The oil and gas industry is regulated by numerous federal, state and local authorities. Legislation affecting the oil and gas industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing the regulatory burden. Also, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue rules and regulations binding on the oil and gas industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. Although the regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry may increase our cost of doing business by increasing the future cost of transporting our production to market, these burdens generally do not affect us any differently or to any greater or lesser extent than they affect other companies in the industry with similar types, quantities and locations of production.
Homeland Security Regulations
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 requires the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") to issue regulations establishing risk-based performance standards for the security of chemical and industrial facilities, including oil and gas and natural gas facilities that are deemed to present "high levels of security risk." The DHS is currently in the process of adopting regulations that will determine whether our operations may in the future be subject to DHS-mandated security requirements. Presently, it is not possible to accurately estimate the costs we could incur, directly or indirectly, to comply with any such facility security laws or regulations, but such expenditures could be substantial.
U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Customs Service
In case we have to transport drilling rigs to potential sites in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, our operation of such drilling rigs would become subject to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Customs Service. Such regulation sets safety standards, authorizes investigations into vessel operations and accidents and governs the passage of vessels into U.S. territory. We would be required by these agencies to obtain various permits, licenses and certificates with respect to these operations.
International Laws and Regulations
Our exploration and production activities that may occur in other nations, including those in West Africa, are subject to the laws and regulations of such nations. These regulations may govern licensing for drilling operations, mandatory involvement of local partners in our operations, taxation of our revenues, safety and environmental matters and our ability to operate in such jurisdictions as a foreign participant.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations also may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Moreover, these laws and regulations could change in ways that could substantially increase our costs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2011, Brenham had 5 employees. All employees are currently located in the U.S. None of these employees are represented by labor unions or covered by any collective bargaining agreement. Brenham's management considers relations with its employees to be satisfactory.
Offices
Brenham currently utilizes approximately 1,500 square feet of office space at the offices of American located at 601 Cien Street, Suite 235, Kemah, TX 77565-3077, which are provided to Brenham by American on a rent-free basis.
Corporate Transactions
On June 21, 2010, American received as compensation for consulting services 1,000,000 restricted shares of ADB International Group, Inc. ("ADBI") common stock valued at $1,370,000, based on the closing market price of $1.37 per share on that date. American purchased an additional 300,000 shares for $35,000. This investment is classified as marketable securities - available for sale and, accordingly, any unrealized changes in market values are recognized as other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2011, this investment was valued at $7,800, based on the closing market price of $0.0060 per share on that date. American recognized other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $122,200 for the unrealized loss on this investment. At December 31, 2010, this investment was valued at $130,000, based on the closing market price of $0.10 per share on that date. American recognized other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $1,275,000 for the unrealized loss on this investment.
On September 30, 2011, AITP sold the 287-acre property located in Dickinson, Texas, to Texas Community Bank, N.A. ("TXCB") as part of a settlement of lawsuit claims that American had against TXCB, for consideration of $3,701,824 in the form of a secured note receivable of $3,599,766 and interest receivable of $102,058. American and TXCB ("the parties") have signed a sales proceeds sharing agreement for the 287-acre property. In accordance with the sales proceeds sharing arrangement, if the 287-acre property is sold by TXCB at a minimum price of $5,000,000 to an unrelated third party on or before December 31, 2013, American will receive the difference between the first $5,000,000 in sales proceeds and $3,100,000 or $1,900,000. In the event that the sales price of the 287-acre property exceeds $5,000,000 such amount over the $5,000,000 consideration shall be divided on a 50/50 basis between American and TXCB, in addition to the $1,900,000. The settlement has resulted in a net gain of $3,476,824, which does not include the value of the sale proceeds sharing agreement. In November 2011, American foreclosed on the note receivable and obtained ownership of 17 condominium units at the waterfront Dawn Condominium complex located in Galveston, Texas. In connection with the foreclosure, American re-evaluated the net realizable value of the condominium units and adjusted the gain by $1,613,333 for a net gain of $1,863,491 during 2011. During November and December of 2011, $213,682 was received from the sale of 2 of the units. The remaining 15 units are listed for sale with a broker. No assurance can be given on the likelihood of completing the sales.
On January 13, 2011, American entered into a letter of intent with Kemah Development Texas L.P. (“KDT”) which is owned by an entity which is controlled by the brother of Daniel Dror (Daniel Dror disclaims any ownership in or control over KDT), pursuant to which KDT agreed to sell 65 acres of land located in Galveston County, Texas to American in consideration for restricted shares of common stock. Subsequently, the agreement was amended to provide for the purchase price to be paid by the issuance of 1,460,000 restricted shares of common stock with a fair market value of $919,800. These shares were issued on June 10, 2011. American has received an appraisal of the property from an independent third-party appraiser which concluded that the property had an estimated fair market value of approximately $1,900,000. The purchase of the property closed on July 9, 2011, and American recorded the land at $520,382, the original cost to KDT of this property, and recorded share-based compensation of $399,418 in July 2011. American's present intention is that the property will be held for sale by its wholly-owned real estate subsidiary, American International Texas Properties, Inc.
During the fourth quarter of 2009, American foreclosed on real property which was security for a note receivable owed to American, which was in default. At December 31, 2009, American was carrying this property on the balance sheet for $4,611,233, which represented $3,332,543 in principal and accrued interest allocated to the property received at the time of default and the assumption of a $1,278,690 note payable secured by the property by another lien holder. This property consisted of seven tracts, of which several are under contract for sale and the remainder are listed for sale with a broker. The appraised values of these properties exceeded the $4,611,233 owed to American. Values were allocated to the tracts of property based on their recent individual appraised values relative to the total appraised value. During the year ended December 31, 2010, American sold an 8-acre tract recorded at $175,480 for $340,445, which was used to reduce the note payable balance to $938,245. American recognized in the consolidated statements of operations a $164,965 gain on sale of assets for this transaction. On November 22, 2010, a 17-acre tract was transferred to NPI at the allocated cost of $1,155,359. NPI obtained a $1,450,000 long-term loan from the bank using this property as collateral. The proceeds from this loan were used to pay the remaining $938,245 note payable balance and NPI's warehouse property loan balance of $440,381. NPI plans to build a new and larger facility on this site to accommodate business expansion.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, American received a 1.705-acre tract of land in Galveston County valued at $540,000 as a guarantor's extension fee. The market value of this property was appraised at $460,000 in February 2012, and American recorded an impairment of $80,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. This property is listed for sale with a broker.
During 2007, American purchased for investment a 174-acre tract of land in Waller County, Texas for $1,684,066. This property is listed for sale with a real estate broker. American has engaged an independent broker on an exclusive basis to sell the property. This property is not going to be developed by nor is it being held as inventory by American.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESSES
General
We may experience adverse impacts on our results of operations as a result of adopting new accounting standards or interpretations
Our implementation of and compliance with changes in accounting rules, including new accounting rules and interpretations, could adversely affect our operating results or cause unanticipated fluctuations in our operating results in future periods. For example, we are required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to file annual reports and quarterly reports disclosing the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures. Although we believe our internal controls are operating effectively, and we have committed internal resources to ensure compliance, we cannot guarantee that we will not have any material weaknesses as reported by our auditors, or that such deficiencies will not be discovered through our internal reviews, and such determination could materially adversely affect our business or significantly increase our costs in order to establish effective controls and procedures.
Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions that we use to prepare our financial statements
To prepare financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions, as of the date of the financial statements, which affects the reported values of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Areas requiring significant estimates by our management include:
- contract costs and profits and revenue recognition;
- provisions for uncollectible receivables and recoveries of costs from subcontractors, vendors and others;
- provisions for income taxes and related valuation allowances;
- recoverability of other intangibles and related estimated lives;
- accruals for estimated liabilities;
- timing of the introduction of new products and services and market acceptance of the same
Risks related to our Delta subsidiary
Delta’s operations are materially dependent on levels of oil and gas workover and abandonment activities in the United States
Delta's services include workover services, plugging and abandonment, and well completion and recompletion services. Activity levels for Delta’s oil and gas related services businesses are affected both by short-term and long-term trends in oil and gas prices and supply and demand balance, among other factors. Oil and gas prices and, therefore, the levels of workover and abandonment activities, tend to fluctuate. Demand for Delta's services can vary significantly due to levels of activities of oil and gas producers in the United States which are directly effected by the significant increase in energy prices in the U.S. and worldwide. Delta is dependent to a significant degree on the level of development and workover activities in the U.S. Gulf Coast area.
Any prolonged slowdown of the U.S. economy may contribute to an eventual downward trend in the demand for Delta’s services
Other factors affecting Delta’s oil and gas services business include any decline in production of oil and gas wells in the Texas and Gulf Coast area in which it operates. Delta’s revenues and profitability are particularly dependent upon oil and gas industry activity and spending levels in the Texas and Gulf Coast region. Delta’s operations may also be affected by interest rates and cost of capital, tax policies and overall economic activity. Adverse changes in any of these other factors may depress the levels of well workover and abandonment and result in a corresponding decline in the demand for Delta’s products and services and, therefore, have a material adverse effect on Delta’s revenues and profitability.
Profitability of Delta’s operations is dependent on numerous factors beyond Delta’s control
Delta’s operating results in general, and gross margin in particular, are functions of market conditions and the product and service mix sold in any period. Other factors impact the cost of sales, such as the price of steel, because approximately 58% of Delta’s oil and gas related revenues in 2011 were from the sale of new drilling pipe and used pipe extracted during Delta’s well plugging business. Competition for pipe which is impacted by the US and worldwide cost of and demand for steel, availability of skilled labor and contract services, shortages in raw materials due to untimely supplies or ability to obtain items at reasonable prices may also continue to affect the cost of sales and the profitability in future periods.
Delta encounters and expect to continue to encounter intense competition in the sale of Delta’s products and services
Delta competes with numerous companies and its services are sold in highly competitive markets. The competition in the oil and gas industry could result in reduced profitability or inability to increase market share. In its markets, principally in South and East Texas, and the Gulf Coast, Delta competes principally with the following entities: Basic Energy and Key Energy Services, which are far larger than Delta, as well as a number of smaller companies. The land drilling service business is highly fragmented and consists of a small number of large companies and many smaller companies. Many of Delta's competitors have greater financial resources than Delta. Many of Delta’s competitors have substantially greater financial and other related resources than us.
Dependence upon major customers for Delta’s workover products and services
Delta provides workover products and services primarily to customers in the U.S. Gulf Coast market. Workover products and services are used to restore or increase production on a producing well. Workover services are typically used during the well development, production and abandonment stages. Delta's hydraulic workover units are typically contracted on a short-term dayrate basis. As a result, utilization of Delta’s workover units varies from period to period and the time to complete a particular service contract depends on several factors, including the number of wells and the type of workover or pressure control situations involved. In 2011, Delta’s largest customers for workover services were Legend Natural Gas, Choice Exploration, and New Century Exploration.
Delta’s revenues and cash flows from pipe sales are subject to commodity price risk
Approximately 58% of Delta’s oil and gas related revenues in 2011 were from the sale of pipe; therefore, Delta has increased market risk exposure in the pricing applicable to the costs of steel. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price and demand for steel. The cost of steel has been increasing significantly due to increased world demand generally and from China and India specifically.
Delta’s business involves certain operating risks, and its insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses or liabilities Delta might incur in its operations
Delta’s operations are subject to many hazards and risks, including the following:
- fires and explosions;
- accidents resulting in serious bodily injury and the loss of life or property;
- pollution and other damage to the environment; and
- liabilities from accidents or damage by our fleet of trucks, rigs and other equipment.
If these hazards occur, they could result in suspension of operations, damage to or destruction of our equipment and the property of others, or injury or death to our or a third party's personnel.
Risks related to government regulation
Delta’s business is significantly affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the oil and natural gas industry. Changes in these laws and regulations, including more restrictive administrative regulations and stricter enforcement of these laws and regulations, could significantly affect Delta's business and results of operations. Delta cannot predict future changes in existing laws and regulations or how these laws and regulations may be interpreted or the effect changes in these laws and regulations may have on Delta or its future operations and profitability. Delta cannot predict whether additional laws and regulations will be adopted. The adoption of new laws and regulations curtailing exploration and development drilling for oil and natural gas in Delta’s areas of operation could also materially adversely affect Delta's operations by limiting demand for its products and services.
Delta’s workover products and services are subject to and affected by various types of government regulation, including numerous federal and state environmental protection laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are becoming increasingly complex and stringent. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations, and violators are subject to civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions, or both. Third parties may also have the right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance. It is possible that increasingly strict environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies could result in substantial costs and liabilities to Delta and could subject its operations to increased scrutiny.
Risks related to our NPI subsidiary
Dependence upon third-party manufacturers for its products
Virtually all of NPI's products, which include products sold in the automotive and consumer retail and after market channels, are manufactured overseas. NPI has no long-term agreements with any manufacturers for its products, but relies on management's business contacts with manufacturers in renewing its short-term agreements. There is no assurance that NPI will be able to renew its present agreements with manufacturers on terms economically favorable to NPI, if at all. Any inability or delay in NPI's renewal of its agreements at economically favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on NPI unless alternative supplies are available.
Dependence upon third-party licenses
NPI markets its diversified product assortment under the Good Choice® and MOTOR TREND® brand names. Nearly all of the NPI Good Choice® product line has been tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute and prominently carries the Good Housekeeping "Seal" on the vast majority of its products. The NPI Good Choice® product assortment includes a variety of booster cables, portable hand lamps, lighting products, cord sets, residential household light bulbs, night lights, multiple outlet devices and other consumer products. The Good Choice® program is dependent upon a national advertising campaign in the newsstand issues of Good Housekeeping magazine, pursuant to an agreement with Good Housekeeping.
The NPI MOTOR TREND® branded products include a variety of booster cables, portable and rechargeable hand lamps, lighting products, cord sets, emergency road side kits and miscellaneous battery and other consumer automotive accessories. The NPI MOTOR TREND® program is a standard licensing program with Source Inter Link and MOTOR TREND® magazine. NPI’s business would be materially adversely affected if either the Good Housekeeping or MOTOR TREND® relationship was terminated.
Dependence upon major customers
NPI markets its products through such major chains as Advanced Auto Parts, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, GBI - Dollar Tree, Ocean State Jobbers, Big Lots, H.E.B., Publix, Freds, Bi-Mart, and Dollar General, among others. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, NPI's large accounts accounted for 40% of NPI's revenues. The loss of any of these major customers could have a material adverse effect on NPI operating results. NPI's strategic plan for 2012 includes targeting three or more additional large accounts and reducing its dependence upon major customers by adding more mid-size accounts.
Dependence upon independent sales agents and internal personnel for sales and marketing
NPI has working vendor agreements with its major customers. NPI sells its products through the use of its in-house personnel and independent sales agents covered under sales and marketing agreements. NPI contracts with agents, who are responsible for contacting potential customers in a pre-determined sales area. NPI provides these agents with manuals, brochures, and other promotional materials, which are used in the selling process. After sales are completed through the use of an agent, NPI directly bills the customer, and all payments are made directly to NPI. Agents are compensated on a commission basis only, calculated on the net sales price of products invoiced to customers. No commissions are paid until NPI receives payment from customers. NPI is not dependent upon its sales agents and would not be adversely affected if one or more sales agents having established relationships with NPI’s major customers terminated the relationship with NPI.
NPI faces competition from larger companies
In the safety product category of the automotive after-market, which accounts for a significant portion NPI's Motor Trend products and sales, NPI competes against a large number of suppliers, many of which have far greater financial resources than NPI. This competition may adversely affect NPI's ability to continue to increase revenues and market share. NPI's management believes its primary competitors in the safety products market include Coleman Cable Company and East Penn among other large manufacturers and importers. In the consumer durables electrical products market, NPI competes against a large number of suppliers, many of which have far greater financial resources than NPI. NPI's management believes its primary competitors in the consumer durables market include Coleman Cable, General Electric (via a licensee), and American Tac, among others.
Price is the primarily significant factor in the safety products market and the consumer durables electrical products markets. Many of NPI's products are made to industry specifications, and are therefore essentially functionally substitutable with those of competitors.
Risks related to our BOG subsidiary
Brenham has no proven reserves on its existing Permian Basin, Texas property and the prospects that Brenham may decide to pursue for exploration and development may not yield oil and gas in commercial quantities or quality, if at all, in which event Brenham will incur significant losses.
At present, Brenham has no proven reserves. Any future prospects may not prove to be commercially viable even if available seismic and geological information indicate the potential presence of oil and gas. As a result, any prospects that Brenham may decide to acquire and develop may not yield oil and gas in commercial quantities or quality, or at all. Evaluating prospects will require substantial seismic data reprocessing and interpretation. Even when properly used and interpreted, 2-D and 3-D seismic data and visualization techniques are only tools used to assist geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators and do not enable the interpreter to know whether hydrocarbons are, in fact, present in those structures. We therefore do not know if any of our prospects will contain oil and gas in sufficient quantities or quality to recover drilling and completion costs or to be economically viable. Even if oil and gas is found on our prospects in commercial quantities, construction costs of oil and gas pipelines or floating production systems, as applicable, and transportation costs may prevent such prospects from being economically viable.
Brenham may face substantial uncertainties in connection with any prospects, which could significantly delay or even prevent our ability to act on our plan of operation.
In this filing, we provide statements in connection with Brenham's plan of operation. Statements in connection with this plan of operation may face substantial uncertainties. To date, Brenham has not yet identified any prospects. Any analogies drawn by us from other companies’ wells, prospects or producing fields may not prove to be indicators of the success of developing reserves from Brenham's prospects, notwithstanding the proximity of Brenham's prospects to other companies producing properties. Furthermore, evaluating the to-be-acquired data from wells or prospects produced by other parties which we may use may not lead to the results that we may expect.
It is possible that none of the future wells on Brenham's prospects’ properties will find commercially exploitable accumulations of oil and gas. Any significant variance between actual results and our assumptions could then materially and adversely affect the quantities of oil and gas attributable to any prospects.
Identifying prospects and drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may exceed our expectations and, further, may not result in any discoveries of future production or reserves in commercially exploitable quantities. Any material inaccuracies in future drilling costs, estimates or underlying assumptions will materially adversely affect Brenham's plan of operation and business objectives, thereby adversely affecting the value of our shares.
Seeking prospects, exploring for and developing oil and gas reserves involves a high degree of operational and financial risk, which precludes Brenham's ability to make any definitive estimates as to the time required and costs involved in reaching certain objectives. The actual costs of seeking prospects, drilling, completing and operating wells may exceed Brenham's budgeted costs and can increase significantly when drilling costs rise due to a tightening in the supply of various types of oil and gas field equipment and related services. Prospects may be unsuccessful for many reasons, including geological conditions, weather, cost overruns, equipment shortages and mechanical difficulties. Exploratory wells bear a much greater risk of loss than development wells. Moreover, the successful drilling of an oil and gas well does not necessarily result in a profit on investment. A variety of factors, both geological and market-related, can cause a well to become uneconomic or only marginally economic. Initial costs associated with identifying prospects and drilling wells require significant additional exploration and development, regulatory approval and commitments of resources prior to commercial development. If Brenham's actual costs are significantly more than any estimated costs, Brenham may not be able to continue its plan of operation and/or business objectives and would be forced to modify its plan of operation.
Brenham's unidentified prospects and drilling locations may be scheduled out over several years, making them susceptible to uncertainties that could materially affect the occurrence or timing of any drilling, thereby hindering our ability to generate cash flow from operations, if any.
Brenham's ability to identify, drill and develop future drilling locations depends on a number of factors, including the availability of equipment and capital, seasonal conditions, regulatory approvals, oil and gas prices, costs and drilling results. The final determination on whether to drill any of these prospects will be dependent upon the factors described elsewhere in this annual report. Due to these uncertainties, we do not know if any presently unidentified Prospect that we may identify in the future will be drilled within a reasonable timeframe, or at all, or, if we will be able to economically produce oil and gas in commercially exploitable quantities from these or any other potential drilling locations. As such, Brenham's actual drilling activities may be materially different from its expectations, which could adversely affect its plan of operation and future financial condition.
Brenham expects not to be the operator on all or even many of its future prospects, and, therefore, will not be able to control the timing of exploration or development efforts, associated costs, or the rate of production of any non-operated assets, which could prevent Brenham from realizing any return targets that we may envision.
As Brenham carries out its exploration and development programs, Brenham may enter into arrangements with respect to future prospects that result in a greater proportion of its prospects being operated by others. As a result, Brenham may have limited ability to exercise influence over the operations of its future prospects that will be operated by potential partners. Dependence on third-party operators could prevent Brenham from realizing certain return targets for those co-operated prospects. The success and timing of identifying prospects, exploration and development activities will depend on a number of factors that will be largely outside of Brenham's control, including:
- the timing and amount of capital expenditures;
- the co-operator's expertise and financial resources;
- approval of other participants in drilling wells;
- selection of technology; and
- the rate of production of reserves, if any.
This limited ability to exercise control over the operations of some of Brenham's prospects may cause a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
Brenham is dependent on the experience of members of its management and technical team and the loss of one or more such persons could significantly delay its plan of operation if Brenham is unable to replace such persons with qualified individuals on a timely basis, which could have an adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations.
Brenham must rely upon the ability, expertise, judgment and discretion of its management and the success of its technical team in identifying prospects and in discovering and developing oil and gas reserves. Brenham's performance and success are dependent, in part, upon key members of its management and technical team, and the departure of such key persons would be detrimental to its future success. There can be no assurance that Brenham's management will remain in place. We do not have any "key man" life insurance on any member of Brenham's team. The loss of any of Brenham's management and technical team members could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
Brenham's future development and exploration operations require substantial capital, and Brenham may be unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms, or at all, which would delay or even prevent Brenham from successfully pursuing and fully developing its business plan and its ability to generate revenues in both the short and long term.
The oil and gas industry is capital intensive and we anticipate that Brenham will need to raise significant amounts of capital to meet its funding requirements, in amounts that we have not yet determined. Brenham expects its capital outlays and operating expenditures to increase substantially over at least the next several years as Brenham starts its operations. Identifying prospects, obtaining seismic data and commencing exploration and production are all very expensive and we expect that Brenham will need to raise substantial capital, through future private or public equity offerings, strategic alliances or debt financing, before we achieve commercialization of any of Brenham's prospects.
Brenham's future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
- the scope, rate of progress and cost of exploration and production activities;
- oil and gas and natural gas prices;
- Brenham's ability to locate and acquire prospects;
- Brenham's ability to produce oil and gas or natural gas from those reserves;
- the terms and timing of any drilling and other production-related arrangements that Brenham may enter into;
- the cost and timing of governmental approvals and/or concessions; and
- the effects of competition by larger companies operating in the oil and gas industry.
Brenham does not currently have any commitments for external funding and does not expect to generate any significant revenue from production for several years, or at all. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Even if Brenham succeeds in selling additional securities to raise funds, the sale of additional equity securities would dilute the ownership percentage of Brenham's existing shareholders and new investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of Brenham's Common Stock. If we raise additional capital through debt financing, the financing may involve covenants that restrict Brenham's business activities. If we choose to offer interests in our prospects to third-party operators, Brenham may lose operating control over such prospects.
Brenham's working capital needs are difficult to forecast and may vary significantly, which could require us to seek additional financing that we may not be able to obtain on satisfactory terms, or at all. The failure or any significant delay in raising capital as needed may be expected to materially reduce or eliminate Brenham's opportunity for success.
At present, Brenham's working capital needs are extremely difficult to predict. This difficulty is due primarily to not having identified actual prospects and therefore we lack the ability to estimate with any degree of accuracy the costs associated with identifying and acquiring prospects, the timing and costs related to Brenham's exploration and development efforts, the availability of personnel and equipment necessary for such efforts, fluctuations in the price of oil and gas, the costs and timing of regulatory approvals and the number of prospects we determine to pursue. Brenham may therefore be subject to significant and rapid increases in our working capital needs that could require us to seek additional financing sources and there can be no assurance in our ability to secure additional financing at acceptable terms, if at all. Restrictions in any debt agreements that we may enter into may impair our ability to obtain other sources of financing.
Brenham will be dependent upon its ability to enter into arrangements for financing with third parties and any delay or failure to enter into such arrangements could adversely affect the Brenham's operating results.
Brenham's ability to identify and acquire prospects will depend upon its ability to identify and enter into financing arrangements in sufficient amounts at acceptable terms, of which there can be no assurance. This will include strategic relationships with existing oil and gas development and exploration companies, public or private sales of equity or debt securities as well as from other funding sources and/or joint ventures with third parties. Due to our long-term capital requirements, we may seek to access the public or private equity markets if and when conditions are favorable. We do not have any committed sources of financing at this time, and it is uncertain whether additional funding will be available when we need it on terms that will be acceptable to us, or at all. If we raise funds by selling additional shares of Brenham's Common Stock or other securities convertible into Brenham's Common Stock, the ownership interest of Brenham's existing shareholders will be diluted. If we are not able to obtain financing when needed, Brenham may be unable to successfully carry out our business plan. As a result, we may have to significantly limit our operations for the foreseeable future and, as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
Current economic and credit conditions could adversely affect Brenham's plan of operation and could result in significant losses for the foreseeable future.
Brenham's ability to secure additional financing and satisfy its financial obligations and indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon future operating performance, which is subject to the prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, most of which will be beyond our control. The prolonged continuation or worsening of current credit market conditions would have a material adverse effect on Brenham's ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.
The development schedule of any oil and gas projects that Brenham may identify, including the availability and cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oil and gas field services, is subject to delays and cost overruns.
Historically, most oil and gas projects have experienced delays and capital cost increases and overruns due to, among other factors, the unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs and other essential equipment, supplies, personnel and oil and gas field services. The cost to develop prospects has not been fixed and remains dependent upon a number of factors, including the completion of detailed cost estimates and final engineering, contracting and procurement costs. Construction and operation schedules may not proceed as planned and may experience delays or cost overruns. Any delays may increase the costs of the projects, requiring additional capital, and such capital may not be available in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Non-U.S. operations may be adversely affected by political and economic circumstances in the countries in which Brenham may operate, in which event Brenham may experience delays or be prevented from commencing or continuing operations in such countries.
Non-U.S. oil and gas exploration, development and production activities are subject to political and economic uncertainties (including but not limited to changes, sometimes frequent or marked, in energy policies or the personnel administering them), expropriation of property, cancellation or modification of contract rights, foreign exchange restrictions, currency fluctuations, royalty and tax increases and other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over the areas in which Brenham's operations are conducted, as well as risks of loss due to civil strife, acts of war, guerrilla activities and insurrection. These risks may be higher in the developing countries in which Brenham intends to conduct activities, including Africa.
Potential operations in these areas increase Brenham's exposure to risks of war, local economic conditions, political disruption, civil disturbance and governmental policies that may:
- disrupt our operations;
- restrict the movement of funds or limit repatriation of profits;
- lead to U.S. government or international sanctions; and
- limit access to markets for periods of time.
Several countries in Africa are presently experiencing or have experienced political instability in the past. Disruptions may occur in the future, and losses caused by these disruptions may occur that will not be covered by insurance, if, indeed, any insurance is available at costs that Brenham can afford.
Consequently, Brenham's non-U.S. exploration, development and production activities may be substantially affected by factors which could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute arising from non-U.S. operations, Brenham may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts outside the U.S. or may not be successful in subjecting non-U.S. persons to the jurisdiction of courts in the U.S., which could adversely affect the outcome of such dispute.
The oil and gas industry, including the acquisition of exploratory acreage in Africa, is intensely competitive and unless Brenham is able to compete effectively, its plan of operation will have to be modified and its ability to pursue prospects could be materially, adversely effected.
The international oil and gas industry, including in the U.S. and Africa, is highly competitive in all aspects, including the exploration for, and the development of, new sources of supply. Brenham expects to operate in a highly competitive environment for acquiring exploratory prospects and hiring and retaining trained personnel. Many of Brenham's competitors possess and employ financial, technical and personnel resources substantially greater than Brenham, which can be particularly important in the areas in which Brenham operates. These companies may be able to pay more for productive oil and gas properties and prospects and to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than Brenham's financial or personnel resources permit. Furthermore, these companies may also be better able to withstand the financial pressures of unsuccessful drill attempts, sustained periods of volatility in financial markets and generally adverse global and industry-wide economic conditions, and may be better able to absorb the burdens resulting from changes in relevant laws and regulations, which would adversely affect Brenham's competitive position. Brenham's ability to acquire additional prospects and to find and develop reserves in the future will depend on its ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. Also, there is substantial competition for available capital for investment in the oil and gas industry. As a result of these and other factors, Brenham may not be able to compete successfully in an intensely competitive industry, which could cause a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
Participants in the oil and gas industry are subject to complex laws that can affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business and could result in unanticipated costs and delays that could adversely affect Brenham's financial condition.
Exploration and production activities in the oil and gas industry are subject to extensive local, state, federal and international regulations. Brenham may be required to make large expenditures to comply with governmental regulations, particularly in respect of the following matters:
- licenses for drilling operations;
- royalty increases, including retroactive claims;
- drilling and development bonds;
- reports concerning operations;
- the spacing of wells;
- unitization of oil and gas accumulations;
- remediation or investigation activities for environmental purposes; and
- taxation.
Under these and other laws and regulations, Brenham could be liable for personal injuries, property damage and other types of damages. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations also may result in the suspension or termination of Brenham's operations and subject Brenham to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Moreover, these laws and regulations could change in ways that could substantially increase Brenham's costs. Any such liabilities, penalties, suspensions, terminations or regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's financial condition and results of operations.
Brenham's future operations are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety regulations which may result in material liabilities and costs that we do not anticipate or that we may not be able to adequately fund; any inability to fund material liabilities and related costs could result in a discontinuation of Brenham's operations.
Brenham's future operations will be, subject to various international, foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations governing, among other things, the emission and discharge of pollutants into the ground, air or water, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of regulated materials and the health and safety of our employees. Brenham is required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of Brenham's operations, including drilling permits for wells. There is a risk that Brenham will not be in complete compliance with these permits and the environmental laws and regulations to which Brenham is subject at all times. If Brenham violates or fails to comply with these laws, regulations or permits, Brenham could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators, including through the revocation of permits or the suspension or termination of operations. If Brenham fails to obtain permits in a timely manner or at all (due to opposition from community or environmental interest groups, governmental delays, or any other reasons), such failure could impede Brenham's operations, which could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
Brenham could be held liable for all environmental, health and safety costs and liabilities arising out of its actions and omissions as well as those of potential third-party contractors. To the extent Brenham does not address these costs and liabilities or is otherwise in breach of lease requirements, Brenham's future leases could be suspended or terminated. Brenham intends to hire third parties to perform the majority of the drilling and other services related to its operations. There is a risk that Brenham may contract with third parties with unsatisfactory environmental, health and safety records or that Brenham's contractors may be unwilling or unable to cover any losses associated with their acts and omissions. Accordingly, Brenham could be held liable for all costs and liabilities arising out of the acts or omissions of its contractors, which could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
Brenham may be required to maintain bonding or insurance coverage for certain risks relating to its operations, including environmental risks. Even under such policies, Brenham may not be insured against certain risks. Brenham's insurance may not cover any or all environmental claims that might arise from its operations or those of third-party contractors. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by Brenham's insurance, or Brenham's third-party contractors have not agreed to bear responsibility, such accident or event could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition. In addition, Brenham may not be able to obtain required bonding or insurance coverage at all or in time to meet its anticipated startup schedule for each well, and if we fail to obtain this bonding or coverage, such failure could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, Brenham expects continued attention to climate change issues. Various countries and U.S. states and regions have agreed to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, including methane (a primary component of natural gas) and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of oil and gas and natural gas combustion. The U.S. federal government, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are currently considering national greenhouse gas regulation, each having proposed bills or rules which would require or result in greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Final laws or regulations could be adopted this or next year. The regulation of greenhouse gases in the areas in which Brenham intends to operate could adversely impact Brenham's operations.
Environmental, health and safety laws are complex, change frequently and have tended to become increasingly stringent over time. Brenham's costs of complying with current and future environmental, health and safety laws, and Brenham's liabilities arising from releases of, or exposure to, regulated substances may adversely affect Brenham's results of operations and financial condition. See "Description of Business - Environmental Matters and Regulation."
Brenham may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and any determination that Brenham violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could have us subject to civil or criminal liability and that could have a material adverse effect on Brenham's business and prevent Brenham from operating in one or more jurisdictions.
Brenham is subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Brenham may do business in the future in countries and regions in which we may face, directly or indirectly, corrupt demands by officials, tribal or insurgent organizations, or private entities. Thus, we face the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of Brenham's employees or consultants, even though these parties are not always subject to Brenham's control. Brenham's existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and Brenham's employees and consultants may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect Brenham's business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the government may seek to hold us liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO MARKET OF OUR COMMON STOCK
Market prices of our equity securities can fluctuate significantly
The market prices of our common stock may change significantly in response to various factors and events beyond our control, including the following:
- the other risk factors described in this Form 10-K;
- changing demand for our products and services and ability to develop and generate sufficient revenues;
- any delay in our ability to generate operating revenue or net income from new products and services;
- general conditions in markets we operate in;
- general conditions in the securities markets;
- issuance of a significant number of shares, whether for compensation under employee stock options, conversion of debt, potential acquisitions, stock dividends and additional financing using equity securities or otherwise.
Possible issuance of additional securities
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001. At December 31, 2011, we had 16,017,142 shares of common stock issued and 1,000 preferred shares issued. To the extent that additional shares of common stock are issued, our shareholders would experience dilution of their respective ownership interests in the Company. The issuance of additional shares of common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities.
Compliance with Penny Stock Rules
As the result of the fact that the market price for our common stock has been below $5 per share, our common stock is considered a "penny stock" as defined in the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder. Unless our common stock is otherwise excluded from the definition of "penny stock," the penny stock rules apply with respect to that particular security. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer prior to a transaction in penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its sales person in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. In addition, the penny stock rules require that the broker-dealer, not otherwise exempt from such rules, must make a special written determination that the penny stock is suitable for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure rules have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for a stock that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. So long as the common stock is subject to the penny stock rules, it may become more difficult to sell such securities. Such requirements, if applicable, could additionally limit the level of trading activity for our common stock and could make it more difficult for investors to sell our common stock.
Shares eligible for future sale
As of December 31, 2011, the Registrant had 16,017,142 shares of common stock issued, 4,020,716 shares are "restricted" as that term is defined under the Securities Act, and in the future may be sold in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Rule 144 generally provides that a person holding restricted securities for a period of one year may sell every three months in brokerage transactions and/or market-maker transactions an amount equal to the greater of one (1%) percent of (a) the Company's issued and outstanding common stock or (b) the average weekly trading volume of the common stock during the four calendar weeks prior to such sale. Rule 144 also permits, under certain circumstances, the sale of shares without any quantity limitation by a person who has not been an affiliate of the Company during the three months preceding the sale and who has satisfied a two-year holding period. However, all of the current shareholders of the Company owning 5% or more of the issued and outstanding common stock are subject to Rule 144 limitations on selling.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
At December 31, 2011, Delta's facilities consist of 2,500 square feet of office space and 10,000 square feet of warehouse located in Houston, TX. Wintech Partners, LLC ("Wintech"), a company owned by the noncontrolling interest owners of Delta, owns 100% of Delta's Houston facilities. Delta pays rent to Wintech by paying the monthly payments of $14,158 due on the note payable. Delta also has a 5,000 square foot office and warehouse facility in Louisiana which is leased from Wintech at an annual rental of $18,000.