UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x           Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

¨           Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from               to                 

Commission File Number 001-32989

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
 
94-0787340
(State of other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

2008 – 21st. Street. P.O. Box 832, Bakersfield, California
 
93302
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number:
(661) 325-1000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 Days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.

Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated Filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨  No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

(Class)
(Outstanding at May 13, 2011)
Common Stock Without Par Value
 4,683,853
 
 
 

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY

FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2011

Table of Contents

   
Page
     
PART I
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
  3
     
 
Balance Sheets - March 31, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010
3
     
 
Income Statements - Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
5
     
 
Condensed - Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
6
     
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
8
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
16
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
16
     
PART II
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
17
     
Item 1A.  
Risk Factors
17
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
17
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
17
     
Item 4.
Removed and Reserved
17
     
Item 5.
Other Information
17
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
17

 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

   
March 31
   
December 31
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,841,418     $ 1,535,532  
Short-term investments
    3,069,270       3,058,528  
Trade accounts receivable (net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $4,000 in 2011 and 2010)
    629,833       508,457  
Joint interest billing receivable
    192,433        
Crude oil inventory
    95,736       86,361  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    195,098       230,876  
Deferred Income taxes
    245,100       245,100  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    6,268,888       5,664,854  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
               
                 
Oil and gas properties and equipment (successful efforts method)
    19,219,961       18,101,529  
Capitalized asset retirement costs
    389,463       389,463  
Drilling and operating equipment
    1,946,805       1,946,805  
Land, buildings and improvements
    1,073,918       1,066,571  
Automotive, office and other property and equipment
    1,195,396       1,182,613  
      23,825,543       22,686,981  
Less - accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances
    (18,886,570 )     (18,687,908 )
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    4,938,973       3,999,073  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
               
Deferred income taxes
    685,800       708,500  
Deposits
    250,000       250,000  
Other assets
    17,380       7,380  
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS
    953,180       965,880  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 12,161,041     $ 10,629,807  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 
3

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

   
March 31
   
December 31
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Accounts payable
  $ 1,200,689     $ 73,374  
Accrued professional fees
    98,235       122,506  
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes
    61,701       63,361  
Accrued payroll and related costs
    78,562       60,365  
Accrued royalties payable
    211,390       193,052  
Accrued insurance
    46,840       86,888  
Accrued income taxes
    59,000       12,800  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    31,660       13,473  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    1,788,077       625,819  
                 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    59,944       26,946  
                 
LIABILITY FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
    1,251,528       1,235,193  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITES
    3,099,549       1,887,958  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4)
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, no par value
               
Authorized - 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none
           
Common stock, no par value (Note 6, 7 and 9) Authorized - 50,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 4,683,853 shares
    1,639,228       1,639,228  
Retained earnings
    7,422,264       7,102,621  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    9,061,492       8,741,849  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 12,161,041     $ 10,629,807  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 
4

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended, March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
REVENUES:
           
Oil and gas sales
  $ 1,326,298     $ 1,001,739  
Gain on sales of fixed assets
    1,012        
      1,327,310       1,001,739  
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
               
Operating expenses
    413,656       339,920  
General and administrative
    224,720       207,367  
Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes
    36,855       27,820  
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization
    185,528       149,387  
Valuation allowances
    48,533       25,141  
Accretion expense
    16,335       6,213  
Other costs and expenses
    25,487       17,240  
      951,114       773,088  
OPERATING INCOME
    376,196       228,651  
                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
               
Interest income
    13,352       7,953  
Other income
    500       2,797  
Interest expense
    (1,506 )     (181 )
      12,346       10,569  
INCOME BEFORE
               
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    388,542       239,220  
Income tax provision
               
Current
    46,200       20,000  
Deferred
    22,700       38,550  
      68,900       58,550  
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 319,642     $ 180,670  
                 
BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.07     $ 0.04  
                 
DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.07     $ 0.04  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    4,679,770       4,677,728  
                 
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding
    4,687,030       4,686,018  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
5

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended, March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 319,642     $ 180,670  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
                 
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization
    185,528       149,387  
Valuation allowances
    48,533       25,141  
Gain on sale of fixed assets
    (1,012 )      
Accretion expense
    16,335       6,213  
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
          803  
Deferred income taxes
    22,700       38,550  
                 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) in trade accounts and interest receivable
    (313,809 )     (190,426 )
(Increase) in crude oil inventories
    (9,375 )     (26,417 )
Decrease in prepaid expenses
    36,078       27,658  
(Increase) in other assets
    (10,000 )      
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,144,071       (35,880 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,438,691       175,699  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
6

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended, March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
           
             
Capital expenditures
  $ (1,193,949 )   $ (520,925 )
Increase in short-term investments
    (10,742 )     (4,426 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    21,000        
                 
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (1,183,691 )     (525,351 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Loans to employees
    (800 )     (600 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    55,979        
Principal payments from loans to employees
    500       1,100  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (4,793 )     (6,122 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    50,886       (5,622 )
                 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    305,886       (355,274 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    1,535,532       1,438,825  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,841,418     $ 1,083,551  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
                 
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 1,506     $ 181  
                 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $     $  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements

 
7

 

PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2011
(UNAUDITED)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The financial statements include the accounts of Pyramid Oil Company (the Company). Such financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is contained in its December 31, 2010 Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference. The financial data presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2010 financial statements and notes thereto, contained in the Company's Form 10-K.

In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited financial statements, contained herein, include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of March 31, 2011 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.

Income Taxes - When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California, Texas and New York states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination for the years before 2007. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2006 to 2010. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of FASB ASC 740, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the quarter.

Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.

 
8

 

Valuation Allowances - The Company has recorded valuation allowances for certain of its oil and gas properties when the undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the net capitalized costs for the property. On March 21, 2011, the Company participated in the drilling of a joint venture well in Menard County, Texas. Log analysis of this well indicated that the well would not be commercially viable, and was plugged and abandoned. The Company owns a 30% interest in the joint venture. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of $48,533 against the costs incurred during the first quarter of 2011 for the drilling of this well.

Joint Interest Billing Receivable - The Company entered into a joint venture agreement on February 23, 2011 with Victory Oil Company for the drilling of a well on the Company’s Pike lease. The well was drilled during the first quarter of 2011. The well was completed and placed into production during April 2011. The Company’s share of the total costs for drilling and completing this well are 68% and Victory Oil’s share of costs are 32%. As of March 31, 2011, the Company’s share of costs for drilling this well are approximately $1,046,000 and Victory Oil’s share of the costs were approximately $492,000. Victory Oil, prior to March 31, 2011, had made a prepayment in the amount of $300,000 for its share of the costs of drilling this well. At March 31, 2011, the Company has a joint interest billing receivable of approximately $192,000 for its remaining share of the costs for drilling this well.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
ASU 2010-28 – In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 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 provides amendments to ASC No. 350 “ Intangibles- Goodwill and Other” , modifying Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance and examples in paragraph 350-20-35-30, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010 and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of ASU 2010-28 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, or disclosures thereto.
 
ASU 2010-29 – In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, “ Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (“ASU 2010-29”). ASU 2010-29 provides amendments to ASC No. 805 “Business Combinations” , which specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments in this update also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosure under ASC No. 805 to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments in this update are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2010-29 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, or disclosures thereto.

3. Dividends

No cash dividends were paid during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 
9

 

4. Commitments and Contingencies

In February 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John H. Alexander pursuant to which Mr. Alexander agreed to serve as the Company's Vice President. On June 3, 2004, Mr. Alexander was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement is for an initial term of six years, which term automatically renews annually if written notice is not tendered. The agreement was automatically renewed on June 3, 2010.

Pursuant to the employment agreement, the Company may terminate Mr. Alexander's employment with or without cause at any time before its term expires upon providing written notice. In the event the Company terminates Mr. Alexander's employment without cause, Mr. Alexander would be entitled to receive a severance amount equal to his annual base salary and benefits for the balance of the term of his employment agreement. In the event of termination by reason of Mr. Alexander's death or permanent disability, his legal representative will be entitled to receive his annual salary and benefits for the remaining term of his employment agreement. In the event of, or termination following, a change in control of the Company, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Alexander would be entitled to receive his annual salary and benefits for the remainder of the term of his agreement. In the event that Mr. Alexander is terminated the Company would incur approximately $600,000 in costs.

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

5. Income Tax Provision

The Company recognized an income tax provision of $68,900 for the first quarter of 2011 compared to an income tax provision of $58,550 for the same period in 2010.

Income tax provision for the first quarter of 2011 was calculated as follows:

   
Federal
   
State
   
Total
 
                   
Current tax provision
  $ 40,300     $ 5,900     $ 46,200  
Deferred tax provision
    17,700       5,000       22,700  
                         
    $ 58,000     $ 10,900     $ 68,900  

Income tax provision for the first quarter of 2010 was calculated as follows:

   
Federal
   
State
   
Total
 
                   
Current tax provision
  $ 17,000     $ 3,000     $ 20,000  
Deferred tax provision
    29,950       8,600       38,550  
                         
    $ 46,950     $ 11,600     $ 58,550  

Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method by applying income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for income tax rate changes. Deferred income tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance of $1,755,000 as of March 31, 2011. Management reviews deferred income taxes regularly throughout the year, and accordingly makes any necessary adjustments to properly reflect the valuation allowance based upon current financial trends and projected results.

 
10

 

6. Severance Award Agreements

On September 15, 2010, the Company and John Alexander entered into a Severance Award Agreement pursuant to which the Company awarded Mr. Alexander a supplemental payment in connection with his future severance of employment with the Company and recorded an increase to stockholders' equity of $113,500 (25,000 shares at $4.54 per share). Pursuant to the Severance Award Agreement and following the termination of Mr. Alexander's employment, he will be entitled to receive (at the Company's option) 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock or the then-fair market value of the shares. As of September 30, 2010, the Company intends to deliver the Company's common shares for the Severance Award; therefore, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, management has classified the share-based compensation as stockholders' equity at September 30, 2010.

7. Incentive and Retention Plan

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

8. Related-party Transaction

Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, an officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate. The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group. Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $54,000 during the first quarter of 2011 and $52,000 during the first quarter of 2010.

 
11

 

9. Warrants Issued

The Company issued warrants to purchase common shares of the Company as compensation for consulting services. The value of warrants issued for compensation is accounted for as a non-cash expense to the Company at the fair value of the warrants issued. The Company values the warrants at fair value as calculated by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

The following table summarizes the warrant activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011:

   
Number
   
Weighted-Average
 
(Unaudited)
 
of Warrants
   
      Exercise Price      
 
             
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
    25,000     $ 3.20  
Granted
           
Exercised
    (10,000 )     3.20  
Cancelled
           
Outstanding, March 31, 2011
    15,000     $ 3.20  

On March 1, 2011, a consultant exercised 10,000 warrants under “cash-less” exercise provisions of the warrant agreement. As a result, 6,125 shares of common stock were due to the warrant holder. As of March 31, 2011, these shares had not yet been delivered but are shown as part of common stock issued and outstanding in shareholders’ equity.

The following summarizes the warrants issued, outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2011:

Grant Date
 
November, 2008
 
Strike Price
  $ 3.20  
Expiration Date
 
November, 2011
 
Warrants Remaining
    15,000  
Proceeds if Exercised
  $ 48,000  

10. Fair Value

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted FASB ASC 820 (formerly SFAS No. 157) for our nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis. We adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities during 2008. As defined in FASB ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize market data or assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
 
 Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and
 
 Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. Included in this category is the Company's determination of the value of its asset retirement obligation liability. The obligation has increased $16,335 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as a result of normal accretion expense.
 
The carrying amount of our cash and equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

 
12

 

11. Registration Statement on Form S-3

The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 22, 2009, that became effective on January 14, 2010. The registration statement is designed to provide the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time up to $20 million of the Company's common stock. The Company may offer and sell such securities through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs. The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be established at the time of such offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering. The Company has not filed any supplemental prospectus with the SEC or sold any common stock under this registration statement.

12. Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes a liability at discounted fair value for the future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated assets retirement cost associated with the petroleum and natural gas properties. The fair value of the liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized to expense over its useful life. The liability accretes until the date of expected settlement of the retirement obligations. The related accretion expense is recognized in the statement of operations. The provision will be revised for the effect of any changes to timing related to cash flow or undiscounted abandonment costs. Actual expenditures incurred for the purpose of site reclamation are charged to the asset retirement obligations to the extent that the liability exists on the balance sheet. Differences between the actual costs incurred and the fair value of the liability recorded are recognized in income in the period the actual costs are incurred.

There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations. A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented, are as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 1,235,193  
Incurred during the period
     
Additions for new wells
     
Accretion expense
    16,335  
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 1,251,528  

13. Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of March 31, 2011 through the date these unaudited financial statements were issued.

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

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Looking forward into the balance of fiscal 2011, crude oil prices have decreased by $8.65 per barrel.

In late March 2011, the Company completed drilling operations on the Pike 1-H, a horizontal oil well drilled in Taft, California with joint-venture partner Victory Oil Company. Logging and testing results during the drilling operations showed very encouraging indications for the well and a pumping unit was moved on site in preparation for production. In the subsequent weeks, the well has generated unexpectedly high water volumes, which the Company believes has disrupted the initial flow of oil. Pyramid and Victory are working with several consultants in an attempt to overcome the technical issues on this well.

Pyramid continues to evaluate drilling opportunities on its core properties in Kern County, California, and plans to drill up to two sidetrack wells and one potential new well during 2011, depending on rig availability. Due to very strong domestic demand for onshore drilling rigs, the Company anticipates that a contract rig may not be available until late in the third quarter or sometime in the fourth quarter.

Management continues to seek and evaluate opportunities within the energy sector to enhance the value of the Company. Pyramid's growth during the balance of 2011 will be highly dependant on the level of success the Company has in its operations and capital investments, including the outcome of wells that have not yet been drilled. The Company's capital investment program may be modified during the year due to exploration and development successes or failures, market conditions and other variables. The production and sales of oil and gas involves many complex processes that are subject to numerous uncertainties, including reservoir risk, mechanical failures, human error and market conditions.

The Company has positioned itself, over the past several years, to withstand various types of economic uncertainties, with a program of consolidating operations on certain producing properties and concentrating on properties that provide the major revenue sources. The drilling of a new well and several limited work-overs of certain wells have allowed the Company to maintain its crude oil reserves for the last three years. The Company expects to maintain its reserve base in 2011 by drilling new wells and routine maintenance of its existing wells.

The Company may be subject to future costs necessary for compliance with the new implementation of air and water environmental quality requirements of the various state and federal governmental agencies. The requirements and costs are unknown at this time, but management believes that costs could be significant in some cases. As the scope of the requirements become more clearly defined, management may be better equipped to determine the true costs to the Company.

The Company continues to absorb the costs for various state and local fees and permits under new environmental programs, the sum of which were not material during 2010. The Company retains outside consultants to assist the Company in maintaining compliance with these regulations. The Company is actively pursuing an ongoing policy of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with current and proposed environmental regulations. The costs of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with environmental regulations have not been determined. Management believes that these costs will not have a material adverse effect upon its financial position or results of operations.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Portions of the Quarterly Report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested in forward-looking statements in this release. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in Company expectations or results or any change in events. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices of oil, gas and electricity, environmental risk, drilling and operational costs, uncertainties about estimates of reserves and government regulations.

 
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ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

REVENUES

The increase in oil and gas sales of $324,559 is due primarily to higher average sales prices for the first quarter of 2011. The average sales price of the Company's oil and gas for the first quarter of 2011 increased by approximately $21.57 per equivalent barrel when compared to the same period of 2010. The Company's net revenue share of crude oil production/sales increased by approximately 400 barrels for the first three months of 2011.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses increased by $73,736 for the first quarter of 2011. The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during the first quarter of 2011 was approximately $30.29 per barrel, an increase of approximately $4.65 per barrel when compared with production costs for the first quarter of 2010. The increase in lease operating expenses is caused by many factors. These include higher costs for labor, chemicals, equipment fuel and the quarterly adjustment for inventory change.

Labor costs increased by $17,348 due primarily to the capitalization of labor costs during the drilling of new wells. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company capitalized labor costs of approximately $10,300 compared with capitalized labor costs of $21,500 during the same period of 2010. Chemical costs increased by $14,431 due to increased utilization of chemicals during the first quarter of 2011. Equipment fuel cost increased by $8,012 due primarily to the increase in average fuel costs for gasoline and diesel used by the Company’s vehicles and production equipment.

Inventory change decreased operating expenses by $9,375 for the first quarter of 2011 and decreased operating expenses by $26,416 for the first quarter of 2010. As a result, operating expenses increased by $17,041 for the first quarter of 2011, when compared with the same period of 2010. Inventory change at March 31, 2011 of $9,375 is due primarily to higher average per barrel inventory valuations. Inventory change at March 31, 2010 of $26,416 is due primarily to higher inventory volumes at March 31, 2010 combined with higher average per barrel inventory valuations.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

General and administrative expenses increased by $17,353 for the first quarter of 2011 when compared with the same period for 2010. Legal services increased by approximately $15,000.

PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization increased by $36,141 for the first quarter of 2011, when compared with the same period for 2010. The increase is due primarily to an increase in depletion of the Companies oil and gas properties. The increase in depletion is due primarily to an increase in the depletion rate per barrel on the Santa Fe and the Anderson oil producing properties for 2011. The depletion rate for these properties increased for 2011 due to a decrease in oil and gas reserves at December 31, 2010.

 
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VALUATION ALLOWANCES

On March 21, 2011, the Company participated in the drilling of a joint venture well in Menard County, Texas. Log analysis of this well indicated that the well would not be commercially viable, and was plugged and abandoned. The Company owns a 30% interest in the joint venture. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of $48,533 against the costs incurred during the first quarter of 2011 for the drilling of this well.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $305,886 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, operating activities provided cash of $1,438,691. Cash was also provided by proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $55,979 and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $21,000. Cash was used for capital spending of $1,193,949 and principal payments on long-term debt of $4,793. See the Statements of Cash Flows for additional detailed information. The Company had available a line of credit of $500,000 and short-term investments of $3,069,270 at March 31, 2011 that provided additional liquidity during the first three months of 2011.

IMPACT OF CHANGING PRICES

The Company’s revenue is affected by crude oil prices paid by the major oil companies. Average crude oil prices for the first three months of 2011 increased by approximately $21.60 per equivalent barrel when compared with the same period of 2010. The Company cannot predict the future course of crude oil prices.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not Applicable

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. - Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A. - Risk Factors

See the risk factors that are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3. - Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. - [Removed and Reserved]

None

Item 5. - Other Information

None

Item 6. - Exhibits

 
a.
Exhibits

 
31.1
Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
31.2
Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.1
Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.2
Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
 
 
(registrant)
 
     
Dated: May 13, 2011
JOHN H. ALEXANDER
 
 
John H. Alexander
 
 
President
 
     
Dated: May 13, 2011
LEE G. CHRISTIANSON
 
 
Lee G. Christianson
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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