalty rate stated in the Petroleum Law is 12.5% of the produced reserves.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not have any outstanding obligation with respect to royalty payments, since it is at the “development stage” and, to this date, no proved reserves have been found.

 
29

 
Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (cont'd)
 
 
B. 
Royalty and Levy Commitments (cont'd)

On March 30, 2011, the Israeli parliament enacted the Petroleum Profits Taxation Law, 2011, which imposes additional income tax on oil and gas production. Under the new tax regime, the present 12.5% royalty imposed on oil revenues remains unchanged. The depletion allowance is abolished and cannot be deducted from profits.  A levy at an initial rate of 20% will be imposed on profits from oil and gas and will gradually rise to 50%, depending on the levy coefficient (the R-Factor). The R-Factor refers to the percentage of the amount invested in the exploration, the development and the establishment of the project, so that the 20% rate will be imposed only after a recovery of 150% of the amount invested (R-Factor of 1.5) and will range linearly up to 50% after a recovery of 230% of the amount invested (R-Factor of 2.3). For purposes of the levy rate calculation, the minimal gas sale price, which will be accepted by the State, is the bi-annual average local price.

 
C. 
Long-term Incentive Plan

The Company may initiate the establishment of a long-term management incentive plan for key employees whereby a 1.5% overriding royalty or equivalent interest in the Asher-Menashe License, the Joseph License and the Jordan Valley License and such other oil and gas exploration and development rights as may in the future be acquired by the Company would be assigned to key employees.  As the plan has not been established as of September 30, 2011, the Company did not have any outstanding obligation in respect of the plan.

In June 2011, the Company’s shareholders authorized adoption of the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan for employees and consultants, initially reserving for issuance thereunder 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock and the Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, initially reserving for issuance thereunder 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock.

 
D. 
Charitable Foundations

The Company has established two charitable foundations, one in Israel and one in Switzerland, for the purpose of supporting charitable projects and other charities in Israel, the United States and internationally.  A 3% overriding royalty or equivalent interest in any Israeli oil and gas interests as may now be held or, in the future be acquired, by the Company shall be assigned to each charitable organization (6% overriding interest in the aggregate).  At September 30, 2011, the Company did not have any outstanding obligation in respect of the charitable foundations, since it is at the “development stage” and, to this date, no proved reserves have been found.

 
E. 
Surface Rights of Drilling Operations

The surface rights to the drill site from which the Company drilled the Ma’anit #1, Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 wells and Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, are held under long-term lease by Kibbutz Ma’anit (the “Kibbutz”) with the Israel Lands Authority.

The necessary permission to use the drill site for the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well to conduct petroleum exploration operations has been granted to the Company by the Kibbutz in consideration for a fee of approximately $50,000 for the period up to October 10, 2010 and $5,000 for each year thereafter.

The Israel Lands Authority has granted formal consent for the use of the surface with regard to the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well; the expiration date of the consent is August 3, 2012.

The surface rights to the drill site from which the Company drilled the Elijah #3 well are held under long-term lease by Kibbutz Ein Carmel with the Israel Lands Authority. The necessary permission to enter and use the drill site to conduct petroleum operations on the Elijah #3 well was granted to the Company by Kibbutz Ein Carmel through July 20, 2015 in consideration for a one-time fee of approximately $145,000.
 
 
30

 
 
Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (cont'd)
 
 
F. 
Deferral of Compensation

During the year ended December 31, 2010, amounts totaling $477,000 of previously deferred compensation were paid to executives and employees.  During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, $21,000 of amounts previously deferred were paid to executives and employees. As of September 30, 2011 the Company did not have any outstanding obligation in respect to deferred compensation and has no current plans to defer compensation.

 
G. 
Lease Commitments

The Company leased approximately 3,600 square feet of office space in Dallas under a lease which was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2011. The monthly rent was $4,700 during the 12-month period ending October 31, 2011.  On October 11, 2011, the lease for the existing premises was renewed and additional adjacent office space was also leased. (See Note 6)

During July 2005, the Company entered into a rental agreement for office premises in the industrial area of Caesarea, Israel. The rental was for a six-month period commencing August 1, 2005 with two additional three-month option periods at a monthly rental cost of $3,000. The Company subsequently extended the rental agreement through January 31, 2009, and then exercised the option to extend the lease for two additional periods of six months each (through January 31, 2010).  The Company subsequently entered into two additional six-month extensions through April 30, 2011.  The monthly rental cost during this extended period was $3,000.

In December 2010, the Company entered into a sublease agreement for the lease of office premises in Caesarea, Northern Industrial Park, Israel.  The sublease agreement provides for the rental of 517 square meters (5,565 square feet) (including common areas) in an office building. The sublease term began on April 3, 2011 and continues through March 31, 2014. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sublease agreement term is expressly subject to the primary lease agreement that the sub lessor has with the landlord of the premises and such sublease agreement term will expire upon the termination, for whatever reason, of the primary lease. In addition, under the sublease agreement, at the end of the initial 12 months of the sublease term, either the sub lessor or the Company may, at its sole discretion upon the furnishing to the other of written notice within seven days after the end of the initial 12 month period, terminate the sublease agreement, whereupon the Company will be required to vacate the subleased premises within six months of the giving of such notice. Each of the Company and the sub lessor has the right to terminate early, at the end of each of the 18th and 24th month following the commencement of the sublease agreement term. Under the sublease agreement, the Company is authorized to further sublease all or part of the subleased premises to a third party that is pre-approved by the sub-lessor.

Rent is to be paid on a monthly basis in the base amount of approximately NIS 28,400 per month (approximately $7,888 per month). The Company is also obligated to pay all cost of living adjustments, as well as its pro-rated portion of all taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance payments during the sublease term.

In March 2010, the Company leased approximately 500 square feet of office space in State College, Pennsylvania for its President and Chief Operating Officer.  The initial lease was for 12 months, expiring February 28, 2011 and the monthly rental amount was $525. In February 2011, the lease was extended by 12 months to the end of February 2012 and the monthly rental amount was increased to $550. In an effort to reduce operating costs, the Company is in the process of closing the State College office and does not anticipate that the lease term will be extended beyond its scheduled expiration.

In December of 2009, the Company entered into a lease agreement, scheduled to continue through December 2012, for a motor vehicle in Israel. In February 2010, three more motor vehicles were leased under the same agreement. The Company has the right to terminate the lease agreement for any or all of the motor vehicles, on payment of two monthly rental payments per motor vehicle.
 
 
31

 
 
Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (cont'd)
 
 
G. 
Lease Commitments (cont'd)

The aggregate cost for the four leased motor vehicles is approximately $2,900 per month; the leasing cost is linked to the Israeli Consumer Price Index.

The Company leased two motor vehicles in Dallas with monthly payments of approximately $1,200 on both vehicles.  One vehicle has a lease term of 39 months and expires in June 2013.  The other motor vehicle also has a lease term of 39 months, expiring in October 2014. The Company has the right to terminate the lease agreement for the motor vehicles upon the payment of the excess of the unpaid costs over the fair market value, plus excess wear and tear and mileage.

Lease Commitments

   
US$ thousands
 
       
October 1 -  December 31, 2011
    45  
2012
    151  
2013
    111  
2014
    29  
      336  
 
 
H. 
Employment Agreement with Executives

(i) On January 31, 2011, the Company and Victor Carrillo entered into a letter agreement providing for the employment (the “Carrillo Employment Agreement”) of Mr. Carrillo as the Company’s Executive Vice President. Mr. Carrillo continues to serve on the Company’s board of directors.

The Carrillo Employment Agreement has an initial term of one year which continues through January 31, 2012; thereafter, the agreement provides that it is to be renewed automatically for two additional one year terms unless either party shall advise the other 30 days before expiration of the initial or renewed term of its intention to not renew the agreement beyond its then scheduled expiration date. Under the agreement, Mr. Carrillo is paid an annual salary of $250,000, payable monthly. Mr. Carrillo was paid a signing bonus of $7,500 and will be reimbursed for up to $5,000 in relocation expenses.

Mr. Carrillo can terminate the employment agreement and the relationship thereunder at any time upon notice. If during the term the Company were to terminate the agreement for any reason other than "Just Cause" (as defined the employment agreement), then the Company is to pay to Mr. Carrillo one month’s salary, as well as all benefits earned and accrued through such date. The Carrillo Employment Agreement provides for customary protections of the Company's confidential information and intellectual property.

The Carrillo Employment Agreement provides that subject to the entry into an Option Award Agreement, Mr. Carrillo be awarded, with respect to each year of employment under the Carrillo Employment Agreement, vested options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $0.01 and options to purchase an additional 15,000 shares of Common Stock, vesting equally in each calendar quarter (3,750 shares per quarter), at a per share exercise price of $4.55, representing the market price of the Company’s publicly traded stock on January 28, 2011, in each case the options shall be exercisable through January 31, 2016.  All option shares were granted on the 31st of January, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, options for 10,000 shares were exercised.

(ii) On May 8th, 2011, the Company and Ilan Sheena entered into a restated employment agreement providing for the employment (the “Sheena Employment Agreement”) of Mr. Sheena as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Sheena Employment Agreement has an initial period, which continues through December 31, 2011; thereafter, the agreement provides that it is to be renewed for additional one year terms upon agreement of both parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Sheena is paid an annual salary of the current New Israeli Shekel equivalent of $144,000, payable monthly; which was increased, effective August 1, 2011, to the New Israeli Shekel equivalent of $180,000 per annum. Mr. Sheena is also entitled to the benefits typically available to senior executives in Israel.
 
 
32

 
 
Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (cont'd)
 
 
H. 
Employment Agreement with Executives (cont'd)

Mr. Sheena can terminate the employment agreement at any time, by giving 60 business days' notice. If the Company terminates the agreement for any reason other than "Just Cause" (as defined the employment agreement), then the Company is to pay to Mr. Sheena the greater of severance pay in accordance with Israel's Severance Pay Law or three month’s salary, as well as all benefits earned and accrued through such date. The Sheena Employment Agreement provides for customary protections of the Company's confidential information and intellectual property.

The Sheena Employment Agreement provides that subject to the entry into an Option Award Agreement, Mr. Sheena be awarded under the Company’s 2005 Stock Option Plan (or any other subsequent plan), with respect to each year of employment under the Sheena Employment Agreement, options to purchase 7,500 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $0.01, vesting equally in each calendar quarter (1,875 shares per quarter). The options are exercisable through January 31, 2020. All options were granted on April 15, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, options for 3,750 shares were exercised.

 
I. 
Internal Dispute Affecting Owners of the Drilling Rig

The deep-drilling capacity rig that the Company has been using since September 2009 in its drilling program was the subject of a drilling agreement entered into in September 2008 (the “Drilling Contract”) between the Company and Aladdin Middle East Ltd. (“AME”). Through AME, the rig arrived in Israel and cleared customs in April 2009 and AME provided the drilling crew to operate the rig in Israel. The drilling rig and crew was used to drill the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well, the Elijah #3 well and was used to drill the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well.

AME is part of a group of privately owned affiliated entities. An internal dispute developed between different family members and these entities. The Company was advised by Guyney Yildizi Petrol Uretim Sondaj Mut, ve Tic A.S. (“GYP”), an affiliated entity of AME, that GYP is in fact the owner of the rig being used in the Company’s drilling program and that AME’s rights to the rig, pursuant to which it acted as operator, terminated as of December 31, 2010 upon the termination of lease between AME and GYP. GYP demanded that the Company make the payments called for in the drilling contract between us and AME directly to GYP based on representations by GYP that GYP was in control of the mentioned rig and all crew and operations at the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well.

Following contact with AME and GYP, the Company determined that it is in the best interests of the Company that it honor GYP’s request and remit the payments payable under the drilling contract between it and AME directly to GYP. In April 2011, the Company advised AME of its decision. The Company obtained an indemnity from GYP with respect to any damages and costs resulting from such payments to GYP, including any disruption of its drilling program. GYP also agreed to assume all rights and obligations, including those accrued, of AME in the Drilling Contract.  On April 25, 2011, AME demanded that the Company retract its decision within three business days and that failing such retraction, AME will avail itself of recourse to all rights at its disposal, including legal process.

In July 2011, the Company completed its drilling and testing operations at the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well and on July 29, 2011, the Company released the rig. In addition, the Company has been notified by both AME and GYP that they have settled their internal dispute.

 
33

 

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (cont'd)
 
 
I. 
Internal Dispute Affecting Owners of the Drilling Rig (cont’d)
 
Management cannot estimate at this time the financial impact, if any, of any action by AME in response to the Company’s determinations as noted above. However, in the opinion of the Company, any material expense or loss suffered by the Company resulting from any action by AME will be covered in the indemnity from GYP.

 
J. 
Transfer of Petroleum Related Rights

In May 2011, the Ministry of National Infrastructure published draft regulations, titled Petroleum Regulations (Transferring Petroleum Rights) 5771-2011. The draft regulations apply to the transfer of petroleum and related rights, including rights to a preliminary permit, license and production lease as well as rights to profit, royalties or information. The right to transfer these rights pursuant to the draft regulations, in many circumstances, will be much more limited than under the present regime.

 
K. 
Settlement Agreement

By mutual agreement of the Company and Ms. Patti Beals, effective August 3, 2011, Ms. Beals resigned from her position as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer.  The employment agreement with Ms. Beals was scheduled to expire on August 31, 2011. In connection with her resignation, on August 3, 2011, the Company and Ms. Beals entered into a settlement agreement terminating Ms. Beals’ employment agreement with the Company. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to remit to Ms. Beals all amounts payable to her under the employment agreement through August 31, 2011, the scheduled expiration date of her employment and an additional $24,000 payable over the course of September-October 2011. Under the settlement agreement, Ms. Beals furnished to the Company a general release.

Note 6 - Subsequent Events

 (i) On October 4, 2011, in connection with planned seismic, magnetic, and gravimetric surveys on the Jordan Valley License area, the Company entered into an agreement with the Geophysical Institute of Israel (“GII”) to obtain seismic data. The agreement provides for a 15-kilometer program, subject to increase or decrease by the Company. The agreement provides for the survey to be performed by GII on a per kilometer basis at a rate of NIS 92,500 (approximately $25,000) per kilometer.   An initial amount of NIS 143,000 (approximately $39,000) was paid upon signing of the agreement and a subsequent payment of NIS 572,000 (approximately $154,000) is due within seven days prior to the commencement of the work and the balance is payable following completion of the survey. The survey is expected to begin in December 2011 or the first quarter of 2012. 

 (ii) On October 11, 2011, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to Lease Agreement (the “Lease Amendment”) with Hermosa, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (the “Lessor’)  for the renewal of the lease of its current office premises in Dallas Texas as well as the addition of additional adjacent space in the building. The lease for the Company’s current office premises expire on October 31, 2011, its scheduled expiration date.

Pursuant to the Lease Amendment, the lease term on the existing office space as well as the additional premises described below has been extended to October 31, 2015. In addition to the office premises it currently occupies, the Lease Amendment also covers an additional 1,351 rentable square feet in Suite #310 and 1,324 rentable square feet of space on Suite 304. The total rentable area under the Lease Amendment covers 6,458 rentable square feet.

Rent is to be paid on a monthly basis and shall be $6,996 per month for each month commencing November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012; thereafter, $7,534 for each month through October 31, 2013; $7,534 for each month through October 31, 2014 and $8,072 for each month through October 31, 2015. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties have agreed that so long as there is no event of default under the Lease Amendment then the monthly payments for Suite 304 in the monthly amount of $1,434 through October 31, 2012 and $1,544 thereafter through October 31, 2013 are to be abated. Accordingly, assuming an event of default has not occurred, the monthly rent for the period through October 31, 2012 will be $5,561 and for the period from November 1, 2012 through October 31, 2013 will be $5,989. The Company is also obligated to pay its pro-rated portion of all operating expenses.

 
34

 
 
Note 6 - Subsequent Events (cont’d)
 
(iii) On October 14, 2011, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (the “Company” or “Zion”) and a United States based company (“USOGEC”) affiliated with an oil & gas exploration company with significant international  operations entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) pursuant to which it is intended that USOGEC will provide Zion with an onshore drilling rig with deep drilling capacity and certain other oilfield services for a minimum of three years and not for fewer than three new wells that Zion will drill on its license areas. These understandings are subject to the preparation, negotiation and execution of legally binding master service and other agreements as well as the receipt of all required regulatory and other approvals. Under the MOU and subject to the preparation, negotiation and execution of legally binding documents, the parties ultimately intend, at the end of the third year of operations and/or completion of the third well, that USOGEC manage the build out of a deep drilling capacity land rig (with, at least, 25,000 foot of drilling depth capacity) for the sole ownership of a newly established subsidiary, to be majority owned by Zion.  The MOU contemplates that as soon as practicable USOGEC will approach the various government authorities in Israel to obtain the needed consents and approvals to carry out the terms of the MOU. The MOU provides that the parties are to use their best efforts to enter into legally binding definitive agreements by December 31, 2011; if such agreements are not entered into by such date, then the operation of the MOU shall be deemed terminated.
 
(iv) On October 14, 2011, by mutual agreement of the Company and William L. Ottaviani, Mr. Ottaviani’s employment with the Company as President and Chief Operating Officer was terminated.  The employment agreement with Mr. Ottaviani was scheduled to naturally expire on December 31, 2011. As provided for in the original employment agreement, the termination of Mr. Ottaviani’s employment resulted in his resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors.

In connection with the termination of employment, on October 14, 2011, the Company and Mr. Ottaviani entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed to remit to Mr. Ottaviani the following: (i) salary payments due to him through October 15, 2011, (ii) all unpaid salary owing as of the date of termination, (ii) $20,833 on each of the November 14 and December 14, 2011, and January 14, 2012 (representing, in each case, the monthly salary to which Mr. Ottaviani was entitled to under the employment agreement), less required deductions, (iii) $1,638 in each of November and December 2011 and January 2012 in respect of the current health coverage plan and (iv) on January 14, 2012, plus 14 days of unused vacation time under the employment agreement. Under the settlement agreement, Mr. Ottaviani furnished to the Company a general release.

(v) On October 17, 2011 Mr. Victor G. Carrillo was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Carrillo has been serving as the Company’s Executive Vice President since January 2011 and as a director since September 2010. Mr. Carrillo will continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

 
35

 

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE RELATED NOTES TO THOSE STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS FORM 10-Q. SOME OF OUR DISCUSSION IS FORWARD-LOOKING AND INVOLVES RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. FOR INFORMATION REGARDING RISK FACTORS THAT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, REFER TO THE DISCUSSION OF RISK FACTORS IN DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS SECTION OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this discussion are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may materially differ from actual results.

Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology and include, without limitation, statements regarding:

 
*
our growth strategies;

 
*
our ability to explore for and develop natural gas and oil resources successfully and economically;

 
*
our estimates of the timing and number of wells we expect to drill, other exploration activities and the cost of those activities;

 
*
anticipated trends in our business;

 
*
our future results of operations;

 
*
our liquidity and our ability to raise capital to finance our exploration and development activities;

 
*
our capital expenditure program;

 
*
whether our shares or publicly traded warrants would continue to meet the eligibility requirements for continued listing on the NASDAQ Global Market;

 
*
future market conditions in the oil and gas industry; and

 
*
the impact of governmental regulation.

Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform such statements to actual results.

 
36

 

Overview

Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is an initial stage oil and gas exploration company with a history of over 10 years of oil and gas exploration in Israel. We currently have no revenues or operating income and we are classified as a “development stage” company.

We are headquartered in Dallas, Texas, have a field office in Caesarea, Israel. We are in the process of closing our satellite office in State College, Pennsylvania.

We currently hold three petroleum exploration licenses, all onshore Israel, which we have named the Joseph License (covering approximately 83,272 acres of land), the Asher-Menashe License (covering approximately 78,824 acres of land) and the Jordan Valley License (covering approximately 55,845 acres of land in the Jordan Valley area). We have continuously held the Joseph License since October 2007 and the Asher-Menashe License since June 2007. We were awarded the Jordan Valley License in April 2011.

We currently have pending before the Petroleum Commissioner of the State of Israel (the “Commissioner”) applications for one exploration license and two preliminary exploration permits. In February 2011, we submitted to the Commissioner a license application for an area covering approximately 74,925 acres of land within the vicinity of the Dead Sea, in central Israel, which we have named the Dead Sea License Application as well as an application for a preliminary exploration permit covering part of the area previously covered by the our previous Issachar-Zebulun Permit, which expired on February 23, 2011. The remainder of the area covered by such permit is included in our recently granted Jordan Valley License. We named the new permit application the Zebulun Permit Application. It covers approximately 157,480 acres of land. Subsequently, in June 2011, we submitted an application to the Commissioner for a preliminary exploration permit on an area adjacent to our Joseph License area. We named the new permit application the “Asher-Joseph Permit Application“.  The Asher-Joseph Permit Application area is on approximately 80,000 acres of land and is to the west and south of Zion's Joseph License area. It is onshore Israel and traverses a section of land, adjacent to the coastline, between Haifa and Tel Aviv. No assurance can be provided that any of the Dead Sea License Application, the Zebulun Permit Application or Asher-Joseph Permit Application will ultimately be granted.

Exploration Activities
 
         To date, we have completed drilling three exploratory wells in the Joseph License area.

         We have also partly completed drilling one well in the Asher-Menashe License area.

  The first exploratory well, named the Ma’anit #1 well, was drilled, in the Joseph License area, to a depth of 15,842 feet (4,829 meters) to Triassic-age formations with encouraging but inconclusive results. However, notwithstanding these results, due to the mechanical condition of the well-bore, we determined that the well was incapable of producing oil and/or gas in commercial quantities and, consequently, in June 2007, we abandoned the well.

In 2009, we drilled an additional well (the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well), ‘directionally’ to a depth of 17,913 feet (5,460 meters). The purpose of the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well was both to appraise the apparent findings of the Ma’anit #1 in the Triassic-age formations (at a depth of between approximately 12,000 and 15,400 feet) and to test the deeper Permian-age horizons at a depth of approximately 16,000 to 18,000 feet. The well penetrated a number of geologic formations that were preliminarily deemed to have hydrocarbon potential and, during well operations; a small quantity of crude oil was retrieved. However, in April 2010, following the completion of testing procedures, we determined that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons were not present in the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well and, accordingly, we suspended drilling operations in that well. In connection with this decision, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge to our unproved oil and gas properties for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

 
37

 

          As the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well did not reach the Permian-age geological formation beneath the Joseph License area, we decided to drill a subsequent well, the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well, at a location near the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well (in the Joseph License Area). The drilling of the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well commenced in August 2010 and was planned to test the Permian-age geological formation. On June 13, 2011, we reached our target depth of approximately 19,357 feet (5,900 meters) in Northern Israel, after which we carried out open-hole wireline logging operations to learn more regarding the well's lithology (rock types) and hydrocarbon potential. The interpretation of the logging indicated that the Ma'anit-Joseph #3 well was unlikely to contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities. However, during drilling we recorded significant natural gas shows. We determined to test the well, both in order to know the hydrocarbon production capacity of the well, if any, and to gain extra insight into exactly what stratigraphic interval(s) the gas was coming from. In July 2011, we conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities at the zone tested.

         To date, we have partly completed one exploratory well in the Asher-Menashe License Area. In October 2009, we commenced drilling the Elijah #3 well, within the Asher-Menashe License area, toward the Triassic geological formation, which we estimated was below approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). As of January 15, 2010, we had drilled to a depth of 10,938 feet (3,334 meters). In early February 2010, we temporarily suspended drilling operations in the well following our unsuccessful efforts to retrieve a stuck pipe, pending further analysis of the situation.

Following review and further analysis of the operations and geological reports prepared by our geoscientists in consultation with our outside consultants relating to the drilling and testing of the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, it was determined that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are not present within the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 wellbore or the Elijah #3 wellbore and that no further drilling is planned on these wells. Accordingly, in light of these determinations, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $42,488,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 to our unproved oil and gas properties in respect of both the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 and Elijah #3 wells. Notwithstanding the above noted impairment charges, in order to further our understanding of the Asher-Menashe License, additional wireline logging may be conducted on the Elijah #3 well and/or additional seismic and or other geophysical surveys may be conducted on the Asher-Menashe License area.

Additionally, in October 2011, in connection with planned seismic, magnetic, and gravimetric surveys on the Jordan Valley License area, we entered into an agreement with the Geophysical Institute of Israel to obtain seismic data with respect to approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) in the license area. The survey is expected to begin in December 2011 or the first quarter of 2012 and the total cost of the program is expected to be approximately $380,000.

Financing Activities

To date, we have funded our operations through the issuance of our securities. Our recent financings are discussed below.

Between October 24, 2008 and January 9, 2009, we raised from a follow-on public offering gross proceeds of $6,663,000 from the sale of units of our securities, of which $240,000 was for debt conversion. Each unit offered in the follow-on offering consisted of (i) one share of common stock, par value $.01 per share and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a per share exercise price equal to $7.00.
 
In   June 2009, we raised gross proceeds of $21,000,000 from a rights offering to common stockholders of up to 4.2 million shares of our common stock. The rights-offering was fully subscribed, resulting in our distribution of all of the 4.2 million shares that were offered.

In November 2009, we raised an additional $18,000,000 from a rights offering to common stockholders of up to 3.6 million shares of our common stock. The rights-offering was fully subscribed, resulting in our distribution of all of the 3.6 million shares that were offered.

In July 2010, utilizing a shelf registration statement, we raised approximately $12,356,000 from rights offering to common stockholders of up to 10 million shares of our common stock.  The rights offering resulted in our distribution of 2,471,117 shares.

In December 2010, utilizing the shelf registration statement, we raised an approximately $18,214,000 from a fourth rights offering to common stockholders of up to 3,820,391 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 3,820,391 shares of our common stock. The rights-offering was subscribed for a total of 3,642,821 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 3,642,821 shares of our common stock.

 
38

 

Between January 1, 2011 and October 27, 2011, we raised approximately $409,000 from the exercise of our publicly traded warrants trading under the symbol ZNWAW that we previously issued to investors in connection with our follow-on-public offering which we completed in January 2009. We reduced the exercise price of these warrants, for a limited time period extending from January 3, 2011 through March 7, 2011, to $4 (from an original per share exercise price of $7).  In addition, between January 1, 2011 to October 27, 2011, we raised an additional approximate amount of $1,391,000 from the exercise of the $4 warrants that we issued in December 2010 in connection with our Fourth rights offering that trade under the symbol ZNWAZ.

In June 2011, we launched a rights offering (the “Fifth Rights Offering”). Under the Fifth Rights Offering, we distributed to each holder of record as of close of business on June 15, 2011, at no charge, 0.25 of a subscription right for each share held as of such date (i.e., one subscription right for each four shares). Each whole subscription right entitled the stockholder to purchase one unit (a “Unit”) at the purchase price of $5.00 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of (a) one share of Common Stock, and (b) warrants to purchase two additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share (a “Warrant”). Shareholders who exercised their rights in full were entitled to purchase additional shares pursuant to an over-subscription right to the extent holders did not fully subscribe for their basic subscription rights. The Fifth Rights offering terminated on its originally scheduled expiration date of July 25, 2011. In total, in connection with the Fifth Rights Offering, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $24,577,000.  After deducting approximately $248,000 in offering related expenses, we received net proceeds of $24,329,000.  Net proceeds are being applied to our drilling program and other operations. In addition, between August 16, 2011 and October 27, 2011, we raised approximately $24,000 from the exercise of the Warrants.

Going Concern Basis

Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.  Since we are in the development stage, we have limited capital resources, no revenue to date and a loss from operations.  The appropriateness of using the going concern basis is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional financing or equity capital and, ultimately, to achieve profitable operations. The uncertainty of these conditions raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.  The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 
  Critical Accounting Policies

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense during the reporting period.

We have identified the accounting principles which we believe are most critical to the reported financial status by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex of subjective decisions or assessment.

We follow the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.

All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves.  Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes and the adjusted carrying amount of the unproved properties is amortized on the unit-of-production method.

 
39

 

The oil and gas property represent an investment in unproved properties. Oil and gas property in general is excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired.  All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred.  The amount of any impairment is charged to expense since a reserve base has not yet been established.  Impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information. For the period from inception of the Company through 2010, impairment charges were recorded in 2010 and 2007 of $22,022,000 and  $9,494,000 respectively.

In July 2011, following production and other testing conducted at the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, we conducted an open-hole drill stem test and the test results confirmed that the well does not contain hydrocarbons in commercial quantities in the zone tested. Following review and further analysis of the operations and geological reports prepared by our geoscientists in consultation with outside consultants relating to the drilling and testing of the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well, it was determined that commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are not present in the Ma’anit-Joseph #3 well or the Elijah #3 well and that there will be no further drilling on these wells. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $42,488,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2011 to our unproved oil and gas properties in respect of the two wells.  Notwithstanding the foregoing impairment, in order to identify additional drilling prospects with the Asher-Menashe License area, we may run additional wireline logging in the Elijah #3 well as well as obtain additional seismic and other geophysical surveys in the license areas.

Abandonment of properties is accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs. The net capitalized costs are subject to a “ceiling test” which limits such costs to the aggregate of the estimated present value of future net revenues from proved reserves discounted at ten percent based on current economic and operating conditions, plus the lower of cost or fair market value of unproved properties. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for oil and gas properties is dependent upon the identification of economically recoverable reserves, together with obtaining the necessary financing to exploit such reserves and the achievement of profitable operations.

In June 2007, following the analysis of the results of the testing of our Ma’anit #1 well workover and an evaluation of the mechanical condition of the well, we determined that the well was incapable of producing oil and/or gas in commercial quantities.  In order to optimize drilling operations on the Company’s planned Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well, we ceased operations on the Ma’anit #1 well and, as required by the Petroleum Law, formally relinquished the Ma’anit-Joseph License.  As planned, we used the Ma’anit #1 wellbore, down to approximately 9,842 feet (3,000 meters), as the upper part of the wellbore for the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well. As a result of the abandonment of the Ma’anit #1 well and formal relinquishment of the Ma’anit-Joseph License, we recorded in June 2007 an impairment of $9,494,000 to our unproved oil and gas properties.

We ultimately drilled the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well to a depth of 17,913 feet (5,460 meters).  Our testing procedures conclusively determined in April 2010 that the well was at the time incapable of producing oil and/or gas in commercial quantities, so we temporarily suspended operations on the well and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $22,022,000 to our unproved oil and gas properties for the quarter ending June 30, 2010.

Following the impairment charges noted above, the total net book value of our unproved oil and gas properties under the full cost method is $3,324,000 at September 30, 2011.

Although our oil & gas properties and our principal operations are in Israel, we report all our transactions in United States dollars. Certain dollar amounts in the financial statements may represent the dollar equivalent of other currencies.

 
40

 

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax asset to the amount that we believe is likely to be realized in the future.  In assessing the need for the valuation allowance we have considered not only future taxable income but also feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. In the event that we were to determine that it would be likely that we would, in the future, realize our deferred tax assets in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be made.  In the period that such a determination was made, the adjustment to the deferred tax asset would produce an increase in our net income.

We record a liability for asset retirement obligation at fair value in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long lived assets.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    
 
For the Three Months
Ended
Sept 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended
Sept 30,
 
    
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
In thousands US$
   
In thousands US$
   
In thousands US$
   
In thousands US$
 
General and Administrative Expenses:   
 
 
   
 
   
 
       
Legal and professional fees    
    260       138       840       633  
Salaries   
    592       651       2,657       2,090  
Other   
    1,204       746       2,963       1,591  
                                 
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties   
    42,488       -       42,488       22,022  
                                 
Interest Expense (Income), net
    102       (102 )     29       (17 )
                                 
Net loss
    44,646       1,433       48,977       26,319  

Revenue.  We have no revenue generating operations as we are still a development stage oil and gas company.

 
41

 

General and Administrative Expenses.   General and administrative expenses were $44,544,000 and $48,948,000 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $1,535,000 and $26,336,000, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in general and administrative expenses during each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 compared to the corresponding periods in 2010 is primarily attributable to the recording of an impairment charge to our unproved oil and gas properties in the amount of $42,488,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 in respect of the Elijah #3 well and the Ma’anit Joseph #3 well, as well as increased marketing and investor relations related expenses. Previously, we recorded an impairment charge to unproved oil and gas properties of $22,022,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2010. Legal and professional fees were $260,000 and $840,000 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $138,000 and $633,000 respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in legal and professional fees during each of the three and the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 compared to the corresponding periods in 2010 is primarily attributable to the increase in operational activity and in the resultant utilization of these professional services.  Salary expenses were $592,000 and $2,657,000 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $651,000 and $2,090,000, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in salary expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the corresponding period  in 2010 is primarily attributable to non-cash expenses recorded in connection with the issuance of the above referenced stock options and new staff additions in the first three months of 2011. The decrease in salary expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the corresponding three months in 2010 is primarily attributable to the departure of company personnel during the second and third quarters of 2011.  Other general and administrative expenses were $1,204,000 and $2,963,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $746,000 and $1,591,000, respectively, for the corresponding three and nine month period in 2010. Other general and administrative expenses are comprised of non-compensation, non-professional and non-operational expenses incurred in our three offices.  The increase in other general and administrative expenses during each of the three and the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 compared to the corresponding periods in 2010 is primarily attributable to increased other operational cost not attributable to Oil & Gas properties and an increase in marketing and investor relations related expenses recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Interest Expenses (income), net.  Interest expense, net was $102,000 and $29,000 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to a net interest income of $102,000 and $17,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in interest expense in 2011 was primarily attributable to currency exchange losses generated by exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar to the New Israeli Shekel.

Net Loss.   Net loss was $44,646,000 and $48,977,000 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to $1,433,000 and $26,319,000, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010. The increase in net loss during the three  and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the corresponding periods in 2010 is primarily attributable to  the recording of the  impairment charge discussed above to our unproved oil and gas properties during the three months ended September 30, 2011 in the amount of $42,488,000.

 Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2011, we had approximately $24,909,000 in cash and cash equivalents compared to $21,243,000 at December 31, 2010. The increase in cash resources at September 30, 2011 is primarily attributable to the proceeds of the Fifth Rights Offering which expired in July 2011.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 cash used in operating activities totaled $4,175,000. Cash provided by financing activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was $26,134,000 and is attributable to proceeds received from the Fifth Rights Offering and the exercise of our publicly traded warrants.  Net cash used in investing activities was $18,293,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $17,904,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, primarily for drilling related expenditures.

We believe that our currently available cash resources, including the proceeds from the Fifth Rights Offering will be sufficient to enable us to carry out our plans through September 30, 2012, including the spudding of one new exploratory well. However, we may need to raise additional capital to complete drilling the exploratory well to the desired depth and to fund our operating needs. Additionally, if any unforeseen developments occur, such as unanticipated drilling related costs, or unanticipated opportunities arise, then we may need to raise additional capital. The most likely method for raising additional funds would be either by attracting additional investment in our company or additional parties to join our drilling operations in return for a participation interest.    Presently we have no commitments for any such financing or participation, and no assurance can be provided that we will be successful in consummating any such transaction.   
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not currently use any off-balance sheet arrangements to enhance our liquidity or capital resource position, or for any other purpose.

 
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
During the third quarter of 2011, there were no accounting pronouncements which were issued and which have relevancy to our business.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is a broad term for the risk of economic loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of a financial instrument. These changes may be the result of various factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and/or equity prices. In the normal course of doing business, we are exposed to the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks. A portion of our expenses, primarily labor expenses and certain supplier contracts, are nominated in New Israeli Shekels “NIS”. As a result, we have significant exposure to the risk of fluctuating exchange rates with the US Dollar, our primary reporting currency. The recent weakness of the U.S. Dollar in the international markets has been equally reflected against NIS and this may continue in the future. Since December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, to September 30, 2011, the U.S. Dollar has devalued by approximately (4.4%), 1.7% and, 2.4% respectively against the NIS. Continuing devaluation of the U.S. dollar against the NIS will result in higher operating costs from NIS denominated expenses. We do not currently hedge against currency exchange rate risks.
 
Interest Rate Risk.  Our exposure to market risk relates to our cash and investments. We maintain an investment portfolio of short term bank deposits and money market funds. The securities in our investment portfolio are not leveraged, and are, due to their very short-term nature, subject to minimal interest rate risk. We currently do not hedge interest rate exposure. Because of the short-term maturities of our investments, we do not believe that a change in market interest rates would have a significant negative impact on the value of our investment portfolio except for reduced income in a low interest rate environment. As of September 30, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents amounted to $24,909,000.  The weighted average annual interest rate related to our cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately 0.23%.

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we invest our excess cash in short-term bank deposits and money market funds that may invest in high quality debt instruments.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of September 30, 2011, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2011.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, there have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls.

 
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, there were no material changes to the risk factors previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

ITEM 2. 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.
(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

None.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index:

10.1
 
Settlement Agreement dated as of August 3, 2011 between Patti Beals and Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5, 2011)
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 under the Exchange Act
     
31.2
 
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 under the Exchange Act
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only)
     
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 o4f the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only)
 
 
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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS (cont’d)
 
Exhibit Index (cont’d):

101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
     
101.CAL*     
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
     
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
     
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
     
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

* In accordance with Rule 406T of Registration S-T, these exhibits are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise not subject to liability under these sections.
 
 
45

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ZION OIL & GAS, INC.
   
(Registrant)
   
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Rinberg
 
By:
/s/ Ilan Sheena
 
Richard J. Rinberg
   
Ilan Sheena,
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:  
November 7, 2011
 
Date:  
November 7, 2011
 
 
46

 

Exhibit Index:

10.1
 
Settlement Agreement dated as of August 3, 2011 between Patti Beals and Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5, 2011)
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 under the Exchange Act
     
31.2
 
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only)
     
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 o4f the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only)
     
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
     
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
     
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
     
101.LAB*    
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
     
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

* In accordance with Rule 406T of Registration S-T, these exhibits are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise not subject to liability under these sections.
 
 
47