10-K 1 d04418e10vk.txt FORM 10-K -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------- FORM 10-K (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1 (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) COMMISSION FILE NO. 2-84452 NEW YORK 13-3167549 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) ONE LANDMARK SQUARE STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 358-5700 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: UNITS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark whether 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] Indicate by check mark whether Registrant is an accelerated filer as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12-b-2. YES [ ] NO [X] The Registrant has no voting stock. There is no market for the Units and therefore no market value of the Units is reported. The number of Units of the Registrant outstanding as of March 15, 2003, was: 11,077. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE NONE STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P., formerly Sterling-Fuel Resources Drilling Fund 1983-1 (the "Registrant" or the "Partnership") is a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of New York on March 18, 1983. The sole business of the Partnership was the drilling of formation extension wells principally for natural gas in various locations in the State of West Virginia. No exploratory drilling was undertaken. The principal place of business of the Partnership is at One Landmark Square, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, telephone (203) 358-5700. The Managing General Partner of the Partnership is PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, a New York corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PrimeEnergy Corporation, a publicly held Delaware corporation. Messrs. Charles E. Drimal, Jr., Oliver J. Sterling and Samuel R. Campbell also are General Partners. Mr. Drimal is a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of PrimeEnergy Management Corporation and PrimeEnergy Corporation, and Mr. Campbell is a Director of PrimeEnergy Corporation. The aggregate contributions to the Partnership were $11,077,000, all of which, net of the organization expenses of the Partnership, was expended in the drilling of such formation extension wells. Such properties are located in Clay, Roane, Calhoun, Gilmer, Wirt, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam Counties, West Virginia. The Partnership does not operate any of the properties in which it has an interest, but generally such properties are operated and serviced by Prime Operating Company, a Texas corporation, and Eastern Oil Well Service Company, a West Virginia corporation, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of PrimeEnergy Corporation. During 2002, the Partnership did not engage in any development drilling activities or the acquisition of any significant additional properties, but engaged in the production of oil and gas from its producing properties in the usual and customary course. Since January 1, 2003, and to the date of this Report, the Partnership has not engaged in any drilling activities nor participated in the acquisition of any material producing oil and gas properties. During 2002, PrimeEnergy Management negotiated a Farmout Agreement with Ardent Resources Inc. covering leasehold interests in acres located in Calhoun County, West Virginia. Pursuant to this agreement, Ardent has the right but not the obligation to select acreage and drill a deep well on the selected acreage, subject to an overriding royalty interest due to the leasehold owners. If a test well is not spudded by February 13, 2005 this agreement terminates. Acreage held by Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 was included in the Farmout Agreement, PrimeEnergy Management may discuss the possibility of farming out additional deep rights held by the Partnership under the same terms with other parties, however, there is no guarantee that any agreement will be entered into. 2 During early 2001, PrimeEnergy Management negotiated a Farmout Agreement with Eastern American Energy. (EAE) covering leasehold interests in approximately 5,000 acres in Clay County, West Virginia. Acreage held by Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 Limited Partnership was not included in the Farmout Agreement. This agreement provided for a cash bonus paid at closing and gives EAE the right but not the obligation to select acreage and drill a deep well on the selected acreage, subject to an overriding royalty interest due to the leasehold owners. PrimeEnergy will attempt to find other parties interested in the Partnership's acreage, however there is no guarantee that a new agreement will be made. This opportunity may come up again over the next few years, PrimeEnergy will continue to purse this type of potential revenue if feasible. During 2000, PrimeEnergy Management negotiated a Farmout Agreement with Columbia Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) covering leasehold interests in approximately 5,000 acres in Clay County, West Virginia. Pursuant to this agreement, CNR has the right but not the obligation to select acreage and drill a deep well on the selected acreage, subject to an overriding royalty interest due to the leasehold owners. This agreement terminated in April 2001. CNR did not exercise their rights to select acreage and drill a well. Acreage held by Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 was not included in the CNR Farmout Agreement. COMPETITION AND MARKETS Competitors of the Partnership in the marketing of its oil and gas production include oil and gas companies, independent concerns, and individual producers and operators, many of which have financial resources, staffs and facilities substantially greater than those available to the Partnership. Furthermore, domestic producers of oil and gas must not only compete with each other in marketing their output, but must also compete with producers of imported oil and gas and alternative energy sources such as coal, nuclear power and hydroelectric power. The availability of a ready market for any oil and gas produced by the Partnership at acceptable prices per unit of production will depend upon numerous factors beyond the control of the Partnership, including the extent of domestic production and importation of oil and gas, the proximity of the Partnership's producing properties to gas pipelines and the availability and capacity of such pipelines, the marketing of other competitive fuels, fluctuation in demand, governmental regulation of production, refining, transportation and sales, general national and worldwide economic conditions, and pricing, use and allocation of oil and gas and their substitute fuels. The Partnership does not currently own or lease any bulk storage facilities or pipelines, other than adjacent to and used in connection with producing wells. The Partnership deals with a number of major and independent companies for the purchase of its oil and gas production, in the areas of production. In 2002, approximately $320,522 or 94.60% of the Partnership's gas production was sold to one unaffiliated purchaser, Dominion Field Services (formerly named Phoenix Diversified) and about $14,173 or 100% of oil production was purchased by Clearfield Appalachian Holdings (formerly named American Refining Group). Neither purchaser has any relationship or is otherwise affiliated with the Partnership. Sales are made under short-term contractual arrangements. The Partnership believes that its current purchasers will continue to purchase oil and gas products and, if not, could be replaced by other purchasers. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The petroleum industry is subject to numerous federal and state environmental statutes, regulations and other pollution controls. In general, the Partnership is, and will be subject to, present and future environmental statutes and regulations, and in the future the cost of its activities may materially increase as a result thereof. The Partnership's expenses relating to preserving the environment during 2002 as they relate to its oil and gas operations were not significant in relation to operating costs and the Partnership expects no material change in the near future. The Partnership believes that environmental regulations should not, in the future, result in a curtailment of production or otherwise have a materially adverse effect on the Partnership's operations or financial condition. REGULATION The Partnership's oil and gas operations are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local regulations. Administrative agencies in such jurisdictions may promulgate and enforce rules and regulations relating to, among other things, drilling and spacing of oil and gas wells, production rates, prevention of waste, conservation of natural gas and oil, pollution control, and various other matters, all of which may affect the Partnership's future operations and production of oil and gas. The Partnership's natural gas production and prices received for natural gas are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 and various state regulations. The Partnership is also subject to state drilling and proration regulations affecting its drilling operations and production rates. The FERC continues to regulate interstate natural gas pipeline transportation rates and service conditions pursuant to the NGA and NGPA. Federal regulation of interstate transporter's affects the marketing of natural gas produced by the Partnership as well as the revenues received by the Partnership for sales of such natural gas. Since the latter part of 1985, through its Order Nos. 436, 500 and 636 rulemakings, the FERC has endeavored to make natural gas transportation accessible to gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-discriminatory basis. The FERC's efforts have significantly altered the marketing and pricing of natural gas. No prediction can be made as to what additional legislation may be proposed, if any, affecting the competitive status of a gas producer, restricting the prices at which a producer may sell its gas, or the market demand for gas, nor can it be predicted which proposals, including those presently under consideration, if enacted, might be effective. Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas industry are considered from time to time by Congress, the FERC, state regulatory bodies and the courts. The Partnership cannot predict when or if any such proposals might become effective, or their effect, if any, on the Partnership's operations. The Partnership believes that it will comply with all orders and regulation changes applicable to its operations. However, in view of the many uncertainties with respect to the current controls, including their duration and possible modification together with any new proposals that may be enacted, the Partnership cannot predict the overall effect, if any, of such controls on its operations. 4 TAXATION The Partnership received an opinion of its counsel that the Partnership would be classified as a partnership and the holders of Partnership Units would be treated as limited partners for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership itself, to the extent that it is treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, is not subject to any federal income taxation, but it is required to file annual partnership returns. Each holder of Partnership Units will be allocated his distributive shares of the Partnership's income, gain, profit, loss, deductions, credits, tax preference items and distributions for any taxable year of the Partnership ending within or with his taxable year without regard as to whether such holder has received or will receive any cash distributions from the Partnership. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Partnership has no interest in any properties other than its oil and gas properties. The information set forth below summarizes the Partnership's oil and gas wells, production and reserves, for the periods indicated. PRODUCING WELLS AND OPERATING INFORMATION The Partnership, following its formation, and in November, 1983, contracted for the drilling of 38 development wells, which resulted in 37 producing wells and one dry hole. As of December 31, 2002, the Partnership had ownership interests in the following gross and net producing oil and gas wells and gross and net producing acres(1). The Partnership has no material undeveloped leasehold, mineral or royalty acreage. Producing wells:
Gross Net ----- ----- Oil Wells 0 0 Gas Wells 39 31.3 Producing acres 1,833 1,771
(1) A gross well is a well in which an interest is owned; a net well is the sum of the interests owned in gross wells. Wells are classified by their primary product. Some wells produce both oil and gas. The following table sets forth the Partnership's oil and gas production, average sales prices and average production costs as of and for the periods indicated:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Production Oil and Condensate (bbl) 690 550 1,263 877 1,232 Gas (Mcf) 90,845 101,937 103,533 95,379 100,993 Average Price of Sales: Oil and Condensate ($ per bbl) $ 20.45 $ 21.78 $ 27.11 $ 16.16 $ 12.05 Gas ($ per Mcf) $ 3.73 $ 5.42 $ 3.52 $ 2.50 $ 3.17 Production Expense per Dollar Of Operating Revenue $ 0.41 $ 0.42 $ 0.46 $ 0.46 $ 0.45
5 OIL AND GAS RESERVES The Partnership's interests in proved developed oil and gas properties have been evaluated by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. for the periods indicated below. All of the Partnership's reserves are located in the continental United States. The following table summarizes the Partnership's oil and gas reserves at the dates shown (figures rounded):
Proved Developed As of ------------------------- 12-31 Oil (bbls) Gas (mcf) ----- ---------- --------- 1998 13,000 1,808,900 1999 11,900 1,587.600 2000 11,300 1,793,400 2001 8,940 1,751,900 2002 8,900 1,535,500
The estimated future net revenue using current prices and costs as of the dates indicated, exclusive of income taxes (at a 10% discount for estimated timing of cash flow) for the Partnership's proved developed oil and gas reserves for the periods indicated are summarized as follows (figures rounded):
Proved Developed ------------------------------------- As of Future Net Present Value 12-31 Revenue ($) Future Net Revenue($) ----- ----------- --------------------- 1998 2,293,000 915,800 1999 2,597,600 1,153,900 2000 14,397,393 5,503,164 2001 2,665,100 1,140,100 2002 3,775,700 1,607,900
The estimated reserve quantities and future income quantities are related to hydrocarbon prices. Therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered and amounts of income actually received may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this report. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 69, December 31, 2002 market prices were determined using the daily oil price or daily gas sales price ("spot price") adjusted for oilfield or gas gathering hub and wellhead price differentials (e.g. grade, transportation, gravity, sulfur, and BS&W) as appropriate. Also, in accordance with SEC and FASB specifications, changes in market prices subsequent to December 31, 2002 and 2001 were not considered. The spot price for gas at December 31, 2002 was $4.75 per MMBTU. The range of spot prices during the year 2002 was a low of $1.98 and a high of $5.05 and the average was $3.38. The spot price for gas at December 31, 2001 was $2.63 per MMBTU. The range of spot prices during the year 2001 was a low of $1.77 and a high of $10.29 and the average was $3.94. The range during the first quarter of 2003 has been from $4.88 to $9.50 with an average of $6.62. The recent futures market prices have been in the $5.00 range. 6 While it may reasonably be anticipated that the prices received by Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 for the sale of its production may be higher or lower than the prices used in this evaluation, as described above, and the operating costs relating to such production may also increase or decrease from existing levels, such possible changes in prices and costs were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation for the SEC case. Actual volumes produced, prices received and costs incurred by the partnership may vary significantly from the SEC case Since January 1, 2003, the Partnership has not filed any estimates of its oil and gas reserves with, nor were any such estimates included in any reports, to any federal authority or agency, other than the Securities and Exchange Commission. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Partnership is not a party to, nor is any of its property the subject of, any legal proceedings actual or threatened, which would have a material adverse effect on the business and affairs of the Partnership. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS There were no matters submitted during 2002 for vote by the holders of Partnership Units. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS There is no market for the Limited Partnership Units (the "Units") of the Partnership. As of March 15, 2003, there were 525 holders of record of the Units. The Units are not regarded as stock and payments or distributions to holders of Units are not made in the form of dividends. Cash distributions to the holders of Units for 2002 aggregated $110,770. Aggregate cash distributions to the holders of the Units as of December 31, 2002, is $2,630,788. The Managing General Partner may purchase Units directly from the unit holders if presented to the Managing General Partner, subject to conditions, including limitations on numbers of Units, and at a price to be fixed by the Managing General Partner in accordance with certain procedures, all as provided for in the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The information required hereunder is set forth under "Selected Financial Data" in the Financial Information section included in this Report. The index to the Financial Information section is at page F-1. 7 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The information required hereunder is set forth under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Financial Information section included in this Report. The index to the Financial Information section is at page F-1. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Registrant is a "small business issuer" as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 and no information is required to be provided by this Item 7A. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The information required hereunder is set forth under "Report of Independent Public Accountants," "Balance Sheets," "Statements of Operations" "Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity," "Statements of Cash Flows" and "Notes to Financial Statements" in the Financial Information section included in this Report. The index to the Financial Information section is at page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE There was no disagreement between the Partnership and its certified public accountants on any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosure. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The Managing General Partner of the Partnership is PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, a New York corporation ("Management"). The principal business of Management is the management of the Partnership and other publicly and privately held exploration and development limited partnerships and joint ventures and publicly held asset and income fund limited partnerships. As of March 15, 2003, Management acts as the Managing General Partner in a total of 38 limited partnerships and joint ventures, of which 3 are publicly held, and is the Managing Trustee of 2 Delaware Business Trusts. The primary activity of such Partnerships, joint ventures and trusts is the production of oil and gas and Management, as the Managing General Partner of the Partnership, will devote such of its time as it believes necessary in the conduct and management of the business and affairs of the Partnership. Management, and other of the General Partners of the Partnership, are engaged in and intend to continue to engage in the oil and gas business for their own accounts and for the accounts of others. 8 Management, which provides all of the executive, management and administrative functions of the Partnership, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PrimeEnergy Corporation ("PrimeEnergy"), a publicly held Delaware corporation. The principal offices of PrimeEnergy and Management are in Stamford, Connecticut. The operating subsidiaries of PrimeEnergy, Prime Operating Company and Eastern Oil Well Service Company, maintain their principal offices in Houston, Texas, with district offices in Midland, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Charleston, West Virginia. PrimeEnergy and its subsidiaries have approximately 201 employees, including their principal officers providing management and administrative services, accounting, geologists, production engineers, land department personnel and field employees. Set forth below is information concerning the directors and executive officers of Management and PrimeEnergy who are involved with the conduct of the business and operations of the Partnership. Charles E. Drimal, Jr., age 55, is a Director and President of Management and has held those positions since May 1983. He is also a Director and President of Prime Energy and the operating subsidiaries. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 and from Stamford University School of Law in 1973 and is a member of the New York State Bar. Beverly A. Cummings, age 49, has been a Director and Vice President of Finance for Management since August 1985. She is also a Director and Vice President of Finance, and Treasurer of PrimeEnergy and the operating subsidiaries. Ms. Cummings is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York and a Master in Business Administration from Rutgers University. Lynne G. Pizor, age 43, has been Controller of Prime Operating Company since January 1992 and Eastern Oil Well Service Company since September 1990. She also held that position with Management from January 1986 to August 1994, and PrimeEnergy from May 1990 to August, 1994. She joined Management in October 1984, as Manager of Partnership Accounting. She is a graduate of Wagner College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. Joan Podlovits, age 37, has been Controller of PrimeEnergy Management Corporation since September 2002. She joined Management in July 1989 as a staff accountant. She held the position of. Accounting Manager for Management from April 1994 to August 2002. She is a graduate of Pace University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Public Accounting James F. Gilbert, age 70, has been Secretary of Management since June 1990, and has been Secretary of PrimeEnergy since March 1973, and was a Director of PrimeEnergy from that date to October, 1987. He also serves as Secretary of the operating subsidiaries. He is an attorney in Dallas, Texas. 9 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Partnership has no officers, directors or employees. The officers and employees of the Managing General Partner and PrimeEnergy perform all management and operational functions of the Partnership. The Partnership does not pay any direct salaries or other remuneration to the officers, directors or employees of the Managing General Partner or PrimeEnergy. The Managing General Partner is reimbursed for the general and administrative expenses of the Partnership which are allocated to the Partnership for expenses incurred on behalf of the Partnership, together with administrative work by third parties, limited annually to 5% of the aggregate capital contribution of the holders of the Partnership Units. During 2002 and 2001, the allocation of general and administrative expenses to the Partnership was $ 100,800 per year. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION The Partnership does not know of any person, entity or group, other than the Managing general Partner that beneficially owns more than five percent of the Partnership Units. The following table shows as of March 15, 2003, the name and address of such beneficial owners, and the number and percent of partnership units beneficially owned by them, all of which are directly owned.
Number Name and Address of Beneficial Owner of Units Percent ------------------------------------ -------- ------- PrimeEnergy Management Corporation One Landmark Square Stamford, CT 06901 1,152 10.40% PrimeEnergy Corporation One Landmark Square Stamford, Connecticut 06901 3,530 31.87%
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Prime Operating Company acts as the operator for most of the producing oil and gas wells of the Partnership pursuant to operating agreements with the Partnership and other working interest owners, including other partnerships managed by the Managing General Partner, and in 2002 was paid well operating fees ranging from about $248 to $495 per month per well. Well operating supplies and equipment and related servicing operations are generally provided by Eastern Oil Well Service Company. The Partnership pays its proportionate part of such operating fees and expenses. Such fees and expenses vary depending on such matters as the location of the well, the complexity of the producing equipment, whether wells produce oil or gas or both and similar factors. The Partnership believes that such services are as favorable to the Partnership as they would be if the Partnership entered into such transactions with unaffiliated third parties. In 2002 and 2001, the Partnership paid an aggregate of $110,989 and $151,853, respectively, in such fees and expenses. 10 PART IV ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES PrimeEnergy Management Corporation ("PEMC"), the Managing General Partner of the Partnership, maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this Report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. Within 90 days prior to the filing of this Report, PEMC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures with the assistance and participation of other members of management. Based upon that evaluation, PEMC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information the Partnership is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. There have been no significant changes in PEMC's internal controls or in other factors which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date MDC carried out its evaluation. ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Report: 1. Financial Statements (Index to the Financial Information at page F-1) 2. Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule V Property and Equipment - Oil and Gas Properties Schedule VI Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization - Oil and Gas Properties 3. Exhibits: (3) Form of Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3) of Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.) (23) Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (filed herewith) (99.1) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). (99.2) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). (b) Reports on Form 8-K: No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of the year covered by this Report. 11 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 28 day of March, 2003. Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P. By: PrimeEnergy Management Corporation Managing General Partner By: /s/ Charles E. Drimal Jr. ------------------------- Charles E. Drimal, Jr. President Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated and on the 28 day of March, 2002. /s/ Charles E. Drimal Jr. Director and President, ------------------------ PrimeEnergy Management Corporation; Charles E. Drimal, Jr. The Principal Executive Officer /s/ Beverly A. Cummings Director and Vice President and Treasurer, ---------------------- PrimeEnergy Management Corporation; Beverly A. Cummings The Principal Financial and Accounting Officer 12 CERTIFICATIONS I, Charles E. Drimal, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, the Managing General Partner of the Partnership, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Sterling Gas Drilling 1983-1 L.P. 2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report. 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function); a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. March 28, 2003 /s/ Charles E. Drimal Jr. ------------------------- Charles E. Drimal Jr Chief Executive Officer PrimeEnergy Management Corporation Managing General Partner 13 CERTIFICATIONS I, Beverly A. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer of PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, the Managing General Partner of the Partnership, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Sterling Gas Drilling 1983-1 L.P. 2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report. 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function); a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. March 28, 2003 /s/ Beverly A. Cummings ---------------------------------- Beverly A. Cummings Chief Financial Officer PrimeEnergy Management Corporation Managing General Partner 14 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) Index to Financial Information and Schedules
PAGE NO. -------- Selected Financial Data F-2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations F-2 Report of Independent Public Accountants F-6 Financial Statements: Balance Sheets, December 31, 2002 and 2001 F-7 Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-8 Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-9 Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-10 Notes to Financial Statements F-11 - F-18 Schedules: V - Property and Equipment - Oil and Gas Properties for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-19 VI - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization - Oil and Gas Properties for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-20
All other schedules have been omitted as the information required is either included in the financial statements, related notes, or is not applicable. F-1 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table summarizes certain selected financial data to highlight significant trends in the Registrant's financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000's omitted) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenues $ 377 609 419 261 346 Net income (loss): Limited Partners $ 23 133 23 (65) (15) General Partners $ 20 53 20 6 9 Per equity unit $ 2.09 11.98 2.12 (5.87) (1.35) Total assets $ 1,478 1,575 1,532 1,524 1,635 Cash distributions: Limited Partners $ 110 110 28 42 42 General Partners $ 34 32 7 11 11 Limited Partners as a % of original contribution 1.00% 1.00% 0.25% 0.375% 0.375%
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1. Liquidity: The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive in all its phases. There is also competition between this industry and other industries in supplying energy and fuel requirements of industrial and residential consumers. It is not possible for the Partnership to calculate its position in the industry as the Partnership competes with many other companies having substantially greater financial and other resources. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, the General Partners of the Partnership will make cash distributions of as much of the Partnership cash credited to the capital accounts of the partners as the General Partners have determined is not necessary or desirable for the payment of any contingent debts, liabilities or expenses for the conduct of the Partnership business. As of December 31, 2002, the General Partners have distributed to the Limited Partners $2,630,788 or 23.75% of the total Limited Partner capital contributions to the Limited Partnership. The net proved oil and gas reserves of the Partnership are considered to be a primary indicator of financial strength and future liquidity. The present value of unescalated future net revenue (S.E.C. case) associated with such reserves, discounted at 10% as of December 31, 2001, was approximately $1,140,108 as compared to the discounted reserves as of December 31, 2002, which were approximately $1,607,868. Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of gas and oil that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The estimated reserve quantities and future income quantities are related to hydrocarbon prices. Therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered and amounts of income actually received may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this report. F-2 In accordance with FASB Statement No. 69, December 31, 2002 market prices were determined using the daily oil price or daily gas sales price ("spot price") adjusted for oilfield or gas gathering hub and wellhead price differentials (e.g. grade, transportation, gravity, sulfur, and BS&W) as appropriate. Also, in accordance with SEC and FASB specifications, changes in market prices subsequent to December 31, 2002 and 2001 were not considered. The spot price for gas at December 31, 2002 was $4.58 per MMBTU. The range of spot prices during the year 2002 was a low of $1.98 and a high of $5.05 and the average was $3.38. The spot price for gas at December 31, 2001 was $2.63 per MMBTU. The range of spot prices during the year 2001 was a low of $1.77 and a high of $10.29 and the average was $3.94. The range during the first quarter of 2003 has been from $4.88 to $19.00 with an average of $6.62. The recent futures market prices have been in the $5.00 range. While it may reasonably be anticipated that the prices received by Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1 for the sale of its production may be higher or lower than the prices used in this evaluation, as described above, and the operating costs relating to such production may also increase or decrease from existing levels, such possible changes in prices and costs were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation for the SEC case. Actual volumes produced, prices received and costs incurred by the partnership may vary significantly from the SEC case 2. Capital resources: The Partnership was formed for the sole intention of drilling oil and gas wells. The Partnership entered into a drilling contract with an independent drilling contractor in November, 1983, for $9,400,000. Pursuant to the terms of this contract, thirty-eight wells were drilled resulting in thirty-seven producing wells and one dry-hole. 3. Results of Operations: 2002 compared to 2001 The Partnership's oil production increased slightly and price per average barrel sold declined slightly from 550 barrels and $21.78 in 2001 to 690 barrels and $20.45. The partnership also experienced significant declines in the MCF produced and the average price per MCF sold from $ 5.42 in 2001 to $ 3.73 in 2002 and from 101,937 MCF in 2001 to 90,845 MCF in 2002. The Partnership's overall operating revenue declined from $564,100 in 2001 to $352,903. A new contract was entered into in December 2001 and the Partnership was paid based upon current spot market prices until November 2002. The General Partners elected to sell a substantial portion of the gas delivered under this contract from June 2002 through October 2002 at a fixed price of $3.57 per MMBTU subject to transportation costs. In December 2002 the Partnership entered into a contract to sell approximately seventy five percent of the amount of its gas sold under a fixed contract price subject to transportation cost. The remaining gas to be sold by the Partnership will be sold at current spot market prices. This combination allows the Partnership to sell its gas and avoid some of the more significant negative swings that could occur in the spot market. The production volume variations can be a result of changes in transportation line pressures, miscellaneous shut-ins for maintenance and natural declines. The Partnership's other income is a result of a cash bonus paid to the partnership for an additional farmout agreement. The farmout agreement allows a third party the right to drill a deep well on leasehold acreage owned by the partnership for a period of two years. If the third party F-3 exercises their rights within the two years the Partnership could receive an overriding royalty interest Interest income fluctuates with changes in the interest rates received as well as the amount of cash in the bank at any given time. Production expenses decreased from $236,885 in 2001 to $146,134 in 2002. Production expenses can be variable in nature relating to the volumes produced. Variable costs were reasonable based upon current production volumes during both years. Other direct costs, which include but are not limited to, involve repairs, labor, chemicals, and repairs to access the well sites. The majority of the production expenditures during 2002 and 2001 related to routine maintenance and upkeep at the well site. General and administrative costs declined between 2001 and 2002, from $ 116,058 to $90,545, respectively. Management will use in-house resources if it will provide efficient and timely services to the partnership. Amounts in both years are substantially less than the $553,850 allowed to be allocated to the Partnership under the Partnership Agreement. The Partnership records additional depreciation, depletion and amortization to the extent that the net capitalized costs exceed the undiscounted future net cash flows attributable to the Partnership. No revisions to the basis of the Partnership properties were needed in 2002 or 2001. The overall depreciation and depletion for both years was consistent with the rates used and the remaining property basis. 2001 compared to 2000 The Partnership's oil production and price per average barrel sold declined from 1,263 barrels and $27.11 in 2000 to 550 barrels and $21.78 in 2001. This fluctuation was significantly offset because of the increase in average price per MCF received, from $3.52 in 2000 to $ 5.42 in 2001 combined with only a minor decline in gas production, from 103,533 MCF in 2000 to 101,937 MCF in 2001 The Partnership's overall operating revenue from $398,448 in 2000 to $564,100 in 2001. For most of 2001 the Partnership's revenue was based upon a higher contract price than was the average spot market price. A new contract was entered into in December 2001 and the Partnership will be paid based upon current spot market prices until November 2002. The Partnership's other income is a result of a cash bonus paid to the partnership for a farmout agreement. The farmout agreement allows a third party the right to drill a deep well on leasehold acreage owned by the partnership for a period of two years. If the third party exercises their rights within the two years the Partnership could receive an overriding royalty interest Interest income fluctuates with changes in the interest rates received as well as the amount of cash in the bank at any given time Production expenses increased from $182,826 in 2000 to $236,885 in 2001. Production expenses can be variable in nature relating to the volumes produced. Variable costs were reasonable based upon current production volumes during both years. Other direct costs, which include but are not limited to, involve repairs, labor, chemicals, and repairs to access the well sites. The majority of the production expenditures during 2001 and 2000 related to routine maintenance and upkeep at the well site. General and administrative costs declined slightly between 2000 and F-4 2001, from $119,184 to $ 116,058, respectively. Management will use in-house resources if it will provide efficient and timely services to the partnership. Amounts in both years are substantially less than the $553,850 allowed to be allocated to the Partnership under the Partnership Agreement. The Partnership records additional depreciation, depletion and amortization to the extent that the net capitalized costs exceed the undiscounted future net cash flows attributable to the Partnership. No revisions to the basis of the Partnership properties were needed in 2001 or 2000. The overall depreciation and depletion for both years was consistent with the rates used and the remaining property basis. F-5 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Partners of Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P.: We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the index to financial statements and schedules are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the examination of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. PUSTORINO, PUGLISI & CO., LLP New York, New York March 28, 2003 F-6 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1 (A NEW YORK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
Assets 2002 2001 ------------ ------------ Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2) $ 297,286 $ 318,796 Due from affiliates (Note 6) 38,472 44,585 ------------ ------------ Total Current Assets 335,758 363,381 ------------ ------------ Oil and Gas Properties - successful efforts methods (Note 3) - Leasehold costs 321,314 321,314 Wells and related facilities 8,934,084 8,934,084 ------------ ------------ Total 9,255,398 9,255,398 Less - Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (8,113,017) (8,043,389) ------------ ------------ 1,142,381 1,212,009 ------------ ------------ Total Assets $ 1,478,139 $ 1,575,390 ============ ============ Partners' Equity Partners' Equity: Limited partners $ 1,411,475 $ 1,499,047 General partners 66,664 76,343 ------------ ------------ Total Partners' Equity $ 1,478,139 $ 1,575,390 ============ ============
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. F-7 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1 (A NEW YORK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, 2000
2002 2001 2000 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Limited General Limited General Limited General Partners Partners Total Partners Partners Total Partners Partners Total -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenue: Operating revenues $269,971 $ 82,932 $352,903 $431,537 $132,563 $564,100 $304,813 $ 93,635 $398,448 Other revenue (Note 10) 15,935 4,895 20,830 27,753 8,526 36,279 8,035 2,468 10,503 Interest 3,340 310 3,650 7,969 740 8,709 9,433 876 10,309 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Revenue 289,246 88,137 377,383 467,259 141,829 609,088 322,281 96,979 419,260 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Costs and Expenses: Production expenses 111,793 34,341 146,134 181,217 55,668 236,885 139,862 42,964 182,826 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 63,710 5,918 69,628 64,527 5,994 70,521 67,747 6,293 74,040 General and administrative expenses (Note 7) 90,545 27,815 118,360 88,784 27,274 116,058 91,176 28,008 119,184 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Expenses 266,048 68,074 334,112 334,528 88,936 423,464 298,785 77,265 376,050 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net Income $ 23,198 $ 20,063 $ 43,261 $132,731 $ 52,893 $185,624 $ 23,496 $ 19,714 $ 43,210 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Net Income Per Equity Unit (Note 2) $ 2.09 $ 11.98 $ 2.12 ======== ======== ========
The Notes to Financial Statements are integral part of these statements. F-8 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1 (A NEW YORK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, 2000
Limited General Partners Partners Total ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at December 31, 1999 $ 1,481,283 $ 42,358 $ 1,523,641 Partners' contributions -- 117 117 Distributions to partners (27,693) (7,325) (35,018) Net Income 23,496 19,714 43,210 ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at December 31, 2000 1,477,086 54,864 1,531,950 Partners' contributions -- 476 476 Distributions to partners (110,770) (31,890) (142,660) Net Income 132,731 52,893 185,624 ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at December 31, 2001 1,499,047 76,343 1,575,390 Partners' contributions -- 4,285 4,285 Distributions to partners (110,770) (34,027) (144,797) Net Income 23,198 20,063 43,261 ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at December 31, 2002 $ 1,411,475 $ 66,664 $ 1,478,139 ============ ============ ============
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. F-9 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1 (A NEW YORK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, 2000
2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net Income $ 43,261 $ 185,624 $ 43,210 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 69,628 70,521 74,040 Changes in Assets and Liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in due from affiliates 6,113 5,988 (10,205) Increase in due to affiliates -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 119,002 262,133 107,045 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Equipment purchases -- -- -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Cash Used By Investing Activities -- -- -- Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Partners' contributions 4,285 476 117 Distributions to partners (144,797) (142,660) (35,018) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Cash Used In Financing Activities (140,512) (142,184) (34,901) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Increase (decrease) in cash and cash Equivalents (21,510) 119,949 72,144 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of Year 318,796 198,847 126,703 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 297,286 $ 318,796 $ 198,847 ========== ========== ==========
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. F-10 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (1) Organization and Capital Contributions: Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P., formerly Sterling-Fuel Resources Drilling Fund 1983-1, a New York limited partnership (the "Partnership"), was formed on March 18, 1983 for the primary purpose of acquiring, developing and producing oil and gas in the state of West Virginia. The general partners are: PrimeEnergy Management Corporation (PEMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of PrimeEnergy Corporation (PEC), Charles E. Drimal, Jr., Oliver J. Sterling and Samuel R. Campbell. Eleven thousand seventy-seven limited partnership units, (11,077), were sold at $1,000 per unit aggregating total limited partner contributions of $11,077,000. The general partners' contributions amounted to $902,847. Partnership operations commenced on November 10, 1983. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Revenue Recognition: The Partnership recognizes operating revenues, consisting of sales of oil and gas production, in the month of sale. Uncollected revenue is accrued based on known facts and trends of the relevant oil and gas properties on a monthly basis. Basis of Accounting: The accounts of the Partnership are maintained in accordance with accounting practices permitted for federal income tax reporting purposes. Under this method of accounting, (a) substantially all exploration and development costs except leasehold and equipment costs are expensed as paid, (b) costs of abandoned leases and equipment are expensed when abandoned, and (c) depreciation (for equipment placed in service) is provided on an accelerated basis. In order to present the accompanying financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, memorandum adjustments have been made to account for oil and gas properties, as discussed below. Oil and Gas Producing Activities: The Partnership accounts for its oil and gas operations using the successful efforts method of accounting on a property by property basis. The Partnership only participates in developmental drilling. Accordingly, all costs of drilling and equipping these wells, together with leasehold acquisition costs, are capitalized. These capitalized costs are amortized on a property by property basis by the unit-of- production method based F-11 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - (Cont'd): upon the ratio of production to proved oil and gas reserves. Additional depreciation, depletion and amortization may be recorded if net capitalized costs exceed the undiscounted future net cash flows attributable to Partnership properties. (See Note 4) Federal Income Taxes: As federal income taxes are the liability of the individual partners, the accompanying financial statements do not include any provision for federal income taxes. (See Note 8) Limited Partners' Loss Per Equity Unit: The limited partners' income (loss) per equity unit is computed on the 11,077 limited partner equity units. Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of the statements of cash flows the Partnership considers all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. F-12 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (3) Oil and Gas Properties: The Partnership acquired leases or farmouts from PEMC at its cost. Cost is defined as any amount paid for delay rentals, lease bonuses, if any, surveys and other expenses including such portion of any of the general partners', or their affiliates' reasonable, necessary and actual expenses for geological, geophysical, seismic, land, engineering, drafting, accounting, legal and other services. The Partnership currently pays royalties of approximately 12.5% to 17.9% of the selling price of the oil and gas extracted. The following table sets forth certain revenue and expense data concerning the Partnership's oil and gas activities for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000:
2002 2001 2000 -------- -------- -------- Average sales price per MCF of gas $ 3.73 $ 5.42 $ 3.52 Average sales price per BBL of oil $ 20.45 $ 21.78 $ 27.11 and other liquids Production expense per dollar of $ 0.41 $ 0.42 $ 0.46 operating revenue
(4) Quantities of Oil and Gas Reserves: The amount of proved developed reserves presented below have been estimated by an independent firm of petroleum engineers as of January 1, 2003. Petroleum engineers on the staff of PEC have reviewed the data presented below, as of December 31, 2002, for consistency with current year production and operating history. All of the Partnership's oil and gas reserves are located within the United States:
(Unaudited) -------------------------- GAS (MCF) OIL (BBL) ---------- ---------- Reserves as of December 31, 1999 1,587,591 11,912 Revisions of previous estimates 309,340 657 Production (103,533) (1,263) ---------- ---------- Reserves as of December 31, 2000 1,793,398 11,306 Revisions of previous estimates 60,472 (1,817) Production (101,937) (550) ---------- ---------- Reserves as of December 31, 2001 1,751,933 8,939 Revisions of previous estimates (125,618) 642 Production (90,845) (690) ---------- ---------- Reserves as of December 31, 2002 1,535,470 8,891 ========== ==========
F-13 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (4) Quantities of Oil and Gas Reserves - (Cont'd): Should future prices decline, operation of certain wells would become uneconomic, on a pretax basis, as production levels decline with age. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, proved reserves exclude production which would be uneconomic. The partners are entitled to certain tax benefits and credits which, if available in the future, may result in production continuing beyond the level included in the above table. Revisions arise from changes in current prices, as well as engineering and geological data which would alter the useful life and therefore the overall predicted production of each well. Future changes in these estimates are common and would impact the reserve quantities used to calculate depreciation, depletion and amortization. As discussed in Note 2, the Partnership may record additional depreciation, depletion and amortization if net capitalized costs exceed the undiscounted future net cash flows attributable to Partnership properties. Price declines affect estimated future net revenues both directly and as a consequence of their impact on estimates of future production. The Partnership has recorded no additional provision for 2002, 2001 or 2000. F-14 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (5) Allocation of Partnership Revenues, Costs and Expenses: Under the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, all Partnership revenues and expenses, including deductions attributable thereto, are to be allocated as follows:
Limited General Partners Partners -------- -------- Participation in Costs: Sales commissions and dealer manager fees in excess of the $50,000 paid by PEMC 100% 0% Offering costs other than $75,000 paid by the Partnership and the Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P 0% 100% Management fee 100% 0% Lease acquisition costs 91.5% 8.5% Drilling and completion costs 91.5% 8.5% General and administrative expenses 76.5% 23.5% Production operator's fee 76.5% 23.5% Operating expenses 76.5% 23.5% All other costs 91.5% 8.5% Participation in Revenues: Sale of production 76.5% 23.5% Sale of properties 91.5% 8.5% Sale of equipment 91.5% 8.5% All other revenues 91.5% 8.5%
(6) Transactions With Affiliates: (a) The due from affiliates at December 2002 and 2001 represents general and administrative and certain other expenses incurred on behalf of the Partnership by PEC and its subsidiaries, and amounts due for production operator's fees (Note 6(b)), net of production revenues collected on behalf of the Partnership. (b) As operator of the Partnership's properties, Prime Operating Company (POC), a subsidiary of PEC, receives, as compensation from the Partnership, a monthly production operator's fee of $248 for each producing gas well and $495 for each producing oil or combination gas and oil well, based on the Partnership's F-15 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (6) Transactions With Affiliates - (Cont'd): percentage of working interest in the well. Such fee is subject to annual adjustment by the percentage increase in the Cost of Living Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor over the year in which production began. During 2002, 2001, and 2000 $95,394, $147,599 and $105,833, of production operator's fees were incurred, respectively. (c) In accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the general partners are required to pay 8.5% of drilling and completion costs, lease acquisition costs and certain other costs, of which 1% will be paid for by the general partners out of revenues received by them from the Partnership. At December 31, 2002, $21,720 was due from certain general partners for such costs. (d) Eastern Oil Well Services Company (EOWSC), a subsidiary of PEC, provided field services to the Partnership during the years ending December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 for which it was billed $15,594, $4,254, and $11,363, respectively. (7) General and Administrative Expenses: In accordance with the Management Agreement, the general partners are reimbursed for the portion of their in-house overhead, including salaries and related benefits, attributable to the affairs and operations of the Partnership. This amount, combined with certain direct expenses for geology, engineering, legal, accounting, auditing, insurance and other items shall not exceed an annual amount equal to 5% of limited partner capital contributions. Excess expenses shall be borne by the general partners. During 2002, 2001, and 2000, the Partnership recognized general and administrative expenses incurred on its behalf by a general partner of $100,800, $100,800 and $100,000, respectively. F-16 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (8) Federal Income Taxes: The following is a reconciliation between the net income as reported on the Partnership's federal income tax return and the net income (loss) reported in the accompanying financial statements:
Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------ 2002 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Income as reported on the Partnership's federal income tax return 112,889 $ 256,146 $ 112,241 Recompletion costs reported differently for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes -- -- -- Depreciation, depletion and amortization For income tax purposes in excess of (less than) financial reporting amounts (69,628) (70,521) (69,031) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net Income/(Loss) per accompanying financial statements $ 43,261 $ 185,625 $ 43,210 ========== ========== ==========
The tax returns of the Partnership, the qualifications of the Partnership as such for tax purposes, and the amount of Partnership income or loss are subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. If such examinations result in changes with respect to Partnership's qualifications or in changes to its income or loss, the tax liability of the partners would be changed accordingly. F-17 STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 (9) Major Customers: A schedule of the major purchasers of the Partnership's production is as follows:
Purchaser 2002 2001 2000 --------- -------- -------- -------- Dominion Field Services $320,522 $532,283 $345,794
In December 2002 the Partnership entered into a contract to sell approximately seventy five percent of the amount of its gas sold under a fixed contract price subject to transportation cost. The remaining gas sold by the Partnership will be sold at current spot market prices. (10) Other Revenue: In 2002 the Partnership's other income is a result of a cash bonus paid to the partnership for a three year farmout agreement. The farmout agreement allows a third party the right to drill a deep well on leasehold acreage owned by the partnership for a period of three years. If the third party exercises their rights with in the three years the Partnership could receive an overriding royalty interest. In 2001 the Partnership's other income is a result of a cash bonus paid to the partnership for a two-year farmout agreement. The farmout agreement allows a third party the right to drill a deep well on leasehold acreage owned by the partnership for a period of two years. If the third party exercises their rights with in the two years the Partnership could receive an overriding royalty interest. In 2000 the Partnership was a member of a Class of Oil Producers involved in litigation alleging that the principal refiners of Penn Grade crude engaged in a conspiracy to fix, lower, maintain and stabilize the purchase prices of crude purchased by the refiners from the oil producers. The Partnership received this amount pursuant to the Settlement Agreement of this litigation. F-18 SCHEDULE V STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
Balance at Balance Beginning Additions Other at End of Year at Cost Retirements Changes of Year ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Year Ended December 31, 2002: Leasehold costs $ 321,314 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 321,314 Wells and related facilities 8,934,084 -- -- -- 8,934,084 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $9,255,398 $ -- $ -- $ -- $9,255,398 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Year Ended December 31, 2001: Leasehold costs $ 321,314 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 321,314 Wells and related facilities 8,934,084 -- -- -- 8,934,084 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $9,255,398 $ -- $ -- $ -- $9,255,398 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Year ended December 31, 2000: Leasehold costs $ 321,314 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 321,314 Wells and related facilities 8,934,084 -- -- -- 8,934,084 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $9,255,398 $ -- $ -- $ -- $9,255,398 ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
F-19 SCHEDULE VI STERLING DRILLING FUND 1983-1, L.P. (a New York limited partnership) ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION - OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
Balance at Charges to Balance Beginning Costs and Other at End of Year Expenses Retirements Changes of Year ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Year Ended December 31, 2002: Wells and related facilities $7,722,075 $ 69,629 $ -- $ -- $7,791,704 Leasehold costs 321,314 -- -- -- 321,314 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $8,043,389 $ 69,629 $ -- $ -- $8,113,018 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Year Ended December 31, 2001: Wells and related facilities $7,651,554 $ 70,521 $ -- $ -- $7,722,075 Leasehold costs 321,314 -- -- -- 321,314 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $7,972,868 $ 70,521 $ -- $ -- $8,043,389 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Year ended December 31, 2000: Wells and related facilities $7,577,514 $ 74,040 $ -- $ -- $7,651,554 Leasehold costs 321,314 -- -- -- 321,314 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $7,898,828 $ 74,040 $ -- $ -- $7,972,868 ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
F-20 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NUMBER EXHIBIT ------ ------- (3) Form of Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sterling-Fuel Resources Drilling Fund 1983-1 (now Sterling Drilling Fund 1983-1, L.P.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3) of Sterling Gas Drilling Fund 1983-1 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994) (23) Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (filed herewith) (99.1) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith) (99.2) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith)