U. S. UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


 

FORM 10-Q


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterquarterly period ended December 31, 20172021

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

 

Commission File No. 000-51638

 

GULFSLOPE ENERGY, INC.


(Exact Namename of Issuerregistrant as Specifiedspecified in its Charter) charter)

Delaware  16-1689008
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
Delaware1331 Lamar St., Suite 1665
Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
 16-168900877010
(zip code)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)
incorporation or organization)  

2500 CityWest Blvd., Suite 760

Houston, Texas 77042

 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)(281) 918-4100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(281) 918-4100Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 (Issuer’s Telephone Number)

Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.001 per shareGSPEOTCPK

 

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 (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 No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 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 No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

The number of outstanding shares outstanding of ourthe registrant’s common stock, as of$0.001 par value, on February 14, 2018,11, 2022, was 778,526,625.1,268,240,346.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) contains forward-looking statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,1933, as amended.amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical factsfact included in this Report including, without limitation, statements in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Report,communication, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial condition,position, estimated working capital, business strategy, therevenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of our management for future operations and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believe”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “target”, “goal”, “plans”, “objective”, “should”, or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. We can give no assurances thatWhen used in this communication, the assumptions upon which thewords “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “forecast, “may,” “objective,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based will proveon our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to be correct. Becausethe outcome and timing of future events.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, anticipated impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and other factors that may affect our future results and business, generally, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).

Should one or more of these risks occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results mayand plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from thethis cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, economic conditions generally and in the markets in whichthat we or persons acting on our behalf may participate, competition within our chosen industry, technological advances and failure by us to successfully develop business relationships. A more detailed discussion of possible risks is included in “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017.

issue. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws,applicable law, we disclaim any obligations or undertakingduty to publicly release any updates or revisions toupdate any forward-looking statement contained in this Reportstatements, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

after the date of this communication.


PART I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

December 31, 20172021

 

CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4
PART I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 1. Financial Statements4
Condensed Unaudited Balance Sheets4
Condensed Unaudited Statements of Operations5
Condensed Unaudited Statements of Stockholders’ Equity6
Condensed Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows67
Notes to Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements78
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1516
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk1820
Item 4. Controls and Procedures1921
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION2022

PART I – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets

As(Unaudited)

  December 31,
2021
  September 30,
2021
 
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash $924,095  $1,517,522 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets  272,870   54,398 
Total Current Assets  1,196,965   1,571,920 
Property and Equipment, net  1,389   1,845 
Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Full Cost Method of Accounting, Unproved Properties  12,170,290   12,124,720 
Total Non-Current Assets  12,171,679   12,126,565 
Total Assets $13,368,644  $13,698,485 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Current Liabilities        
Accounts Payable $138,158  $52,814 
Related Party Payable  404,469   404,469 
Related Party Accrued Interest Payable  3,072,543   2,961,689 
Loans from Related Parties  8,725,500   8,725,500 
Accrued Interest Payable  121,400   115,860 
Convertible Notes Payable, net of Debt Discount  198,507   176,663 
Derivative Financial Instruments  1,121,342   1,201,656 
Total Current Liabilities  13,781,919   13,638,651 
Total Liabilities  13,781,919   13,638,651 
Commitments and Contingencies        
Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity        
Preferred Stock; par value ($0.001); Authorized 50,000,000 shares NaN issued or outstanding      
Common Stock; par value ($0.001); Authorized 1,500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,268,240,346 and 1,268,240,346 as of December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively  1,268,240   1,268,240 
Additional Paid-in-Capital  59,031,360   58,999,585 
Accumulated Deficit  (60,712,875)  (60,207,991)
Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity  (413,275)  59,834 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity $13,368,644  $13,698,485 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.


GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

         
  For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
  2021  2020 
Revenues $  $ 
General and Administrative Expenses  446,960   382,116 
Net Loss from Operations  (446,960)  (382,116)
Other Income/(Expenses):        
Interest Expense, net  (138,238)  (164,751)
Gain (Loss) on Debt Extinguishment     136,640 
Gain on Derivative Financial Instruments  80,314   51,738 
Net Loss Before Income Taxes  (504,884)  (358,489)
Provision for Income Taxes      
Net Loss $(504,884) $(358,489)
Loss Per Share - Basic and Diluted $(0.00) $(0.00)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted  1,268,240,346   1,266,534,389 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.


GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 and September 30, 20172021

(Unaudited)

                         
     Additional  Additional
Paid-In Capital
     Net 
  Common  Paid-in  Shares to Be  Accumulated  Stockholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Issued  Deficit  Equity 
Balance at September 30, 2021  1,268,240,346  $1,268,240  $58,999,585  $  $(60,207,991) $59,834 
Stock based compensation        31,775          31,775 
Net Loss              (504,884)  (504,884)
Balance at December 31, 2021  1,268,240,346  $1,268,240  $59,031,360  $  $(60,712,875) $(413,275)

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

       
  December 31,
2017
  September 30,
2017
 
       
Assets        
Current Assets        
Cash $108,483  $6,426 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets  158,493   40,573 
Total Current Assets  266,976   46,999 
Property and Equipment, Net of Depreciation  1,310   3,484 
Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Full Cost Method of Accounting        
Unproved Properties  1,817,587   1,887,879 
Total Non-Current Assets  1,818,897   1,891,363 
Total Assets $2,085,873  $1,938,362 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit        
Current Liabilities        
Accounts Payable $488,550  $476,244 
Related Party Payable  304,374   298,458 
Accrued Interest Payable  1,455,793   1,318,188 
Accrued Expenses and Other Payables  1,321,927   1,321,927 
Loans from Related Parties  9,164,500   9,155,581 
Notes Payable  130,934   3,690 
Convertible Promissory Notes Payable  659,363   669,419 
Stock Payable  11,605   11,605 
Total Current Liabilities  13,537,046   13,255,112 
Total Liabilities  13,537,046   13,255,112 
Stockholders’ Deficit        
Preferred Stock; par value ($0.001); Authorized 50,000,000 shares none issued or outstanding      
Common Stock; par value ($0.001); Authorized 975,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 698,526,625 and 692,196,625, respectively  698,526   692,196 
Additional Paid-in-Capital  27,586,227   27,212,577 
Accumulated Deficit  (39,735,926)  (39,221,523)
Total Stockholders’ Deficit  (11,451,173)  (11,316,750)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit $2,085,873  $1,938,362 

                         
     Additional  Additional
Paid-In Capital
     Net 
  Common  Paid-in  Shares to Be  Accumulated  Stockholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Issued  Deficit  Equity 
Balance at September 30, 2020  1,250,740,346  $1,250,740  $58,728,308  $105,000  $(57,981,672) $2,102,376 
Common Stock issued in settlement of debt  17,500,000   17,500   87,500   (105,000)      
Net Loss              (358,489)  (358,489)
Balance at December 31, 2020  1,268,240,346  $1,268,240  $58,815,808  $  $(58,340,161) $1,743,887 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.


GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

         
  For the Three Months Ended
December 31
 
  2021  2020 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net Loss $(504,884) $(358,489)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used In Operating Activities:        
Depreciation  456   1,723 
Stock Based Compensation  31,775    
Gain on Derivative Financial Instruments  (80,314)  (51,738)
Debt Discount Amortization  21,844   48,460 
Gain on Debt Extinguishment     (136,640)
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:        
   Accounts Receivable     189,729 
   Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets  (218,473)  (185,225)
   Accounts Payable  59,092   (103,046)
   Accrued Interest Payable  116,394   116,637 
   Operating Lease Liabilities     18,523 
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities  (574,110)  (460,066)
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Insurance Proceeds Received     223,650 
Investments in Oil and Gas Properties  (19,317)  (74,829)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities  (19,317)  148,821 
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Payments on Notes Payable     (320,527)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities     (320,527)
         
Net Decrease in Cash  (593,427)  (631,772)
Beginning Cash Balance  1,517,522   3,190,418 
Ending Cash Balance $924,095  $2,558,646 
         
Supplemental Schedule of Cash Flow Activities:        
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized $  $96 
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:        
Capital Expenditures in Accounts Payable $26,253  $5,341 
Common Stock Issued upon Conversion of Convertible Notes Payable and Accrued Interest $  $17,500 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.

 


7

 GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)

       
  For the three
months ended
December 31,
2017
  For the three
months ended
December 31,
2016
 
Revenues $  $ 
General & Administrative Expenses  289,327   219,928 
Net Loss from Operations  (289,327)  (219,928)
Other Income/(Expenses):        
Interest Expense  (225,077)  (332,835)
Net Loss Before Income Taxes  (514,404)  (552,763)
Provision for Income Taxes      
Net Loss $(514,404) $(552,763)
Loss Per Share - Basic and Diluted $(0.00) $(0.00)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted  696,744,886   682,407,660 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.


GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)

  For the three
months ended
December 31, 2017
  For the three
months ended
December 31, 2016
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net Loss $(514,404) $(552,763)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash From Operating Activities:        
Depreciation  2,174   7,568 
Stock Based Compensation  65,506    
Debt Discount Amortization  78,864   205,430 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities        
(Increase)/Decrease in Accounts Receivable     63,147 
(Increase)/Decrease in Prepaid Expenses  38,798   22,167 
Increase/(Decrease)  in Accounts Payable  3,067   3,462 
Increase/(Decrease) in Related Party Payable  5,916   14,880 
Increase/(Decrease) in Accrued Interest  144,205   126,176 
Net Cash From Operating Activities  (175,874)  (109,933)
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Investments in Oil and Gas Properties  (183,185)  (58,929)
Proceeds From Sale of Working Interest  290,589    
Net Cash From Investing Activities  107,404   (58,929)
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Proceeds from Related Party Loans     143,000 
Proceeds from Convertible Promissory Notes and Warrants  200,000   50,000 
Payments on Note Payable  (29,473)  (36,448)
Net Cash From Financing Activities  170,527   156,552 
         
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash  102,057   (12,310)
Beginning Cash Balance  6,426   64,114 
Ending Cash Balance $108,483  $51,804 
         
Supplemental Schedule of Cash Flow Activities        
Cash Paid for Interest $2,008  $2,015 
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities        
Prepaid Asset Financed by Note Payable $156,718  $159,188 
Capital Expenditures Included in Accounts Payable $9,238  $5,463 
Stock-Based Compensation Capitalized to Unproved Properties $27,875  $ 

 The accompanying notes are an integral part to these condensed financial statements.


GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

December 31, 2017 2021

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

GulfSlope Energy, Inc. (the “Company,” “GulfSlope,” “our” and words of similar import), a Delaware corporation,“Company” or “GulfSlope”) is an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company whose interests are concentrated in the United States Gulf of Mexico (“GOM”) federal waters offshore Louisiana. The Company currently has under lease twelve2 federal Outer Continental Shelf blocks (referred to as “prospect,” “portfolio” or “leases” in this Report).

Since March 2013, we have been singularly focused on identifying high-potential oil) and gas prospects located on the shelf in the U.S. GOM. We have licensed 3-Dthree-dimensional (3-D) seismic data covering approximately 2.2 million acres and have evaluated this data using advanced interpretation technologies. As a resultacross its area of these analyses, we have identified and acquired leases on multiple prospects that we believe may contain economically recoverable hydrocarbon deposits, and we plan to continue to conduct more refined analyses of our prospects as well as target additional lease and property acquisitions. We have given preference to areas with water depths of 450 feet or less where production infrastructure already exists, which will allow for any discoveries to be developed rapidly and cost effectively with the goal to reduce economic risk while increasing returns. We have nine prospects currently under lease that we deem technically complete and ready to drill. Recent actions of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) have reduced the royalty rate for leases acquired in future lease sales in water depths of less than 200 meters (approximately 656 feet) from 18.75% to 12.5%, which further enhances the economics for the drilling of any leases acquired after August 2017 in these water depths. We currently hold one lease to which this reduced rate applies. We expect that drilling activities on two of our prospects will commence in mid-2018.concentration.

As of December 31, 2017, we have no production or proved reserves.

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The condensed financial statements included herein are unaudited. However, these condensed financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which, in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s condensed financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

Certain information, accounting policies, and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2017,2021, which were included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 20172021 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017.2021.

 

Cash

 

GulfSlope considers highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities to the Company of three months or less to be cash equivalents. CashThere were no cash equivalents consist primarily of interest-bearing bank accountsat December 31, 2021 and money market funds.September 30, 2021.

 

Liquidity/Liquidity / Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred accumulated losses as of December 31, 20172021 of $39.7 million.$60.7 million, has negative working capital of $12.6 million and for the three months ended December 31, 2021 generated losses of $0.5 million. Further losses are anticipated in developing our business. As a result, there exists substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2017,2021, we had $0.1$0.9 million of unrestricted cash on hand. The Company estimates that it will need to raise a minimum of $10$10.0 million to meet its obligations and planned expenditures. The $10.0 million is comprised primarily of capital project expenditures through February 2019.as well as general and administrative expenses. It does not include any amounts due under outstanding debt obligations, which amounted to $12.1 million of current principal and accrued interest as of December 31, 2021. The Company plans to finance its operations and planned expenditures through the issuance of equity securities, debt financings and debt offerings. Our policy has beenfarm-out agreements, asset sales or mergers. The Company also plans to periodically raise funds throughextend the sale of equityagreements associated with all loans, the accrued interest payable on a limited basis, to avoid undue dilution while atthese loans, as well as the early stages of execution of our business plan. Short term needs have been historically funded through loans from executive management and other related parties.Company’s accrued liabilities. There are no assurances that financing will be available with acceptable terms, if at all.all, or that obligations can be extended. If the Company is not successful in obtaining adequate financing or extending obligations, operations would need to be curtailed or ceased, or the Company would need to sell assets or consider alternative plans up to and including those associated with being a public reporting company.restructuring. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 


Accounts Receivable

The Company records an accounts receivable for operations expense reimbursements due from joint interest partners and also from normal operations. The Company estimates allowances for doubtful accounts based on the aged receivable balances and historical losses. If the Company determines any account to be uncollectible based on significant delinquency or other factors, the receivable and the underlying asset are assessed for recovery. As of December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. Gross accounts receivable was nil at December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively. 

Full Cost Method

 

The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development activities as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).activities. Under the full cost method of accounting, all costs associated with successful and unsuccessful exploration and development activities are capitalized on a country-by-country basis into a single cost center (“full cost pool”). Such costs include property acquisition costs, geological and geophysical (“G&G”) costs, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wellswells. Overhead costs, which includes employee compensation and overhead chargesbenefits including stock-based compensation, incurred that are directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities.activities are capitalized. Interest expense is capitalized related to unevaluated properties and wells in process during the period in which the Company is incurring costs and expending resources to get the properties ready for their intended purpose. For significant investments in unproved properties and major development projects that are not being currently depreciated, depleted, or amortized and on which exploration or development activities are in progress, interest costs are capitalized. Proceeds from property sales will generally be credited to the full cost pool, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and the proved reserves attributable to these costs. A significant alteration would typically involve a sale of 25%25% or more of the proved reserves related to a single full cost pool.


Proved properties are amortized on a country-by-country basis using the units of production method (UOP). The UOP calculation multiplies the percentage of estimated(“UOP”), whereby capitalized costs are amortized over total proved reserves produced each quarter by the cost of those reserves. The amortization base in the UOP calculation includes the sum of proved property, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A)(“DD&A”), estimated future development costs (future costs to access and develop proved reserves), and asset retirement costs, less related salvage value.

 

The costs of unproved properties and related capitalized costs (such as G&G costs) are withheld from the amortization calculation until such time as they are either developed or abandoned. Unproved properties and properties under development are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly and are determined through an evaluation considering,that considers, among other factors, seismic data, requirements to relinquish acreage, drilling results, remaining time in the commitment period, remaining capital plan, and political, economic, and market conditions. In countries where proved reserves exist, exploratory drilling costs associated with dry holes are transferred to proved properties immediately upon determination that a well is dry and amortized accordingly. In countries where a reserve base has not yet been established, impairments are charged to earnings. At December 31, 2021, the Company continues to pursue the development of its unproved properties and is actively finalizing the permitting of the Tau #2 well. As such, project economics continue to support cost incurred plus future development therefore no impairment is required at December 31, 2021. However, without the commencement of drilling the Tau #2 well, lease block Ship Shoal 336 will expire on June 30, 2022 unless an extension is granted for the lease block. If drilling does not commence or an extension is not granted, then approximately 35% of the prospect cost will be required to be written off.

 

Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are required to perform a ceiling test calculation each quarter. The full cost ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test is performed quarterly, on a country-by-country basis, utilizing the average of prices in effect on the first day of the month for the preceding twelve-month period. The cost center ceiling limits such pooled costs tois defined as the aggregatesum of the present value of(a) estimated future net revenues, attributable to proved crude oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10%, plus10% per annum, from proved reserves, (b) the cost of properties not being amortized, if any, and (c) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties less any associated tax effects.included in the cost being amortized. If such capitalized costs exceed the ceiling, the Company will record a write-down to the extent of such excess as a non-cash charge to earnings. Any such write-down will reduce earnings in the period of occurrence and results in a lower depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in future periods. A write-down may not be reversed in future periods even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the ceiling.

 

The Company capitalizes exploratory well costs into oil and gas properties until a determination is made that the well has either found proved reserves or is impaired. If proved reserves are found, the capitalized exploratory well costs are reclassified to proved properties. The well costs are charged to expense if the exploratory well is determined to be impaired. The Company is currently evaluating one well for proved reserves and capitalized exploratory well costs remain pending the outcome of exploration activities involving the drilling of the Tau No. 2 well (twin well). Accordingly, these costs are included as suspended well costs at December 31, 2021 and it is expected that a final analysis will be completed in the next six months at which time the costs will be transferred to the full cost pool upon final evaluation.

As of December 31, 2017,2021, the Company’s oil and gas properties consisted of capitalized exploration and acquisition costs for unproved properties, wells in process and no proved reserves. 

 

Due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and related pressures on the global supply-demand balance for crude oil and related products, commodity prices have been volatile. The Company has evaluated the effect of these factors on its business and notes these factors have caused a delay in the plans for the Company’s 2022 drilling program. The Company continues to monitor the economic environment and evaluate the impact on the business.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company’s asset retirement obligations will represent the present value of the estimated future costs associated with plugging and abandoning oil and natural gas wells, removing production equipment and facilities and restoring the seabed in accordance with the terms of oil and gas leases and applicable state and federal laws. Determining asset retirement obligations requires estimates of the costs of plugging and abandoning oil and natural gas wells, removing production equipment and facilities and restoring the sea bed as well as estimates of the economic lives of the oil and gas wells and future inflation rates. The resulting estimate of future cash outflows will be discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate that corresponds with the timing of the cash outflows. Cost estimates will consider historical experience, third party estimates, the requirements of oil and natural gas leases and applicable local, state and federal laws, but do not consider estimated salvage values. Asset retirement obligations will be recognized when the wells drilled reach total depth or when the production equipment and facilities are installed or acquired with an associated increase in proved oil and gas property costs. Asset retirement obligations will be accreted each period through depreciation, depletion and amortization to their expected settlement values with any difference between the actual cost of settling the asset retirement obligations and recorded amount being recognized as an adjustment to proved oil and gas property costs. Cash paid to settle asset retirement obligations will be included in net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in the statements of cash flows. On a quarterly basis, when indicators suggest there have been material changes in the estimates underlying the obligation, the Company reassesses its asset retirement obligations to determine whether any revisions to the obligations are necessary. At least annually, the Company will assess all of its asset retirement obligations to determine whether any revisions to the obligations are necessary. Future revisions could occur due to changes in estimated costs or well economic lives, or if federal or state regulators enact new requirements regarding plugging and abandoning oil and natural gas wells. The Company drilled 2 well bores in 2018 and 2019 and these wellbores were both plugged with no further cost required and as such, the asset retirement obligation was completely extinguished.


Derivative Financial Instruments

The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that the Company record certain embedded conversion options and warrants as liabilities at their fair value as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date with any change in fair value recorded as income or expense. As a result of entering into certain note agreements, for which such instruments contained a variable conversion feature with no floor, the Company had adopted a sequencing policy in accordance with ASC 815-40-35-12 whereby all future instruments issued after such variable conversion feature instruments may be classified as a derivative liability with the exception of instruments related to share-based compensation issued to employees or directors, as long as the certain variable convertible instruments exist. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the variable conversion feature instruments have been extinguished or modified to remove the variable conversion feature. See Note 6.

Prior to November 19, 2020, the Company had a certain note payable which contained a variable conversion feature with no floor, and accordingly, the Company had adopted a sequencing policy in accordance with ASC 815-40-35-12 whereby all stock-based instruments issued after such note payable was issued and prior to it being extinguished were classified as derivative liabilities, with the exception of instruments related to share-based compensation issued to employees or directors. Such sequencing policy ceased upon the extinguishment of the note payable on November 19, 2020.

Basic and Dilutive Earnings Per Share

 

Basic income (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (denominator). Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding (if dilutive) during each period. Potential common shares include stock options, warrants, and restricted stock.convertible notes payable. The number of potential common shares outstanding relating to stock options warrants, and restricted stockwarrants, is computed using the treasury stock method. The number of potential common shares related to convertible notes payable is determined using the if-converted method.

 

As the Company has incurred losses for the three months ended December 31, 20172021, and 2016,2020, the potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and are thus not added into the loss per share calculations. As of December 31, 20172021, and 2016,2020, there were 175,050,492288,396,467 and 118,268,823256,011,343 potentially dilutive shares, respectively.

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In May 2014,August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 is amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20, ASU 2017-10, ASU 2017-13 and ASU 2017-14, which FASB issued inAugust 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, May 2016, December 2016, May 2017, September 2017 and November 2017, respectively (collectively, the amended ASU 2014-09). The amended ASU 2014-09 provides a single comprehensive model for the recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. It requires an entity to recognize revenue when the entity transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amended ASU 2014-09 creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contract(s), which includes (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (2) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. The amended ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The effective date for the amended ASU 2014-09 for the Company is fiscal year 2019, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal year 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the effect that amended ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.


On February 25, 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new guidance establishes2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (ASU 2020-06), which simplifies the principlesaccounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires the application of the if-converted method to report transparent and economically neutral information aboutcalculate the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. The new guidanceimpact of convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share (EPS), which is consistent with the Company’s accounting treatment under the current standard. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years and early application is permitted for all organizations. The Company has not yet selected the period during which it will implement this pronouncement, and it is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either liability or equity, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016,2020. ASU No. 2020-06 can be adopted on either a fully retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. ASU 2021-04 provides clarification and reduces diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options (such as warrants) that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. An issuer measures the effect of a modification or exchange as the difference between the fair value of the modified or exchanged warrant and the fair value of that warrant immediately before modification or exchange. ASU 2021-04 introduces a recognition model that comprises four categories of transactions and the corresponding accounting treatment for each category (equity issuance, debt origination, debt modification, and modifications unrelated to equity issuance and debt origination or modification). ASU 2021-04 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingAn entity should apply the impactguidance provided in ASU 2021-04 prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring on or after the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2016-06”), which clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts and requires that an entity assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence in ASC 815. ASU 2016-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years.date. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluatingIf an entity elects to early adopt ASU 2021-04 in an interim period, the impactguidance should be applied as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU 2016-06 will2021-04 is not expected to have a material impact on itsthe Company’s financial statements.statements or disclosures.


The Company has evaluated all other recent accounting pronouncements and believes either they are not applicable or that none of them will have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Recent Tax and Financial Legislation

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law on December 22, 2017 by President Donald J. Trump. The law includes significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a Federal corporate rate reduction from 35% to 21%, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. We are in the process of analyzing the final legislation and determining an estimate of the financial impact.

 

NOTE 3 – OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

 

In March 2014 and 2015, theThe Company was awarded a total of 23currently has under lease 2 federal Outer Continental Shelf blocks and has licensed 2.2 million acres of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data in its area of concentration. Our two leases expire on June 30, 2022, and October 31, 2025, respectively.

The Company, as the operator of 2 wells drilled in the CentralUnited States Gulf of Mexico. DuringMexico, has incurred tangible and intangible drilling costs for the wells in process and has billed its working interest partners for their respective share of the drilling costs to date. The intangible drilling and all other costs related to the first well have been impaired. The second well, Tau, was drilled to a measured depth of 15,254 feet, as compared to the originally permitted 29,857 foot measured depth. Producible hydrocarbon zones were not established to that depth, but hydrocarbon shows were encountered. Complex geomechanical conditions required two by-pass wellbores, one sidetrack wellbore, and eight casing strings to reach that depth. Equipment limitations prevented further drilling. In addition, the drilling rig had contractual obligations related to another operator. The Company elected to plug this well in a manner that would allow for re-entry at a later time. The Company is evaluating various options related to future operations in this wellbore and testing of the deeper Tau prospect. The Company plans to re-drill this prospect within the next twelve months, however, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on offshore operations is still under mitigation by operators and will influence the potential timing of a re-drill.

In January 2019, the Tau well experienced an underground control of well event and as a result, the Company filed an insurance claim pursuant to its insurance policy with its insurance underwriters (the “Underwriters”). The total amount of the claim was approximately $10.8 million for 100% working interest after the insurance deductible amount. The Company received approximately $2.5 million of this amount and credited wells in process for approximately $0.9 million for the Company’s portion, and recorded an accrued payable for approximately $1.6 million, pending evaluation of distributions to the working interest owners. In December 2019, the accrued payable was settled by the issuance to the working interest partner of approximately 38.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

In May 2019, the Tau No. 1 well experienced a second underground control of well event and as a result, the Company filed an insurance claim. The claim was related to a subsurface well occurrence that happened during the drilling of the Company’s Tau No. 1 well on May 5, 2019 at a measured depth of 15,254 feet. The Company subsequently controlled the occurrence and ceased drilling operations and plugs were placed in the well to meet regulatory requirements prior to rig release. Pursuant to the Policy terms and conditions, the Underwriters were obligated to reimburse GulfSlope for qualified actual costs and expenses incurred to (i) regain control of the well, and (ii) restore or re-drill the well to 15,254 feet. Total costs and expenses to regain control of the well were determined to be approximately $4.8 million (net of deductible) for 100% working interest and all of this amount had been received as of December 31, 2020. GulfSlope’s share of this amount was approximately $1.2 million.

In November 2019, an agreement was reached with a working interest partner whereby the working interest partner re-conveyed to the Company their 5% interest in Tau and Canoe in exchange for the release of claims and the Company foregoing collection of accounts receivable owed by the working interest partner. As a result of this agreement approximately $3.6 million of accounts receivable was reclassified to oil and gas properties – unproved during the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company relinquished six of these lease blocks. The capitalized lease costs of $2,610,678 associated with these blocks were recorded as impairment of oil and natural gas properties. The Company also deducted $280,000 as an impairment of certain capitalized exploration costs that were directly allocable to the relinquished blocks, for a total impairment deduction of $2,890,678 for the year ended September 30, 2016.  During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company relinquished six lease blocks. The capitalized lease costs of $2,054,212 associated with these blocks were recorded as impairment of oil and natural gas properties. The Company also deducted $1,262,000 as an impairment of certain capitalized exploration costs that were directly allocable to the 2017 relinquished blocks, for a total impairment deduction of $3,316,212. In September 2017, the Company was notified by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) that its August bid for an additional Outer Continental Shelf Block was accepted, and the block was awarded in October 2017. As of December 31, 2017 the Company holds twelve Outer Continental Shelf blocks.


The Company paid $632,665 in gross annual lease rental payments to the BOEM for the year ended September 30, 2017. The Company’s share of these amounts are included in unproved properties.  In August 2017, the Company competitively bid on one block in the Central Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 249 conducted by BOEM.  The Company was the high bidder on the block and paid $26,398, which represents 20% of the total lease bonus amount.  On September 29, 2017 the Company’s bid was accepted. After payment in October 2017 of, $140,591, which represents the remaining 80% lease bonus and first year rentals, the Company was awarded the lease block in October 2017. 2020.

 

In August 2017,On July 27, 2020, the Company entered into a letter agreementsettlement with Texas South Energy, Inc. (“TSE” or “Texas South”) that sets out the termsUnderwriters of a farm-out agreementthe well control events insurance policy for their claims associated with the Company’sre-drilling of the Tau prospect. In exchange for $166,989, TSE will acquire an undivided 20% interest in the prospect. Through December 31, 2017, GulfSlope had received $166,989 in payments from TSE.No. 1 well. In accordance with full cost requirements,the settlement, in lieu of the insurer paying for the redrill of the well and for a complete release of any further liability under the insurance policy, the Company recorded the proceeds from the transaction as an adjustmentwill receive approximately $6.6 million in cash net to the capitalized costs of its oil & gas properties with no gain or loss recognition.

In October 2017, the Company executed the second amendment to the March 2014 farm-out agreement with Texas South under which Texas South will acquire 20% of Gulfslope’s interest in two prospects for $329,062. $150,00025% working interest. At December 31, 2020, all of this amount has been paid throughreceived.

As of December 31, 2017.

For2021, the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred $172,094 in consulting fees, salaries and benefits, $195,125 in stock option costs associated with geoscientists, and $53,014 associated with technological infrastructure and third party hosting services. The Company capitalized these G&G costs because the Company owned specific unevaluated properties that these costs relate to. These capitalized amounts when added to the amount paid in 2017 for lease rental and lease acquisition payments of $402,766 and netted with the 2017 receipts from working interest portion of annual rentals of $118,679 and the amount received through September 30, 2017 for sale of working interest of $26,400 as well as the relinquished leases impairment amount of $3,316,212 results in unprovedCompany’s oil and natural gas properties consisted of $1,887,879 reflected onunproved properties, wells in process and no proved reserves. During the Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2017.

For the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2017,2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $68,631 in consulting fees and salaries and benefits associated with geoscientists, and $11,075 associated with technological infrastructure and third party hosting services. The Company capitalized these G&G costs because the Company owned specific unevaluated properties that these costs relate to. These amounts when addednil of interest expense to unproved properties at September 30, 2017 and netted with the receipts to date from the sale of working interest result in $1,817,587 unproved properties at December 31, 2017.

In September 2017, GulfSlope Energy, Inc. announced that they had executed an exclusive letter of intent (“LOI”) with a large international oil and natural gas company (the “Partner”)properties, respectively, and with Texas Southapproximately $0.05 million and $0.3 million of general and administrative expenses, capitalized to jointly drill and develop their oil and natural gas prospects located offshore Gulfproperties, respectively. Without the commencement of Mexico. In January 2018drilling the Company entered intoTau #2 well, lease block Ship Shoal 336 will expire on June 30, 2022, unless an extension is granted for the lease block. If drilling does not commence or an extension is not granted, then a strategic partnership with Delek Group, Ltd, and Texas South and executed a participation agreement for a multi-phase exploration program.Under the termsportion of the Agreement, the Parties have committed to drill the Company’s “Canoe” and “Tau” prospects (the “Initial Phase”) with Delek having the option to participate in two additional two-well drilling phases and a final, three-well drilling phase (collectively, the “Phases”). In each Phase, Delek will earn a 75% working interest upon paying 90% of the exploratory costs associated with drilling each exploratory well. The Company will retain a 20% working interest while paying 8% of the exploratory costs associated with drilling each well. In addition, Delek will pay the Company approximately $1.1 million in cash for each Prospect when the exploration plan is filed with BOEM and/or BSEE. Also, each Partyprospect cost will be responsible for its pro rata share (based on working interest) of delay rentals associated with the Prospects. The Company willrequired to be the Operator during exploratory drilling of a Prospect, however, subsequent to a commercial discovery, Delek will have the right to become the Operator. Delek will have the right to terminate this Agreement at the conclusion of any drilling Phase. Delek will also have the option to purchase up to 5% of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), upon fulfilling its obligation for each Phase (maximum of 20% in the aggregate) at a price per share equal to a 10% discount to the 30-day weighted average closing price for the Common Stock preceding the acquisition. This option will expire January 8, 2020.written off.

 

NOTE 4 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During April 2013 through September 2013,2017, the Company entered into convertible promissory notes whereby it borrowed a total of $6,500,000$8,675,500 from John Seitz, its currentthe chief executive officer.officer (“CEO”). The notes are due on demand, bear interest at the rate of 5%5% per annum, and $5,300,000 of the notes are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to $0.12$0.12 per share of common stock (the then offering price of shares of common stock to unaffiliated investors). In May 2013, John Seitz converted $1,200,000 of the aforementioned debt into 10,000,000 shares of common stock, which shares were issued in July 2013. Between June of 2014 and December 2015, the Company entered into promissory notes whereby it borrowed a total of $2,410,000 from Mr. Seitz. The notes are not convertible, due on demand and bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum. During January through September 2017, the Company entered into promissory notes whereby it borrowed a total of $965,500 from Mr. Seitz. The notes are due on demand, bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum, and the outstanding principal and interest is convertible at the option of the holder into securities issued by the Company in a future offering, at the same price and terms received by unaffiliated investors. As of December 31, 20172021, the total amount owed to John Seitz our CEO, is $8,675,500.$8,675,500. This amount is included in loans from related parties within the condensed balance sheets. There was a total of $1,312,139approximately $3.07 million and $2.63 million of unpaid interest associated with these loans included in accrued interest payable within ourthe balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.

2021 and 2020, respectively.


From August 2015 through February 2016 the Company entered into promissory notes whereby it borrowed a total of $267,000 from Dr. Ronald Bain, its current president and chief operating officer, and his affiliate ConRon Consulting, Inc. These notes are not convertible, due on demand and bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum. As of December 31, 2017, the total amount owed to Dr. Bain and his affiliate was $267,000. There was a total of $31,583 of accrued interest associated with these loans included within our balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. In June of 2016, Dr. Ronald Bain also entered into a $92,000 convertible promissory note with associated warrants (“Bridge Financing”) under the same terms received by other investors (see Note 5).

During March 2016, the Company entered into a promissory note for a total of $80,000 with the Morris Family Partnership, L.P., an affiliate of Mr. Paul Morris, a director of the Company. The note is due on demand and bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum and the principal amount is convertible at the option of the holder into securities issued by the Company in a future offering, at the same price and terms received by investors. The $80,000 promissory note was converted into the Bridge Financing (see Note 5).

On November 15, 2016, a family member of the CEO a related party, entered into a $50,000$50,000 convertible promissory note with associated warrants (“Bridge Financing”) under the same terms received by other investors (see Note 5).

 

Domenica Seitz CPA, related to John Seitz, has provided accounting consulting services to the Company.Company through September 30, 2020 as a consultant and beginning October 2020 as an employee. The total amount payable to Domenica Seitz is approximately $346,000 for unpaid past services as of December 31, and September 30, 2021, respectively. During the three month periodmonths ended December 31, 2017, the services provided were valued at $5,915. The Company has accrued these amounts,2021 and they have been reflected in the December 31, 2017 financial statements.2020, salary of approximately $19,000, respectively was paid.

 

John Seitz has not received a salary since May 31, 2013, the date he commenced serving as our CEO and accordingly, no amount has been accrued on our financial statements.

Kevin Bain, son of Dr. Bain, is a geoscientist and an employee of the Company.  

NOTE 5 – BRIDGE FINANCINGNOTES PAYABLE

PPP Loan

On April 16, 2020, GulfSlope Energy, Inc. entered into a promissory note (the “Note“) evidencing an unsecured $100,300 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan“). The Paycheck Protection Program was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act“) and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The PPP Loan was made through Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Amegy Bank (the “Lender“). On December 17, 2020, the PPP Loan plus accrued interest of $662 was formally forgiven in full by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The forgiven loan balance and related interest totaling $100,962 was accounted for as a gain on debt extinguishment in the Condensed Statements of Operations during the three months ended December 31, 2020.

Insurance Note Payable

In November 2019, the Company purchased an insurance policy for approximately $241,000 and financed $220,629 of the premium by executing a note payable at an interest rate of 5.6%. The note was paid in full with the October 2020 payment. The balance of the note payable was nil and $21,527 at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 6CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES WITH ASSOCIATED WARRANTSPAYABLE

The Company’s convertible promissory notes consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

  September 30, 2021  December 31, 2021 
  Notes   Discount   Notes, Net 
of Discount
   Notes   Discount   Notes, Net 
of Discount
  
Bridge Financing Notes $227,000   $(50,337)  $176,663   $227,000   $(28,493)   $198,507  
Total $227,000   $(50,337)  $176,663   $227,000   $(28,493)   $198,507  

Bridge Financing Notes

 

Between June and November 2016, the Company issued eleven11 convertible promissory notes (“Bridge Financing Notes”) with associated warrants in a private placement to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $837,000. Three of the$837,000, including $222,000 from related parties. These notes were to related parties for proceeds totaling $222,000, including the extinguishment of $70,000 worth of related party payables. The convertible notes haveand associated warrants had a maturity of one year bear (which has been extended at maturity to April 30, 2021), an annual interest rate of 8%8% and can be converted at the option of the holder at a conversion price of $0.025$0.025 per share. In addition, the convertible notes will automatically convert if a qualified equity financing of at least $3$3 million occurs before maturity and such mandatory conversion price will equal the effective price per share paid in the qualified equity financing. The note balances as of December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021 were $277,000, with unamortized debt discounts of approximately $28,000 and $6,000, respectively. Debt discount amortization for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $22,000 and $5,000, respectively. As noted above, on April 30, 2021, the maturity date related to these notes and associated warrants was extended to April 30, 2022. In addition toconsideration for the convertibleextension of the notes in April 2021, the investors received 27.9 million warrants (7.4 million toCompany extended the above mentioned related parties) with an exercise price of $0.03 and a term of the earlierrelated warrants until April 30, 2022 and recognized approximately $87,000 of three years or upon a change of control. The Company evaluatedadditional debt discount which represented the various financial instruments under ASC 480 and ASC 815 and determined no instruments or features required fair value accounting. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2, the Company allocated the proceeds between the convertible notes and warrants based on their relative fair values. This resulted in an allocation of $452,422 to the warrants and $384,368 to the convertible notes. After such allocation, the Company evaluated the conversion option to discern whether a beneficial conversion feature existed based upon comparing the effective exercise price of the convertible notes to the fairincremental value of the shares theymodified warrants over the pre-modification warrants.

June 2019 Convertible Debenture

On June 21, 2019, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement to borrow up to $3,000,000 through the issuance of convertible debentures (“Convertible Debentures”) and associated warrants. On June 21, 2019, approximately $2,100,000 (“Tranche 1”) of Convertible Debentures were purchased with other tranches closing on August 7, 2019 for $400,000 (“Tranche 2”) and November 6, 2019 (“Tranche 3”) for $500,000. All tranches accrue interest at 8 percent per annum, and mature one year after each respective closing date, and are convertible into. The Company concluded a beneficial conversion feature existed and measured such beneficial conversion feature at $384,368. Accordingly, the debt discount associated with these notes was $836,790. Such discount was amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term (one year)option of the convertible notes. Forholder any time after issuance into common stock at a conversion rate of the quarter ended December 31, 2017lesser of: (1) $0.05 per share; or (2) 80% of the amortization of this discountlowest volume weighted adjusted price (as reported by Bloomberg, LP) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding conversion, and the discount associated with the extension warrants (see below) totaled $26,970, and is included in interest expense in the statementevent of operations. Accrued interest expense fordefault the quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $16,740.  Cumulative accrued interest expense at December 31, 2017 was $98,804.

Upon maturity of eightconversion rate adjusts to 60% of the eleven promissory noteslowest volume weighted average price in June 2017, the Company issued 3,225,000 extension warrants (equal to 25% of the original warrant amount) to the holders of the notes to extend the terms to January 15, 2018. The Company evaluated this modification including considering the fair value of the warrants issued and concluded that extinguishment accounting was required as the present value of future cash flows from the new note, including the fair value of the warrants issued to extend, exceeded the present value of future cash flows of the old note by more than 10%. The fair value of the warrants was deemed to be $50,701 and such amount was recognized immediately as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

In July and August 2017, the three remaining promissory notes issued in July, August and November 2016 were extended until January 15, 2018 and issued 3,750,000 extension warrants (equal to 25% of the original warrant amount). The Company evaluated this transaction including considering the fair value of the warrants issued and concluded that modification accounting was required as the present value of future cash flows from the new note, including the fair value of the warrants issued to extend, are less than 10% of the present value of future cash flows of the old note. When an instrument is modified, any incremental increase in value (in this case the warrants) should be added to the discount of the notes and such discount should be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the new remaining life of the note. The fair value of the warrants, $38,946, was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

previous 20 trading days.


On December 28, 2016,In addition, the Company issued a convertible promissory note with 500,000 sharesholder received warrants to purchase an aggregate of restricted stock and 550,000 warrants in a private placement to an accredited investor for $50,000 in proceeds. The warrants have a five year term and an exercise price of $0.10. The promissory note has a face value of $55,555, which includes 10% original issue discount (“OID”) and incurs a one-time upfront interest charge of six percent. The holder of the note has the option to convert the note into50 million shares of common stock at a conversionan exercise price of $0.02$0.04 per share. Approximately $450,000share (subsequently reduced to an exercise price $0.02 in 2020). Such warrants expire on the fifth anniversary of additional funding is available under similar terms ifissuance. In total the Company and the lender mutually agreeoffering costs incurred related to further tranches. this Convertible Debenture were approximately $398,000.

The Company evaluated the various financial instruments under ASC 480conversion feature and ASC 815concluded that it should be bifurcated and determined no material instruments or featuresaccounted for as a derivative liability due to the variable conversion feature which does not contain an explicit limit on the number of shares that are required to be issued upon conversion. In addition, the Company concluded the warrants required treatment as derivative liabilities as the Company could not assert it has sufficient authorized but unissued shares to settle the warrants upon exercise when taking into account other stock-based commitments including the Convertible Debentures. Accordingly, the embedded conversion feature and warrants were recorded at fair value accounting. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2,at issuance and are subsequently re-measured to fair value each reporting period.

In June 2020, the Company allocatedextended the proceeds between the convertible note, restricted common stock,maturity dates of Tranche 1 and warrants based on their relative fair values. ThisTranche2 to August 21, 2020 in exchange for a cash payment of $50,000. The extension was treated as a modification for accounting purposes which resulted in the $50,000 being recognized as an allocation of $8,460 to the restricted stock, $7,969 to the warrants and $33,571 to the convertible note. After such allocation, the Company evaluated the conversion option to discern whether a beneficial conversion feature existed based upon comparing the effective exercise price of the convertible note to the fair value of the shares it is convertible into. The Company concluded a beneficial conversion feature existed and measured such beneficial conversion feature at $33,571. Accordingly, at December 28, 2016, theadditional debt discount associated with these notes was $55,555. Such discount was amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term (seven months) of the convertible note. For the year ended September 30, 2017 amortization of this discount totaled $55,555allocated on a pro-rata basis between Tranche 1 and is included in interest expense in the statement of operations. Accrued interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2017 is $3,333. The note, related OIDTranche 2 and accrued interest were converted into approximately 5.5 million shares of GulfSlope Energy common stock in a series of conversions beginning on July 10, 2017 and ending with a conversion on September 18, 2017 on which date all were paid in full.

On March 14, 2017, the Company issued a convertible promissory note with 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock and 1,100,000 warrants in a private placement to an accredited investor for $100,000 in proceeds. The warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.10. The promissory note has a face value of $111,111, which includes 10% original issue discount (“OID”), and incurs a one-time upfront interest charge of six percent. The holder of the note has the option to convert the note into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.02 per share. Approximately $350,000 of additional funding is available under similar terms if the Company and the lender mutually agree to further tranches. The Company evaluated the various financial instruments under ASC 480 and ASC 815 and determined no material instruments or features required fair value accounting. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2, the Company allocated the proceeds between the convertible note, restricted common stock, and warrants based on their relative fair values. This resulted in an allocation of $17,250 to the restricted stock, $14,051 to the warrants and $68,699 to the convertible note. After such allocation, the Company evaluated the conversion option to discern whether a beneficial conversion feature existed based upon comparing the effective exercise price of the convertible note to the fair value of the shares it is convertible into. The Company concluded a beneficial conversion feature existed and measured such beneficial conversion feature at $68,699. Accordingly, at March 14, 2017, the debt discount associated with these notes was $111,111. Such discount will be amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term (seven months)remaining life of the convertible note. Forrespective tranches.

On July 27, 2020, the Company and the holder agreed to the following cash payments in full satisfaction of the obligations thereunder: (1) $50,000 on the date of the Agreement; (2) $700,000 on or before August 21, 2020; (3) $750,000 on or before September 30, 2020; and (4) any remaining principal amount outstanding on or before November 30, 2020. As of the date of the agreement, the principal balance outstanding on the Convertible Debenture was $1,900,000, which amount may be reduced in the event that holder elects to convert to equity all or any portion of principal prior to repayment. In connection with the agreement, the holder agreed not to convert more than $300,000 of principal of the Debenture between the date of the agreement and November 30, 2020. Upon the timely payment by the Company of the amounts set forth above, all other amounts due on the Debentures, including any interest or fees accrued or that will accrue or become due or payable on the Debentures, will be extinguished. The Company accounted for this arrangement as a modification of the existing debt. 

During the year ended September 30, 2017 amortization2020, the lender converted approximately $1,200,000 of this discount totaled $105,841principal of Tranche 1 and is included inapproximately $139,000 of accrued interest expense in the statement of operations. Accrued interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2017 is $6,666. In September 2017, $30,000 was converted into 1.5 million shares of stock, leaving a notecommon stock. The remaining balance of $81,111the convertible debenture at September 30, 2017. In October 2017, the note balance of $81,111 and accrued interest of $6,600 were converted into approximately 4.3 million shares of GulfSlope Energy common stock. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017 the note and all accrued interest were paid in full.2020 was $300,000.

 

On October 16, 2017,In November 2020, the Company issuedmade a convertible promissory note with 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock and 1,100,000 warrants$300,000 payment in a private placementfull to an accredited investor for $100,000 in proceeds. The warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.10. The promissory note has a face value of $110,000, which includes 10% original issue discount (“OID”), and incurs a one-time upfront interest charge of six percent. The holder ofsatisfy the note has the option to convert the note into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.02 per share. Approximately $250,000 of additional funding is available under similar terms if the Company and the lender mutually agree to further tranches. The Company evaluated the various financial instruments under ASC 480 and ASC 815 and determined no material instruments or features required fair value accounting. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2, the Company allocated the proceeds between the convertible note, restricted common stock, and warrants based on their relative fair values. This resulted in an allocation of $21,287 to the restricted stock, $20,175 to the warrants and $58,538 to the convertible note. After such allocation, the Company evaluated the conversion option to discern whether a beneficial conversion feature existed based upon comparing the effective exercise priceremaining balance of the convertible notedebenture and a gain on extinguishment of debt was recognized in the amount of $35,678.

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1:

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. The Company considers active markets as those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2:

Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes those derivative instruments that the Company values using observable market data. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the term of the derivative instrument, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category include non-exchange traded derivative financial instruments as well as warrants to purchase common stock and long-term incentive plan liabilities calculated using the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value as of the measurement date.

Level 3:Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e. supported by little or no market activity).

As required by ASC 820-10, financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the shares it is convertible into. The Company concludedsignificance of a beneficial conversion feature existed and measured such beneficial conversion feature at $58,538. Accordingly, at October 16, 2017, the debt discount associated with these notes was $110,000. Such discount will be amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term (seven months) of the convertible note. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017 amortization of this discount totaled $39,434 and is included in interest expense in the statement of operations. Accrued interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 is $6,600.


On December 15, 2017, the Company issued a convertible promissory note with 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock and 1,100,000 warrants in a private placement to an accredited investor for $100,000 in proceeds. The warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price of $0.10. The promissory note has a face value of $110,000, which includes 10% original issue discount (“OID”), and incurs a one-time upfront interest charge of six percent. The holder of the note has the option to convert the note into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.02 per share. Approximately $150,000 of additional funding is available under similar terms if the Company and the lender mutually agree to further tranches. The Company evaluated the various financial instruments under ASC 480 and ASC 815 and determined no material instruments or features required fair value accounting. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2, the Company allocated the proceeds between the convertible note, restricted common stock, and warrants based on their relative fair values. This resulted in an allocation of $27,807 to the restricted stock, $27,212 to the warrants and $44,981 to the convertible note. After such allocation, the Company evaluated the conversion option to discern whether a beneficial conversion feature existed based upon comparing the effective exercise price of the convertible noteparticular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the shares it is convertible into. fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.


Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company concludedfollowing table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s derivative financial instruments that were accounted for at fair value on a beneficial conversion feature existedrecurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and measured such beneficial conversion feature at $44,981. Accordingly, at December 15, 2017,31, 2021, respectively:

Description 

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets for

Identical Assets
(Level 1) 

  

Significant Other

Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant Other

Unobservable

Inputs
(Level 3)

  Total Fair
Value as of
 
Derivative Financial Instrument at September 30, 2021 $   $(1,201,656)  $   $(1,201,656) 
                 
Derivative Financial Instrument at December 31, 2021 $  $(1,121,342)  $  $(1,121,342) 

The change in derivative financial instruments for the debt discount associated with these notes was $110,000. Such discount will be amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term (seven months) of the convertible note. For the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2017 amortization of this discount totaled $8,3022021 is as follows:

September 30, 2021 balance$(1,201,656)
New derivative instruments issued
Derivative instruments extinguished
Change in fair value80,314
December 31, 2021 balance$(1,121,342)

Non-recurring fair value assessments include impaired oil and is included in interest expense in the statement of operations. Accrued interest expensenatural gas property assessments and stock-based compensation. There was no impairment charge recorded for the quarterquarters ended December 31, 2017 is $6,600.2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $32,000 and nil for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

NOTE 68COMMON STOCK/PAID IN CAPITAL

 

As discussed in Note 5, between June and November 2016,Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

In October 2020 the Company issued 27.9approximately 17.5 million warrants in conjunction common shares with convertible notes payable. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.03 and a term of the earlier of 3 years or upon a change of control. Based upon the allocation of proceeds between the convertible notes payable and the warrants, approximately $452,422 was allocated to the warrants. During June through August 2017, the maturity date of all of the Bridge Financing Notes was extended to January 15, 2018 in exchange for the issuance of 25% additional warrants. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.03 and the same expiration date (three years from original transaction) as the original warrants.

The fair value of the warrantsapproximately $0.1 million that were determined using the Black Scholes valuation model with the following key assumptions:  

  June 2016  July 2016  August 2016  November 2016  June 2017  July 2017  August 2017 
Warrants Issued 12.9 million  10.0 million  3.3 million  1.7 million  3.2 million  2.5 million  1.25 million 
Stock Price: $0.054(1) $0.040(1) $0.032(1) $0.029(1) $0.025(1) $0.019(1) $0.016(1)
Exercise Price $0.03  $0.03  $0.03  $0.03  $0.03  $0.03  $0.03 
Term  3 years   3 years   3 years   3 years   2 years   2 years   2 years 
Risk Free Rate  .87%  .80%  .88%  1.28%  1.35%  1.35%  1.33%
Volatility  135%  138%  137%  131%  135%  136%  135%

(1) Fair market valuereflected on the date of agreement 

During the period December 2016 through December 2017 the Company issued 3,500,000September 30, 2020 balance sheet as additional paid in capital – shares of restricted stock to Lucas Hoppel as part of financing transactions (see Note 5).be issued.

As discussed in Note 5, in December 2016, the Company issued 550,000 warrants in conjunction with a convertible note payable. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.10 and a term of the earlier of 5 years or upon a change of control. Based upon the allocation of proceeds between the convertible note payable and the warrants, approximately $13,188 was allocated to the warrants. In March 2017, the Company issued 1,100,000 warrants in conjunction with a convertible note payable. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.10 and a term of the earlier of 5 years or upon a change of control. Based upon the allocation of proceeds between the convertible note payable and the warrants, approximately $14,051 was allocated to the warrants. In October 2017, the Company issued 1,100,000 warrants in conjunction with a convertible note payable. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.10 and a term of the earlier of 5 years or upon a change of control. Based upon the allocation of proceeds between the convertible note payable and the warrants, approximately $20,175 was allocated to the warrants. In December 2017, the Company issued 1,100,000 warrants in conjunction with a convertible note payable. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.10 and a term of the earlier of 5 years or upon a change of control. Based upon the allocation of proceeds between the convertible note payable and the warrants, approximately $27,212 was allocated to the warrants.


The fair value of the warrants were determined using the Black Scholes valuation model with the following key assumptions:  

 December 2016March 2017October 2017December 2017
Number of Warrants Issued 550,000 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,100,000
Stock Price:$0.028$0.0279$0.04$0.068
Exercise Price:$0.10$0.10$0.10$0.10
Term: 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years
Risk Free Rate: 2.02% 2.13% 1.95% 2.16%
Volatility: 155% 127% 150% 149%

 

NOTE 7– 9 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black Scholes option pricing model, and is recognized over the required vesting period. The Company recognized $93,381 and $0 in stock-based compensation duringof approximately $32,000 and nil for the three months ended December 31, 2017,2021 and December 31, 2016,2020, respectively. ForOf the $32,000 of stock-based compensation recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2017, a portion of these costs, $27,875 were capitalized to unproved properties and the remainder were2021, all was recorded as compensation expense within general and administrative expenses.expense.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during the three months ended December 31, 2017:2021:

 

 Number
of Options
 Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In years)
 

Average Intrinsic Value

 Number of Options  Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(In years)
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2017 35,500,000 0.033     
Outstanding at September 30, 2021  146,000,000  $0.0444     
Granted                
Exercised                
Cancelled                
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 35,500,000 $0.033 5 $1.2 million
Outstanding at December 31, 2021  146,000,000  $0.0444   3.51 
Vested and expected to vest 35,500,000 $0.033 5 $1.2 million  146,000,000  $0.0444   3.51 
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 18,750,000    
Exercisable at December 31, 2021  125,500,000  $0.0510   3.43 

 

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized over the required vesting period.  For the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was $93,381 and $0 in stock-based compensation cost, respectively. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017 a portion of these costs, $27,875, were capitalized to unproved properties and the remainder were recorded as general and administrative expenses.

The intrinsic value of the options outstanding as of December 31, 2017 was $1.2 million.  As of December 31, 20172021, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation.compensation expense.

 

NOTE 810COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In March 2013,From time to time, the Company licensed certain seismic data pursuantmay become involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. No legal proceedings, government actions, administrative actions, investigations, or claims are currently pending against us or involve the Company.

In July 2018, the Company entered into a 39 month lease for approximately 5,000 square feet of office space in 4 Houston Center in downtown Houston. Annual base rent is approximately $94,000 for the first 18 months, increasing to approximately $97,000 and $99,000 respectively during the remaining term of the lease. The lease term ended on September 30, 2021, and the Company entered into a twelve-month lease that can be terminated with at least 30 days prior written notice.


The Company reached an agreement in August 2018 for $4,012,260.the settlement of approximately $1 million in debt owed to a third party. As required under the terms of December 31, 2017,the settlement, the Company has paid $3,009,195made a payment of approximately $0.16 million in cash and is obligated10 million shares of common stock at such time. The agreement also contained a provision such that upon the sale of the common stock by the holder, if the proceeds received were not sufficient to pay $1,003,065 during fiscal 2018.

In October 2017,fully satisfy the original debt balance, additional payment by the Company purchasedwill be made under a directors and officers’ insurance policymutually agreed payment plan. If the stock is sold for $171,360 and financed $156,718a gain any surplus in excess of $1.3 million shall be a credit against future purchases. The agreement was determined to meet the premium by executingdefinition of a note payable. The balance of the note payable atderivative in accordance with ASC 815. At December 31, 20172021, there is $128,807.a derivative financial instrument liability recorded of approximately $0.7 million related to this agreement.

 

NOTE 911 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On January 8, 2018, GulfSlope Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a participation agreement (the “Agreement”) with Delek GOM Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of Delek Group Ltd. (“Delek”), and Texas South Energy, Inc. (“Texas South”) (collectively, the “Parties”) for the Company’s interests in its Gulf of Mexico oil and gas leases (the “Farm-out”). The Agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the Parties’ participation in the drilling of a multi-phase exploration program targeting the Company’s prospects (the “Prospects”) located on the Company’s existing leases (the “Leases”). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Parties have committed to drill the Company’s “Canoe” and “Tau” prospects (the “Initial Phase”) with Delek having the option to participate in two additional two-well drilling phases and a final, three-well drilling phase (collectively, the “Phases”). In each Phase, Delek will earn a 75% working interest upon paying 90% of the exploratory costs associated with drilling each exploratory well. The Company will retaincompleted a 20% working interest while paying 8%review and analysis of all events that occurred after the exploratory costs associated with drilling each well. In addition, Delek will pay the Company approximately $1.1 million in cash for each Prospect exploration plan filed with BOEM and/or BSEE. Also, each Party willcondensed balance sheet date to determine if any such events must be responsible for its pro rata share (based on working interest) of delay rentals associated with the Prospects. The Company will be the Operator during exploratory drilling of the Prospect, however,reported and has determined that there are no other subsequent to a commercial discovery, Delek will have the right to become the Operator. Delek will have the right to terminate this Agreement at the conclusion of any drilling Phase. Delek will also have the option to purchase up to 5% of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), upon fulfilling its obligation for each Phase (maximum of 20% in the aggregate) at a price per share equal to a 10% discount to the 30-day weighted average closing price for the Common Stock preceding the acquisition. This option will expire January 8, 2020. The foregoing description of the Agreement does not purportevents to be a complete description of the terms, provisions and conditions of such document, and represents only a summary of certain of the principal terms, provisions and conditions thereof. The Company will assign an eight-tenths of one percent of eight/eights net profits interest in certain of the Company’s oil and gas leases to include Vermilion Area, South Addition 378, Ship Shoal Area, South Addition 336, and Ship Shoal Area, South Addition 351, to Hi-View Investment Partners, LLC (“Hi-View”) in consideration for consulting services provided pursuant to a non-exclusive consulting engagement dated October 25, 2017, by and between Hi-View, the Company, and Texas South (the ”Advisory Agreement”). Hi-View will be entitled to additional assignments on the same terms and conditions as described above related to any of the Leases whereby Delek elects to participate in drilling of an exploratory well. In addition, the Company issued an aggregate of eighty million shares of Common Stock to Hi-View in consideration for consulting services provided pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. In the event that Delek has not funded the approximately one million one hundred thousand payment referenced above within six months of execution of this Agreement, then the Common Stock will be returned by Hi-View to the Company.

disclosed.


On January 1, 2018, the Company executed the third amendment to the March 2014 farm-out agreement with Texas South under which Texas South will acquire 20% of GulfSlope’s interest in two prospects for $225,000.

In January 2018 the maturity date of convertible promissory notes (bridge financing) that matured on January 15, 2018 was extended to April 16, 2018 in exchange for 2.79 million additional warrants.

In February 2018, the Company executed a drilling rig contract with Atlantic Maritime Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rowan Companies plc, to secure and utilize the Rowan Ralph Coffman jackup drilling rig for the Company’s 2018 Gulf of Mexico drilling program.GulfSlope anticipates spudding the first well in mid-2018 on Vermilion Area, South Addition Block 378 (Canoe Shallow prospect) and the second well on Ship Shoal Area, South Addition Blocks 336 / 351 (Tau prospect) shortly thereafter. Initial drilling on both prospects is expected to be completed before the end of the year.The Ralph Coffman is a high specification jackup rig that can drill to 35,000 feet. The rig is currently being mobilized from Trinidad and is anticipated to arrive in the Gulf of Mexico shortly.

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

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

The following discussion highlightsand analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the principalnotes to those financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, our results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, such as those statements that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Known material risks that have affectedmay affect our financial condition and results of operations as well asare discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors of our liquidity and capital resourcesAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the periods described. This discussion containsyear ended September 30, 2021 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, and may be discussed or updated from time to time in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation, nor do we intend to update these forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” above.Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “GulfSlope” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to GulfSlope Energy, Inc.

 

Historical OperationsOverview

 

GulfSlope Energy, Inc. is an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company whose interests are concentrated in the United States Gulf of Mexico federal waters offshore Louisiana.  The Company has leased twelve federal Outer Continental Shelf blocks (referred to as “leases” in this report)waters. We are a technically driven company and we use our licensed 2.2 million acres (440 blocks) of advanced three-dimensional (3-D)(“3-D”) seismic data to identify, evaluate, and acquire assets with attractive economic profiles. GulfSlope Energy commenced commercial operations in itsMarch 2013. GulfSlope Energy was originally organized as a Utah corporation in 2004 and became a Delaware corporation in 2012. We have focused our operations in the US Gulf of Mexico because we believe this area provides us with favorable geologic and economic conditions, including multiple reservoir formations, comprehensive geologic databases, extensive infrastructure, relatively favorable royalty regime, and an attractive acquisition market and because our management and technical teams have significant experience and technical expertise in this geologic province. Additionally, we licensed 2.2 million acres of concentration.advanced 3-D seismic data, a significant portion of which has been enhanced by new, state-of-the-art reprocessing and noise attenuation techniques including reverse time migration depth imaging. We have used our broad regional seismic database and our reprocessing efforts to generate and high-grade oil and natural gas prospects. The use of our extensive seismic database, coupled with our ability, knowledge, and expertise to effectively reprocess this seismic data, allows us to further optimize our drilling operations and to effectively evaluate acquisition and joint venture opportunities. We consistently assess our prospect inventory in order to deploy capital as efficiently as possible. We have given preference to areas with water depths of 450 feet or less where production infrastructure already exists, which will allow for any discoveries to be developed rapidly and cost effectively with the goal to reduce economic risk while increasing returns 

 

We have historically operated our business with working capital deficits and these deficits have been funded by equity and debt investments and loans from management. As of December 31, 2021, we had $0.9 million of cash on hand. The Company estimates that it will need to raise a minimum of $10.0 million to meet its obligations and planned expenditures through February 2023. The Company plans to finance operations and planned expenditures through equity and/or debt financings, farm-out agreements, and/or other transactions. There are no assurances that financing will be available with acceptable terms, if at all.

Competitive Advantages

Experienced management. Our management team has a track record of finding, developing and producing oil and natural gas in various hydrocarbon producing basins including the US Gulf of Mexico. Our team has significant experience in acquiring and operating oil and natural gas producing assets worldwide with particular emphasis on conventional reservoirs. We deployed a technical team with over 150 years of combined industry experience finding and developing oil and natural gas in the development and execution of our technical strategy. We believe the application of advanced geophysical techniques on a specific geographic area with unique geologic features such as conventional reservoirs whose trapping configurations have been obscured by overlying salt layers provides us with a competitive advantage. 

Advanced seismic image processing. Commercial improvements in 3-D seismic data imaging and the development of advanced processing algorithms, including pre-stack depth, beam, and reverse time migration have allowed the industry to better distinguish hydrocarbon traps and identify previously unknown prospects. Specifically, advanced processing techniques improve the definition of the seismic data from a scale of time to a scale of depth, thus locating the images in three dimensions. The Company has invested significant technical person hours in the proprietaryreprocessing and interpretation and the associated high-end reprocessing of this seismic data. The result of this proprietary interpretation has been the identification of multiple prospects that we believe may have substantial potential hydrocarbon deposits. Based on this analysis, we currently have twelve blocks under lease in the federal waters of Offshore Gulf of Mexico. We believe the proprietary reprocessing and interpretation and the contiguous nature of our licensed 3-D seismic data gives us an advantage over other exploration and production (“E&P”) companies operating in our focuscore area.

Industry leading position in our core area. We have identified nine prospects that are covered bylicensed 2.2 million acres of 3-D seismic data which covers over 440 Outer Continental Shelf (“OCS”) Federal lease blocks on the highly prolific Louisiana outer shelf, offshore US Gulf of Mexico. We believe the proprietary and state-of-the-art reprocessing of our leaseslicensed 3-D seismic data, along with our proprietary and throughout this Report we refer to these acquired leases asleading-edge geologic depositional and petroleum trapping models, gives us an advantage in identifying and high grading drilling and acquisition opportunities in our “portfolio.”core area.


Technical Strategy

 

In March 2014We believe that a major obstacle to identifying potential hydrocarbon accumulations globally has been the inability of seismic technology to accurately image deeper geologic formations because of overlying massive, extensive, and 2015,complex salt bodies. Large and thick laterally extensive subsurface salt layers highly distort the seismic ray paths traveling through them, which often has led to misinterpretation of the underlying geology and the potential major accumulations of oil and gas. We believe the opportunity exists for a technology-driven company to extensively apply advanced seismic acquisition and processing technologies, with the goal of achieving attractive commercial discovery rates for exploratory wells, and their subsequent appraisal and development, potentially having a very positive impact on returns on invested capital. These tools and techniques have been proven to be effective in deep water exploration and production worldwide, and we participatedare using them to identify and drill targets below the salt bodies in an area of the Centralshallower waters of the Gulf of Mexico where industry activity has largely been absent for over 20 years. GulfSlope management led the early industry teams in their successful efforts to discover and develop five new fields below the extensive salt bodies in our core area during the 1990’s, which have produced over 125 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Our technical approach to exploration and development is to deploy a team of highly experienced geo-scientists who have current and extensive understanding of the geology and geophysics of the petroleum system within our core area, thereby decreasing the traditional timing and execution risks of advancing up a learning curve. For data licensing, re-processing and interpretation, our technical staff has prioritized specific geographic areas within our 2.2 million acres of seismic coverage, with the goal to optimize capital outlays.

Modern 3-D seismic datasets with acquisition parameters that are optimal for improved imaging at multiple depths are readily available in many of these sub-basins across our core area and can be licensed on commercially reasonable terms. The application of state-of-the-art seismic imaging technology is necessary to optimize delineation of prospective structures and to detect the presence of hydrocarbon-charged reservoirs below many complex salt bodies. An example of such a seismic technology is reverse time migration, which we believe to be the most accurate, fastest, and yet affordable, seismic imaging technology for critical depth imaging available today. 

Lease Sales 231Strategy

Our prospect identification and 235analytical strategy is based on a thorough understanding of the geologic trends within our core area. Exploration efforts have been focused in areas where lease acquisition opportunities are readily available. We entered into two master 3-D license agreements, together covering approximately 2.2 million acres and were awarded twenty-three blockswe have completed advanced processing on select areas within this licensed seismic area exceeding one million acres. We can expand this coverage and perform further advanced processing, both with currently licensed seismic data and seismic data to be acquired. We have sought to acquire and reprocess the highest resolution data available in the potential prospect’s direct vicinity. This includes advanced imaging information to further our understanding of a particular reservoir’s characteristics, including both trapping mechanics and fluid migration patterns. Reprocessing is accomplished through a competitive bid process.  Afterseries of model building steps that incorporate the geometry of the geology to optimize the final image. Our integration of existing geologic understanding and enhanced seismic processing and interpretation provides us with unique insights and perspectives on existing producing areas and especially underexplored formations below and adjacent to salt bodies that are highly prospective for hydrocarbon production.

We currently hold two leases, and we are evaluating the acquisition of additional leases in our leasehold positioncore area. Our two leases have a five-year primary term, expiring on June 30, 2022, and October 31, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (“BOEM”) regulatory framework provides multiple options for leaseholders to apply to receive extensions of lease terms under specified conditions. GulfSlope is exploring all options contained in BOEM’s regulatory framework to extend the terms of the leases. Additional prospective acreage can be obtained through lease sales, farm-in, or purchase. As is consistent with a prudent and successful exploration approach, we relinquished six lease blocks in 2016 and six lease blocks in 2017. In August 2017 we competitively bid atbelieve that additional seismic licensing, acquisition, processing, and/or interpretation may become highly advantageous, to more precisely define the Centralmost optimal drillable location(s), particularly for development of discoveries.

Acquisition Strategy

We are encouraged by a combination of macroeconomic factors that make the US Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 249an attractive target for producing property acquisitions. Transaction activity has remained low despite the ongoing recovery of commodity prices for oil and were awarded one block, leavinggas. Current holders of production are dominated by the Company with twelve Outer Continental Shelf blocks, and nine prospects that we believe may contain economically recoverable hydrocarbon deposits.

Through December 31, 2017, we have spent approximately $26.5 million on the acquisition, reprocessing, and interpretation of seismic data associated with our seismic license agreements and these costs were capitalized ashistorically active major oil and gas exploration costs which are subject to periodic evaluationcompanies and a smaller set of pure play companies. Compelling motivations exist for impairment. Approximately $19.5 millionmany of these seismic-related expenses were impairedcompanies to divest, as US Gulf of Mexico producing assets may no longer be core holdings, given the competition for accounting purposes. Approximately $7.0 millioncapital within their portfolios. Multiple existing holders of production have stated their intention to exit the US Gulf of Mexico. GulfSlope is a proven qualified operator in the US Gulf of Mexico and the management team has broad and deep offshore experience.

Accordingly, we continue to identify and evaluate potential producing property acquisitions in the offshore US Gulf of Mexico, taking advantage of our exploration expenditures remain capitalized. These capitalized exploration costs when added with our leasehighly specialized subsurface and engineering capabilities, knowledge, and expertise. Any merger or acquisition and annual lease rental costs of $10.5 million and netted with the $11.0 million received from the sale of working interests and the impairment of relinquished leases of $4.7 million, results in the $1.8 million reflected as Unproved Oil and Natural Gas Properties on our Condensed Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017.


We have historically operated our business with working capital deficits and these deficits have historically been funded by equity investments and loans from management. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.1 million of cash on hand. The Company estimates that it will needis likely to raise a minimum of $10 million to meet its obligations and planned expenditures through February of 2019.  The Company plans to finance its operationsbe financed through the issuance of debt and/or equity securities. 


Drilling and debt financings. Thereother Exploratory and Development Strategies

Our plan has been to partner with other entities which could include oil and gas companies and/or financial investors. Our goal is to diversify risk and minimize capital exposure to exploration drilling costs. We expect a portion of our exploration costs to be paid by our partners through these transactions, in return for our previous investment in prospect generation and delivery of an identified prospect on acreage we control. Such arrangements are no assurancesa commonly accepted industry method of proportionately recouping pre-drill cost outlays for seismic, land, and associated interpretation expenses. We cannot assure you, however, that financingwe will be availableable to enter into any such arrangements on satisfactory terms. In any drilling, we expect that our retained working interest will be adjusted based upon factors such as geologic risk and well cost. Early monetization of a discovered asset or a portion of a discovered asset is an option for the Company as a means to fund development of additional exploration projects as an alternative to potential equity or debt offerings. However, if a reasonable value were not received from the market at the discovery stage, then we may elect to retain (subject to lease terms) the discovery asset undeveloped, until a reasonable offer is received in line with acceptable terms, if at all.our perceived market value, or we may elect to seek development partners on a promoted basis in order to substantially reduce capital development requirements. 

 

Current OperationsOutlook

 

In 2016,the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak spread quickly across the globe. Federal, state and local governments mobilized to implement containment mechanisms and minimize impacts to their populations and economies. Various containment measures, such as stay-at-home orders, closures of restaurants and banning of group gatherings resulted in a severe drop in general economic activity, as well as a corresponding decrease in global energy demand. Additionally, the risks associated with COVID-19 impacted our workforce and the way we meet our business objectives. Due to concerns over health and safety, we asked our employees to work remotely. In 2021 we began to plan a process to phase employees to return to the office. Working remotely has not significantly impacted our ability to maintain operations or caused us to incur significant additional expenses; however, we are unable to predict the duration or ultimate impact of these measures. In addition, actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other high oil exporting countries like Russia (“OPEC+”) have negatively impacted crude oil prices throughout 2020 and early 2021. These rapid and unprecedented events pushed crude oil storage near capacity and driven prices down significantly. On January 27, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order that commits to substantial action on climate change, calling for, among other things, the elimination of subsidies provided to the fossil fuel industry, increased production of offshore wind energy and increased emphasis on climate-related risks across governmental agencies and economic sectors. The Biden Administration has also taken actions to limit oil and gas development activities on the OCS. Other actions that could be pursued by the Biden Administration include more restrictive requirements for the establishment of pipeline infrastructure or the permitting of liquefied natural gas export facilities, as well as more stringent emissions standards for oil and gas facilities. These events have been the primary cause of the significant supply-and-demand imbalance for oil, first significantly lowering oil pricing and later significantly increasing oil pricing. The uncertainty in the trajectory of oil and gas prices and in future government actions, has greatly affected energy companies plans and budgets and may continue to exist in future periods. The Company has evaluated the effect of these factors on its business and the Company completedhas determined that these factors will most likely cause a delay in the technical workCompany’s 2022 drilling program. The Company continues to monitor the economic environment and evaluate its continuing impact on seven sub-salt prospects andthe business.

Recent Developments

The Company has declared thesebeen conducting pre-drill operations for the Tau prospect which is anticipated to be drill ready.re-drilled to a total depth of approximately 21,000 feet. The Company estimatesExploration Plan has been filed with and approved by BOEM and the costApplication for Permit to drillDrill has been filed with the exploration wells on these prospects to be approximately $200 million. The recoverable resource potentialBureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and is estimated to be more than 800 mmboe (million barrels oil equivalent) on a gross (100% working interest) and unrisked basis. Additional prospectspending approval. We are expected to be advanced tocurrently engaged in the drill ready stage through new seismic reprocessing and/orprocess of seeking additional seismic acquisition. partners for the drilling of the Tau #2 well.

The Company continues to be active in the evaluation of potential mergers and producing property acquisitions that it deems to be attractive opportunities. Any such merger or acquisition is likely to be financed through a combination of debt and equity.

 

AsThe Tau Prospect is located approximately six miles northeast of the Mahogany Field, discovered in 1993. The Mahogany Field is recognized as the first commercial discovery below allocthonous salt in the Gulf of Mexico. The Tau Prospect is defined by mapping of 3D seismic reprocessed by RTM methods. Drilling operations on the Tau subsalt prospect commenced in September 2018. The wellbore was designed to test multiple Miocene horizons trapped against a well-defined salt flank, including equivalent reservoir sands discovered and developed at the nearby Mahogany Field. The surface location for Tau was located in 305 feet of water. In January 2019, the Tau well experienced an underground control of well event and as a result, an insurance claim was filed with the insurance Underwriters for a net amount of approximately $10.8 million for 100% working interest. The insurance claim was subsequently approved. On May 13, 2019, GulfSlope announced the Tau No. 1 well was drilled to a measured depth of 15,254 feet, as compared to the originally permitted 29,857 foot measured depth. Producible hydrocarbon zones were not established to that depth, but hydrocarbon shows were encountered. Complex geomechanical conditions required two by-pass wellbores, one sidetrack wellbore, and eight casing strings to reach the depth of 15,254 feet. Equipment limitations prevented further drilling at that time. In addition, the drilling rig had contractual obligations related to another operator. Due to these factors, the Company elected to plug the well in a manner that would allow for re-entry at a later time. Planning is underway for a redrill of the extensive reprocessing and mapping of its licensed 3D, seismic data, the Company also developed two shallow depth prospects with drilling depths of approximately 5,000 feet.Tau prospect.  

 

On January 8, 2018,In May 2019, the Tau No. 1 well experienced a second underground control of well event and as a result, the Company signed comprehensive documentsfiled an insurance claim. The claim was related to partnering with Delek Group and Texas South to participate ina subsurface well occurrence that happened during the drilling of nine currently leased prospects. The initial phase (Phase I) consiststhe Company’s Tau No. 1 well on May 5, 2019 at a measured depth of a commitment to drill the Canoe Prospect (VR378) to approximately 5000’ and the Tau Prospect (SS336 and SS351) to approximately 26,000’.15,254 feet. The Company will fund 8%subsequently controlled the occurrence and ceased drilling operations and plugs were placed in the well to meet regulatory requirements prior to rig release. Pursuant to the Policy terms and conditions, the Underwriters were obligated to reimburse GulfSlope for qualified actual costs and expenses incurred to (i) regain control of the well, and (ii) restore or re-drill the well to 15,254 feet. Total costs and retain a 20%expenses to regain control of the well were determined to be approximately $4.8 million (net of deductible) for 100% working interest that is subject toand all of this amount had been received as of September 30, 2020. GulfSlope’s share of this amount was approximately $1.2 million.


On July 27, 2020, the Company entered into a .8% Net Profits Interest. GulfSlope issettlement with the named operatorUnderwriters of a well control events insurance policy covering certain claims associated with the drilling of the Company’s Tau Prospect during May 2019. In accordance with the settlement, in lieu of the insurer paying for the exploratory wells. Delek hasredrill of the option to participate in 3 subsequent phaseswell and for a complete release of drillingany further liability under the same terms. It also has the right to purchase up to 5% of the outstanding shares of GSPE common stock after each drilling phase for a cumulative right to purchase 20% of the shares outstanding. The Company will receive a partial recoupment of sunk costs of $1.1M for each prospect to be drilled.

The Company is currently preparing the extensive documentation required for the permits to drill the exploratory wells on the Canoe and Tau Prospects and expects to file the permit applications for both wells in March 2018. Drilling operations are expected to commence mid-2018, subject to receipt of the required permits to drill.

The Company has contracted with Atlantic Maritime Services LLC, for the use of the Rowan Ralph Coffman jackup drilling rig for these two wells. The rig is currently being mobilized from Trinidad to the U. S. Gulf of Mexico.

GulfSlope estimates that it’s net working interest for these two prospects could hold over 50 mmboe recoverable oil and gas and estimates the net cost toinsurance policy, the Company received approximately $6.6 million in cash net to drill these two wells is approximately $4 million.   

The Company has incurred accumulated losses for the period from inception to December 31, 2017 of approximately $39.7 million, and has a net capital deficiency.  Further losses are anticipated in developing its business.  As a result, there exists substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern on its report for the year ended September 30, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $0.1 million of cash on hand.  The Company estimates that it will need to raise a minimum of $10 million to meet its obligations and planned expenditures through February 2019. These expenditures include the Company’s drilling costs, lease rentals to the BOEM, general and administrative expenses, and costs associated with seismic acquisition and processing.  The Company plans to extend the agreements associated with loans from related parties, the accrued interest payable on these loans, as well as the Company’s accrued liabilities. The Company plans to finance the Company through best-efforts equity and/or debt financings. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.  25% working interest.

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development activities as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).activities. Under the full cost method of accounting, all costs associated with successful and unsuccessful exploration and development activities are capitalized on a country-by-country basis into a single cost center (“full cost pool”). Such costs include property acquisition costs, geological and geophysical (“G&G”) costs, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wellswells. Overhead costs, which includes employee compensation and overhead chargesbenefits including stock-based compensation, incurred that are directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities.activities are capitalized. Interest expense is capitalized related to unevaluated properties and wells in process during the period in which the Company is incurring costs and expending resources to get the properties ready for their intended purpose. For significant investments in unproved properties and major development projects that are not being currently depreciated, depleted, or amortized and on which exploration or development activities are in progress, interest costs are capitalized. Proceeds from property sales will generally be credited to the full cost pool, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and the proved reserves attributable to these costs. A significant alteration would typically involve a sale of 25% or more of the proved reserves related to a single full cost pool.

 


Proved properties are amortized on a country-by-country basis using the units of production method (UOP). The UOP calculation multiplies the percentage of estimated(“UOP”), whereby capitalized costs are amortized over total proved reserves produced each quarter by the cost of those reserves. The amortization base in the UOP calculation includes the sum of proved property, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A)(“DD&A”), estimated future development costs (future costs to access and develop proved reserves), and asset retirement costs, less related salvage value.

 

The costs of unproved properties and related capitalized costs (such as G&G costs) are withheld from the amortization calculation until such time as they are either developed or abandoned. Unproved properties and properties under development are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly and are determined through an evaluation considering, among other factors, seismic data, requirements to relinquish acreage, drilling results, remaining time in the commitment period, remaining capital plan, and political, economic, and market conditions. In countries where proved reserves exist, exploratory drilling costs associated with dry holes are transferred to proved properties immediately upon determination that a well is dry and amortized accordingly. In countries where a reserve base has not yet been established, impairments are charged to earnings.At December 31, 2021, the Company continues to pursue the development of its unproved properties and is actively finalizing the permitting of the Tau #2 well. As such, project economics continue to support cost incurred plus future development therefore no impairment is required at December 31, 2021. However, without the commencement of drilling the Tau #2 well, lease block Ship Shoal 336 will expire on June 30, 2022 unless an extension is granted for the lease block. If drilling does not commence or an extension is not granted, then a portion of the prospect cost will be required to be written off.

 

Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are required to perform a ceiling test calculation each quarter. The full cost ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test is performed quarterly, on a country-by-country basis, utilizing the average of prices in effect on the first day of the month for the preceding twelve-month period. The cost center ceiling limits such pooled costs tois defined as the aggregatesum of the present value of(a) estimated future net revenues, attributable to proved crude oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10%, plus per annum, from proved reserves, (b) the cost of properties not being amortized, if any, and (c) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties less any associated tax effects.included in the cost being amortized. If such capitalized costs exceed the ceiling, the Company will record a write-down to the extent of such excess as a non-cash charge to earnings. Any such write-down will reduce earnings in the period of occurrence and results in a lower depreciation, depletion and amortization rate in future periods. A write-down may not be reversed in future periods even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the ceiling.

 

The Company capitalizes exploratory well costs into oil and gas properties until a determination is made that the well has either found proved reserves or is impaired. If proved reserves are found, the capitalized exploratory well costs are reclassified to proved properties. The well costs are charged to expense if the exploratory well is determined to be impaired. The Company is currently evaluating one well for proved reserves and capitalized exploratory well costs remain pending the outcome of exploration activities involving the drilling of the Tau No. 2 well (twin well). Accordingly, these costs are included as suspended well costs at December 31, 2021 and it is expected that a final analysis will be completed in the next six months at which time the costs will be transferred to the full cost pool upon final evaluation.

As of December 31, 2017,2021, the Company’s oil and gas properties consisted of wells in process, capitalized exploration and acquisition costs for unproved properties and no proved reserves.


Due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and related pressures on the global supply-demand balance for crude oil and related products, commodity prices have been volatile. The Company has evaluated the effect of these factors on its business and notes these factors have caused a delay in the plans for the Company’s 2022 drilling program. The Company continues to monitor the economic environment and evaluate the impact on the business.

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost. We assess the carrying value of our property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

A more complete discussion ofThere has been no change to our critical accounting policies isas included in our annual report on Form 10-K as of September 30, 2017,2021, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017.  2021.

 

Factors Affecting Comparability of Future Results  

Success in Acquiring Oil and Gas Leases or Prospects.   As a result of our 3-D seismic imaging and reprocessing, we currently hold twelve lease blocks in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, which we believe may potentially contain economically recoverable reserves. 

We have No Proved Reserves. While we have acquired most of the oil and gas properties that we pursued, we have no proved reserves.  We have identified prospects based on available seismic and geological information that indicate the potential presence of oil or gas, and we own the drilling and production rights for these prospects.  Some of our current prospects may require additional seismic data reprocessing and interpretation.  Even when properly used and interpreted, seismic data and visualization techniques are only tools used to assist geoscientists in identifying structures and hydrocarbon indicators and do not enable the interpreter to have certainty as to whether hydrocarbons are, in fact, present in those structures. We do not know if any prospect will contain oil or gas in sufficient quantities or quality to recover drilling and completion costs or to be economically viable. 

Success in the Discovery and Development of Reserves.   Because we have no operating history in the production of oil and gas, our future results of operations and financial condition will be directly affected by our ability to discover and develop reserves through our drilling activities.

Oil and Gas Revenue.   We have not yet commenced oil and gas production. If and when we do commence production, we expect to generate revenue from such production. No oil and gas revenue is reflected in our historical financial statements.


General and Administrative Expenses.   We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods when we commence drilling operations.

Demand and Price.   The demand for oil and gas is susceptible to volatility related to, among other factors, the level of global economic activity and may also fluctuate depending on the performance of specific industries. We expect that a decrease in economic activity, in the United States and elsewhere, would adversely affect demand for any oil and gas we may produce. Since we have not generated revenues, these key factors will only affect us if and when we produce and sell hydrocarbons.

For a more complete discussion of the factors affecting comparability of our future results, see the risk factors included in Item 1A our annual report on Form 10-K as of September 30, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2017.   

Three Months Ended December 31, 20172021, Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 20162020

 

NoThere was no revenue was recorded during the three months ended December 31, 20172021 and 2016.2020. General and administrative expenses were approximately $0.3$0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017,2021, compared to approximately $0.2$0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. This increase is primarily due to stock compensation expense. Interest2020. Net interest expense was $0.2 millionapproximately $138,000 for the three months ended December 31, 20172021 as compared to $0.3 millionapproximately $165,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. This decrease is due to2020 net of approximately $1,000 of interest income. Gain on debt extinguishment was nil and approximately $137,000 for the reductionthree months ended December 31, 2021and 2020, respectively. Gain on derivative financial instruments was approximately $80,000 and $52,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which was caused by the change in debt discount amortization.fair value of the underlying derivative financial instruments. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has incurred accumulated losses for the period from inception to December 31, 2021, of approximately $60.7 million, and has a negative working capital of $12.6 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company has generated losses of approximately $0.5 million and net cash used in operations of approximately $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.12021, there was $0.9 million of cash on hand. The Company estimates that it will need to raise a minimum of $10 million to meet its obligations and planned expenditures through February 2019.2023. The $10 million is comprised primarily of capital project expenditures as well as general and administrative expenses. It does not include any amounts due under outstanding debt obligations and accrued interest, which amounted to approximately $12.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company plans to finance its operations and planned expenditures through the issuance of equity andsecurities, debt financings.financings, farm-out agreements, mergers or other transactions. Our policy has been to periodically raise funds through the sale of equity on a limited basis, to avoid undue dilution while at the early stages of execution of our business plan. Short term needs have been historically funded through loans from executive management. There are no assurances that financing will be available with acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is not successful in obtaining financing, operations would need to be curtailed or ceased. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2017,2021, the Company used approximately $0.18$0.6 million of net cash used in operating activities, compared with approximately $0.10$0.5 million of net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2016, due to increased general and administrative and professional expenses.2020. For the three months ended December 31, 2017 we received2021, approximately $0.02 million of cash was used in investing activities compared with approximately $0.1 million of cash from investing activities compared with approximately $0.06 million of cash used inprovided by investing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2016 primarily due to a net of $0.1 million from the sale of working interest for the three months ended December 31, 2017.2020. For the three months ended December 31, 2017 we received approximately $0.2 million2021, the Company used nil of net cash fromin financing activities compared with approximately $0.2$0.3 million receivedused in financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2016.   2020 to pay notes payable.

 

WeThe Company will need to raise additional funds to cover expenditures planned after February 2019,expenditures, as well as any additional, unexpected expenditures that we may encounter. Future equity financings may be dilutive to our stockholders. Alternative forms of future financings may include preferences or rights superior to our common stock. Debt financings may involve a pledge of assets and will rank senior to our common stock. We have historically financed our operations through private equity and debt financings. We do not have any credit or equity facilities available with financial institutions, stockholders or third partythird-party investors, and will continue to rely on best efforts financings. The failure to raise sufficient capital could cause us to cease operations.   operations, or the Company would need to sell assets or consider alternative plans up to and including restructuring.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Due to the historical volatility of commodity prices, if and when we commence production, our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources will be highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are likely to continue to be subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors that are beyond our control.  In the future, we may enter into various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to volatility of commodity market prices. We may use options (including floors and collars) and fixed price swaps to mitigate the impact of downward swings in commodity prices to our cash flow. All contracts will be settled with cash and would not require the delivery of physical volumes to satisfy settlement. While in times of higher commodity prices this strategy may result in our having lower net cash inflows than we would otherwise have if we had not utilized these instruments, management believes the risk reduction benefits of such a strategy would outweigh the potential costs.   

Not required for smaller reporting companies.


At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $8.9 million of fixed-rate debt outstanding. All fixed-rate debt has a weighted average interest rate of 5%. We also had approximately $1.1 million of convertible debt with a weighted average interest rate of 7.6%. Although near term changes in interest rates may affect the fair value of our fixed-rate debt, they do not expose us to the risk of earnings or cash flow loss.   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in rules and forms adopted by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers, our management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

As noted in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2021, the design and operating effectiveness of our controls were adequate to ensure that certain account analysis and accounting judgments related to certain estimates throughout the year were properly accounted for and reviewed in a timely manner.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

During the fiscal quarter covered by this Report, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. No legal proceedings, government actions, administrative actions, investigations or claims are currently pending against us or involve the Company.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes fromIn addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in our September 30, 2021 Annual Report, and the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in our other SEC filings, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks and uncertainties described below should be read together with those disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2021 Form 10-K, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC on December 29, 2017.2021 and our other SEC filings.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of restricted stock to a lender as part of two financing transactions.None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 22

 

None.


Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are attached hereto or are incorporated by reference:

Exhibit No.Description
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GulfSlope Energy, Inc. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K filed May 30, 2014.24, 2018.
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of GulfSlope Energy, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
4.1Common Stock Specimen, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2012.
31.1(1)Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2(1)Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1(2)Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2(2)Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS(3)XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH(3)XBRL Schema Document.
101.CAL(3)XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF(3)XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB(3)XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE(3)XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.

(1)Filed herewith.
(2)
(1)FiledFurnished herewith.
(3)
(2)Furnished herewith.
(3)Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 

 23

SIGNATURES

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

GULFSLOPE ENERGY, INC.

(Issuer)

GULFSLOPE ENERGY, INC.
(Issuer)
    
Date:02/14/2018February 14 ,2022By:/s/ John N. Seitz
John N. Seitz, Chief Executive Officer,
and Chairman

 


 24

SIGNATURES

 

SIGNATURES

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

GULFSLOPE ENERGY, INC.

(Issuer)

GULFSLOPE ENERGY, INC.
(Issuer)
    
Date:02/14/2018February 14, 2022By:/s/ John H. Malanga
John H. Malanga, Chief Financial Officer,
and Chief Accounting Officer


 25