UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
 
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from         to
 
Commission File Number 001-32989
 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
CALIFORNIA
 
94-0787340
(State of other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
2008 – 21st. Street. P.O. Box 832, Bakersfield, California
 
93302
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
Registrant's telephone number:
(661) 325-1000
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    x No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes   x    No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. 
 
 
Large accelerated filer      ¨
Accelerated Filer    ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer        ¨
Smaller reporting company   x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes   ¨        No x 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
(Class)
(Outstanding at November 14, 2013)
Common Stock Without Par Value
4,688,085
 
 
1

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2013
 
Table of Contents
 
Page
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets - September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012
3
 
 
 
 
Statements of Operations -
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) 
5
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
6
 
 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows -
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) 
7
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
19
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
19
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
20
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
20
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
20
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
20
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
20
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
20
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
20
 
 
2

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,512,689
 
$
3,834,097
 
Restricted cash
 
 
334,657
 
 
-
 
Short-term investments
 
 
2,139,695
 
 
2,135,709
 
Trade accounts receivable (net of reserve for
     doubtful accounts of $4,000 in 2013 and 2012)
 
 
446,973
 
 
375,090
 
Income taxes receivable
 
 
45,400
 
 
73,069
 
Crude oil inventory
 
 
85,684
 
 
82,180
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
 
99,923
 
 
257,370
 
Deferred Income taxes
 
 
694,500
 
 
264,400
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
7,359,521
 
 
7,021,915
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas properties and equipment (successful
     efforts method)
 
 
20,089,288
 
 
20,007,453
 
Capitalized asset retirement costs
 
 
425,978
 
 
425,978
 
Drilling and operating equipment
 
 
2,058,744
 
 
1,966,750
 
Land, buildings and improvements
 
 
1,098,918
 
 
1,098,918
 
Automotive, office and other property and equipment
 
 
1,136,566
 
 
1,202,544
 
 
 
 
24,809,494
 
 
24,701,643
 
Less - accumulated depletion, depreciation,
     amortization and valuation allowances
 
 
(21,306,941)
 
 
(20,953,324)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
3,502,553
 
 
3,748,319
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments
 
 
1,124,100
 
 
1,101,526
 
Restricted cash
 
 
632,672
 
 
-
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
472,700
 
 
621,800
 
Deposits
 
 
250,000
 
 
250,000
 
Other assets
 
 
11,380
 
 
17,380
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
 
 
2,490,852
 
 
1,990,706
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
13,352,926
 
$
12,760,940
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
 
 
3

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
199,909
 
$
226,759
 
Accrued professional fees
 
 
116,020
 
 
120,000
 
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes
 
 
28,822
 
 
70,407
 
Accrued payroll and related costs
 
 
65,649
 
 
58,954
 
Accrued royalties payable
 
 
218,783
 
 
204,509
 
Deferred compensation
 
 
334,657
 
 
0
 
Accrued insurance
 
 
0
 
 
94,116
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
963,840
 
 
774,745
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITY FOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
 
669,316
 
 
0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITY FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
 
 
1,352,460
 
 
1,327,861
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITES
 
 
2,985,616
 
 
2,102,606
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value
     Authorized - 10,000,000 shares
     Issued and outstanding - none
 
 
0
 
 
0
 
Common stock, no par value
     Authorized - 50,000,000 shares
     Issued and outstanding - 4,688,085 shares
 
 
1,682,971
 
 
1,682,971
 
Retained earnings
 
 
8,684,339
 
 
8,975,363
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
10,367,310
 
 
10,658,334
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
13,352,926
 
$
12,760,940
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
 
 
4

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three months ended  
September 30,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas sales
 
$
1,138,438
 
$
1,198,420
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
535,227
 
 
476,122
 
General and administrative
 
 
294,430
 
 
192,910
 
Deferred compensation
 
 
1,040,764
 
 
0
 
Taxes, other than income
    and payroll taxes
 
 
33,044
 
 
44,885
 
Provision for depletion, depreciation,
    and amortization
 
 
127,010
 
 
151,502
 
Accretion expense
 
 
6,288
 
 
13,153
 
Other costs and expenses
 
 
29,991
 
 
33,975
 
 
 
 
2,066,754
 
 
912,547
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
 
 
(928,316)
 
 
285,873
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
10,235
 
 
10,975
 
Interest expense
 
 
0
 
 
(152)
 
 
 
 
10,235
 
 
10,823
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
 
 
(918,081)
 
 
296,696
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
 
(4,000)
 
 
16,800
 
Deferred
 
 
(380,300)
 
 
72,000
 
 
 
 
(384,300)
 
 
88,800
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME
 
$
(533,781)
 
$
207,896
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
(0.11)
 
$
0.04
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
(0.11)
 
$
0.04
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of
    common shares outstanding
 
 
4,688,085
 
 
4,687,644
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted average number of
    common shares outstanding
 
 
4,688,085
 
 
4,687,644
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
5

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
   
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(UNAUDITED) 
 
 
 
Nine months ended  
September 30,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas sales
 
$
3,300,650
 
$
3,907,792
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
1,469,708
 
 
1,365,861
 
General and administrative
 
 
751,433
 
 
632,804
 
Deferred compensation
 
 
1,040,764
 
 
0
 
Taxes, other than income
    and payroll taxes
 
 
100,599
 
 
129,266
 
Provision for depletion, depreciation,
    and amortization
 
 
388,806
 
 
519,396
 
Accretion expense
 
 
24,599
 
 
31,970
 
Other costs and expenses
 
 
116,189
 
 
118,449
 
 
 
 
3,892,098
 
 
2,797,746
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
 
 
(591,448)
 
 
1,110,046
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
30,550
 
 
31,835
 
Other income
 
 
0
 
 
250
 
Interest expense
 
 
0
 
 
(868)
 
 
 
 
30,550
 
 
31,217
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
 
 
(560,898)
 
 
1,141,263
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
 
11,126
 
 
99,800
 
Deferred
 
 
(281,000)
 
 
172,900
 
 
 
 
(269,874)
 
 
272,700
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME
 
$
(291,024)
 
$
868,563
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
(0.06)
 
$
0.19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
(0.06)
 
$
0.19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of
    common shares outstanding
 
 
4,688,085
 
 
4,685,117
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted average number of
    common shares outstanding
 
 
4,688,085
 
 
4,685,117
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
6

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY 
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(UNAUDITED) 
 
 
 
Nine months ended  
September 30,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(291,024)
 
$
868,563
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net
    cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for depletion, depreciation,
    and amortization
 
 
388,806
 
 
519,396
 
Deferred compensation
 
 
1,003,973
 
 
0
 
Accretion expense
 
 
24,599
 
 
31,970
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(281,000)
 
 
172,900
 
Asset retirement obligations
 
 
0
 
 
(6,009)
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
 
 
30,790
 
 
0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts
    and income taxes receivable
 
 
(44,214)
 
 
89,944
 
Decrease (increase) in crude oil inventories
 
 
(3,504)
 
 
12,131
 
Decrease in prepaid expenses
 
 
157,446
 
 
139,706
 
Decrease in other assets
 
 
6,000
 
 
0
 
(Decrease) in accounts payable
    and accrued liabilities
 
 
(145,562)
 
 
(83,103)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
 
846,310
 
 
1,745,498
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
7

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Nine months ended 
 September 30,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
(173,829)
 
$
(848,952)
 
(Increase) in short-term investments
 
 
(3,986)
 
 
(6,011)
 
(Increase) in long-term investments
 
 
(22,574)
 
 
(21,935)
 
Restricted Cash
 
 
(967,329)
 
 
0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(1,167,718)
 
 
(876,898)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
 
 
0
 
 
(48,634)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) financing activities
 
 
0
 
 
(48,634)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(321,408)
 
 
819,966
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 
3,834,097
 
 
2,762,676
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
3,512,689
 
$
3,582,642
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the nine months for interest
 
$
0
 
$
868
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the nine months for income taxes
 
$
800
 
$
134,200
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
8

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2013
(UNAUDITED)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The financial statements include the accounts of Pyramid Oil Company (the “Company”).  Such financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is contained in its December 31, 2012 Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference.  The financial data presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2012 financial statements and notes thereto, contained in the Company's Form 10-K.
 
In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited financial statements, contained herein, include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2013 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
 
Income Taxes - When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California, Texas and New York states.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination for the years before 2009.  State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2009 to 2012.  The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
 
The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  As of the date of adoption of FASB ASC 740, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the quarter.
 
Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.
 
Income (Loss) per Share - Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
 
 
9

 
Diluted income (loss) is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period.  For periods with a net loss, the dilutive common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted income (loss) calculation.
 
Valuation Allowances - The Company records valuation allowances for its oil and gas properties when the undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the net capitalized costs for the property.  No valuation allowances were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

2.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-011, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or A Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” These amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

3.  Dividends
 
No cash dividends were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

4.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a final settlement offer to settle its potential liability as a generator of waste containing hazardous substances that was disposed of at a waste disposal site in Santa Barbara County.  The Company has responded to the EPA by indicating that the waste contained petroleum products that fall within the exception to the definition of hazardous substances for petroleum-related substances of the pertinent EPA regulations.  Management has concluded that under both Federal and State regulations no reasonable basis exists for any valid claim against the Company.  As such, the likelihood of any settlement is deemed remote.  There has been not further communication form the EPA on this matter since September 25, 2009.

5.  Income Tax Provision
 
The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit) of $(269,874) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and a net income tax provision of $272,700 for the same period in 2012. 
 
Income tax provision (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Federal
 
State
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax provision
 
$
9,226
 
$
1,900
 
$
11,126
 
Deferred tax (benefit)
 
 
(225,300)
 
 
(55,700)
 
 
(281,000)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(216,074)
 
$
(53,800)
 
$
(269,874)
 
 
 
10

 
Income tax provision for the nine months September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Federal
 
State
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax provision
 
$
85,300
 
$
14,500
 
$
99,800
 
Deferred tax provision
 
 
134,550
 
 
38,350
 
 
172,900
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
219,850
 
$
52,850
 
$
272,700
 
 
Income tax provision (benefit) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Federal
 
State
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax (benefit)
 
$
(3,500)
 
$
(500)
 
$
(4,000)
 
Deferred tax (benefit)
 
 
(302,500)
 
 
(77,800)
 
 
(380,300)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(306,000)
 
$
(78,300)
 
$
(384,300)
 
 
Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Federal
 
State
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax provision
 
$
14,300
 
$
2,500
 
$
16,800
 
Deferred tax provision
 
 
56,050
 
 
15,950
 
 
72,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
70,350
 
$
18,450
 
$
88,800
 
 
Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method by applying income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax returns.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for income tax rate changes.  Deferred income tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance of $1,719,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  Management reviews deferred income taxes regularly throughout the year, and accordingly makes any necessary adjustments to properly reflect the valuation allowance based upon current financial trends and projected results. 

6.  Incentive and Retention Plan
 
On January 9, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors adopted an Incentive and Retention Plan pursuant to which the Company's officers and other employees selected by the Company's Compensation Committee are entitled to receive payments if they are employed by the Company as of the date of a 'Corporate Transaction,' as defined in the Incentive and Retention Plan.  A 'Corporate Transaction' includes certain mergers involving the Company, sales of Company assets, and other changes in the control of the Company, as specified in the Incentive and Retention Plan.  In general, the amount that is payable to each plan participant will equal the number of plan units that have been granted to him or her, multiplied by the increase in the value of the Company between January 9, 2007 and the date of a Corporate Transaction.  There has been no Corporate Transaction since the adoption of the Incentive and Retention Plan.
 
 
11

 
7.  Related-party Transaction
 
Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, a former officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate.  The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group.  Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $180,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $131,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

8.  Stock Based Compensation
 
The Company issued options to purchase common shares of the Company as compensation for Board of Directors services.  The value of options issued for compensation are accounted for as a non-cash expense to the Company at the fair value of the options issued.  The Company values the options at fair value as calculated by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  As of September 30, 2013 the Company has $0 in unamortized stock based compensation related to outstanding options.
 
The following table summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
 
(Unaudited)
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2012
 
10,000
 
$
5.40
 
Granted
 
0
 
 
0
 
Exercised
 
0
 
 
0
 
Cancelled
 
0
 
 
0
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2013
 
10,000
 
$
5.40
 
 
The following summarizes the options issued, outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2013:
 
Grant Date
 
 
June 2, 2011
 
Strike Price
 
$
5.40
 
Expiration Date
 
 
June 1, 2016
 
Options Remaining
 
 
10,000
 
Proceeds if Exercised
 
$
54,000
 
Call Feature
 
 
None
 

9.  Fair Value
 
As defined in FASB ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
 
Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
 
Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and
 
 
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Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.  Included in this category is the Company's determination of the value of its asset retirement obligation liability.  The obligation has increased $24,599 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of normal accretion expense.
 
The carrying amount of our cash and equivalents, restricted cash, short and long term investments reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
 
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). There were no instances of impairment recorded for the 9 months ended September 30, 2013.

10.  Registration Statement on Form S-3
 
The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 5, 2013, that when declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement is designed to provide the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time up to $30 million of the Company's common stock.  The Company may offer and sell such securities through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs.  The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be established at the time of such offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering.  The Company has not filed any supplemental prospectus with the SEC or sold any common stock under this registration statement.

11.  Asset Retirement Obligations
 
The Company recognizes a liability at discounted fair value for the future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated assets retirement cost associated with the petroleum and natural gas properties. The fair value of the liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized to expense over its useful life. The liability accretes until the date of expected settlement of the retirement obligations. The related accretion expense is recognized in the statement of operations. The provision will be revised for the effect of any changes to timing related to cash flow or undiscounted abandonment costs. Actual expenditures incurred for the purpose of site reclamation are charged to the asset retirement obligations to the extent that the liability exists on the balance sheet. Differences between the actual costs incurred and the fair value of the liability recorded are recognized in income in the period the actual costs are incurred.
 
There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations.  A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented is as follows:
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
1,327,861
 
Incurred during the period
 
 
0
 
Additions for new wells
 
 
0
 
Accretion expense
 
 
24,599
 
Balance at September 30, 2013
 
$
1,352,460
 
 
 
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12.  Change in Directors of Registrant
 
On September 30, 2013, John H. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a director, of the Company, and John E. Turco resigned as a director of the Company. Michael D. Herman, currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, was appointed as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
 
Mr. Herman served as Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2005. Following his purchases of Pyramid Oil common stock from Messrs. Alexander and Turco, Mr. Herman owns approximately 39.5% of the outstanding common stock of Pyramid Oil (not including the 100,000 shares that Mr. Herman will acquire in April 2014). 
 
As part of this Board of Directors and management transition, Mr. Herman purchased 243,579 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Turco at a purchase price of $6.00 per share.  In addition, Mr. Herman purchased 95,592 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Alexander at a purchase price $6.00 per share, and will purchase an additional 100,000 of Mr. Alexander's shares by April 5, 2014, at the same price.
 
On October 8, 2013, the Board of Directors of Pyramid Oil Company, appointed Rick D. Kasch to the Company’s Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John Turco.  Mr. Kasch was also appointed as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and as a member of the Company’s Compensation and Nominating Committees. 
 
Mr. Kasch serves as President of ENSERVCO Corporation, which is a publicly traded energy services company based in Denver, Colorado.  Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Herman, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of ENSERVCO Corporation.

13.  Settlement Agreement
 
In February 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John H. Alexander pursuant to which Mr. Alexander agreed to serve as the Company's Vice President. On June 3, 2004, Mr. Alexander was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.  The employment agreement was for an initial term of six years, which term automatically renews annually if written notice is not tendered.  The agreement was automatically renewed on June 3, 2013.  On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
 
In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement and General Release of Claims, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things:
 
 
·
Mr. Alexander’s existing employment agreement terminated effective as of September 30, 2013;
 
 
 
 
·
Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
 
 
 
 
·
Pyramid Oil agreed to secure these payments owed to Mr. Alexander in a “rabbi trust” pursuant to a Trust Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 between Pyramid Oil and Gilbert Ansolabehere, as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”);
 
 
 
 
·
Mr. Alexander agreed to resign as a director and officer of Pyramid Oil;
 
 
 
 
·
Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into a Consulting Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Alexander will serve as a consultant to Pyramid Oil on a part-time basis through September 30, 2014 for a fee of $10,000 per month;
 
 
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·
Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander waived known and unknown claims against each other;
 
 
 
 
·
Mr. Herman agreed to purchase shares of Pyramid Oil common stock held by Messrs. Alexander and Turco, see Footnote 12; and
 
 
 
 
·
Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into an Indemnity Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Indemnity Agreement”), pursuant to which Pyramid Oil agreed to indemnify Mr. Alexander against certain claims, losses, costs and expenses that may result in the future from lawsuits and other proceedings in connection with his service as a director and an officer of Pyramid Oil.

14.  Subsequent Events
 
The Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2013 through the date these unaudited financial statements were issued.
 
On October 8, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved compensation of $30,000 per year for each non-employee director, granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to each of directors Rick D. Kasch and Gary L. Ronning, and granted an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to Mr. Herman. 
 
Each option has an exercise price of $5.16 per share, which equals the closing price of Pyramid Oil’s common stock on October 8, 2013, is fully exercisable immediately, and expires on October 7, 2018.  The options were granted under Pyramid Oil’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, with respect to which Pyramid Oil filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2011.
 
 
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Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
 
The Company is working aggressively to reverse a decline in oil and gas production volumes.  Management intends to implement a plan by the end of 2013 to rework and recomplete a number of existing wells on its core California properties.   The Company also will pursue opportunities to acquire properties from other oil and gas operators within, and potentially outside, of California. 
 
Pyramid previously announced plans to re-drill and deepen three existing wells into the Monterey formation on its Delaney Tunnell property in Santa Maria, California.  The Company has received permits to re-drill two of the three wells and has received verbal confirmation that a permit to re-drill the third well and utilize it to dispose of produced water has been approved and will be mailed to the Company shortly.  Pyramid now anticipates drilling operations on this three-well program will commence during first quarter of 2014.
 
In addition, management intends to explore potential merger and joint venture opportunities with other domestic oil and gas operators, should such opportunities arise.
 
Pyramid has positioned itself to withstand various types of economic uncertainties, and has maintained a strong balance sheet and working capital position.  In addition, the Company has filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  When declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement will give Pyramid the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time, up to $30 million of common or preferred stock.  Pyramid does not have immediate plans to sell securities under the shelf registration statement.
 
Pyramid's future growth will be highly dependent on the level of success it has in its operations and capital investments, including the outcome of wells that have not yet been drilled.  The Company's future capital investment program may be modified due to exploration and development successes or failures, market conditions and other variables.  The production and sales of oil and gas involves many complex processes that are subject to numerous uncertainties, including reservoir risk, mechanical failures, human error and market conditions.
 
The Company may be subject to future costs necessary for compliance with the implementation of new air and water environmental quality requirements of various state and federal governmental agencies.  However, those potential requirements and costs are unknown at this time.  The Company continues to absorb the costs for various state and local fees and permits under new environmental programs, the sum of which were not material during 2012.  The Company is actively pursuing an ongoing policy of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with current and proposed environmental regulations. Management believes the costs associated with these programs will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
 
 
 
 
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Portions of the Quarterly Report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested in forward-looking statements in this release.  Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in Company expectations or results or any change in events.  Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices of oil, gas and electricity, environmental risk, drilling and operational costs, uncertainties about estimates of reserves and government regulations.
 
ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
 
REVENUES
 
The decrease in oil and gas sales of $59,982 is due primarily to lower crude oil production offset by higher average sales prices for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The Company's net revenue share of crude oil production/sales decreased by approximately 900 barrels for the third quarter of 2013.  The average sales price of the Company's oil and gas for the third quarter of 2013 increased by approximately $2.32 per equivalent barrel when compared to the same period of 2012.
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Operating expenses increased by $59,105 for the third quarter of 2013.  The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during the third quarter of 2013 was approximately $48.05 per barrel, an increase of approximately $8.37 per barrel when compared with production costs for the third quarter of 2012.  During the third quarter of 2013, the Company paid $69,000 for its share of the costs of a gas sales pipeline obligation related to the Murray Franklin Estate No. 1 well, a Texas joint venture well.  Absent this one-time payment of $69,000, operating expense decreased by $9,915 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and production costs per barrel would be $41.86 per barrel.  The net decrease in lease operating expenses, excluding the Texas joint venture costs of $69,000, of $9,915 is the result of a number of offsetting cost factors.
 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
 
General and administrative expenses increased by $101,520 for the third quarter of 2013 when compared with the same period for 2012.  Legal fees increased by $65,759 due primarily to legal services related to the Settlement Agreement between the Company and John H. Alexander and the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that was filed in October of 2013.  Accounting services increased by $17,550 due primarily to higher fees for audit services.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
 
 
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PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
 
The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $24,492 for the third quarter of 2013, when compared with the same period for 2012.  The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in the depletion of oil and gas properties.  Depletion decreased due to lower production volumes combined with a lower average per barrel depletion rates.  The depletion rates for 2013 declined due to lower net costs to amortize.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
 
REVENUES
 
The decrease in oil and gas sales of $607,142 is due primarily to lower crude oil sales volumes offset by higher average sales prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The Company's net revenue share of crude oil production/sales decreased by approximately 4,400 barrels for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The decline in production for the first nine months of 2013 is not attributable to any one property.  Many of the oil and gas leases had lower production due primarily to natural decline.  The average sales price of the Company's oil and gas for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased by approximately $4.31 per equivalent barrel when compared to the same period of 2012.
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Operating expenses increased by $103,847 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $45.49 per barrel, an increase of approximately $8.28 per barrel when compared with production costs for the same period of 2012.  During the third quarter of 2013, the Company paid $69,000 for its share of the costs of a gas sales pipeline obligation related to the Murray Franklin Estate No. 1 well, a Texas joint venture well.  Absent this one-time payment, operating expense increased by $34,847 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and production costs per barrel would be $44.44 per barrel.  Labor costs increased by $54,271 due primarily to the hiring of one additional field level employee in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 7% salary increase for all field employees that was effective May 1, 2012.  After consideration of the Texas joint venture payment and the increase in labor costs, the remaining favorable variance is $19,424 which is the result of a number of offsetting cost factors.
 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
 
General and administrative expenses increased by $118,629 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 when compared with the same period for 2012. Legal fees increased by $62,016 due primarily to legal services related to the Settlement Agreement between the Company and John H. Alexander and the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S- 3 that was filed in October of 2013.  Accounting services increased by $37,978 due primarily to higher fees for audit services.  The remaining net increase in general and administrative costs of $18,635 is attributable to many offsetting cost categories.
 
 
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DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
 
PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
 
The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $130,590 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, when compared with the same period for 2012.  The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in the depletion of oil and gas properties.  Depletion decreased due to lower production volumes combined with a lower average per barrel depletion rates.  The depletion rates for 2013 declined due to lower net costs to amortize.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $321,408 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, operating activities provided cash of $846,310.  Cash was used for capital spending of $173,829.  See the Statements of Cash Flows for additional detailed information.  The Company had available a line of credit of $500,000 and short-term and long-term investments of $3,263,795 at September 30, 2013 that provided additional liquidity during the first nine months of 2013.
 
IMPACT OF CHANGING PRICES
 
The Company’s revenue is affected by crude oil prices paid by the major oil companies.  Average crude oil prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased by approximately $4.31 per equivalent barrel when compared with the same period of 2012.  The Company cannot predict the future course of crude oil prices.
 
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Not Applicable
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  -  Legal Proceedings
 
 None
 
Item 1A. -  Risk Factors
 
See the risk factors that are included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Item 2.  - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 None
 
Item 3.  -  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 None
 
Item 4.  -  Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 None
 
Item 5.  -  Other Information
 
 None
 
Item 6.  -  Exhibits
 
31.1 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer  under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted  pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.2 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
                  101 - The following information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (1) Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012;  (2) Income Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012;  (3) Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012;  and (4) Notes to Financial Statements.
 
20

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
(registrant)
 
 
Dated:  November 14, 2013
MICHAEL HERMAN
 
 Michael Herman
 
President
 
 
Dated:  November 14, 2013
LEE G. CHRISTIANSON
 
Lee G. Christianson
 
   Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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