10-Q 1 c74830e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008
OR
     
o   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: 000-24394
Penn Octane Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   52-1790357
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
77-530 Enfield Lane, Bldg. D, Palm Desert, California   92211
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (760) 772-9080
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 þ No o
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 “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o No þ
The number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding on August 11, 2008 was 15,406,187.
 
 

 

 


 

PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
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1. Financial Statements
       
 
       
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 Exhibit 15
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32

 

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Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Penn Octane Corporation
We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Penn Octane Corporation and subsidiaries (Company) as of June 30, 2008, the consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated April 4, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Our auditors’ report on the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2007 included an explanatory paragraph referring to the matters discussed in Note S of those consolidated financial statements which raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As indicated in Note O to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, conditions continue to exist which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
/s/ BURTON MCCUMBER & CORTEZ, L.L.P.
Brownsville, Texas
August 19, 2008

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
                 
            June 30,  
    December 31,     2008  
    2007     (Unaudited)  
Current Assets
               
 
               
Cash
  $ 4,339,000     $ 2,622,000  
 
               
Restricted cash
    2,500,000       1,312,000  
 
               
Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $255,000 and $0 at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, respectively)
    4,261,000       2,206,000  
 
               
Inventories
    2,563,000        
 
               
Deferred tax asset
    608,000       651,000  
 
               
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    744,000       492,000  
 
           
 
               
Total current assets
    15,015,000       7,283,000  
 
               
Oil and gas properties and related equipment (successful efforts method) - net
    26,197,000       28,112,000  
 
               
Property, plant and equipment — net
    12,983,000       12,962,000  
 
               
Other non-current assets
    11,000       12,000  
 
               
Goodwill
    6,463,000       6,463,000  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 60,669,000     $ 54,832,000  
 
           
The accompanying notes and accountants’ report are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — CONTINUED
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
            June 30,  
    December 31,     2008  
    2007     (Unaudited)  
Current Liabilities
               
 
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 3,498,000     $ 24,295,000  
 
               
Short-term debt
    5,493,000       5,844,000  
 
               
Fuel Products trade accounts payable
    4,526,000        
 
               
Other accounts payable
    2,879,000       5,299,000  
 
               
Taxes payable
    618,000       671,000  
 
               
Accrued liabilities
    2,266,000       3,555,000  
 
           
 
               
Total current liabilities
    19,280,000       39,664,000  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
           
 
               
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    21,250,000       250,000  
 
               
Deferred income tax — non-current
    3,238,000       3,028,000  
 
               
Minority interest
    11,467,000       7,884,000  
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Series A — Preferred stock-$.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008
           
 
               
Series B — Senior preferred stock-$.01 par value, $10 liquidation value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008
           
 
               
Common stock — $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 15,386,187 and 15,406,187 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008
    154,000       154,000  
 
               
Additional paid-in capital
    29,271,000       37,640,000  
 
               
Accumulated deficit
    (23,991,000 )     (33,788,000 )
 
           
 
               
Total stockholders’ equity
    5,434,000       4,006,000  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 60,669,000     $ 54,832,000  
 
           
The accompanying notes and accountants’ report are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2007     2008     2007     2008  
 
                               
Revenues
  $ 32,981,000     $ 17,019,000     $ 72,363,000     $ 50,422,000  
 
                               
Cost of goods sold
    32,480,000       16,244,000       70,918,000       48,765,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit
    501,000       775,000       1,445,000       1,657,000  
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses and other
                               
 
                               
Legal and professional fees
    483,000       1,385,000       959,000       2,106,000  
 
                               
Salaries and payroll related expenses
    738,000       547,000       1,145,000       1,605,000  
 
                               
Other
    487,000       680,000       1,008,000       1,663,000  
 
                       
 
                               
 
    1,708,000       2,612,000       3,112,000       5,374,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating loss from operations
    (1,207,000 )     (1,837,000 )     (1,667,000 )     (3,717,000 )
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
 
                               
Interest and Fuel Products financing expense
    (147,000 )     (1,024,000 )     (299,000 )     (1,979,000 )
 
                               
Interest income
    5,000       4,000       18,000       14,000  
 
                               
Minority interest in loss
    686,000       1,662,000       1,146,000       3,713,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Loss from operations before taxes
    (663,000 )     (1,195,000 )     (802,000 )     (1,969,000 )
 
                               
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (374,000 )     (102,000 )     (401,000 )     (97,000 )
 
                       
 
                               
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (289,000 )   $ (1,093,000 )   $ (401,000 )   $ (1,872,000 )
 
                               
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
          (343,000 )           (343,000 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net loss
  $ (289,000 )   $ (1,436,000 )   $ (401,000 )   $ (2,215,000 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net loss from continuing operations per common share
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.12 )
 
                               
Loss from discontinued operations per common share
          (0.02 )           (0.02 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net loss per common share
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.14 )
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    15,386,187       15,406,187       15,386,187       15,406,187  
 
                       
The accompanying notes and accountants’ report are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2007     2008  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
  $ (401,000 )   $ (2,215,000 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    290,000       952,000  
Amortization of loan discount
          36,000  
Discount on Richter Note
    378,000        
Share-based payment expense
    160,000       1,169,000  
Unit-based compensation
          142,000  
Minority interest
    (1,144,000 )     (3,720,000 )
Beneficial conversion amortization
          18,000  
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
          343,000  
Gain on sale of assets
          20,000  
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
               
Trade accounts receivable
    (9,000 )     2,055,000  
Inventories
    (1,076,000 )     2,563,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (535,000 )     147,000  
Deferred tax asset, net
    (416,000 )     (253,000 )
LPG and Fuel Products trade accounts payable
    (1,145,000 )     (4,526,000 )
Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,157,000       3,749,000  
U.S. and Foreign taxes payable
    (47,000 )     39,000  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (2,788,000 )     519,000  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (170,000 )     (3,049,000 )
Decrease in other non-current assets
    (105,000 )      
Purchase price adjustments — Oklahoma assets
          83,000  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (275,000 )     (2,966,000 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
    710,000       1,188,000  
Revolving credit facilities
    331,000        
Loan origination fees related to RZB
    (100,000 )      
Distributions paid to minority interests
    (955,000 )     (1,261,000 )
Distributions paid to the minority owners of the general partner
    (10,000 )      
Stockholder’s note
    110,000        
Reduction in debt
          (381,000 )
Increase in debt
          575,000  
Exercise of options of Rio Vista
          774,000  
Costs of registration
          (210,000 )
Other
          45,000  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    86,000       730,000  
 
           
Net decrease in cash
    (2,977,000 )     (1,717,000 )
Cash at beginning of period
    8,766,000       4,339,000  
 
           
Cash at end of period
  $ 5,789,000     $ 2,622,000  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for:
               
Interest
  $ 298,000     $ 2,039,000  
 
           
Taxes
  $     $  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of noncash transactions:
               
Equity — common stock and warrants issued and other
  $ 160,000     $  
 
           
Unit based compensation
  $     $ 366,000  
 
           
Share based compensation
  $     $ 803,000  
 
           
Exchange of assets for note reduction
  $     $ 100,000  
 
           
The accompanying notes and accountants’ report are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A — ORGANIZATION
Penn Octane Corporation (Penn Octane), a Delaware corporation, has historically been engaged in the purchase, transportation and sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel (Fuel Products) until the sale of all of Penn Octane’s LPG related assets and a portion of the LPG-related assets of Rio Vista Energy Partners, L.P. (Rio Vista) to TransMontaigne Product Services Inc. (TransMontaigne) on August 22, 2006 (Restated LPG Asset Sale). Subsequent to the Restated LPG Asset Sale, Penn Octane continued to sell Fuel Products and Rio Vista continued to operate its remaining LPG assets consisting of the LPG, terminal facility in Matamoros, Mexico and approximately 23 miles of pipelines connecting the Matamoros Terminal Facility to an LPG terminal facility in Brownsville, Texas exclusively on behalf of TransMontaigne to transport their LPG on a fee for services basis.
On September 30, 2004, Penn Octane completed a series of transactions that (i) transferred substantially all of its owned pipeline and terminal assets in Brownsville and Matamoros and certain immaterial liabilities to its wholly owned subsidiary Rio Vista Operating Partnership L.P. and its subsidiaries (RVOP) (ii) transferred Penn Octane’s 99.9% interest in RVOP to its wholly owned subsidiary Rio Vista and (iii) distributed all of its limited partnership interest (Common Units) in Rio Vista to its common stockholders (Spin-Off), resulting in Rio Vista becoming a separate public company. The Common Units represented 98% of Rio Vista’s outstanding capital and 100% of Rio Vista’s limited partnership interests. The remaining 2% represented the General Partner interest. The General Partner interest is solely owned and controlled by Rio Vista GP LLC (General Partner). The General Partner is 75% owned by Penn Octane and Penn Octane has 100% voting control over the General Partner pursuant to a voting agreement with the other owner of the General Partner. Therefore, Rio Vista is consolidated with Penn Octane and the interest of the General Partner not owned by Penn Octane and the interests of the limited partners of Rio Vista are classified as minority interests in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The General Partner is responsible for the management of Rio Vista.
Until December 31, 2007, the Company was focused on the operation of the LPG terminal facility and the pipelines. After August 2006, Rio Vista operated this system exclusively on behalf of TransMontaigne to transport their LPG on a fee for services basis. In addition, since June 2004, Penn Octane has been a reseller of Fuel Products. Penn Octane sold Fuel Products (Fuel Sales Business) through transactional, bulk and/or rack transactions.
In August 2006, Rio Vista completed the disposition of substantially all of its U.S. LPG assets to TransMontaigne, including the Brownsville, Texas terminal facility and refined products tank farm, together with associated improvements, leases, easements, licenses and permits; an LPG sales agreement; and all LPG inventory (Rio Vista Restated PSA). In December 2007, Rio Vista completed the disposition of its remaining LPG assets to TransMontaigne, including the U.S. portion of the two pipelines from a Brownsville, Texas terminal owned by TransMontaigne to the U.S. border, along with all associated rights-of-way and easements; all of the outstanding equity interests in entities owning interests in the portion of the two pipelines that extend from the U.S. border to Matamoros, Mexico; and all of the rights for indirect control of an entity that owns a terminal site in Matamoros, Mexico. As a result, effective January 1, 2008, the Company no longer operates the assets associated with the LPG business it had historically conducted. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Rio Vista recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $343,000 related to additional expense of its Mexican subsidiaries in excess of initial estimates and in excess of the amount of purchase price retained by TransMontaigne for such contingencies.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A — ORGANIZATION — Continued
In July 2007, Rio Vista acquired Regional Enterprises, Inc. (Regional), and in November 2007, Rio Vista acquired certain oil and natural gas producing properties and related assets (Oklahoma assets) in the State of Oklahoma formerly owned by GM Oil Properties, Inc., Penny Petroleum Corporation and GO LLC. As a result of these acquisitions in 2007, Rio Vista is now focused on the acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas properties and related midstream assets, and the operation and development of Regional’s business. Beginning March 1, 2008, Rio Vista Operating LLC (Operating) became the operator of the Oklahoma assets.
The above acquisitions were funded by a combination of debt (new and assumed), private placements of Rio Vista common units and proceeds from the sale of Rio Vista’s LPG related assets. During November 2007, Rio Vista completed a private placement of common units raising gross proceeds of $4,000,000 (see note J).
In May 2008, Penn Octane’s board of directors approved a plan to sell its fuel sales inventory and to cease the Fuel Sales Business. The purpose of this decision was to provide working capital for its other business segments. The assets of the Fuel Sales Business consisted only of cash, accounts receivable and inventories.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include Penn Octane and its United States subsidiaries including PennWilson CNG, Inc. (PennWilson), Rio Vista GP, LLC and Penn CNG Holdings, Inc. and Rio Vista and its U.S. and Mexican subsidiaries, including RVOP, Rio Vista Operating GP LLC, Rio Vista Penny LLC, GO LLC (GO), MV Pipeline Company (MV), Operating, Regional and Penn Octane International, L.L.C., and its Mexican subsidiaries, Penn Octane de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (PennMex) and Termatsal, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Termatsal) and its consolidated affiliate, Tergas, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Tergas), collectively “the Company”. The Mexican subsidiaries were sold on December 31, 2007. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
The unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008, the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 and the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the unaudited consolidated financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2008, the unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 and the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Rio Vista’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances to conform to the current presentation. All reclassifications have been consistently applied to the periods presented.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE B — LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
The following tables present reconciliations from net loss from continuing operations per common share to loss from continuing operations per common share assuming dilution (see note I for the warrants):
                         
    For the three months June 30, 2007  
    Loss     Shares     Per-Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (289,000 )                
 
                       
Basic EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    (289,000 )     15,386,187     $ (0.02 )
 
                     
 
                       
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                       
Warrants
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
                         
    For the three months June 30, 2008  
    Loss     Shares     Per-Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ ( 1,093,000 )                
 
                       
Basic EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    ( 1,093,000 )     15,406,187     $ ( 0.07 )
 
                     
 
                       
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                       
Warrants
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
                         
    For the six months June 30, 2007  
    Loss     Shares     Per-Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ ( 401,000 )                
 
                       
Basic EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    ( 401,000 )     15,386,187     $ ( 0.03 )
 
                     
 
                       
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                       
Warrants
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

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Table of Contents

Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE B — LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
                         
    For the six months June 30, 2008  
    Loss     Shares     Per-Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ ( 1,872,000 )                
 
                       
Basic EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    ( 1,872,000 )     15,406,187     $ ( 0.12 )
 
                     
 
                       
Effect of Dilutive Securities
                       
Warrants
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS
                       
Net loss available to common stockholders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
NOTE C — SHARE-BASED PAYMENT
The Company routinely issues warrants to purchase common stock to non-employees for goods and services and to acquire or extend debt. The Company applies the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R) and Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14 “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants” (APB 14) to account for such transactions. SFAS 123R requires that such transactions be accounted for at fair value. If the fair value of the goods and services or debt related transactions are not readily measurable, the fair value of the warrants is used to account for such transactions.
The Company utilizes share-based awards as a form of compensation for employees, officers and directors. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123R for share-based payments to employees using the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method, previously reported amounts should not be restated to reflect the provisions of SFAS 123R. SFAS 123R requires measurement of all employee share-based payment awards using a fair-value method and recording of such expense in the consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period. The fair value concepts have not changed significantly in SFAS 123R; however, in adopting this standard, companies must choose among alternative valuation models and amortization assumptions. After assessing alternative valuation models and amortization assumptions, the Company will continue using both the Black-Scholes valuation model and straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the grant. The Company will reconsider use of this model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate, or if grants issued in future periods have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated using this model. Previously, the Company had applied the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related interpretations and elected to utilize the disclosure option of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123). The Company recorded share-based payment expense for employees and nonemployees of $30,000 ($0.00 per common share) and $527,000 ($0.03 per common share) for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively and $84,000 ($0.01 per common share) and $803,000 ($0.05 per common share) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively under the fair value provisions of SFAS 123R.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE D — A FORMER OFFICER OF THE COMPANY NOTES
Note Receivable
On July 9, 2007, the board of directors of Penn Octane agreed to amend the note receivable from Mr. Jerome B. Richter, a former officer of the Company, (Richter Note) whereby the Richter Note was extended from July 29, 2007 until January 1, 2009, and agreed to reduce the balance of the Richter Note to an outstanding total amount of $1,500,000 as consideration for Mr. Richter’s services to Penn Octane and his agreement not to provide services for any competitors until January 1, 2009. Furthermore, on August 10, 2007, the board of directors of Penn Octane agreed to discount the amount of the Richter Note to $1,200,000 as inducement for Mr. Richter to prepay his loan by August 15, 2007. On July 25, 2007 and August 10, 2007, Mr. Richter paid the Company $600,000 and $600,000, respectively, as full satisfaction of all amounts owing under the Richter Note. As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded a charge to compensation expense during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 in the amount of $378,000.
Note Payable
On April 15, 2008, Mr. Richter agreed to loan Rio Vista $575,000 in exchange for a promissory note issued by Rio Vista and guaranteed by Penn Octane (Richter Note Payable). The promissory note has yet to be finalized. Under the proposed terms of the Richter Note Payable, Rio Vista is required to repay the Richter Note Payable on the earlier of (i) the six (6) month anniversary of the Richter Note Payable, or (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Rio Vista. The Richter Note Payable will accrue interest at an annual rate of 8 percent (8%). Proceeds from the Richter Note Payable were used for working capital. On June 30, 2008, Rio Vista paid $31,000 on the Richter Note Payable.
NOTE E — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
                 
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2007     2008  
Oklahoma:
               
Pipelines and equipment
  $ 6,756,000     $ 7,230,000  
 
           
 
               
Regional:
               
Land
    237,000       237,000  
 
           
Terminal and improvements
    3,825,000       4,029,000  
Automotive equipment
    2,438,000       2,438,000  
 
           
 
    6,500,000       6,704,000  
 
           
 
               
 
    13,256,000       13,934,000  
Other
    338,000       366,000  
 
           
 
    13,594,000       14,300,000  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (611,000 )     (1,338,000 )
 
           
 
  $ 12,983,000     $ 12,962,000  
 
           

 

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Table of Contents

Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE E — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT — Continued
On June 26, 2008, MV Pipeline and Concorde Resources Corporation (Concorde) entered into a pipeline construction and transportation agreement whereby MV granted the right to Concorde to construct gathering lines to connect Concorde wells to the MV transportation system. In connection with the agreement, MV has agreed to waive any transportation fees with respect to any gas which flows through the MV transportation system from these newly constructed gathering systems until such time that Concorde has received 200% of the costs associated with the construction of the gathering lines based on the usual rate charged by MV for transportation of product through its system.
Depreciation expense of property, plant and equipment from operations totaled $124,000 and $361,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and $290,000 and $740,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
NOTE F — OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT, NET
Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Activities
Costs incurred in oil and gas property development for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are presented below:
         
Development costs of leased properties:
  $ 2,054,000  
Capitalized pipeline infrastructure costs:
  $ 424,000  
Development costs include costs incurred to gain access to and prepare development well locations for drilling, to drill and equip development wells and to provide facilities to extract, treat and gather oil and gas.
The Company capitalizes costs related to drilling and development of oil and gas properties for specific activities related to drilling its wells, which included site preparation, drilling labor, meter installation, pipeline connection and site reclamation.
NOTE G — INVENTORIES
                                 
    December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  
    Gallons     LCM     Gallons     LCM  
 
                               
Fuel Products
    1,043,000     $ 2,563,000           $  
 
                       

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Short-term debt obligations were as follows:
                 
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2007     2008  
 
               
RZB Note
  $ 5,000,000     $ 5,000,000  
Moores Note
    493,000       300,000  
Richter Note Payable (see note D)
          544,000  
 
           
 
  $ 5,493,000     $ 5,844,000  
 
           
 
               
Long-term debt obligations were as follows:
               
 
               
TCW Credit Facility
  $ 23,689,000     $ 23,700,000  
Seller’s Note — Regional
    922,000       708,000  
Other
    137,000       137,000  
 
           
 
    24,748,000       24,545,000  
Less current portion
    3,498,000       24,295,000  
 
           
 
  $ 21,250,000     $ 250,000  
 
           
RZB Amendment
In connection with the acquisition of Regional during July 2007, Rio Vista funded a portion of the acquisition through a loan of $5,000,000 (RZB Note) from RZB Finance LLC (RZB) dated July 26, 2007. The RZB Note was due on demand and if no demand, with a one-year maturity. The RZB Note carries a variable annual rate of interest equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest established from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its “base rate” or its “prime rate,” or (b) the weighted average overnight funds rate of the Federal Reserve System plus 0.50%, in each case plus a margin of 4.75%. On July 27, 2008, the RZB Note was amended whereby the maturity date was extended until August 29, 2008 (see note K).

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — DEBT OBLIGATIONS — Continued
Moores Note
In connection with the purchase of the Penny Assets, Rio Vista issued a promissory note with the principal amount of $500,000 bearing interest at 7% per annum (Moores Note) payable to Gary Moores on May 19, 2008. Under the terms of the Moores Note, beginning February 19, 2008, Gary Moores had the option to convert the outstanding principal and interest of the Moores Note into common units of Rio Vista at a conversion price equal to 90% of the 10-day average closing price of such common units as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market at the time of conversion. The conversion option could have been exercised on only one occasion and expired on May 19, 2008. On June 27, 2008, in connection with an amendment of the Moores Note, Rio Vista made a principal payment of $100,000, plus accrued interest through that date and the maturity date of the remaining principal balance was extended to November 19, 2008. In addition, the interest rate on the remaining balance of the Moores Note was increased to 10% per annum. Simultaneously with the amendment of Moores Note, Penny agreed to the sale and transfer of certain goods and chattels to Gary Moores in exchange for $100,000 which was paid through a credit against the outstanding principal balance due under the Moores Note and Penny also received from a company owned by Gary Moores, a used vehicle with nominal value, to be used by Penny for general operations.
TCW Credit Facility
The TCW Credit Facility is a $30,000,000 senior secured credit facility available to Rio Vista Penn LLC with a maturity date of August 29, 2010. The amount of the initial draw under the facility was $21,700,000, consisting of $16,750,000 in assumption of the existing indebtedness in the principal amount of $16,500,000 plus accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $250,000 owed by GM Oil to TCW, $1,950,000 in consideration for TCW to enter into the TCW Credit Facility with Rio Vista Penny and for Rio Vista Penny to purchase an overriding royalty interest (ORRI) held by an affiliate of TCW, and $3,000,000 to fund the acquisition of the membership interests of GO by Rio Vista GO. TCW has also approved a plan of development (APOD) for the Oklahoma assets totaling approximately $2,000,000 which was funded during December 2007. The TCW Credit Facility is secured by a first lien on all of the Oklahoma assets and associated production proceeds pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, Security Agreement and related agreements, including mortgages of the Oklahoma assets in favor of TCW. The interest rate is 10.5%, increasing to 12.5% if there is an event of default. Payments under the TCW Credit Facility are interest-only until December 29, 2008. The TCW Credit Facility carries no prepayment penalty. Rio Vista ECO LLC (an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Vista and the direct parent of Rio Vista Penny and Rio Vista GO), Rio Vista GO, GO and MV have each agreed to guarantee payment of the Notes payable to the lenders under the TCW Credit Facility.
Under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, at any time during the period from May 19, 2008 through November 19, 2009, TCW has the right to demand payment of $2,200,000 of debt (Demand Loan). Beginning May 19, 2008, TCW also has the right to convert the outstanding principal amount of the Demand Loan into common units of Rio Vista at a price equal to the lesser of $13.33 per unit or 90% of the 20-day average trading price of such units preceding the election to convert. Beginning November 19, 2008, TCW has the right to convert the balance of the debt under the TCW Credit Facility into common units of Rio Vista at a price equal to 90% of the 20-day average trading price of such units preceding the election to convert. Rio Vista has agreed to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a registration statement on Form S-3 covering the common units issued pursuant to the conversion feature within 90 days following the first exercise of the conversion feature.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — DEBT OBLIGATIONS — Continued
TCW Credit Facility — Continued
Rio Vista Penny and Rio Vista GO, which hold the Oklahoma assets, are prohibited from making upstream distributions to Rio Vista until December 2008. Thereafter, upstream distributions to Rio Vista not in excess of 75% of quarterly cash flow are permitted subject to certain conditions. In addition, the TCW Credit Facility requires semi-annual reserve reports by an independent engineer which is used in determining the allowable borrowing base.
As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista was not in compliance with all the covenants under the TCW Credit Facility although no notice of default has been given to Rio Vista. Rio Vista and TCW are currently negotiating an amendment to the TCW Credit Facility which would, among other things, allow Rio Vista to regain compliance. As a result of the non-compliance, the Company has classified the TCW Credit Facility as a current liability as required by general accepted accounting principles.
Sellers’ Note — Regional
In connection with the Regional acquisition, Regional issued a promissory note in the amount of $1,000,000 to be paid in four equal semiannual installments of $250,000 beginning January 27, 2008. Rio Vista has recorded a discount of $116,000 (10% effective rate), representing the portion of interest associated with the note, which shall be amortized over the term of the note. During January 2008, the first installment was paid. On July 27, 2008, the second installment was due to be paid. Regional did not make the second installment payment as it believes that there exists offsets in connection with the acquisition of Regional in excess of the payment. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, $17,000 and $36,000, respectively, of the discount was amortized.
Other
In connection with the note payable for legal services, the Company has not made all of the required payments. The Company provided a “Stipulation of Judgment” to the creditor at the time the note for legal services was issued.
Beneficial Conversion Features
In connection with the issuance of the Moores Note and TCW Credit Facility, Rio Vista recorded a beneficial conversion feature as interest expense and debt discount for the difference between carrying amount of the debt obligations and the estimated fair value of the common units to be issued upon conversion in the amount of $25,000. The amortization of the debt discount totaled approximately $18,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.
NOTE I — STOCK WARRANTS
2001 Warrant Plan
On January 28, 2008, the Board of Directors of Penn Octane approved the grant of warrants to purchase a total of 146,250 shares of common stock under Penn Octane’s 2001 Warrant Plan to certain outside members of the Board of Directors of Penn Octane. The exercise price for the warrants is $2.35 per share, which was the closing price for Penn Octane common stock as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board on January 28, 2008. Warrants granted to outside directors are fully vested on the date of grant and expire five years from the date of grant. Total cost recorded at the grant date was $254,000.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE I — STOCK WARRANTS — Continued
2001 Warrant Plan — Continued
On May 28, 2008, Penn Octane and Strategic Growth International (SGI), entered into a one year consulting agreement whereby SGI has agreed to provide public relations consulting services. The agreement may be cancelled after 6 months. In connection with the agreement, Penn Octane granted SGI 400,000 warrants to purchase common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $1.70 per share which was the closing price for Penn Octane common as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board on the grant date. The warrants cannot be exercised for one year from the date of issuance and the warrants will expire three years from the date of issuance. Total cost recorded at the grant date was $515,000.
NOTE J — COMMON UNITS AND OPTIONS OF RIO VISTA
Common Units
On June 29, 2007, the Board of Managers of the General Partner of Rio Vista approved the grant of a restricted unit bonus of 25,000 common units under Rio Vista’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to an executive officer of the General Partner. The restricted unit bonus vested as to 8,334 units on July 1, 2007, 8,333 units on January 1, 2008, and 8,333 units on July 1, 2008. In connection with the grant of restricted units, the Board of Managers also approved the payment to the executive officer of one or more cash bonuses in amounts sufficient, on an after-tax basis, to cover all taxes payable by the executive officer with respect the award of restricted units to him. Total compensation to be recorded under the aforementioned grant of units as they vest totals $280,000.
Private Placement of Common Units
On November 29, 2007, Rio Vista and the General Partner, entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement with Standard General Fund L.P., Credit Suisse Management LLC and Structured Finance Americas LLC (collectively, the Purchasers) dated effective as of November 29, 2007 (the Unit Purchase Agreement). Pursuant to the terms of the Unit Purchase Agreement, Rio Vista agreed to sell, and the Purchasers agreed to purchase, a total of 355,556 common units of Rio Vista (Common Units) at a price of $11.25 per share in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act). The total purchase price of the Common Units was $4,000,000. Rio Vista agreed to pay expenses of counsel to the Purchasers in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Rio Vista used the net proceeds from the sale of the Common Units for general working capital purposes, including repayment of indebtedness. Rio Vista agreed not to offer or sell any of its equity securities (including equity securities of subsidiaries) for a period of 12 months following the closing date without first offering such securities to the Purchasers, which shall have the right to purchase up to 30% of such securities.

 

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Table of Contents

Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — COMMON UNITS AND OPTIONS OF RIO VISTA — Continued
Private Placement of Common Units — Continued
On December 3, 2007, Rio Vista and Standard General entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (Registration Rights Agreement) pursuant to which Rio Vista agreed to provide to the Purchasers registration rights with respect to the Common Units. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Rio Vista agreed to file, within 90 days after the closing date for the sale of the Common Units, a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of the Common Units from time to time, including resale on a delayed or continuous basis as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act. Rio Vista agreed to use its best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective on or before the date of filing of Rio Vista’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 but no later than April 14, 2008. On February 13, 2008, Rio Vista filed a Form S-3 with the SEC. On August 1, 2008, the Form S-3 was declared effective. Rio Vista is required to pay liquidated damages to the holders of the Common Units for the period of time that the registration statement was not declared effective beginning April 14, 2008 as to all of the Common Units. In general, the amount of such damages equals 1% of the purchase price of the unregistered Common Units for each period of 30 days for which such units remain unregistered. As of August 1, 2008, the total amount of liquidated damages equaled approximately $144,000 and are recorded in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. In lieu of a cash payment, Rio Vista has agreed to issue additional common units, at a discount of 5% to the average closing price for such units as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market for the 10 trading days immediately preceding each thirty day delay in the S-3 becoming effective. Liquidated damages in the amount of approximately $81,000 and $161,000 are included in expense for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.
On March 7, 2008, the Board of Managers of the General Partner approved the grant of a unit bonus of 8,812 common units under Rio Vista’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to an executive officer of the General Partner. The amount of units granted was based on the average of the high and low sale prices for Rio Vista common units as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market on March 7, 2008.
On March 7, 2008, a total of 61,875 options to acquire common units of Rio Vista were exercised by holders of such options. Total proceeds received from the exercises were $774,000. In addition, on March 7, 2008, 15,625 options to acquire common units of Rio Vista were exercised by a holder through the offset of a severance obligation in connection with that employee’s termination.
On July 23, 2008, a total of 6,378 common units of Rio Vista were issued to CEOcast in connection with a consulting agreement. Based on the closing price of Rio Vista’s common units at July 22, 2008, the total amount recorded as an expense on the issuance date was $77,000.
On July 23, 2008, the board of Rio Vista authorized the issuance and sale by Rio Vista of 197,628 of Rio Vista’s common units to Penn Octane at $10.12 per unit, and Penn Octane’s board authorized its purchase of such Rio Vista units at that price, for an aggregate price of approximately $2,000,000. The price per unit was the closing price for Rio Vista common units on May 30, 2008 as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market (see note M).

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — COMMON UNITS AND OPTIONS OF RIO VISTA — Continued
Private Placement of Common Units — Continued
The common units represent limited partner interests in Rio Vista. The holders of common units are entitled to participate in Rio Vista’s distributions and exercise the rights or privileges available to limited partners under the partnership agreement. The holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting Rio Vista. Holders of common units have no right to elect the General Partner or its managers on an annual or other continuing basis. Penn Octane elects the managers of the General Partner. Although the General Partner has a fiduciary duty to manage Rio Vista in a manner beneficial to Rio Vista and its unitholders, the managers of the General Partner also have a fiduciary duty to manage the General Partner in a manner beneficial to Penn Octane and the other owners of the General Partner. The General Partner generally may not be removed except upon the vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding common units; provided, however, if at any time any person or group, other than the General Partner and its affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved transferee of the General Partner or its affiliates, acquires, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes. In addition, the partnership agreement contains provisions limiting the ability of holders of common units to call meetings or to acquire information about Rio Vista’s operations, as well as other provisions limiting the ability of holders of common units to influence the manner or direction of management.
The General Partner generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of Rio Vista, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except for those contractual obligations of Rio Vista that are expressly made without recourse to the General Partner.
Distributions of Available Cash
All Rio Vista unitholders have the right to receive distributions from Rio Vista of “available cash” (as defined in the partnership agreement) in an amount equal to at least the minimum distribution of $0.25 per quarter per unit, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the units from prior quarters subject to any reserves determined by the General Partner. The General Partner has a right to receive a distribution corresponding to its 2% General Partner interest and the incentive distribution rights described below. The distributions are to be paid within 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. However, Rio Vista is prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default exists, under any obligation of Penn Octane which Rio Vista has guaranteed.
In addition to its 2% General Partner interest, the General Partner is currently the holder of incentive distribution rights which entitled the holder to an increasing portion of cash distributions as described in the partnership agreement. As a result, cash distributions from Rio Vista are shared by the holders of the common units and the General Partner interest based on a formula whereby the General Partner receives disproportionately more distributions per percentage interest than the holders of the common units as annual cash distributions exceed certain milestones.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — COMMON UNITS AND OPTIONS OF RIO VISTA — Continued
Distributions of Available Cash
During July 2008, Penn Octane approved the loan of approximately $700,000 to Rio Vista for the specific purpose of funding Rio Vista’s June 2008 quarterly distribution. Rio Vista made the following distributions subsequent to December 31, 2007:
                                 
                    Amounts Paid  
Quarter   Payment     Distribution     Common     General  
Ended   Date     Per Unit     Units     Partner  
 
                               
December 2007
    02/14/08     $ 0.25     $ 607,000     $ 12,000  
March 2008
    05/16/08     $ 0.25     $ 629,000     $ 13,000  
June 2008
    08/14/08     $ 0.25     $ 679,000     $ 14,000  
Common Unit Options
On January 23, 2008, the board of managers of the General Partner approved the grant of options to purchase a total of 16,250 common units under Rio Vista’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to certain outside members of the board of managers of the General Partner. The exercise price for the options is $14.42 per unit, which was the average of the high and low sale prices for Rio Vista common units as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market on January 23, 2008. Options granted to outside managers are fully vested on the date of grant and expire five years from the date of grant. These issuances were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof because the issuances do not involve any public offering of securities. Total cost recorded at the grant date was $100,000.
On May 28, 2008, Rio Vista and Strategic Growth International (SGI), entered into a one year consulting agreement whereby SGI has agreed to provide public relations consulting services. The agreement may be cancelled after 6 months. In connection with the agreement, Rio Vista granted SGI 50,000 warrants to purchase common units of Rio Vista at an exercise price of $12.00 per common unit. The warrants cannot be exercised for one year from the date of issuance and the warrants will expire three years from the date of issuance. Total cost recorded at the grant date was $161,000.
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
Penn Octane, Rio Vista and/or Rio Vista’s subsidiaries were named as defendants in two lawsuits filed in connection with an accident in the town of Lucio Blanco, Mexico on August 11, 2005, involving a tanker truck carrying LPG which was struck by a train resulting in an explosion. None of Penn Octane, Rio Vista or any of Rio Vista’s subsidiaries owned or operated the tanker truck or employed or controlled the driver of the tanker truck. Further, none of Penn Octane, Rio Vista or any of Rio Vista’s subsidiaries owned or had custody of the LPG on the tanker truck at the time and location of the accident.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Legal Proceedings — Continued
The tanker truck reportedly took delivery of LPG at the Matamoros Terminal Facility operated under agreement with Rio Vista’s Mexican subsidiaries. According to the lawsuits, after leaving the Matamoros Terminal Facility, the tanker truck was involved in a collision with a train in Lucio Blanco, Mexico, resulting in a tragic explosion that killed and injured several persons and caused significant property damage. Published reports indicate that the truck used a road not approved for large trucks and failed to stop at an unprotected rail crossing, resulting in the collision and explosion. The insurance carrier for the owner of the tanker truck has settled certain claims in Mexico with victims of the accident.
Even though the accident took place in Mexico, these lawsuits were filed in Texas. The first case is captioned Lesly Camacho by Her Mother Dora Adame as Next Friend, et al. vs. Penn Octane International LLC, et al and was filed in the 404th Judicial District Court for Cameron County, Texas on September 26, 2005. The plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages. On August 16, 2006 with the consent of the parties, the Court issued an amended order for temporary injunction for the purpose of preserving relevant evidence. The amended injunction required a subsidiary of Rio Vista to make available for inspection by plaintiffs Rio Vista’s terminal facilities in Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico and associated equipment and records. The order also required Rio Vista to give 30 days advance notice to plaintiffs before conducting any alteration, repair, service, work or changes to the facilities or equipment. In addition, the order required Rio Vista to make available its employees for deposition by the plaintiffs and to secure and preserve certain physical evidence believed to be located in Mexico. The Brownsville, Texas terminal facility was sold to TransMontaigne Product Services Inc. on August 22, 2006. In January 2007, this case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Brownsville Division. In July 2007, the case was remanded to the state court in Cameron County, Texas. In August 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended petition alleging that defendants delivered the LPG to an unqualified driver and that defendants failed to properly odorize the LPG before delivery. Discovery is being conducted and it is anticipated that a trial on a limited number of the Plaintiffs will take place during September 2008 or October 2008.
The second case is captioned Faustino Izaguirre Gonzalez, et al. vs. Penn Octane Corporation, et al. and was filed in the 107th Judicial District Court for Cameron County, Texas, on November 14, 2005. The plaintiffs sought unspecified monetary damages. In March 2007, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs on terms deemed favorable to the Company. Pursuant to the settlement agreement this case was dismissed in April 2007. The Company’s legal fees and settlement costs were covered by insurance.
On December 13, 2007, Lexington Insurance Company (Lexington) filed a declaratory action complaint against Penn Octane, Rio Vista and their related entities in the United States District Court in the Southern District of Texas (Brownsville) requesting the US Federal Court to rule that the plaintiff has no obligation to defend Penn Octane and the Rio Vista related entities in the Camacho and Gonzalez litigation based on alleged coverage exceptions. Federal jurisdiction was contested and the case moved to state court. A trial date is currently set for September 2008. According to local counsel, Gonzalez was referenced in the original complaint only because the plaintiff’s lawyers were unaware that Gonzalez had been settled prior to filing. It is unclear, however, to the extent Lexington is successful in its action, whether the plaintiff will request repayment of all settlement and litigation expenses paid by the insurance carrier in Gonzalez. Furthermore, if there is a determination that there is no insurance coverage resulting in Penn Octane and Rio Vista having to fund all defense costs as well as any material settlement or judgment amount in the Camacho suit, this could have a material adverse effect on Penn Octane’s and Rio Vista’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Legal Proceedings — Continued
Management believes the remaining lawsuit against Penn Octane, Rio Vista and/or Rio Vista’s subsidiaries relating to the accident in Lucio Blanco is without merit and, based on the advice of counsel, does not anticipate liability for damages. The Company’s insurance carrier is expected to bear the legal fees and expenses in connection with defending this case. If, however, a court found liability on the part of Penn Octane, Rio Vista or their subsidiaries, a judgment or settlement in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on Penn Octane’s and Rio Vista’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
On November 3, 2004, there was an accident between a Regional truck driver and another motorist who allegedly sustained injuries as a result of the accident. The other motorist filed suit against Regional. The case was filed on February 26, 2007 as Nolte v. Regional Enterprises, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Case No. 07 CV 0478 PJM). This case was settled within the limits of insurance coverage on or about January 28, 2008 and the case was dismissed accordingly on or about January 30, 2008.
On November 20, 2007, Rio Vista, Rio Vista Penny, LLC, Gary Moores, Bill Wood and GM Oil Properties, Inc. jointly filed an action for declaratory relief against Energy Spectrum Advisors, Inc. in the District Court in McIntosh County, Oklahoma. This action was filed in response to Energy Spectrum’s assertion that Rio Vista, Rio Vista Penny, LLC, as well as GM Oil Properties, Inc. owed Energy Spectrum a commission allegedly due and owing based on Rio Vista Penny, LLC’s November, 2007 purchase of certain assets from GM Oil Properties, Inc. The foundation for the Energy Spectrum claim is a January 22, 2007 written agreement signed by Energy Spectrum and GM Properties, Inc. Neither Rio Vista nor Rio Vista Penny were parties to this agreement. Based in part on the fact that the GM Oil Properties acquisition was an asset purchase, rather than a stock sale, management believes that the Rio Vista entities should have no liability for any obligation that GM Oil Properties, Inc. may have to Energy Spectrum. Discovery is currently pending.
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved with other proceedings, lawsuits and claims. The Company believes that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect its consolidated financial results.
Credit Facility and Letters of Credit
As of June 30, 2008, Penn Octane no longer is purchasing Fuel Products which were historically financed through its credit facility with RZB. However, as of June 30, 2008, Penn Octane’s credit facility with RZB for demand loans and standby letters of credit (RZB Credit Facility) was still outstanding as a result of the RZB Loan which was issued to Rio Vista during July 2007 (see below). The RZB Credit facility is an uncommitted facility under which the letters of credit have an expiration date of no more than 90 days and the facility is reviewed annually. In connection with the RZB Credit Facility, the Company granted RZB a security interest and assignment in any and all of the Company’s accounts, inventory, real property, buildings, pipelines, fixtures and interests therein or relating thereto, other than the Oklahoma assets. Under the existing RZB Credit Facility, the Company may not permit to exist any subsequent lien, security interest, mortgage, charge or other encumbrance of any nature on any of its properties or assets, except in favor of RZB, without the consent of RZB. After the Spin-Off and transfer of assets to Rio Vista, RZB continued to retain a security interest in the assets transferred to Rio Vista.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Credit Facility and Letters of Credit — Continued
Pursuant to the RZB Credit Facility, RZB has sole and absolute discretion to limit or terminate its participation in the RZB Credit Facility and to refrain from making any loans or issuing any letters of credit thereunder. RZB also has the right to demand payment of any and all amounts outstanding under the RZB Credit Facility at any time.
On July 26, 2007, as a condition of the Loan Agreement, Penn Octane entered into a First Amendment to Line Letter (First Amendment) with RZB. The First Amendment amends the Amended and Restated Line Letter dated as of September 14, 2004 between Penn Octane and RZB. The First Amendment reduced the amount of the RZB Credit Facility from $15,000,000 to $10,000,000. During July 2008, Penn Octane entered into a Second Amendment to Line Letter (Second Amendment) with RZB effectively extending the maturity date of the RZB Note through August 29, 2008 (see note H).
Under the terms of the RZB Credit Facility, either Penn Octane or Rio Vista is required to maintain net worth of a minimum of $10,000,000. As of June 30, 2008, neither Penn Octane nor Rio Vista had a minimum net worth of $10,000,000.
A portion of restricted cash reflected in the accompanying unaudited balance sheet at June 30, 2008 in the amount of $1,000,000, represents the amount of cash which RZB has indicated it will require as additional collateral on the Company’s obligation under the RZB Note.
In connection with the Company’s Fuel Sales Business, the Company has provided bonds totaling $662,000 to the states of California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas (Bonds) to secure payments of excise and other taxes collected from customers in connection with sales of Fuel Products. The Bonds are partially secured by letters of credit totaling $453,000. At June 30, 2008, such taxes, plus associated interest and penalties in the amount of approximately $1,800,000 were due.
Leases
Norfolk Southern Leases
On January 1, 2003, Regional (as lessee) entered into a lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (as lessor) for approximately 3.1 acres of land which is utilized in connection with Regional’s existing operations at Regional’s facilities in Hopewell, Virginia. The lease includes the right to maintain existing warehouses, storage tanks for handling petroleum and chemical products, and necessary appurtenances. The lease term was January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. The lease has not been renewed and may be terminated by either party upon 30 days’ written notice. Rent is $1,500 per month subject to adjustment based on inflation.
On August 21, 2003, Regional (as lessee) entered into a siding lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (as lessor) for approximately 750 feet of railroad sidings on land which is utilized in connection with Regional’s existing operations at Regional’s facilities in Hopewell, Virginia. The sidings may be used for handling various chemical products. The siding lease began on August 21, 2003 and continues until terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice. Rent is $4,875 per year, payable in advance.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Leases — Continued
Norfolk Southern Leases — Continued
As replacement of the foregoing leases, Regional is currently negotiating with Norfolk Southern for the purchase of approximately 3.5 acres of land and the lease of approximately 1.9 acres of land on a long-term basis. On June 1, 2007, Regional executed a letter of intent from Norfolk Southern dated May 29, 2007. Regional received a letter from Norfolk Southern dated July 26, 2007, approving the purchase of the land and the lease on the terms contained in the letter of intent. Regional is awaiting definitive documents from Norfolk Southern in order to complete the purchase and lease transactions.
Consulting Agreement
Effective November 2006, Penn Octane and Rio Vista entered into a consulting agreement (Consulting Agreement) with JBR Capital Resources, Inc. (JBR Capital) regarding consulting services to be rendered by JBR Capital to Penn Octane and to Rio Vista. JBR Capital is controlled by Mr. Jerome Richter, a former officer of Penn Octane. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, JBR Capital has agreed to assist Penn Octane and Rio Vista with the potential acquisition and disposition of assets and with other transactions involving Penn Octane or Rio Vista. In exchange for these services, Penn Octane has agreed to pay JBR Capital a fee based on approved services rendered by JBR Capital plus a fee based on the net proceeds to Penn Octane resulting from a sale of assets to a third party introduced to Penn Octane by JBR Capital. In addition, in connection with the Regional transaction, JBR Capital earned a fee of $180,000 which fee was expensed. The term of the Consulting Agreement is six months following the Effective Date. The Consulting Agreement renews for additional six-month terms unless terminated by either party at least 30 days before the end of each term.
CEOcast
Effective July 2, 2007, Rio Vista entered into a consulting agreement with CEOcast, Inc. (CEOcast) whereby CEOcast agreed to render investor relations services to Rio Vista. Under the terms of the CEOcast agreement, CEOcast received cash fees of $7,500 per month and Rio Vista agreed to issue to CEOcast (a) 1,399 of Rio Vista’s fully-paid, non-assessable common units (Common Units) and (b) $75,000 worth of Common Units on March 31, 2008 based on a calculation of units as more fully described in the consulting agreement. The delivery of any Common Units was to be made at the soonest practical date after March 31, 2008, based on the best efforts of Rio Vista. In accordance with the Agreement, during April 2008, Rio Vista provided notice to CEOcast that it would not renew the Agreement upon the expiration in July 2008. As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista was obligated to provide CEOcast a total of 6,378 Common Units. Based on the closing price of Rio Vista Common Units as of July 23, 2008, the date that the units were issued to CEOcast, the Company recorded additional expense of $77,000 associated with the issuance of the common units as of June 30, 2008.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Strategic Growth International
On May 28, 2008, Penn Octane and SGI and Rio Vista and SGI each entered into a one year consulting agreement whereby SGI has agreed to provide public relations consulting services. The agreements may be cancelled after 6 months. In connection with the agreement, Penn Octane and Rio Vista are each required to pay monthly fees of $9,000 per month. In addition, under the agreement between Penn Octane and SGI, Penn Octane granted SGI 400,000 warrants to purchase common shares of Penn Octane at an exercise price of $1.70 per share. In addition, under the agreement between Rio Vista and SGI, Rio Vista granted SGI 50,000 warrants to purchase common units of Rio Vista at an exercise price of $12.00 per common unit. The warrants cannot be exercised for one year from the date of issuance and the warrants will expire three years from the date of issuance.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk include cash balances at banks which at times exceed the federal deposit insurance.
Partnership Tax Treatment and Regional and MV Income Taxes
Rio Vista, excluding Regional and MV, is not a taxable entity for U.S. tax purposes (see below) and incurs no U.S. Federal income tax liability. Regional and MV are corporations and as such are subject to U.S. Federal and State corporate income tax. Each unitholder of Rio Vista is required to take into account that unitholder’s share of items of income, gain, loss and deduction of Rio Vista in computing that unitholder’s federal income tax liability, even if no cash distributions are made to the unitholder by Rio Vista. Distributions by Rio Vista to a unitholder are generally not taxable unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the unitholder’s adjusted basis in Rio Vista.
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) provides that publicly traded partnerships shall, as a general rule, be taxed as corporations despite the fact that they are not classified as corporations under Section 7701 of the Code. Section 7704 of the Code provides an exception to this general rule for a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its gross income for every taxable year consists of “qualifying income” (Qualifying Income Exception). For purposes of this exception, “qualifying income” includes income and gains derived from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines) or marketing of any mineral or natural resource. Other types of “qualifying income” include interest (other than from a financial business or interest based on profits of the borrower), dividends, real property rents, gains from the sale of real property, including real property held by one considered to be a “dealer” in such property, and gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes “qualifying income”.
Rio Vista estimates that more than 90% of its gross income is “qualifying income”. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS has made no determination as to Rio Vista’s classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or whether Rio Vista’s operations generate a minimum of 90% of “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the Code.
If Rio Vista was classified as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, Rio Vista’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction would be reflected only on Rio Vista’s tax return rather than being passed through to Rio Vista’s unitholders, and Rio Vista’s net income would be taxed at corporate rates.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE K — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued
Partnership Tax Treatment and Regional and MV Income Taxes — Continued
If Rio Vista was treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, Rio Vista would pay tax on income at corporate rates, which is currently a maximum of 35%. Distributions to unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, or deductions would flow through to the unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon Rio Vista as a corporation, the cash available for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced and Rio Vista’s ability to make minimum quarterly distributions would be impaired. Consequently, treatment of Rio Vista as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to unitholders and therefore would likely result in a substantial reduction in the value of Rio Vista’s common units.
Current law may change so as to cause Rio Vista to be taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject Rio Vista to entity-level taxation. The partnership agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subject Rio Vista to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects Rio Vista to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local income tax purposes, then the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amount will be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on Rio Vista.
NOTE L — OIL AND GAS SALES CONTRACTS
Rio Vista sells oil and gas in the normal course of its business and utilizes sales contracts in the form of guaranteed fixed prices to minimize the variability in forecasted cash flows due to price movements in oil and gas.
As of June 30, 2008, the following contracts are in effect:
         
Date   Terms
 
       
-
  April 2008 – October 2008:   1.0 MMcf/d @ $6.35/Mcf (MV Pipeline production)
-
  April 2008 – October 2008:   0.5 MMcf/d @ $7.97/Mcf (Brooken Pipeline production)
-
  November 2008 – March 2009:   1.0 MMcf/d @ $8.61/Mcf (MV Pipeline production)
-
  November 2008 – March 2009:   0.5 MMcf/d @ $8.61/Mcf (Brooken Pipeline production)
The contracts currently in place cover substantially all of Rio Vista’s current production.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE M — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The General Partner has a legal duty to manage Rio Vista in a manner beneficial to Rio Vista’s unitholders. This legal duty originates in statutes and judicial decisions and is commonly referred to as a “fiduciary” duty. Because of Penn Octane’s ownership and control of the General Partner, Penn Octane’s officers and managers of the General Partner also have fiduciary duties to manage the business of the General Partner in a manner beneficial to Penn Octane and its stockholders.
The partnership agreement limits the liability and reduces the fiduciary duties of the General Partner to the unitholders. The partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might otherwise constitute breaches of the General Partner’s fiduciary duty.
Sale — Purchase of Rio Vista Common Units
At meetings held on May 30, 2008, in connection with the previously disclosed discussions between Rio Vista and the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq) regarding Rio Vista’s compliance with Nasdaq’s Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(3) on capital adequacy, the board of Rio Vista authorized the issuance and sale by Rio Vista of 197,628 of Rio Vista’s common units to Penn Octane at $10.12 per unit, and Penn Octane’s board authorized its purchase of such Rio Vista units at that price, for an aggregate price of approximately $2,000,000. Thereafter, Rio Vista’s officers continued to formulate a plan of ongoing compliance with Rule 4450(a)(3) on terms satisfactory to Nasdaq, and notified Nasdaq regarding the proposed issuance of its units. Rio Vista also filed a listing of additional units notification with Nasdaq (LAS) based on its intention to go forward with the proposed purchase and sale. Following further discussions with Nasdaq, at board meetings on July 15, 2008, the boards of both Rio Vista and Penn Octane confirmed their desire to implement promptly the previously authorized purchase and sale, and the companies agreed to complete the transaction, subject to Nasdaq approval of Rio Vista’s LAS. On July 23, 2008, after the period of review for the LAS passed, the common units were issued to Penn Octane.
Loans To Rio Vista
As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista owed Penn Octane approximately $1,200,000. These amounts owed to Penn Octane plus $800,000 of additional loan amounts made by Penn Octane to Rio Vista between July 1,2008 and July 23, 2008 were offset against the amounts owed by Penn Octane to acquire Rio Vista common units (see above). In addition, subsequent to June 30, 2008, Penn Octane has loaned additional amounts to Rio Vista for the sole purpose of allowing Rio Vista to fund ongoing operations. During July 2008, Penn Octane approved the loan of approximately $700,000 to Rio Vista for the specific purpose of funding Rio Vista’s June 2008 quarterly distribution.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE M — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS — Continued
Loans To Rio Vista — Continued
As a result of the above issuance, Rio Vista increased its equity by an additional $2,000,000. Based on the net worth of Rio Vista at June 30, 2008, adjusted for the above issuance, Rio Vista’s net worth of $7,916,000 is below the minimum amount required by Nasdaq. Rio Vista’s plan of compliance with Nasdaq also contemplated the raising of additional equity and debt capital to fund operations and to fund planned capital expenditures to allow Rio Vista to increase revenues and net income associated with the Oklahoma assets. Since June 30, 2008, Penn Octane has continued to fund Rio Vista in the form of loans; and after giving effect to Penn Octane’s July 23, 2008 purchase of units and the payment of Penn Octane’s loans credited in connection with the purchase, Penn Octane has approximately $1,100,000 in additional outstanding loans as of August 18, 2008. Rio Vista expects that it will be able to meet the required minimum net worth either from the conversion of additional loans from Penn Octane to Rio Vista to equity assuming it is authorized and completed and/or from the sale of additional equity to third parties.
Nasdaq has informed Rio Vista that it will continue to monitor Rio Vista in assuring that Rio Vista continues to meet the minimum net worth requirement. In the event that Rio Vista should fail to meet the minimum net worth requirement based on the Rio Vista’s September 30, 2008 quarterly report, Nasdaq has indicated that Rio Vista may be subject to delisting.
Omnibus Agreement
In connection with the Spin-Off, Penn Octane entered into an Omnibus Agreement with Rio Vista that governs, among other things, indemnification obligations among the parties to the agreement, related party transactions and the provision of general administration and support services by Penn Octane.
The Omnibus Agreement prohibits Rio Vista from entering into any material agreement with Penn Octane without the prior approval of the conflicts committee of the board of managers of the General Partner. For purposes of the Omnibus Agreement, a material agreement is any agreement between Rio Vista and Penn Octane that requires aggregate annual payments in excess of $100,000.
The Omnibus Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the parties; provided, however that it may not be amended without the approval of the conflicts committee of the General Partner if the amendment would adversely affect the unitholders of Rio Vista. The Omnibus Agreement has an initial term of five years that automatically renews for successive five-year terms and, other than the indemnification provisions, will terminate if Rio Vista is no longer an affiliate of Penn Octane.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE M — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS — Continued
Guarantees
Debt Guarantee. Rio Vista is liable as guarantor on the RZB Credit Facility and will continue to pledge certain of its assets as collateral in connection with the RZB Credit Facility. Rio Vista may also be prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or if an event or default is existing, under the RZB Credit Facility.
Tax Guarantee. Rio Vista has agreed to indemnify Penn Octane for a period of three years from the fiscal year end that includes the date of the Spin-Off for any federal income tax liabilities resulting from the Spin-Off in excess of $2,500,000. Penn Octane has filed its federal income tax return for the year of the Spin-Off and it did not incur a federal income tax liability in excess of $2,500,000. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may review Penn Octane’s federal income tax returns and challenge positions that Penn Octane has taken with respect to the Spin-Off. Further, if Penn Octane is determined to have a federal income tax liability in excess of the amounts which were included in the federal income tax return related to the Spin-Off and if Penn Octane is unable to pay such liabilities or Rio Vista is unable to pay, then the Internal Revenue Service may assert that the Penn Octane stockholders who received common units in the Spin-Off are liable for unpaid federal income taxes of Penn Octane, including interest and any penalties, up to the value of the Rio Vista Common Units received by each stockholder.
NOTE N — 401K
Regional sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan (401(k) Plan) covering all eligible employees effective November 1, 1988. The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to contribute, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations on total annual contributions, up to 60% of their compensation as defined in the 401(k) plan, to various investment funds. Regional matches, on a discretionary basis, 50% of the first 6% of employee compensation. Furthermore, Regional may make additional contributions on a discretionary basis at the end of the Plan year for all eligible employees. Regional has made no discretionary contributions since the acquisition of Regional to June 30, 2008. Effective February 2008, Penn Octane commenced sponsoring of a 401K Plan covering all eligible employees of Penn Octane. Since the plan’s inception to June 30, 2008, Penn Octane has made no discretionary contributions.
NOTE O — REALIZATION OF ASSETS
   
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet has been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company had a loss from continuing operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2007 and the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 and has a deficit in working capital. Currently, all revenues generated from the Oklahoma assets are held as collateral against the TCW Credit Facility. The current portion of the TCW Credit Facility, the Moores Note, the RZB Note, and the Seller Note — Regional are all short-term in nature and amounts due in the current year are approximately $29,458,000. In addition, Penn Octane owes excise and other taxes, including computed interest and penalties, collected from customers in connection with the sale of Fuel Products in the amount of $1,800,000.

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE O — REALIZATION OF ASSETS — Continued
The Oklahoma assets and/or the Regional operations currently do not generate sufficient cash flow to pay general and administrative and other operating expenses of the Company and all debt service requirements. The TCW Credit Facility prohibits distributions by Rio Vista’s Oklahoma subsidiaries until December 2008 and subsequent thereto, those distributions are limited to 75% of defined available cash flow. In addition, Rio Vista requires additional funding in order to increase production levels for its Oklahoma assets.
Penn Octane has guaranteed the RZB Note. Substantially all of Rio Vista’s and Penn Octane’s assets are pledged or committed to be pledged as collateral on the TCW Credit Facility, the RZB Note and RZB Credit Facility, and therefore, both Rio Vista and Penn Octane may be unable to obtain additional financing collateralized by those assets. Rio Vista’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the consolidated financial statements of Rio Vista at December 31, 2007 contained an explanatory paragraph which describes an uncertainty about Rio Vista’s ability to continue as a going concern. If Penn Octane’s and Rio Vista’s cash flows are not adequate to pay their obligations, Penn Octane and/or Rio Vista may be required to raise additional funds to avoid foreclosure by creditors. There can be no assurance that such additional funding will be available on terms attractive to either Penn Octane or Rio Vista or available at all. If additional amounts cannot be raised and cash flow is inadequate, Penn Octane and/or Rio Vista would likely be required to seek other alternatives which could include the sale of assets, closure of operations and/or protection under the U.S. bankruptcy laws.
In view of the matters described in the preceding paragraphs, recoverability of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet is dependent upon the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence.
To provide the Company with the ability it believes necessary to continue in existence, management is taking steps to restructure its existing debt obligations and raise additional debt and/or equity financing.
NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has the following reportable segments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008: Transportation and Terminalling, Oil and Gas and Fuel Sales. The Transportation and Terminalling segment transports bulk liquids, including chemical and petroleum products, by truck and provides terminalling and storage services, the Oil and Gas segment produces, transports and sells oil and gas and the Fuel Sales segment was a reseller of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Segment profit (loss) is based on gross profit (loss) from operations before selling, general and administrative expenses, other income (expense) and income tax. The reportable segments are distinct business units operating in similar industries. They are separately managed, with separate marketing and distribution systems. The following information about the segments is for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008. The Transportation and Terminalling segment commenced August 22, 2006, the Oil and Gas segment commenced November 19, 2007 and the Fuel Sales segment commenced in 2004 and ceased during May 2008.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION — Continued
Three months ended June 30, 2007:
                         
    Transporting and              
    Terminaling     Fuel Sales     Totals  
 
                       
Revenues from external customers
  $ 436,000     $ 32,545,000     $ 32,981,000  
Interest expense
    26,000       117,000       143,000  
Interest income
                 
Depreciation and amortization
    123,000             123,000  
Segment gross profit
    34,000       467,000       501,000  
Segment assets
    16,355,000       6,858,000       23,213,000  
Segment liabilities
    2,711,000       3,988,000       6,699,000  
Expenditure for segment assets
                 
 
                       
Reconciliation to Consolidated Amounts:
                       
 
                       
Revenues
                       
Total revenues for reportable segments
                  $ 32,981,000  
Elimination of intersegment revenues
                     
 
                     
Total consolidated revenues
                  $ 32,981,000  
 
                     
 
                       
Profit (loss)
                       
Total gross profit for reportable Segments
                  $ 501,000  
Selling, general and administrative expense
                    (1,708,000 )
Interest and Fuel Products financing expense
                    (147,000 )
Interest income
                    5,000  
Minority interest in loss
                    686,000  
Elimination of intersegment profits
                     
Unallocated amounts
                       
Corporate headquarters expense
                     
Other expenses
                     
 
                     
 
                       
Consolidated loss from operations before taxes
                  $ (663,000 )
 
                     
 
                       
Assets
                       
Total assets for reportable segments
                  $ 23,213,000  
Other assets
                    2,841,000  
Corporate headquarters
                     
Other unallocated amounts
                     
 
                     
Total consolidated assets
                  $ 26,054,000  
 
                     

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION — Continued
Three months ended June 30, 2008:
                                 
    Transportation and                    
    Terminalling     Oil and Gas     Fuel Sales     Totals  
 
                               
Revenues from external customers
  $ 2,153,000     $ 1,857,000     $ 13,009,000     $ 17,019,000  
Interest expense
    293,000       659,000       51,000       1,003,000  
Interest income
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    258,000       214,000       3,000       475,000  
Segment gross profit
    545,000       194,000       36,000       775,000  
Segment assets
    12,297,000       36,409,000       2,757,000       51,463,000  
Segment liabilities
    4,378,000       27,292,000       2,276,000       33,946,000  
Expenditure for segment assets
    36,000       2,134,000             2,170,000  
 
                               
Reconciliation to Consolidated Amounts:
                               
 
                               
Revenues
                               
Total revenues for reportable segments
                          $ 17,626,000  
Elimination of intersegment revenues
                            (607,000 )
Other revenues
                             
 
                             
Total consolidated revenues
                          $ 17,019,000  
 
                             
 
                               
Profit (loss)
                               
Total gross profit for reportable Segments
                          $ 775,000  
Total other gross profit (loss)
                             
Selling, general and administrative expense and other
                            (2,612,000 )
Interest and Fuel Products financing expense
                            (1,024,000 )
Interest income
                            4,000  
Minority interest in loss of RVEP
                            1,662,000  
Elimination of intersegment profits
                             
Unallocated amounts
                             
Corporate headquarters expense
                             
Other expenses
                             
 
                             
 
                               
Consolidated loss from operations before taxes
                          $ (1,195,000 )
 
                             
 
                               
Assets
                               
Total assets for reportable segments
                          $ 51,463,000  
Other assets
                            3,369,000  
Corporate headquarters
                             
Other unallocated amounts
                             
 
                             
Total consolidated assets
                          $ 54,832,000  
 
                             

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION — Continued
Six months ended June 30, 2007:
                         
    Transportation and              
    Terminaling     Fuel Sales     Totals  
 
                       
Revenues from external customers
  $ 1,115,000     $ 71,248,000     $ 72,363,000  
Interest expense
    52,000       240,000       292,000  
Interest income
                 
Depreciation and amortization
    288,000             288,000  
Segment gross profit
    319,000       1,126,000       1,445,000  
Segment assets
    16,355,000       6,858,000       23,213,000  
Segment liabilities
    2,711,000       3,988,000       6,699,000  
Expenditure for segment assets
          2,000       2,000  
 
                       
Reconciliation to Consolidated Amounts:
                       
 
                       
Revenues
                       
Total revenues for reportable segments
                  $ 72,363,000  
Elimination of intersegment revenues
                     
 
                     
Total consolidated revenues
                  $ 72,363,000  
 
                     
 
                       
Profit (loss)
                       
Total gross profit for reportable Segments
                  $ 1,445,000  
Selling, general and administrative expense
                    (3,112,000 )
Interest and Fuel Products financing expense
                    (299,000 )
Interest income
                    18,000  
Minority interest in loss
                    1,146,000  
Elimination of intersegment profits
                     
Unallocated amounts
                       
Corporate headquarters expense
                     
Other expenses
                     
 
                     
 
                       
Consolidated loss from operations before taxes
                  $ (802,000 )
 
                     
 
                       
Assets
                       
Total assets for reportable segments
                  $ 23,213,000  
Other assets
                    2,841,000  
Corporate headquarters
                     
Other unallocated amounts
                     
 
                     
Total consolidated assets
                  $ 26,054,000  
 
                     

 

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Penn Octane Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION — Continued
Six months ended June 30, 2008:
                                 
    Transportation and                    
    Terminalling     Oil and Gas     Fuel Sales     Totals  
 
                               
Revenues from external customers
  $ 4,260,000     $ 2,844,000     $ 43,318,000     $ 50,422,000  
Interest expense
    514,000       1,297,000       129,000       1,940,000  
Interest income
          7,000             7,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    540,000       406,000       3,000       949,000  
Segment gross profit
    901,000       519,000       234,000       1,657,000  
Segment assets
    12,297,000       36,409,000       2,757,000       51,463,000  
Segment liabilities
    4,378,000       27,292,000       2,276,000       33,946,000  
Expenditure for segment assets
    200,000       2,820,000             3,020,000  
 
                               
Reconciliation to Consolidated Amounts:
                               
 
                               
Revenues
                               
Total revenues for reportable segments
                          $ 51,978,000  
Elimination of intersegment revenues
                            (1,556,000 )
Other revenues
                             
 
                             
Total consolidated revenues
                          $ 50,422,000  
 
                             
 
                               
Profit (loss)
                               
Total gross profit for reportable Segments
                          $ 1,657,000  
Total other gross profit (loss)
                            (5,374,000 )
Selling, general and administrative expense and other
                            (1,979,000 )
Interest and Fuel Products financing expense
                            14,000  
Interest income
                            3,713,000  
Minority interest in loss
                             
Elimination of intersegment profits
                             
Unallocated amounts
                             
Corporate headquarters expense
                             
Other expenses
                             
 
                             
 
                               
Consolidated loss from operations before taxes
                          $ (1,969,000 )
 
                             
 
                               
Assets
                               
Total assets for reportable segments
                          $ 51,463,000  
Other assets
                            3,369,000  
Corporate headquarters
                             
Other unallocated amounts
                             
 
                             
Total consolidated assets
                          $ 54,832,000  
 
                             

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Penn Octane Corporation (“Penn Octane”) and its consolidated subsidiaries which includes Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries (“Rio Vista”) are collectively hereinafter referred to as the “Company”.
The following discussion of the Company’s results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein. References to specific years preceded by “fiscal” (e.g. fiscal 2008) refer to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this Quarterly Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which may include statements about:
   
the volatility of realized natural gas prices;
 
   
the discovery, estimation, development and replacement of oil and natural gas reserves;
 
   
our business and financial strategy;
 
   
our drilling locations;
 
   
technology;
 
   
our cash flow, liquidity and financial position;
 
   
our production volumes;
 
   
our lease operating expenses, general and administrative costs and finding and development costs;
 
   
the availability of drilling and production equipment, labor and other services;
 
   
our future operating results;
 
   
our prospect development and property acquisitions;
 
   
the marketing of oil and natural gas;
 
   
competition in the oil and natural gas industry and the transportation and terminalling business;
 
   
the impact of weather and the occurrence of natural disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and other catastrophic events and natural disasters;
 
   
governmental regulation of the oil and natural gas industry and the transportation and terminalling business;
 
   
required capital expenditures;
 
   
cash distributions and qualified income;
 
   
developments in oil producing and natural gas producing countries; and
 
   
our strategic plans, objectives, expectations and intentions for future operations.
All of these types of statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements due to factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section in Penn Octane’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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Overview
Historical Assets and Operations
Until December 31, 2007, the Company was focused on the operation of the LPG terminal facility in Matamoros, Mexico and approximately 23 miles of pipelines connecting the Matamoros Terminal Facility to an LPG terminal facility in Brownsville, Texas. After August 2006, Rio Vista operated this system exclusively on behalf of TransMontaigne Partners L.P. and its affiliates (TransMontaigne) to transport their LPG on a fee for services basis. In addition, since June 2004, Penn Octane has been a reseller of Fuel Products. Penn Octane sold Fuel Products (Fuel Sales Business) through transactional, bulk and/or rack transactions.
In August 2006, Rio Vista completed the disposition of substantially all of its U.S. LPG assets to TransMontaigne, including the Brownsville, Texas terminal facility and refined products tank farm, together with associated improvements, leases, easements, licenses and permits; an LPG sales agreement; and all LPG inventory (Rio Vista Restated PSA). In December 2007, Rio Vista completed the disposition of its remaining LPG assets to TransMontaigne, including the U.S. portion of the two pipelines from a Brownsville, Texas terminal owned by TransMontaigne to the U.S. border, along with all associated rights-of-way and easements; all of the outstanding equity interests in entities owning interests in the portion of the two pipelines that extend from the U.S. border to Matamoros, Mexico; and all of the rights for indirect control of an entity that owns a terminal site in Matamoros, Mexico. As a result, effective January 1, 2008, The Company no longer operates the assets associated with the LPG business it had historically conducted. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Rio Vista recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $343,000 related to additional expense of its Mexican subsidiaries in excess of initial estimates and in excess of the amount of purchase price retained by TransMontaigne for such contingencies.
In May 2008, Penn Octane’s board of directors approved a plan to sell its fuel sales inventory and to cease the Fuel Sales Business. The purpose of this decision was to provide working capital for its other business segments. The assets of the Fuel Sales Business consisted only of accounts receivable and inventories.
Current Assets and Operations
In July 2007, Rio Vista acquired Regional, and in November 2007, Rio Vista acquired certain oil and natural gas producing properties and related assets in the State of Oklahoma formerly owned by GM Oil Properties, Inc., Penny Petroleum Corporation and GO LLC. As a result of these acquisitions in 2007, Rio Vista is now focused on the acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas properties and related midstream assets, and the operation and development of Regional’s business. Beginning March 1, 2008, Rio Vista Operating LLC became the operator of the Oklahoma assets.
The above acquisitions were funded by a combination of debt (new and assumed), private placements of Rio Vista common units and proceeds from the sale of Rio Vista’s LPG related assets.  During November 2007, Rio Vista completed a private placement of common units raising gross proceeds of $4.0 million.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
As a result of the disposition of the LPG-related businesses in 2006 and 2007 and the cessation of the Fuel Sales Business during May 2008 and the acquisition of Regional’s business and the Oklahoma assets, the Company’s sources of operating cash flows are expected to be derived from the operations of Regional and from the revenues received from the Oklahoma assets. Although the operations of Regional are expected to be profitable, the cash flows of Regional are subject to payments required under the RZB Loan Agreement described below under “Debt Obligations” and income taxes payable on Regional’s stand-alone taxable income. Based on the current production levels from the Oklahoma assets and current prices for oil and natural gas, there is not expected to be sufficient cash from its operations to meet debt service requirements under the TCW Credit Facility described below under “Debt Obligations” unless additional production can be realized. Rio Vista has minimal management experience operating oil and gas properties and will be relying on the assistance of its Chairman of the Board and outside consultants to provide ongoing management expertise. Additional production from the Oklahoma assets over current volumes will require additional capital expenditures to fund drilling expansion opportunities.
In addition, pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, Penn Octane is entitled to reimbursement of costs incurred on behalf of Rio Vista, including an allocable share of overhead. However, the TCW Credit Facility prohibits distributions by Rio Vista’s Oklahoma subsidiaries until December 2008 and subsequent thereto, those distributions are limited to 75% of defined available cash flow. As a result, Rio Vista may not have sufficient available cash to pay its separate general and administrative and other operating expenses, debt service and/or minimum quarterly distributions to unitholders. In addition, Rio Vista may not be able to distribute to its unitholders sufficient cash to meet the tax obligations of unitholders associated with the ownership of common units.
Rio Vista may obtain additional sources of revenues through the completion of future transactions, including acquisitions and/or dispositions of assets. The ability of Rio Vista to complete future acquisitions may require the use of a portion or substantially all of Rio Vista’s liquid assets, the issuance of additional debt and/or the issuance of additional units. Currently, substantially all of Rio Vista’s assets are pledged or committed to be pledged as collateral on existing debt in connection with the RZB Credit Facility described below under “Debt Obligations”, the TCW Credit Facility and the RZB Loan Agreement. Accordingly Rio Vista may be unable to obtain additional financing collateralized by those assets.
See note H to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for Rio Vista’s debt obligations and note K for a discussion of the RZB Credit Facility.
Credit Arrangements. As of June 30, 2008, Penn Octane no longer is purchasing Fuel Products which were historically financed through its credit facility with RZB. However, as of June 30, 2008, Penn Octane’s credit facility with RZB for demand loans and standby letters of credit (RZB Credit Facility) was still outstanding as a result of the RZB Loan which was issued to Rio Vista during July 2007 (see below). The RZB Credit facility is an uncommitted facility under which the letters of credit have an expiration date of no more than 90 days and the facility is reviewed annually. In connection with the RZB Credit Facility, the Company granted RZB a security interest and assignment in any and all of the Company’s accounts, inventory, real property, buildings, pipelines, fixtures and interests therein or relating thereto, other than the Oklahoma assets. Under the existing RZB Credit Facility, the Company may not permit to exist any subsequent lien, security interest, mortgage, charge or other encumbrance of any nature on any of its properties or assets, except in favor of RZB, without the consent of RZB. After the Spin-Off and transfer of assets to Rio Vista, RZB continued to retain a security interest in the assets transferred to Rio Vista.

 

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Pursuant to the RZB Credit Facility, RZB has sole and absolute discretion to limit or terminate its participation in the RZB Credit Facility and to refrain from making any loans or issuing any letters of credit thereunder. RZB also has the right to demand payment of any and all amounts outstanding under the RZB Credit Facility at any time.
Debt Obligations
RZB Loan Agreement
In connection with the acquisition of Regional during July 2007, Rio Vista funded a portion of the acquisition through a loan of $5.0 million (RZB Note) from RZB Finance LLC (RZB) dated July 26, 2007. The RZB Note was due on demand and if no demand, with a one-year maturity. The RZB Note carries a variable annual rate of interest equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest established from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its “base rate” or its “prime rate,” or (b) the weighted average overnight funds rate of the Federal Reserve System plus 0.50%, in each case plus a margin of 4.75%. On July 27, 2008, the RZB Note was amended whereby the maturity date was extended until August 29, 2008 (see note K to the unaudited consolidated financial statements). Under the RZB Note, either Rio Vista or Penn Octane is required to maintain a minimum net worth of $10 million. In connection with the RZB Note, Regional granted to RZB a security interest in all of Regional’s assets, and Rio Vista delivered to RZB a pledge of the outstanding capital stock of Regional. Penn Octane, Regional and RVOP have also provided a guaranty of Rio Vista’s obligations under the RZB Loan Agreement in favor of RZB. As of June 30, 2008, neither Penn Octane nor Rio Vista had a minimum net worth of $10.0 million.
TCW Credit Facility
In connection with the acquisition of certain of the Oklahoma assets, Rio Vista Penny LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Vista, entered into a $30 million senior secured credit facility (TCW Credit Facility) with TCW Asset Management Company and certain TCW Energy Fund X investors (collectively, TCW) in November 2007. The TCW Credit Facility has a maturity date of August 29, 2010. However, at any time during the period from May 19, 2008 through November 19, 2009, TCW has the right to demand payment of $2.2 million of the amount outstanding under the TCW Credit Facility. The TCW Credit Facility is secured by a first lien on all of the Oklahoma assets and associated production proceeds. The interest rate on borrowings under the TCW Credit Facility is 10.5%, increasing to 12.5% if there is an event of default. Payments under the TCW Credit Facility are interest-only until December 29, 2008. The TCW Credit Facility has no prepayment penalty. Certain Rio Vista subsidiaries have guaranteed payment of the obligations outstanding under the TCW Credit Facility. Rio Vista Penny and Rio Vista GO LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Vista, both of which hold all of the Oklahoma assets, are prohibited from making upstream distributions to Rio Vista before November 30, 2008. Thereafter, upstream distributions to Rio Vista not in excess of 75% of quarterly cash flow are permitted subject to certain conditions. As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista was not in compliance with all the covenants under the TCW Credit Facility although no notice of default has been given to Rio Vista. Rio Vista and TCW are currently negotiating an amendment to the TCW Credit Facility which would, among other things, allow Rio Vista to regain compliance. As a result of the non-compliance, the Company has classified the TCW Credit Facility as a current liability as required by general accepted accounting principles.

 

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Moores Note
In connection with the purchase of the Penny Assets, Rio Vista issued a promissory note with the principal amount of $500,000 bearing interest at 7% per annum (the Moores Note) payable to Gary Moores on May 19, 2008. Under the terms of the Moores Note, beginning February 19, 2008, Gary Moores had the option to convert the outstanding principal and interest of the Moores Note into common units of Rio Vista at a conversion price equal to 90% of the 10-day average closing price of such common units as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market at the time of conversion. The conversion option could have been exercised on only one occasion and expired on May 19, 2008. On June 27, 2008, in connection with an amendment of the Moores Note, Rio Vista made a principal payment of $100,000, plus accrued interest through that date and the maturity date of the remaining principal balance was extended to November 19, 2008. In addition, the interest rate on the remaining balance of the Moores Note was increased to 10% per annum. Simultaneously with the amendment of Moores Note, Penny agreed to the sale and transfer of certain goods and chattels to Gary Moores in exchange for $100,000 which was paid through a credit against the outstanding principal balance due under the Moores Note and Penny also received from a company owned by Gary Moores, a used vehicle with nominal value, to be used by Penny for general operations.
Sellers’ Note — Regional
In connection with the Regional acquisition, Regional issued a promissory note in the amount of $1.0 million to be paid in four equal semiannual installments of $250,000 beginning January 27, 2008. Rio Vista has recorded a discount of $116,000 (10% effective rate), representing the portion of interest associated with the note, which shall be amortized over the term of the note. During January 2008, the first installment was paid. On July 27, 2008, the second installment was due to be paid. Regional did not make the second installment payment as it believes that there exists offsets in connection with the acquisition of Regional in excess of the payment. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008, $17,000 and $36,000, respectively, of the discount was amortized.
A Former Officer of the Company Note
On April 15, 2008, Mr. Richter agreed to loan Rio Vista $575,000 in exchange for a promissory note issued by Rio Vista and guaranteed by Penn Octane (Richter Note Payable). The promissory note has yet to be finalized. Under the proposed terms of the Richter Note Payable, Rio Vista is required to repay the Richter Note Payable on the earlier of (i) the six (6) month anniversary of the Richter Note Payable, or (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Rio Vista. The Richter Note Payable will accrue interest at an annual rate of 8 percent (8%). Proceeds from the Richter Note Payable were used for working capital. On June 30, 2008, Rio Vista paid $31,000 on the Richter Note Payable.
Distributions of Available Cash. All Rio Vista unitholders have the right to receive distributions from Rio Vista of “available cash” (as defined in the partnership agreement) in an amount equal to at least the minimum distribution of $0.25 per quarter per unit, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the units from prior quarters subject to any reserves determined by our General Partner. Our General Partner has a right to receive a distribution corresponding to its 2% General Partner interest and the incentive distribution rights described below. The distributions are to be paid within 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. However, Rio Vista is prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default exists, under any obligation of Penn Octane which Rio Vista has guaranteed.
In addition to its 2% General Partner interest, our General Partner is currently the holder of incentive distribution rights which entitle the holder to an increasing portion of cash distributions as described in the partnership agreement. As a result, cash distributions from Rio Vista are shared by the holders of the common units and our General Partner based on a formula whereby the General Partner receives disproportionately more distributions per percentage interest than the holders of the common units as annual cash distributions exceed certain milestones.

 

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During July 2008, Penn octane approved the loan of approximately $700,000 to Rio Vista for the specific purpose of funding Rio Vista’s June 2008 quarterly distribution. Rio Vista made the following distributions subsequent to December 31, 2007:
                                 
                    Amounts Paid  
Quarter   Payment     Distribution     Common     General  
Ended   Date     Per Unit     Units     Partner  
 
                               
December 2007
    02/14/08     $ 0.25     $ 607,000     $ 12,000  
March 2008
    05/16/08     $ 0.25     $ 629,000     $ 13,000  
June 2008
    08/14/08     $ 0.25     $ 679,000     $ 14,000  
Leases
Norfolk Southern Leases. On January 1, 2003, Regional (as lessee) entered into a lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (as lessor) for approximately 3.1 acres of land which is utilized in connection with Regional’s existing operations at Regional’s facilities in Hopewell, Virginia. The lease includes the right to maintain existing warehouses, storage tanks for handling petroleum and chemical products, and necessary appurtenances. The lease term was January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. The lease has not been renewed and may be terminated by either party upon 30 days’ written notice. Rent is $1,500 per month subject to adjustment based on inflation.
On August 21, 2003, Regional (as lessee) entered into a siding lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (as lessor) for approximately 750 feet of railroad sidings on land which is utilized in connection with Regional’s existing operations at Regional’s facilities in Hopewell, Virginia. The sidings may be used for handling various chemical products. The siding lease began on August 21, 2003 and continues until terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice. Rent is $4,875 per year, payable in advance.
As replacement of the foregoing leases, Regional is currently negotiating with Norfolk Southern for the purchase of approximately 3.5 acres of land and the lease of approximately 1.9 acres of land on a long-term basis. On June 1, 2007, Regional executed a letter of intent from Norfolk Southern dated May 29, 2007. Regional received a letter form Norfolk Southern dated July 26, 2007, approving the purchase of the land and the lease on the terms contained in the letter of intent. Regional is awaiting definitive documents from Norfolk Southern in order to complete the purchase and lease transactions.
CEOcast Agreement
Effective July 2, 2007, Rio Vista entered into a consulting agreement with CEOcast, Inc. (CEOcast) whereby CEOcast agreed to render investor relations services to Rio Vista. Under the terms of the CEOcast agreement, CEOcast received cash fees of $7,500 per month and Rio Vista agreed to issue to CEOcast (a) 1,399 of Rio Vista’s fully-paid, non-assessable common units (Common Units) and (b) $75,000 worth of Common Units on March 31, 2008 based on a calculation of units as more fully described in the consulting agreement. The delivery of any Common Units was to be made at the soonest practical date after March 31, 2008, based on the best efforts of Rio Vista. In accordance with the Agreement, during April 2008, Rio Vista provided notice to CEOcast that it would not renew the Agreement upon the expiration in July 2008. As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista was obligated to provide CEOcast a total of 6,378 Common Units. Based on the closing price of Rio Vista Common Units as of July 23, 2008, the date that the units were issued to CEOcast, the Company recorded additional expense of $77,000 associated with the issuance of the common units as of June 30, 2008.

 

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Strategic Growth International
On May 28, 2008, Penn Octane and SGI and Rio Vista and SGI each entered into a one year consulting agreement whereby SGI has agreed to provide public relations consulting services. The agreements may be cancelled after 6 months. In connection with the agreement, Penn Octane and Rio Vista are each required to pay monthly fees of $9,000 per month. In addition, under the agreement between Penn Octane and SGI, Penn Octane granted SGI 400,000 warrants to purchase common shares of Penn Octane at an exercise price of $1.70 per share. In addition, under the agreement between Rio Vista and SGI, Rio Vista granted SGI 50,000 warrants to purchase common units of Rio Vista at an exercise price of $12.00 per common unit. The warrants cannot be exercised for one year from the date of issuance and the warrants will expire three years from the date of issuance.
Related Party Transactions
At meetings held on May 30, 2008, in connection with the previously disclosed discussions between Rio Vista and the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq) regarding Rio Vista’s compliance with Nasdaq’s Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(3) on capital adequacy, the board of Rio Vista authorized the issuance and sale by Rio Vista of 197,628 of Rio Vista’s common units to Penn Octane at $10.12 per unit, and Penn Octane’s board authorized its purchase of such Rio Vista units at that price, for an aggregate price of approximately $2 million.  Thereafter, Rio Vista’s officers continued to formulate a plan of ongoing compliance with Rule 4450(a)(3) on terms satisfactory to Nasdaq, and notified Nasdaq regarding the proposed issuance of its units. Rio Vista also filed a listing of additional units notification with Nasdaq (LAS) based on its intention to go forward with the proposed purchase and sale. Following further discussions with Nasdaq, at board meetings on July 15, 2008, the boards of both Rio Vista and Penn Octane confirmed their desire to implement promptly the previously authorized purchase and sale, and the companies agreed to complete the transaction, subject to Nasdaq approval of Rio Vista’s LAS. On July 23, 2008, after the period of review for the LAS passed, the common units were issued to Penn Octane.
As of June 30, 2008, Rio Vista owed Penn Octane approximately $1.2 million. These amounts owed to Penn Octane plus $800,000 of additional loan amounts made by Penn Octane to Rio Vista between July 1, 2008 and July 23, 2008 were offset against the amounts owed by Penn Octane to acquire Rio Vista common units (see above). In addition, Penn Octane has loaned additional amounts to Rio Vista for the sole purpose of allowing Rio Vista to fund ongoing operations. During July 2008, Penn Octane approved the loan of approximately $700,000 to Rio Vista for the specific purpose of funding Rio Vista’s June 2008 quarterly distribution.
As a result of the above issuance, Rio Vista increased its equity by an additional $2 million. Based on the net worth of Rio Vista at June 30, 2008, adjusted for the above issuance, Rio Vista’s net worth of $7.9 million is below the minimum amount required by Nasdaq. Rio Vista’s plan of compliance with Nasdaq also contemplated the raising of additional equity and debt capital to fund operations and to fund planned capital expenditures to allow Rio Vista to increase revenues and net income associated with the Oklahoma assets. Since June 30, 2008, Penn Octane has continued to fund Rio Vista in the form of loans; and after giving effect to Penn Octane’s July 23, 2008 purchase of units and the payment of Penn Octane’s loans credited in connection with the purchase, Penn Octane has approximately $1.1 million in additional outstanding loans as of August 18, 2008. Rio Vista expects that it will be able to meet the required minimum net worth either from the conversion of additional loans from Penn Octane to Rio Vista to equity assuming it is authorized and completed and/or from the sale of additional equity to third parties. Furthermore, the ability of Rio Vista to obtain additional equity financing as described above and/or additional debt financing will enable Rio Vista to increase its revenues. Rio Vista believes that it will complete an additional financing transaction by September 30, 2008.
Nasdaq has informed Rio Vista that it will continue to monitor Rio Vista in assuring that Rio Vista continues to meet the minimum net worth requirement. In the event that Rio Vista should fail to meet the minimum net worth requirement based on the Rio Vista’s September 30, 2008 quarterly report, Nasdaq has indicated that Rio Vista may be subject to delisting.

 

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Realization of Assets
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet has been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company had a loss from continuing operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2007 and the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 and has a deficit in working capital. Currently, all revenues generated from the Oklahoma assets are held as collateral against the TCW Credit Facility. The current portion of the TCW Credit Facility, the Moores Note, the RZB Note, and the Seller Note — Regional are all short-term in nature and amounts due in the current year are approximately $29.5 million. In addition, Penn Octane owes excise and other taxes, including computed penalties and interest, collected from customers in connection with the sale of Fuel Products in the amount of $1.8 million.
The Oklahoma assets and/or the Regional operations currently do not generate sufficient cash flow to general and administrative and other operating expenses of the Company and all debt service requirements. The TCW Credit Facility prohibits distributions by Rio Vista’s Oklahoma subsidiaries until December 2008 and subsequent thereto, those distributions are limited to 75% of defined available cash flow. In addition, Rio Vista requires additional funding in order to increase production levels for its Oklahoma assets.
Penn Octane has guaranteed the RZB Note. Substantially all of Rio Vista’s and Penn Octane’s assets are pledged or committed to be pledged as collateral on the TCW Credit Facility, the RZB Note and RZB Credit Facility, and therefore, both Rio Vista and Penn Octane may be unable to obtain additional financing collateralized by those assets. Rio Vista’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the consolidated financial statements of Rio Vista at December 31, 2007 contained an explanatory paragraph which describes an uncertainty about Rio Vista’s ability to continue as a going concern. If Penn Octane’s and Rio Vista’s cash flows are not adequate to pay their obligations, Penn Octane and/or Rio Vista may be required to raise additional funds to avoid foreclosure by creditors. There can be no assurance that such additional funding will be available on terms attractive to either Penn Octane or Rio Vista or available at all. If additional amounts cannot be raised and cash flow is inadequate, Penn Octane and/or Rio Vista would likely be required to seek other alternatives which could include the sale of assets, closure of operations and/or protection under the U.S. bankruptcy laws.
In view of the matters described in the preceding paragraphs, recoverability of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet is dependent upon the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence.
To provide the Company with the ability it believes necessary to continue in existence, management is taking steps to restructure its existing debt obligations and raise additional debt and/or equity financing.
Results of Operations
Because of our rapid growth through acquisitions during this past year, our historical results of operations and period-to-period comparisons of these results and certain financial data may not be meaningful or indicative of future results. The following discussion of the Company’s results of operations from continuing operations for all periods presented excludes the results of operations related to the assets that have been disposed, including revenues, direct costs, associated interest expenses, minority interest and income taxes, which have been reclassified as discontinued operations (see below). The results of operations from continuing operations reflect only the results associated with (i) the Transportation and Terminaling Business consisting of Regional’s transportation of bulk liquids and its related terminalling and storage services (ii) the LPG (sold December 31, 2007) operations of the US-Mexico Pipelines and Matamoros Terminal Facility, (iii) the Company’s Fuel Sales business (ceased May 2008), and (iv) the oil and gas operations associated with the Oklahoma assets, and all indirect income and expenses of the Company relating thereto. Revenues from the Company’s Transportation and Terminaling Business commenced on August 22, 2006 although expenses associated with operation of the US-Mexico Pipelines and Matamoros Terminal Facility were incurred during the entire period for each period presented. Revenues from the Oil and Gas segment commenced on November 19, 2007.

 

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Three months ended June 30, 2008 Compared with Three Months ended June 30, 2007
                                                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008              
    Fuel     Oklahoma     Regional     LPG     Corporate/        
    Sales (d)     Assets (a)     Enterprises (b)     Transportation (c)     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues
    13,009,000       1,857,000       2,153,000                   17,019,000  
Cost Of Goods Sold
    12,973,000       1,663,000       1,608,000                   16,244,000  
 
                                   
Gross Profit
    36,000       194,000       545,000                   775,000  
Selling, General And Administrative Expenses
    388,000       52,000       197,000             1,975,000       2,612,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Income (loss)
    (352,000 )     142,000       348,000             (1,975,000 )     (1,837,000 )
Other Income (Expense)
                                               
Interest and Fuel Products Financing Expense
    (51,000 )     (659,000 )     (293,000 )           (21,000 )     (1,024,000 )
Interest Income
                            4,000       4,000  
Minority Interest
                            1,662,000       1,662,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss From Operations Before Taxes
    (403,000 )     (517,000 )     55,000             (330,000 )     (1,195,000 )
 
                                               
Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes
          (66,000 )     (36,000 )                 (102,000 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss from continuing operations
    (403,000 )     (451,000 )     91,000             (330,000 )     (1,093,000 )
 
                                               
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
                      343,000             343,000  
 
                                   
 
Net income (loss)
    (403,000 )     (451,000 )     91,000       (343,000 )     (330,000 )     (1,436,000 )
 
                                   

 

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    THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007              
    Fuel     Oklahoma     Regional     LPG     Corporate/        
    Sales (d)     Assets (a)     Enterprises (b)     Transportation (c)     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues
    32,545,000                   436,000             32,981,000  
 
                                               
Cost Of Goods Sold
    32,078,000                   402,000             32,480,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Gross Profit
    467,000                   34,000             501,000  
 
                                               
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    183,000                   54,000       1,471,000       1,708,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Income (Loss)
    284,000                   (20,000 )     (1,471,000 )     (1,207,000 )
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense)
                                               
Interest and Fuel Products Financing Expense
    (117,000 )                 (26,000 )     (4,000 )     (147,000 )
 
                                               
Interest Income
                            5,000       5,000  
 
                                               
Minority Interest
                            686,000       686,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Income (Loss) From Operations Before Taxes
    167,000                   (46,000 )     (784,000 )     (663,000 )
 
                                               
Provision For Income Taxes (Benefit)
                            (374,000 )     (374,000 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss)
    167,000                   (46,000 )     (410,000 )     (289,000 )
 
                                   
     
(a)  
Acquired during November 2007
 
(b)  
Acquired during July 2007.
 
(c)  
Business commenced in August 2006 and sold December 31, 2007
 
(d)  
Business ceased in May 2008

 

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Six months ended June 30, 2008 Compared with Six Months ended June 30, 2007
                                                 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008              
    Fuel     Oklahoma     Regional     LPG     Corporate/        
    Sales (d)     Assets (a)     Enterprises (b)     Transportation (c)     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues
    43,318,000       2,844,000       4,260,000                     50,422,000  
 
                                               
Cost Of Goods Sold
    43,080,000       2,325,000       3,370,000             (10,000 )     48,765,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Gross Profit
    238,000       519,000       890,000             10,000       1,657,000  
 
                                               
Selling, General And Administrative Expenses
    579,000       81,000       442,000               4,272,000       5,374,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Income (loss)
    (341,000 )     438,000       448,000             (4,262,000 )     (3,717,000 )
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense)
                                               
Interest and Fuel Products Financing Expense
    (129,000 )     (1,297,000 )     (514,000 )           (39,000 )     (1,979,000 )
 
                                               
Interest Income
          7,000                   7,000       14,000  
 
                                               
Minority Interest
                            3,713,000       3,713,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss From Operations Before Taxes
    (470,000 )     (852,000 )     (66,000 )           (581,000 )     (1,969,000 )
 
                                               
Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes
          (66,000 )     (31,000 )                 (97,000 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Loss from continuing operations
    (470,000 )     (786,000 )     (35,000 )           (581,000 )     (1,872,000 )
 
                                               
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
                      343,000             343,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net Loss
    (470,000 )     (786,000 )     (35,000 )     (343,000 )     (581,000 )     (2,215,000 )
 
                                   

 

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    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007              
    Fuel     Oklahoma     Regional     LPG     Corporate/        
    Sales (d)     Assets (a)     Enterprises (b)     Transportation (c)     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues
    71,248,000                   1,115,000             72,363,000  
 
                                               
Cost Of Goods Sold
    70,122,000                   796,000             70,918,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Gross Profit
    1,126,000                   319,000             1,445,000  
 
                                               
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    405,000                   115,000       2,592,000       3,112,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Income (Loss)
    721,000                   204,000       (2,592,000 )     (1,667,000 )
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense)
                                               
Interest and Fuel Products Financing Expense
    (240,000 )                 (52,000 )     (7,000 )     (299,000 )
 
                                               
Interest Income
                            18,000       18,000  
 
                                               
Minority Interest
                            1,146,000       1,146,000  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Income (Loss) From Operations Before Taxes
    481,000                   152,000       (1,435,000 )     (802,000 )
 
                                               
Provision For Income Taxes (Benefit)
    15,000                         (416,000 )     (401,000 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss)
    466,000                   152,000       (1,019,000 )     (401,000 )
 
                                   
     
(a)  
Acquired during November 2007
 
(b)  
Acquired during July 2007.
 
(c)  
Business commenced in August 2006 and sold December 31, 2007
 
(d)  
Business ceased in May 2008
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Statement by Management Concerning Review of Interim Information by An Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this filing on Form 10-Q have been reviewed by Burton McCumber & Cortez, L.L.P., an independent registered public accounting firm, in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such review. The report of Burton McCumber & Cortez, L.L.P. commenting on their review, accompanies the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not applicable.
Item 4T. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), such as this Form 10-Q, is reported in accordance with the rules of the SEC.  Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated appropriately and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer/chief financial officer and our controller, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).  
During late 2006, all of 2007 and the first three months of 2008, Penn Octane’s accounting department consisted of only the controller, an accounting clerk and the chief financial officer. Such a limited number of financial and accounting personnel makes segregation of duties difficult. In late 2006, Penn Octane’s chief executive officer resigned and the chief financial officer assumed both the duties of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Prior to his departure, the former chief executive officer provided some additional controls over financial reporting and accounting, although the internal control environment was still limited. Thus, the material weakness was compounded when the chief financial officer began functioning in a dual capacity beginning in 2006. In March 2008, Penn Octane’s accounting clerk resigned. As a result, Penn Octane’s internal control environment is limited in such a manner that there is less than the desired internal control over financial reporting and accounting, and a system of checks and balances is lacking. As a result of this material weakness, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2008.
Since March 31, 2008, management has taken the following steps to improve internal control over financial reporting:
   
In May 2008, Penn Octane hired an assistant controller to provide additional assistance with internal accounting responsibilities and financial reporting. The newly hired assistant controller has previous oil and gas experience.
 
   
In June 2008, Penn Octane verbally agreed to hire a vice president, who will primarily oversee the operations of our oil and gas properties. We are currently negotiating the final terms of his contract.
 
   
In June 2008, Penn Octane began discussions with a potential Chief Executive Officer candidate. This candidate has extensive oil and gas expertise. We are currently negotiating with this candidate in an effort to have him accept the role as Chief Executive Officer.
 
   
In March 2008 and in connection with the acquisition of the Oklahoma operations, Penn Octane hired two employees who were previously engaged in accounting functions of those businesses. We are currently training those employees.

 

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In May 2008, Penn Octane engaged the services of a software consulting firm to implement an Oracle ERP accounting software system. This system is intended to enhance internal controls over the ability to enter transactions into the financial system and financial reporting. This system will also provide for multiple user access, timely access to accounting information and additional data security.
 
   
Management is currently reviewing employee compensation and incentives to ensure that it continues to attract and retain qualified employees.
Before concluding that the material weakness has been remediated, management believes that the new internal controls should be implemented and operational for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate that the controls are operating effectively. 
During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, there were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We believe our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q fairly present in all material respects our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See note K to the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Not applicable.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
See note I to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
The above transactions were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof because the issuance did not involve a public offering of securities.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
Purchase of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. common units – see note M to the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report:
     
Exhibit No.    
 
   
15
  Accountant’s Acknowledgment.
 
   
31.1
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
   
31.2
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
   
32
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.
All of the Exhibits are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, Penn Octane will furnish a copy of any Exhibit upon payment of a fee (based on the estimated actual cost which shall be determined at the time of a request) together with a request addressed to Ian T. Bothwell, Penn Octane Corporation, 77-530 Enfield Lane, Bldg. D, Palm Desert, California 92211.

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following person on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
  PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
 
 
August 19, 2008  By:   /s/ Ian T. Bothwell    
    Ian T. Bothwell   
    Acting Chief Executive Officer, Acting
President, Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Executive, Financial and
Accounting Officer) 
 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
15
  Accountant’s Acknowledgment.
 
   
31.1
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
   
31.2
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) / 15d – 14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
   
32
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes –Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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