UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2016

[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Transition Period From ________ to _________

Commission File Number 000-33215

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, Interactive Data Files required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)
Yes þ   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) 
Yes o    No þ

As of May 16, 2016, the registrant had 52,657,574 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.

 
 

 

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


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
Page
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2016
   and September 30, 2015
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
  (Loss) (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016  and  2015
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the
 
 
   six  months ended  March 31, 2016 and 2015
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
6
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
             and Results of Operations
24
     
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
36
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
37
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
37
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
37
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
37
   
Item 6. Exhibits
38
   
Signatures
39
 
2
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
March  31,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
   
Current Assets
     
Cash
 $         1,096
 
 $             1,372
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,377 and $3,510, respectively
            3,291
 
                5,480
Trade accounts receivable from related parties, net of allowance of $219 and $296, respectively
               293
 
                   211
Short-term notes from related parties
2,195
 
2,195
Other receivables, net of allowance of $384 and $490, respectively
               132
 
                   339
Inventories
               677
 
                   906
Property held for sale, net of allowance of $569 and $722, respectively
                 24
 
                     30
Prepaid taxes
                 89
 
                       6
Advances paid, net of allowance of $16 and $19, respectively
               162
 
                   193
Deferred tax assets
               329
 
                   552
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
               151
 
                   170
Total Current Assets
           8,439
 
              11,454
Vessels, equipment and property, net
          19,906
 
              26,716
Drydocking costs, net
            1,265
 
                   124
Long-term deferred tax assets
2,424
 
2,478
Goodwill
               100
 
                   127
Intangible assets, net
                 28
 
                     38
Long-term prepaid taxes
               993
 
                1,630
Long-term other receivables, net of current portion
               234
 
                   525
Total Assets
 $       33,389
 
 $           43,092
       
LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT
     
Current Liabilities
     
Accounts payable
 $         2,173
 
 $             2,240
Accounts payable to related parties
93
 
59
Accrued expenses
            1,394
 
                1,309
Taxes payable
               224
 
                   303
Deferred revenue
                   1
 
                   336
Accelerated put option liability
          24,641
 
              23,644
Long-term debt - current portion
          85,804
 
              81,972
Total Current Liabilities
        114,330
 
            109,863
Deficit
     
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized;
     
 52,657,574 shares issued and outstanding
                 53
 
                     53
Additional paid-in capital
          64,832
 
              64,832
Accumulated deficit
      (110,228)
 
            (94,501)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
        (15,715)
 
            (20,815)
Deficit Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. Shareholders
        (61,058)
 
            (50,431)
Deficit attributable to noncontrolling interests
        (19,883)
 
            (16,340)
Total Deficit
        (80,941)
 
            (66,771)
Total Liabilities and Deficit
 $       33,389
 
 $           43,092

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)  (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
     
           
 
 For The Three Months
Ended March 31,
 For The Six Months
Ended March 31,
 
 2016
 2015
 
 2016
 2015
           
Revenues
         
Vessel revenues
 $                   2,174
 $                          1,128
 
 $                           5,617
 $                   5,890
Geophysical service revenues  (which includes $0 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016 and $880 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015)
                               -
                             1,094
 
                                       -
                       2,096
Marine base service revenues (which includes $27 and $91 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016, and $58 from related parties for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively)
                           283
                                443
 
                                  495
                           776
   Total Revenues
         2,457
             2,665
 
               6,112
         8,762
           
Operating Expenses
         
Vessel operating costs
                       1,573
                             1,325
 
                               3,135
                       3,824
Cost of geophysical service revenues
                            175
                                 901
 
                                   416
                        1,833
Cost of marine base service
                            165
                                 190
 
                                  280
                            361
Depreciation and amortization
                           725
                             1,237
 
                               1,488
                       2,456
General and administrative expense
                        1,133
                            2,459
 
                              3,037
                       4,346
   Total Costs and Operating Expenses
          3,771
              6,112
 
              8,356
        12,820
Loss from Operations
            (1,314)
              (3,447)
 
                (2,244)
           (4,058)
           
Other Income (Expense)
         
Interest expense
                    (2,427)
                          (2,235)
 
                             (5,102)
                     (4,473)
Foreign currency transaction income (loss)
                           1,187
                               (891)
 
                          (11,955)
                          (981)
Other non-operating income (loss), net
                         (279)
                                  (19)
 
                                (308)
                              48
   Net Other Expense
        (1,519)
            (3,145)
 
           (17,365)
        (5,406)
           
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax
           (2,833)
              (6,592)
 
             (19,609)
           (9,464)
Benefit from income tax
                           494
                                464
 
                                   461
                           487
   Net Loss from Continuing Operations
       (2,339)
            (6,128)
 
           (19,148)
        (8,977)
Loss  from discontinued operations
                               -
                                     (1)
 
                                       -
                             (15)
   Net loss
       (2,339)
            (6,129)
 
           (19,148)
        (8,992)
Net  loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
                             (13)
                                 130
 
                               3,421
                           649
   Net Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc
 $       (2,352)
 $           (5,999)
 
 $           (15,727)
 $        (8,343)
           
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
       
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                         (620)
                                   72
 
                               5,100
                              84
Comprehensive Loss
           (2,972)
              (5,927)
 
               (10,627)
           (8,259)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
                           (113)
                              (649)
 
                                 (122)
                         (649)
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to  Caspian Services, Inc
 $       (3,085)
 $           (6,576)
 
 $           (10,749)
 $        (8,908)
           
Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations
             (0.04)
                  (0.11)
 
                   (0.30)
              (0.16)
Basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued operations
                   -
                       -
 
                        -
                   -
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
 $          (0.04)
 $               (0.11)
 
 $               (0.30)
 $           (0.16)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
  52,657,574
     52,657,574
 
       52,657,574
  52,657,574
 
      See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4
 
 

 

CASPIAN SERVICES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
 
 For the Six Months
 
 Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
     
Net loss
 $            (19,148)
 
 $              (8,992)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
   
   Depreciation and amortization
                  1,488
 
                  2,456
   Accrued interest on accelerated put option
                     997
 
                     992
   Foreign currency transaction loss
                11,955
 
                     981
   Changes in current assets and liabilities:
     
      Trade accounts receivable
                  1,056
 
                  4,977
      Trade accounts receivable from related parties
                       56
 
                    (642)
      Other receivables
                     615
 
                     196
      Inventories
                       39
 
                      (90)
      Prepaid taxes
                      (89)
 
                  1,162
      Advances paid
                       12
 
                     225
      Deferred tax assets
                      (10)
 
                 (1,024)
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets
                         2
 
                       76
      Long-term prepaid taxes
                     385
 
                    (137)
      Long-term other receivables, net of current portion
                       72
 
                    (160)
      Accounts payable
                     170
 
                    (411)
      Accrued expenses
                  5,222
 
                  4,008
      Taxes payable
                      (15)
 
                    (209)
      Deferred revenue
                    (276)
 
                       29
      Long-term deferred income tax liability
                      (41)
 
                      (60)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 $               2,490
 
 $               3,377
Cash flows from investing activities:
     
      Short-term notes from related parties
                     153
 
                 (3,006)
   Payments to purchase vessels, equipment and property
                 (1,465)
 
                      (55)
Net cash used in investing activities
 $              (1,312)
 
 $              (3,061)
       
Cash flows from financing activities:
     
   Payments on long-term debt
                    (100)
 
                    (300)
Net cash used in financing activities
 $                 (100)
 
 $                 (300)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                 (1,354)
 
                    (493)
Net change in cash
                    (276)
 
                    (477)
Cash at beginning of period
                  1,372
 
                  1,957
Cash at end of period
 $               1,096
 
 $               1,480
       
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     
   Cash paid for interest
 $                  100
 
 $                   300
   Non-cash capital expenditures
 $                       -
 
 $                1,736
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


NOTE 1 — THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Interim Financial Information — The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they are condensed and do not include all of the information and notes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair and comparable presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Caspian Services, Inc. (the “Company” or “CSI”) most recent annual financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 13, 2016. Operating results for the six-month period ended March 31, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2016.

Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with US GAAP and include operations and balances of Caspian Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Caspian Services Group Limited (“CSGL”), Caspian Services Group LLP (“Caspian LLP”), Caspian Services Group B.V. (“Caspian B.V.”), Caspian Geophysics, Ltd (“CGEO”), TatArka LLP (“TatArka”), Caspian Real Estate, Ltd (“CRE”) and Kyran Holdings Limited (“Kyran”), and include majority owned subsidiaries: Balykshi LLP (“Balykshi”) and  Mangistau Oblast Boat Yard LLP (“MOBY”), collectively “Caspian” or the “Company.” TatArka owns a 40% non-controlling interest in Veritas-Caspian LLP (“Veritas-Caspian”). Ownership of up to 50% noncontrolling interests are accounted for by the equity method. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Condition — The Company funded a portion of the construction of its marine base through a combination of debt and equity financing pursuant to which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) provided $18,600 of debt financing (the “Balykshi Loan”).  EBRD also made an equity investment in the marine base in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for a 22% equity interest in Balykshi.

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

In accordance with US GAAP the put option is an unconditional obligation and is measured at its fair value based on an estimate of the amount of cash that would be required to settle the liability.  
 
6
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
The Balykshi Loan matured in May 2015.  As of the date of this report, none of the required repayment installments have been made and the principal and accrued interest is due and payable in full.  The Company has included the Balykshi Loan and all accrued interest as a current liability at March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015.  The failure to pay the principal or interest on the Balykshi Loan may constitute an event of default under the Put Option Agreement which could trigger the acceleration clause contained in the Put Option Agreement.  The acceleration clause would allow EBRD to put its $10,000 investment in Balykshi back to the Company.  If EBRD were to accelerate its put right, the Company would be obligated to repay the initial investment plus a 20% annual rate of return. The balance of the accelerated put option liability was $24,641 and $23,644 as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively. This balance includes the 20% rate of return on the $10,000 investment and is classified as a current liability.  As of the date of this report, to the Company’s knowledge, EBRD has not sought to exercise the put option acceleration clause.  The Company continues to engage in discussions with EBRD regarding a possible restructuring of its financial obligations to EBRD.

In 2008, the Company entered into two facility agreements pursuant to which the Company received debt funding of $30,000.  In June and July 2011, Mr. Bakhytbek Baiseitov (the “Investor”) acquired the two facility agreements.  In connection with restructuring the facility agreements, in September 2011, the Company issued Investor two secured promissory notes, a Secured Non-Negotiable Promissory Note in the principal amount of $10,800 (“Non-Negotiable Note”) and a Secured Convertible Consolidated Promissory Note in the principal amount of $24,446 (“Consolidated Note”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Non-Negotiable Note, Investor may, at any time, demand and receive repayment of the Non-Negotiable Note by the issuance of common stock of the Company. The price per share for principal and interest is $0.12. The Investor has the right, at any time, to demand the issuance of shares in satisfaction of the Non-Negotiable Note.  The maturity date of the Non-Negotiable Note is June 30, 2016.  If the issuance of common stock has not been demanded by Investor or made at the election of the Company by the June 30, 2016, maturity date, the Company is required to repay the principal and interest in cash.

Pursuant to the terms of the Consolidated Note, interest accrues at 12% per annum and shall be paid semi-annually in arrears on each six-month anniversary of the Issuance Date (September 30, 2011).  The Consolidated Note provides for a default rate of interest of 13% per annum upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, which shall be payable in cash upon demand.  The maturity date of the Consolidated Note is June 30, 2016.
 
Investor has the right at any time following a five-day written notice to convert all or any portion of the principal and any accrued but unpaid interest under the Consolidated Note into common stock at $0.10 per share.  Any conversion that would result in a change in control of the Company without the prior consent of EBRD could result in a breach of the EBRD financing agreements.

As of the date of this report, none of the semi-annual repayments required under the Consolidated Note have been made when due. The Company has, however, made partial payments to Investor totaling $2,850 in reduction of Consolidated Note balance due as of the date of this report.

The failure to make the semi-annual repayments when due, may be deemed an event of default under the Consolidated Note.  In the event of a default that remains uncured, Investor may, at any time, demand immediate repayment of the Consolidated Note.  As a result, the Company has included the Consolidated Note and all accrued but unpaid interest as current liabilities at March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015. As of the date of this report, to the Company’s knowledge, Investor has not demanded immediate repayment of the Consolidated Note.
 
7
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


In August 2008, MOBY entered into a loan agreement with EBRD (the “MOBY Loan”).  In connection with the MOBY Loan, EBRD required the Company and others to, among other things, execute a Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity (“Guarantee”) guaranteeing the repayment of the MOBY Loan.  The guarantee obligation of each party is limited to each party’s respective ownership interest in MOBY.

The outstanding balance of the MOBY Loan was $6,495 and $6,314 as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively, including accrued and unpaid interest. The interest rate under the MOBY Loan is generally the interbank rate plus a margin of 3.6%.  The MOBY Loan provides that during any period when the loan is in default the rate of interest shall be the interbank rate plus a margin of 3.6% plus 2% per annum.  The MOBY Loan provides for 14 equal semi-annual installment payments of principal and interest on June 15 and December 15, commencing from August 2011. As of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, MOBY had made no semi-annual installment payments and was in violation of certain financial covenants under the MOBY Loan.  Pursuant to the MOBY Loan, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, EBRD may, at its option, by notice to MOBY, declare all or any portion of the principal and accrued interest of the MOBY Loan due and payable on demand, or immediately due and payable without further notice and without presentment, demand or protest.

To the Company’s knowledge, to date EBRD has taken no action to establish a default or to increase or accelerate the debt obligations of MOBY or the Guarantee obligation of the Company.  Should EBRD determine to take action, MOBY would not have sufficient funds to repay the MOBY Loan, nor would the Company have sufficient funds to repay the MOBY Loan or its portion of the Guarantee.

Should EBRD or Investor determine to collect or accelerate the Company’s financial obligations to them, the Company currently has insufficient funds to repay its obligations to EBRD or Investor, individually or collectively, and would be forced to seek other sources of funds to satisfy these obligations.  Given the Company’s current and anticipated operating results, current world oil prices, the difficult credit and equity markets and the Company’s current financial condition, the Company believes it would be extremely difficult to obtain new funding to satisfy these obligations. If the Company were unable to meet these obligations, EBRD or Investor could seek any legal remedy available to them to obtain repayment, including forcing the Company into bankruptcy, or in the case of the Balykshi Loan, which is collateralized by the assets, including the marine base, and bank accounts of Balykshi, CRE and MOBY, foreclosure by EBRD on such assets and bank accounts, in addition to pursuing other Company assets.  As of March 31, 2016, the book value of collateralized assets was approximately $16,185. The Company has also agreed to collateralize Investor’s Notes with non-marine base related assets.  The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to (i) successfully restructure its financial obligations to EBRD and Investor on terms that will allow the Company to service the restructured obligations, (ii) generate sufficient revenue from operations to satisfy its financial obligations, and/or (iii) identify a financing source that will provide the Company the ability to satisfy its financial obligations, and (iv) a return to higher world oil prices. Uncertainty as to the outcome of these factors raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.  The Company intends to continue its efforts to restructure its financial obligations to EBRD and Investor.
 
8
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


Nature of Operations — The Company’s business consists of three major business segments :
 
Vessel Operations — Vessel operations consist of chartering a fleet of shallow draft offshore support vessels to customers performing oil and gas exploration activities in the Caspian Sea.
 
Geophysical Services — Geophysical services consist of providing seismic data acquisition services to oil and gas companies operating onshore in Kazakhstan.

Marine Base Services — Marine base services consist of operating a marine base with a boat repair and drydocking services yard located at the Port of Bautino on the North Caspian Sea.

Discontinued Operations — During fiscal 2015, the Company discontinued operations in its Kazakhstan subsidiary, CSI LLP (“CSI KZ”). Upon determining to discontinue CSI KZ, all prior periods presented have been restated to separately account for the discontinued operations.  The entire loss from discontinued operations is attributable to the Company.

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

At March 31, 2016, the Company had 481,588,333 potential shares related to convertible debt that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because they would be anti-dilutive.

At March 31, 2015, the Company had 800,000 options outstanding and 437,555,000 potential shares related to convertible debt that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because they would be anti-dilutive.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for other receivables, accounts receivable from related parties, accounts payable to related parties and accrued expenses approximate fair values because of the immediate nature or short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debts approximates fair value due to the stated interest rates approximating prevailing market rates.
 
9
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
Accelerated Put Option Liability — In connection with EBRD’s $10,000 equity investment to purchase a 22% equity interest in Balykshi, the Company entered into a Put Option Agreement granting EBRD the right to require the Company to repurchase the 22% equity interest. The put option is exercisable between June 2013 and June 2017. The put price is determined based on the fair market value of Balykshi as mutually agreed by the parties. If the parties are unable to agree upon a fair market valuation, the parties agree to hire a third party expert to determine the put price on the basis of the fair market value of Balykshi, as set forth in the Put Option Agreement.  In the event there is a change in control of the Company, EBRD has the right to require the repurchase of the equity interest at its fair market value.  The Put Option Agreement also contains an acceleration feature.  Should Balykshi: (i) default on $1,000 or more of debt; (ii) fail to meet the obligations of any of the agreements between Balykshi, the Company and EBRD; (iii) be found to have made false representations to EBRD; or (iv) be declared insolvent, EBRD has the right to accelerate the put option.  If the put option is accelerated, EBRD can require the Company to repurchase the $10,000 equity investment plus a 20% per annum rate of return, taking into account any dividend or other distribution received by EBRD, at any time following one of the events mentioned above. Due to the fact that certain events of default under the EBRD Loan Agreement may have occurred and that such could trigger EBRD’s accelerated put right, we have reflected an accelerated put option liability of $24,641, although, as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, to the Company’s knowledge, EBRD has not sought to accelerate the put option.

Revenue Recognition — Vessel revenues are usually derived from time charter contracts on a rate-per-day of service basis; therefore, vessel revenues are recognized on a daily basis throughout the contract period. These time charter contracts are generally on a term basis. The base rate of hire for a contract is generally a fixed rate; however, these contracts often include clauses to recover mobilization and demobilization costs and specific additional costs which are billed on a monthly basis.

Geophysical service revenue is recognized when services are rendered, accepted by the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Direct costs are charged to each contract as incurred along with allocated indirect costs for the specific period of service. Losses on contracts are recognized during the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimated. Due to the nature of some of the geophysical services provided, certain customers have prepaid their contract services.  These prepayments have been deferred and are recognized as revenue as the services are provided.  At March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Company had $1 and $336, respectively, of deferred revenue related to these prepaid services.

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

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets for Disposal — Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
 
10
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

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

The current regime of penalties and interest related to reported and discovered violations of Kazakhstan’s laws, decrees and related regulations can be severe.  Penalties include confiscation of the amounts in question for currency law violations, as well as fines of generally 100% of the unpaid taxes.  Interest is assessable at rates of generally 0.06% per day. As a result, penalties and interest can result in amounts that are multiples of any unreported taxes.  At March 31, 2016 and 2015, no interest or penalties have been accrued as a result of any tax positions taken.  In the event interest or penalties are assessed, the Company will include these amounts related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

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

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

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

Drydocking Costs  — The Company’s vessels must be periodically drydocked and undergo certain inspections to maintain their operating classification, as mandated by certain maritime regulations.  Costs incurred to drydock the vessels for certification are capitalized and amortized over the period until the next drydocking, which is generally 24 months.  Drydocking costs comprise painting the vessels’ hulls and sides, recoating cargo and fuel tanks, and performing other engine and equipment maintenance activities to bring the vessels into compliance with classification standards.

Foreign Currency Transactions — Caspian Services, Inc., the parent company of the subsidiaries, makes its principal investing and financing transactions in United States dollars (USD), which is also its functional currency. Transactions and balances denominated in other currencies have been translated into USD using historical exchange rates. Exchange gains and losses from holding foreign currencies and having liabilities payable in foreign currencies are included in the results of operations.

USD is also the functional currency of CSGL, CGEO and CRE.

The Kazakh tenge (KZT) is the functional currency of Caspian LLP, TatArka, Balykshi, Kyran and MOBY; the Euro is the functional currency of Caspian B.V.  Their respective balance sheets have been translated into USD at the exchange rates prevailing at each balance sheet date. Their respective statements of comprehensive income (loss) have been translated into USD using the average exchange rates prevailing during the periods of each statement.  The corresponding translation adjustments are part of accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
The translation of KZT denominated assets and liabilities into USD for the purpose of these condensed consolidated financial statements does not necessarily mean the Company could realize or settle, in USD, the reported values of these assets and liabilities in USD. Likewise it does not mean the Company could return or distribute the reported USD value of its Kazakh subsidiaries’ capital to its shareholders.
 
11
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


In August 2015, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan elected to change its currency policy to make the KZT free floating, which has caused the KZT to fall sharply against the USD.  As a result of this devaluation, during the six months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a foreign exchange transaction loss of $11,955 mostly as a result of the remeasurement of the Balykshi Loan and MOBY Loan which are denominated in U.S. Dollars.  No such event occurred during the six months ended March 31, 2015.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Loss — Total comprehensive loss consists of net loss and changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and consists of foreign currency translation adjustments.
 
Concentration of Revenue — During the six months ended March 31, 2016, vessel revenue from three customers represented approximately 88% of total vessel revenue as follows, Customer A – 39%; Customer B – 31%; and Customer C – 18%.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, marine base revenue from four customers represented 73% of total marine base revenue as follows, Customer A – 25%; Customer B – 18%; Customer C – 15%; and Customer D – 15%.

Reclassification — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements —

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement — Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20). This update eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items, required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. Paragraph 225-20-45-2 contains the following criteria that must both be met for extraordinary classification, (1) unusual nature - the underlying event or transaction should possess a high degree of abnormality and be of a type clearly unrelated to, or only incidentally related to, the ordinary and typical activities of the entity, taking into account the environment in which the entity operates; and (2) infrequency of occurrence - the underlying event or transaction should be of a type that would not reasonably be expected to recur in the foreseeable future, taking into account the environment in which the entity operates. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is evaluating the impact of this ASU on the Company’s financial statements.
 
12
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated.  Under the revised guidance, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model, unless a scope exception applies.  Though the revised guidance mostly affects asset managers, all reporting entities involved with limited partnerships or similar entities are required to reevaluate such entities for consolidation.  The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years and for interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, as part of its simplification initiative to reduce the cost and complexity in accounting standards.  The ASU requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability.  The treatment is consistent with the current presentation of debt discounts or premiums.  For public business entities, the guidance is effective for financial statements covering fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The amended guidance must be applied on a retrospective basis and has not materially affected the Company’s operating results or financial position.
 
In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires entities who value inventory using the first-in, first-out or average cost method to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. For public business entities, the amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those years. The amended guidance must be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is evaluating the impact of this update on its financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-08, Business Combinations – Pushdown Accounting – Amendment to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115. This update was issued to amend various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this update defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. All other entities should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new ASU.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation And Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting. This ASU adds SEC paragraphs pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcement at the June 18, 2015, Emerging Issues Task Force meeting about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
13
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805). The amendments in this update require that an acquirer recognizes adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this update require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this update require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases. Under the new guidance a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms more than 12 months, whether that lease be classified as a capital or operating lease. This update is effective in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and the interim periods within that year. The Company will be evaluating the impact of this update as it pertains to the Company’s financial statements and other required disclosures on an on-going basis until its eventual adoption and incorporation.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The update will simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income taxes, classification of awards and classification in the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. This update will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new stock compensation standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events — The Company’s management has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and has found no subsequent events to report.

NOTE 2 — ATASH MARINE BASE

Additional dredging work at the marine base is still required. Currently, Balykshi has insufficient funds to complete the work. Failure to complete the dredging could subject Balykshi to certain penalties, including the cancelation of permits and termination of operational activities at the marine base until the dredging is completed. The failure by Balykshi or the Company to provide financing for, or to complete dredging could constitute a default under the EBRD financing agreements.
 
14
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)


NOTE 3 — NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following:

  March 31,   September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
       
Secured non-negotiable promissory note payable to Investor; interest at 0.26%
 $               10,927
 
 $             10,913
due June 30, 2016
     
       
Secured convertible consolidated promissory note payable to Investor; interest at 12%
                  39,053
 
                36,777
(default interest at 13%) due June 30, 2016
     
       
Balykshi- EBRD loan and accrued interest at 7% plus the interbank rate due May 2015
     
(default interest at 9% plus the interbank rate ); secured by property and bank accounts
                  29,329
 
                27,968
       
MOBY- EBRD loan and accrued interest at 3.6% plus the interbank rate due June 2018 (default interest at 5.6% plus the interbank rate )
                    6,495
 
                  6,314
       
       
   Total Long-term Debt
                  85,804
 
                81,972
Less: Current Portion
                (85,804)
 
              (81,972)
Long-term Debt - Net of Current Portion
 $                         -
 
 $                      -

Notes Payable to Investor

Non-Negotiable Promissory Note

Pursuant to the terms of the Non-Negotiable Note, Investor may, at any time, demand and receive payment of the Non-Negotiable Note by the issuance of common stock of the Company. The price per share for principal and interest is $0.12. Investor has the right, at any time, to demand the issuance of shares in satisfaction of the Non-Negotiable Note.  The Company has the right to pay the principal and interest under the Non-Negotiable Note by the issuance of Company common stock on the earlier of: (i) the date on which the Company and Investor complete renegotiation of the terms of the financing between the Company and EBRD; or (ii) the date when the Company and Investor terminate restructuring negotiations with EBRD.  The Non-Negotiable Note matures on June 30, 2016 (the Maturity Date).  If the issuance of common stock had not been demanded by Investor or made at the election of the Company by the Maturity Date the Company is required to repay the principal and interest in cash.

The Company is required to pay interest on the principal amount of the Non-Negotiable Note in common stock at the time of payment of the principal. Interest accrues at a rate per annum equal to 0.26%, until the Maturity Date.

The Company will issue the Investor 90 million shares of restricted common stock to settle the principal amount of the Non-Negotiable Note, excluding shares that will be issued to Investor in satisfaction of accrued interest.
 
15
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
As the Non-Negotiable Note matures in less than twelve months, it has been treated as a current liability in the accompanying financial statements.

Convertible Consolidated Promissory Note

Interest accrues on the Consolidated Note at 12% per annum and is required to be paid semi-annually in arrears on each six-month anniversary of the Issuance Date (September 30, 2011).  The Consolidated Note provides for a default rate of interest of 13% per annum upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, as defined in the Consolidated Note, which shall be payable in cash upon demand. The unpaid principal amount of the Consolidated Note, and any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, is due and payable on June 30, 2016.

As of the date of this report, none of the semi-annual payments have been made on the date they were due.  The failure to make the semi-annual payments may be deemed an event of default under the Consolidated Note.  In the event of a default that remains uncured, Investor may, at any time, demand immediate repayment of the Consolidated Note.  As a result, the Company has included the Consolidated Note and all accrued interest as current liabilities at March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

During fiscal 2013, the Company paid $1,600 to Investor, which was credited as a reduction of balance due under the Consolidated Note. During fiscal 2014, Investor was paid $700. During fiscal 2015 Investor was paid $450.  During the first fiscal quarter 2016, Investor was paid $100.

The Consolidated Note is superior in rank to all future unsecured indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, except for the EBRD Indebtedness.

Investor has the right at any time following a five-day written notice to convert all or any portion of the principal and any accrued but unpaid interest into common stock at $0.10 per share. However any conversion that would result in a change in control of the Company without the prior consent of EBRD could result in a breach of the EBRD financing agreements.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with restructuring the facility agreements, the Company and Investor agreed to enter into a Registration Rights Agreement granting Investor the right to require the Company to register all or any part of the shares held by Investor, including but not limited to, any shares issued in satisfaction of the Notes.  As of the date of this report no agreement has been finalized.

Loans Payable to EBRD

Balykshi Loan

The Balykshi Loan matured in May 2015. As of the date of this report, none of the repayment installments have been made by the Company and the principal and accrued interest is currently due and payable in full. The Balykshi Loan Agreement provides that if Balykshi fails to pay when due any amount payable by it under the Balykshi Loan, the overdue amount shall bear interest at a rate that is 2% higher than the non-default rate of interest.
 
16
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
As the Balykshi Loan is secured, in the event of a failure to repay the loan, EBRD has the right to foreclose on the assets and bank accounts of Balykshi and CRE, including the marine base, and to pursue the other assets of the Company.

MOBY Loan

As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance of the MOBY Loan was $6,495, including accrued and unpaid interest. The interest rate under the MOBY Loan is generally the interbank rate plus a margin of 3.6%.  The MOBY Loan provides that during any period when the loan is in default, the rate of interest shall be the interbank rate plus a margin of 3.6% plus 2% per annum.  The MOBY Loan provides for 14 equal semi-annual installment payments of principal and interest on June 15 and December 15, commencing after August 2011.

As of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, MOBY had made no installment payments and was in violation of certain financial covenants under the MOBY Loan.  Pursuant to the MOBY Loan Agreement, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, EBRD may, at its option, by notice to MOBY, declare all or any portion of the principal and accrued interest of the loan due and payable on demand, or immediately due and payable without further notice and without presentment, demand or protest.

To date, to the Company’s knowledge, EBRD has taken no action to establish the default or to increase or accelerate the debt obligations of MOBY or the guarantee obligations of the Company under the Guarantee.  Should EBRD determine to take action, MOBY would not have sufficient funds to repay its portion of the MOBY Loan nor would the Company have sufficient funds to pay it obligations under the Guarantee.

The Company is engaged in ongoing discussions with EBRD about restructuring the terms of its financial obligations to EBRD, but there is no guarantee the Company will be successful in doing so.

NOTE 4 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

Legislation and regulations regarding taxation, foreign currency translation, and licensing of foreign currency loans in the Republic of Kazakhstan continue to evolve. Such legislation and regulations are not always clearly written and their interpretation is subject to the opinions of the local tax inspectors. Instances of inconsistent opinions between local, regional and national tax authorities are not unusual.
 
17
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
NOTE 5 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Revenues and expenses from transactions with related parties for the six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, consisted of the following:

   
 For the period ended March 31,
Related Party's Name
Description
2016
2015
       
Sequa Petroleum
Seismic services revenue
 $                              -
 $                           880
Sayat Media
Revenue from agent for marine base services
                                91
                                 -
Other revenue/ (expenses)
Other services
                                13
                                58
TOTAL
 
 $                          104
 $                          938

Accounts receivable from related parties as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, consisted of the following:

Related Party's Name
Description
March 31, 2016
September 30, 2015
       
Sequa Petroleum
Seismic services
 $                              -
 $                             33
Demeu Energy
Advance given for vehicles delivery
                              146
                              185
Sayat Media
Receivable from agent for marine base services
                              138
                              104
Bolz LLP
Long term advances given
                                83
                                 -
Caspian Geo Consulting
Advance given for equipment delivery
                                72
                              185
KazEnergy Solutions
Advance given for equipment delivery
                                73
                                 -
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                            (219)
                            (296)
TOTAL
 
 $                          293
 $                          211
 
Accounts payable to related parties as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, consisted of the following:
 
Related Party's Name
Description
March 31, 2016
September 30, 2015
       
Sayat Media
 Other services
 $                             83
 $                             10
Others
 Others
                                10
                                49
TOTAL
 
 $                            93
 $                            59
 
Short-term notes from related parties as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, consisted of the following:
 
Related Party's Name
Description
March 31, 2016
September 30, 2015
       
Caspian Geo Consulting
Notes Receivable
 $                        2,195
 $                        2,195
TOTAL
 
 $                      2,195
 $                      2,195
 
Caspian Geo-Consulting Services LLP   (“Caspian Geo”) During the period from November 2014 to September 2015, CSG LLP and Tatarka provided financial assistance to Caspian Geo. The aggregate outstanding amount of the financial assistance loans provided to Caspian Geo as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, was $2,195 and $2,195. Initially, the loans were scheduled to mature one year from issuance.  It is normal practice in Kazakhstan not to charge a rate of interest on financial assistance loans, therefore the loans bear no interest except in the event of a default by Caspian Geo, in which case an 18% per annum default penalty may be applied.
 
18
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
On January 11, 2016, the Company entered into a Master Financial Assistance Repayment Agreement with Caspian Geo, (the “Repayment Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Repayment Agreement, the Company and Caspian Geo agreed to consolidate the previously provided financial assistance loans into a single US dollar denominated outstanding amount of $2,195.  The Repayment Agreement provides for minimum monthly payments of KZT 50,000 from January 2016 through November 2016, and by no later than December 30, 2016, Caspian Geo is required to pay any remaining unpaid balance of the outstanding amount.
 
The financial assistance loans have been used by Caspian Geo to explore for gold ore within the Shoymibai Deposit located in the Karaganda Oblast of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “Deposit”) and to prove the reserves of the Deposit to allow Caspian Geo and the holders of the exploration license to the Deposit to prepare the required submission to apply for a subsoil use contract for the production of gold ore from the Deposit.  The application for the Subsoil Use Contract has been submitted to the competent authority of the Republic of Kazakhstan and, in May 2016, the Company was informed that the Subsoil Use Contract has been granted to Caspian Geo.   Caspian Geo plans to pursue commercial production of gold ore from the Deposit.
 
In addition to repayment of the previously provided financial assistance, the Company holds a participation interest right pursuant to which the Company will receive 20% of the total amount received by Caspian Geo, which in no event shall be less than 10% of the total amount distributed to the holders of the Subsoil Use Contract, from the sale of gold ore from the Deposit (the “Participation Interest”) from the date of the Repayment Agreement until seven years from the date of commencement of production following a commercial discovery at the Deposit.  In the event the Company’s Participation Interest has not been converted or exchanged, following repayment in full of the $2,195, Caspian Geo has the right until January 9, 2018, to retire the Participation Interest in exchange for a lump sum payment of $1,825.   The Company also has the right, at any time prior to retirement of the Participation Interest, to convert its Participation Interest into a 12.5% equity interest in the entity holding the Subsoil Use Contract should it become a public company or, in the event of a sale of the Subsoil Use Contract, to exchange the Participation Interest for 12.5% of the proceeds received by Caspian Geo in connection with such sale.

NOTE 6 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. To measure fair value, a hierarchy has been established which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. This hierarchy uses three levels of inputs to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities as follows:
 
19
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

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

Recurring basis:

At March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Company had two liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The put option liability is a Level 3 measurement, which is fair valued at the put option price plus accrued interest at a rate of 20% annually. The $997 change during the six months ended March 31, 2016, was for the 20% rate of return and it was charged to interest expense.

The value of the Property held for sale was derived based on estimated sales price of the property. The estimation of sales price is made based on the market prices of similar assets.

For Level 3 assets, the Company’s finance department, which reports to the chief financial officer, determines the fair value measurement valuation policies and procedures.  At least annually, the finance department determines if the current valuation techniques used in the fair value measurements are still appropriate and evaluates and adjusts the unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements based on current market conditions and third-party information.

There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the six months ended March 31, 2016.

     
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
March 31, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Property held for sale
 $               24
 
 $          -
 
 $          -
 
 $           24
Put option liability
           24,641
 
       -
 
       -
 
       24,641
Total
 $         24,665
 
 $          -
 
 $          -
 
 $     24,665
 
 
20
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
     
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
September 30, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Property held for sale
 $               30
 
 $          -
 
 $          -
 
 $           30
Put option liability
           23,644
 
       -
 
       -
 
       23,644
Total
 $         23,674
 
 $          -
 
 $          -
 
 $     23,674
 

NOTE 7 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

US GAAP requires disclosures related to components of a company for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by a company’s chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. They also require segment disclosures about products and services as well as geographic area.

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

Further information regarding the operations and assets of these reportable business segments follows:
 
  For the Three Months   For the Six Months
 
 Ended March 31,
 
 Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Capital Expenditures
             
   Vessel Operations
 $               579
 
 $           54
 
 $      1,465
 
 $           178
   Geophysical Services
                      -
 
              29
 
                -
 
           1,736
   Marine Base Services
                    -
 
                2
 
              -
 
                  2
      Total segments
                  579
 
              85
 
         1,465
 
           1,916
   Corporate assets
                    -
 
                -
 
              -
 
                 -
   Less intersegment investments
                    -
 
            (17)
 
              -
 
             (125)
   Total consolidated
 $               579
 
 $           68
 
 $      1,465
 
 $        1,791
 
21
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
 
 For the Three Months
 
 For the Six Months
 
 Ended March 31,
 
 Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
             
   Vessel Operations
 $            2,367
 
 $      1,371
 
 $      6,104
 
 $        6,508
   Geophysical Services
                    -
 
         1,094
 
              -
 
           2,096
   Marine Base Services
               1,936
 
         3,173
 
         3,363
 
           3,587
      Total segments
               4,303
 
         5,638
 
         9,467
 
         12,191
   Corporate revenue
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
   Less intersegment revenues
             (1,846)
 
       (2,973)
 
       (3,355)
 
          (3,429)
   Total consolidated
 $            2,457
 
 $      2,665
 
 $      6,112
 
 $        8,762
               
Depreciation and Amortization
             
   Vessel Operations
 $             (365)
 
 $       (446)
 
 $       (635)
 
 $          (892)
   Geophysical Services
                (154)
 
          (408)
 
          (403)
 
             (793)
   Marine Base Services
                (206)
 
          (382)
 
          (449)
 
             (770)
      Total segments
                (725)
 
       (1,236)
 
       (1,487)
 
          (2,455)
   Corporate depreciation and amortization
                      -
 
              (1)
 
              (1)
 
                 (1)
   Total consolidated
 $             (725)
 
 $    (1,237)
 
 $    (1,488)
 
 $       (2,456)
               
Interest expense
             
   Vessel Operations
 $                   -
 
 $             -
 
 $             -
 
 $                -
   Geophysical Services
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
   Marine Base Services
             (1,783)
 
       (1,664)
 
       (3,804)
 
          (3,318)
      Total segments
             (1,783)
 
       (1,664)
 
       (3,804)
 
          (3,318)
   Corporate interest expense
                (644)
 
          (571)
 
       (1,298)
 
          (1,155)
   Total consolidated
 $          (2,427)
 
 $    (2,235)
 
 $    (5,102)
 
 $       (4,473)
               
Loss from Continuing Operations
Before Income Tax
       
   Vessel Operations
 $             290
 
 $    (1,400)
 
 $         1,424
 
 $          (490)
   Geophysical Services
                (601)
 
       (1,073)
 
       (1,521)
 
          (1,766)
   Marine Base Services
             (1,602)
 
       (3,197)
 
     (17,545)
 
          (5,573)
      Total segments
             (1,913)
 
       (5,670)
 
     (17,642)
 
          (7,829)
   Corporate loss
                (920)
 
          (922)
 
       (1,967)
 
          (1,635)
   Total consolidated
 $          (2,833)
 
 $    (6,592)
 
 $  (19,609)
 
 $       (9,464)

22
 
 

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
  For the Three Months   For the Six Months
 
 Ended March 31,
 
 Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Benefit from (Provision for) Income Tax
           
   Vessel Operations
 $               359
 
 $         287
 
 $         358
 
 $           156
   Geophysical Services
                  135
 
            181
 
            103
 
              335
   Marine Base Services
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
      Total segments
                  494
 
            468
 
            461
 
              491
   Corporate provision for income tax
                      -
 
              (4)
 
                -
 
                 (4)
   Total consolidated
 $               494
 
 $         464
 
 $         461
 
 $           487
               
Loss/ (Income) from discontinued operations
           
   Vessel Operations
 $                   -
 
 $             -
 
 $             -
 
 $                -
   Geophysical Services
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
   Marine Base Services
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
      Total segments
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
   Corporate
                      -
 
              (1)
 
                -
 
               (15)
   Total consolidated
 $                   -
 
 $           (1)
 
 $             -
 
 $            (15)
               
Loss/ (Income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
       
   Vessel Operations
 $                   -
 
 $             -
 
 $             -
 
 $                -
   Geophysical Services
                      -
 
                -
 
              -
 
                   -
   Marine Base Services
                  (13)
 
            130
 
         3,421
 
              649
      Total segments
                  (13)
 
            130
 
         3,421
 
              649
   Corporate noncontrolling interest
                      -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                   -
   Total consolidated
 $               (13)
 
 $         130
 
 $      3,421
 
 $           649
               
Net (Loss)/ Income attributable to Caspian Services Inc.
       
   Vessel Operations
 $                649
 
 $    (1,113)
 
 $      1,782
 
 $          (334)
   Geophysical Services
                (466)
 
          (892)
 
       (1,418)
 
          (1,431)
   Marine Base Services
             (1,615)
 
       (3,067)
 
     (14,124)
 
          (4,924)
      Total segments
             (1,432)
 
       (5,072)
 
     (13,760)
 
          (6,689)
   Corporate loss
                (920)
 
          (927)
 
       (1,967)
 
          (1,654)
   Total consolidated
 $          (2,352)
 
 $    (5,999)
 
 $  (15,727)
 
 $       (8,343)
               
           March 31,    September 30,
Segment Assets
       
2016
 
2015
   Vessel Operations
       
 $    15,003
 
 $      16,430
   Geophysical Services
       
         7,278
 
         10,611
   Marine Base Services
       
       50,105
 
         55,726
      Total segments
       
       72,386
 
         82,767
   Corporate assets
       
            704
 
              673
   Less intersegment investments
       
     (39,701)
 
        (40,348)
   Total consolidated
       
 $    33,389
 
 $      43,092
 
23
 
 

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

Throughout this report, unless otherwise indicated by the context, references herein to “we,” our,” and “us” mean Caspian Services, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and our subsidiaries and predecessors. Unless otherwise indicated by the context, all dollar amounts stated in this Part I, Item 2, other than share and per share amounts, are presented in thousands and all references to dollar amounts ($) refer to U.S. dollars.

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition.  Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contain additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material and this document should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes contained elsewhere in this report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, and our other filings with the Commission.

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management.  For this purpose any statement contained in this quarterly report that is not a statement of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking, including, but not limited to those relating to future demand for the services we offer, the commodity price environment, economic conditions in the markets where we operate, the availability to our customers of financing to pursue projects, our ability to restructure our existing debts, changes in the composition of the services we offer, future revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources or cash flows, foreign currency exchange risk, managing our asset base, our ability to restructure our existing debts in a manner that will allow us to continue operating or to obtain additional debt or equity financing, management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, opportunities, growth, business plans, strategies and objectives.  Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “budget,” “plan,” “forecast,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” or “anticipate” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements by their nature involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, commodity price fluctuations, market economic conditions, the availability of funding, market factors, market prices, future revenues and costs, unsettled political conditions, civil unrest and governmental actions, foreign currency fluctuations and local currency devaluations, and environmental and labor laws and other factors detailed herein and in our other filings with the Commission.
 
24
 
 

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

Business Review

As a result of the prolonged significant decline in world oil prices and the continued delay in development of the Kashagan oil field, we anticipate demand for our services will be lower throughout the remainder of fiscal 2016, compared to the same periods of fiscal 2015.  Current projections place commencement of the second phase of development of the Kashagan oil field some time in 2019.  We do not anticipate significant growth in demand for our services until the second phase of the Kashagan development project ramps up and world oil prices rebound materially.  We continue to work to expand our vessel operations to Turkmenistan and Russian sectors of Caspian Sea in hopes of replacing some of the lost demand in Kazakhstan for our vessels.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016 , we operated three business segments: Vessel Operations, Geophysical Services and Marine Base Services.

 
For the Three Months
 
For the Six Months
 
Ended March 31,
 
Ended March 31,
 
2016
2015
% change
 
2016
2015
% change
VESSEL OPERATIONS
             
Operating Revenue
 $    2,367
 $   1,371
73%
 
 $    6,104
 $   6,508
-6%
Pretax Operating Loss
290
(1,400)
-121%
 
1,424
(490)
-390%
               
GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES
             
Operating Revenue
 $         -
 $   1,094
-100%
 
 $         -
 $   2,096
-100%
Pretax Operating Income/(Loss)
(601)
(1,073)
-44%
 
(1,521)
(1,766)
-14%
               
MARINE BASE SERVICES
             
Operating Revenue
 $    1,936
 $   3,173
-39%
 
 $    3,363
 $   3,587
-6%
Pretax Operating Loss
(1,602)
(3,197)
-50%
 
(17,545)
(5,573)
215%
               
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION
             
Operating Revenue
 $         -
 $         -
n/a
 
 $         -
 $         -
n/a
Pretax Operating Loss
(920)
(922)
0%
 
(1,967)
(1,635)
20%
 
 
25
 
 

 
     
This table includes intercompany revenues, which are eliminated on a consolidation level. For details, please, refer to Note 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015

             Total revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $2,457 compared to $2,665 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of 8%, while total costs and operating expenses decreased 28% during the three months March 31, 2016 compared to the same period 2015.

Vessel revenues were up 93% due to more utilization of our vessels in the second fiscal quarter 2016.  During the same period, vessel operating costs increased 19%.   We expect demand for our vessels to be flat or lower during the remainder of fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015.

Revenue from geophysical services decreased 100% from $1,094 during the second fiscal quarter 2015, to $0 during the second fiscal quarter 2016.  While we completed one successful project during the second fiscal quarter 2015, there were no projects during the second fiscal 2016.  We were able to reduce our cost of geophysical services during the three months ended March 31, 2016 by 81%.  As a result of the significant decrease in world oil prices and the difficult local credit market, we expect less demand for our geophysical services until oil prices rebound.

Marine base service revenues were 36% and cost of marine base services revenue was 13% lower during the second fiscal quarter 2016, mostly due to fewer winter vessel standby contracts which resulted in the generation of less revenue and costs.  We expect demand for our marine base to be lower throughout the remainder of fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we also realized a 41% decrease in depreciation and amortization and a 54% decrease in general and administrative expenses.

During the second fiscal quarter 2016 we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services of $2,352 compared to $5,999 during the same period 2015.  Our comprehensive loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. decreased from $6,576 during the second fiscal quarter 2015, to $3,085 during the second fiscal quarter 2016.

Vessel Operations

Second fiscal quarter 2016 revenue from vessel operations of $2,174 was 93% higher than the second fiscal quarter 2015, as more vessels were utilized during the 2016 period.  As the market continues to react to lower world oil prices, we expect vessel revenues will be flat or lower throughout fiscal 2016, and we do not expect significant growth in demand for our vessels in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea until commencement of the second phase of the Kashagan oil field project, if then.  We continue to seek opportunities to utilize our vessel fleet outside of Kazakhstan, in the Turkmen and Russian sectors of the Caspian Sea.
 
26
 
 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, vessel operating costs of $1,573 were 19% higher than during the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily as a result of the increase in vessel utilization.  As a result of the improved profit margins, we had net income from vessel operations in the second fiscal quarter 2016 of $649 compared to net loss of $1,113 in the second fiscal quarter of 2015.

Geophysical Services

Revenue from geophysical services decreased 100% from $1,094 during the second fiscal quarter 2015, to $0 during the second fiscal quarter 2016.  This is a result of completing one successful project during the second fiscal quarter 2015, compared to no projects during the second fiscal quarter 2016. As a result of the decreased activity, cost of geophysical service revenues decreased by 81% to $175. Even though we performed no projects during the second fiscal quarter 2016, we incurred certain fixed costs to maintain our geophysical service assets.

As a result of decreased activity, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. from geophysical operations of $466 during the second fiscal quarter 2016, compared to a loss of $892 during the second fiscal quarter 2015.

The local market, from which much of our seismic work is generated, remains depressed as a result of the difficult local credit market and reduced oil prices and we continue to struggle to obtain payment from overdue accounts from non-related parties.

Although we continue to make attempts to diversify into other geophysical services, particularly mining, we anticipate that fiscal 2016 will be worse for seismic work as the credit required by local Kazakh companies to finance seismic projects remains elusive.  In addition, current world oil prices continue to result in the postponement of seismic works by our potential customer. Currently, we are not engaged in any projects.  We are pursuing work from potential customers, but there is no guarantee we will be successful in securing this work.  We anticipate this trend will continue in future periods until world oil prices rebound materially and the credit market in Kazakhstan improves.

Marine Base Services

Our marine base services revenues decreased 36% to $283 during the second fiscal quarter 2016, mostly due to having fewer winter vessel standby contracts.  The revenue generated was insufficient to cover our fixed costs, including depreciation. Additionally, interest expense of $1,783 was accrued to reflect our liability under the Balykshi Loan, the potential accelerated put option and the portion of interest on the Investor’s Notes that relates to the marine base.
 
27
 
 

 
 
During the second fiscal quarter 2016, we realized a marine base services loss of $1,615 compared to a loss of $3,067 during the second fiscal quarter 2015.

Although we have been able to enter into agreements with some customers to use our base’s services we do not expect significant demand for the marine base until Kashagan field development and construction activity increases, which is currently anticipated to start no earlier than 2019.  Until activity in the Caspian Sea region increases, we do not expect the marine base to be able to service its current debt obligations or to operate profitably.

Corporate Administration

During the second fiscal quarter 2016, net loss from corporate administration was $920, which is in line with net loss of $927 realized during the second fiscal quarter 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense of $725 during the second fiscal quarter 2016, was 41% lower compared to the second fiscal quarter 2015, mainly due to the effect of devaluation of Kazakh tenge, as our major assets are denominated in Kazakh tenge.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expenses of $1,133 during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, was 54% less than general and administrative expenses incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, mostly due to salary cuts to administrative personnel, as well as the effect of Kazakh tenge devaluation, as most of general and administrative expenses are denominated in Kazakh tenge.

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $2,427 was $192 higher during the three months ended March 31, 2016, than during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase represents the effect of the capitalization of Investor’s Notes, and the Balykshi Loan and MOBY Loan interest during the second fiscal quarter 2016.

Foreign Currency Transaction Income (Loss)

In August 2015, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan changed its monetary policy to switch the Kazakh tenge to a free-floating exchange rate, which resulted in the value of the Kazakh tenge falling approximately 80% against the US dollar as of March 31, 2016.  During the second quarter 2016, however, the Kazakh tenge was more stable. Additionally, $611 of foreign currency translation gain was recognized to reflect the effect of revaluation of short-term notes from Caspian Geo.  As a consequence, we realized foreign currency transaction income of $1,187 during the second fiscal 2016, compared to a loss of $891 during the second fiscal quarter 2015.
 
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 It is our policy to try to match Euro costs with Euro income and we were able to reduce some of the loss as Euro costs for vessel rental were also lower. It is not our business to speculate on currency movements and we have not historically engaged in currency hedging.

Net Other Expenses

As a result of the change from a foreign currency transaction loss in the second fiscal quarter 2015 to foreign currency transaction income in the second fiscal quarter 2016, net other expenses decreased 52% to $1,519, during the second fiscal quarter 2016.

Benefit from Income Tax

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a benefit from income tax in the amount of $494, which is in line with benefit from income tax realized during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Net Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, during our second fiscal quarter 2016, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $2,352.  By comparison, during our second fiscal quarter 2015, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $5,999.

Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2016, we realized a foreign currency translation adjustment of ($620) and comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $113, compared to a foreign currency translation adjustment of $72 and comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $649 during the quarter ended March 31, 2016. As a result, comprehensive loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. was $3,085 during the second fiscal quarter 2016, compared to $6,576 during the second fiscal quarter 2015.

Six months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the six months ended March 31, 2015

         Total revenue during the six months ended March 31, 2016, was $6,112 compared to $8,762 during the six months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of 30%.

Vessel revenues were down 5% and vessel operating costs were lower by 18% due to less utilization of our vessels during the six months ended March 31, 2016.   We expect demand for our vessels to be flat or lower during the remainder of fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015.
 
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Revenue from geophysical services decreased 100% from $2,096 during the period ended March 31, 2015, to $0, and cost of geophysical service revenue decreased 77% to $416 during the six months ended March 31, 2016.  While we completed two successful projects during the six months ended March 31, 2015, there were no projects during the six months ended March 31, 2016.  As a result of the ongoing weakness in world oil prices, we expect lower demand for our geophysical services until oil prices rebound, materially.

Marine base service revenues were 36% lower during the six months ended March 31, 2016, and cost of marine base service revenue was 22% lower during the same period, mostly due to fewer winter vessel standby contracts which resulted in the generation of less revenue.  We expect demand for our marine base to be lower throughout the remainder of fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

In August 2015, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan changed its monetary policy to switch the Kazakh tenge to a free-floating exchange rate, which resulted in the value of the Kazakh tenge falling approximately 74% against the US dollar as of March 31, 2016. No such devaluation happened during the six months ended March 31, 2015. Due to this significant devaluation, and the remeasurement of our debt obligations, our foreign currency transaction loss increased by $10,974 during the six months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the six months ended March 31, 2015.

As a result of the foregoing, during the six-month period ended March 31, 2016, net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. was $15,727 compared to $8,343 during the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, and comprehensive loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. increased from $8,908 during the six months ended March 31, 2015, to $10,749 during the six months ended March 31, 2016.

Vessel Operations

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, revenue from vessel operations of $5,617 was 5% less than revenue during the six months ended March 31, 2015.  As the market reacts to the ongoing weakness in world oil prices, we expect vessel revenues will be flat or lower throughout the remainder of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period of fiscal 2015, and we do not expect significant growth in demand for our vessels in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea until commencement of the second phase of the Kashagan oil field project and until world oil prices rebound materially.  Therefore, we continue to seek opportunities to utilize our vessel fleet outside of Kazakhstan, in the Turkmen and Russian sectors of the Caspian Sea.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, vessel operating costs of $3,135 were 18% lower than during the six months ended March 31, 2015, as we were able to improve our operational margins.

 As a result of improved vessel operating margins we realized net income attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $1,782 from vessel operations during the six months ended March 31, 2016 compared to net loss of $334 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.
 
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Geophysical Services

Revenue from geophysical services decreased 100% from $2,096 during the six months ended March 31, 2015, to $0 during six months ended March 31, 2016.  This is a result of completing two successful projects during the six months ended March 31, 2015, compared to no projects during six months ended March 31, 2016.  As a result of the decreased activity, cost of geophysical service revenues decreased by 77% to $416.  Even though we performed no projects during the six months ended March 31, 2016, we incurred certain fixed costs to maintain our geophysical service assets.

As a result of decreased activity, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. from geophysical operations of $1,418 during the six months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $1,431 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.

The local market, from which much of our seismic work is generated, remains depressed as a result of the difficult credit market and reduced oil prices and we continue to struggle to obtain payment from overdue accounts from non-related parties.

Although we continue to make attempts to diversify into other geophysical services, particularly mining, we anticipate that fiscal 2016 will be worse for seismic work as the credit required by local Kazakh companies to finance seismic projects remains elusive.  In addition, the ongoing depressed world oil prices continue to result in the postponement of seismic works by our potential customer. Currently, we are not engaged in any projects.  We are pursuing work from potential customers, but there is no guarantee we will be successful in securing this work.  We anticipate this trend will continue in future periods until world oil prices rebound and the credit market in Kazakhstan improves.

Marine Base Services

Our marine base services revenues decreased 36% to $495 during the six months ended March 31, 2016.

The revenue generated from marine base services was insufficient to cover our fixed costs, including depreciation.  Additionally, interest expense of $3,804 was accrued to reflect our liability under the EBRD loan, the potential accelerated put option and the portion of interest on the loans from Investor, which relate to the marine base.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a marine base services loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $14,124 compared to a loss of $4,924 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.  This increase in loss was mostly due to $11,495 of foreign currency transaction loss resulting from the revaluation of our obligations to EBRD denominated in US dollars following the 80% devaluation of the Kazakh tenge against the US dollar from August 2015, through the end of our second fiscal quarter 2016.
 
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Although we have been able to enter into agreements with some customers to use our base’s services we do not expect significant demand for the marine base until Kashagan field development and construction activity increases, which is currently anticipated to start in 2019.  Until world oil prices rebound and activity in the Caspian Sea region increases significantly, we do not expect the marine base to be able to service its current debt obligations or to operate profitably.

Corporate Administration

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. from corporate administration was $1,967, which was $313 higher than the net loss for the six months ended March 31, 2015. The increase represents the effect of the capitalization of interest on Investor’s Notes.

Depreciation

Depreciation and amortization expense of $1,488 during the six months ended March 31, 2016, was 39% lower compared to the six months ended March 31, 2015, mainly due to the effect of devaluation of Kazakh tenge, as our major assets are denominated in Kazakh tenge.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses of $3,037 during the six months ended March 31, 2016, was 30% less than  general and administrative expenses incurred during the six months ended March 31, 2015, mostly due to salary cuts to administrative personnel, as well as the effect of Kazakh tenge devaluation, as most of general and administrative expenses are denominated in Kazakh tenge.

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $5,102 for the six months ended March 31, 2016, was 14% higher than during the six months ended March 31, 2015. The increase represents the effect of the capitalization of Investor’s Notes, and the Balykshi Loan and MOBY Loan interest during the six months ended March 31, 2016.
 
Foreign Currency Transaction Income (Loss)

In August 2015, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan changed its monetary policy to make the Kazakh tenge free floating. As a result, the Kazakh tenge had suffered approximately a74% devaluation against the US dollar as of March 31, 2016.  As result of this devaluation and the remeasurement of the debt obligations of our subsidiaries, our foreign currency transaction loss increased by $10,974 during six months ended March 31, 2016, compared to six months ended March 31, 2015. The Kazakh tenge was stable during six months ended March 31, 2015.
 
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 It is our policy to try to match Euro costs with Euro income and we were able to reduce some of the loss as Euro costs for vessel rental were also lower. It is not our business to speculate on currency movements and we have not historically engaged in currency hedging.

Other Non-operating Income, Net

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a net other non-operating loss of $308 compared to net other non-operating income of $48 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.

Net Other Expenses

As a result of the significant increase in foreign currency transaction loss, net other expenses increased 221% to $17,365, during the six months ended March 31, 2016.

Benefit from Income Tax

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a benefit from income tax in the amount of $461, which is in line with the benefit from income tax of $487 realized during the six months ended March 31, 2015.  In Kazakhstan each entity is taxed independently.

Net Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

As a result of the aforementioned factors, during the six months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $15,727.  By comparison, during the six months ended March 31, 2015, we realized a net loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. of $8,343.

Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Caspian Services, Inc.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, we realized a foreign currency translation adjustment of $5,100 and comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $122, compared to a foreign currency translation adjustment of $84 and comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $649 during six months ended March 31, 2015.  As a result, comprehensive loss attributable to Caspian Services, Inc. was $10,749 during the six months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $8,908 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2016, we had cash on hand of $1,096 compared to cash on hand of $1,372 at September 30, 2015.  At March 31, 2016, total current liabilities exceeded total current assets by $105,891.  This was mainly attributable to the Balykshi and MOBY Loans, the put option and the Investor’s Notes being classified as current liabilities.
 
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As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding loan balance and accrued interest of the Balykshi Loan was $29,329.  The Balykshi Loan matured in May 2015.  As of the date of this report none of the required installment payments have been made and the loan is now due and payable in full.  The default interest rate of the Balykshi Loan of 9% per annum is applied to the payments due but not paid.  The Balykshi Loan is collateralized by the property, including the marine base, and bank accounts of Balykshi and CRE and is additionally secured by a CSI corporate guarantee.
 
The balance of our put option liability to EBRD, had EBRD accelerated its put option and required us to repurchase its 22% equity interest in Balykshi, was $24,641 as of March 31, 2016 .

As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance of the MOBY Loan was $6,495 including the accrued and unpaid interest.  We are currently accruing interest under the MOBY Loan at the default interest rate which is equal to the interbank rate plus 5.6% per annum.  As of March 31, 2016, MOBY had made none of the required semi-annual installment payments and was in violation of certain financial covenants under the MOBY Loan Agreement.  Pursuant to the MOBY Loan Agreement, if an event of default occurs and is continuing, EBRD may declare all or any portion of the principal and accrued interest of the loan due and payable on demand, or immediately due and payable without further notice and without presentment, demand or protest.

As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance of the Non-Negotiable Note was $10,927 and the outstanding balance of the Consolidated Note was $39,053.  We have agreed to secure these Notes with non-marine base assets that have not been pledged to EBRD.

Pursuant to the terms of the Non-Negotiable Note, Investor may, at any time, demand and receive payment of the Non-Negotiable Note by the issuance of our common stock.  The price per share for principal and interest is $0.12.  Investor has the right, at any time, to demand the issuance of shares in satisfaction of the Non-Negotiable Note.  If the issuance of common stock has not been demanded by Investor or made at our election by the June 30, 2016 maturity date, we will be required to repay the principal and interest in cash.

As of the date of this report none of the semi-annual interest payments under the Consolidated Note have been made to Investor when due.  We have, however, made partial payments to Investor in the aggregate amount of $2,850 to reduce the balance of the Consolidated Note.  The failure to make the full semi-annual payments under the Consolidated Note when due may constitute an event of default under the Consolidated Note.  The default interest rate under the Consolidated Note is 13% per annum.  In the event of a default that remains uncured, Investor may, at any time, demand immediate repayment of the Consolidated Note.  The maturity date of the Consolidated Note is June 30, 2016.  As noted herein the Investor may elect to have the Consolidated Note repaid in common stock of the Company in lieu of cash repayment.  The price per share for principal and interest is $ 0 .1 0.
 
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To our knowledge, as of the date of this report neither EBRD nor Investor has sought to accelerate our obligations to them.  Should EBRD seek to collect the Balykshi Loan or to accelerate the MOBY Loan or the put option, or to enforce the MOBY Loan Guarantee or the Company corporate guarantee, or any of our other financial obligations to EBRD, or should Investor seek to accelerate repayment of the Consolidated Note we would have insufficient funds to satisfy any of those obligations, collectively or individually.  If we are unable to satisfy those obligations, EBRD or Investor could seek any legal remedy available to it or him to obtain repayment, including forcing the Company into bankruptcy, or in the case of EBRD, foreclosing on the loan collateral, which includes the marine base and other assets and bank accounts of Balykshi and CRE, enforcing the Company corporate guarantee, and pursuing the other assets of the Company.

We are engaged in ongoing discussions with EBRD about a potential restructuring of our obligations to EBRD.  There is no guarantee we will be successful in negotiating, obtaining approval of or concluding a restructuring agreement with EBRD on favorable terms, or at all.

While we have made significant efforts to increase our revenues and control our operating expenses, we continue to generate net losses.  As noted above, we do not expect a reversal in the trend of lower revenues from operations to improve until world oil prices rebound materially, the credit markets in Kazakhstan improve and the second phase of the Kashagan development ramps up, which at this time is projected to occur no earlier than 2019.  In order to diversify our operations, we have worked to enter the Turkmen and Russian markets.  To date, however, these efforts have not been successful in replacing the lost demand in Kazakhstan.  Unless we are able to exploit other new markets outside of Kazakhstan for our services, we do not believe we will be able to continue to sustain net losses until the second phase of Kashagan development ramps up.  Moreover, we expect the ongoing weakness of world oil prices will continue to have a significantly negative impact on our revenues until such time as oil prices rebound materially.

With ongoing depressed oil prices and the contracted market for the services we offer, we have been searching for new opportunities to generate income.

    Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to (i) successfully restructure our financial obligations to EBRD and Investor, (ii) increase our revenues and improve our operating results to a level that will allow us to service our financial obligations, and/or (iii) attract other significant sources of funding, and (iv) a return to higher world oil prices.  Uncertainty as to the outcome of each of these events raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Cash Flows

We typically realize decreasing cash flows during our first fiscal quarter and limited cash flow during our second fiscal quarter as weather conditions in the north Caspian Sea dictate when oil and gas exploration and development work can be performed.  Usually, the work season commences in late March or early April and continues until the Caspian Sea ices over in November.  As a result, other than TatArka, which can continue to provide some onshore geophysical services between November and March and the receipt of winter standby rates on vessels, we generate very little revenue from November to March each year.
 
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The following table provides an overview of our cash flow during the six months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
 
For the six months
ended March 31 ,
 
2016
 
2015
Net cash provided by operating activities
 $     2,490
 
          $    371
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,312)
 
(55)
Net cash used in financing activities
(100)
 
(300)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
          (1,354)
 
     (493)
Net Change in Cash
$       (276)
 
$   (477)

Net cash flow from operations for the six months ended March 31, 2016, was positive, mostly due to a decrease in trade accounts receivable of $1,056 and decrease in other receivables of $615.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2016, mostly represented the cost of vessel dry-dock incurred during the period.

During the six months ended March 31, 2016, net cash was used in financing activities to make a partial payment of the balance due to Investor under the Consolidated Note.
 
(Stated in thousands)
         
 
Payment Period
Contractual Commitments
 
Less than
   
After
 
Total
1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
5 years
Loans from Investor
 $  49,980
 $  49,980
 $        -
 $        -
 $        -
Loans from EBRD
     35,824
     35,824
           -
           -
           -
Accelerated put option liability
     24,641
     24,641
           -
           -
           -
Operating leases - vessels
       6,179
          690
      1,796
      1,799
     1,894
Operating leases - other
          253
          142
         108
             3
           -
       Total
 $116,877
 $111,277
 $   1,904
 $   1,802
 $  1,894
 
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Because we are a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2016, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the 2013 framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.   Based on this evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report in timely alerting them to information required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings with the Commission.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business.  Excluding ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings that we believe would reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

We believe there are no additions to the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, filed on January 13, 2016.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

See Note 1 – Business Condition to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits.  The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
       
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description of Exhibit
       
       
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to
     
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to
     
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
     
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
       
 
Exhibit 101
 
The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements*
       
*    Filed herewith.
 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
CASPIAN SERVICES, INC.


Date:    May 23, 2016
By:
  /s/ Alexey Kotov  
     
Alexey Kotov
 
     
Chief Executive Officer
 


Date:    May 23, 2016
By:
  /s/ Indira Kaliyeva  
     
Indira Kaliyeva
 
     
Chief Financial Officer
 

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