Free Writing Prospectus
Filed pursuant to Rule 433(d)(1)(ii)
Registration Statement No. 333-142346

 

This draft document was distributed in error to a limited number of persons by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and should be disregarded and not relied upon. The issuer has filed on the EDGAR filing system of the Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary prospectus supplement dated February 11, 2008 (together with the accompanying base prospectus, the “Prospectus”) which supersedes and modifies the information contained in this draft.

 

The issuer has filed a registration statement (including the Prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the Prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the Prospectus if you request it by calling Richard Sesny at J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. toll free at 1-866-430-0686.

Subject to Completion, Dated February 11, 2008

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated April 25, 2007)

 

1,900,000 Shares

 

 

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.

 

Common Stock

We are offering 1,900,000 shares of our common stock.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CRZO.” On February 8, 2008, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $50.19 per share.

 

 

PRICE $      PER SHARE

 

 

 

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 285,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

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

 

The shares of common stock will be ready for delivery in New York, New York on or about February   , 2008.

Joint Bookrunners

          , 2008.

(ART WORK TO COME)

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

Prospectus

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of our common stock. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering of common stock. If the information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. We refer to the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, taken together, as “the prospectus.”

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus made available by us. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume the information appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the cover of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

This prospectus, including the attachments and the documents incorporated by reference herein, contains statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding:

 

 

You generally can identify our forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “budgeted,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “scheduled,” “should,” or other similar words. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those relating to our dependence on our exploratory drilling activities, the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, the need to replace reserves depleted by production, operating risks of oil and natural gas operations, our dependence on our key personnel, factors that affect our ability to manage our growth and achieve our business strategy, risks relating to our limited operating history in certain geographic areas, technological changes, our significant capital requirements, the potential impact of government regulations, litigation, competition, the uncertainty of reserve information and future net revenue estimates, property acquisition risks, availability of equipment, weather, availability of financing, ability to obtain permits, the results of audits and assessments, the results of the final review and analysis of our internal controls as of December 31, 2007 by management and our auditors and other factors detailed in this prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements are described under “Risk Factors” and in other sections of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the documents that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and in our other reports filed with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and, except as required by law, we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement.

										Natural
		Natural								Gas
		Gas				Oil				Equivalent
Primary Operating Area:		(Bcf)				(MBbls)(1)				(Bcfe)(2)				PV-10(3)
														(In Millions)
Barnett Shale, Texas											276.0			$
Gulf Coast Onshore			19.6				680.1				23.7				108.4
Camp Hill, East Texas			—				7,989.3				47.9				225.8
Total											347.6

(1)		Includes natural gas liquids.
(2)		Based upon 6 Mcf per Bbl.
(3)		Please read “— Non-GAAP Financial Measure” for a reconciliation of PV-10 value to standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

										New Wells
										Budgeted
										for Drilling in
Area:		Capital Budget				% of Total				2008
Barnett Shale		$	207.6				69.2	%			[     ]
Other Shales			24.2				8.0	%			[     ]
Gulf Coast			27.2				9.1	%			[     ]
Camp Hill and Other Texas			14.6				4.9	%			[     ]
UK North Sea			17.3				5.8	%			[     ]
Seismic & Other			9.1				3.0	%			[     ]
Total		$	300.0				100.0	%			[     ]

		As of December 31, 2007
		(In Thousands)
Present value of estimated future net revenue before income taxes (discounted 10% per annum) (PV-10 value)		$
Future income taxes (discounted 10% per annum)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows

Common Stock Offered by Us		1,900,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding After the Offering		29,916,129 shares(a)(b)
Use of Proceeds		We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund, in part, our capital expenditure program for 2008, including our drilling and land acquisition programs, and for other corporate purposes. Pending those uses, we intend to use a portion of the net proceeds to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Nasdaq Global Select Market Symbol		“CRZO”
Risk Factors		You should consider carefully the “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement and page 2 of the accompanying prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC before making an investment in our common stock.

(a)		Does not include 285,000 shares that may be sold upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
(b)		Based on shares outstanding as of February 7, 2008. Does not include 761,921 shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options previously issued and outstanding on that date.

 

You should consider carefully the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and in our other filings with the SEC before making a decision whether to invest in our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus may also adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects, as well as the value of an investment in our common stock.

 

We estimate the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but before paying offering expenses, will be approximately $95 million, assuming the 1,900,000 shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are sold in this offering at an offering price of $50.19 per share (the closing price of our common stock on February 8, 2008) (or $110 million assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares). An increase or decrease in the offering price of $1.00 per share would cause the net proceeds from the offering to increase or decrease by $1.9 million (or $2.2 million assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares). We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each change of 100,000 shares in the number of shares we are offering would cause the net proceeds to us from this offering to change by $5 million. We do not expect that a change in the offering price or the number of shares will materially affect our use of the proceeds from this offering, although it may accelerate or delay the time at which we will need to seek additional capital. We expect to use substantially all of these proceeds, and any proceeds from the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, to fund, in part, our capital expenditure program for 2008, including our drilling and land acquisition programs, and for other corporate purposes. Pending those uses, we intend to use a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of the borrowings under our revolving credit facility that matures on May 25, 2010. As of February 8, 2008, $70 million principal amount, bearing interest at a weighted average rate of [     ]%, was outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We originally borrowed this amount to fund our ongoing capital expenditure program.

 

On February 7, 2008, we had 28,016,129 shares of common stock outstanding, beneficially held by approximately 109 holders. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CRZO.”

 

The closing price of our common stock on February 8, 2008 as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $50.19 per share. The following table shows the high and low intraday sales prices of our common stock during 2006, 2007 and the first quarter of 2008 through February 8, 2008.

 

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated February   , 2008, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters named below, for whom RBC Capital Markets Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as representatives, the following respective numbers of shares of common stock:

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares of common stock in the offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.

 

We have granted to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase on a pro rata basis up to 285,000 additional shares at the offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments of common stock.

 

The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock at the offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to selling group members at that price less a selling concession of $      per share. The underwriters and selling group members may allow a discount of $      per share on sales to other broker/dealers. After the offering, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may change the offering price and concession and discount to broker/dealers.

 

The following table summarizes the compensation and estimated expenses we will pay:

 

 

We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a registration statement or amendment to a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, without the prior written consent of RBC Capital Markets Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, except (i) issuances pursuant to the exercise of options outstanding on the date

hereof, (ii) grants of employee stock options and restricted stock and other securities issuances pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date hereof, (iii) issuances pursuant to the exercise of such options, (iv) issuances to our employees under the terms of the employee stock purchase plan in effect on the date hereof, (v) issuances pursuant to our 401(k) plan, (vi) issuances to directors pursuant to the incentive plan in effect on the date hereof, (vii) the filing of registration statements on Form S-8 and amendments thereto in connection with those securities and plans, (viii) the filing of amendments to our currently effective resale shelf registration statement and (ix) the taking any of the foregoing actions in connection with the issuance of shares or other securities in connection with acquisitions and private placements by us.

 

Our executive officers and directors have agreed that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any such transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of RBC Capital Markets Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to (i) any transfer that is a bona fide gift or any transfer to a trust for the benefit of the officer or director or an immediate family member, provided the transferee agrees to be bound in writing by the terms of the agreement, or (ii) any sales or option exercises pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans in effect as of the date of this prospectus.

 

The 60-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the 60-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 60-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the 60-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release of the announcement of the material news or material event.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CRZO.”

 

An affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is a lender under our revolving credit facility. We may use a portion of the proceeds of this offering to repay all of the outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, which was approximately $70 million as of February 8, 2008. Because more than ten percent of the net proceeds of this offering may be paid to affiliates of members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, participating in this offering, the offering will be conducted in accordance with NASD Conduct Rule 2710(h)(2). The underwriters have determined that FINRA does not require the use of a qualified independent underwriter because a bona fide independent market exists. In the ordinary course of business, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided and may in the future provide financial advisory, investment banking and general financing and banking services for us and our affiliates for customary fees.

 

In connection with the offering the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

 

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or otherwise and if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

 

The validity of the issuance of the common stock and certain other legal matters in connection with the issuance of the common stock will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters with respect to the common stock will be passed upon for the underwriters by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas.

 

Our consolidated financial statements (and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration statement, have been audited by Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C.,

independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent indicated in their reports thereon also incorporated by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting have been so incorporated herein by reference in reliance on such reports given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The letter reports of Ryder Scott Company, L.P., Fairchild & Wells, Inc. and LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd., each independent consulting petroleum engineers, and certain information as of December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 with respect to Ryder Scott Company and Fairchild & Wells, Inc. and as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 with respect to LaRoche Petroleum with respect to our oil and gas reserves derived from such reports and certain information with respect to our oil and gas reserves derived from the reports of DeGolyer and MacNaughton as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, independent consulting petroleum engineers, have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus upon the authority of each such firm as experts with respect to such matters covered in such reports and in giving such reports.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these documents at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and our website at http://www.carrizo.cc under “Links-SEC Documents.” Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us can also be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., which are located at 1735 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute part of this prospectus.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of or incorporated by reference into the registration statement.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in this prospectus or a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or superseded the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any information “furnished” but not “filed,” unless we specifically provide that such “furnished” information is to be incorporated by reference) after the effectiveness of this registration statement and until the termination of offerings under this prospectus:

 

 

PROSPECTUS

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.

 

 

We will provide the specific terms of the securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CRZO.”

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 April 25, 2007.

 

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Using this process, we may offer 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 use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement and, if applicable, a pricing supplement that will describe the specific terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement may also add to, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus, the prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement, in addition to the information contained in the documents we refer to under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should assume that the information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement is accurate only as of the date on its cover page and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

 

We are an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil. Our current operations are focused in proven, producing natural gas and oil geologic trends along the onshore Gulf Coast area in Texas and Louisiana, primarily in the Miocene, Wilcox, Frio and Vicksburg trends, and, since mid-2003, in the Barnett Shale area in North Texas. Our other interests include properties in East Texas, the U.K. North Sea, and acreage in shale plays in the Barnett/Woodford in West Texas/New Mexico, Floyd/Neal in Mississippi, the western New Albany in Kentucky/Illinois and the Fayetteville in Arkansas. We also have a coalbed methane investment in the Rocky Mountains. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The term “you” refers to a prospective investor.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Louisiana, Suite 1500, Houston, Texas 77002, and our telephone number at that location is (713) 328-1000. Information contained on our website, http://www.carrizo.net, is not part of this prospectus.

 

An investment in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and other information which may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement as provided under “Where You Can Find More Information,” including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please read “Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on us.

Risks Related to Our Company

 

 

Our success will be largely dependent upon the success of our drilling program. Drilling for natural gas and oil involves numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive natural gas or oil reservoirs will be discovered. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is substantial and uncertain, and drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors beyond our control, including:

 

 

Because we identify the areas desirable for drilling from 3-D seismic data covering large areas, we may not seek to acquire an option or lease rights until after the seismic data is analyzed or until the drilling locations are also identified; in those cases, we may not be permitted to lease, drill or produce natural gas or oil from those locations.

 

Even if drilled, our completed wells may not produce reserves of natural gas or oil that are economically viable or that meet our earlier estimates of economically recoverable reserves. Our overall drilling success rate or our drilling success rate for activity within a particular project area may decline. Unsuccessful drilling activities could result in a significant decline in our production and revenues and materially harm our operations and financial condition by reducing our available cash and resources. Because of the risks and uncertainties of our business, our future performance in exploration and drilling may not be comparable to our historical performance described in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and our filings with the SEC.

 

Our final determination of whether to drill any scheduled or budgeted wells will be dependent on a number of factors, including:

 

 

Although we have identified or budgeted for numerous drilling prospects, we may not be able to lease or drill those prospects within our expected time frame or at all. Wells that are currently part of our capital budget may be based on statistical results of drilling activities in other 3-D project areas that we believe are geologically similar rather than on analysis of seismic or other data in the prospect area, in which case actual drilling and results are likely to vary, possibly materially, from those statistical results. In addition, our drilling schedule may vary from our expectations because of future uncertainties.

 

There are uncertainties inherent in estimating natural gas and oil reserves and their estimated value, including many factors beyond the control of the producer. The reserve data incorporated by reference in this prospectus represents only estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective and inexact process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas and oil that cannot be measured in an exact manner and is based on assumptions that may vary considerably from actual results.

 

Accordingly, reserve estimates may be subject to upward or downward adjustment, and actual production, revenue and expenditures with respect to our reserves likely will vary, possibly materially, from estimates. Additionally, there recently has been increased debate and disagreement over the classification of reserves, with particular focus on proved undeveloped reserves. Changes in interpretations as to classification standards, or disagreements with our interpretations, could cause us to write down these reserves.

 

As of December 31, 2006, approximately 75% of our proved reserves were proved undeveloped and proved nonproducing. Moreover, some of the producing wells included in our reserve reports as of December 31, 2006 had produced for a relatively short period of time as of that date. Because most of our reserve estimates are calculated using volumetric analysis, those estimates are less reliable than estimates based on a lengthy production history. Volumetric analysis involves estimating the volume of a reservoir based on the net feet of pay of the structure and an estimation of the area covered by the structure based on seismic analysis. In addition, realization or recognition of our proved undeveloped reserves will depend on our development schedule and plans. Lack of certainty with respect to development plans for proved undeveloped reserves could cause the discontinuation of the classification of these reserves as proved. Although we have increased our development of the Camp Hill Field in East Texas, we have in the past chosen to delay development of our proved undeveloped reserves in the Camp Hill Field in favor of pursuing shorter-term exploration projects with higher potential rates of return,

adding to our lease position in this field and further evaluating additional economic enhancements for this field’s development.

 

The discounted future net cash flows incorporated by reference in this prospectus are not necessarily the same as the current market value of our estimated natural gas and oil reserves. As required by the SEC, the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves are based on prices and costs as of the date of the estimate. Actual future net cash flows also will be affected by factors such as:

 

 

In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating discounted future net cash flows for reporting requirements in compliance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 may not be the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with us or the natural gas and oil industry in general.

 

In general, the volume of production from natural gas and oil properties declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics. Except to the extent we conduct successful exploration and development activities or acquire properties containing proved reserves, or both, our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced. Our future natural gas and oil production is, therefore, highly dependent on our level of success in finding or acquiring additional reserves. In addition, we are dependent on finding partners for our exploratory activity. To the extent that others in the industry do not have the financial resources or choose not to participate in our exploration activities, we will be adversely affected.

 

Our revenue, profitability, cash flow, future growth and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital, as well as the carrying value of our properties, are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas and oil. Historically, the markets for natural gas and oil prices have been volatile, and those markets are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. It is impossible to predict future natural gas and oil price movements with certainty. Prices for natural gas and oil are subject to wide fluctuation in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for natural gas and oil, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond our control. These factors include:

 

 

 

Declines in natural gas and oil prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity and ability to finance planned capital expenditures and results of operations.

 

We encounter competition from other natural gas and oil companies in all areas of our operations, including the acquisition of exploratory prospects and proven properties. Our competitors include major integrated natural gas and oil companies and numerous independent natural gas and oil companies, individuals and drilling and income programs. Many of our competitors are large, well-established companies that have been engaged in the natural gas and oil business much longer than we have and possess substantially larger operating staffs and greater capital resources than we do. These companies may be able to pay more for exploratory projects and productive natural gas and oil properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, these companies may be able to expend greater resources on the existing and changing technologies that we believe are and will be increasingly important to attaining success in the industry. Such competitors may also be in a better position to secure oilfield services and equipment on a timely basis or on favorable terms. We may not be able to conduct our operations, evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions successfully in this highly competitive environment.

 

The natural gas and oil industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and introductions of new products and services using new technologies. As others use or develop new technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force us to implement those new technologies at substantial cost. In addition, other natural gas and oil companies may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We may not be able to respond to these competitive pressures and implement new technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. If one or more of the technologies we use now or in the future were to become obsolete or if we are unable to use the most advanced commercially available technology, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Natural gas and oil operations are subject to various federal, state and local government regulations that may change from time to time. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits for drilling operations, plug and abandonment bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, unitization and pooling of properties and taxation. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of natural gas and oil wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of natural gas and oil. Other federal, state and local laws and regulations relating primarily to the protection of human health and the environment apply to the development, production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of natural gas and oil, by-products thereof and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with natural gas and

oil operations. In addition, we may be liable for environmental damages caused by previous owners of property we purchase or lease. As a result, we may incur substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities and may be required to incur substantial remediation costs. Further, we or our affiliates hold certain mineral leases in the State of Montana that require coalbed methane drilling permits, the issuance of which has been challenged in pending litigation. We may not be able to obtain new permits in an optimal time period or at all. We also are subject to changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of which cannot be predicted. Compliance with existing, new or modified laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The natural gas and oil business involves operating hazards such as:

 

 

Any of these hazards and risks can result in the loss of hydrocarbons, environmental pollution, personal injury claims and other damage to our properties and the property of others.

 

Offshore operations are subject to a variety of operating risks, such as capsizing, collisions and damage or loss from hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions. These conditions can and have caused substantial damage to facilities and interrupt production. Our operations in the U.K. North Sea are dependent upon the availability, proximity and capacity of pipelines, natural gas gathering systems and processing facilities. Any significant change affecting these infrastructure facilities could materially harm our business. We deliver crude oil and natural gas through gathering systems and pipelines that we do not own. These facilities may be temporarily unavailable due to adverse weather conditions or may not be available to us in the future. As a result, we could incur substantial liabilities or experience reductions in revenue that could reduce or eliminate the funds available for our exploration and development programs and acquisitions, or result in the loss of properties.

 

A substantial portion of our production and reserves is located onshore South Louisiana and Texas. Operations in this area are subject to tropical weather disturbances. Some of these disturbances can be severe enough to cause substantial damage to facilities and possibly interrupt production. For example, a number of our wells in the Gulf Coast were shut in following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. In accordance with customary industry practices, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks.

Losses could occur for uninsured risks or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable or that any particular types of coverage will be available. An event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

We maintain insurance against losses and liabilities in accordance with customary industry practices and in amounts that management believes to be prudent; however, insurance against all operational risks is not available to us. We do not carry business interruption insurance. We may elect not to carry insurance if management believes that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, we cannot insure fully against pollution and environmental risks. The occurrence of an event not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We do not operate all of the properties in which we have an interest. As a result, we have limited ability to exercise influence over, and control the risks associated with, operations of these properties. The failure of an operator of our wells to adequately perform operations, an operator’s breach of the applicable agreements or an operator’s failure to act in ways that are in our best interests could reduce our production and revenues. The success and timing of our drilling and development activities on properties operated by others therefore depend upon a number of factors outside of our control, including the operator’s:

 

 

The marketability of our production depends in part upon the availability, proximity and capacity of natural gas gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities. We generally deliver natural gas through gas gathering systems and gas pipelines that we do not own under interruptible or short-term transportation agreements. Under the interruptible transportation agreements, the transportation of our gas may be interrupted due to capacity constraints on the applicable system, for maintenance or repair of the system, or for other reasons as dictated by the particular agreements. Our ability to produce and market natural gas on a commercial basis could be harmed by any significant change in the cost or availability of such markets, systems or pipelines.

 

In acquiring producing properties, we assess the recoverable reserves, future natural gas and oil prices, operating costs, potential liabilities and other factors relating to the properties. Our assessments are necessarily inexact and their accuracy is inherently uncertain. Our review of a subject property in connection with our acquisition assessment will not reveal all existing or potential problems or permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the property to assess fully its deficiencies and capabilities. We may

not inspect every well, and we may not be able to observe structural and environmental problems even when we do inspect a well. If problems are identified, the seller may be unwilling or unable to provide effective contractual protection against all or part of those problems. Any acquisition of property interests may not be economically successful, and unsuccessful acquisitions may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future results of operations.

 

We depend to a large extent on the services of certain key management personnel, including our executive officers and other key employees, the loss of any of whom could have a material adverse effect on our operations. We have entered into employment agreements with each of S.P. Johnson IV, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul F. Boling, our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, J. Bradley Fisher, our Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory E. Evans, our Vice President of Exploration and Richard H. Smith, our Vice President of Land. We do not maintain key-man life insurance with respect to any of our employees. Our success will be dependent on our ability to continue to employ and retain skilled technical personnel.

 

We have experienced growth in the past primarily through the expansion of our drilling program. Future growth may place strains on our financial, technical, operational and administrative resources and cause us to rely more on project partners and independent contractors, possibly negatively affecting our financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to grow will depend on a number of factors, including:

 

 

We may not be successful in upgrading our technical, operations and administrative resources or in increasing our ability to internally provide certain of the services currently provided by outside sources, and we may not be able to maintain or enter into new relationships with project partners and independent contractors. Our inability to achieve or manage growth may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Because natural gas and oil prices are unstable, we periodically enter into price-risk-management transactions such as swaps, collars, futures and options to reduce our exposure to price declines associated with a portion of our natural gas and oil production and thereby to achieve a more predictable cash flow. The use of these arrangements limits our ability to benefit from increases in the prices of natural gas and oil. Our derivative arrangements may apply to only a portion of our production, thereby providing only partial protection against declines in natural gas and oil prices. These arrangements may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which production is less than expected, our customers fail to purchase contracted quantities of natural gas and oil or a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts natural gas or oil prices.

 

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience substantial capital needs as a result of our active exploration, development and acquisition programs. We expect that additional external financing will be required in the future to fund our growth. We may not be able to obtain additional financing, and financing under existing or new credit facilities may not be available in the future. Even if additional capital becomes available, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. Without additional capital resources, we may be forced to limit or defer our planned natural gas and oil exploration and development program and thereby adversely affect the recoverability and ultimate value of our natural gas and oil properties, in turn negatively affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Due to current industry demands, well service providers and related equipment and personnel are in short supply. This is causing escalating prices, delays in drilling and other exploration activities, the possibility of poor services coupled with potential damage to downhole reservoirs and personnel injuries. Such pressures will likely increase the actual cost of services, extend the time to secure such services and add costs for damages due to any accidents sustained from the overuse of equipment and inexperienced personnel.

 

Over the past few years, increases in commodity prices and proved reserve amounts and the resulting increase in our estimated discounted future net revenue have allowed us to increase our available borrowing amounts. In the future, commodity prices may decline, we may increase our borrowings or our borrowing base may be adjusted downward, thereby reducing our borrowing capacity. Our credit facilities are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our producing natural gas and oil properties and assets, are guaranteed by our subsidiaries CCBM, Inc. and CLLR, Inc. and contain covenants that limit additional borrowings, dividends, the incurrence of liens, investments, sales or pledges of assets, changes in control, repurchases or redemptions for cash of our common stock, speculative commodity transactions and other matters. The credit facilities also require that specified financial ratios be maintained. We may not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing, particularly in view of the restrictions of our credit facilities on our ability to incur additional debt and the fact that substantially all of our assets are currently pledged to secure obligations under the credit

facilities. The restrictions of our credit facilities and our difficulty in obtaining additional debt financing may have adverse consequences on our operations and financial results, including:

 

 

In addition, under the terms of our credit facilities, our borrowing base is subject to redeterminations at least quarterly based in part on prevailing natural gas and oil prices. In the event the amount outstanding exceeds the redetermined borrowing base, we could be forced to repay a portion of our borrowings. We may not have sufficient funds to make any required repayment. If we do not have sufficient funds and are otherwise unable to negotiate renewals of our borrowings or arrange new financing, we may have to sell a portion of our assets.

 

We use the full-cost method of accounting for investments in natural gas and oil properties. Accordingly, we capitalize all the direct costs of acquiring, exploring for and developing natural gas and oil properties. Under the full-cost accounting rules, the net capitalized cost of natural gas and oil properties may not exceed a “ceiling limit” that is based on the present value of estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, discounted at 10%, plus the lower of the cost or the fair market value of unproved properties. If net capitalized costs of natural gas and oil properties exceed the ceiling limit, we must charge the amount of the excess to operations through depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. This charge is called a “ceiling limitation write-down.” This charge does not impact cash flow from operating activities but does reduce our shareholders’ equity. The risk that we will be required to write down the carrying value of our natural gas and oil properties increases when natural gas and oil prices are low or volatile. In addition, write-downs would occur if we were to experience sufficient downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves or the present value of estimated future net revenues, as further discussed above in “Our reserve data and estimated discounted future net cash flows are estimates based on assumptions that may be inaccurate and are based on existing economic and operating conditions that may change in the future.” Once incurred, a write-down of natural gas and oil properties is not reversible at a later date.

 

We may own less than 100% of the working interest in certain leases acquired by us, and other parties will own the remaining portion of the working interest. Financial risks are inherent in any operation where the cost of drilling, equipping, completing and operating wells is shared by more than one person. We could be held liable for the joint activity obligations of the other working interest owners such as nonpayment of costs and liabilities arising from the actions of the working interest owners. In the event other working interest owners do not pay their share of such costs, we would likely have to pay those costs, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition.

 

We purchase working and revenue interests in the natural gas and oil leasehold interests upon which we will perform our exploration activities from third parties or directly from the mineral fee owners. The existence of a material title deficiency can render a lease worthless and can adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Title insurance covering mineral leaseholds is not generally available and, in all instances, we forego the expense of retaining lawyers to examine the title to the mineral interest to be placed under lease or already placed under lease until the drilling block is assembled and ready to be drilled. As is customary in our industry, we rely upon the judgment of natural gas and oil lease brokers or independent landmen who perform the field work in examining records in the appropriate governmental offices and abstract facilities before attempting to acquire or place under lease a specific mineral interest. We, in some cases, perform curative work to correct deficiencies in the marketability of the title to us. The work might include obtaining affidavits of heirship or causing an estate to be administered. In cases involving more serious title problems, the amount paid for affected natural gas and oil leases can be generally lost, and the target area can become undrillable.

 

We currently have international activities and we continue to evaluate and pursue new opportunities for international expansion in select areas. Ownership of property interests and production operations in areas outside the United States is subject to the various risks inherent in foreign operations. These risks may include:

 

 

Our international operations also may be adversely affected by the laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade, taxation and investment. In addition, if a dispute arises with respect to our foreign operations, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States.

 

We cannot assess the extent of either the threat or the potential impact of future terrorist attacks on the energy industry in general, and on us in particular, either in the short-term or in the long-term. Uncertainty surrounding such hostilities may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, including the possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines and gathering systems, production facilities, processing plants and refineries, could be targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror or war.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

 

The trading price of our common stock and the price at which we may sell common stock in the future are subject to large fluctuations in response to any of the following:

 

 

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock in the past and do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any earnings for the future operation and development of our business, including exploration, development and acquisition activities. Any future dividend payments will be restricted by the terms of our credit facilities.

 

Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to set the terms of and issue preferred stock without shareholder approval. Our board of directors could use the preferred stock as a means to delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in our best interest. In addition, our credit facilities contain terms that may restrict our ability to enter into change of control transactions, including requirements to repay our credit facilities on a change in control. These provisions, along with specified provisions of the Texas Business Corporation Act and our articles of incorporation and bylaws, may discourage or impede transactions involving actual or potential changes in our control, including transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices to holders of our common stock.

 

This prospectus covers the issuance by us of a substantial number of shares of our common stock. In addition, other investors may sell substantial number of shares of our common stock, as described in other filings under the Securities Act. These shares previously were not freely tradeable in the market. Our stock price may decrease due to the additional amount of shares available in the market.

Risks Related to Debt Securities

 

 

Holders of our secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of the subsidiary guarantors will have claims that are prior to the claims of holders of senior debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing that other indebtedness. Notably, we are party to two credit facilities, which are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by our subsidiaries CCBM, Inc. and CLLR, Inc. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to that secured indebtedness. In the event of any distribution or payment of our assets in any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding, holders of secured indebtedness will have prior claim to our assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of the senior debt securities will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as the senior debt securities, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the senior debt securities. As a result, holders of senior debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness.

 

We currently conduct our coalbed methane operations and hold interests in Pinnacle Gas Resources, Inc. through our wholly-owned subsidiary CCBM, Inc. We also hold a large portion of our interests in the Barnett Shale area in North Texas through our other wholly owned subsidiary, CLLR, Inc. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries that we use to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the debt securities. In addition, holders of the debt securities will have a junior position to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors and tort claimants, of our subsidiaries to the extent that our subsidiaries do not guarantee such debt securities.

 

If any of our subsidiaries is not a guarantor of the debt securities and declares bankruptcy, liquidates or reorganizes, holders of such subsidiary’s indebtedness and its trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of the subsidiary before any assets are made available for distribution to us.

 

Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be voided or claims in respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of the applicable guarantor if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the incurrence of such guarantee and either:

 

 

In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to the guarantor or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the guarantor.

 

The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if, at the relevant time, the sum of its debts and other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the sum of its assets at a fair valuation, and a guarantor that was generally not then paying its debts as they became due would be presumed to be insolvent.

 

If we incur additional debt that ranks equally with the debt securities, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the debt securities in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency liquidation, reorganization, dissolution and other winding-up of us. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to holders of debt securities.

 

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You generally can identify our forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “budgeted,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “scheduled,” “should,” “will” or other similar words. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding:

 

 

More specifically, our forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to our schedule, targets, estimates or results of future drilling, including the number, timing and results of wells, budgeted wells, increases in wells, the timing and risk involved in drilling follow-up wells, expected working or net revenue interests, planned expenditures, prospects budgeted and other future capital expenditures, risk profile of oil and gas exploration, acquisition of 3-D seismic data (including number, timing and size of projects), planned evaluation of prospects, probability of prospects having oil and natural gas, expected production or reserves, increases in reserves, acreage, working capital requirements, hedging activities, the ability of expected sources of liquidity to implement our business strategy, future hiring, future exploration activity, production rates, potential drilling locations targeting coal seams, the outcome of legal challenges to new coalbed methane drilling permits in Montana, financing for our 2007 exploration and development program, all and any other statements regarding future operations, financial results, business plans and cash needs and other statements that are not historical facts.

 

Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those relating to our dependence on our exploratory drilling activities, the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, the need to replace reserves depleted by production, operating risks of oil and natural gas operations, our dependence on our key personnel, factors that affect our ability to manage our growth and achieve our business strategy, risks relating to our limited operating history, technological changes, our significant capital requirements, the potential impact of government regulations, adverse regulatory determinations, including those related to coalbed methane drilling in Montana, litigation, competition, the uncertainty of reserve information and future net revenue estimates, property acquisition risks, industry partner issues, availability of equipment, weather and other factors detailed herein and in our other filings with the SEC.

 

We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that

assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.

 

Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements are described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement and in the “Risk Factors” and other sections of the documents that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other reports filed with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement.

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including:

 

 

Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of other short-term indebtedness.

 

The following table presents our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges and historical ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2006.

 

 

For purposes of this table, “earnings” consist of income before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting changes, plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest, but including amortization of amounts previously capitalized). “Fixed charges” consist of interest (including capitalized interest) on all debt, amortization of debt discounts and expenses incurred on issuance, and an estimate of the interest within rental expense.

 

Our debt securities covered by this prospectus will be our general unsecured obligations. We will issue senior debt securities on a senior unsecured basis under one or more separate indentures between us, one or both of our subsidiaries CCBM, Inc. and CLLR, Inc., if they are guarantors (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), and a trustee that we will name in the prospectus supplement. We refer to any such indenture as a senior indenture. We will issue subordinated debt securities under one or more separate indentures between us, the Subsidiary Guarantors, if applicable, and a trustee that we will name in the prospectus supplement. We refer to any such indenture as a subordinated indenture. We refer to the senior indentures and the subordinated indentures collectively as the indentures. The indentures will be substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination. The senior debt securities will constitute senior debt and will rank equally with all of our unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to, and thus have a junior position to, our senior debt (as defined with respect to the series of subordinated debt securities) and may rank equally with or senior or junior to our other subordinated debt that may be outstanding from time to time.

We have summarized material provisions of the indentures, the debt securities and the guarantees below. This summary is not complete. We have filed the form of senior indenture and the form of subordinated indenture with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement, and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

In this summary description of the debt securities, unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all references to “us” or “we” mean Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. only.

Provisions applicable to each indenture

 

General.  The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued under that indenture, and do not limit the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the indentures from time to time in one or more series, each in an amount authorized prior to issuance. The indentures also give us the ability to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.

 

The indentures do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change of control. The indentures also do not contain provisions that give holders the right to require us to repurchase their securities in the event of a decline in our credit ratings for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

 

Terms.  The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

 

 

We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations.

 

If we sell any of the debt securities for any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.  The indentures generally permit a consolidation or merger between us or any Subsidiary Guarantor and another entity. They also permit any Subsidiary Guarantor or us to sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. We and any Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed, however, that we will not consolidate with or merge into any entity or sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to any entity unless:

 

 

Upon any such consolidation or merger in which we are not the continuing entity or any such asset sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or disposition involving us, the resulting entity or transferee will be substituted for us under the applicable indenture and debt securities. In the case of an asset sale, conveyance, transfer or disposition other than a lease, we will be released from the applicable indenture.

 

Events of Default.  Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default with respect to a series of debt securities:

 

 

 

A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be a default under another series. The indentures provide that the trustee generally must mail notice of a default or event of default of which it has actual knowledge to the registered holders of the applicable debt securities within 90 days of occurrence. However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any default or event of default (except in any payment on the debt securities) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the debt securities to do so.

 

If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal of and interest on all the debt securities issued under the applicable indenture will become immediately due and payable without any action on the part of the trustee or any holder. If any other event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases, 25% in principal amount of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may declare the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on those debt securities immediately due and payable. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the event of default (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may in some cases rescind this accelerated payment requirement.

 

A holder of a debt security of any series issued under an indenture may pursue any remedy under that indenture only if:

 

 

In most cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series (or of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may direct the time, method and place of:

 

 

The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any such direction that conflicts with law or the indentures, is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other holders of the debt securities, or would involve the trustee in personal liability. In addition, prior to acting at the direction of holders, the trustee will be entitled to be indemnified by those holders against any loss and expenses caused thereby.

 

The indentures require us to file each year with the trustee a written statement as to our compliance with the covenants contained in the applicable indenture.

 

Modification and Waiver.  Each indenture may be amended or supplemented if the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under that indenture that are affected by the amendment or supplement (acting as one class) consent to it. Without the consent of the holder of each debt security issued under the indenture and affected, however, no modification to that indenture may:

 

 

Each indenture may be amended or supplemented or any provision of that indenture may be waived without the consent of any holders of debt securities issued under that indenture in certain circumstances, including:

 

 

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may waive any existing or past default or event of default with respect to those debt securities. Those holders may not, however, waive any default or event of default in any payment on any debt security or compliance with a provision that cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each holder affected.

 

Defeasance.  When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under an indenture. If any combination of funds or government securities are deposited with the trustee under an indenture sufficient to make payments on the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

 

 

If a series of debt securities is defeased, the holders of the debt securities of the series affected will not be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In the case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities and, if applicable, a Subsidiary Guarantor’s guarantee of the payments, will also survive.

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal

defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

 

Governing Law.  New York law will govern the indentures, the debt securities and the guarantees.

 

Trustee.  If an event of default occurs under an indenture and is continuing, the trustee under that indenture will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of that person’s own affairs. The trustee will become obligated to exercise any of its powers under that indenture at the request of any of the holders of any debt securities issued under that indenture only after those holders have offered the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it.

 

Each indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, if it becomes our creditor or, if applicable, a creditor of any Subsidiary Guarantor, to obtain payment of claims or to realize on certain property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with us or, if applicable, any Subsidiary Guarantor. If, however, it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate that conflict or resign within 90 days after ascertaining that it has a conflicting interest and after the occurrence of a default under the applicable indenture, unless the default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated within the 90-day period.

 

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer.  The debt securities will be issued in registered form, without interest coupons. There will be no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities. However, payment of any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable for that registration may be required.

 

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, the same total principal amount and the same terms but in different authorized denominations in accordance with the applicable indenture. Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent we designate. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange if its requirements and the requirements of the applicable indenture are met.

 

The trustee will be appointed as security registrar for the debt securities. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents we initially designate, we may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We are required to maintain an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

 

In the case of any redemption, we will not be required to register the transfer or exchange of:

 

 

Payment and Paying Agent.  Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, payments on the debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars at the office of the trustee and any paying agent. At our option, however, payments may be made by wire transfer for global debt securities or by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the security register. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, interest payments will be made to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as the paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

 

If the principal of or any premium or interest on debt securities of a series is payable on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the next succeeding business day as if made on the date that the payment was due and no interest will accrue on that payment for the period from and after the due date to the date of that payment on the next succeeding business date. For these purposes, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, a “business day” is any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in any of New York, New York or Houston, Texas or a place of payment on the debt securities of that series is authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

 

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date upon which that payment has become due. After payment to us, holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

 

Notices.  Any notice required by the indentures to be provided to holders of the debt securities will be given by mail to the registered holders at the addresses as they appear in the security register.

 

Replacement of Debt Securities.  We will replace any debt securities that become mutilated, destroyed, stolen or lost at the expense of the holder upon delivery to the trustee of the mutilated debt securities or evidence of the loss, theft or destruction satisfactory to us and the trustee. In the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed debt security, indemnity satisfactory to the trustee and us may be required at the expense of the holder of the debt securities before a replacement debt security will be issued.

 

Book-Entry Debt Securities.  The debt securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or more global debt securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement. Global debt securities may be issued in either temporary or permanent form. We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security.

Provisions applicable solely to subordinated debt securities

 

Subordination.  Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities will generally be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, as described below. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we may not make any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities if we fail to pay the principal, interest, premium or any other amounts on any Senior Debt when due.

 

The subordination does not affect our obligation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay, when due, the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities. In addition, the subordination does not prevent the occurrence of any default under the subordinated indenture.

 

The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of Senior Debt that we may incur. As a result of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, if we become insolvent, holders of subordinated debt securities may receive less on a proportionate basis than other creditors.

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, “Senior Debt” will mean all debt, including guarantees, of ours, unless the debt states that it is not senior to the subordinated debt

securities or our other junior debt. Senior Debt with respect to a series of subordinated debt securities could include other series of debt securities issued under a subordinated indenture.

Guarantee

 

The Subsidiary Guarantors may fully and unconditionally guarantee on an unsecured basis the full and prompt payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities issued by us when and as the payment becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or otherwise. The guarantee provides that in the event of a default in the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on a debt security, the holder of that debt security may institute legal proceedings directly against the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor to enforce the guarantee without first proceeding against us. If senior debt securities are so guaranteed, the guarantee will rank equally with all of the Subsidiary Guarantor’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding and senior to any subordinated debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor. If subordinated debt securities are so guaranteed, the guarantee will be subordinated to all of our Subsidiary Guarantor’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding.

 

The obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under the guarantee will be limited to the maximum amount that will not result in the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantor under the guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law, after giving effect to any other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

The guarantee may be released under certain circumstances. If we exercise our legal or covenant defeasance option with respect to debt securities of a particular series as described below in “— Defeasance and Discharge,” then any Subsidiary Guarantor will be released with respect to that series. Further, if no default has occurred and is continuing under the indentures, and to the extent not otherwise prohibited by the indentures, any Subsidiary Guarantor will be unconditionally released and discharged from the guarantee:

 

 

The description of our capital stock in this section is a summary and is not intended to be complete. For a complete description of our capital stock, please read our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, which have been filed with the SEC.

General

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of (1) 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (2) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Approximately 26,001,692 shares of our common stock and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding as of April 13, 2007.

Common Stock

 

The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which shareholders are permitted to vote. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for our securities, and our common stock is not convertible or subject to redemption by us.

 

Subject to the rights of the holders of any class of our capital stock having any preference or priority over our common stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends in such amounts as may be declared by our board of directors from time to time out of funds legally available for such payments and, if we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, to a ratable share of any distribution to shareholders, after satisfaction of all our liabilities and the prior rights of any outstanding class of our preferred stock.

 

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CRZO.”

Preferred Stock

 

Our board of directors has the authority, without shareholder approval, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series, and to fix the number and terms of each such series. We have no present plan to issue shares of preferred stock.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock we are offering will include specific terms relating to the offering and the name of any transfer agent for that series. We will file the form of the preferred stock with the SEC before we issue any of it, and you should read it for provisions that may be important to you. The prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following terms:

 

 

 

The issuance of shares of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock, discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal or make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of the Company. For instance, the issuance of a series of preferred stock might impede a business combination by including class voting rights that would enable the holder to block such a transaction or facilitate a business combination by including voting rights that would provide a required percentage vote of the shareholders. Although our board of directors is required to make any determination to issue preferred stock based on its judgment as to the best interests of our shareholders, the board could act in a manner that would discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some of the shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then market price of the stock. Our board of directors does not presently intend to seek shareholder approval prior to any issuance of currently authorized stock unless otherwise required by law or the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Special Meetings

 

Our articles of incorporation provide that special meetings of our shareholders may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors, our president, a majority of our board of directors or by shareholders holding not less than 50% of our outstanding voting stock.

Voting

 

Our common stock does not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the total votes entitled to vote in an election of directors will be able to elect all of the directors.

 

Our articles of incorporation or Texas law requires the affirmative vote of holders of:

 

 

Our bylaws provide that shareholders who wish to nominate directors or to bring business before a shareholders’ meeting must notify us and provide pertinent information at least 80 days before the meeting date, or within 10 days after public announcement pursuant to our bylaws of the meeting date, if the meeting date has not been publicly announced at least 90 days in advance.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that no director may be removed from office except for cause and upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of our directors. The following events constitute “cause”:

 

Business Combination Law

 

We are subject to Part Thirteen (the “Business Combination Law”) of the Texas Business Corporation Act. In general, the Business Combination Law prevents an “affiliated shareholder” or its affiliates or associates from entering into or engaging in a “business combination” with an “issuing public corporation” during the three-year period immediately following the affiliated shareholder’s acquisition of shares unless:

 

 

For the purposes of the Business Combination Law, an “affiliated shareholder” is defined generally as a person who is or was within the preceding three-year period the beneficial owner of 20% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting shares. A “business combination” is defined generally to include:

 

 

An “issuing public corporation” is defined generally as a Texas corporation with 100 or more shareholders, any voting shares registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any voting shares qualified for trading in a national market system.

 

The Business Combination Law does not apply to a business combination of an issuing public corporation that elects not be governed thereby through either its original articles of incorporation or

bylaws or by an amendment thereof. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not so provide, nor do we currently intend to make any such amendments.

 

In discharging the duties of a director under Texas law, a director, in considering the best interests of the Company, may consider the long-term as well as the short-term interests of the Company and our shareholders, including the possibility that those interests may be best served by our continued independence.

Limitation of Director Liability and Indemnification Arrangements

 

Our articles of incorporation contain a provision that limits the liability of our directors as permitted by the Texas Business Corporation Act. The provision eliminates the personal liability of a director to us and our shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director’s capacity as a director. The provision does not change the liability of a director for breach of his duty of loyalty to us or to our shareholders, for an act or omission not in good faith that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, for an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by an applicable statute, or in respect of any transaction from which a director received an improper personal benefit. Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, the liability of directors will be further limited or eliminated without action by shareholders if Texas law is amended to further limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors.

 

Our bylaws provide for the indemnification of our officers and directors, and the advancement to them of expenses in connection with proceedings and claims, to the fullest extent permitted by the Texas Business Corporation Act. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and some of our officers that contractually provide for indemnification and expense advancement and include related provisions meant to facilitate the indemnitee’s receipt of such benefits. In addition, we have purchased directors’, and officers’ liability insurance policies for our directors and officers in the future. Our bylaws and these agreements with directors and officers provide for indemnification for amounts:

 

 

Such indemnification may be made even though our directors and officer would not otherwise be entitled to indemnification under other provisions of our bylaws or these agreements.

 

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, rights or other securities of the Company or any other entity or any combination of the foregoing. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Warrants sold with other securities may be attached to or separate from the other securities. We will issue warrants under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the prospectus supplement.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants we are offering will include specific terms relating to the offering. We will file the form of any warrant agreement with the SEC, and you should

read the warrant agreement for provisions that may be important to you. The prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following terms:

 

 

We may sell the securities in and outside the United States through underwriters or dealers, directly to purchasers or through agents. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

 

Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers

 

If we use underwriters in the sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the

underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

 

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, these activities may be discontinued at any time.

 

If we use dealers in the sale of securities, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The dealers participating in any sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents

 

We may sell the securities directly. In that event, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents we designate from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities, and we will describe any commissions payable by us to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

 

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

 

If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

Remarketing

 

We may offer and sell any of the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment by their terms or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. We will identify any remarketing firm, the terms of any remarketing agreement and the compensation to be paid to the remarketing firm in the prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act.

Derivative Transactions

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock.

 

We or one of our affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

 

The third parties in any of the sale transactions described above will be underwriters and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

General Information

 

We may have agreements with the agents, dealers and underwriters to indemnify them against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make. Agents, dealers and underwriters may engage in transactions with us or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a market for the securities.

 

The validity of the offered securities and other matters in connection with any offering of the securities will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas, our outside counsel. Any underwriters will be advised about legal matters relating to any offering by their own legal counsel, which will be named in the related prospectus supplement.

 

Our consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control of Financial Reporting) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration statement, have been audited by Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C., independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent indicated in their reports thereon also incorporated by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting have been so incorporated herein by reference in reliance on such reports given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The letter reports of Ryder Scott Company, Fairchild & Wells, Inc. and LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd., each independent consulting petroleum engineers, and certain information with respect to our oil and gas reserves derived from such reports and certain information with respect to our oil and gas reserves derived from the reports of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting petroleum

engineers, have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus upon the authority of each such firm as experts with respect to such matters covered in such reports and in giving such reports.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy this registration statement and any other documents we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and our website at http://www.carrizo.net. Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us can also be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., which are located at 1735 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute part of this prospectus.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of or incorporated by reference into the registration statement.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in this prospectus or a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or superseded the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any information “furnished” but not “filed,” unless we specifically provide that such “furnished” information is to be incorporated by reference) after the effectiveness of this registration statement and until the termination of offerings under this prospectus:

 

 

We will provide a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus to any person, including a beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, without charge, upon written or oral request. You may obtain a copy of these filings by writing or telephoning:

 

1,900,000 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

PRICE $      PER SHARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joint Bookrunners

 

RBC Capital Markets

JPMorgan

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

          , 2008