<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission February 22, 1994
Registration No. 33-68034
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-1
FILED ON FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ZAPATA CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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<C> <C>
STATE OF DELAWARE 74-1339132
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
THOMAS H. BOWERSOX
ZAPATA CORPORATION ZAPATA CORPORATION
P. O. BOX 4240 P. O. BOX 4240
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77210-4240 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77210-4240
(713) 940-6100 (713) 940-6100
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) AGENT FOR SERVICE)
</TABLE>
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after this Registration Statement has been declared effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. /x/
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE>
ZAPATA CORPORATION
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM PROSPECTUS OR REGISTRATION
NUMBER ITEM STATEMENT CAPTION OR PAGE
- -------- ---- --------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1. Forepart of the Registration Statement
and Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus........ Cover Page of Registration
Statement; Outside Front Cover
Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus........................................ Inside Front and Outside Back
Cover Pages of Prospectus
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
Earnings to Fixed Charges......................... Risk Factors; Business
4. Use of Proceeds.................................... Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price.................... *
6. Dilution........................................... *
7. Selling Security Holders........................... Plan of Distribution and Selling
Stockholders
8. Plan of Distribution............................... Outside Front Cover Page of
Prospectus; Plan of
Distribution and Selling
Stockholders
9. Description of Securities to be Registered......... Description of Capital Stock
10. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.............. Experts; Legal Opinions
11. Material Changes................................... *
12. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.. Incorporation of Certain Documents
by Reference
13. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities.... *
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Item is omitted from the Prospectus because it is not applicable or the answer
thereto is in the negative.
<PAGE>
********************************************************************************
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful
prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such
jurisdiction.
********************************************************************************
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 22, 1994
PROSPECTUS
117,476,184 SHARES
ZAPATA CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
(PAR VALUE $.25 PER SHARE)
------------------------
This Prospectus relates to 117,476,184 shares (the "Shares") of common stock,
par value $.25 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Zapata Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Zapata" or the "Company"), which may be offered for sale by
certain stockholders of Zapata (the "Selling Stockholders"), from time to time.
See "Plan of Distribution and Selling Stockholders."
The Selling Stockholders directly, through agents designated from time to
time or through dealers or underwriters also to be designated, may sell the
Shares from time to time, in or through privately negotiated transactions, in
one or more transactions, including block transactions, on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") or on any stock exchange on which the Shares may be listed
in the future pursuant to and in accordance with the applicable rules of such
exchanges or otherwise. The selling price of the Shares may be at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices. To the extent required, the specific Shares to
be sold, the names of the Selling Stockholders, the respective purchase prices
and public offering prices, the names of any such agent, dealer or underwriter
and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer
will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of
Distribution and Selling Stockholders."
Zapata will not receive any proceeds from the offering, but Zapata has agreed
to pay substantially all of the expenses of this offering other than commissions
and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents. Zapata has agreed to
indemnify certain of the Selling Stockholders against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). See "Plan of Distribution and Selling Stockholders."
The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers, agents or underwriters that
participate with the Selling Stockholders in the distribution of any of the
Shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities
Act, and any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the
Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution and Selling
Stockholders."
SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SHARES.
The Common Stock, including the Shares, is listed on the NYSE. On February
18, 1994, the closing sales price of the Common Stock as reported on the NYSE
(consolidated transactions reporting system) was $1.25 per share.
-----------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS FEBRUARY __, 1994.
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ZAPATA OR THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF ZAPATA SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SHARES OFFERED HEREBY IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Zapata has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a post-effective amendment to its Registration Statement on Form
S-1 filed on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act
with respect to the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto, to which reference is hereby made. Statements made in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document
referred to are not necessarily complete; with respect to each such contract,
agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter
involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
Zapata is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Materials filed with the Commission by Zapata can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549; and at the Regional
Offices of the Commission at the Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2511; and Seven World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can also be obtained at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the
Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, and such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning Zapata may be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents, which have been filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 1-4219), are incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:
(1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1993;
(2) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 31, 1993; and
(3) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31,
1994.
All documents subsequently filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the
termination of the offering made by this Prospectus shall be deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, upon written or oral request
of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above that
have been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus (not including exhibits
to the documents that are incorporated by reference unless such exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Requests for such
copies should be directed in writing or by telephone to Zapata Corporation, P.O.
Box 4240, Houston, Texas, Attention: Corporate Secretary (Telephone: (713) 940-
6100).
2
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF SALES BY SELLING STOCKHOLDERS ON THE
MARKET FOR AND THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
The Selling Stockholders may sell up to 117,476,184 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to this Prospectus. The Shares represent 74.07% of the shares of
Common Stock outstanding on the date of this Prospectus. The Company will not
receive any proceeds from such sales by the Selling Stockholders.
Certain of the Selling Stockholders may be required by bank regulatory and
supervisory authorities to sell or otherwise dispose of certain of the Shares
within particular periods of time. Sales of certain of the Shares may be
limited for a period of time as a consequence of certain provisions of the
Exchange Act. Sales of or offers to sell substantial blocks of Common Stock
currently held by certain of the Selling Stockholders, or the perception by
investors, investment professionals or securities analysts of the possibility
that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of and market for
the Common Stock. Zapata is obligated to maintain the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part for varying periods
of time, pursuant to separate arrangements with certain groups among the Selling
Stockholders. In addition to their resale rights implemented by this
Prospectus, certain of the Selling Stockholders have subsequent registration
rights with respect to the resale of their Shares following the period during
which Zapata is required to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement. See "Plan of Distribution and Selling Stockholders."
NATURAL GAS SERVICES OPERATIONS - COMPRESSION; GATHERING, PROCESSING AND
MARKETING
Market Conditions. The market for the Company's natural gas services
operations is directly related to supply and demand for natural gas. A material
sustained decline in the price of natural gas could result in the cessation of
production in certain areas, causing a reduced need for the Company's gas
compression, gathering, processing and marketing services.
Governmental and Environmental Regulations. The Company and its customers
are required to comply with federal and state laws and regulations relating to
environmental and worker safety matters. The Company has expended managerial
and financial resources and technology to comply with such applicable laws in
its operations and anticipates that it will continue to do so in the future.
Although the Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with such
laws, there can be no assurance that present and future regulation of the oil
and gas industry will not adversely affect the natural gas services operations
of the Company.
Competition. The natural gas services markets are highly fragmented and
the Company faces competition from several sources. Certain of the Company's
competitors have greater financial and other resources than the Company. Also,
oil and gas producers and pipelines have the option of providing their own such
services instead of outsourcing to the Company.
Other. The Company's natural gas services operations are subject to many
of the same operating hazards and government regulation as the Company's oil and
gas operations. In addition, activities relating to the marketing and trading
of natural gas liquids may expose the Company to financial risk through
unanticipated price changes.
See generally, "Business-Natural Gas Services--Compression" and "-Natural
Gas Services--Gathering Processing and Marketing."
OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
Production Difficulties. The Company's Wisdom gas field, which is the
Company's most significant oil and gas property and which provided approximately
75% of the Company's U.S. gas production during fiscal 1993 and represented
approximately 83% of the Company's remaining proved U.S. gas reserves on
September 30, 1993, has recently experienced significant production
difficulties. In April 1993 one of the wells in the Wisdom gas field was shut-
in when it started producing sand. Prior to the failure, this well was capable
of producing 6.5 MMcf per day. After
3
<PAGE>
some minor repairs, the well was temporarily returned to production at a
significantly reduced level. Indications are that the sand production was due to
a mechanical failure in the well and that a workover/recompletion of the well
will be required before production can be restored. Efforts to restore
production from this well will be influenced by the evaluation process regarding
the well failure discussed below.
In early September 1993 an additional well in the Wisdom gas field ceased
production as a result of an influx of sand and water. Immediately prior to the
time the well ceased producing, this well was capable of producing approximately
5.5 MMcf per day. After some minor repairs, the well was temporarily returned
to production at a significantly reduced level. While the ultimate cause of the
influx of sand and water is not known at this time, indications suggest that a
mechanical failure was the cause and that the production should be able to be
restored. The Company currently estimates that a workover/recompletion of this
well will cost approximately $2.5 millon. Efforts to restore production
commenced in February 1994 and may take up to two months to complete. The
workover/recompletion of the well had been delayed because of the lack of
workover rig availability. Based upon the results of the initial efforts, the
Company will consider whether to pursue the systematic workover/recompletion of
additional wells in the Wisdom gas field. The Company currently estimates that
each additional workover/recompletion will cost approximately $2.5 million.
Until such time that repairs to the above wells or certain other non-
producing wells in the Wisdom gas field can be effected and production restored,
revenues from domestic oil and gas operations will be based on significantly
lower production quantities than in prior years. In December 1993, the Wisdom
gas field was producing a total of approximately 3.0 MMcf per day. Zapata's
domestic natural gas production for the first three months of fiscal 1994 was
one-third of the fiscal 1993 period's level of production due to the production
difficulties at the Wisdom gas field. No assurances can be given that these
well failures will be able to be repaired or that the cause or causes of the
failures will not also affect additional wells in the Company's Wisdom gas
field. See "Business-Oil and Gas Operations--Oil and Gas Reserves" and
"--Production and Sales" for information on the Company's total oil and natural
gas reserves and its production and sales.
Reserves. Unless the Company acquires additional properties containing
proved reserves or conducts successful exploration and development activities,
or both, the domestic proved reserves of the Company will decline as reserves
are produced. Other than the $12.2 million oil and gas workover and
recompletion program of the Company's Wisdom gas field in 1992, the Company has
not participated in any significant new exploration or development projects in
the United States or acquired any additional significant properties since
1988.
Market Conditions. The profitability of the Company's oil and gas
production operations depends upon certain factors which are beyond the
Company's control, such as natural gas and crude oil prices that are subject to
substantial fluctuations as a result of variations in supply and demand,
seasonality and other factors. The Company's principal oil and gas operation is
the production of natural gas. Because virtually all of the gas produced from
the Company's operations is sold on the spot market, any changes in gas prices
affect the Company's revenues and the results of its operations. During
February 1992, the price of natural gas on the spot market declined to its
lowest level in the last five years; since such time the price has improved and
remained at higher levels. The Company is unable to predict future gas prices.
In response to low gas price levels, the Company has from time to time curtailed
its gas production.
Market, economic and regulatory factors may in the future materially affect
the Company's sales of its gas production. The Company faces significant
competition in its oil and gas operations.
Foreign Operations. The Company's Bolivian operations, conducted through a
joint venture, are subject to special risks inherent in doing business outside
the United States, including risks of war, civil disturbances and governmental
activities, which may limit or disrupt markets, restrict the movement of funds
or result in the deprivation of contract rights or the taking of property
without fair compensation.
Other. The Company's oil and gas operations are subject to substantial
government regulation and all of the risks normally incident to the exploration
for and production of oil and gas.
See generally, "Business-Oil and Gas Operations."
4
<PAGE>
MARINE PROTEIN OPERATIONS
The Company produces fish meal and fish oil, the prices of which are
influenced by the availability of foreign products and the prices for soybean
meal and vegetable fats and oils. These prices tend to fluctuate to a
significant extent over the course of a year and from year to year. The annual
fish catch in the Company's marine protein division can vary significantly from
year to year depending on weather conditions and other factors outside the
Company's control. Additionally, the marine protein operations are affected by
other factors including competition, government regulation and the occurrence of
various operating hazards. These factors significantly influence the operating
cash flow of the marine protein operations. See "Business-Marine Protein
Operations."
INVESTMENTS IN NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The Company from time to time evaluates possible investment opportunities.
The Company is currently focusing on the natural gas service industries as the
primary area in which such investments might be made, although such focus is
subject to change. The Company's available resources for possible investments
are limited and affect the opportunities available to the Company, and no
assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in making suitable
investments.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS' POWER TO CONTROL COMPANY
As of the date hereof, the Selling Stockholders own, in the aggregate,
approximately 74.07% of the outstanding Common Stock. The Selling Stockholders
therefore could have, in the aggregate, voting control of the Company. The
disposition of some or all of the Common Stock by some or all of the Selling
Stockholders, including dispositions pursuant to this Prospectus, could result
in a change in control of the Company. Two of the selling stockholders are also
directors of the Company. A third director of the Company is also the chairman
and chief executive officer of another selling stockholder, Norex America, Inc.
("Norex America"). See "Plan of Distribution and Selling Stockholders."
POSSIBLE FUTURE ISSUANCES OF STOCK
Zapata has unreserved and available for issuance approximately 1,950,000
authorized shares of preferred stock, without par value ("Preferred Stock"), and
17,850,000 shares of preference stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Preference
Stock"). The issuance of Preferred Stock, Preference Stock or Common Stock, or
the issuance of rights to purchase such shares, could have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Shares of
Preferred Stock or Preference Stock, depending on the series, may be convertible
into shares of Common Stock. If all 2,637 shares of $2 Noncumulative
Convertible Preference Stock ("$2 Preference Stock"), which is the only
outstanding series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock convertible into
Common Stock, were so converted, Zapata would be required to issue an additional
27,741 shares of Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock."
CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO CHANGES OF CONTROL
Zapata's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the
"Certificate of Incorporation"), and By-Laws, as amended and restated (the "By-
Laws"), contain provisions which also may have the effect of delaying, deferring
or preventing a change in control of Zapata. The Certificate of Incorporation
divides the Board of Directors into three classes. Each class has a three-year
term and only one class is elected by the stockholders each year. The
Certificate of Incorporation also requires an 80% approval vote by stockholders
for certain corporate actions involving Zapata and any entity which owns at
least 5% of Zapata's voting stock. Furthermore, Zapata's By-laws fix the number
of directors on the Board of Directors at eight. The By-Laws may be amended
only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of Zapata's
outstanding voting stock or by the affirmative vote of seven of the eight
members of the Board of Directors.
The foregoing provisions respecting a 5% stockholder, the classification
and number of directors and voting requirements for an amendment to the By-Laws
may not be amended without the affirmative vote of the holders of 80% of the
outstanding voting stock of Zapata. These provisions may deter any potential
offers or other efforts to obtain
5
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control of Zapata that are not approved by the Board of Directors, could thereby
deprive the stockholders of opportunities to realize a premium on their stock
and could make the removal of management more difficult.
PRIOR RIGHTS OF OTHER CLASSES OF CAPITAL STOCK
The rights of holders of the Common Stock to receive dividends or other
payments with respect thereto are subject to the prior and superior rights of
holders of Zapata's Preferred Stock and Preference Stock, then outstanding. As
of the date of this Prospectus, Zapata had outstanding 44,943 shares of
Preferred Stock and 2,637 shares of Preference Stock.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of Zapata, holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive the liquidation price established for such stock, plus an amount equal
to any dividends accrued and unpaid to the payment date, before any distribution
is made to the holders of Preference Stock, Common Stock or any other class of
stock or series thereof ranking junior to the outstanding Preferred Stock with
respect to the payment of dividends or distribution of assets. In the event of
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Zapata, the
holders of Zapata's $6 Cumulative Preferred Stock ("$6 Preferred Stock") are
entitled to receive the liquidation price of $100 per share, plus an amount
equal to any dividends accrued and unpaid to the payment date, before any
distribution is made to the holders of Preference Stock, Common Stock or any
other class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the outstanding
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or distribution of
assets. The aggregate liquidation preference of all currently outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock is $4,494,300. The holders of all series of Preferred
Stock are entitled to share ratably, in accordance with the respective amounts
payable thereon, in any such distribution which is not sufficient to pay in full
the aggregate of the amounts payable thereon.
In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
Zapata, holders of Preference Stock are entitled to receive such rights as may
be fixed for the respective series of Preference Stock. In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Zapata, after
payment of the debts and other liabilities of Zapata and any preferential
amounts due to holders of Preferred Stock, the holders of Zapata's $2 Preference
Stock are entitled to receive a liquidation price of $30 per share before any
distribution may be made to the holders of Common Stock or any other class of
stock or series thereof ranking junior to the outstanding Preference Stock with
respect to the distribution of assets. The aggregate liquidation preference of
all currently outstanding shares of Preference Stock is $79,110. The holders of
all series of outstanding Preference Stock are entitled to share ratably, in
accordance with the respective amounts payable thereon, in any such distribution
which is not sufficient to pay in full the aggregate of the amounts payable
thereon.
The Board of Directors has the authority to provide for the issuance of
additional shares of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock in one or more series
and to fix the designations, preferences, powers and relative participating,
optional or other rights and restrictions thereof. See "Description of Capital
Stock."
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE 1990 RESTRUCTURING
Zapata sold its 12 offshore drilling rigs and related assets (the "Rig
Sale") on October 31, 1990 (the Rig Sale, together with the comprehensive
financial restructuring concluded in January 1991 that included a restructuring
of Zapata's senior debt and a tender offer by the Company through which two-
thirds of its then outstanding subordinated debentures were repurchased, is
referred to herein as the "1990 Restructuring") to Arethusa (Off-Shore) Limited
("Arethusa") for $298 million in cash. Federal income tax consequences of the
1990 Restructuring were recognized by the Company in fiscal year 1991. The
Company realized substantial amounts of income from both taxable gain as a
result of the Rig Sale and cancellation of indebtedness ("COI") income as a
result of the Company restructuring its senior debt and consummating tender
offers for certain of its outstanding debentures during fiscal 1991. The
Company is entitled to reduce the amount of its fiscal year 1991 COI income
arising from the senior debt restructuring and the tender offers to the extent
that the Company was insolvent for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), immediately before each such transaction (the
"Insolvency Rule"). The Company believes that it was insolvent for such
purposes by substantial amounts on the consummation dates of both the senior
debt refinancing and the tender offers. Furthermore, the Company offset fully
all fiscal 1991 income remaining from such transactions
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after application of the Insolvency Rule, as well as the gain from the Rig Sale,
with net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attribute
carryforwards from prior years (collectively, "NOLs"). The Company's federal
tax return for fiscal 1991 reflected an alternative minimum tax liability of
approximately $5 million.
While the Company believes it was insolvent for purposes of the Code
immediately before the 1990 Restructuring and the tender offers, the existence
and amount of such insolvency depend upon certain factual matters which may be
subject to dispute and the resolution of which cannot be predicted with
certainty. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service could contend that the
senior debt restructuring should result in bond issuance premium, rather than
COI income, all or a substantial portion of which the Company would have to
include in income over the life of the senior notes issued in connection with
the 1990 Restructuring. While the Company believes that the only federal income
tax liability it incurred as a result of the 1990 Restructuring was a relatively
small alternative minimum tax liability, if any disputes with respect to certain
factual matters which relate to the Company's insolvency or its COI income are
resolved against the Company, the Company could incur a substantial tax
liability. Whether the circumstances giving rise to such a substantial tax
liability will occur, and when any such tax liability will be finally
determined, are outside of the Company's control and cannot be predicted.
BUSINESS
GENERAL
Zapata Corporation is a Delaware corporation organized in 1954. Zapata's
principal executive offices are located at One Riverway, Houston, Texas 77056,
and its telephone number is (713) 940-6100.
In 1993, Zapata began to redirect its operations into the natural gas
services market. The Company has implemented the first phase of its strategic
plan and is now engaged in the business of natural gas compression as well as
gathering, processing and marketing. Through its compression operation, the
Company rents, fabricates, sells, installs and services natural gas compression
packages. Through its gathering, processing and marketing operations, the
Company gathers and processes natural gas and its constituent products, and
markets and trades in natural gas liquids. In addition to its newly-acquired
natural gas services operations, the Company continues its oil and gas
production operations and its marine protein operations.
In November 1993, Zapata acquired the natural gas compression businesses of
Energy Industries, Inc. and certain other affiliated companies (collectively
"Energy Industries"). Energy Industries is engaged in the business of renting,
fabricating, selling, installing and servicing natural gas compressor packages.
Energy Industries operates the fifth largest rental fleet of natural gas
compressor packages in the United States. The Energy Industries fleet of
approximately 700 compressor packages is located primarily in Texas, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, as well as offshore in the Gulf of
Mexico.
Early in fiscal 1993, Zapata acquired the common stock of Cimarron Gas
Holding Company ("Cimarron"). Cimarron was engaged in the business of marketing
natural gas liquids, as well as gathering, treating and processing natural gas
and its constituent products. Cimarron was purchased to serve as the vehicle for
the Company's expansion into the gathering and processing segments of the
natural gas services markets. Since being acquired, Cimarron has purchased
additional gathering and processing assets and expanded its operations through
the acquisition of Stellar Energy Corporation and three affiliated companies
(collectively "Stellar") in September 1993. During fiscal 1993 the Company
generated approximately 70% of its revenues from its gathering, processing and
marketing operations. Revenues from these natural gas services operations
include natural gas liquids trading activities which typically generate high
revenues, high expenses and low margins.
The Company's oil and gas exploration and production operations, conducted
through Zapata Exploration Company, a wholly owned subsidiary ("Zapex"), consist
primarily of natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and Bolivia. The
Company's marine protein operations consist of menhaden fishing and the
processing thereof into fish meal and fish oil in the United States, and are
conducted through Zapata Haynie Corporation, another wholly owned subsidiary.
During fiscal 1993, the Company generated approximately 8% of revenues from its
oil and gas operations and approximately 22% of revenues form its marine protein
operations.
7
<PAGE>
In June 1993, Zapata completed the sale of 3.5 million shares of its
Tidewater Inc. ("Tidewater") common stock for a net price of $21.25 per share or
$73.5 million. Zapata used the proceeds in November 1993 to fund the cash
portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of Energy Industries, Inc.
("Energy Industries").
In November 1993, Zapata sold an additional 3.75 million shares of its
Tidewater common stock for a net price of $20.75 per share or $77.8 million. The
proceeds of such sale were used to reduce the Company's indebtedness and provide
the capital necessary to expand the Company's natural gas services operations.
The Company now owns approximately 1.0 million shares of Tidewater common
stock. Tidewater is an international energy services company with two principal
lines of business: offshore marine services and compression services.
The Company has completed its exit from the offshore drilling business in
which it historically had a significant presence. Zapata sold its offshore
drilling rig fleet on October 31, 1990 to Arethusa for total consideration of
$298.0 million. In conjunction with the Rig Sale, Zapata was required to make a
$17.5 million investment in Arethusa (net proceeds received on October 31, 1990
were $280.5 million). During fiscal 1993, Zapata disposed of its entire
investment in Arethusa for $11.8 million.
In May 1993, Zapata completed a refinancing of its senior debt which
enabled the Company to move forward with its strategic plan. Zapata raised a
total of $111.4 million from the issuance of debt and equity pursuant to a
Second Amended and Restated Master Restructuring Agreement dated as of April 16,
1993, as amended (as so amended, the "Norex Agreement'), between Zapata and
Norex Drilling Ltd. ("Norex Drilling"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Norex
America (Norex America, collectively with Norex Drilling and other affiliates,
is referred to herein as "Norex"). The Norex Agreement enabled the Company to
refinance its then outstanding senior debt and substantially reduced the amount
of required debt service payments for fiscal years 1994 and 1995.
In December 1993, $73.7 million of the proceeds from the November sale of
Tidewater common stock was used to prepay $68.5 million of the 13% senior
indebtedness to Norex, along with accrued interest and a $3.5 million prepayment
premium. In connection with this prepayment to Norex, the Norex Agreement was
amended to remove or lessen various restrictions on the Company. The Company is
no longer required to maintain any financial ratios and is no longer subject to
limitations on its ability to incur additional indebtedness or contingent
obligations, to make capital expenditures, to pay dividends or to enter into
merger or consolidation transactions, to liquidate, wind up or dissolve or to
make investments or loans. In addition, the Company is no longer subject to
limitations on the creation of liens or the sale of assets, except in connection
with Energy Industries and certain related subsidiaries. The Company will
remain subject to a covenant in the Norex Agreement which requires it to
maintain a consolidated tangible net worth of at least $100 million.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES--COMPRESSION
In November 1993, Zapata purchased the natural gas compression businesses
of Energy Industries and certain other affiliated companies as well as certain
real estate used by the business. Energy Industries is engaged in the business
of renting, fabricating, selling, installing and servicing natural gas
compressor packages. Energy Industries operates the fifth largest rental fleet
of natural gas compressor packages in the United States. The Energy Industries
fleet of approximately 700 compressor packages is located primarily in Texas,
Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, as well as offshore in the Gulf of
Mexico. Total consideration paid for the purchase of Energy Industries and for
a related noncompetition agreement (collectively, the "Energy Industries
Acquisition") was $90.9 million. The purchase price consisted of $75.2 million
and 13.5 million shares of Zapata common stock (the "Common Stock") valued at
$1.16 per share, which approximated the average trading price prior to closing
of the acquisition.
Operations. A natural gas compressor package consists of a compressor, a
natural gas engine or electric motor, a heat exchanger, a control panel and
assorted piping and tubing. Natural gas compression is used in the production,
processing and delivery of natural gas. Energy Industries primarily supplies
natural gas compressor packages in natural gas production and processing
applications. In natural gas production applications, natural gas compression
is used to increase the flow rate of gas wells with low reservoir pressures. In
natural gas processing applications, natural gas compression is used in the
process of separating the various hydrocarbon components of the wellhead natural
gas stream. In interstate natural gas pipeline applications, natural gas
compression is used to increase the pressure of natural gas
8
<PAGE>
from reservoir levels to interstate pipeline standards. Additionally, Energy
Industries manufactures heat exchangers used in fabricating natural gas
compressor packages and other industrial applications.
Energy Industries fabricates natural gas compressor packages at its Corpus
Christi fabrication facility from components which are acquired from various
suppliers at market prices. Energy Industries maintains an inventory of
compressor and engine components at its Corpus Christi facility to support the
fabrication and repair of natural gas compressor packages.
Including its Corpus Christi, Texas location, Energy Industries maintains
twelve branch offices in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.
Branch office personnel negotiate natural gas compressor package rentals and
sales, perform maintenance services for Energy Industries' fleet of rental
compressors and other natural gas compressor packages on a contract basis and
recondition Energy Industries' rental fleet packages when rental contracts
expire. Energy Industries also has facilities for fabricating natural gas
compressor packages at its branches in Midland and Houston, Texas and Lafayette,
Louisiana if market conditions require.
Natural Gas Compressor Package Rentals. Energy Industries maintains a
fleet of approximately 700 natural gas compressor packages of various sizes for
rental to natural gas producers and processors. Energy Industries rents natural
gas compressor packages under contracts which require monthly payments based on
a fixed fee or on the volume of gas compressed. The initial fixed term of a
natural gas compressor package rental is generally between three and 36 months
and thereafter continues on a month-to-month basis. It is typical for a
customer to continue to rent a package for a period substantially longer than
the initial term of the contract. Contract pricing, which is based on
prevailing market conditions, generally contains provisions for periodic rate
adjustments to reflect market changes.
Natural gas compressor package rental utilization is affected primarily by
the number and age of producing oil and gas wells, the volume of natural gas
consumed and natural gas prices. Average rental rates for natural gas
compressor packages are determined primarily by the demand for packages and
secondarily by the size and horsepower of a natural gas compressor package.
Natural Gas Compressor Package Sales. In addition to operating a fleet of
natural gas compressor packages for rental purposes, Energy Industries designs,
fabricates and sells natural gas compressor packages to customer specifications.
Energy Industries sells compressor packages to natural gas producers, gatherers
and transmission companies which expect the long life of their associated
reserves or pipeline to justify the capital cost of acquiring, rather than
renting, a natural gas compressor package. Most of Energy Industries' natural
gas compressor package sales are for larger, high horsepower packages.
Because of the relatively high capital costs associated with these units,
Energy Industries provides a capital lease financing option to its customers.
Under the terms of a typical capital lease, a purchaser will lease the natural
gas compressor package from Energy Industries for a period of between three and
four years at monthly lease rates. At the termination of the lease, the lessee
has the option to purchase the natural gas compressor package or return the
natural gas compressor package to Energy Industries.
Maintenance and Repair Services. Energy Industries provides on-site
maintenance services to its rental and sales customers and to other users of
natural gas compressor packages. Maintenance services provided by Energy
Industries include regular monitoring of compressor package operations and
performance of a standardized, routine maintenance program to equipment in the
field. Energy Industries sells compressor parts in connection with maintenance
service operations. Each branch location and each field technician maintains a
small inventory of commonly used natural gas compressor package parts. Routine
repairs to natural gas compressor packages covered under maintenance contracts
will be made from this inventory.
Natural Gas Compression Markets. Energy Industries conducts the majority
of its operations in established natural gas producing regions of the United
States, located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and offshore
in the Gulf of Mexico. Its customers are natural gas companies and pipelines
which are involved in the production, processing and transmission of natural
gas.
9
<PAGE>
Approximately 80% of the demand for natural gas compression (on a
horsepower basis) is met through the use of natural gas compressor packages
owned by the companies which use them. Energy Industries competes with other
fabricators of natural gas compressors for sales in this market. The demand for
newly constructed natural gas compressor packages is a function of growth in the
consumption of natural gas and the age of producing wells. Natural gas
compression is required to maintain production rates and to maximize recoverable
reserves as natural gas reservoirs age and field pressure declines.
The remaining 20% of demand for natural gas compression is met through
rental of natural gas compressor packages. In addition to well age and natural
gas consumption, a structural shift in U.S. oil and gas operations recently
affected demand for natural gas compression package rentals. Major oil
companies have directed their focus toward international operations and away
from domestic natural gas reserves. Accordingly, these companies are either
selling their domestic reserves or minimizing staff in domestic operations. As
a result, demand for rental packages of natural gas compressors is expected to
increase as buyers of natural gas reserves or reduced staffs are less likely to
own and operate natural gas compressor packages and more likely to rent natural
gas compressor packages to meet their natural gas compression needs.
International Operations. While most of Energy Industries' operations are
domestic, Energy Industries sells natural gas compressor packages and parts in
Canada through ENSERV, Inc. ("Enserv") and outside the U.S. and Canada through
Atlas Copco Airpower, N.V. ("Atlas Copco").
Energy Industries has entered into an agreement whereby it is an exclusive
supplier of gas compressor packages and parts to Enserv in Canada. This
agreement runs through 2002 and is subject to automatic annual renewal
thereafter. Additionally, Energy Industries has entered into a marketing
agreement with Atlas Copco, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, for sales
outside North America. As compensation for use of its worldwide marketing and
distribution network, Atlas Copco receives a commission on all such
international sales of Energy Industries' equipment. This agreement runs
through 1998 and also is subject to automatic annual renewal unless notice is
given of a party's desire to terminate the relationship.
Competition. The principal competitive factors in natural gas compression
markets are price, service, availability and delivery time. Energy Industries
operates in a highly competitive environment and competes with a large number of
companies, some of which are larger and have greater resources than Energy
Industries.
Facilities and Real Estate. Energy Industries owns the facilities and
related real estate in Harris, Midland and Nueces Counties, Texas, Oklahoma
County, Oklahoma and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. The main fabrication facility
is in Nueces County, Texas and the other properties are currently being used for
branch offices. Other branch facilities are leased from third parties.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES--GATHERING, PROCESSING AND MARKETING
This segment of the Company's natural gas services operations involves two
major categories of business activities: the gathering and processing of natural
gas and the marketing of its constituent products. In fiscal 1993, the Company
purchased all of the stock of Cimarron for $3.8 million consisting of $2.5
million and 2.2 million shares of Common Stock. For purposes of recording the
acquisition, the stock consideration was valued at $1.3 million.
In September 1993, Cimarron acquired the interests of Stellar, a group of
companies engaged in natural gas gathering and processing, for an aggregate
purchase price of $16.2 million. The purchase price included $6.1 million in
cash, the redemption of $3.7 million of notes payable to former Stellar
shareholders and the assumption of $6.4 million of indebtedness of Stellar. The
purchase price is subject to adjustment upward or downward based on the net
working capital of Stellar on August 31, 1993. Any shortfall in the net working
capital amount will be paid to Cimarron by the shareholders of Stellar and any
excess will be paid to such shareholders by Cimarron.
Gathering and Processing. Through the acquisition of Stellar, Cimarron
owns and operates approximately 350 miles of natural gas gathering systems in
West Texas and Oklahoma and a gas processing plant in Sutton County, Texas. The
systems gather approximately 45 MMcf (million cubic feet) of natural gas per day
and the plant is capable of
10
<PAGE>
processing 17 MMcf of natural gas per day. A project to expand the Sutton
Plant's capacity to 25 MMcf of natural gas per day is expected to be completed
in March 1994.
Cimarron's other gathering and processing activities consist of ownership
interests in two natural gas gathering systems, one in Smith County, Texas, and
one in Texas and Beaver Counties, Oklahoma, and ownership interests in related
gas processing plants. The gathering system in Smith County includes
approximately eight miles of eight-inch gathering lines with capacity of about
30 MMcf per day. Five wells owned by others are currently connected to the
system. The related skid-mounted cryogenic gas processing plant, which began
operations in August 1992, has a throughput capacity of approximately 23 MMcf
per day. The gathering system in Oklahoma includes approximately 170 miles of
four- to ten-inch gathering lines with capacity of about 25 MMcf per day. That
system is connected to 54 wells owned by third parties. The related turbo
expander plant, with a throughput capacity of approximately 14 MMcf per day,
began operations in 1979.
In June 1993, Cimarron began acquisition of right-of-ways and planning for
the construction of a 27.5 mile low-pressure gas gathering system in northern
Caddo and southern Blaine Counties, Oklahoma. This natural gas gathering system
was completed in December 1993 and transports gas volumes of approximately 8.5
MMcf of natural gas per day. Construction costs were approximately $2.6
million.
Marketing. Cimarron provides marketing services to natural gas liquids
processing plant owners and operators. The services include transportation,
fractionation, distribution, accounting, price forecasting and sales of natural
gas liquids for the account of such owners and operators. Cimarron also
actively markets natural gas liquids for its own account, with volumes of
approximately 27,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids in the Midwest and
Gulf Coast markets.
Successful results from Cimarron's marketing activities are dependent upon
the ability of Cimarron's marketers to perform an intermediary service for
sellers and buyers of natural gas liquids without exposing the Company to undue
financial risk through unanticipated price changes. Other marketing services
are carried out on a contract basis, with little financial risk to the
Company.
In addition, Cimarron maintains a fleet of approximately 131 leased and
three owned railcars which transport feedstocks (butane, isobutane, gasoline,
MTBE and various aromatic mixtures) to refineries and petrochemical plants, and
Cimarron supplies wholesale propane in truckload quantities to propane retailers
and wholesalers.
Competition. Cimarron's Smith County gathering system and processing
plant, which are operated by Cimarron's joint venture partner, face competition
for new well additions and additional gas processing from one nearby competing
system. However, the Company believes that Cimarron's processing plant has
superior liquid extraction capabilities. The gathering system and processing
plant in Oklahoma, which are operated by Cimarron, face competition for new well
additions and additional gas processing from several nearby competing systems.
However, the Company believes that Cimarron's processing plant has a competitive
advantage resulting from its better location.
Cimarron's marketing activities face significant competition. Cimarron's
competitors in its marketing efforts include other oil and gas production
companies, major interstate pipelines and their marketing affiliates, and
national and local gas gatherers, brokers, marketers and distributors of varying
sizes, financial resources and experience. Certain competitors, such as major
oil and gas production companies, have financial and other resources
substantially in excess of those available to Cimarron. Cimarron's marketing
activities are also affected by the actions of governmental regulatory
authorities such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). Cimarron
itself is not, however, directly subject to regulation by the FERC. It is
impossible to predict how future regulatory actions will impact Cimarron's
marketing activities.
OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
The Company's principal oil and gas exploration and production activity is
the production of natural gas. The Company conducts oil and gas operations in
the United States and in Bolivia. Since commencing oil and gas exploration and
production operations in 1972, the Company from time to time has actively
explored for oil and gas in various areas
11
<PAGE>
throughout the world, participating in 252 gross wells including 135 gross
wildcats and 117 gross delineation and development wells. Forty-one of the
gross wildcats and 101 of the gross delineation and development wells indicated
hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities to justify further evaluation. In its oil
and gas operations, the Company generally participated with others in acquiring
acreage, gathering and evaluating geophysical, geologic, stratigraphic and
engineering data, drilling exploratory wells and developing and bringing into
production any acreage successfully explored.
The Company's major development projects were completed by the end of
fiscal 1988. Since that time, the Company's principal efforts in the United
States have involved participation in the development of some existing gas
properties and the production and sale of gas from producing properties. All of
the Company's domestic producing properties are located in federal waters
offshore Texas and Louisiana. Unless the Company acquires additional properties
containing proved reserves or conducts successful exploration and development
activities, or both, the proved reserves of the Company will decline as reserves
are produced. Other than the $12.2 million oil and gas workover and
recompletion program of the Company's Wisdom gas field completed in 1992, the
Company has not participated in any significant new domestic exploration or
development projects or acquired any additional significant properties since
1988. However, since September 30, 1993, the Company has participated in
drilling an exploratory well in its Bolivian operation which has now achieved
total depth. Testing and completion operations are currently underway.
The Company's oil and gas operations are subject to all of the risks and
hazards typically associated with the exploration for, and production of, oil
and gas and the additional risks of offshore operations, including blowouts,
cratering, oil spills and fires, each of which could result in damage to or
destruction of oil and gas wells, production facilities or other property or the
environment or injury to persons. Although the Company's maintains customary
insurance coverage, it is not fully insured against such risks, either because
such insurance is not available or because of high premium costs. In addition,
certain of the Company's investments in oil and gas properties are those of a
minority interest owner. Accordingly, others who hold interest in such
properties may determine the details of any exploration and development drilling
program.
Oil and Gas Reserves. The following table sets forth information as to the
Company's proved and proved developed reserves of oil and natural gas as of
September 30, 1993, 1992 and 1991:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED STATES BOLIVIA
----------------- ------------------
GAS LIQUIDS GAS LIQUIDS
(MMCF) (MBBL) (MMCF) (MBBL)
------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TOTAL PROVED RESERVES AS OF:
September 30, 1993................... 40,735 360.4 22,534 721.9
September 30, 1992................... 48,467 448.6 21,210 665.2
September 30, 1991................... 61,833 570.0 23,720 743.0
TOTAL PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES AS OF:
September 30, 1993................... 28,181 200.9 22,534 721.9
September 30, 1992................... 40,964 297.6 21,210 665.2
September 30, 1991................... 53,489 413.7 23,720 743.0
</TABLE>
As used herein, the term "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet, the term "MMcf"
means million cubic feet, the term "Bbl" means barrel and the term "MBbl" means
thousand barrels. Liquids include crude oil, condensate and natural gas
liquids.
The reserve estimates presented herein were prepared primarily by
Huddleston & Co., Inc. ("Huddleston"), independent petroleum reserve engineers.
Since September 30, 1993, no major favorable or adverse event has occurred which
the Company's believes significantly affects or changes estimated reserve
quantities as of that date. See, however, "Risk Factors-Oil and Gas Production
Operations and " --Significant Property" below. Zapex is not a party to any
contracts which include an obligation to provide a fixed and determinable
quantity of oil and gas in the future. No estimates of the Company's proved net
oil or gas reserves have been filed with or included in reports to any federal
authority or agency other than the Securities and Exchange Commission since
October 1, 1992.
12
<PAGE>
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved reserves, including many factors beyond the control of the producer. The
reserve data set forth herein represent only estimates. Reserve engineering is
a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of crude oil and
natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any
reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, estimates
of different engineers often vary. In addition, results of drilling, testing
and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may justify revision of
such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the
quantities of crude oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. The
meaningfulness of such estimates is highly dependent upon the accuracy of the
assumptions upon which they were based.
Significant Property. At September 30, 1993, the Company owned interests
in six separate producing properties, all of which were located in federal
waters in the Gulf of Mexico offshore Texas and Louisiana. The Company owns
100% of the working interest in a single property, the Wisdom gas field,
consisting of three blocks on the Outer Continental Shelf, East Breaks 109, 110
and 154, located approximately 100 miles south of Galveston, Texas. This
property includes a production platform from which nine development wells have
been drilled. The development was completed during fiscal 1988. During fiscal
1993, the Wisdom gas field provided approximately 75% of the Company's U.S. gas
production and as of September 30, 1993, the Wisdom field represented
approximately 83% of the Company's remaining proved U.S. gas reserves. None of
the other five properties individually accounted for more than 10% of the
Company's total proved reserves as of September 30, 1993.
In May 1992, the Company completed a $12.2 million workover and
recompletion program on its Wisdom natural gas field, which included the
workover or recompletion of five wells on the Company's TEQUILA production
platform, located on the East Breaks 110 block. While the field's natural
decline in deliverability continues, the program temporarily increased the
production capability of the property.
In April 1993, one of the wells in the Wisdom gas field was shut-in when it
started producing sand. Prior to the failure, this well was capable of
producing 6.5 MMcf per day. After some minor repairs, the well was temporarily
returned to production at a significantly reduced level. Indications are that
the sand production was due to a mechanical failure in the well and that a
workover/recompletion of the well will be required before production can be
further restored. Efforts to restore production from this well will be
influenced by the evaluation process regarding the well failure discussed
below.
In early September 1993, an additional well in the Wisdom gas field ceased
production as a result of an influx of sand and water. Immediately prior to the
time the well ceased producing, this well was capable of producing approximately
5.5 MMcf per day. After some minor repairs, the well was temporarily returned
to production at a significantly reduced level. While the ultimate cause of the
influx of sand and water is not known at this time, indications suggest that a
mechanical failure was the cause and that the production should be able to be
restored. The Company currently estimates that a workover/recompletion of this
well will cost approximately $2.5 million. Efforts to restore production
commenced in February 1994 and may take up to two months to complete. The
workover/recompletion of the well had been delayed because of the lack of
workover rig availability. Based upon the results of the initial efforts, the
Company will consider whether to pursue the systematic workover/recompletion of
additional wells in the Wisdom gas field. The Company currently estimates that
each additional workover/recompletion will cost approximately $2.5 million.
Until such time that repairs to the above wells or certain other non-
producing wells in the Wisdom gas field can be effected and production restored,
revenues from domestic oil and gas operations will be based on significantly
lower production quantities than in prior years. In December 1993, the Wisdom
gas field was producing a total of approximately 3.0 MMcf per day. Zapata's
domestic natural gas production for the first three months of fiscal 1994 was
one-third of the fiscal 1993 periods's level of production due to the production
difficulties at the Wisdom gas field. No assurances can be given that these
well failures will be able to be repaired or that the cause or causes of the
failures will not also affect additional wells in the Company's Wisdom gas
field.
13
<PAGE>
Production and Sales. The following table sets forth the Company's
production of oil and gas, net of all royalties, overriding royalties and other
outstanding interests, for the three years ended September 30, 1993, 1992 and
1991. Natural gas production refers only to marketable production of gas on an
"as sold" basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED STATES BOLIVIA
----------------- ----------------
GAS LIQUIDS GAS LIQUIDS
(MMCF) (MBBL) (MMCF) (MBBL)
------- -------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCTION VOLUMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED:
September 30, 1993................... 7,067 47.1 1,665 55.3
September 30, 1992................... 10,197 58.6 1,682 54.3
September 30, 1991................... 8,651 40.2 1,659 57.2
</TABLE>
The following table shows the average sales prices received by the Company
for its production for the three years ended September 30, 1993, 1992 and
1991:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED STATES BOLIVIA
---------------- ----------------
GAS LIQUIDS GAS LIQUIDS
(MMCF) (MBBL) (MMCF) (MBBL)
------ -------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVERAGE SALES PRICES FOR THE YEAR ENDED:
September 30, 1993..................... $2.32 $16.53 $1.15 $17.41
September 30, 1992..................... 1.82 18.45 1.70 17.00
September 30, 1991..................... 1.99 23.47 3.18 23.83
</TABLE>
The following table shows the average production (lifting) costs per unit
of production of liquids and gas based on equivalent Mcf for the three years
ended September 30, 1993, 1992 and 1991:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE PRODUCTION COSTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED: UNITED STATES BOLIVIA
- ---------------------------------------------- ------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
September 30, 1993......................... .77 .05
September 30, 1992......................... .75 .03
September 30, 1991......................... .88 .04
</TABLE>
Production (lifting) costs are costs incurred to operate and maintain wells
and related equipment and facilities. They do not include depreciation,
depletion and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration and
development costs, exploration expenses, general and administrative expenses,
interest expense or income tax. Production costs for fiscal 1992 and 1991
include the effects of $3.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, in workover
expense incurred as a part of the Wisdom gas field workover and recompletion
program completed in May 1992. Differences between sales prices and production
(lifting) costs do not represent profit.
Productive Wells and Acreage. On September 30, 1993, the Company's U.S.
oil and gas properties consisted of working interests in 40 gross oil and gas
wells (17 net wells) capable of production, of which the Company operated 15.
The following table shows the number of producing wells and wells capable of
production as of September 30, 1993:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED STATES BOLIVIA
------------- ---------
PRODUCTIVE OIL AND GAS WELLS: OIL GAS OIL GAS
- ------------------------------- ----- ------ --- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gross....................... 3 37 0 16
Net......................... 1 15.75 0 4.10
</TABLE>
One or more completions in the same bore hole are counted as one well. Fourteen
gross (6.61 net) gas wells in the United States and 12 gross (3.00 net) gas
wells in Bolivia are dual completions. A "gross well" is a well in which the
Company owns a working interest. A "net well" is deemed to exist when the sum
of the fractional working interests owned by the Company in gross wells equals
one.
14
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
developed and undeveloped acreage of the Company as of September 30, 1993:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPED(1) UNDEVELOPED(2) TOTAL
--------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4) GROSS(3) NET(4)
---------- --------- --------- -------- ------------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ACREAGE
United States
Offshore.............. 7,460 4,109 38,115 19,051 45,575 23,160
Foreign
Bolivia............... 5,120 1,280 1,262,560 337,804 1,267,680 339,084
------ ----- --------- ------- --------- -------
Total................. 12,580 5,389 1,300,675 356,855 1,313,255 362,244
====== ===== ========= ======= ========= =======
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Developed acreage is acreage spaced or assignable to productive wells.
(2) Undeveloped acreage is acreage on which wells have not been drilled
or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial
quantities of oil and gas, regardless of whether such acreage contains
proved reserves. All of the Company's undeveloped acreage is held
under leases which are currently held by production.
(3) A "gross acre" is an acre in which a working interest is owned. The
number of gross acres represents the sum of acres in which a working
interest is owned.
(4) A "net acre" is deemed to exist when the sum of the fractional working
interests in gross acres equals one. The number of net acres is the sum of
the fractional working interests in gross acres expressed in whole numbers
or fractions thereof.
Drilling Activity. Other than the $12.2 million workover and recompletion
program with respect to the Company's Wisdom gas field, the Company did not
participate in any domestic exploratory or development drilling during the years
ended September 30, 1991, 1992 and 1993. However, since September 30, 1993, the
Company has participated in drilling an exploratory well in its Bolivian
operation which has achieved total depth. Testing and completion operations are
currently underway.
Bolivian Joint Venture. In 1987, the Company wrote off its remaining
investment in its oil and gas properties in Bolivia (held by a joint venture in
which the Company has a 25% interest), and all cash proceeds received by the
Company thereafter have been recognized as revenues. The write-off resulted
from the failure of the Bolivian state-owned petroleum company to honor its
commitment to pay the joint venture for gas deliveries on a timely basis and to
remit past-due payments on an agreed schedule. The Bolivian properties continue
to be operated by the joint venture, which began receiving payments with respect
to current and past-due invoices on June 30, 1991. The Company received cash
payments with respect to its 25% interest in the joint venture of $2.3 million
during the quarter ended September 30, 1991, $10.1 million during fiscal 1992
and $3.2 million during fiscal 1993. These amounts, which were recorded as
revenues in fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993, respectively, include the collection of
past-due amounts and may not be indicative of future cash flows from the
Company's Bolivian interest. Based on the Bolivian oil and gas company's
performance under renegotiated contracts and improved operating conditions,
Zapata returned to the accrual method of accounting for its Bolivian oil and gas
operations beginning in October 1993; outstanding receivables related to
production from prior months will continue to be recognized as revenue when
received.
The Company's inability to obtain full payment for gas produced in Bolivia
prior to 1987 led it to file an insurance claim in 1987. The claims and related
litigation were settled by the payment to the Company of $12.8 million in cash,
net of expenses, in March 1991. The Company's interest in the joint venture and
its right to recover amounts due for past and current production in Bolivia were
not affected by the settlement.
Marketing. The revenues generated by the Company's exploration and
production operations are highly dependent upon the prices of, and demand for,
natural gas, and, to a lesser extent, oil. For the last several years,
prices
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of oil and gas have reflected a worldwide surplus of supply over demand. From
time to time, the Company has curtailed its gas production in response to the
low price of gas.
Market conditions for oil and gas are the result of a number of factors
outside the control of the Company, including changing economic conditions,
seasonal weather conditions, loss of markets to alternative fuels, increased
foreign production, government regulation and the failure or success of members
of OPEC to agree to and maintain price and production controls. Historically,
demand for, and prices of, natural gas are seasonal, generally peaking in the
winter when heating requirements are highest.
Substantially all of the Company's natural gas production in the United
States is sold on the spot market, principally to independent natural gas
marketers. During each of the last three fiscal years, no purchaser of the
Company's oil and gas production accounted for more than 10% of the Company's
total consolidated revenues (including revenues attributable to the Company's
discontinued offshore drilling operations). The Company believes that the loss
of any individual purchaser would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
Competition. The Company faces significant competition in its oil and gas
operations. The Company's competitors in its producing efforts include major
oil and gas production companies and numerous independent oil and gas companies,
individuals and drilling and income programs. The Company's competitors in its
marketing efforts include other oil and gas production companies, major
interstate pipelines and their marketing affiliates, and national and local gas
gatherers, brokers, marketers and distributors of varying sizes, financial
resources and experience. Certain competitors, such as major oil and gas
production companies, have financial and other resources substantially in excess
of those available to the Company.
Governmental Regulation. Because its producing properties are located on
the federally controlled Gulf Coast portions of the Outer Continental Shelf,
various aspects of the production and sale of the Company's oil and gas are
regulated by federal authorities. Offshore operations and attendant government
royalty matters are within the jurisdiction of the Minerals Management Service,
an agency within the Department of the Interior. Historically, all of the
Company's domestic natural gas was sold in so-called "first sales" and was
subject to certain of the pricing and other provisions of the Natural Gas Policy
Act of 1978 (the "NGPA"), the Natural Gas Act (the "NGA"), and the regulations
and orders issued by the FERC in implementing those Acts. Under the Natural Gas
Wellhead Decontrol Act of 1989 ("Decontrol Act"), all remaining natural gas
wellhead pricing, sales certificate and abandonment regulation of first sales by
the FERC was terminated on January 1, 1993. Prior to statutory deregulation,
the Company utilized the procedures contained in FERC Order No. 490, issued in
early 1988, to achieve the required abandonment of some of its previous gas
sales, and subsequently used the automatic FERC certificate authority of that
order to sell those volumes for resale in interstate commerce. Order No. 490
has been on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for a
considerable length of time; however, in light of favorable Supreme Court review
of relevant portions of other analogous FERC rulemakings, motions have been
filed at the Sixth Circuit seeking termination of that appeal. Further action
on those motions is pending. The Company cannot predict whether Order No. 490
will be upheld, if reviewed by the appellate court, but does not anticipate any
material adverse effect upon the marketing of the Company's natural gas
production as a result of that review.
The FERC also regulates interstate natural gas pipeline transportation
rates and service conditions, which affect the marketing of gas produced by the
Company, as well as the revenues received by the Company for sales of such
natural gas. This regulation is pursuant to the NGA, the NGPA and, to the
extent of operations on the Outer Continental Shelf, the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act (the "OCSLA"). Under the OCSLA, all gathering and transporting of gas
on the Outer Continental Shelf must be performed on an "open and non-
discriminatory" basis. While the NGA and NGPA do not contain precisely the same
standard, since the latter part of 1985, through its Order No. 436 and Order No.
500 rulemakings, the FERC has endeavored to make on-shore natural gas
transportation more accessible to gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-
discriminatory basis, and the FERC's efforts have significantly altered the
marketing and pricing of natural gas. Recently, the FERC has taken action to
require those interstate pipelines which operate offshore on the Outer
Continental Shelf to operate in a manner consistent with the FERC's regulations
governing onshore operations. Another related effort has been made with respect
to intrastate pipeline operations pursuant to the FERC's NGPA (S)311 authority,
under which the FERC establishes rules by which intrastate pipelines may
participate in certain interstate activities without becoming subject to full
NGA jurisdiction. These Orders have gone through
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various permutations, due in part to the FERC's response to court review, but
have generally remained intact as promulgated. Parts of Order No. 500
pertaining to the FERC's abandonment authority remain subject to court review,
however, and the Company is unable to predict the impact on the Company's
natural gas operations of further judicial action concerning that Order. The
FERC's jurisdiction over natural gas transportation is unaffected by the
Decontrol Act.
On April 8, 1992, the FERC issued Order No. 636 requiring further
restructuring of the sales and transportation services provided by interstate
pipeline companies. Order 636 amended certain existing regulations and adopted
certain new regulations governing all interstate pipelines that perform open
access transportation (defined to include storage), under either the NGA or the
NGPA within Part 284 of the FERC's regulations. The FERC considers the changes
necessary to improve the competitive structure of the interstate natural gas
pipeline industry and to create a regulatory framework that will put gas sellers
into more direct contractual relations with gas buyers than has historically
been the case. Order 636 reflects the FERC's finding that under the current
regulatory structure, such interstate pipelines and other gas merchants,
including producers, do not compete on an equal basis. The FERC asserts that
Order 636 is designed to equalize that marketplace. This equalization process
will be implemented through negotiated settlements in individual pipeline
service restructuring proceedings, designed specifically to "unbundle" those
services (e.g., transportation, sales and storage) provided by many interstate
pipelines so that producers of natural gas may secure services from the most
economical source, whether interstate pipelines or other parties. In many
instances, the result of the FERC initiatives may be to substantially reduce or
bring to an end the interstate pipelines' traditional role as wholesalers of
natural gas in favor of providing only natural gas storage and transportation
services. The restructuring proceedings resulting from Order 636 continued
throughout 1993, with all major pipelines having already received FERC orders
approving their compliance filings, subject to conditions. Thus, the 1993-94
winter heating season will be the first such period during which the FERC's
Order 636 procedures will be operative.
Although Order 636 does not regulate gas producers such as the Company, the
FERC has stated that Order 636 is intended to foster increased competition
within all phases of the natural gas industry. It is unclear what impact, if
any, increased competition within the natural gas industry under Order 636 will
have on the Company as a producer. Furthermore, although the FERC earlier
denied a stay of the effectiveness of Order 636, thus assuring that its
requirements will be implemented, because the requirements of Order 636 are
being implemented through individual restructuring proceedings on a pipeline-by-
pipeline basis, it is impossible to predict what effect, if any, Order 636 will
have on the Company and its gas marketing efforts. In addition, in response to
numerous requests that the FERC grant rehearing of Order 636, on August 3, 1992
and November 27, 1992 the FERC issued its Orders 636-A and 636-B, which largely
confirmed the provisions and goals previously set forth in Order 636, and
otherwise made relatively modest changes to its prior rule. Numerous petitions
seeking judicial review of Orders 636, 636-A and 636-B have already been filed.
Because the restructuring requirements that have emerged to date from this
lengthy administrative and judicial review process are in some instances
different from those of Orders 636, 636-A and 636-B as originally promulgated,
it is not possible to predict what effect, if any, the final rule resulting from
these Orders will have on the Company.
The Company's domestic oil and gas operations are subject to extensive
state and federal regulations which have increased the cost of doing business by
requiring additional equipment or methods to eliminate or reduce pollution and
have increased financial exposure as in the case of federal laws and regulations
which may result in absolute liability for cleanup and removal of offshore oil
spills. Governments may from time to time suspend or curtail operations
considered to be detrimental to the ecology or which may jeopardize public
safety. The Company does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its
financial or competitive position as a result of compliance with such laws and
regulations.
MARINE PROTEIN OPERATIONS
The Company's marine protein operations involve the production and sale of
a variety of protein and oil products from menhaden, a species of fish found
along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. Because the magnitude of the fish
catch depends on the availability of the natural resource, which is affected by
various factors beyond the Company's control, and because the prices for the
Company's products are established by worldwide supply and demand relationships
over which the Company has no control, the Company cannot predict the
profitability of this business segment in any given year.
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Fishing. The Company owns a fleet of 52 fishing vessels and 27 spotter
aircraft for use in its fishing operations and also leases or charters
additional vessels and aircraft where necessary to facilitate operations.
During the 1993 fishing season in the Gulf of Mexico, where the fishing season
runs from mid-April through October, the Company operated 34 fishing vessels and
24 spotter aircraft. The fishing area in the Gulf stretches from the south
Texas coastline to the panhandle of western Florida, with a concentration off
the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. The fishing season on the Atlantic coast
begins in early May and usually extends into December. During the 1993 fishing
season the Company operated 9 fishing vessels and 7 spotter aircraft along the
mid-Atlantic coast, concentrated in and around the Chesapeake Bay.
Menhaden usually school in large, tight clusters and are commonly found in
warm, shallow waters. Spotter aircraft locate the schools and direct the
fishing vessels to them. The principal fishing vessel is a steamer, which
transports two 40-foot purse boats, each carrying several fishermen and one end
of a 1,500-foot net. The purse boats encircle the school and capture the fish
in the net. The fish are then pumped from the net into refrigerated holds of
the steamer, which unloads the fish at the Company's processing plants.
Processing. The Company owns five processing plants--three in Louisiana,
one in Mississippi and one in Virginia--where the menhaden are processed into
fish meal, fish oil and fish solubles. The fish are unloaded from the vessels
into storage boxes and then conveyed into steam cookers. The fish are then
passed through presses to remove most of the oil and water. The solid portions
of the fish are dried and then ground into fish meal. The liquid that is
produced in the cooking and pressing operations contains oil, water, dissolved
protein and some fish solids. This liquid is decanted to remove the solids and
is then put through a centrifugal oil/water separation process. The separated
fish oil is a finished product. The separated water and protein mixture is
further processed through evaporators to remove the soluble protein, which can
be sold as a finished product or added to the solid portions of the fish for
processing into fish meal.
Fish meal, the principal product made from menhaden, is sold primarily to
poultry feed producers as a high protein ingredient. It is also used as a
protein supplement in feed formulated for pigs and other livestock. Each use
requires certain standards to be met regarding quality and protein content,
which are determined by the freshness of the fish and by processing conditions
such as speed and temperatures. Fish solubles are a liquid protein product used
as an additive in fish meal and also marketed as an independent product to
animal feed formulators and the fertilizer industry.
Fish oil from menhaden is widely used for human consumption as an edible
fat in Europe. Refined and hydrogenated menhaden oils have a wide variety of
applications as ingredients of margarine, cooking oil and solid cooking fats
used in baked goods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use
of fully hydrogenated menhaden oil and partially hydrogenated menhaden oil for
human consumption in the United States and is considering a petition for use of
refined unhydrogenated menhaden oil for human consumption in the United
States.
A modernization of the Company's menhaden processing plant located in
Abbeville, Louisiana was completed during fiscal 1993. The Company expects that
the modernization will enable the Abbeville plant to meet new, more stringent
state environmental regulations and result in a more economical and efficient
operation. The modernization is also expected to make the Abbeville facility a
more efficient producer of special quality meals, premium products used in baby
pig and dairy cattle feeds.
In August 1993, the Company acquired a 60% equity interest in Venture
Milling Company ("Venture"), a Delaware corporation involved in the milling of
animal feeds and protein ingredient products for the poultry, hog and dairy
industries. Venture leases and operates a feed mill in Seaford, Delaware and
manages its processing operations and sales activities independent of the
Company. The Company's financial results for the 1993 fiscal year were not
materially impacted by activity related to Venture.
Marketing. Most of the Company's products are sold directly to about 250
customers by the Company's marketing department, while a smaller amount is sold
through independent sales agents. Total product inventory (at the lower of
average cost or market) was $33,504,000 as of September 30, 1993 compared to
$18,765,000 on September 30, 1992. While the fishing season usually extends
from April into December, sales from inventory continue throughout the
year.
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The Company's fish meal is primarily sold to domestic feed producers for
utilization as a high protein ingredient for the poultry industry. In fiscal
1993, the ten largest customers for fish meal accounted for approximately 58% of
the Company's fish meal sales. Fish oil sales primarily involve export markets
where the fish oil is refined for use as an edible oil. More than 95% of the
Company's fiscal 1993 fish oil sales were to export accounts. The top five
customers for the Company's fiscal 1993 fish oil sales accounted for
approximately 83% of total fish oil revenues. No single customer accounted for
10% or more of the Company's total consolidated revenue during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1993.
Competition. The principal competition for the Company's fish meal and
fish solubles are other protein sources such as soybean meal and other vegetable
or animal products. The Company believes, however, that these other sources are
not complete substitutes because fish meal offers nutritional values not
contained in such sources. Vegetable fats and oils, such as soybean and palm
oils, provide the primary market competition for fish oil. In addition, the
Company competes against domestic, privately owned menhaden fishing companies as
well as international producers of fish meal and fish oil derived from species
such as anchovy and mackerel.
Fish meal prices generally bear a direct relationship to prevailing soybean
meal prices, while prices for fish oil are generally influenced by prices for
vegetable fats and oils, such as soybean and palm oils. Thus, the prices for
the Company's products are established by worldwide supply and demand
relationships over which the Company has no control, and tend to fluctuate to a
significant extent over the course of a year and from year to year.
Regulation. The Company's marine protein operations are subject to certain
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the location and
periods in which fishing may be conducted, as well as environmental and safety
matters. The Company, through its operation of fishing vessels, is subject to
the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety
Board, and the U.S. Customs Service. The U.S. Coast Guard and the national
Transportation Safety Board set safety standards and are authorized to
investigate vessel accidents and recommend improved safety standards. The U.S.
Customs Service is authorized to inspect vessels at will.
The marine protein operations of the Company also are subject to federal,
state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the
environment, including the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, which
was significantly modified in 1977 to deal with toxic water pollutants and re-
named as the Clean Water Act, and which imposes strict controls against the
discharge of oil and other water pollutants into navigable waters. The Clean
Water Act provides penalties for any discharge of pollutants in reportable
quantities and, along with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, imposes substantial
liability for the costs of oil removal, remediation and damages. The Company's
marine protein operations also are subject to the Federal Clean Air Act, as
amended; the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which regulates
treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes; the Federal Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, which imposes liability,
without regard to fault, on certain classes of persons that contributed to the
release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment; and the Federal
Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA"). The OSHA hazard communications
standard, the Environmental Protection Agency community right-to-know
regulations under Title III of the Federal Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act and similar state statutes require the Company to organize
information about hazardous materials used or produced in its operations.
Certain of this information must be provided to employees, state and local
governmental authorities and local citizens. Numerous other environmental laws
and regulations, along with similar state laws, also apply to the marine protein
operations of the Company, and all such laws and regulations are subject to
change.
The Company has made, and anticipates that it will make in the future,
certain expenditures in the ordinary course of its business in connection with
environmental matters. Such expenditures have not been material in the past and
are not expected to be material in the future. However, there is no assurance
that environmental laws and regulations enacted in the future will not adversely
affect the Company's marine protein operations.
TIDEWATER OWNERSHIP INTEREST
The Company now owns approximately 1.0 million shares of Tidewater common
stock. After the sale of 3.5 million shares of Tidewater common stock in June
1993, the Company owned 4.8 million shares of Tidewater common
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stock. In November 1993, Zapata sold an additional 3.75 million shares of its
Tidewater common stock for a net price of $20.75 per share or $77.8
million.
Tidewater, an international energy services company with headquarters in
New Orleans, has two principal lines of business: offshore marine services and
compression services. Tidewater's offshore marine services division principally
provides support services to the domestic and international offshore petroleum
industry. Tidewater's compression services division principally provides the
domestic energy industry with a broad range of engineered products and technical
services used primarily in production, enhanced recovery and transmission of
natural gas and in natural gas processing.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1993, the Company and its subsidiaries employed
approximately 1,600 persons. Approximately 120 employees of the Company are
represented by an affiliate of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and
approximately 50 employees of the Company are represented by an affiliate of the
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe
Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada ("Plumbers & Steamfitters
Union"). The Company considers its employee relations to be generally
satisfactory.
In April 1993, the fishermen at the Company's marine protein operations in
Reedville, Virginia went on strike following a breakdown in negotiations for a
renewal of their collective bargaining agreement. The Company continued to
operate with existing and new employees. Approximately 85 of the 245 people
employed at the Reedville facility were on strike. The Company has been
notified that the strike has been terminated.
In July 1993, the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union, seeking to represent plant
maintenance personnel, as well as operators, toolmakers and laborers, filed a
petition for a representation election at the Company's marine protein
operations in Moss Point, Mississippi, which was held on September 3, 1993. The
Union was certified as the collective bargaining representative of the
production and maintenance employees at Moss Point. The Company has commenced
negotiations with the Union.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The names, ages and current offices of the executive officers of the
Company, who are to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board of
Directors to be held in 1994, and serving as of February 18, 1994, are set forth
below. Also indicated is the date when each such person commenced serving as an
executive officer of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE BECAME
NAME AND AGE OFFICE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- ------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ronald C. Lassiter (61).. Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer October 1971
Thomas H. Bowersox (52).. Executive Vice President March 1981
Marvin J. Migura (43).... Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer November 1987
Robert W. Jackson(50).... President and Chief Executive Officer of Cimarron November 1992
Bruce K. Willams (45).... Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapex July 1987
David W. Skarke (38)..... Vice President, Corporate Development November 1991
</TABLE>
A description of the business experience during the first five years for
each of the executive officers of Zapata is set forth below.
Ronald C. Lassiter, a director since 1974, has been Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Zapata since December 1985 and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata
since January 1983. He was also President of Zapata from July 1978 until
December 1985, when the office was eliminated. He has served in various
positions with Zapata since 1970, and he served as a director of Zapata Gulf
Marine Corporation from November 1984 to January 1992. Mr. Lassiter also serves
as a director of Daniel Industries, Inc. Prior to the closing date of the
acquisition of Energy Industries, Mr. Lassiter served as director of
Tidewater.
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Thomas H. Bowersox has served as Executive Vice President of Zapata since
October 1992. He was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Zapata Off-Shore Company, a wholly owned offshore drilling subsidiary
of Zapata, from July 1987 to October 1992. He served as Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Secretary of Zapata
from October 1984 to July 1987, and in various positions with Zapata prior
thereto. Mr. Bowersox also served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Zapex from December 1986 to July 1987.
Marvin J. Migura has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Zapata since November 1987. He served as Vice President-Finance and
Accounting of Zapata from August 1986 to November 1987, and as Vice President
and Controller of Zapata from November 1981 to August 1986.
Bruce K. Williams has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Zapex since January 1991. He served as President of Zapex from July
1987 to January 1991, as Executive Vice President of Zapex from January 1986 to
July 1987 and as Vice President-Business Development and Administration of Zapex
from January 1983 to January 1986.
Robert W. Jackson has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Cimarron since its acquisition by Zapata in November 1992, and for at least the
five years prior thereto, he was the principal stockholder and chairman and
chief executive officer of Cimarron and its predecessors.
David W. Skarke has served as Vice President, Corporate Development of
Zapata since November 1991. He served as Vice President-Finance of Zapata from
October 1990 to November 1991, as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of
Zapata from November 1987 to October 1990, as Treasurer of Zapata from August
1987 to November 1987, and as Assistant Treasurer from June 1985 to August
1987.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Selling Stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from the sale
of their Shares. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale
of the Shares by the Selling Stockholders.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
GENERAL
The Selling Stockholders directly, through agents designated from time to
time, or through dealers or underwriters also to be designated, may sell the
Shares from time to time, in or through privately negotiated transactions, in
one or more transactions, including block transactions, on the NYSE or on any
stock exchanges on which the Shares may be listed in the future pursuant to and
in accordance with the applicable rules of such exchanges or otherwise. The
selling price of the Shares may be at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices relating to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices. To the extent required by applicable law, the specific Shares to be
sold, the names of the Selling Stockholders, the respective purchase prices and
public offering prices, the names of any such agent, dealer or underwriter, and
any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will
be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement.
The Selling Stockholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of the Shares may be deemed to be underwriters,
and any profit on the sale of the Shares by them and any discounts, commissions
or concessions received by any such underwriters, dealers or agents might be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities
Act.
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<PAGE>
SLA SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following Selling Stockholders are referred to herein as the SLA
Selling Stockholders: Malcolm I. Glazer, Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association, Cargill Financial Services Corporation, TCW Special Credits
Fund II, L.P., Norex America (with respect to certain of its shares), TCW
Special Credits Fund IIb, L.P., The Weyerhaeuser Company Master Pension Trust,
Midelfart & Co. A/S, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, A/S Konsernbygg, The
Network Co. Limited, UNI Storebrand Livsforsikring AS, The Inland Steel
Industries Pension Trust and ISIC Ltd. Each of these Selling Stockholders
(other than Mr. Glazer) entered into the Securities Liquidity Agreement in
connection with the 1990 Restructuring. Mr. Glazer has also subsequently
entered into the Securities Liquidity Agreement with respect to all of his
shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Securities Liquidity Agreement, Zapata
has agreed to pay all of the expenses incident to the preparation and filing of
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part (other than
commissions and discounts of any underwriters, dealers or agents). Zapata has
also agreed to indemnify the SLA Selling Stockholders and any underwriters they
may utilize against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities arising
under the Securities Act. In addition, each SLA Selling Stockholder agreed to
indemnify Zapata against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act, with respect to written information furnished by such SLA
Selling Stockholder to Zapata.
This offering of the Shares by the SLA Selling Stockholders is expected to be
terminated by no later than November 5, 1995, subject to extension in certain
circumstances pursuant to the Securities Liquidity Agreement. The Securities
Liquidity Agreement will terminate on the date ("Termination Date") which is the
later to occur of (i) the date immediately following the date on which Zapata
has no further obligation under the terms of the Securities Liquidity Agreement
to file or keep effective the Registration Statement to which this Prospectus
relates or (ii) the earlier of (a) the date on which there is no person holding
Common Stock registrable pursuant to the Securities Liquidity Agreement who owns
more than 5% of the then outstanding Common Stock or (b) the date on which
Zapata has effected the required number of demand registrations described
below.
The Securities Liquidity Agreement provides that after the termination of the
Registration Statement to which this Prospectus relates, but prior to the
Termination Date, each person holding Common Stock registrable pursuant to the
Securities Liquidity Agreement which owns more than 5% of the then outstanding
Common Stock has the right to request of Zapata one demand registration,
provided that Zapata is not obligated to provide more than five such demand
registrations. The Securities Liquidity Agreement also provides the person
holding Common Stock registrable pursuant to the Securities Liquidity Agreement
with piggyback registration rights for their Common Stock in certain
instances.
Malcolm I. Glazer and his son, Avram A. Glazer, both became members of the
Board of Directors of Zapata in July 1993.
NOREX
Pursuant to the Norex Agreement, Zapata has agreed to pay all of the expenses
in the preparation of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms
a part (other than commissions and discounts, of any underwriters, dealers or
agents). The offering of the Shares by Norex is expected to be terminated by no
later than October 1996, subject to extension in certain circumstances pursuant
to the Norex Agreement. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement among
Zapata and Norex, Zapata has agreed to provide certain demand and piggyback
registration rights to Norex. Such registration rights agreement is not
effective, however, and Norex does not have any rights thereunder, until the
Securities Liquidity Agreement has terminated or is no longer effective. Such
registration rights agreement with Norex will terminate no later than May 1,
1998.
Kristian Siem, chairman of the board and chief executive officer since 1978
of Norex America and its affiliate, Norex Plc, became a member of the Board of
Directors of Zapata in July 1993.
ENERGY INDUSTRIES SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following Selling Stockholders are referred to herein as the "Energy
Industries Selling Stockholders": Peter M. Holt, Benjamin D. Holt, Jr., the S
Stock GST Trust for Benjamin D. Holt III, the S Stock GST Trust for Anne
Holt,
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the S Stock GST Trust for Peter M. Holt, the Holt Corporate Stock Marital
Trust--1985, Holt Corporate Stock Life Trust--1985, and the Peter Holt H-R
Trust. Pursuant to the Merger, Purchase and Sale Agreement with respect to the
acquisition of Energy Industries, Zapata has agreed to pay all of the expenses
in the preparation of the Registration Statement of which the Prospectus is a
part (other than (i) expenses of preparing financial statements relating to
Energy Industries, which shall be paid for by the shareholders of Energy
Industries, and (ii) commissions and discounts of any underwriters, dealers or
agents). Zapata has also agreed to indemnify the Energy Industries Selling
Stockholders and any underwriters they utilize against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. In
addition, each Energy Industries Selling Stockholder has agreed to indemnify
Zapata against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act with respect to written information furnished by such Energy
Industries Selling Stockholder to Zapata. The offering of the Shares by the
Energy Industries Selling Stockholders is expected to be terminated by no later
than October 1996, subject to extension in certain circumstances pursuant to the
Merger, Purchase and Sale Agreement with respect to the Energy Industries
acquisition. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement among Zapata and the
Energy Industries Selling Stockholders, Zapata has agreed to provide certain
demand and piggyback registration rights to the Energy Industries Selling
Stockholders. Such registration rights agreement is not effective, however, and
the Energy Industries Selling Stockholders do not have any rights thereunder,
until the Securities Liquidity Agreement has terminated or is no longer
effective. Such registration rights agreement with the Energy Industries
Selling Stockholders will terminate on May 1, 1998.
Peter M. Holt became a member of the Board of Directors of Zapata in November
1993. He is also the chairman and chief executive officer of Energy Industries,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zapata.
CIMARRON SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The Robert W. Jackson Trust, James C. Jewett and Robert H. Parks, Jr. are
referred to herein as the "Cimarron Selling Stockholders." The offering of the
Shares by the Cimarron Selling Stockholders is expected to be terminated by no
later than October 1996.
Robert W. Jackson is the president and chief executive officer of Cimarron, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Zapata. Robert H. Parks, Jr. is a vice president of
Cimarron.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This Prospectus covers offers from time to time by the Selling
Stockholders of the Shares owned by the Selling Stockholders. Set forth below
are (i) the names of the Selling Stockholders and (ii) the number of shares of
Common Stock held as of the date of this Prospectus by the Selling Stockholders,
which number is also the number of Shares which may be offered by each Selling
Stockholder pursuant to this Prospectus. Any or all of the Shares listed below
may be offered for sale by the Selling Stockholders from time to time. For more
than the last three years, certain of the Selling Stockholders have engaged in
various transactions with the Company in the course of providing financial
support for the Company in connection with the 1990 Restructuring, the
refinancing by Norex, the acquisition of Energy Industries and the acquisition
of Cimarron.
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
OF COMMON STOCK INTERESTS PRIOR
HELD AND OFFERED TO ANY SALES MADE
PURSUANT TO THIS PURSUANT TO THIS
PROSPECTUS PROSPECTUS
---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Malcolm I. Glazer Trust..................... 51,976,923 32.77
Norex America............................... 14,696,124(1) 9.27
Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association................................ 8,045,927 5.07
Cargill Financial Services Corporation...... 7,575,201 4.78
TCW Special Credits Fund II, L.P............ 5,587,943(2) 3.52
Peter M. Holt.............. 4,809,843(3)(4) 3.03
TCW Special Credits Fund IIb, L.P........... 3,940,013(2) 2.48
Benjamin D. Holt, Jr........................ 3,200,486(3) 2.02
Robert W. Jackson Trust..................... 1,902,181(6) 1.20
The Weyerhaeuser Company Master
Pension Trust.............................. 1,717,526(2) 1.08
Midelfart & Co A/S.......................... 1,675,349 1.06
Prosperity Investments, Inc................. 1,300,000(5) *
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.......... 1,296,984 *
A/S Konsernbygg............................. 1,116,899 *
S Stock GST Trust for Benjamin D. Holt III.. 967,008 *
S Stock GST Trust for Anne Holt............. 967,008 *
S Stock GST Trust for Peter M. Holt......... 1,102,389(3) *
Holt Corporate Stock Marital Trust--1985.... 910,447(3) *
The Network Co. Limited..................... 903,878 *
Holt Corporate Stock Life Trust--1985....... 881,078(3) *
UNI Storebrand Livsforsikring AS............ 637,675 *
The Inland Steel Industries Pension Trust... 760,626(2) *
ISIC Ltd.................................... 558,450 *
James C. Jewett............................. 182,149 *
Peter Holt H-R Trust........................ 661,741(3) *
Robert H. Parks, Jr......................... 102,336 *
----------- -----
Total....................................... 117,476,184 74.07
</TABLE>
- ----------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes 300,000 shares of Common Stock issuable on the conversion
of the 3,000 shares of $100 Preference Stock, if and when issued.
(2) Sole voting and investment power over such shares is held by TCW
Special Credits (12,006,108 shares or 7.57% in the aggregate).
(3) Sole voting and investment power over the shares held by the S Stock
Trust GST for Peter M. Holt, the Holt Corporate Stock Martial
Trust--1985, the Holt Corporate Stock Life Trust--1985 and the Peter
Holt H-R Trust is held by Peter M. Holt.
(4) Peter M. Holt also owns an additional 579,800 shares of Common Stock
purchased on the open market which are not subject to this Prospectus.
(5) A private investment company organized under the laws of the British
Virgin Islands, the president of which is also the president of Norex
America.
(6) 150,000 shares of this amount are in trust for Robert W. Jackson's two
minor children. Mr. Jackson also owns an additional 20,000 shares of
Common Stock purchased on the open market which are not subject to this
Prospectus.
24
<PAGE>
Because the Company does not know how many Shares may be sold by the
Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Prospectus, no estimate can be given as to
the number of the Shares that will be held by the Selling Stockholders upon
termination of this offering.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of Zapata consists of 165,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which the $6 Preferred
Stock is the only series outstanding, and 18,000,000 shares of Preference Stock,
of which the $2 Preference Stock is the only series with shares outstanding. As
of February 16, 1994 (assuming the issuance of 300,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable on the conversion of 3,000 shares of $100 Preference Stock, if and when
issued), 158,602,958 shares of Common Stock, 44,943 shares of $6 Preferred Stock
and 2,637 shares of $2 Preference Stock were outstanding. The following
description of the capital stock of Zapata does not purport to be complete and
is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the more complete
descriptions thereof set forth in (i) the Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, (ii) the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the $6
Preferred Stock (iii) the Certificate of Designations of the $100 Convertible
Preference Stock (the "$100 Preference Stock") and (iv) the By-Laws.
COMMON STOCK
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share, voting
with the holders of any other class of stock entitled to vote, without regard to
class, on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders of Zapata, including
the election of directors. All issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock
are fully paid and nonassessable. The Common Stock, including the Shares, is
currently listed on the NYSE.
Subject to the prior and superior rights of the Preferred Stock and
the prior and superior rights, if any, of any series of the Preference Stock,
the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor. So
long as any shares of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock are outstanding,
Zapata may not pay or declare any dividends, whether in cash, stock or
otherwise, or make any distribution on the Common Stock, or purchase or retire
or otherwise acquire for a consideration any shares of Common Stock, unless (a)
all dividends on the Preferred Stock of all series for all past quarterly
dividend periods shall have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment there set apart and the full dividends for the then current quarterly
dividend period have been paid or declared and (b) all dividends on the
Preference Stock of all series for all past dividend periods and the current
quarterly dividend period shall have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient
for the payment thereof set apart if and to the extent that the Certificate of
Incorporation or a designating resolution adopted by the Board of Directors (a
"Designating Resolution") grants such series preferential dividend rights with
respect to the Common Stock. The $2 Preference Stock has such rights that are
prior and superior to the Common Stock only with respect to the then current
quarterly dividend period.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of Zapata, the holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive, pro
rata, any assets of Zapata remaining after payment has been made in full (a) to
the holders of the Preferred Stock of the liquidation price established for such
stock, plus an amount equal to any dividends accrued thereon and unpaid to the
payment date, and (b) to the holders of the Preference Stock of each series of
the liquidation price, if any, established for such series, plus if so provided
in the Certificate of Incorporation or the applicable Designating Resolution, an
amount equal to any dividends accrued thereon and unpaid to the payment date for
which the holders of stock of such series shall have rights that are in such
instances prior and superior to those of the holders of the Common Stock. The
holders of the Preference Stock are entitled to receive only the liquidation
price established therefor prior to such a distribution to the holders of the
Common Stock.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series, consisting of
(i) the $6 Preferred Stock and (ii) such other series as may be established and
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Certificate of
Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to establish and designate any
unissued shares of Preferred Stock as a
25
<PAGE>
new series of such stock with such rights and preferences as are provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation or, to the extent not stated therein, adopted by
resolution of the Board of Directors. If any such Preferred Stock were issued,
it would rank senior to the Common Stock and the Preference Stock with respect
to dividends and liquidation rights and would rank on a parity with each other
share of Preferred Stock.
No dividends may be declared or paid or set apart for payment for the
Preferred Stock of any series unless at the same time a dividend in like
proportion to the accrued and unpaid dividends upon the Preferred Stock of each
other series is declared or paid or set apart for payment, as the case may be,
on Preferred Stock of each other series then outstanding. So long as any shares
of Preferred Stock are outstanding, Zapata may not pay or declare any dividends,
whether in cash, stock or otherwise, or make any distribution on the Common
Stock or any other class of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock in
respect of dividends or distribution of assets upon liquidation, or purchase or
retire or otherwise acquire for a consideration any shares of stock ranking
junior to the Preferred Stock in respect of dividends or assets, unless all
dividends on the Preferred Stock of all series for all past quarterly dividend
periods shall have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment
thereof set apart, and the full dividends thereon for the then current quarterly
dividend period shall have been paid or declared.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the affairs of Zapata, holders of Preferred Stock are entitled
to receive the liquidation price established for such stock, plus an amount
equal to any dividends accrued and unpaid to the payment date, before any
distribution is made to the holders of Preference Stock, Common Stock or any
other class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the outstanding
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or distribution of
assets. The holders of all series of Preferred Stock are entitled to share
ratably, in accordance with the respective amounts payable thereon, in any such
distribution which is not sufficient to pay in full the aggregate of the amounts
payable thereon.
The holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote per share,
voting with the holders of any other class of stock entitled to vote, without
regard to class, on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders of Zapata,
including the election of directors. The holders of Preferred Stock have
special voting rights with respect to certain matters affecting the powers,
preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock of each respective
series.
$6 Preferred Stock
The Company has issued its $6 Preferred Stock, which ranks on a parity
with each other share of Preferred Stock, irrespective of series, and senior to
all Preference Stock and Common Stock. As of the date of this Prospectus,
44,943 shares of $6 Preferred Stock are outstanding. The holders of the $6
Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board
of Directors out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative preferential
dividends at the rate of $9.00 per annum, payable quarterly on January 1, April
1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. All accumulated dividend arrearages have
been paid with respect to the $6 Preferred Stock. In the event of voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Zapata, the holders of the
$6 Preferred Stock are entitled to receive the liquidation price of $100 per
share, plus an amount equal to any dividends accrued and unpaid to the payment
date, before any distribution is made to the holders of Preference Stock, Common
Stock or any other class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the
outstanding Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or
distribution of assets. Zapata may, at its option, redeem the $6 Preferred
Stock in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at a price of $100
per share, plus dividends accrued and unpaid to the date of redemption. Any
redemption of fewer than all of the outstanding shares of $6 Preferred Stock
will be pro rata. No more than 22,500 shares of $6 Preferred Stock may be
redeemed in any one calendar year. The $6 Preferred Stock has no conversion
rights.
PREFERENCE STOCK
The Preference Stock may be issued in one or more series, consisting
of (i) $2 Preference Stock, (ii) $100 Preference Stock and (iii) such other
series as may be established and designated from time to time by the Board of
Directors. The rights and preferences of the $2 Preference Stock and the $100
Preference Stock are fixed and determined by the Certificate of Incorporation.
The Board of Directors is authorized to establish and designate any unissued
shares of Preference Stock as additional shares of any existing series of such
stock or as a new series of such stock with such voting, dividend, redemption,
conversion, liquidation and other provisions as are provided in the
26
<PAGE>
Certificate of Incorporation or, to the extent not stated therein, adopted by
resolution of the Board of Directors. As of the date of this Prospectus, 2,637
shares of $2 Preference Stock were outstanding. No other shares of Preference
Stock are outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus.
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any outstanding
Preferred Stock, the holders of the Preference Stock of each series shall be
entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors, out of any funds legally available therefor. Zapata, at the option
of the Board of Directors, may redeem the Preference Stock of any series, at the
time or times and at the price or prices fixed for such series, upon notice duly
given as hereinafter provided.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of Zapata, holders of Preference Stock are entitled to receive
such rights as may be fixed for the series. The holders of all series of
Preference Stock are entitled to share ratably, in accordance with the
respective amounts payable thereon, in any such distribution which is not
sufficient to pay in full the aggregate of the amounts payable thereon. The
holders of Preference Stock have special voting rights with respect to certain
matters affecting the powers, preferences and privileges of the Preference Stock
of each respective series.
$2 Preference Stock
The $2 Preference Stock ranks senior to Common Stock and junior to
Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. Subject to
the prior and superior rights of the Preferred Stock, the holders of the $2
Preference Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board
of Directors, noncumulative cash dividends payable quarterly on January 1, April
1, July 1 and October 1 at the annual rate of $2.00 per share from funds legally
available therefor. So long as any $2 Preference Stock remains outstanding, no
dividend may be declared or paid upon or set apart for any class of stock or
series thereof ranking junior to the $2 Preference Stock in the payment of
dividends, nor may any shares of any class of stock or series thereof ranking
junior to the $2 Preference Stock in payment of dividends be redeemed or
purchased by Zapata or any subsidiary thereof, nor may any moneys be paid to or
made available for a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of any shares
of any class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the $2 Preference
Stock in payment of dividends, unless in each instance dividends on all
outstanding shares of $2 Preference Stock for the then current quarterly
dividend period have been paid or declared and sufficient funds set aside for
the payment thereof.
No dividend may be declared on any share or shares of any other series
of Preference Stock or any other class of stock or series thereof ranking on a
parity with the $2 Preference Stock in respect of payment of dividends unless
there has been declared on all shares then outstanding of the $2 Preference
Stock, for the same dividend period, or for the dividend period of the $2
Preference Stock terminating within the dividend period of such parity stock,
like proportionate dividends, ratably, in proportion to the $2 Preference Stock
and such parity stock. No shares of any other series of Preference Stock or of
any such other class or series ranking on a parity with the $2 Preference Stock
in respect of payment of dividends may be redeemed or purchased by Zapata or any
subsidiary thereof, nor may any moneys be paid to or made available for a
sinking fund for any such redemption or purchase unless dividends at the fixed
rate for the $2 Preference Stock for the then current dividend period have been
paid or declared and sufficient funds set aside for payment thereof.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of Zapata, after payment of the debts and other liabilities of
Zapata and any preferential amounts due to holders of Preferred Stock, the
holders of the $2 Preference Stock are entitled to receive a liquidation price
of $30 per share before any distribution may be made to the holders of Common
Stock or any other class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the $2
Preference Stock with respect to the distribution of assets.
In addition to their right to vote with the holders of any other class
of stock entitled to vote, without regard to class, on all matters to be voted
on by the stockholders of Zapata, including the election of directors, the
holders of the $2 Preference Stock have special voting rights with respect to
certain matters affecting the powers, preferences and privileges of such stock.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors
constituting the Board of Directors will be increased by two, and the holders of
the $2 Preference Stock will have, in addition to their other voting rights, the
exclusive right, voting separately as one class, to elect two directors to fill
such newly created
27
<PAGE>
directorships if at any time the equivalent of six or more full quarterly
dividends (whether or not consecutive) payable on such stock is in default.
This right remains vested until dividends on the $2 Preference Stock have been
paid for at least four consecutive quarters since the vesting of such right, at
which time it will terminate, subject to revesting.
Each share of the $2 Preference Stock is currently convertible into
10.52 shares of Common Stock upon surrender to the Company's transfer agent by
the holder of the certificates representing the shares to be converted with the
form of written request for conversion duly endorsed thereupon. Zapata is not
required to issue fractional shares in connection with any such conversion but
may make cash payments equal to the market value of such fractional shares.
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any outstanding Preferred Stock,
Zapata has the right, at its option, to redeem at any time all or part of the
shares of the $2 Preference Stock outstanding, upon payment in cash of $80 per
share.
$100 Preference Stock
No shares of $100 Preference Stock are outstanding as of the date of
this Prospectus. A total of $300,000 principal amount of the Senior Convertible
Notes currently are convertible into 3,000 shares of $100 Preference Stock.
Each share of $100 Preference Stock is automatically converted, upon transfer to
a person which is not an affiliate of Norex, into 100 shares of Common Stock,
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. If the
stockholders of Zapata approve an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
to be presented at Zapata's 1994 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which would
sufficiently increase the number of Zapata's authorized shares of Common Stock
to permit the conversion of all of the $100 Preference Stock into Common Stock,
an additional $14,700,000 aggregate principal amount of the Senior Convertible
Notes will become convertible into an additional 147,000 shares of $100
Preference Stock.
The holders of the $100 Preference Stock are entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of Zapata, cumulative cash
dividends payable quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each
year, at the annual rate of $1.00 per share. Dividends on any shares of $100
Preference Stock are cumulative from the date of original issuance and accrue
whether or not earned or declared. All dividends are payable in cash. So long
as any $100 Preference Stock remains outstanding, no dividend may be declared or
paid upon or set apart for any class of stock or series thereof ranking junior
to the $100 Preference Stock in the payment of dividends, nor may any shares of
any class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the $100 Preference Stock
in payment of dividends be redeemed or purchased by Zapata or any subsidiary
thereof, nor may any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for
the redemption or purchase of any shares of any class of stock or series thereof
ranking junior to the $100 Preference Stock in payment of dividends, unless in
each instance dividends on all outstanding shares of $100 Preference Stock for
the then current annual dividend period have been paid, or declared and
sufficient funds set aside for the payment thereof.
No dividend may be declared on any share or shares of any other series
of Preference Stock or of any other class of stock or series thereof ranking on
a parity with the $100 Preference Stock in respect of payment of dividends
unless there has been declared on all shares then outstanding of the $100
Preference Stock, for the same dividend period, or for the dividend period of
the $100 Preference Stock terminating within the dividend period of such parity
stock, like proportionate dividends, ratably, in proportion to the $100
Preference Stock and such parity stock. No shares of any other series of
Preference Stock or of any such other class or series ranking on a parity with
the $100 Preference Stock in respect of payment of dividends may be redeemed or
purchased by Zapata or any subsidiary thereof nor may any moneys be paid to or
made available for a sinking fund for any such redemption or purchase unless
dividends at the rate fixed hereby for the $100 Preference Stock for the then
current dividend period have been paid or declared and sufficient funds set
aside for payment thereof.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the affairs of Zapata, after payment or provision for payment
of the debts and other liabilities of Zapata and any preferential amounts due to
holders of Preferred Stock, the holders of the $100 Preference Stock are
entitled to receive $100 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends
thereon, before any distribution shall be made to the holders of the Common
Stock or any other class of stock or series thereof ranking junior to the $100
Preference Stock with respect to the distribution of assets.
28
<PAGE>
No payment on account of such dissolution, liquidation or winding up
of the affairs of Zapata may be made to the holders of any class or series of
stock ranking on a parity with the $100 Preference Stock in respect to the
distribution of assets, unless there is paid at the same time to the holders of
the $100 Preference Stock like distributive amounts, in proportion to the full
distributive amounts to which they and the holders of such parity stock are
respectively entitled with respect to such preferential distribution.
Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any outstanding
Preferred Stock, Zapata has the right, at its option and by resolution of its
Board of Directors, to redeem at any time after May 1, 1996, all or part of the
shares of $100 Preference Stock outstanding, upon payment in cash in respect of
each share redeemed of $100 plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the
date fixed for redemption.
So long as any shares of $100 Preference Stock are outstanding, Zapata
may not, by amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or by
merger or consolidation or in any other manner authorize or increase any class
of stock ranking prior to the $100 Preference Stock either as to the payment of
dividends or distribution of assets upon liquidation, or authorize or create or
issue any security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such
stock ranking prior to the $100 Preference Stock, or change the preferences,
powers, rights or limitations with respect to the $100 Preference Stock, so as
to affect adversely the rights, powers or preferences of the $100 Preference
Stock, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
$100 Preference Stock at the time outstanding. Except as set forth in the
preceding sentence, the holders of the $100 Preference Stock have no voting
rights.
Shares of the $100 Preference Stock may be converted into Common Stock
under certain circumstances at a conversion rate of 100 shares of Common Stock
per one share of $100 Preference Stock, subject to the availability of
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock for such conversion and subject
to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Zapata from time to time
may increase the conversion rate (i.e., increase the number of shares of Common
Stock exchangeable for one share of $100 Preference Stock) provided certain
conditions are met.
If Zapata consolidates with or merges into any other corporation,
provisions shall be made as part of the terms of such consolidation or merger
whereby each share of the $100 Preference Stock outstanding immediately prior to
such event shall thereafter be convertible into the number of shares of Common
Stock or other securities or property to which a holder of a number of shares of
Common stock deliverable upon conversion of such share of the $100 Preference
Stock would have been entitled upon such consolidation or merger.
Any shares of $100 Preference Stock which have been acquired by Zapata
through redemption or otherwise will assume the status of authorized but
unissued Preference Stock and may not be reissued as shares of the $100
Convertible Preference Stock.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, BY-LAWS AND DELAWARE
LAW
No stockholder of Zapata has any preemptive or preferential right to
purchase or subscribe to any shares of any class of Zapata by reason of his
holding shares of any class. Cumulative voting in the election of directors is
not permitted. The Certificate of Incorporation divides the Board of Directors
of Zapata into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible, with one
class of directors to be elected each year for a term ending with the third
succeeding annual meeting of stockholders. The By-Laws provide that the number
of directors is eight. The By-Laws may be amended by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 80% of Zapata's outstanding voting stock or by the
affirmative vote of seven of the eight members on the Board of Directors.
The Certificate of Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock of Zapata entitled to
vote in elections of directors to approve any of the following transactions
involving Zapata and any entity that beneficially owns at least 5% of Zapata's
voting stock (a "Five Percent Owner"): (i) a merger or consolidation, (ii) any
sale or lease of all or any substantial part of the assets of Zapata or (iii)
any sale or lease to Zapata or any subsidiary thereof of any assets having an
aggregate fair market value of at least $2 million in exchange for voting
securities (or securities convertible into voting securities or options,
warrants or rights to purchase voting securities or securities convertible into
voting securities) of Zapata or any of its subsidiaries. The foregoing
29
<PAGE>
requirements do not apply if the Board of Directors has approved a memorandum of
understanding with respect to such transaction before the time that the Five
Percent Owner acquired his 5% interest or if the transaction is between Zapata
and a subsidiary.
The foregoing provisions respecting transactions with Five Percent
Owners, the classification of directors and voting requirements for an amendment
to the By-Laws may not be amended without the affirmative vote of the holders of
80% of the outstanding voting stock of Zapata. These provisions may deter any
potential unfriendly offers or other efforts to obtain control of Zapata that
are not approved by the Board of Directors and could thereby deprive the
stockholders of opportunities to realize a premium on their stock and could make
the removal of management more difficult. On the other hand, these provisions
may induce any persons seeking control of Zapata or a business combination with
Zapata to negotiate terms acceptable to the Board of Directors.
The By-Laws provide that the affirmative vote of seven of the eight
members of the Board of Directors shall be required in order to: (i) alter,
amend or repeal the By-Laws; (ii) issue or adopt an agreement or plan for the
issuance of, any stock, rights or other securities (including, without
limitation, securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for stock
of Zapata) to the stockholders or any class thereof generally, any term of which
is contingent upon or effective upon the acquisition by any person of any of or
all of Zapata's stock or upon any other action by any person with respect to
such stock; (iii) create any committee of the Board of Directors; (iv) fill any
vacancies on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof created by the
death, resignation or removal of Malcolm Glazer or Avram Glazer; or (v) act to
remove Malcolm Glazer or Avram Glazer from any committee of the Board of
Directors.
In addition, Zapata has an aggregate of approximately 20 million
authorized shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock
unreserved and available for issuance. There are no present arrangements,
understandings or plans regarding the issuance of such stock. Under certain
circumstances, any authorized shares which are not issued or reserved for
issuance could be used to create voting impediments or to frustrate persons
seeking to effect a take over or otherwise gain control of Zapata. Such shares
could be privately placed with purchasers who might side with the Board of
Directors of Zapata in opposing a hostile takeover bid. Furthermore, allowing
for authorized but unissued shares might be considered as having the effect of
discouraging an attempt by another person or entity, through the acquisition of
a substantial number of shares, to acquire control of Zapata with a view to
imposing a merger, sale of all or any part of/Zapata's assets or a similar
transaction, because the issuance of new shares could be used to dilute the
stock ownership of a person or entity seeking to obtain control of Zapata.
The Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of directors of
Zapata (in their capacity as directors but not in their capacity as officers) to
Zapata or its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
Specifically, directors of Zapata will not be personally liable for monetary
damages for breach of a director's fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Zapata or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, which relates to unlawful payments of
dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Zapata is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation law. In general, Section 203 prevents an
"interested stockholder" (defined generally as any person owning, or who is an
affiliate or associate of the corporation and has owned in the preceding three
years, 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock and affiliates
and associates of such person) from engaging in a "business combination" (as
defined) with a Delaware corporation for three years following the date such
person became an interested stockholder unless (i) before such person became an
interested stockholder, the board of directors of the corporation approved
either the business combination or the transaction in which the interested
stockholder became an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the
transaction that resulted in the stockholder's becoming an interest stockholder,
the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock
held by directors who are also officers of the corporation and by employee stock
plans that do not provide employees with the rights to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer); or (iii) on or subsequent to the date such person became an interested
stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of
the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative
vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation not
30
<PAGE>
owned by the interested stockholder. Under Section 203, the restrictions
described above also do not apply to certain business combinations proposed by
an interested stockholder following the announcement or notification of one of
certain extraordinary transactions involving the corporation and a person who
had not been an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who
became an interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of the
corporation's directors.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements and schedules of the
Company at September 30, 1993 and 1992 and for each of the three years in the
period ended September 30, 1993, and the audited consolidated financial
statements of Zapata Gulf Marine Corporation at September 30, 1991 and 1990 and
for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1991 included in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference, have been audited by Arthur Andersen & Co., independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports appearing therein, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
The consolidated financial statements of Tidewater and its
subsidiaries as of March 31, 1993 and 1992 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 1993 included in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, which are incorporated into this Prospectus by reference, have
been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick, independent certified public accountants, and
are included herein in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The estimates of proved reserves of oil and gas and related estimates
of future net revenues and present value thereof as of September 30, 1993, 1992
and 1991 from the reports of Huddleston & Co., Inc., included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, are incorporated into this Prospectus by reference,
and all such information has been so included in reliance on the authority of
such firm as experts regarding the matters contained in their report.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Stock offered
hereby have been passed upon for the Company by Joseph L. von Rosenberg II,
Esq., Associate General Counsel of the Company. Mr. von Rosenberg owns options
to acquire 100,000 shares of Common Stock granted under Zapata's 1990 Stock
Option Plan.
31
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information............................ 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.. 2
Risk Factors..................................... 3
Business......................................... 7
Use of Proceeds.................................. 21
Plan of Distribution and Selling Stockholders.... 21
Description of Capital Stock..................... 25
Experts.......................................... 31
Legal Opinions................................... 31
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The estimated fees and expenses payable in connection with this
offering, all of which are payable by the Company, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.. $ 10,288
Printing and engraving expenses...................... 130,000
Legal fees and expenses.............................. 120,000
Accounting fees and expenses......................... 105,000
Blue sky fees and expenses........................... 3,000
Miscellaneous........................................ 7,000
--------
Total............................................ $375,288
========
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Article V of
Zapata's By-Laws provide, in part, that Zapata shall have power to indemnify
anyone made, or threatened to be made, a party to a threatened, pending or
completed proceeding, whether civil or criminal, administrative or
investigative, because he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the Company. In a suit brought to obtain a judgment by or in the right of the
corporation, the corporation may indemnify for expenses, including attorneys'
fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of the case; in any other type of proceeding, the indemnification may
extend to judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, as well as to
expenses, including attorneys' fees. In a civil proceeding, there can be no
indemnification under the statute, unless it appears that the person seeking
indemnification has acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation; in a
criminal proceeding, the indemnitee must also have had no reasonable cause to
believe that his conduct was unlawful. In addition, Zapata has the power to
purchase and maintain insurance for such persons. The By-Laws and such statute
also provide that the power to indemnify authorized thereby is not exclusive of
any rights granted under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise.
Article Eleven of Zapata's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, provides that no director of Zapata shall be liable to Zapata or any of
its stockholders for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not
in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The foregoing discussion of Zapata's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, By-Laws and Section 145 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its
entirety by each of such documents and such statute.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
The exhibits indicated by an asterisk (*) are incorporated by
reference. The exhibits indicated by a cross (+) were previously filed on a
part of this Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
------- ----------------------
<C> <S>
4(a)* -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Zapata dated January
11, 1971, together with amendments dated February 15, 1972,
April 30, 1981, and July 16, 1987 (Exhibit 19(a) to Zapata's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June
30, 1987 (File No. 1-4219)).
4(b)* -- Amendment dated December 10, 1990, to the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation of Zapata (Exhibit 3(b) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990
(File No. 1-4219)).
4(c)* -- Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of $1
Preference Stock (Exhibit 3(c) to Zapata's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1993 (File No.
1-4219)).
4(d)* -- Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of $100
Preference Stock (Exhibit 3(d) to Zapata's quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1993 (File No.
1-4219)).
4(e)* -- By-Laws of Zapata, as amended effective July 1, 1993. (Exhibit
3(a) to Zapata's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 1993 (File No. 1-4219)).
4(f)* -- Second Amended and Restated Master Restructuring Agreement,
dated as of April 16, 1993 between Zapata and Norex Drilling
Ltd. (Exhibit 12 to Zapata's Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D
dated April 30, 1993).
4(g)* -- First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Master
Restructuring Agreement dated as of May 17, 1993 between Zapata
and Norex Drilling, Ltd. (Exhibit 4(c) to Zapata's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-68034)).
4(h)* -- Second Amendment to Second Amended And Restated Master
Restructuring Agreement dated as of December 17, 1993 between
Zapata and Norex Drilling, Ltd. (Exhibit 4(c) to Zapata's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993
(File No. 1-4219)).
</TABLE>
Certain instruments respecting long-term debt of Zapata and its subsidiaries
have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601. Zapata hereby agrees to
furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4(i)* -- Securities Liquidity Agreement, dated as of December 19, 1990,
by and among Zapata and each of the securities holders parties
thereto (Exhibit 4(b) to Zapata's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-4219)).
5+ -- Opinion of Joseph L. von Rosenberg III, Esq.
23(a) -- Consent of Huddleston & Co., Inc.
23(b) -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.
23(c) -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co. with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Zapata Gulf Marine
Corporation.
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
23(d) -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Tidewater.
24+ -- Powers of attorney.
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and
the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold
at the termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of
II-3
<PAGE>
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE
REGISTRANT CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED,
IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON, STATE OF TEXAS, ON FEBRUARY 18, 1994.
ZAPATA CORPORATION
By: THOMAS H. BOWERSOX
------------------------------
Thomas H. Bowersox
Executive Vice President
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
R. C. LASSITER Chairman and Chief February 18, 1994
- ------------------- Executive Officer (Principal
(R. C. Lassiter) Executive Officer)
MARVIN J. MIGURA Senior Vice President and Chief February 18, 1994
- -------------------- Financial Officer (Principal
(Marvin J. Migura) Financial and Accounting
Officer)
AVRAM A. GLAZER*
MALCOLM I. GLAZER*
B. JOHN MACKIN*
KRISTIAN SIEM* Directors February 18, 1994
JACK T. TROTTER*
DANIEL P. WHITTY*
PETER M. HOLT*
</TABLE>
*By MARVIN J. MIGURA
-----------------------
(Marvin J. Migura,
Attorney-in-Fact)
II-5
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NUMBERED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT PAGES
------ ---------------------- ------------
<C> <S> <C>
4(a)* -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Zapata dated January 11, 1971, together
with amendments dated February 15, 1972,
April 30, 1981, and July 16, 1987 (Exhibit
19(a) to Zapata's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30,
1987 (File No. 1-4219)).
4(b)* -- Amendment dated December 10, 1990, to the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Zapata (Exhibit 3(b) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-4219)).
4(c)* -- Certificate of Designation, Preferences and
Rights of $1 Preference Stock (Exhibit 3(c)
to Zapata's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1993
(File No. 1-4219)).
4(d)* -- Certificate of Designation, Preferences and
Rights of $100 Preference Stock (Exhibit 3(d)
to Zapata's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1993 (File
No. 1-4219)).
4(e)* -- By-Laws of Zapata, as amended effective
July 1, 1993. (Exhibit 3(a) to Zapata's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1993 (File No.
1-4219)).
4(f)* -- Second Amended and Restated Master
Restructuring Agreement, dated as of April
16, 1993 between Zapata and Norex Drilling
Ltd. (Exhibit 12 to Zapata's Amendment No.
3 to Schedule 13D dated April 30, 1993).
4(g)* -- First Amendment to Second Amended and
Restated Master Restructuring Agreement dated
as of May 17, 1993 between Zapata and Norex
Drilling, Ltd. (Exhibit 4(c) to Zapata's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No.
33-68034)).
4(h)* -- Second Amendment to Second Amended And
Restated Master Restructuring Agreement dated
as of December 17, 1993 between Zapata and
Norex Drilling, Ltd. (Exhibit 4(c) to
Zapata's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1993 (File
No. 1-4219)).
</TABLE>
Certain instruments respecting long-term debt of Zapata and its subsidiaries
have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601. Zapata hereby agrees to
furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4(i)* -- Securities Liquidity Agreement, dated as of
December 19, 1990, by and among Zapata and
each of the securities holders parties thereto
(Exhibit 4(b) to Zapata's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1990 (File No. 1-4219)).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <S> <C>
5+ -- Opinion of Joseph L. von Rosenberg III, Esq.
23(a) -- Consent of Huddleston & Co., Inc.
23(b) -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.
23(c) -- Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co. with respect
to the consolidated financial statements of
Zapata Gulf Marine Corporation.
23(d) -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick with respect to
the consolidated financial statements of
Tidewater.
24+ -- Powers of attorney.
</TABLE>
*These exhibits are incorporated by reference.
+Previously filed.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(a)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
------------------------------------------
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement (File No. 33-68034) of our summary
reserve report dated as of October 1, 1993, relating to the oil and gas reserves
of Zapata Exploration Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zapata Corporation,
included in Zapata Corporation's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the year ending
September 30, 1993. We also consent to references to us in such Registration
Statement, including references to us as experts.
HUDDLESTON & CO., INC.
By: /s/ Peter D. Huddleston
---------------------------
Peter D. Huddleston, P.E.
President
Houston, Texas
February 18, 1994
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(b)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
-----------------------------------------
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement (File No. 33-68034) of our reports
dated December 17, 1993, included in Zapata Corporation's Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1993 and to all references to our firm in such Registation
Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
Houston, Texas
February 17, 1994
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(c)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
-----------------------------------------
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement (File No. 33-68034) of our report dated
November 18, 1991, on the consolidated financial statements of Zapata Gulf
Marine Corporation as of September 30, 1991 included in Zapata Corporation's
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1993 and to all references to our
firm in such Registation Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
Houston, Texas
February 17, 1994
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(d)
The Board of Directors
Tidewater Inc.
We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form
S-3 of Zapata Corporation of our report dated May 5, 1993, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31,
1993 and 1992 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended March 31, 1993, which report appears in the September 30, 1993
annual report on Form 10-K of Zapata Corporation. Our report refers to changes
in the methods of accounting for reinsuring of insurance contracts, for income
taxes, and for post-retirement benefits other than pensions prescribed by
statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 113, 109, and 106,
respectively.
KPMG Peat Marwick
New Orleans, Louisiana
February 17, 1994
