Form S-3
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2012

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

(and certain subsidiaries identified in the “Table of Additional Subsidiary Guarantor Registrants” below)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

NEVADA     94-1667468

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

   

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas 75034

(972) 668-8800

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

M. Jay Allison

President and Chief Executive Officer

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas 75034

(972) 668-8800

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copy to:

Jack E. Jacobsen, Esq.

Locke Lord LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200

Dallas, Texas 75201

(214) 740-8000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined by market conditions.

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, as amended (the “Securities Act”), other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ¨


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be
Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price
Per Security

 

Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Shares of Common Stock

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

Shares of Preferred Stock

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

Debt Securities

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

Warrants

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

Units

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

Guarantees of Debt Securities

  (2)   (2)   (2)   (2)

Total

  (1)   (1)   (1)   (1)

 

 

 

(1) There is being registered hereunder an indeterminable number or amount of common stock and preferred stock, principal amount of debt securities, warrants to purchase common stock or debt securities, or units consisting of combinations of any of the foregoing as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices and as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, exchange, exercise or settlement of any securities registered hereunder. In accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee.
(2) Includes certain subsidiaries of Comstock Resources, Inc. identified in the “Table of Additional Subsidiary Guarantor Registrants”, which may be guarantors of some or all of the debt securities registered hereunder and, as such, have been listed as co-registrants for the purpose of providing guarantees, if any. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no registration fee is payable with respect to any such guarantees.

 

 

 

TABLE OF ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR REGISTRANTS

 

Exact Name of Additional Registrant as
Specified in its Charter

 

State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or

Organization

 

I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.

Comstock Oil & Gas, LP

  Nevada   75-2272352

Comstock Oil & Gas-Louisiana, LLC

  Nevada   26-0012430

Comstock Oil & Gas GP, LLC

  Nevada   (not applicable)

Comstock Oil & Gas Investments, LLC

  Nevada   90-0155903

Comstock Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc.

  Nevada   75-2968982

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

DEBT SECURITIES

WARRANTS

UNITS

GUARANTEES OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

 

We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings in one or more classes or series:

 

   

shares of common stock;

   

shares of preferred stock;

   

debt securities;

   

warrants; and/or

   

units consisting of combinations of any of the foregoing.

Our debt securities may be guaranteed by Comstock Oil & Gas, LP, Comstock Oil & Gas-Louisiana, LLC, Comstock Oil & Gas GP, LLC, Comstock Oil & Gas Investments, LLC, or Comstock Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc., each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comstock Resources, Inc.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of these securities. Each time we will offer and sell them, we will provide their specific terms in a supplement to this prospectus. Such prospectus supplement may add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as all documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, carefully before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities, unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

We may offer the securities directly, through agents designated from time to time, to or through underwriters or dealers, or through a combination of these methods. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. For more information on this topic, please see “Plan of Distribution.”

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CRK.”

 

 

Investing in any of our securities involves a high degree of risk. Please see the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page 4 of this prospectus, in the applicable prospectus supplement, and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is November 9, 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      PAGE  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1   

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2   

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

     3   

RISK FACTORS

     4   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     4   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     4   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     5   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     9   

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     16   

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     17   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     17   

LEGAL MATTERS

     19   

EXPERTS

     19   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     19   

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” utilizing what is commonly referred to as a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the securities offered by us in that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information provided in the prospectus supplement. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. The registration statement filed with the SEC includes exhibits that provide more details about the matters discussed in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, the related exhibits filed with the SEC, and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of the securities covered by this prospectus in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and any other document incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of the respective document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Under no circumstances should the delivery of this prospectus to you create any implication that the information contained in this prospectus is correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus.

Unless otherwise indicated, or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “Comstock,” “we,” “us,” and “our” mean Comstock Resources, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries. In this prospectus, we sometimes refer to the shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, and units consisting of combinations of any of the foregoing collectively as the “securities.”

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this prospectus includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are identified by use of terms such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “would,” and similar terms. All statements, other than statements of historical or current facts, included in this prospectus, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding:

 

   

amount and timing of future production of oil and natural gas;

 

   

the availability of exploration and development opportunities;

 

   

amount, nature, and timing of capital expenditures;

 

   

the number of anticipated wells to be drilled after the date hereof;

 

   

our financial or operating results;

 

   

our cash flow and anticipated liquidity;

 

   

operating costs, including lease operating expenses, administrative costs, and other expenses;

 

   

finding and development costs;

 

   

our business strategy; and

 

   

other plans and objectives for future operations.

Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by a number of factors, including, among others:

 

   

the risks described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement;

 

   

the volatility of prices and supply of, and demand for, oil and natural gas;

 

   

the timing and success of our drilling activities;

 

   

the numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil and natural gas reserves and actual future production rates and associated costs;

 

   

our ability to successfully identify, execute, or effectively integrate future acquisitions;

 

   

the usual hazards associated with the oil and natural gas industry, including fires, well blowouts, pipe failure, spills, explosions and other unforeseen hazards;

 

   

our ability to effectively market our oil and natural gas;

 

   

the availability of rigs, equipment, supplies, and personnel;

 

   

our ability to discover or acquire additional reserves;

 

   

our ability to satisfy future capital requirements;

 

   

changes in regulatory requirements;

 

   

general economic conditions, the status of the financial markets, and competitive conditions;

 

   

our ability to retain key members of our senior management and other key employees; and

 

   

hostilities in the Middle East and other sustained military campaigns and acts of terrorism or sabotage that impact the supply of crude oil and natural gas.

 

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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

We originally incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1919 under the name Comstock Tunnel and Drainage Company for the primary purpose of conducting gold and silver mining operations in and around the Comstock Lode in Nevada. In 1983, we reincorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada. In November 1987, we changed our name to Comstock Resources, Inc.

Today, our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CRK,” and we are engaged in the acquisition, development, production, and exploration of oil and natural gas. Our executive offices are located at 5300 Town and Country Boulevard, Suite 500, Frisco, Texas 75034, and our telephone number is (972) 668-8800.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the discussion of risks and uncertainties:

 

   

under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus;

 

   

under this heading or similar headings, such as “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K; and

 

   

in any other place in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement as well as in any document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

See the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties we discuss in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are those we currently believe may materially affect Comstock. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently believe are immaterial, also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus:

 

   

to refinance certain existing indebtedness;

 

   

to finance acquisitions and the development and exploration of our properties; and

 

   

for general corporate purposes.

We may invest funds not required immediately for these purposes in marketable securities and short-term investments. The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and the availability and cost of other funds.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed charges on a consolidated basis for the periods shown. You should read these ratios in connection with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those statements, incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

     Years Ended December 31,      Nine Months Ended
September  30,
 
       2007          2008          2009          2010          2011        2011      2012  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     3.3x         4.4x         —           —           —           1.1x         —     

The ratios were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. “Earnings” consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges less capitalized interest. “Fixed charges” consists of interest expense, capitalized interest expense, preferred stock dividends, and that portion of non-capitalized rental expense deemed to be the equivalent of interest. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The coverage

 

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deficiency was $53.9 million, $37.4 million and $61.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and $57.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. See the “Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratio” that is filed as Exhibit 12.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Our authorized capital stock consists of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.50 per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $10.00 par value per share. At November 2, 2012, we had 48,161,696 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. At that date, we also had options and warrants outstanding to purchase 157,150 shares of our common stock.

The following is a summary of the key terms and provisions of our equity securities. You should refer to the applicable provisions of our restated articles of incorporation, bylaws, the general corporate law of Nevada, and the documents we have incorporated by reference for a complete statement of the terms and rights of our capital stock.

Common Stock

Voting Rights. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred stock pursuant to applicable law or the provision of the certificate of designation creating that series, all voting rights are vested in the holders of shares of common stock. Holders of shares of common stock have no right to cumulate votes in the election of directors, thus, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock can elect all of the members of the board of directors standing for election.

Dividends. Dividends may be paid to the holders of common stock when, as, and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for their payment, subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock, if any. We have never declared a cash dividend on our common stock and intend to continue our policy of using retained earnings for expansion of our business.

Rights upon Liquidation. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally, in proportion to the number of shares of common stock held by them, in any of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of all series of outstanding preferred stock, if any, have received their liquidation preferences in full.

Non-Assessable. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Any additional common stock we offer and issue under this prospectus, and any related prospectus supplement, will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

No Preemptive Rights. Holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive purchase rights in future offerings of our common stock. Although our restated articles of incorporation do not specifically deny preemptive rights, pursuant to the general corporate law of Nevada, our stockholders do not have preemptive rights with respect to shares that are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and our common stock is so registered.

Listing. Our outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “CRK.” Any additional common stock we issue will also be listed on the NYSE and any other exchange on which our common stock will then be traded.

 

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Preferred Stock

Our board of directors can, without approval of our stockholders, issue one or more series of preferred stock and determine the number of shares of each series and the rights, preferences, and limitations of each series. The following description of the terms of the preferred stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of our authorized preferred stock. If we offer preferred stock, a more specific description will be filed with the SEC, and the designations and rights of such preferred stock will be described in a prospectus supplement, including the following terms:

 

   

the series, the number of shares offered, and the liquidation value of the preferred stock;

 

   

the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;

 

   

the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable, and other terms relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred stock;

 

   

the liquidation preference of the preferred stock;

 

   

the voting rights of the preferred stock;

 

   

whether the preferred stock is redeemable, or subject to a sinking fund, and the terms of any such redemption or sinking fund;

 

   

whether the preferred stock is convertible, or exchangeable for any other securities, and the terms of any such conversion or exchange; and

 

   

any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of the preferred stock.

The description of the terms of the preferred stock that will be set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement will not be complete and will be subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the certificate of designation relating to the applicable series of preferred stock. The registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, will include the certificate of designation as an exhibit or incorporate it by reference.

Undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger, or otherwise and to thereby protect the continuity of our management. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. For example, any preferred stock issued may:

 

   

rank prior to our common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preference, or both;

 

   

have full or limited voting rights; and

 

   

be convertible into shares of common stock.

As a result, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may:

 

   

discourage bids for our common stock; or

 

   

otherwise adversely affect the market price of our common stock or any then existing preferred stock.

Any preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Our restated articles of incorporation and amended bylaws and the general corporate law of Nevada include certain provisions which may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control or in our management or encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include a classified board of directors, authorized blank check preferred stock, restrictions on business combinations, and the availability of authorized but unissued common stock. Please see “Preferred Stock” above.

 

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Our bylaws contain provisions dividing the board of directors into classes with only one class standing for election each year. A staggered board of directors makes it more difficult for stockholders to change the majority of the directors and instead promotes a continuity of existing management.

Combinations with Interested Stockholders Statute. Sections 78.411 to 78.444 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (N.R.S.), which apply to any Nevada corporation subject to the reporting requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including us, prohibits an “interested stockholder” from entering into a “combination” with the corporation for two years, unless certain conditions are met. A “combination” includes:

 

   

any merger of the corporation or any subsidiary of the corporation with an “interested stockholder,” or any other entity, whether or not itself an “interested stockholder,” which is, or after and as a result of the merger would be, an affiliate or associate of an “interested stockholder;”

 

   

any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition in one transaction, or a series of transactions, to or with an “interested stockholder” or any affiliate or associate of an “interested stockholder,” of assets of the corporation or any subsidiary:

 

  (i) having an aggregate market value equal to more than 5% of the aggregate market value of the corporation’s assets;

 

  (ii) having an aggregate market value equal to more than 5% of the aggregate market value of all outstanding voting shares of the corporation; or

 

  (iii) representing more than 10% of the earning power or net income, determined on a consolidated basis, of the corporation; or

 

   

the issuance or transfer by the corporation or any subsidiary, of any shares of the corporation or any subsidiary to an “interested stockholder” or any affiliate or associate of an “interested stockholder,” having an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market value of all of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, except under the exercise of warrants or rights to purchase shares offered, or a dividend or distribution paid or made, pro rata to all stockholders of the resident domestic corporation;

 

   

the adoption of any plan, or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the corporation, under any agreement, arrangement or understanding, with the “interested stockholder;” or

 

   

any receipt by an “interested stockholder” or any affiliate or associate of an “interested stockholder,” except proportionately as a stockholder of the corporation, of the benefit of any loan, advance, guarantee, pledge or other financial assistance or any tax credit or other tax advantage provided by or through the corporation.

An “interested stockholder” is a person who is:

 

   

directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation; or

 

   

an affiliate or associate of the corporation, which at any time within two years immediately before the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation.

A corporation to which the Combinations with Interested Stockholders Statute applies may not engage in a “combination” within two years after the interested stockholder acquired its shares, unless (i) the combination or the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder is approved by the board of directors before the person first became an interested stockholder, or (ii)(a) the combination is approved by the board of directors and (b) at or after that time, the combination is approved at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least sixty percent (60%) of the outstanding voting power of the corporation not beneficially owned by the interested

 

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stockholder or the affiliates or associates of the interested stockholder. If this approval is not obtained, the combination may be consummated after the two year period expires if either (i)(a) the combination was approved by the board of directors before such person first became an interested stockholder, (b) the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder was approved by the board of directors before the person first became an interested stockholder, or (c) the combination is approved at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders held no earlier than two years after the date that the person first became an interested stockholder, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of the holders of stock representing a majority of the outstanding voting power of the corporation not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder, or (ii) the aggregate amount of cash and the market value of consideration other than cash to be received by holders of shares of common stock and holders of any other class or series of shares meets the minimum requirements set forth in the statue, and prior to the completion of the combination, except in limited circumstances, the interested stockholder has not become the beneficial owner of additional voting shares of the corporation.

Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute. In addition, Nevada’s “Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute,” prohibits an acquiror, under certain circumstances, from voting shares of a target corporation’s stock after crossing certain threshold ownership percentages, unless the acquiror obtains the approval of the target corporation’s stockholders. Sections 78.378 to 78.3793 of the N.R.S. only apply to Nevada corporations with at least 200 stockholders, including at least 100 record stockholders who are Nevada residents, that do business directly or indirectly in Nevada and whose articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect 10 days following the acquisition of a controlling interest by an acquiror do not prohibit its application.

We do not intend to “do business” in Nevada within the meaning of the Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute. Therefore, we believe it is unlikely that this statute will apply to us. The statute specifies three thresholds:

 

   

at least one-fifth but less than one-third;

 

   

at least one-third but less than a majority; and

 

   

a majority or more, of the outstanding voting power. Once an acquiror crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold (or within ninety days preceding the date thereof) become “control shares” which could be deprived of the right to vote until a majority of the disinterested stockholders restore that right.

 

   

A special stockholders’ meeting may be called at the request of the acquiror to consider the voting rights of the acquiror’s shares. If the acquiror requests a special meeting and gives an undertaking to pay the expenses of said meeting, then the meeting must take place no earlier than 30 days (unless the acquiror requests that the meeting be held sooner) and no more than 50 days (unless the acquiror agrees to a later date) after the delivery by the acquiror to the corporation of an information statement which sets forth the range of voting power that the acquiror has acquired or proposes to acquire and certain other information concerning the acquiror and the proposed control share acquisition.

If no such request for a stockholders’ meeting is made, consideration of the voting rights of the acquiror’s shares must be taken at the next special or annual stockholders’ meeting. If the stockholders fail to restore voting rights to the acquiror, or if the acquiror fails to timely deliver an information statement to the corporation, then the corporation may, if so provided in its articles or bylaws, call certain of the acquiror’s shares for redemption at the average price paid for the control shares by the acquiror.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not currently permit us to redeem an acquiror’s shares under these circumstances. The Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute also provides that in the event the stockholders restore full voting rights to a holder of control shares that owns a majority of the voting stock, then all other stockholders who do not vote in favor of restoring voting rights to the control shares may demand payment for the “fair value” of their shares (which is generally equal to the highest price paid by the acquiror in the transaction subjecting the acquiror to this statute).

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities which may be offered by us from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered by such supplement.

We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion of, or in exchange for, other securities. The debt securities are to be either our senior obligations issued in one or more series and referred to herein as the senior debt securities, or our subordinated obligations issued in one or more series and referred to herein as the subordinated debt securities. The debt securities will be our general obligations. Each series of debt securities will be issued under an indenture agreement between us and an independent third party, usually a bank or trust company, known as a trustee, who will be legally obligated to carry out the terms of the indenture. We may issue the debt securities offered hereby under one or more indentures, as one or as separate series, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement(s).

This summary of certain terms and provisions of the debt securities and indenture is based on the indenture entered into between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. A copy of such indenture, as supplemented, which has been filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. That indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). You should refer to that indenture, as supplemented, for a complete statement of the terms and rights of our debt securities.

General

The indenture may not limit the amount of debt securities which we may issue. We may issue debt securities up to an aggregate principal amount as we may authorize from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt securities being offered, including:

 

   

the title and aggregate principal amount;

 

   

the date(s) when principal is payable;

 

   

the interest rate, if any, and the method for calculating the interest rate;

 

   

the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payments;

 

   

the places where the principal and interest will be payable;

 

   

any mandatory or optional redemption or repurchase terms or prepayment, conversion, sinking fund or exchangeability or convertibility provisions;

 

   

whether such debt securities will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if subordinated debt securities, the subordination provisions and the applicable definition of senior indebtedness;

 

   

additional provisions, if any, relating to the defeasance and covenant defeasance of the debt securities;

 

   

if other than denominations of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000, the denominations the debt securities will be issued in;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities, as discussed below, or certificates;

 

   

any applicable material federal tax consequences;

 

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the dates on which premiums, if any, will be payable;

 

   

our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of such deferral period;

 

   

any paying agents, transfer agents, registrars, or trustees (except as provided for herein);

 

   

any listing on a securities exchange;

 

   

if convertible into common stock or preferred stock, the terms on which such debt securities are convertible;

 

   

the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge, or assignment as security for any series of debt securities of any properties, assets, proceeds, securities, or other collateral, including whether certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act are applicable, and any corresponding changes to provisions of the indenture as then in effect;

 

   

restrictions on the declaration of dividends, if any;

 

   

restrictions on issuing additional debt, if any;

 

   

material limitations or qualifications on the debt securities imposed by the rights of any of our other securities, if any;

 

   

the initial offering price; and

 

   

other specific terms, including covenants and any additions or changes to the events of default provided for with respect to the debt securities.

The terms of the debt securities of any series may differ, and without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of any series, we may reopen a previous series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of such series or establish additional terms of such series, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Non-U.S. Currency

If the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in a currency other than United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”) or if principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of the debt securities is payable in any currency other than U.S. dollars, the specific terms with respect to such debt securities and such foreign currency will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Original Issue Discount Securities

Debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Original issue discount securities may include “zero coupon” securities that do not pay any cash interest for the entire term of the securities. In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount security, the amount payable to the holder thereof upon such acceleration will be determined in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Material federal income tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Under the indenture, we will be required to:

 

   

pay the principal, interest, and any premium on the debt securities when due;

 

   

maintain a place of payment;

 

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deliver a report to the trustee at the end of each fiscal year, reviewing our obligations under the indenture; and

 

   

deposit sufficient funds with any paying agent on or before the due date for any principal, interest, or any premium.

Any additional covenants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Registration, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agent

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be issued in registered form only, without coupons, and such registered securities will be issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, Comstock will pay interest on the debt securities to the persons who are their registered holders at the close of business on a certain date preceding the respective interest payment date. We will not be required to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of any series during a period beginning 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of or an offer to repurchase debt securities of that series or 15 days before an interest payment date.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders must surrender the debt securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. It is expected that The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. will continue to act as paying agent. We may appoint and change any paying agent, registrar or co-registrar without notice. Comstock may act as paying agent, registrar or co-registrar.

Ranking of Debt Securities

The senior debt securities will be our unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of ours. The subordinated debt securities will be obligations of ours and will be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness. The prospectus supplement will describe the subordination provisions and set forth the definition of senior indebtedness applicable to the subordinated debt securities, and will set forth the approximate amount of such senior indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.

Subsidiary Guarantors

One or more of our subsidiaries may fully and unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. These subsidiaries are sometimes referred to in this prospectus as possible subsidiary guarantors. The term “subsidiary guarantors” with respect to a series of debt securities refers to our subsidiaries that guaranty such series of debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will name the subsidiary guarantors, if any, for that series of debt securities and will describe the terms of the guarantee by the subsidiary guarantors.

Global Securities

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository, such as the Depository Trust Company, identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. Global debt securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificates evidencing debt securities, a global debt security may not be transferred except as a whole:

 

   

by the depository to a nominee of such depository;

 

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by a nominee of such depository to such depository or another nominee of such depository; or

 

   

by such depository, or any such nominee to a successor of such depository, or a nominee of such successor.

The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series of global debt securities and certain limitations and restrictions relating to a series of global bearer securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Outstanding Debt Securities

In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities have given any authorization, demand, direction, notice, consent, or waiver under the indenture, the amount of outstanding debt securities will be calculated based on the following:

 

   

the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be that portion of the principal amount thereof that could be declared to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration pursuant to the terms of such original issue discount security as of the date of such determination;

 

   

the principal amount of a debt security denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the date of original issue of such debt security, of the principal amount of such debt security; and

 

   

any debt security owned by us or any obligor on such debt security or any affiliate of us or such other obligor shall be deemed not to be outstanding.

Redemption and Repurchase

The debt securities may be redeemable at our option, may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Conversion and Exchange

The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, preferred stock, or other debt securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms of conversion or exchange may be either mandatory, at the option of the holders, or at our option.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

The indenture generally will permit a consolidation or merger between us and another corporation, if the surviving corporation meets certain limitations and conditions. Subject to those conditions, the indenture may also permit the sale by us of all or substantially all of our property and assets. If this happens, the remaining or acquiring corporation shall assume all of our responsibilities and liabilities under the indenture including the payment of all amounts due on the debt securities and performance of the covenants in the indentures.

We are only permitted to consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or sell all or substantially all of our assets according to the terms and conditions of the indentures, as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The remaining or acquiring corporation will be substituted for us in the indentures with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the indenture. Thereafter, the successor corporation may exercise our rights and powers under any indenture, in our name or in its own name.

 

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Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, an event of default, as defined in the indenture and applicable to debt securities issued under such indenture, typically will occur with respect to the debt securities of any series under the indenture upon:

 

   

default for a period to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement in payment of any interest with respect to any debt security of such series;

 

   

default in payment of principal or any premium with respect to any debt security of such series when due upon maturity, redemption, repurchase at the option of the holder, or otherwise;

 

   

default by us in the performance, or breach, of any other covenant or warranty in the indenture, which shall not have been remedied for a period to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement after notice to us by the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of all series issued under the indenture;

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of Comstock or our subsidiary guarantors; or

 

   

any other event of default that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, including an event of default based on other debt being accelerated, known as a “cross-acceleration.”

No event of default with respect to any particular series of debt securities necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. If the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, the trustee under an indenture may withhold notice of the occurrence of a default with respect to the debt securities to the holders of any series outstanding, except a default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any.

The indenture will provide that if an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities issued thereunder shall have occurred and be continuing, either the relevant trustee or the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately. In the case of original issue discount securities, the trustee may declare as due and payable such lesser amount as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, upon certain conditions, such declaration and its consequences may be rescinded and annulled by the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the debt securities of all series issued under the indenture.

The applicable prospectus supplement will provide the terms pursuant to which an event of default shall result in acceleration of the payment of principal of debt securities.

In the case of a default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee, subject to certain limitations and conditions, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection thereof.

No holder of any of the debt securities of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series:

 

   

have made written request to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee;

 

   

the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within the time period specified in the applicable prospectus supplement after receipt of such notice; and

 

   

the trustee has not within such period received directions inconsistent with such written request by holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series. Such

 

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limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or any accrued and unpaid interest on the debt security on or after the respective due dates expressed in the debt security.

During the existence of an event of default under an indenture, the trustee is required to exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, if an event of default shall occur and be continuing, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to certain provisions concerning the rights of the trustee, the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any power conferred on the trustee with respect to such series.

The indenture provides that the trustee will, within the time period specified in the applicable prospectus supplement after the occurrence of any default, give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default known to it, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided that the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it determines in good faith that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of such holders, except in the case of a default in payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any debt security of such series when due or in the case of any default in the payment of any interest on the debt securities of such series.

We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to compliance with all conditions and covenants under the indenture.

Modification and Waivers

From time to time, when authorized by resolutions of our board of directors and by the trustee, we may, without the consent of the holders of debt securities of any series, amend, waive, or supplement the indenture and the debt securities of such series for certain specified purposes, including, among other things:

 

   

to cure ambiguities, defects, or inconsistencies;

 

   

to provide for the assumption of our obligations to holders of the debt securities of such series in the case of a merger or consolidation;

 

   

to add to our events of default or our covenants or to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the debt securities of such series;

 

   

to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series and any related coupons;

 

   

to add subsidiary guarantors with respect to the debt securities of such series;

 

   

to release any subsidiary guarantor from its obligations under its guarantee in compliance with the terms of the indenture;

 

   

to secure the debt securities of such series;

 

   

to maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder.

Other amendments and modifications of the indenture or the debt securities issued thereunder may be made by the trustee and us with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the

 

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outstanding debt securities of each series affected, with each series voting as a separate class; provided that, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected, no such modification or amendment may:

 

   

reduce the principal amount of, or extend the fixed maturity of the debt securities, or alter or waive any redemption, repurchase, or sinking fund provision of the debt securities;

 

   

reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount securities that would be due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof;

 

   

change the currency in which any debt securities, or any premium or the accrued interest thereon is payable;

 

   

reduce the percentage in principal amount outstanding of debt securities of any series which must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver or consent to take any action under the indenture or the debt securities of such series;

 

   

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

waive a default in payment with respect to the debt securities or any subsidiary guarantee; or

 

   

reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the debt securities.

The holders of a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive compliance by us with certain restrictive provisions of the relevant indenture, including any set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The holders of a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of that series, waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt securities of such series, or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each outstanding debt security of the series affected.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

When we establish a series of debt securities, we may provide that such series is subject to the defeasance and discharge provisions of the indenture. If those provisions are made applicable, we may elect either:

 

   

to terminate and be discharged from all of our obligations with respect to those debt securities subject to some limitations; or

 

   

to be released from our obligations to comply with specified covenants relating to those debt securities, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

To effect that defeasance, or covenant defeasance, we must irrevocably deposit in trust with the relevant trustee an amount which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide money sufficient to make payments on those debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund or similar payments on those debt securities. This deposit may be made in any combination of funds or government obligations. On such a defeasance, we will not be released from certain of our obligations that will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

To establish such a trust, we must deliver to the relevant trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of those debt securities:

 

   

will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance; and

 

   

will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred (and, in

 

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the case of defeasance, such opinion must be based upon a published ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable income tax laws).

If we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities, the amount of deposit with the relevant trustee must be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities at the time of their stated maturity. However, those debt securities may become due and payable prior to their stated maturity, if there is an event of default with respect to a covenant from which we have not been released. In that event, the amount on deposit may not be sufficient to pay all amounts due on the debt securities at the time of the acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

The Initial Trustee

The initial trustee for the debt securities named in the indenture is The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

Regarding the Trustees

The Trust Indenture Act contains limitations on the rights of a trustee, should it become a creditor of ours, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims as security or otherwise. Each trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with us from time to time, provided that, if such trustee becomes subject to any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict upon the occurrence of an event of default under the relevant indenture, or else resign as trustee.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase debt or equity securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

   

the title of such warrants;

 

   

the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

   

the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

 

   

any changes or adjustments to the exercise price;

 

   

the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate, or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities, or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

   

the price at which, and the currency or currencies in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of, such warrants may be purchased;

 

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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 

   

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

   

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

 

   

if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 

   

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

   

if applicable, a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations; and

 

   

any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more debt securities, shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, or warrants or any combination of such securities.

The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the following terms of any units in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

   

the terms of the units and of any of the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, and warrants comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;

 

   

a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and

 

   

a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange of the units.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements in one or more of the following ways from time to time:

 

   

through underwriters or dealers;

 

   

through agents;

 

   

directly to purchasers, including institutional investors and our affiliates;

 

   

through a combination of any such methods of sale; or

 

   

through any other methods described in a prospectus supplement.

Any such underwriter, dealer, or agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities will set forth:

 

   

the offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, or agents;

 

   

the purchase price of the securities and the estimated net proceeds to us from such sales;

 

   

any underwriting discounts, commissions, and other items constituting compensation to underwriters, dealers, or agents;

 

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any initial public offering price, if applicable;

 

   

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers;

 

   

any delayed delivery arrangements;

 

   

in the case of debt securities, the interest rate, maturity, and redemption provisions; and

 

   

any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.

If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

   

at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

   

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

   

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

   

at negotiated prices.

The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise stated in an applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters or dealers to purchase the securities will be subject to certain customary closing conditions and the underwriters or dealers will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any of the securities are purchased. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers may be changed from time to time.

Securities may be sold directly by us, or through agents designated by us, from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus and a prospectus supplement is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any agent selling the securities covered by this prospectus may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act.

If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers, or agents to solicit offers from certain specified institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be subject to any conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts. The underwriters and other persons soliciting such contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or performance of any such contracts.

Underwriters, dealers, and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with us to be indemnified by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments which they may be required to make. The terms and conditions of such indemnification will be described in an applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers, and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

Each class or series of securities will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market, other than the common stock, which is listed on the NYSE. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchange, other than the common stock, but we are not obligated to do so. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any securities.

Certain persons participating in any offering of securities may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities offered in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

 

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In connection with any such offering, the underwriters or agents, as the case may be, may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities; and syndicate short positions involve the sale by the underwriters or agents, as the case may be, of a greater number of securities than they are required to purchase from us, as the case may be, in the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market, and if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. These activities will be described in more detail in the sections entitled “Plan of Distribution” or “Underwriting” in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as applicable, will set forth the anticipated delivery date of the securities being sold at that time.

LEGAL MATTERS

Locke Lord LLP, Dallas, Texas, will issue an opinion for us regarding the legality of the securities offered by this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement. If the securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Certain estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves and related information incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been derived from engineering reports prepared by Lee Keeling & Associates and all such information has been so included on the authority of such firm as an expert regarding the matters contained in its reports.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and therefore we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC. You may read and copy any of the reports, proxy statements, and any other information that we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxies, information statements, and other information regarding registrants, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. We also maintain a website at http://www.comstockresources.com; however, the information contained at this website does not constitute part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. Reports, proxies, information statements, and other information about us may also be inspected at the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

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We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered in this prospectus. This prospectus is part of that registration statement and, as permitted by the SEC’s rules, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information about us and the securities that may be offered, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits that are filed with it. You can review and copy the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules at the addresses listed above.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus certain information we file with the SEC in other documents. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents that we file with the SEC. The information may include documents filed after the date of this prospectus which update and supersede the information you read in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, except to the extent information in those documents is different from the information contained in this prospectus, and all future documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K) until the offering of the securities described herein is terminated:

 

   

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2012;

 

   

Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 4, 2012, August 3, 2012 and November 2, 2012, respectively;

 

   

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2012, March 19, 2012, April 30, 2012, May 1, 2012 (as amended by the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 16, 2012), May 9, 2012, May 31, 2012, June 4, 2012, June 7, 2012, July 30, 2012 (two filings) and October 29, 2012; and

 

   

The description of our common stock, par value $0.50 per share, contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-03262) filed with the SEC on December 6, 1996, pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed modified, superseded, or replaced for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any subsequently filed document that also is, or is deemed to be incorporated, by reference in this prospectus modifies, supersedes, or replaces such statement. Any statement so modified, superseded, or replaced shall not be deemed, except as so modified, superseded, or replaced, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon that person’s written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents). Requests should be directed to:

Comstock Resources, Inc.

Attention: Roland O. Burns, Senior Vice President

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas 75034

Telephone number: (972) 668-8800

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than selling or underwriting discounts and commissions, to be incurred by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby. All fees and expenses set forth below are estimates.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ (1

Printing and engraving expenses

     40,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     50,000   

Trustee fees and expenses

     5,000   

Rating agency fees

     100,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     20,000   

Petroleum consultant fees

     5,000   

Miscellaneous

     5,000   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 225,000 (2) 
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Deferred in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.
(2) Excluding any SEC registration fee.—See Note (1) above.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (N.R.S.) permits a corporation to indemnify any person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a party in a completed, pending, or threatened proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (except an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of being or having been an officer, director, employee, or agent of the corporation or serving in certain capacities at the request of the corporation. Indemnification may include attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement. The person to be indemnified must have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action, such person must have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

With respect to actions by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue, or matter as to which such a person has been finally adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all circumstances the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

Unless indemnification is ordered by a court, the determination to pay indemnification must be made by the stockholders, by a majority vote of a quorum of our board of directors who were not parties to the action, suit, or proceeding, or in certain circumstances by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Section 78.751 of the N.R.S. permits the articles of incorporation or bylaws to provide for payment to an indemnified person of the expenses of defending an action as incurred upon receipt of an undertaking to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the person is not entitled to indemnification.

Section 78.7502 of the N.R.S. also provides that to the extent a director, officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any such action, he or she must be indemnified by the corporation against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense.

 

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Article VI, “Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents,” of our bylaws provides as follows with respect to indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and agents:

“Section 1. To the fullest extent allowed by Nevada law, any director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director’s capacity as a director, except that this Article VI does not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for:

 

  (a) an act or omission which involves intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law; or

 

  (b) the payment of dividends in violation of N.R.S. 78.300.

Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify each director, officer, employee and agent, now or hereafter serving the Corporation, each former director, officer, employee and agent, and each person who may now or hereafter serve or who may have heretofore served at the Corporation’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other business enterprise, and the respective heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives of each of them against all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by, or imposed upon, him in connection with the defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, civil or criminal, against him by reason of his being or having been such director, officer, employee or agent, except in relation to such matters as to which he shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duty. For purposes hereof, the term “expenses” shall include but not be limited to all expenses, costs, attorneys’ fees, judgements (including adjudications other than on the merits), fines, penalties, arbitration awards, costs of arbitration and sums paid out and liabilities actually and reasonably incurred or imposed in connection with any suit, claim, action or proceeding, and any settlement or compromise thereof approved by the Board of Directors as being in the best interests of the Corporation. However, in any case in which there is no disinterested majority of the Board of Directors available, the indemnification shall be made: (1) only if the Corporation shall be advised in writing by counsel that in the opinion of counsel (a) such officer, director, employee or agent was not adjudged or found liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duty as such director, officer, employee or agent or the indemnification provided is only in connection with such matters as to which the person to be indemnified was not so liable, and in the case of settlement or compromise, the same is in the best interests of the Corporation; and (b) indemnification under the circumstances is lawful and falls within the provisions of these Bylaws; and (2) only in such amount as counsel shall advise the Corporation in writing is, in his opinion, proper. In making or refusing to make any payment under this or any other provision of these Bylaws, the Corporation, its directors, officers, employees and agents shall be fully protected if they rely upon the written opinion of counsel selected by, or in the manner designated by, the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board of Directors upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in these Bylaws.

Section 4. The Corporation may indemnify each person, though he is not or was not a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, who served at the request of the Corporation on a committee created by the Board of Directors to consider and report to it in respect of any matter. Any such indemnification may be made under the provisions hereof and shall be subject to the limitations hereof, except that (as indicated) any such committee member need not be nor have been a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation.

Section 5. The provisions hereof shall be applicable to actions, suits or proceedings (including appeals) commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after the adoption hereof.

Section 6. The indemnification provisions herein provided shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested

 

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directors or otherwise, or by law or statute, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Section 7. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and persons described in Section 4 of this Article VI above, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of these Bylaws.”

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description
1.1**   Form of Underwriting Agreement for each of the Securities registered hereby.
3.1   Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation dated May 21, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Comstock’s Registration Statement, on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on October 5, 2009).
3.2   Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Comstock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 10, 2011).
4.1   Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Comstock’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on December 16, 2003).
4.2   Indenture dated October 9, 2009 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for debt securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2009).
4.3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 9, 2009 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2009).
4.4   Second Supplemental Indenture dated April 30, 2010 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 8 3/8 Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2011).
4.5   Third Supplemental Indenture dated March 14, 2011 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2011).
4.6   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 5, 2012, among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 7, 2012).
4.7**   Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock, including specimen certificate.
4.8**   Form of Warrant Agreement covering Common Stock Warrants to be offered hereunder, including Form of Common Stock Warrant attached thereto.
4.9**   Form of Unit Agreement for the Units registered hereby.

 

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Exhibit

Number

   Description
5.1*    Opinion of Locke Lord LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered hereunder.
12.1*    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1*    Consent of Locke Lord LLP (Included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2*    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.3*    Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc.
24.1*    Power of Attorney (Included on the Signature Pages to the Registration Statement).
25.1*    Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of Trustee for the Debt Securities.

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed on Form 8-K.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

  (a) Each 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;

 

  (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 this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective 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), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by Comstock pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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 post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

  (A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

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  (B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; and

 

  (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

  (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of its annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, 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 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Comstock pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 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 appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
By:   /s/ M. JAY ALLISON
  M. Jay Allison
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

   President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director (Principal Executive Officer)   November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   November 9, 2012

/s/ DAVID K. LOCKETT

David K. Lockett

  

Director

  November 9, 2012

/s/ CECIL E. MARTIN, JR.

Cecil E. Martin, Jr.

  

Director

  November 9, 2012

/s/ FREDERIC D. SEWELL

Frederic D. Sewell

  

Director

  November 9, 2012

/s/ DAVID W. SLEDGE

David W. Sledge

   Director   November 9, 2012

/s/ NANCY E. UNDERWOOD

Nancy E. Underwood

   Director   November 9, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS, LP
By:   Comstock Oil and Gas GP, LLC,
general partner
  By:  

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

    M. Jay Allison
    Manager (Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

  

Manager of General Partner

(Principal Executive Officer)

  November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

  

Manager of General Partner

(Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

  November 9, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS – LOUISIANA, LLC
By:  

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

  M. Jay Allison
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

  

President, Chief Executive Officer

and Manager (Principal Executive

Officer)

  November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

  

Senior Vice President, Chief

Financial Officer, Secretary,

Treasurer and Manager (Principal

Financial and Accounting Officer)

  November 9, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS GP, LLC
By:  

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

  M. Jay Allison
 

Manager

(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

  

Manager

(Principal Executive Officer)

  November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

  

Manager

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  November 9, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS INVESTMENTS, LLC
By:  

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

  M. Jay Allison
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

  

President, Chief Executive Officer,

and Manager (Principal Executive

Officer)

  November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

  

Senior Vice President, Chief

Financial Officer and Manager

(Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

  November 9, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on November 9, 2012.

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

  M. Jay Allison
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

M. Jay Allison

  

President, Chief Executive Officer,

Chairman of the Board of

Directors, Director (Principal

Executive Officer)

  November 9, 2012

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

Roland O. Burns

  

Senior Vice President, Chief

Financial Officer, Director

(Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

  November 9, 2012

 

II-11


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description
1.1**   Form of Underwriting Agreement for each of the Securities registered hereby.
3.1   Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation dated May 21, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Comstock’s Registration Statement, on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on October 5, 2009).
3.2   Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Comstock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 10, 2011).
4.1   Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Comstock’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on December 16, 2003).
4.2   Indenture dated October 9, 2009 between Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for debt securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2009).
4.3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 9, 2009 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2009).
4.4   Second Supplemental Indenture dated April 30, 2010 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 8 3/8 Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2011).
4.5   Third Supplemental Indenture dated March 14, 2011 among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2011).
4.6   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 5, 2012, among Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 7, 2012).
4.7**   Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock, including specimen certificate.
4.8**   Form of Warrant Agreement covering Common Stock Warrants to be offered hereunder, including Form of Common Stock Warrant attached thereto.
4.9**   Form of Unit Agreement for the Units registered hereby.
5.1*   Opinion of Locke Lord LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered hereunder.
12.1*   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1*   Consent of Locke Lord LLP (Included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2*   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.3*   Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc.
24.1*   Power of Attorney (Included on the Signature Pages to the Registration Statement).
25.1*   Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of Trustee for the Debt Securities.

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed on Form 8-K.

 

II-12

Opinion of Locke Lord LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered

Exhibit 5.1

OPINION OF LOCKE LORD LLP

 

[Letterhead of Locke Lord LLP]

November 9, 2012

Comstock Resources, Inc.

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, TX 75034

 

  Re: Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Comstock Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and its subsidiary guarantor co-registrants (the “Co-Registrants”), in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed on the date hereof by the Company and the Co-Registrants with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Registration Statement relates to, among other things, the issuance and sale from time to time by the Company, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the following securities: (i) shares of common stock of the Company, $0.50 par value per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) shares of preferred stock of the Company, $10.00 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”), in one or more series; (iii) senior or subordinated debt securities of the Company, in one or more series (the “Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase debt or equity securities of the Company (“Warrants”); (v) units consisting of one or more Warrants, Debt Securities, Guarantees (as defined below), Preferred Stock, Common Stock or any combination of such securities (“Units”); and (vi) guarantees of the Company’s Debt Securities by the Co-Registrants (the “Guarantees”) (items (i) through (vi) above are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities”).

The Debt Securities and the Guarantees will be issued pursuant to (i) the indenture dated October 9, 2009 and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or (ii) an indenture to be entered into by the Company, each of the Co-Registrants, as guarantors, and a financial institution to be named therein, as trustee (the “Trustee”), substantially similar to the indenture dated October 9, 2009 and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement (collectively, the “Indenture”), and as the same may hereafter be supplemented from time to time, among other things at the time of and in connection with the issuance of the Debt Securities and any Guarantees. The Warrants will be issued pursuant to a warrant agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”) by and between the Company and a warrant agent.

In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified, or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of: (i) the Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, each as amended to date and currently in effect, and similar organizational documents for each of the Co-Registrants; (ii) the Registration Statement; (iii) the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”); (iv) the Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), that is filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement; and (v) resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) and the board of directors (or similar governing body) of each Co-Registrant relating to the registration of the Securities and related matters. We have also reviewed such other documents and records of the Company and each Co-Registrant and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and each Co-Registrant and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein.

In rendering the opinions contained herein, we have, with your permission, made the following assumptions: (i) all documents submitted to or reviewed by us, including all amendments and supplements thereto, are accurate and complete and, if not originals, are true, correct, and complete copies of the originals; (ii) the signatures on each of such documents by the parties thereto are genuine; (iii) each individual who signed such documents had the legal capacity to do so; and (iv) all persons who signed such documents on behalf of a business entity were duly authorized to do so. We have assumed that there are no amendments, modifications, or supplements to such documents other than those amendments, modifications, and supplements that are known to us.


Comstock Resources, Inc.

November 9, 2012

Page 2

 

In rendering the opinions expressed in paragraphs 3 through 6 below with respect to the Securities referred to therein, we have additionally assumed that: (i) the Trustee identified in the Indenture will have all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Indenture; (ii) at the time of execution of the Indenture, the execution and delivery thereof and the performance of such obligations will have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the Trustee’s part, and the Indenture will have been duly delivered by it; (iii) at the time of execution of the Indenture, the Indenture will be enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with the terms thereof; (iv) any supplemental indenture to the Indenture and any Board Resolution (as defined in the Indenture) and/or Officer’s Certificate (as defined in the Indenture) executed and delivered pursuant to the Indenture, in any such case, pursuant to which any Debt Securities and Guarantees are issued, will comply with the Indenture as theretofore supplemented, and the form and terms of such Debt Securities and Guarantees will comply with the Indenture as then supplemented (including by such supplemental indenture) and any such Board Resolution and/or Officer’s Certificate; (v) each of the Company and the Co-Registrants is and at all times material hereto will be a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company (as applicable) duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction under which it is currently organized; and (vi) the indenture actually entered into by the Company, the Co-Registrants, and Trustee will not deviate in any material or substantial respect from the Indenture, such that any deviation would alter our opinions contained herein.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and subject also to the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

(1) With respect to any offering of Common Stock (the “Offered Common Stock”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Offered Common Stock has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) if the Offered Common Stock is to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Common Stock will have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of the Offered Common Stock and related matters; (v) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Offered Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, or (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) a certificate or certificates representing the Offered Common Stock are duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed upon consideration therefor, the Offered Common Stock (including any Common Stock duly issued upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any Debt Securities or Preferred Stock), when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, with respect to the Offered Common Stock, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, provided that the consideration therefor is not less than the par value thereof.

(2) With respect to any offering of a series of Preferred Stock (the “Offered Preferred Stock”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Offered Preferred Stock has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) if the Offered Preferred Stock is to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Preferred Stock will have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Offered Preferred Stock and related


Comstock Resources, Inc.

November 9, 2012

Page 3

 

matters, including the adoption of a Certificate of Designation for the Offered Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable provisions of Nevada law (the “Certificate of Designation”); (v) the filing of the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada has duly occurred; (vi) the terms, as well as the terms of the issuance and sale, of the Offered Preferred Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, including the Certificate of Designation relating to the Offered Preferred Stock, and the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, or (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vii) a certificate or certificates representing the Offered Preferred Stock are duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed upon consideration therefor, the Offered Preferred Stock (including any Preferred Stock duly issued upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any Debt Securities), when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, with respect to the Offered Preferred Stock, or any other duly authorized, executed, and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, provided that the consideration therefor is not less than the par value thereof.

(3) With respect to any offering of any series of Debt Securities (the “Offered Debt Securities”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act and the applicable Indenture (as supplemented) has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Offered Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) if the Offered Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, an underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Debt Securities will have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Offered Debt Securities and related matters; (v) the terms, as well as the terms of the issuance and sale, of the Offered Debt Securities have been duly established in conformity with the applicable Indenture (as supplemented) so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, or (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) the Offered Debt Securities are duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Indenture (as supplemented) and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof upon payment of the agreed upon consideration therefor, the Offered Debt Securities (including any Debt Securities duly issued upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any Debt Securities or Preferred Stock), when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable Indenture (as supplemented) and the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed, and delivered valid and binding purchase or agency agreement, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium, or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally, (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity), (c) public policy considerations which may limit the rights of parties to obtain remedies, (d) the waivers of any usury defense contained in the Indenture which may be unenforceable, (e) requirements that a claim with respect to any Offered Debt Securities denominated in a currency, currency unit, or composite currency other than United States dollars (or a judgment denominated other than United States dollars in respect of such claim) be converted into United States dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant to applicable law, and (f) governmental authority to limit, delay, or prohibit the making of payments outside the United States or in foreign currencies, currency units, or composite currencies (collectively, these qualifications and limitations are referred to herein as the “Enforceability Qualifications”).

(4) With respect to any offering of Warrants to be issued under a Warrant Agreement (the “Offered Warrants”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Offered Warrants has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate


Comstock Resources, Inc.

November 9, 2012

Page 4

 

committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Offered Warrants and related matters, (iv) the Warrant Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the warrant agent under the Warrant Agreement; (v) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Offered Warrants have been duly established in conformity with the Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, or (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) the Offered Warrants are duly executed, issued, and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, upon payment (or delivery) of the consideration therefor provided for therein, the Offered Warrants will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Qualifications.

(5) With respect to any offering of Units (the “Offered Units”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Offered Units has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve (A) the issuance and terms of the Offered Units, (B) the issuance and terms of any Warrants which are a component of the Units, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, and the execution and delivery of any related Warrant Agreement, (C) the issuance and terms of any applicable series of Debt Securities which are a component of the Units, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, and the execution and delivery of the applicable Indenture (as supplemented), and (D) the issuance and terms of any Preferred Stock or Common Stock which are a component of the Units, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, (iv) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Offered Units have been duly established in conformity with the Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended and then in effect, or (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (v) all of the parties duly execute and deliver, and in the case of the applicable series of Debt Securities, duly authenticate, (A) the applicable Offered Units, (B) such Warrants and Warrant Agreement, (C) such series of Debt Securities and Indenture (and such Indenture is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act) and any applicable supplemental indenture, and (D) such Preferred Stock and Common Stock, and each such Security is issued, in each case upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for in the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Warrant Agreement, in the case of the Warrants, the applicable Indenture (as supplemented), in the case of any series of Debt Securities, or the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (as amended to such date and then in effect), in the case of such Preferred Stock and Common Stock, such Offered Units will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Qualifications.

(6) With respect to the Guarantees, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement (or term sheet) with respect to the Debt Securities for which the Guarantees relate has been prepared, delivered, and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) the Company and each Co-Registrant, and each of their respective board of directors or similar governing body, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers or managers (as applicable), have taken of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of the Guarantees and the Debt Securities to which they pertain, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (iv) the terms of the issuance of the Guarantees have been duly established in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of each Co-Registrant, each as amended and then in effect, so as not to (A) violate any applicable law, (B) violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of each Co-Registrant, each as amended and then in effect, or (C)


Comstock Resources, Inc.

November 9, 2012

Page 5

 

result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company or any Co-Registrant and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company or any Co-Registrant; (v) the applicable Indenture as then and theretofore supplemented, pursuant to which the Guarantees will be issued, has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act; and (vi) such Debt Securities and such Guarantees are duly executed, issued, and delivered in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture (as supplemented) and the applicable purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement and payment (or delivery) of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Guarantees will be valid and binding obligations of the applicable Co-Registrant, enforceable against such Co-Registrant in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Qualifications.

In rendering the opinions expressed above, we have assumed that, at or prior to the time of the delivery of any such Security, there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of such Security.

With respect to any agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) reviewed by us, that by its terms or otherwise is governed by the law of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Texas, our opinion herein is based solely on our understanding of the plain language of such agreement or instrument and we do not express our opinion with respect to the interpretation, validity, binding nature, or enforceability of any such agreement or instrument, and we do not assume any responsibility with respect to the affect on the opinions or statements set forth herein of any interpretation thereof inconsistent with such understanding.

We do not express any opinion herein with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than the States of Texas and New York, applicable federal law, and the General Corporation Law, Limited Partnership Act and Limited Liability Company Act, in each case of the State of Nevada.

This opinion is intended solely for your benefit. It is not to be quoted, in whole or in part, disclosed, made available to, or relied upon by any other person, firm, or entity without our express prior written consent. This opinion is limited to the specific opinions expressly stated herein, and no other opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the specific opinions expressly stated herein.

This opinion is based upon our knowledge of the law and facts relevant to the transactions herein referenced as of the date hereof. We assume no duty to update or supplement this opinion to reflect any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or to reflect any changes in any law that may hereafter occur or become effective.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ LOCKE LORD LLP

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Exhibit 12.1

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES RATIO

 

     Years Ended December 31,     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007      2008     2009     2010     2011     2011     2012  
     (In thousands, except ratio)  

Fixed charges

               

Interest expense

   $ 32,293       $ 25,336      $ 16,086      $ 29,456      $ 42,688      $ 30,682      $ 45,301   

Capitalized interest expense

     —           2,330        6,618        12,990        13,153        10,019        16,459   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed charges

   $ 32,293       $ 27,666      $ 22,704      $ 42,446      $ 55,841      $ 40,701      $ 61,760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings, as defined

               

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ 74,867       $ 96,828      $ (47,243   $ (24,432   $ (48,096   $ 14,312      $ (40,795

Fixed Charges

     32,293         27,666        22,704        42,446        55,841        40,701        61,760   

Less: capitalized interest

     —           (2,330     (6,618     (12,990     (13,153     (10,019     (16,459
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings, as defined

   $ 107,160       $ 122,164      $ (31,157   $ 5,024      $ (5,408   $ 44,994      $ 4,506   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1)

     3.3x         4.4x        —          —          —          1.1x        —     

(1) The ratios were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. “Earnings” consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges less capitalized interest. “Fixed charges” consists of interest expense, capitalized interest expense, preferred stock dividends, and that portion of non-capitalized rental expense deemed to be the equivalent of interest. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The coverage deficiency was $53.9 million, $37.4 million and $61.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and $57.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

<![CDATA[Consent of Ernst & Young LLP]]>

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Comstock Resources, Inc. for the registration of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, units and guarantees of debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 27, 2012, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Comstock Resources, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Comstock Resources, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

November 9, 2012

Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Comstock Resources, Inc., to our estimates of reserves and value of reserves and to our reports on reserves as of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 incorporated by reference into the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about November 9, 2012 and any subsequent amendments thereto.

/s/ Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

November 9, 2012

Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of Trustee for the Debt Securities

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

¨ CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

  95-3571558

(State of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

700 South Flower Street Suite 500

Los Angeles, California

  90017
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Evelyn T. Furukawa

700 South Flower Street, Suite 500

Los Angeles, California 90017

213.630.6463

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

Comstock Resources, Inc.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   94-1667468

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 


COMSTOCK OIL & GAS, LP

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   75-2272352

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS-LOUISIANA, LLC

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   26-0012430

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS GP, LLC

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   NOT APPLICABLE

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

 

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COMSTOCK OIL & GAS INVESTMENTS, LLC

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   90-0155903

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

COMSTOCK OIL & GAS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   75-2968982

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500

Frisco, Texas

  75034
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Debt Securities

(Title of the Indenture Securities)

 

 

 

 

1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

                        Comptroller of the Currency   
                        United States Department of the Treasury                                Washington, D.C. 20219
                        Federal Reserve Bank                                San Francisco, California 94105
                        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation                                Washington, D.C. 20429

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

3-15. Not applicable.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

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  1. A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-121948 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 333-152875).

 

  2. A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-152875).

 

  3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1 filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-152875).

 

  4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed as Exhibit 25.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-152875).

 

  6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 9th day of November, 2012.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
By:   /s/ Richard Tarnas
Name:   Richard Tarnas
Title:   Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT 6

CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321 (b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and in connection with the proposed issue of Comstock Resources, Inc., The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefore.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
By:   /s/ Richard Tarnas
  Richard Tarnas
  Vice President

Chicago, Illinois

November 9, 2012

 

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EXHIBIT 7

EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

of 400 South Hope Street, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90071

At the close of business September 30, 2012, published in accordance with Federal regulatory authority instructions.

 

     Dollar Amounts
in Thousands
 

ASSETS

  

Cash and balances due from

  

depository institutions:

  

Noninterest-bearing balances
and currency and coin

     752   

Interest-bearing balances

     384   

Securities:

  

Held-to-maturity securities

     0   

Available-for-sale securities

     664,282   

Federal funds sold and securities

  

purchased under agreements to resell:

  

Federal funds sold

     66,500   

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     0   

Loans and lease financing receivables:

  

Loans and leases held for sale

     0   

Loans and leases,
net of unearned income

     0   

LESS: Allowance for loan and
lease losses

     0   

Loans and leases, net of unearned
income and allowance

     0   

Trading assets

     0   

Premises and fixed assets (including

  

capitalized leases)

     6,314   

Other real estate owned

     0   

Investments in unconsolidated

  

subsidiaries and associated

companies

     0   

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

     0   

Intangible assets:

  

Goodwill

     856,313   

Other Intangible Assets

     166,282   

Other assets

     127,866   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,888,693   
  

 

 

 

 

- 6 -


LIABILITIES

  

Deposits:

  

In domestic offices

     535   

Noninterest-bearing

     535   

Interest-bearing

     0   

Not applicable

  

Federal funds purchased and securities

  

sold under agreements to repurchase:

  

Federal funds purchased

     0   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     0   

Trading liabilities

     0   

Other borrowed money:

  

(includes mortgage indebtedness

and obligations under capitalized

leases)

     0   

Not applicable

  

Not applicable

  

Subordinated notes and debentures

     0   

Other liabilities

     230,606   

Total liabilities

     231,141   

Not applicable

  

EQUITY CAPITAL

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0   

Common stock

     1,000   

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

     1,121,520   

Not available

  

Retained earnings

     530,026   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     5,006   

Other equity capital components

     0   

Not available

  

Total bank equity capital

     1,657,552   

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     0   

Total equity capital

     1,657,552   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

       1,888,693   
  

 

 

 

I, Karen Bayz, CFO and Managing Director of the above-named bank do hereby declare that the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Karen Bayz        )        CFO and Managing Director

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

 

Troy Kilpatrick, President    )   
Frank P. Sulzberger, MD    )        Directors (Trustees)
William D. Lindelof, MD    )   

 

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