10-Q 1 q033112.htm FORM 10-Q ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 q033112.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC20549

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 March 31, 2012

[  ]
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 000-33215

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada
 
87-0617371
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
2319 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 160
   
Salt Lake City, Utah
 
84109
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(801) 746-3700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)
Yes þ  Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o                                                                                                                       Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                   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   Noþ

As of May 10, 2012, the registrant had 52,657,574 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.

 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
Page
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2012
   and September 30, 2011
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the
 
 
   three and six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the
 
 
   six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
             and Results of Operations
19
     
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
30
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
30
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
30
   
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
30
   
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
31
   
Item 6. Exhibits
31
   
Signatures
33

2

 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
         
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
         
    March 31,     September 30,
     2012      2011
ASSETS
         
Current Assets
         
Cash
                5,527
 
             6,136
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,531 and $2,915, respectively
 
                  6,530
   
             13,899
Trade accounts receivable from related parties, net of allowance of $3,300 and $3,326, respectively
 
                  1,144
   
               2,674
Other receivables, net of allowance of $0 and $18, respectively
 
                    930
   
                  943
Inventories
 
                  1,817
   
               1,845
Inventories held for sale, net of allowance of $1,811 and $1,809, respectively
 
                    866
   
                  905
Prepaid taxes
 
                  2,649
   
               1,832
Advances paid
 
                  1,883
   
                  647
Deferred tax assets
 
                  1,275
   
               1,621
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
                  1,012
   
               1,284
Total Current Assets
 
                23,633
   
             31,786
Vessels, equipment and property, net
 
                62,340
   
             66,063
Drydocking costs, net
 
                      98
   
                  258
Goodwill
 
                    233
   
                  232
Intangible assets, net
 
                    120
   
                  148
Long-term prepaid taxes
 
                  5,349
   
               5,352
Investments
 
                      14
   
                    14
Long-term other receivables, net of current portion
 
                  1,178
   
               1,206
Total Assets
            92,965
 
        105,059
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
         
Current Liabilities
         
Accounts payable
               2,847
 
           4,923
Accounts payable to related parties
 
                        2
   
                    16
Accrued expenses
 
                    658
   
               1,460
Taxes payable
 
                    923
   
               2,317
Deferred revenue
 
                        6
   
                  587
Accelerated put option liability
 
                16,820
   
             15,817
Long-term debt - current portion
 
                57,355
   
             57,120
Total Current Liabilities
 
                78,611
   
             82,240
Long-term deferred revenue from related parties
 
                  2,999
   
               3,072
Long-term deferred income tax liability
 
                    691
   
                  758
Total Long-Term Liabilities
 
                  3,690
   
               3,830
Total Liabilities
 
                82,301
   
             86,070
Equity
         
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized;
         
52,657,574 and 52,213,757 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
 
                      53
   
                    53
Additional paid-in capital
 
                64,768
   
             64,724
Accumulated deficit
 
              (32,051)
   
            (24,313)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
              (14,403)
   
            (14,254)
Equity attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. Shareholders
 
                18,367
   
             26,210
Deficit attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
                (7,703)
   
              (7,221)
Total Equity
 
                10,664
   
             18,989
Total Liabilities and Equity
              92,965
 
         105,059

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3
 
 

 


CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
     
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
     
       
    For the Three Months Ended March 31,     For the Six Months Ended March 31,
     2012      2011      2012      2011
Revenues
                     
Vessel revenues
                2,780
 
                 4,739
 
                8,469
 
               15,093
Geophysical service revenues (which includes $3,011 and $3,970 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively)
 
1,362
   
                 5,871
   
3,635
   
                 10,454
Marine base service revenues (which includes $166 and $284 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, respectively and $257 and $387 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, respectively)
 
247
   
                   359
   
518
   
                     594
Total Revenues
 
             4,389
   
          10,969
   
             12,622
   
            26,141
                       
Operating Expenses
                     
Vessel operating costs
 
1,674
   
                 3,966
   
5,258
   
                   8,732
Cost of geophysical service revenues
 
1,314
   
                 1,873
   
3,195
   
                   5,159
Cost of marine base service
 
48
   
                   188
   
259
   
                     339
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,741
   
                 1,901
   
3,752
   
                   3,924
Impairment loss
 
150
   
                       3
   
150
   
                     322
General and administrative expense
 
2,307
   
                 1,925
   
4,922
   
                   5,252
Total Costs and Operating Expenses
 
             7,234
   
            9,856
   
             17,536
   
            23,728
Income (Loss) from Operations
 
               (2,845)
   
                1,113
   
                 (4,914)
   
                  2,413
                       
Other Income (Expense)
                     
Interest expense
 
(1,707)
   
               (2,102)
   
(3,363)
   
                 (4,211)
Foreign currency transaction income (loss)
 
200
   
                   214
   
(409)
   
                     181
Interest income
 
72
   
                       6
   
94
   
                       20
Other non-operating income (loss), net
 
283
   
                    (80)
   
56
   
                     165
Net Other Expense
 
            (1,152)
   
          (1,962)
   
             (3,622)
   
            (3,845)
                       
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax
 
               (3,997)
   
                 (849)
   
                 (8,536)
   
                (1,432)
Benefit from (provision for)  income tax
 
232
   
                  (493)
   
281
   
                 (1,357)
Loss from continuing operations
 
            (3,765)
   
          (1,342)
   
             (8,255)
   
            (2,789)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
                       -
   
              (796)
   
                        -
   
(861)
Net loss
 
            (3,765)
   
          (2,138)
 
 
             (8,255)
   
            (3,650)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
467
   
                   617
   
517
   
                   1,077
Net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc
           (3,298)
 
         (1,521)
 
              (7,738)
 
            (2,573)
                       
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share from continuing operations
               (0.07)
 
              (0.03)
 
                (0.16)
 
               (0.05)
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share from discontinued operations
 
                       -
   
                 (0.02)
 
 
                        -
   
                   (0.02)
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
              (0.07)
 
            (0.05)
 
               (0.16)
 
              (0.07)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
        52,657,574
   
       52,213,757
 
 
         52,657,574
   
         52,213,757
                       
Amounts attributable to Caspian Services, Inc:
                     
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
              (3,298)
 
              (725)
 
               (7,738)
 
              (1,712)
Discontinued operations, net of tax
 
                       -
   
                  (796)
 
 
                        -
   
                    (861)
Net loss
           (3,298)
 
           (1,521)
 
             (7,738)
 
             (2,573)
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4
 
 

 


CASPIAN SERVICES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
         
     For the Six Months
     Ended March 31,
     2012      2011
           
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net loss
                   (8,255)
 
                  (3,650)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
     
Depreciation and amortization
 
                        3,752
   
                        3,924
Impairment loss
 
                           150
   
                        1,099
Accrued Interest on accelerated put option
 
                           990
   
                           996
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)
 
                           409
   
                         (181)
Stock based compensation
 
                             44
   
                             59
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
         
Trade accounts receivable
 
                        7,366
   
                        9,480
Trade accounts receivable from related parties
 
                        1,527
   
                      (3,570)
Other receivables
 
                         (141)
   
                             (2)
Inventories
 
                             29
   
                         (142)
Inventories held for sale
 
                             40
   
                             28
Prepaid taxes
 
                         (809)
   
                      (1,341)
Advances paid
 
                      (1,238)
   
                           207
Deferred tax assets
 
                           347
   
                         (392)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
                           272
   
                           325
Long-term prepaid taxes
 
                               6
   
                           (11)
Long-term other receivables, net of current portion
 
                             29
   
                              -
Accounts payable
 
                      (2,093)
   
                         (992)
Accounts payable to related parties
 
                           (15)
   
                         (515)
Accrued expenses
 
                        1,877
   
                        2,275
Taxes payable
 
                      (1,394)
   
                           741
Deferred revenue
 
                         (581)
   
                      (1,495)
Long-term deferred revenue from related parties
 
                           (75)
   
                              -
Long-term deferred income tax liability
 
                           (67)
   
                           191
Net cash provided by operating activities
                   2,170
 
                   7,034
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
         
Investment in securities
 
                              -
   
                           (14)
Payments to purchase vessels, equipment and property
 
                         (317)
   
                         (925)
Net cash used in investing activities
                     (317)
 
                      (939)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
         
Payments on long-term debt
 
                      (2,000)
   
                         (734)
Net cash used in financing activities
                  (2,000)
 
                      (734)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
                         (462)
   
                           299
Net change in cash
 
                         (609)
   
                        5,660
Cash at beginning of period
 
                        6,136
   
                        5,707
Cash at end of period
                    5,527
 
                  11,367
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
         
Cash paid for interest
 
                            -
   
                         734
Cash paid for income tax
 
                           449
   
                        1,186
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 
 

 
 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 

NOTE 1 — THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Interim Financial Information— The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they are condensed and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair and comparable presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Caspian Services, Inc. (the “Company” or “CSI”) most recent annual financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 13, 2012. Operating results for the six-month period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2012.

Principles of ConsolidationThe accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include operations and balances of Caspian Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Caspian Services Group Limited (“CSGL”), Caspian Services Group LLP (“Caspian LLP”), TatArka LLP (“TatArka”), Caspian Real Estate, Ltd (“CRE”), Caspian Geophysics, Ltd (“CGEO”), Caspian Services Inc. Kazakhstan LLP (“Caspian Inc. Kazakhstan”), Caspian Services Group B.V. (“Caspian BV”) ; and include majority owned subsidiaries: Balykshi LLP (“Balykshi”) and Kazmorgeophysica CJSC (“KMG”), collectively “Caspian” or the “Company”. KMG owns a 50% non-controlling interest in Veritas-Caspian LLP (“Veritas-Caspian”) and 15% interest in a joint venture CaspyMorService LLP (“CaspyMorService”). Balykshi owns a 20% interest in a joint venture, Mangistau Oblast Boat Yard LLP (“MOBY”). Ownership of 20% to 50% non-controlling interests are accounted for by the equity method. Ownership of less than a 20% interest is accounted for at cost. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Condition – In 2008 the Company entered into Facility agreements with Altima Central Asia (Master) Fund Ltd. (“Altima”) and Great Circle Energy Services, LLC (“Great Circle”). In June 2011 and July 2011 an otherwise unrelated individual (“Investor”) acquired all right, title and interest in and to the loans associated with the Facility agreements. On September 30, 2011 the Company executed an agreement to consolidate and restructure the loans associated with the Facility agreements (the “Loan Restructuring Agreement”) with the Investor.

Closing of the Loan Restructuring Agreement is subject to a number of closing conditions, including among other things, the Investor reaching agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) to restructure certain EBRD financing agreements, discussed in more detail below.  Until the Closing of the Loan Restructuring Agreement the restructured loans will be treated as current liabilities.
 
6
 
 

 
 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
The Company funded a portion of the construction of its marine base through a combination of debt and equity financing agreements with EBRD pursuant to which EBRD provided $18,600 of debt financing and made an equity investment in the marine base in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for a 22% equity interest in Balykshi.

In connection with EBRD’s 22% equity interest in Balykshi, the Company entered into a Put Option Agreement granting EBRD the right to require the Company to repurchase the 22% equity interest based on Balykshi’s fair market value.  The put option is exercisable between June 2013 and June 2017.  This agreement also contains an acceleration feature that, should a triggering event occur, grants EBRD the right to require the Company to repurchase the $10,000 equity investment at a 20% annual rate of return at any time following the triggering event.

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the put option is an unconditional obligation and is measured at its fair value based on an estimate of the amount of cash that would be required to settle the liability.  At the time of investment, the $10,000 of proceeds from the equity financing was allocated to the put option which was classified as a long-term liability.  

Under the terms of the EBRD Loan Agreement, as amended, Balykshi is required to repay the loan principal and accrued interest in eight equal semi-annual installments commencing November 20, 2011 and then occurring each May 20 and November 20 thereafter until fully repaid.  The first semi-annual repayment installment, due November 20, 2011, was not made.  The failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, the EBRD loan when due constitutes an event of default under the EBRD Loan Agreement. The EBRD financing agreements have acceleration right features that, in the event of default, allow EBRD to declare the loans and accrued interest immediately due and payable.  As a result, the Company has included the EBRD loan and all accrued interest as current liabilities at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011. Additionally, this event of default may trigger the acceleration clause in the Put Option Agreement with EBRD which would allow EBRD to put its $10,000 investment in Balykshi back to the Company.  If EBRD were to accelerate its put right, the Company could be obligated to repay the initial investment plus a 20% annual rate of return.  As a result, at September 30, 2011 the Company had accrued $5,817 of interest expense representing the 20% rate of return on the $10,000 investment and reclassed the liability from a long-term liability to a current liability. For the six-month ended March 31, 2012 the Company accrued an additional $1,003 of interest expense to reflect the required return on investment for that period, increasing the value of the put option to $16,820. EBRD also previously notified the Company that it believes the Company and Balykshi are in violation of certain other covenants of the EBRD financing agreements.  As of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, to the Company’s knowledge, EBRD has not sought to accelerate repayment of the loan or the put option.

Should EBRD determine to exercise its acceleration rights or should the Loan Restructuring Agreement not close, the Company currently has insufficient funds to repay these obligations individually or collectively and would be forced to seek other sources of funds to satisfy these obligations.  Given our current and near-term anticipated operating results, the difficult credit and equity markets and the Company’s current financial condition, the Company believes it would be very difficult to obtain new funding to satisfy these obligations. If the Company were unable to obtain funding to meet these obligations, the lenders could seek any legal remedies available to them to obtain repayment, including forcing the Company into bankruptcy, or in the case of the EBRD loan, which is collateralized by the assets, including the marine base, and bank accounts of Balykshi and CRE, foreclosure by EBRD on such assets and bank accounts.
 
7
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, the Company’s ability to reach agreement with EBRD to restructure the EBRD financing agreements and successfully close the Loan Restructuring Agreement or to repay its debt obligations by obtaining additional financing or selling business segments or assets.  Uncertainty as to the outcome of these factors raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

Discontinued Operations –In April 2011, the Company sold its interest in Bauta to an unrelated third party.  Upon determining to dispose of Bauta, all prior periods presented have been restated to separately account for the discontinued operations.

Nature of Operations The Company’s business consists of three major business segments:
 
Vessel Operations – Vessel operations consist of chartering a fleet of shallow draft offshore support vessels to customers performing oil and gas exploration activities in the Kazakhstan Sector of the North Caspian Sea.

Geophysical Services –Geophysical services consist of providing seismic data acquisition services to oil and gas companies operating both onshore in Kazakhstan and offshore in the Kazakhstan sector of the North Caspian Sea and the adjacent transition zone.

Marine Base Services – Marine Base Services consists of operating a marine base located at the Port of Bautino on the North Caspian Sea.

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share – Basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to Caspian Services by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to Caspian Services by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding giving effect to potentially dilutive issuable common shares.

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company had 800,000 options outstanding, 735,785 non-vested restricted shares outstanding and 90,000,000 potential shares related to convertible debt that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because they would be anti-dilutive.

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, the Company had 800,000 options outstanding, 528,826 non-vested restricted shares outstanding and 18,044,783 potential shares related to convertible debt that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because they would be anti-dilutive.
 
8
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk —The Company’s vessel operations are contracted primarily to a North Caspian Operating Company (“NCOC”) service provider. Loss of this customer could have a material negative effect on the Company. Some vessel charter services are provided under contracts with varying terms and through various dates in 2012. However, it is possible that a loss of business could occur in the short or long term. While management expects to renew the contracts periodically, there is no assurance that this customer will renew, or will renew on terms favorable to the Company.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade receivables, trade receivables from related parties and other receivables. The Company manages its exposure to risk through ongoing credit evaluations of its customers; however, the Company generally does not require collateral. In some cases when dealing with new customers the Company requires advance payments. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential losses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for other receivables, accounts receivables from related parties, accounts payable to related parties and accrued expenses approximate fair values because of the immediate nature or short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debts approximates fair value due to the stated interest rates approximating prevailing market rates. See Note 7 for discussion of the fair value of the long-term derivative put option liability.

Accelerated Put Option Liability - In connection with EBRD’s $10,000 equity investment to purchase a 22% equity interest in Balykshi, the Company entered into a Put Option Agreement granting EBRD the right to require the Company to repurchase the 22% equity interest. The put option is exercisable between June 2013 and June 2017. The put price is determined based on the fair market value of Balykshi as mutually agreed by the parties. If the put price together with any dividend received by EBRD generates an annual internal rate of return for EBRD in excess of 30% per annum rate (the “put price excess”), the put price shall be reduced by an amount representing half of the put price excess.  If the parties are unable to agree upon a fair market valuation, the parties agree to hire a third party expert to determine the put price on the basis of the fair market value of Balykshi, as set forth in the Put Option Agreement.  In the event there is a change in control of the Company, EBRD has the right to require the repurchase of the equity interest at its fair market value.  The Put Option Agreement also contains an acceleration feature.  Should Balykshi: (i) default on $1,000 or more of debt; (ii) fail to meet the obligations of any of the agreements between Balykshi, the Company and EBRD; (iii) be found to have made false representations to EBRD; or (iv) be declared insolvent, EBRD has the right to accelerate the put option.  If the put option is accelerated, EBRD can require the Company to repurchase the $10,000 equity investment plus a 20% per annum rate of return, taking into account any dividend or other distributions received by EBRD, at any time following one of the events mentioned above. Due to the fact that certain events of default under the EBRD Loan Agreement have occurred and that such could trigger EBRD’s accelerated put right, we have reflected an accelerated put option liability of $16,820, although, as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, EBRD has not sought to accelerate the put option.
 
9
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Revenue Recognition— Vessel revenues are usually derived from time charter contracts on a rate-per-day of service basis; therefore, vessel revenues are recognized on a daily basis throughout the contract period. These time charter contracts are generally on a term basis, ranging from one month to three years. The base rate of hire for a contract is generally a fixed rate; however, these contracts often include clauses to recover specific additional costs and mobilization and demobilization costs which are billed on a monthly basis.

Geophysical service revenue is recognized when services are rendered, accepted by the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Direct costs are charged to each contract as incurred along with allocated indirect costs for the specific period of service. Losses on contracts are recognized during the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimated. Due to the nature of some of the geophysical services provided, certain customers have prepaid their contract services. These prepayments have been deferred and are recognized as revenue as the services are provided.

Marine base service revenue is recognized when services are rendered, accepted by the customer and collectability is reasonably assured.

Receivables—In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to its customers on a short-term basis.  Our principal customers are major oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies. Credit risks associated with these customers are considered minimal. Dealings with smaller, local companies, particularly with the current difficulties in equity and credit markets, pose the greatest risks. For new geophysical services customers, the Company typically requires an advance payment and it retains the seismic data generated from these services until payment is made in full.  The Company routinely reviews its accounts receivable balances and makes provisions for doubtful accounts as necessary. Accounts are reviewed on a case by case basis and losses are recognized in the period if the Company determines it is likely that receivables will not be fully collected.  The Company may also provide a general provision for accounts receivables based on existing economic conditions.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of— Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. At September 30, 2010 we concluded that there were indicators of impairment as it related to the marine base. We performed a valuation of the base which included discounted future cash flows from operations and discounted cash flows from the sale of partial ownership interest in the entity. We utilized both a market and income approach when deriving this value. Information was obtained from the most current data available related to the entity. As a result of the analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge on the marine base.  During the six months ended March 31, 2011, the Company incurred some additional costs on the marine base and as a result of the impairment analysis, the Company concluded that these additional costs were impaired as well and recognized an additional $322 of impairment. During the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred more costs on the marine base, which were fully impaired. The amount of the additional impairment is $150.
 
10
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
At September 30, 2011 we concluded that there were indicators of impairment as it relates to KMG goodwill. We performed a valuation of KMG assets which included discounted future cash flows from operations. As a result of this valuation we concluded that KMG goodwill was impaired.

Income Taxes— Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences in assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and attributable to operating loss carry forwards. Differences generally result from the calculation of income under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the calculation of taxable income calculated under Kazakhstan income tax regulations.

The current regime of penalties and interest related to reported and discovered violations of Kazakhstan’s laws, decrees and related regulations can be severe.  Penalties include confiscation of the amounts in question for currency law violations, as well as fines of generally 100% of the unpaid taxes.  Interest is assessable at rates of generally 0.06% per day. As a result, penalties and interest can result in amounts that are multiples of any unreported taxes. No interest or penalties have been accrued as a result of any tax positions taken.  In the event interest or penalties are assessed, we will include these amounts related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

A deferred tax liability is not recognized for the following types of temporary differences unless it becomes apparent that those temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future:

(a) An excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of an investment in a foreign subsidiary or a foreign corporate joint venture, that is essentially permanent in duration; or

(b) Undistributed earnings of a domestic subsidiary or a domestic corporate joint venture that is essentially permanent in duration.

Dry-docking Costs— Our vessels must be periodically dry-docked and pass certain inspections to maintain their operating classification, as mandated by certain maritime regulations.  Costs incurred to dry-dock the vessels for certification are deferred and amortized over the period until the next dry-docking, generally 24 months.  Dry-docking costs are comprised of painting the vessels, hulls and sides, recoating cargo and fuel tanks, and performing other engine and equipment maintenance activities to bring the vessels into compliance with classification standards.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements —In December 2010 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts (ASU 2010-28). ASU 2010-28 amends the criteria for performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires performing Step 2 if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. ASU 2010-28 becomes effective in fiscal 2012. The Company does not expect ASU 2010-28 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
11
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
In January 2010 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (ASU 2010-06). ASU 2010-06 adds additional disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, and the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Certain provisions of this update become effective in fiscal 2012 and the Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2010-06.

In June 2011 the FASB issued an ASU on presentation of comprehensive income to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This update changes the requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income, eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders' equity, among other items. The guidance requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, FASB issued an ASU that deferred portions of the prior ASU relating to the presentation of reclassification adjustments.  The remainder of the provision will be effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and as the update only requires a change in presentation, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.
 

NOTE 2 – ATASH MARINE BASE

Construction of the Atash Marine Base located in Bautino Bay commenced in the first quarter of 2008 with the first phase of the project being completed and commissioned in November 2009. The second phase of the base was commissioned in July 2010 subject to agreement with local authorities that Balykshi complete additional dredging works. During the first fiscal quarter 2012 the Company entered into a contract to complete the dredging which is anticipated to cost around $3,000 and paid $1,000 as an advance. Currently, Balykshi has insufficient funds to complete the dredging project. If the dredging is not completed in a reasonable period of time, Balykshi could be subject to certain penalties, including the cancelation of permits and termination of operational activities at the marine base until the dredging is completed. The failure by Balykshi or the Company to provide financing for, or to complete, the dredging works could also constitute a default under the EBRD financing agreements.
 
12
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
NOTE 3– NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consists of the following:

    March 31,     September 30,
    2012     2011
           
Non-negotiable promissory note payable to an  investor; interest at 0.26%
         10,814
 
         10,800
           
Convertible consolidated promissory note payable to an investor; interest at 12%
 
           25,937
   
              24,446
           
Loan from investor, paid subsequent to September 30, 2011
 
                    -
   
                2,000
           
EBRD loan and accrued interest at 7% due May 2015
         
secured by property and bank accounts
 
           20,604
   
              19,874
Total Long-term Debt
 
           57,355
   
              57,120
Less: Current Portion
 
           57,355
   
              57,120
Long-term Debt - Net of Current Portion
                   -
 
                     -

During the six months ended March 31, 2012 the Company paid $2,000 to the Investor, which was credited as a reduction of principal due.
 
During the six months ended March 31, 2012 the Company engaged in ongoing discussion with EBRD about restructuring the terms of the EBRD financing agreements. There is no guarantee the Company will be successful in restructuring the EBRD financing agreements.

Until the Company is successful in restructuring the EBRD financial agreements, the EBRD loan, the non-negotiable promissory note and the convertible consolidated promissory note payable to the Investor will be treated as current liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
 

NOTE 4 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

In January 2012, Alexey Kotov, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President was issued a restricted stock grant of 443,817 common shares pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.  Except upon the occurrence of certain events, as detailed in his employment agreement, this grant shall vest equally over a period of three years on the anniversary of his employment agreement(August 2), commencing on August 2, 2012.

The shares representing the restricted stock grant have been issued and are deemed outstanding.  All unvested shares will be held in escrow by the Company for release in accordance with the vesting schedule. Vesting of the shares is also contingent upon Mr. Kotov’s continued employment with the Company on the respective vesting dates.
 
13
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Compensation expense charged against income for stock-based awards during the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 was $31 and $44, as compared to was $28 and $59 during the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 and is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying financial statements.

A summary of the non-vested stock under the Company’s compensation plan at March 31, 2012 follows:

 
Non-Vested
Weighted Average Grant
 
Shares
Date Fair Value Per Share
     
Non-vested at September 30, 2011
331,968
$0.34
Stock granted
443,817
   0.11
Stock vested
  (40,000)
   0.29
Non-vested at March 31, 2012
735,785
 $0.21

The value of the non-vested stock under the Company’s compensation plan at March 31, 2012 is $22.  As of March 31, 2012 unrecognized stock-based compensation was $63 and will be recognized over the weighted average remaining term of 1.31 years.


NOTE 5 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Economic Environment—In recent years, Kazakhstan has undergone substantial political and economic change.  As an emerging market, Kazakhstan does not possess a well-developed business infrastructure, which generally exists in a more mature free market economy.  As a result, operations carried out in Kazakhstan can involve significant risks, which are not typically associated with those in developed markets.  Instability in the market reform process could subject the Company to unpredictable changes in the basic business infrastructure in which it currently operates. Uncertainties regarding the political, legal, tax or regulatory environment, including the potential for adverse changes in any of these factors could affect the Company’s ability to operate commercially.  Management is unable to estimate what changes may occur or the resulting effect of such changes on the Company’s financial condition or future results of operations.

Legislation and regulations regarding taxation, foreign currency translation, and licensing of foreign currency loans in the Republic of Kazakhstan continue to evolve as the central government manages the transformation from a command to a market-oriented economy.  The various legislation and regulations are not always clearly written and their interpretation is subject to the opinions of the local tax inspectors. Instances of inconsistent opinions between local, regional and national tax authorities are not unusual.
 
14
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
NOTE 6– RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

MOBYDuring October 2008 the Company entered into a lease agreement with MOBY for the lease of three hectares of space at the marine base to operate a vessel repair and drydock facility. Balykshi owns a 20% joint venture interest in MOBY. The lease agreement is for 20 years and calls for a fixed rent payment of $290 per year. In November 2009, according to the agreement term, MOBY made a partial advance payment of $3,347, which is being recognized over the 20 year lease term starting from May 2010. This prepayment has been recorded as long-term deferred revenue from related parties on the balance sheet.

The lease revenue recognized from MOBY for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012 was $166 and $284, respectively.

The lease revenue recognized from MOBY for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 was $257 and $387, respectively.

KazakhstanCaspiShelf During three and six months ended March 31, 2011, seismic services valued at $3,011 and $3,970, respectively, were performed for KazakhstanCaspiShelf (“KCS”), a company related through common ownership.

Accounts receivable from related parties as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consisted of the following:

Related Party's Name
Description
  March 31, 2012     September 30, 2011
             
Bolz LLP
Seismic services
                         3,300
 
                         3,308
MOBY
Marine base
 
                               852
   
381
Kazakhstancaspishelf
Equipment rental, services and fuel sales
 
                               290
   
                           2,308
Others
Services/Indirect costs
 
                                   2
   
                                   3
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
                         (3,300)
   
                         (3,326)
TOTAL
                                                                 -
                         1,144
 
                         2,674

In February 2011 Bolz (a company related through common ownership) transferred its overdue obligations of $3,300 to BMB Munai LLP (a non-related third party), however, BMB Munai LLP failed to pay the amount due, so during the six-months ended March 31, 2012 the balance was transferred back to Bolz, which is still liable to pay. Accordingly, the balance of $3,300 and the corresponding allowance for doubtful accounts of ($3,300) was moved from Trade Accounts Receivable to Accounts Receivable from related parties.
 
15
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Long-term deferred revenue from related parties as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
 
Related Party's Name
Description
  March 31, 2012     September 30, 2011
             
MOBY
 Advance received for land rental
                         2,999
 
                         3,072
TOTAL
 
                         2,999
 
                         3,072


NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company uses fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities on a recurring basis when fair value is the primary measure for accounting. This is done primarily for the put option liability. Fair value is used on a nonrecurring basis to measure certain assets when applying lower of cost or market accounting or when adjusting carrying values.  Fair value is also used when evaluating impairment on certain assets, including goodwill, intangibles, and long-lived assets.

Recurring basis:

At March 31, 2012 the Company had one liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The put option liability is a Level 3 measurement based on the underlying value of Balykshi using third party valuations and discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value of the put option liability was $15,817 at September 30, 2011. As of March 31, 2012 the amount was valued at $16,820, which is the amount the Company would have to pay if EBRD accelerated its put option. The $1,003 increase during the six months ended March 31, 2012 reflects the 20% rate of return.
 
 
NOTE 8 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America establish disclosures related to components of a company for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by a company’s chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. They also require segment disclosures about products and services as well as geographic area.

The Company has operations in three segments of its business, namely: Vessel Operations, Geophysical Services and Marine Base Services. All of these operations are located in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Corporate administration is located in the United States of America and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
 
16
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
Further information regarding the operations and assets of these reportable business segments follows:

     For the Three Months      For the Six Months
     Ended March 31,      Ended March 31,
    2012     2011     2012     2011
Capital Expenditures
                     
Vessel Operations
                         6
 
                  164
 
               10
 
              552
Geophysical Services
 
                            -
   
                         90
   
                 307
   
                  210
Marine Base Services
 
                            -
   
                         14
   
                      -
   
                    58
Total segments
 
                           6
   
                      268
   
                 317
   
                  820
Corporate assets
 
                            -
   
                            -
   
                      -
   
                    57
Less intersegment investments
 
                            -
   
                            -
   
                      -
   
                     -
Total consolidated
                         6
 
                  268
 
             317
 
               877
 
 
     For the Three Months      For the Six Months
     Ended March 31,      Ended March 31,
    2012     2011     2012     2011
Revenues
                     
Vessel Operations
                 2,784
 
               4,739
 
         8,473
 
        15,093
Geophysical Services
 
                   1,362
   
                   5,871
   
              3,635
   
             10,454
Marine Base Services
 
                      343
   
                      439
   
                 717
   
                  717
Total segments
 
                   4,489
   
                 11,049
   
           12,825
   
             26,264
Corporate revenue
 
                            -
   
                            -
   
                      -
   
                       -
Less intersegment revenues
 
                    (101)
   
                       (80)
   
               (204)
   
                (123)
Total consolidated
               4,388
 
             10,969
 
       12,621
 
        26,141
                       
Depreciation and Amortization
                     
Vessel Operations
               (706)
 
                (907)
 
       (1,683)
 
          (1,838)
Geophysical Services
 
                    (665)
   
                    (624)
   
            (1,322)
   
             (1,341)
Marine Base Services
 
                    (369)
   
                    (370)
   
               (747)
   
                (743)
Total segments
 
                 (1,740)
   
                 (1,901)
   
            (3,752)
   
             (3,922)
Corporate depreciation and amortization
 
                         (1)
   
                          -
   
                    -
   
                     (2)
Total consolidated
            (1,741)
 
            (1,901)
 
       (3,752)
 
         (3,924)
                       
Interest expense
                     
Vessel Operations
                      -
 
                        -
 
                  -
 
                    -
Geophysical Services
 
                            -
   
                         (5)
   
                    -
   
                  (19)
Marine Base Services
 
                 (1,471)
   
                 (1,365)
   
            (2,712)
   
             (2,762)
Total segments
 
                 (1,471)
   
                 (1,370)
   
            (2,712)
   
             (2,781)
Corporate interest expense
 
                    (236)
   
                    (732)
   
               (651)
   
             (1,430)
Total consolidated
             (1,707)
 
             (2,102)
 
       (3,363)
 
          (4,211)
                       
Income/(Loss) Before Income Tax
                 
Vessel Operations
               (847)
 
                  (53)
 
        (1,576)
 
           3,105
Geophysical Services
 
                    (869)
   
                   2,197
   
            (1,796)
   
               1,927
Marine Base Services
 
                 (2,022)
   
                 (1,956)
   
            (4,233)
   
             (4,397)
Total segments
 
                 (3,738)
   
                      188
   
            (7,605)
   
                  635
Corporate loss
 
                    (259)
   
                 (1,037)
   
               (931)
   
             (2,067)
Total consolidated
            (3,997)
 
               (849)
 
       (8,536)
 
        (1,432)
 
17
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
     For the Three Months      For the Six Months
     Ended March 31,      Ended March 31,
    2012     2011     2012     2011
Benefit from (Provision for) Income Tax
               
Vessel Operations
                  497
 
                  (6)
 
          192
 
           (537)
Geophysical Services
 
                  (265)
   
                  (487)
   
                 89
   
              (820)
Marine Base Services
 
                        -
   
                        -
   
                   -
   
                    -
Total segments
 
                    232
   
                  (493)
   
               281
   
            (1,357)
Corporate provision for income tax
 
                        -
   
                        -
   
                   -
   
                    -
Total consolidated
                232
 
              (493)
 
          281
 
        (1,357)
                       
Loss/(Income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
           
Vessel Operations
                    -
 
                   -
 
               -
 
                -
Geophysical Services
 
                     82
   
                    167
   
             (299)
   
                104
Marine Base Services
 
                    385
   
                    450
   
               816
   
                973
Total segments
 
                    467
   
                    617
   
               517
   
             1,077
Corporate noncontrolling interest
 
                        -
   
                        -
   
                   -
   
                    -
Total consolidated
                467
 
                617
 
           517
 
         1,077
                       
Net Loss/(Income) attributable to Caspian Services Inc.
           
Vessel Operations
              (350)
 
                (59)
 
       (1,384)
 
         2,568
Geophysical Services
 
               (1,052)
   
                 1,877
   
           (2,006)
   
             1,211
Marine Base Services
 
               (1,636)
   
               (2,302)
   
           (3,416)
   
            (4,285)
Total segments
 
               (3,038)
   
                  (484)
   
           (6,806)
   
              (506)
Corporate loss
 
                  (260)
   
               (1,037)
   
             (932)
   
            (2,067)
Total consolidated
            (3,298)
 
            (1,521)
 
        (7,738)
 
         (2,573)

     March 31,      September 30,
Segment Assets
  2012     2011
Vessel Operations
         20,707
 
         34,300
Geophysical Services
 
           23,063
   
             25,385
Marine Base Services
 
           48,874
   
             49,780
Total segments
 
           92,644
   
          109,465
Corporate assets
 
           85,634
   
             86,161
Less intersegment investments
 
         (85,313)
   
           (90,567)
Total consolidated
         92,965
 
      105,059
 
 
18
 
 

 

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

Unless otherwise indicated by the context, all dollar amounts stated in this Part I, Item 2, other than per share amounts, are presented in thousands and all references to dollar amounts ($) refers to U.S. dollars.

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance.  In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.  Such statements are based on currently available financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations.  Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.  These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are predictions and not guarantees of future performance or events.  Forward-looking statements are based on current industry, financial and economic information, which we have assessed but which by its nature, is dynamic and subject to rapid and possibly abrupt changes.  Our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business.  We hereby qualify all our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of their dates and should not be unduly relied upon. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements (other than pursuant to reporting obligations imposed on registrants pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
19
 
 

 

Business Review

We do not anticipate demand for our services to grow through fiscal 2012 or 2013.  In fact, we expect demand will continue to soften during the next two fiscal years as development of the second phase of the Kashagan oil field development project continues to be delayed.  Current projections place commencement of the second phase some time in 2018-2019.  We do not anticipate growth in demand for our services until the second phase of the Kashagan development project ramps up.

During the six months ended March 31, 2012, we operated three business segments: Vessel Operations, Geophysical Services and Marine Base Services.

    For the Three Months     For the Six Months
    Ended March 31,     Ended March 31,
    2012     2011
% change
    2012     2011
% change
                           
VESSEL OPERATIONS
                         
Operating Revenue
        2,784
 
       4,739
-41%
 
      8,473
 
    15,093
-44%
Pretax Operating Income/(Loss)
 
(847)
   
(53)
1498%
   
(1,576)
   
3,105
151%
                           
GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES
                         
Operating Revenue
      1,362
 
       5,871
-77%
 
      3,635
 
    10,454
-65%
Pretax Operating Income/(Loss)
 
(869)
   
2,197
-140%
   
(1,796)
   
1,927
-193%
                           
MARINE BASE SERVICES
                         
Operating Revenue
          343
 
          439
-22%
 
         717
 
          717
0%
Pretax Operating Loss
 
(2,022)
   
(1,956)
3%
   
(4,233)
   
(4,397)
-4%
                           
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION
                         
Operating Revenue
             -
 
              -
n/a
 
             -
 
             -
n/a
Pretax Operating Loss
 
(259)
   
(1,037)
-75%
   
(931)
   
(2,067)
-55%

Summary of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011

            Total revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $4,389 compared to $10,969 during the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of 60%. Vessel revenues were down 41% as we generally completed our major contract with Saipem – during the second fiscal quarter 2012 we had only three vessels under charter to Saipem vs. eight vessels during the second fiscal quarter 2011. Geophysical revenues were down by 77% as the difficult credit situation in Kazakhstan continues to inhibit seismic financing.

Although, we were able to reduce our operating and administrative costs, our net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. still increased to $3,298 during the second fiscal quarter 2012 in comparison with a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $1,521 during the comparable prior year period.
 
20
 
 

 

Vessel Operations

Second fiscal quarter 2012 revenue from vessel operations of $2,780 was 41% lower than the comparable period of the prior year. The completion of most projects with Saipem during the beginning of the first fiscal quarter of the current fiscal year resulted in lower vessel utilization rates in comparison with the second fiscal quarter 2011. This also resulted in lower cash and trade accounts receivables attributable to vessel operations and a corresponding reduction in vessel operations assets. With the completion of most of our projects with Saipem we expect vessel revenues will continue to be lower and we do not expect significant growth in demand for our vessels during the current fiscal year or the next fiscal year in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea.  Therefore, we are investigating opportunities to utilize our vessel fleet outside of Kazakhstan.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 vessel operating costs of $1,674 were 58% lower than during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in operating margin from 16% during the second fiscal quarter 2011 to 40% during the second fiscal quarter 2012 was mostly attributable to a decrease in the vessel charter costs we were paying to Actamarine to hire its vessels as we no longer hire most of the Actamarine vessels previously used in our fleet. Those chartered vessels generally provided lower margins than our own vessels.

Decreased activity meant our net loss from vessel operations in the second fiscal quarter 2012 was $350, compared to $59 in the second fiscal quarter of 2011.  We expect decreased fleet activity throughout fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and therefore expect our results of vessel operations will correspondingly be worse in fiscal 2012 than in fiscal 2011.

Geophysical Services

As expected, our seismic operations were sluggish, and were 77% lower compared to the same period last year. The local market remains depressed by the difficult local credit market. Both the volume of works performed and rate charged to customers decreased significantly.

We have significantly reduced our variable operating and payroll costs as a result of the slowdown in our operating activity. Compared to the same period last year, cost of geophysical services was 30% lower. Fuel and material prices increased significantly, which limited our ability to cut costs in line with the reduction in revenue. Due to that fact, we realized a net loss from geophysical operations of $1,052 during the second fiscal quarter 2012 compared to net income of $1,877 in the second fiscal quarter 2011.  We anticipate results of our geophysical services operations will continue to be worse throughout fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011.
 
21
 
 

 

Marine Base Services

Our marine base services revenues during the second fiscal quarter 2012 were insufficient to cover our fixed costs, including depreciation. Additionally, interest expense of $499 was accrued to reflect our liabilities on the EBRD loan and the potential accelerated put option.  During the second fiscal quarter 2012 we realized a marine base services loss of $1,636 compared to the loss of $2,302 during the second fiscal quarter 2011.

Although we have been able to enter into agreements with some customers to use our base’s services we do not expect significant demand for the marine base until Kashagan field development and construction activity increases, which is currently anticipated to start in 2018 or 2019.  Until activity in the Caspian Sea region increases, we do not expect the marine base to be able to service its current debt obligations or to operate profitably.

Corporate Administration

During the second fiscal quarter 2012, net loss from corporate administration was $260 compared to $1,037 during the second fiscal quarter 2011. Most of this decrease was attributable to decreased interest costs in connection with the restructuring of a portion of our outstanding loans.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $382 to $2,307 during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. This increase was mostly due to $247 of marketing costs incurred in connection to chartering one of our vessels in Turkmenistan. These marketing costs were a one-time expense.  We anticipate general and administrative expenses to be in line with those realized in fiscal 2011 in the remaining upcoming quarters of fiscal 2012.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense of $1,741 charged during the second fiscal quarter 2012 was 8% lower than during the second fiscal quarter of 2011. This decrease was the result of many of our properties being fully depreciated in the current period. As a result, we expect depreciation expense to remain lower throughout the remainder of the current fiscal year.

Exchange Loss

During the second fiscal quarter 2012 we realized an exchange income of $200 which is in line with the second fiscal quarter 2011.  It is our policy to try and match Euro costs with Euro income and we were able to reduce some of the loss as Euro costs for vessel rental were also lower. It is not our business to speculate on currency movements and we have not historically engaged in currency hedging.
 
22
 
 

 

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $1,707 was $395 lower during the three months ended March 31, 2012 than for the same period ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was the result of restructuring a portion of our outstanding loans.  As a result of the restructuring, we anticipate interest expense to remain lower throughout the balance of the current fiscal year.

Net Other Expenses

Net other expenses decreased 41% to $1,152 during the second fiscal quarter 2012. In addition to the decrease in interest expense mentioned above, this decrease was mostly attributable to recognition of other income from the reversal of a bad debt provision of $338 recognized during the second fiscal quarter 2012.

Benefit from (Provision for) Income Tax

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 we had a benefit from income tax of $232 compared to a provision for income tax of $493 during the three months ended March 31, 2011. This difference was caused by TatArka and CSG LLP recognizing significant taxable losses during the three months ended March 31, 2012, while we had taxable income during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Each entity is taxed independently in Kazakhstan. Consistent with our expectations of lower revenues and net losses in upcoming quarters, we anticipate we will continue to realize a benefit from income tax during fiscal 2012.

Net Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, during our second fiscal quarter 2012 we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $3,298 or $0.07 per share on a basic and diluted basis.  By comparison, during the second fiscal quarter 2011 we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $1,521 or $0.05 per share on a basic and diluted basis.

Six months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2011

Total revenue during the six months ended March 31, 2012 was $12,622 compared to $26,141 during the six months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of 52%. Vessel revenues were down 44% as we generally completed our major contract with Saipem – during the six months ended March 31, 2012 we had, on average, only four vessels under charter to Saipem vs. eight vessels during the six months ended March 31, 2011. Geophysical revenues were down by 65% as the difficult credit situation in Kazakhstan continues to inhibit seismic financing.

Although, we were able to reduce our operating and administrative costs, our net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. still increased to $7,738 during the second fiscal quarter 2011 in comparison with last year’s net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $2,573.  
 
23
 
 

 

Vessel Operations

During the six months ended March 31, 2012 revenue from vessel operations of $8,469 was 44% lower than during the same period of the previous year. The completion of most projects with Saipem during the first fiscal quarter 2012 resulted in lower vessel utilization rates in comparison with the comparative period. With the completion of most of our projects with Saipem, we expect vessel revenues will continue to be lower and we do not expect significant growth in demand for our vessels during fiscal 2012 in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea.  Therefore, we are investigating opportunities to utilize our vessel fleet outside of Kazakhstan.

During the six months ended March 31, 2012 vessel operating costs of $5,258 were 40% lower than during the six months ended March 31, 2011.  The worsening in operating margin from 42% to 38% was partially due to a $400 expense we incurred to transfer two vessels rented from Actamarine to the Netherlands as required under the charter agreement. We do not expect to rent these vessels in the future.

Decreased activity meant our loss from vessel operations during the six months ended March 31, 2012 was $1,384 compared to income of $2,568 during the six months ended March 31, 2011.

Geophysical Services

As discussed above, seismic operations revenue was in line with our expectations of a sluggish market, and was 65% lower compared to the same period last year. Both the volume of work performed and rates charged to customers decreased significantly.

We have significantly reduced our variable operating and payroll costs as a result of the slowdown in our operating activity. Compared to the same period last year, cost of geophysical services was 38% lower. However, fuel and material prices increased significantly, which limited our ability to reduce our costs in line with the reduction in revenue. Due to that fact, the net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. from geophysical operations was $2,006 during the six months ended March 31, 2012 compared to net income attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $1,211 during the six months ended March 31, 2011.

Marine Base Services

Our marine base services revenues during the six months ended March 31, 2012 were insufficient to cover our fixed costs, including depreciation. Additionally, interest expense of $1,003 was accrued to reflect our liabilities on the EBRD loan and the potential accelerated put option.  During the six months ended March 31, 2012 we realized a marine base services loss of $3,416 compared to the loss of $4,285 during the six months ended March 31, 2011.  This reduction in loss was the result of an impairment of Bauta’s assets of $777 recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2011.
 
24
 
 

 

As discussed above in the three month comparison, although we have been able to enter into agreements with some customers to use our base’s services we do not expect significant demand for the marine base until Kashagan field development and construction activity increases, which is currently anticipated to start in 2018 or 2019.  Until activity in the Caspian Sea region increases, we do not expect the marine base to be able to service its current debt obligations or to operate profitably.

Corporate Administration

During the six months ended March 31, 2012, net loss from corporate administration was $932 compared to $2,067 during the six months ended March 31, 2011. Most of this decrease is attributable to decreased interest costs in connection with the restructuring of a portion of our outstanding loans.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased 6% to $4,922 during the six months ended March 31, 2012. This decrease was mostly attributable to marine base property tax expenses of $243, which were incurred during six months ended March 31, 2011.  This tax expense was a one-time expense and no such expense was incurred in the current fiscal year, due to tax exemption effective since January 1, 2011 under agreement with the Investment Committee.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense of $3,752 charged during the six months ended March 31, 2012 was 4% lower of the comparative period. This decrease is caused by the fact that a number of our properties were fully depreciated in fiscal 2012.

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $3,363 was 20% lower during the six months ended March 31, 2012 than during the six months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was the result of restructuring a portion of our outstanding loans.

Exchange Loss

During the six months ended March 31, 2012 we realized an exchange loss of $409 compared to an exchange income of $181 during the same period of 2011. This was caused mainly by a decline in the value of the Euro during the six months ended March 31, 2012, while during the comparative period of 2011 the Euro was more stable. It is our policy to try and match Euro costs with Euro income and we were able to reduce some of the loss as Euro costs for vessel rental were also lower. It is not our business to speculate on currency movements and we have not historically engaged in currency hedging.
 
25
 
 

 

Net Other Expenses

Net other expenses decreased 6% to $3,622 during the six months ended March 31, 2012.  This decrease was mostly due to the $848 reduction in interest expense, which was partially offset by the increase in exchange loss of $590.

Benefit from (provision for) income tax

During the six months ended March 31, 2012 we recognized a benefit from income taxes of $281 compared to a provision for income taxes of $1,357 during the six months ended March 31, 2011.  This difference was caused by the fact that significant taxable losses were recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2012 by TatArka and CSG LLP while we had taxable income during the six months ended March 31, 2011. Each entity is taxed separately in Kazakhstan.

Net Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, during the six months ended March 31, 2012 net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. increased 208% to $7,738 or $0.16 per share on a basic and diluted basis.  By comparison, during the six months ended March 31, 2011 we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $2,573 or $0.07 per share on a basic and diluted basis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2012 we had cash on hand of $5,527 compared to cash on hand of $6,136 at September 30, 2011.At March 31, 2012 total current liabilities exceeded total current assets by $54,978. This was mainly due to the EBRD loan and put option and the restructured loans being classified as current liabilities.  We also have certain obligations under the EBRD financing agreements to assist Balykshi with its working capital needs and to complete dredging works which are estimated around $3,000, of which we have already paid approximately $1,000 as an advance. As discussed in more detail under the heading “Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements” we may also be required to guarantee certain repayment obligations of Balykshi in connection with a loan made to MOBY.

As discussed above, under the terms of the EBRD Loan Agreement, as amended, the first semi-annual repayment installment under the EBRD loan was due on November 20, 2011.  That payment was not made, which constituted an event of default under the EBRD Loan Agreement and may constitute a default under the Put Option Agreement. We are engaged in ongoing negotiations with EBRD about the possibility of restructuring our obligations to them.  In connection with these discussions, we are investigating a number of potential solutions, including the availability of other funding sources to refinance our debt obligations, restructuring the repayment terms and obligations under the existing financing agreements, and the sale of Company assets and subsidiaries to generate funds to satisfy our obligations.  At this time, we have not reached agreement with EBRD on any potential restructuring and there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so. As of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, EBRD has not sought to accelerate its loan or put option, but there is no guarantee EBRD will continue to forbear from so doing.
 
26
 
 

 

Should EBRD accelerate its loan or its put option, we would have insufficient funds to satisfy those obligations individually or collectively. If we are unable to satisfy those obligations, EBRD could seek any legal remedy available to it to obtain repayment, including forcing the Company into bankruptcy, or foreclosing on the loan collateral, which includes the marine base and other assets and bank accounts of Balykshi and CRE.

In addition to restructuring our obligations to EBRD, we hope to finalize the restructuring of our obligations to the Investor and to close the Loan Restructuring Agreement, including securing the restructured loans through the granting of first position security interests to the Investor in all or substantially all, (as allowed by applicable law), of our assets that are not currently pledged to EBRD and meeting the other closing conditions as more fully described in the Loan Restructuring Agreement.

For reasons detailed above, our operating revenues continue to fall.  While we have made great efforts to correspondingly reduce our operating expenses, we continue to generate net losses.  As noted above, we do not expect revenues from operations in the North Caspian Sea to improve significantly until the second phase of the Kashagan development ramps up, which at this time is projected to occur in 2018 or 2019.  Unless we are able to exploit new markets outside of Kazakhstan for our services, there is no guarantee we will be able to continue to sustain net losses until that time.

Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to successfully restructure the EBRD financing agreements, complete the loan restructuring with the Investor and close the Loan Restructuring Agreement, increase our revenues and improve our operating results to a level that will allow us to service our debts or to attract a significant equity investment into the Company.  Uncertainty as to the outcome of each of these events raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Cash Flows

We typically realize decreasing cash flows during our first fiscal quarter and limited cash flow during our second fiscal quarter as weather conditions in the North Caspian Sea dictate when oil and gas exploration and development work can be performed.  Usually, the work season commences in late March or early April and continues until the Caspian Sea ices over in November.  As a result, other than TatArka, which can continue to provide some onshore geophysical services between November and March and the receipt of winter standby rates on vessels, we generate very little revenue from November to March each year.
 
27
 
 

 

The following table provides an overview of our cash flow during the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

    Period ended March 31,
    2012     2011
Net cash provided by operating activities
           2,170
 
  7,034
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(317)
   
(939)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
  (2,000)
   
   (734)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(462)
   
299
Net Change in Cash
   (609)
 
   5,660

Net cash flow from operations for the six months ended March 31, 2012 was positive, as a result of cash inflow from our customers of $7,366. This inflow was partially off-set by cash outflow to our vendors of $2,093, advances paid of $1,238 and taxes payable of $1,394.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2012 mostly represents payments for geophysical machinery and equipment.

Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2012 represents the repayment to the Investor of part of the restructured loan.

Summary of Material Contractual Commitments

    Payment Period
Contractual Commitments         Less than                 After 
    Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 years
                             
Loans from an individual
    36,751
 
     36,751
 
              -
 
            -
 
           -
Loans from EBRD
 
    20,604
   
     20,604
   
              -
   
            -
   
           -
Accelerated put option liability
 
    16,820
   
     16,820
   
              -
   
            -
   
           -
Operating leases - vessels
 
      3,139
   
       3,139
   
              -
   
            -
   
           -
Operating leases - other than vessels
 
         353
   
          353
   
              -
   
            -
   
           -
Purchase commitments
 
      2,000
   
       2,000
   
              -
   
            -
   
           -
       Total
 79,667
 
 79,667
 
            -
 
           -
 
         -
 
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

In January 2008 Balykshi, Kyran Holdings Limited and JSC “KazMorTransFlot” formed the MOBY joint venture, to operate a boat repair and drydocking services yard located at our marine base.  Balykshi owns a 20% interest in MOBY.  In August 2008 MOBY entered into a Loan Agreement with EBRD.  The Loan Agreement provided that EBRD would loan MOBY $10,300 (the “MOBY Loan”).
 
28
 
 

 

In June 2009 in connection with the Loan Agreement, EBRD required certain parties, including the Company, as the parent company of Balykshi, to execute a Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity (the “Guarantee”), which guarantees repayment of the MOBY Loan.  The MOBY Loan funded and we became liable for the obligations under the Guarantee as of September 3, 2009.  The Guarantee constitutes a direct financial obligation of the Company.

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Guarantee, we have agreed to guarantee payment to EBRD, on demand, all monies and liabilities which have been advanced or which shall become due, owing or incurred by MOBY to or in favor of EBRD when such shall become due.  Our guarantee obligation is limited, however, to the “Caspian Pro-rata Percentage.”  The Caspian Pro-rata Percentage is an amount equal to our percentage ownership of Balykshi at any time multiplied by Balykshi’s percentage ownership of MOBY, expressed as a percentage.  Currently, we own a 78% interest in Balykshi and Balykshi owns a 20% interest in MOBY.  Therefore, the Caspian Pro-rata Percentage is currently 15.6%, or $1,830, including interest, at March 31, 2012.

We also agreed as a separate and independent obligation and liability to indemnify EBRD on demand against all losses, costs and expenses suffered or incurred by EBRD should any of the financing agreements between EBRD and MOBY be or become unlawful, void, voidable or unenforceable, ineffective or otherwise not recoverable on the basis of the guarantee, provided again our obligation is limited to the Caspian Pro-rata Percentage of such losses, costs and expenses.

As a guarantor, we agreed to advance to MOBY at any time on demand of EBRD any additional amount required by MOBY to enable it to comply with its obligations under the financing agreements and to carry out the project.  Our obligation in this context is limited to 20% of the total amount.

Pursuant to and in accordance with the Guarantee, EBRD is not obliged before taking steps to enforce any of its rights and remedies under the Guarantee to make any demand or seek to enforce any right against MOBY or any other person, to obtain judgment in any court against MOBY or any other person or to file any claim in bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceedings.

The Guarantee provides that each guarantor agrees to pay interest to EBRD on all unpaid sums demanded under the Guarantee at a rate of LIBOR plus 5.6%.  The Guarantee also provides that each guarantor shall, on demand and on a full indemnity basis, pay to EBRD, the amount of all costs and expenses, including legal and out-of-pocket expenses and any VAT on such costs and expenses which EBRD incurs in connection with:  a) the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of the Guarantee; b) any amendment, variation, supplement, waiver or consent under or in connection with the Guarantee; c) any discharge or release of the Guarantee; d) the preservation or exercise of any rights in connection with the Guarantee; and e) any stamping or registration of the Guarantee; provided that our obligation in this context is limited to the Caspian Pro-rata Percentage.
 
29
 
 

 

As of September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2012 MOBY was in violation of certain financial covenants under the MOBY Loan.  To date, EBRD has not sought to accelerate repayment of the MOBY Loan.  There is no guarantee EBRD will continue to forbear from accelerating the MOBY Loan in the future.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in (1) recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) ensuring that information disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

We believe there are no additions to the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011 filed on January 13, 2012 and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 filed on February 21, 2012.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In January 2012 Alexey Kotov, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, was issued a restricted stock grant of 443,817 common shares pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.  Except upon the occurrence of certain events, as detailed in his employment agreement, this grant shall vest equally over a period of three years on the anniversary of his employment agreement (August 2), commencing on August 2, 2012.The restricted stock grant was made without registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
30
 
 

 

The shares representing the restricted stock grant have been issued and are deemed outstanding.  All unvested shares will be held in escrow by us for release in accordance with the vesting schedule.  Mr. Kotov has the right to vote the shares, receive dividends and enjoy all other rights of ownership over the entire grant amount, except the right to transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, dispose of or otherwise directly or indirectly profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the shares prior to vesting.  Vesting of the shares is also contingent upon Mr. Kotov’s continued employment with the Company on the respective vesting dates.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

See Note 1 – Business Condition to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits.  The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
 
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description of Exhibit
       
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to
     
Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
     
Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to
     
18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
Exhibit 32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to
     
18 U.S.C. Section 1350

31
 
 

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

32
 
 

 

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.
 
 
   
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC.
 
         
         
Date:
May 21, 2012
By:
/s/ Alexey Kotov
 
     
Alexey Kotov
     
Chief Executive Officer


Date:
May 21, 2012
By:
/s/ Indira Kaliyeva
 
     
Indira Kaliyeva
     
Chief Financial Officer
 
33