ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | | | 37 | |
| | | | |
BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009. | | | 38 | |
| | | | |
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MAY 11, 2006) TO DECEMBER 31, 2010. | | | 39 | |
| | | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MAY 11, 2006) TO DECEMBER 31, 2010. | | | 41 | |
| | | | |
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (MAY 11, 2006) TO DECEMBER 31, 2010. | | | 42 | |
| | | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | | | 43 | |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
American Exploration Corporation (f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Calgary, Canada
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of American Exploration Corporation (f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.) (An Exploration Stage Company) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and for the period from inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements for the period from May 11, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2007, were audited by other auditors and our opinion, insofar as it relates to cumulative amounts included for such periods, is based solely on the reports of other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Exploration Corporation as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and for the period from inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a working capital deficit and is in default of certain debt agreements. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also discussed in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ GBH CPAs, PC
GBH CPAs, PC
www.gbhcpas.com
Houston, Texas
April 5, 2011
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
BALANCE SHEETS
| | December 31, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
| | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 10,733 | | | $ | 9,560 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 10,733 | | | | 9,560 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oil and gas properties – unevaluated, not subject to amortization | | | 3,771,001 | | | | 3,771,001 | |
Website, net of amortization | | | 3,024 | | | | 6,392 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 3,784,758 | | | $ | 3,786,953 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 16,530 | | | $ | 32,500 | |
Accounts payable – related parties | | | 44,110 | | | | 5,422 | |
Short-term note payable | | | 50,000 | | | | - | |
Short-term notes payable – related parties | | | 147,809 | | | | 87,809 | |
Convertible notes – related party | | | 95,227 | | | | 95,227 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 353,676 | | | | 220,958 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 2,100,000,000 shares authorized: | | | | | | | | |
60,273,333 and 59,773,333 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | | | 60,273 | | | | 59,773 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 5,978,955 | | | | 5,577,683 | |
Accumulated deficit during exploration stage | | | (2,608,146 | ) | | | (2,071,461 | ) |
Total Stockholders’ Equity | | | 3,431,082 | | | | 3,565,995 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 3,784,758 | | | $ | 3,786,953 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
and For the Period from Inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010
| | | | | Inception | |
| | | | | | | | (May 11, 2006) to | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Revenue | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General and administrative | | | 691,251 | | | | 1,831,173 | | | | 2,695,014 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 3,368 | | | | 3,333 | | | | 8,253 | |
Total Operating Expenses | | | 694,619 | | | | 1,834,506 | | | | 2,703,267 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (694, 619 | ) | | | (1,834,506 | ) | | | (2,703,267 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (15,866 | ) | | | (61,652 | ) | | | (77,518 | ) |
Loss on sale of assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,161 | ) |
Other income | | | 173,800 | | | | - | | | | 173,800 | |
Total other income (expense) | | | 157,934 | | | | (61,652 | ) | | | 95,121 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (536,685 | ) | | $ | (1,896,158 | ) | | $ | (2,608,146 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted | | $ | (0.01 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares - basic and diluted | | | 60,177,991 | | | | 76,873,982 | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Period from Inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010
| | | | | | | | | | | Deficit | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Additional | | | During the | | | Total | |
| | Common Stock | | | Paid-in | | | Exploration | | | Stockholders’ | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Stage | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at inception on May 11, 2006 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Initial capitalization, sale of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
of common stock to directors on | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
May 2006 $0.00005/share | | | 94,500,000 | | | | 94,500 | | | | (90,000 | ) | | | - | | | | 4,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement - September 2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at 0.0024/share | | | 41,475,000 | | | | 41,475 | | | | 57,275 | | | | - | | | | 98,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (9,055 | ) | | | (9,055 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | | | 135,975,000 | | | | 135,975 | | | | (32,725 | ) | | | (9,055 | ) | | | 94,195 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (60,078 | ) | | | (60,078 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2007 | | | 135,975,000 | | | | 135,975 | | | | (32,725 | ) | | | (69,133 | ) | | | 34,117 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement- November | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2008 at $0.67/share | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,350 | | | | 898,650 | | | | - | | | | 900,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement - November | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2008 at $0.67/share | | | 150,000 | | | | 150 | | | | 99,850 | | | | - | | | | 100,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (106,170 | ) | | | (106,170 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2008 | | | 137,475,000 | | | | 137,475 | | | | 965,775 | | | | (175,303 | ) | | | 927,947 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement - February 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $0.667/share | | | 487,500 | | | | 488 | | | | 324,512 | | | | - | | | | 325,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forgiven loan from director | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,000 | | | | - | | | | 5,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cancellation of shares | | | (83,100,000 | ) | | | (83,100 | ) | | | 83,100 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued for oil and gas lease | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
August 2009 at $0.66/share | | | 4,037,500 | | | | 4,037 | | | | 2,660,713 | | | | - | | | | 2,664,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placements – August 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $0.50/share | | | 660,000 | | | | 660 | | | | 329,340 | | | | - | | | | 330,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placements – September 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $0.75 and $1.00/share | | | 158,333 | | | | 158 | | | | 124,842 | | | | - | | | | 125,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement - October 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $1.00/share | | | 55,000 | | | | 55 | | | | 54,945 | | | | - | | | | 55,000 | |
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Period from Inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010
(Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | Deficit | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Additional | | | During the | | | Total | |
| | Common Stock | | | Paid-in | | | Exploration | | | Shareholders’ | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Stage | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of share-based compensation | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 968,511 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 968,511 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount on convertible debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | 60,945 | | | | - | | | | 60,945 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,896,158 | ) | | | (1,896,158 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | | 59,773,333 | | | | 59,773 | | | | 5,577,683 | | | | (2,071,461 | ) | | | 3,565,995 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement – February 2010 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $0.25 per share | | | 300,000 | | | | 300 | | | | 74,700 | | | | - | | | | 75,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private Placement – April 2010 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
at $0.25 per share | | | 200,000 | | | | 200 | | | | 49,800 | | | | - | | | | 50,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of share-based compensation | | | - | | | | - | | | | 276,772 | | | | - | | | | 276,772 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (536,685 | ) | | | (536,685 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | | 60,273,333 | | | $ | 60,273 | | | $ | 5,978,955 | | | $ | (2,608,146 | ) | | $ | 3,431,082 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
and For the Period from Inception (May 11, 2006) to December 31, 2010
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | | | Inception (May 11, 2006) to | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | December 31, 2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (536,685 | ) | | $ | (1,896,158 | ) | | $ | (2,608,146 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used by operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | 3,368 | | | | 3,333 | | | | 8,253 | |
Amortization of debt discount | | | - | | | | 60,945 | | | | 60,945 | |
Share-based compensation | | | 276,772 | | | | 968,511 | | | | 1,245,283 | |
Loss on sale of assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,161 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (15,970 | ) | | | 14,948 | | | | 16,392 | |
Accounts payable - related parties | | | 38,688 | | | | 5,421 | | | | 44,110 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (233,827 | ) | | | (843,000 | ) | | | (1,232,002 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payments for website development | | | - | | | | - | | | | (10,000 | ) |
Acquisition of unproved oil and gas properties | | | - | | | | (325,001 | ) | | | (1,108,551 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | | | | (325,001 | ) | | | (1,118,551 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants | | | 125,000 | | | | 835,000 | | | | 2,063,250 | |
Proceeds from notes payable | | | 50,000 | | | | - | | | | 50,000 | |
Proceeds from notes payable - related parties | | | 60,000 | | | | 87,809 | | | | 152,809 | |
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt - related parties | | | - | | | | 95,227 | | | | 95,227 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 235,000 | | | | 1,018,036 | | | | 2,361,286 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash during the period | | | 1,173 | | | | (149,965 | ) | | | 10,733 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash, beginning of the period | | | 9,560 | | | | 159,525 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash, end of the period | | $ | 10,733 | | | $ | 9,560 | | | $ | 10,733 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Taxes paid | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued for oil and gas property | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,664,750 | | | $ | 2,664,750 | |
Cancellation of loan from director | | $ | - | | | $ | 5,000 | | | $ | 5,000 | |
Cancellation of shares | | $ | - | | | $ | 83,100 | | | $ | 83,100 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
(f.k.a. Minhas Energy Consultants, Inc.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on May 11, 2006. The Company has limited operations, is considered an exploration stage company, and has had no revenues from operations to date.
Initial operations have included capital formation, organization, target market identification and marketing plans. On August 6, 2008, the Company merged with its wholly-owned subsidiary and changed its name to American Exploration Corporation. Concurrent with the name change, management changed the focus of operations from the provision of consulting engineering services to oil and gas exploration and development.
Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
On August 18, 2008, the Company affected a 14 for 1 forward stock split of its issued and outstanding par value $0.001 common shares. On April 13, 2009, a 1.5 for 1 forward stock split took effect. All share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of these forward stock splits.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those regarding the recoverability of the Company’s unevaluated oil and gas properties and valuation of option and warrant transactions
Reclassification
Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Loss per Share
Pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common share equivalents included in the diluted computation represent shares issuable upon assumed exercise of stock options and warrants or the assumed conversion of convertible debt instruments, using the treasury stock and “if converted” method. For periods in which net losses are incurred, weighted average shares outstanding is the same for basic and diluted loss per share calculations, as the inclusion of common share equivalents would have an anti-dilutive effect.
For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, options to purchase 2,700,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 250,000 and 652,916 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2010, approximately 200,000 shares of common stock associated with the conversion feature in the convertible note entered into in January 2010 (as more fully described in Note 4) were also excluded.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Concentrations of Risks - Cash Balances
The Company maintains its cash in institutions insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As of December 31, 2010, the FDIC insured all amounts in non-interest bearing accounts and the CDIC had insured limits of up to $100,000 per depositor as of December 31, 2010.
Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method
The Company has elected to use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells used to find proved reserves, and to drill and equip development wells, including directly related overhead costs and related asset retirement costs, are capitalized.
Under this method, all costs, including internal costs directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized as oil and gas property costs on a county by county basis. Properties not subject to amortization consist of exploration and development costs which are evaluated on a property-by-property basis. Amortization of these unproved property costs begins when the properties become proved or their values become impaired. The Company assesses the realizability of unproved properties, if any, on at least an annual basis or when there has been an indication that impairment in value may have occurred. Impairment of unproved properties is assessed based on management's intention with regard to future exploration and development of individually significant properties and the ability of the Company to obtain funds to finance such exploration and development. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is added to the capitalized costs to be amortized.
In applying the full cost method, the Company performs an impairment test (ceiling test) at each reporting date, whereby the carrying value of property and equipment is compared to the “estimated present value” of its proved reserves. The estimated present value of proved reserves is based upon future net revenues (after consideration of current economic and operating conditions at the end of the period) discounted at a 10 percent interest rate, plus the cost of properties not being amortized, plus the lower of cost or fair market value of unproved properties included in costs being amortized, less the income tax effects related to book and tax basis differences of the properties. If capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged as an impairment expense.
As of December 31, 2010, the Company had no proved properties and, based upon the current status of the exploratory well in progress at December 31, 2010 on the Company’s properties, no impairment of unevaluated oil and gas properties was indicated.
Foreign exchange and currency translation
For the periods presented, the Company maintained cash accounts in Canadian and U.S. dollars, and incurred certain expenses denominated in Canadian dollars. The Company's functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect on the date of the transactions. Assets and liabilities are translated using exchange rates at the end of each period. Exchange gains or losses on transactions are included in earnings. Adjustments resulting from the translation process are reported in a separate component of other comprehensive income and are not included in the determination of the results of operations. For all periods presented, any exchange gains or losses or translation adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions were immaterial.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock and stock options based on the grant date fair value of the awards under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company determines the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company determines the fair value of shares of nonvested stock (also commonly referred to as restricted stock) based on the last quoted price of our stock on the date of the share grant. The fair value determined represents the cost for the award and is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the Company reduces the expense for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. Previously recognized compensation costs may be adjusted to reflect the actual forfeiture rate for the entire award at the end of the vesting period. Excess tax benefits, as defined in ASC 718, if any, are recognized as an addition to paid-in capital.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued revised authoritative guidance that requires more robust disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and the transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 (which is January 1, 2010 for the Company) except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years (which is January 1, 2011 for the Company). Early application is encouraged. The revised guidance was adopted as of January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
There were various accounting standards and interpretations issued recently, none of which are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE 2. GOING CONCERN
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred net losses for the period from inception to December 31, 2010 of $2,608,146, has negative working capital at December 31, 2010 and is currently in default of certain outstanding debt obligations. The Company intends to fund initial operations through equity financing arrangements and current efforts are further described in Note 3.
The ability of the Company to emerge from the exploration stage is dependent upon the Company’s successful efforts to raise sufficient capital and then attain profitable operations. In response to these problems, management has planned or completed the following actions:
| • | The Company has completed a Registration Statement and obtained a trading symbol for its common shares on the OTCBB. |
| • | Management intends to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt offerings. |
| • | Management has changed the focus of the Company’s operations to oil and gas exploration and development from the provision of engineering services. |
There can be no assurances, however, that management’s expectations of future revenues will be realized.
Mainland Resources, Inc. Merger Agreement
Earlier this year our Board of Directors authorized and approved the execution of a definitive merger agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated March 22, 2010 (the “Execution Date”) with Mainland Resources, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Mainland Resources”). The Merger Agreement provides for a stock-for-stock merger to be effected under the laws of the State of Nevada whereby it is contemplated that our shareholders will receive one share of common stock of Mainland Resources for every four shares of our common stock held of record. The share exchange ratio is subject to adjustment. The Merger Agreement is subject to various conditions precedent including, but not limited to, approval by our shareholders and the shareholders of Mainland Resources of the Merger Agreement, and the number of Mainland Resources’ shareholders exercising dissenter rights available to them under Nevada law cannot exceed 5% of the total issued and outstanding shares of Mainland Resources common stock. The Merger Agreement, as amended, is subject to termination by either us or Mainland Resources if certain conditions specified in the Merger Agreement are not satisfied at or before May 31, 2011, or such later date as may be mutually agreed upon (the “Termination Date”).
If the merger is completed, Mainland Resources will be the surviving corporation, and will acquire all of the Company’s assets and property.
NOTE 3. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock - Issued and Outstanding
On May 11, 2006 (inception), the Company issued 94,500,000 shares of its common stock to its Directors for cash of $4,500. On September 30, 2006, the Company closed a private placement for 41,475,000 common shares for an aggregate of $98,750.
On November 19th and 24th of 2008, the Company closed two private placements for 1,350,000 and 150,000 shares respectively, at a price of $0.67 per share, for a total of $1,000,000. Included with each share in these private placements was one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant, for a total of 750,000 warrants with a fair value on the date of grant of $26,012. Each warrant had a term of 12 months and entitled the subscriber to purchase one additional share of the company at an exercise price of $1.33 per share. These warrants expired without exercise during 2009.
In February 2009, the Company completed two private placements for 487,500 shares for a total of $325,000, or $0.67 per share. Included with each share in these private placements was one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant, for a total of 243,750 warrants with a fair value on the date of grant of $48,716. Each warrant had a term of 12 months and entitled the subscriber to purchase one additional share of the Company’s stock at an exercise price of $1.33 per share. These warrants expired without exercise during 2010.
On March 21, 2009 our prior executive officers and founders agreed to return an aggregate 83,100,000 shares of our common stock to the Company. They did not receive any compensation for the return to and cancellation of these shares by the Company.
On August 19, 2009, 4,037,500 shares were issued to Westrock to acquire the balance of an oil and gas lease (see Note 6). These shares were valued at $0.66 per share for a total of $2,664,750, based upon the Company’s share price on the date of agreement.
On August 17, 2009, a private placement closed for 400,000 shares at $0.50 per share or $200,000. On August 31, 2009, a private placement closed, for 260,000 shares at $0.50 per share or $130,000. On September 21, 2009, a private placement closed for 133,333 shares at $0.75 per share, or $100,000. On September 25, 2009, a private placement closed for 25,000 shares at $1.00 per share, or $25,000. Included with each share in these private placements was one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant for a total of 409,166 warrants with an exercise term of 12 months and a fair value on the grant date of $356,761. The warrants had exercise prices ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 and expired without exercise during 2010.
On October 8, 2009 a private placement closed for 55,000 shares at $1.00 per share, or a total of $55,000, with no warrants attached.
On February 24, 2010 a private placement closed for 300,000 shares at $0.25 per share or $75,000. The investor also received 150,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.50 per share with a one year term. These warrants had a grant date fair value of $20,495 and expired without exercise in February 2011.
On April 5, 2010 a private placement closed for 200,000 shares at $0.25 per share or $50,000. The investor also received 100,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.50 per share with a one year term. These warrants had a grant date fair value of $17,403.
Stock Options
In September 2009, the Company adopted the 2009 Stock Option Plan (“2009 Plan”). The 2009 Plan allows the Company to issue options to officers, directors and employees, as well as consultants, to purchase up to 7,000,000 shares of common stock.
During September 2009, the following options were granted:
· | 1,000,000 options to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is also a director of the Company. |
· | 1,150,000 options to three directors of the Company |
· | 150,000 options to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer |
· | 400,000 options to three consultants to the Company |
All the options granted have an exercise price of $0.80 per share and a 10 year life. With the exception of 50,000 options granted to a consultant that vested immediately, one third of the options granted vested at the date of grant, with the remainder vesting in equal parts in September 2012 and September 2015.
Fair value of the options granted was $2,559,954, or $0.95 per share, and was calculated in accordance with the Black-Sholes valuation model based on the following assumptions: (a) risk free interest rate 3.47%, (b) expected volatility of 192.35% (c) expected life of 5.75 years, and (d) zero expected future dividends. The options qualify as ‘plain vanilla’ under the accounting literature and therefore, the expected life has been calculated pursuant to the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $968,511 related to these option issuances during the year ended December 31, 2009, and $276,772 during the year ended December 31, 2010.
No options were issued during the year ended December 31, 2010.
A summary of stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is presented below:
| | Options | | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2009 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Granted | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 0.80 | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 | | | 2,700,000 | | | | 0.80 | | | | - | |
Granted | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 | | | 2,700,000 | | | $ | 0.80 | | | $ | - | |
Exercisable at December 31, 2010 | | | 933,333 | | | $ | 0.80 | | | $ | - | |
The Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $276,772 related to these options during the year ended December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was $1,314,671. The unrecognized stock-based compensation is expected to be ratably amortized to expense over a period of 4.7 years. The weighted average remaining contractual term of the outstanding options and exercisable options at December 31, 2010 is 8.75 years. Options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2010 had no intrinsic value.
Warrants
A summary of warrant activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is presented below:
| | Warrants | | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2009 | | | 750,000 | | | $ | 1.33 | | | $ | - | |
Granted | | | 652,916 | | | | 1.01 | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited or expired | | | (750,000 | ) | | | 1.33 | | | | - | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 | | | 652,916 | | | | 1.01 | | | | - | |
Granted | | | 250,000 | | | | 0.50 | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited or expired | | | (652,916 | ) | | $ | 1.01 | | | $ | - | |
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2010 | | | 250,000 | | | $ | 0.50 | | | $ | - | |
As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 250,000 warrants outstanding with a remaining weighted average contractual life of 2.1 months. The weighted average exercise price for all remaining outstanding warrants was $0.50 per share. Outstanding warrants had an aggregate fair market value of $37,898 at the date of grant, which was calculated in accordance with the Black-Sholes valuation model based on the following assumptions: (a) risk free interest rate 3.5%, (b) expected volatility of 192.35% (c) expected life of 1 year, and (d) zero expected future dividends.
Other Capital Transactions
On January 1, 2009, a $5,000 advance payable to a director of the Company and outstanding as of December 31, 2008, was forgiven and recorded as a contribution to capital.
On July 16, 2010 our Board of Directors, pursuant to unanimous written consent, authorized the filing of a Statement of Change with the Nevada Secretary of State increasing our authorized shares to 2,100,000,000 shares of common stock.
NOTE 4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the second quarter of 2009, directors of the Company loaned approximately $88,000 to cover operating expenses of the Company. Interest of 10% per annum will be paid to the lenders beginning July 1, 2009 and the loans are due upon demand. All of these loans are unsecured and, as of December 31, 2010, the Company had not received a demand from any of the lenders for payment on this short term notes payable. No interest has been paid to date.
A 5% unsecured convertible debenture, due January 13, 2010, was also issued by the Company to a related party on October 13, 2009 for CDN$100,000 (USD $95,227). The unpaid principal amount can be converted into common stock at the price of $0.50 per share. Management assessed the convertible note pursuant to ASC 470 - Debt and determined that the convertible note had a beneficial conversion feature that resulted in a debt discount of $60,945. The terms of convertible note allow for the holder to convert principal and interest at any time into common shares. Therefore, pursuant to ASC 470, the Company immediately expensed as interest expense the debt discount of $60,945 related to the convertible note. The convertible note was not redeemed or converted at the maturity date, is currently in default and is still accruing interest.
As of December 31, 2010, the Company owed $44,110 to related parties which consisted of $20,750 of professional fees owed to entities owned by the Company’s CEO and CFO, and $16,610 of accrued interest on related party notes from above.
Mainland Resources Note Payable
In September 2010, the Company borrowed $60,000 from Mainland Resources to cover operating costs during the merger. The note bears interest at 12% and was due on December 31, 2010. Effective on December 23, 2010, we entered into amendment no. 1 to the Note (the “Amended Note”) with Mainland Resources to extend the due date to March 31, 2011. We are currently in discussions to further extend the maturity date of this Note. We entered into a further amendment (the Amended Note no. 2) with Mainland Resources to extend the due date to May 31st, 2011.
NOTE 5. NOTES PAYABLE
In June 2010, the Company borrowed $50,000 pursuant to a note payable agreement with an unrelated third party. The note bears interest at 5% per annum, is unsecured and matures on June 2, 2011. Interest together with principal is due at the maturity date.
NOTE 6. UNEVALUATED OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
In November 2008, the Company executed an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to purchase a 75% net revenue interest (100% working interest) in approximately 5,000 net acres in oil and gas leases located in Mississippi in the onshore region of the Gulf Coast of the United States. The purchase price was $625 per net acre, or a total of $3,125,000. The Option Agreement required that a well be spud no later than May 31, 2009 and provided the Company until November 17, 2008 to complete its due diligence (the "Option Period"). The Company made a payment of $781,250 upon execution of the Option Agreement.
The Option Agreement was amended a number of times to extend the Option Period and through August 2009, the Company made additional cash payments totaling $325,001 to the counterparty.
On August 19, 2009, the Company entered into a final amendment to the Option Agreement whereby the Company (i) agreed to issue 4,037,500 shares of its restricted common stock as satisfaction for the remaining balance due under the Option Agreement, and (ii) agreed to drill and complete a minimum of at least one well on the properties in the Haynesville geological zone no later than December 31, 2010. On November 2, 2010 an agreement was signed between Westrock and the Company which extends the deadline for drilling and completing a well in the Haynesville Formation one year, to December 31, 2011.
The 4,037,500 shares issued to satisfy the remaining purchase price were valued at $2,664,750, based upon the Company’s share price on the date of agreement, bringing the total acquisition price to $3,771,001. The properties acquired have no proved reserves and therefore, have been classified as unevaluated in the accompanying financial statements.
Mainland Resources, Inc. Joint Development Project
On September 17, 2009, we executed a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with Mainland Resources to jointly develop contiguous acreage known as the Buena Vista Area located in Mississippi (the “Joint Development Project”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Letter Agreement: (i) we agreed to commit approximately 5,000 net acres and Mainland Resources agreed to commit approximately 8,225 net acres to the Joint Development Project; (ii) Mainland Resources would be the operator pursuant to the Joint Operating Agreement; (iii) Mainland Resources agreed to pay 80% of the initial well drilling and completion costs to earn a 51% working interest in the well and the total Joint Operating Area; and (iv) we agreed to pay 20% of the initial well drilling and completion costs to earn a 49% working interest in the well and the total Joint Operating Area. Future costs, including drilling and completions, for oil and gas activities of the net acreage in the Joint Operating Area would have been split on a 51%/49% basis between Mainland Resources and us, respectively.
On March 25, 2010, Mainland Resources issued an authorization for expenditure (“AFE”) for the Burkley-Phillips No. 1 Well which contemplated drilling to a depth of 22,000 feet, or a depth sufficient to evaluate the Haynesville Shale formation. The total completed well cost was estimated at $13,550,000. In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Letter Agreement, we had thirty days to contribute our 20% share of the total completed well cost, or $2,710,000.
On April 27, 2010, we failed to fund our 20% of the estimated total well costs of the Burkley-Phillips No. 1 well on the Buena Vista prospect. As a result, we forfeited our right to a 29% working interest in the well and in the Buena Vista prospect in favor of Mainland Resources. We will continue to be entitled to receive a 20% working interest in the well and the prospect after completion (subject to compliance by us with all other terms and conditions of the Letter Agreement and the related Joint Operating Agreement).
In July 2010, the Burkley-Phillips No. 1 well commenced drilling on the Buena Vista prospect in Mississippi. The Burkley-Phillips No. 1 well reached the projected total depth of 22,000 feet on December 27, 2010. The Company is currently working with Mainland Resources to best design a completion program for the Burkley-Phillips No. 1 well, such that the well can be properly tested and evaluated within 2011.
Avere Energy Inc. Farm-In Agreement
Effective on January 15, 2010, we executed a letter of intent with Avere Energy Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Avere Energy”), regarding our Mississippi project. On March 1, 2010, the letter of intent with Avere Energy was amended (the “Amended Letter of Intent”).
Pursuant to the Amended Letter of Intent, Avere Energy was to enter into a definitive farm-in agreement with us whereby Avere would farm-in on our interest in the Mississippi Project by paying 20% of the total well costs (which is 100% of our capital commitment under the Mainland Letter Agreement) to earn a 20% net interest in the Mississippi Project, which is 40.81% of our working interest (the “Earned Interest’). On January 27, 2010, pursuant to the Amended Letter of Intent, Avere Energy paid to us a $75,000 non-refundable deposit.
Effective on April 20, 2010, we received notice from Avere Energy they were terminating the Amended Letter of Intent. Avere Energy was unable to raise the required funds and obtain the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange to the definitive farm-in agreement. Therefore, in accordance with the notice of termination from Avere Energy to us, we did not enter into a definitive farm-in agreement with Avere Energy. An additional negotiated break fee of $75,000 was paid to us by Avere Energy on June 9, 2010, which has been recorded as other income in the accompanying statement of operations.
NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the difference between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the period that deductible temporary differences and carry-forwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income.
At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating loss carry forwards. For December 31, 2010 and 2009, the material reconciling items between the tax benefit computed at the statutory rate and the actual benefit recognized the financial statement consisted of expenses related to share-based compensation and the change in the valuation allowance during the applicable year. At December 31, 2010 the Company has recorded a 100% valuation allowance as management believes it is likely that any deferred tax assets will not be realized.
As of December 31, 2010, the Company has a net operating loss carry forward of approximately $1.3 million, which will expire between years 2026 and 2030. Due to the change in ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, net operating loss carry forwards could be subject to annual limitations should a change in ownership occur.
NOTE 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 4, 2011 the Company issued an unsecured promissory note from an unrelated third party for $30,000 to continue its business activities prior to proposed merger with Mainland Resources. The promissory note has an interest rate of 5% and principal and accrued interest are due upon demand. If the principal and accrued interest are not paid on the demand date, the promissory note is convertible, at the option of the lender, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of $0.03 per share.
In February 2011, warrants to purchase 150,000 share of our common stock expired unexercised.
On March 14, 2011, we granted 50,000 stock options each to two of our directors for services rendered in their capacity as members of our Board of Directors. These Stock Options are exercisable for a ten year period at $0.13 per share. Fair value of the options granted was $14,927, or $0.15 per share, and was calculated in accordance with the Black-Sholes valuation model based on the following assumptions: (a) risk free interest rate 3.36%, (b) expected volatility of 173.17% (c) expected life of 10 years, and (d) zero expected future dividends.
In accordance with ASC 855-10, the Company’s management reviewed all material events from December 31, 2010 through the issuance date of this report and there are no other material subsequent events to report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There are no disagreements with our current accountants on any matters related to accounting and financial disclosure issues. Our principal independent registered public accounting firm is GBH, CPAs, PC. Their address is 6002 Rogerdale, Suite 500, Houston TX, 77072 and telephone number is 713.482.0000.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We have performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our management, including our CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2010 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective at December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting primarily attributable to limited accounting and SEC reporting expertise within the Company. Due to our exploration stage, we have limited financial ability to remedy this staffing deficiency at this time; however, we will add additional accounting and SEC reporting expertise in the future as funds permit.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
INHERENT LIMITATIONS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROLS
We believe that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and our CEO and our CFO have concluded that these controls and procedures are not effective at the “reasonable assurance” level.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS
No significant changes were implemented in our internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Our Board of Directors has not established an audit committee. The respective role of an audit committee has been conducted by our Board of Directors. In the event the Merger Agreement is not consummated, we intend to establish an audit committee during fiscal year 2011. When established, the audit committee's primary function will be to provide advice with respect to our financial matters and to assist our Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding finance, accounting, and legal compliance. The audit committee's primary duties and responsibilities will be to: (i) serve as an independent and objective party to monitor our financial reporting process and internal control system; (ii) review and appraise the audit efforts of our independent accountants; (iii) evaluate our quarterly financial performance as well as its compliance with laws and regulations; (iv) oversee management's establishment and enforcement of financial policies and business practices; and (v) provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants, management and our Board of Directors.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
All of our directors hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.
Our directors and executive officers, their ages and positions held are as follows:
Name | | Age | | Position with the Company |
| | | | |
Steven Harding | | 51 | | President, Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer and a Director |
| | | | |
Brian Manko | | 44 | | Chief Financial Officer, |
| | | | |
Manmohan Minhas | | 56 | | Treasurer and a Director |
| | | | |
Herb Dhaliwal | | 58 | | Director |
Business Experience
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience of each director, executive officer and key employee during at least the past five years, indicating each person's principal occupation during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization by which he or she was employed, and including other directorships held in reporting companies.
Steve Harding. Mr. Harding has been our President/Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since October 29, 2008. Mr. Harding has twenty-seven years of experience in the oil and gas exploration industry within numerous geological basins both within and outside of North America. He has occupied various senior positions within EnCana Corp., and its predecessors Alberta Energy and Husky Energy. From October 2003 to December 2004 he was the vice president, Northern Canada and the vice president Alaska/MacKenzie Delta from 2002 to September 2003. From 1998 to 2002 he was an exploration manager for Alberta Energy in their New Ventures Group and the chief geologist/geoscientist at Husky Energy from 1994 to 1998. Since March 2005 he has acted as a self employed consultant, responsible for evaluating oil and gas assets for a number of private and public companies from a technical and business viability perspective. In the latter half of the 1980's, he was responsible for developing the geological model, which lead to the discovery of the White Rose field in offshore Newfoundland. The White Rose field is believed to hold estimated reserves of 450 - 500 Million barrels of oil and 3-4 trillion cubic feet of gas, and currently produces approximately 110,000 barrels per day. While at EnCana, he also negotiated and secured the largest exploration position in the US and Canadian Arctic, leading to the discovery of the Umiak field 2004 and receiving a Department of Minerals Management Service corporate citizen award in 2003 for outstanding cultural and environmental efforts in Alaska.
Mr. Harding received his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from McMaster University in 1982 and his Masters degree in Geology from the University of Alberta in 1985.
Brian Manko. Mr. Manko has been our Chief Financial Officer since February 1, 2009. During the past eighteen years, Mr. Manko has been involved with private and public companies involving a wide range of industries. From approximately 2000 to present, Mr. Manko has been directly involved with private money management as an institutional investor and private investor specializing in both the capital and currency markets. From approximately 2003 to present, Mr. Manko has been a director for Morbank Mortgage Investment Company. From approximately 1996 to 2000 to 2003, Mr. Manko worked as an equity broker with Levesque Securities and Research Capital. From approximately 1992 to 1996, Mr. Manko was employed by Johnson & Johnson is its pharmaceuticals divisions. Mr. Manko is also currently working in an executive financial position with a chapter of a national volunteer group.
Mr. Manko earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1992 from the University of Calgary. In addition, he completed his CMA accounting designation in June 2010.
Manmohan Minhas. Mr. Minhas has been our Treasurer and on our Board of Directors since May 11, 2006 and was our prior President/Chief Executive Officer resigning effective October 29, 2008. Mr. Manmohan Minhas worked for PanCanadian Petroleum (now EnCana Corporation) from May 1980 to August 1993. He started as a Project Engineer and worked on the design and construction of oil and gas production facilities for the company. These facilities included gas plants, compressor stations, pipelines, and oil production batteries. By August 1985, he had successfully completed over $100,000,000 worth of projects and led a department with twenty employees. On July 1986, he was transferred to Reservoir Exploitation Department, where he worked on conceptual planning, reservoir engineering studies, primary and secondary petroleum recovery studies, reserve estimates, and production forecasts. These projects were all based in central and southern Alberta. In this position, he was responsible for the supervision of twelve engineers.
From June 1988 to September 1990, Mr. Minhas was the leader of the Reserves Task Force for Pan Canadian, with a group of fifteen engineers, geologists and computer personnel. The group reviewed over 15,000 oil and gas properties the company had interest in Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, Colorado and California for purposes of regulatory disclosure of oil and gas reserves reporting. On September 1990, he was appointed Supervisor, Production Revenue Department, and was responsible for acquisitions and divestures of producing properties, and an operations budget for the company of over $500,000,000 annually. He was also responsible for contracts for processing and transportation of oil and gas through the company's facilities, and supervised a staff of approximately twenty personnel. During his tenure with Pan Canadian, Mr. Minhas supervised seven Alberta based oil and gas exploration projects through conceptual development, drilling and production, with an aggregate expenditure budget in excess of $150,000,000. Mr. Minhas left PanCanadian in August 1993. From August 1993 to September 1994, Mr. Minhas acted as a Principal Consulting Engineer with Quantel Engineering Ltd. At Quantel, Mr. Minhas did conceptual, detailed engineering and project management of oil and gas field production facilities in Southern Alberta, including compressor stations, pipelines, gas plants and gas wellsite construction and development.
In April 1990, he founded and acted as President of Minhas Training & Development, Inc., which conducted seminars for multi-national oil companies located throughout the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Canada, USA, Singapore and Russia. Subjects taught included reservoir engineering, petroleum economic evaluations, petroleum production facilities and project management. He taught these seminars until July 2000.
Mr. Minhas received his B.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of Calgary in 1980. He is a registered professional engineer with Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta ("APEGGA"). He was given an Exemplary Voluntary Service Award by APEGGA in 1992. He has also completed numerous seminars and courses in many facets of petroleum production and facilities, reservoir engineering, drilling, well testing and log analysis.
Mr. Minhas is a member of the Board of Directors of American Oil & Gas Inc., a publicly traded US oil and gas exploration and development company based in Denver, Colorado. The company is listed on the AMEX and trades under the symbol "AEZ". He is also a member of the company's audit committee and compensation committee.
Herb Dhaliwal. Mr. Dhaliwal has been a member of our Board of Directors since September 25, 2009. The Honorable Herb Dhaliwal is a strategic advisor to private and public companies in Canada. During the past thirty years, Mr. Dhaliwal has been involved in national electoral politics in Canada. From approximately 1997 through 2004, Mr. Dhaliwal successively held the portfolios of National Revenue, Fisheries & Oceans and Natural Resources in Ottawa. He was also the senior Minister for Western Canada in the federal Cabinet of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Prior to entering national electoral politics, and including current date, Mr. Dhaliwal is also an entrepreneur, business owner, corporate director and advisor with interests in transportation, building maintenance, housing construction and real estate development. Before sitting the Parliament of Canada for Vancouver-South/Burnaby constituency from October 1993 through June 2004, Mr. Dhaliwal had been appointed by the British Columbia government as Vice-Chair of the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority board of directors, where he chaired the budget and audit committees.
During his early tenure in the House of Commons, Mr. Dhaliwal: (i) served on the Standing Committees on Finance and Fisheries; (ii) was parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Fisheries & Oceans; and (iii) was Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Health. He played an active role as a prominent member of the Prime Minister’s “TEAM CANADA” 1996 trade mission to India and led the Canadian Parliamentary Observer presence for presidential elections in the Dominican Republic. He also participated in parliamentary delegations to Cuba and UNESCO and addressed an International Parliamentary Association Conference in Beijing China on behalf of Canada regarding the elimination of land mines.
Among his accomplishments while a Minster, Mr. Dhaliwal restructured Revenue Canada into the re-named Canada Customers & Revenue Agency, accompanied the Governor-General on state visits to India, and instituted an annual international conference on ocean stewardship. During 1997 through 2004, Mr. Dhaliwal’s ministerial career also included three key economic assignments during which he had the rare distinction of being the first South Asian to hold a Cabinet position anywhere in a Western democracy.
Mr. Dhaliwal is a graduate in commerce from the University of British Columbia.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have not established an audit committee, a compensation committee nor a nominating committee. In the event the Merger Agreement is not consummated, we intend within the next fiscal quarter to establish such committees and adopt and authorize certain corporate governance policies and documentation.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
There are no family relationships among our directors or officers.
INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During the past five years, none of our directors, executive officers or persons that may be deemed promoters is or have been involved in any legal proceeding concerning: (i) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (ii) any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); (iii) being subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activity; or (iv) being found by a court, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law (and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated).
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers, and the persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of all filed reports are required to be furnished to us pursuant to Rule 16a-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based solely on the reports received by us and on the representations of the reporting persons, we believe that these persons have complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and those executive officers that earned in excess of $100,000 during fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) (2)(3) |
Steve Harding President and | 2010 | 180,000 | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | 180,000 |
CEO | 2009 | 125,000 | -0- | -0- | (1)883,812 | -0- | -0- | -0- | 441,666 |
Brian Manko, Chief | 2010 | 33,000 | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- | 33,000 |
Financial Officer | 2009 | 33,000 | -0- | -0- | (1)132,572 | -0- | -0- | -0- | 175,500 |
(1) | This amount represents the fair value of these Stock Options at the date of grant which was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. |
STOCK OPTIONS/SAW GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
The following table sets forth information as at December 31, 2010 relating to Stock Options that have been granted to the Named Executive Officers:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END | |
OPTION AWARDS | | STOCK AWARDS | |
Name | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) | | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | |
Steve Harding, President/CEO | | | 333,333 | (1) | | | -0- | | | | 666,667 | | | | 0.80 | | 9/14/19 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
Brian Manko CFO | | | 50,000 | (2) | | | -0- | | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.80 | | 9/14/19 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
(1) Mr. Harding was granted 1,000,000 Stock Options on September 14, 2009 of which 333,333 Stock Options vested immediately, 333,333 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2012 and the remaining 333,334 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2015. The 333,333 Stock Options are exercisable into 333,333 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share with a Black Scholes valuation of $316,666. See "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters."
(2) Mr. Manko was granted 150,000 Stock Options on September 14, 2009 of which 50,000 Stock Options vested immediately, 50,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2012 and the remaining 50,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2015. The 50,000 Stock Options are exercisable into 50,000 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share with a Black Scholes valuation of $47,500.
The following table sets forth information relating to compensation paid to our directors during fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | | Stock Awards ($) | | | Option Awards ($) | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Manmohan Minhas | | | | | | | | | (1 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
2009 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | 31,666 | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | 31,666 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Steve Harding | | | (2 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
2009 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Devinder Randhawa | | | | | | | | | | | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
2009 | | | 15,000 | | | | -0- | | | | 237,500 | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Herb Dhaliwal | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
2009 | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | 95,000 | (4) | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | | | | -0- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Mr. Minhas was granted 100,000 Stock Options on September 14, 2009 of which 33,333 Stock Options vested immediately, 33,333 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2012 and the remaining 33,334 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2015. The 33,333 Stock Options are exercisable into 33,333 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share with a Black Scholes valuation of $31,666. |
(2) | Mr. Harding’s compensation has been disclosed above in the “Summary Compensation Table” as compensation related to his executive position as President/Chief Executive Officer. |
(3) | Mr. Randhawa was granted 750,000 Stock Options on September 14, 2009 of which 250,000 Stock Options vested immediately, 250,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2012 and the remaining 250,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2015. The 250,000 Stock Options are exercisable into 250,000 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share with a Black Scholes valuation of $237,500. Mr. Randhawa resigned effective as of November 25, 2009 but continues to serve us as a consultant. The Board of Directors has authorized the retention of the 250,000 Stock Options. |
(4) | Mr. Dhaliwal was granted 300,000 Stock Options on September 25, 2009 of which 100,000 Stock Options vested immediately, 100,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2012 and the remaining 100,000 Stock Options shall vest September 14, 2015. The 100,000 Stock Options are exercisable into 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share with a Black Scholes valuation of $95,000.00 |
EMPLOYMENT AND CONSULTING AGREEMENTS
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have entered into verbal month-to-month contractual relationships with certain of our executive officers and directors as follows. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.”
President/Chief Executive Officer
As of November 1, 2008, we entered into a contractual relationship with Perfect Ocean Investments Inc. (“POI”) regarding the engagement and compensation of Steve Harding, our President/Chief Executive Officer (the “Harding Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Harding Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $10,000 to POI as compensation for Mr. Harding. A Board Resolution was passed on November 24, 2009, by Board members excluding Mr. Harding, that his monthly salary would be increased to $15,000, to better align with professional compensation recognized from salary surveys conducted by the Association of Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (A.P.E.G.G.A.).
Chief Financial Officer
As of February 1, 2009, we entered into a contractual relationship with Manko Business Consulting Corp. (“MBCC”) regarding the engagement and compensation of Brian Manko, our Chief Financial Officer (the “Manko Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Manko Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $2,750 to MBCC as compensation for Mr. Manko.
Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $2,750 to MBCC as compensation for Mr. Manko.
Director
As of November 1, 2008, we entered into a contractual relationship with Devinder Randhawa regarding the engagement and compensation of Mr. Randhawa as a member of our Board of Directors (the “Randhawa Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Randhawa Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $5,000 to Mr. Randhawa as compensation. This compensation relationship continued until March 31st, 2009 when such compensation was waived. Mr. Randhawa resigned from our Board of Directors effective November 25, 2009, however remained involved with the Company in an advisory capacity. The Board of Directors ratified and approved that the options granted to Mr. Randhawa in connecting to his position as a Director would not be terminated.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
As of the date of this Annual Report, the following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by each stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock and by each of our current directors and executive officers. Each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock, except as otherwise indicated. Beneficial ownership consists of a direct interest in the shares of common stock, except as otherwise indicated. As of the date of this Annual Report, there are 60,273,333 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) | | | Percentage of Beneficial Ownership | |
Directors and Officers: | | | | | | |
Steve Harding 407 2nd Street SW Calgary, Alberta | | | (2 | ) | | | |
Canada T2P 2Y3 | | | 2,483,333 | | | | 3.10 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Brian Manko 407 2nd Street SW Calgary, Alberta | | | (3 | ) | | | | |
Canada T2P 2Y3 | | | 350,000 | | | Nil | |
| | | | | | | | |
Herb Dhaliwal 407 2nd Street SW Calgary, Alberta | | | (4 | ) | | | | |
Canada T2P 2Y3 | | | 1,920,750 | | | | 2.39 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Manmohan Minhas 407 2nd Street SW Calgary, Alberta | | | (5 | ) | | | | |
Canada T2P 2Y3 | | | 1,058,333 | | | | 1.32 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
All executive officers and directors as a | | | (6 | ) | | | | |
group (4 persons) | | | 4,516,666 | | | | 5.59 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
5% or Greater Beneficial Owners: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Westrock Land Corp. Address | | | 5,812,416 | | | | 6.73 | % |
Dev Randhawa 407 2nd Street SW Calgary, Alberta | | | (7 | ) | | | | |
Canada T2P 2Y3 | | | 3,450,000 | | | | 5.73 | % |
(1) | Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding as of the date of this Annual Report. As of the date of this Annual Report, there are 80,273,333 shares issued and outstanding. Beneficial ownership amounts reflect the 2009 Forward Stock Split. |
(2) | This figure consists of: (i) 2,150,000 shares of common stock; and (ii) 333,333 vested Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Harding to purchase 333,333 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share expiring on September 14, 2019. |
(3) | This figure consists of: (i) 300,000 shares of common stock; and (ii) 50,000 vested Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Manko to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share expiring on September 14, 2019. |
(4) | This figure consists of: (i) 1,770,750 shares of common stock; (ii) 100,000 vested Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Dhaliwal to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share expiring on September 25, 2019; and (iii) 50,000 Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Dhaliwal to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share expiring on March 14, 2021. |
(5) | This figure consists of: (i) 975,000 shares of common stock; (ii) 33,333 vested Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Minhas to purchase 33,333 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share expiring on September 14, 2019; and (iii) 50,000 Stock Options which are exercisable by Mr. Minhas to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share expiring on March 14, 2021. |
(6) | This figure consists of: (i) 5,195,750 shares of common stock; (ii) 516,666 vested Stock Options to purchase 516,666 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80; and (iii) 100,000 Stock Options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. |
(7) | This figure consists of: (i) 3,200,000 shares of common stock; and (ii) 250,000 vested Stock Options exercisable by Mr. Randhawa to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share expiring on September 14, 2019. Due to Mr. Randhawa’s resignation effective November 25, 2009, the Stock Options were to expire within ninety days from the date of resignation. The Board of Directors has authorized the retention of the Stock Options based upon Mr. Randhawa’s continuing service to us as a consultant. |
CHANGES IN CONTROL
We are unaware of any contract, or other arrangement or provision, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of our company.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
As of the date of this Annual Report, other than as disclosed below, none of our directors, officers or principal stockholders, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing, have any interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or in any proposed transactions, which has materially affected or will materially affect us during fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have verbally agreed to pay certain of our executive officers and directors compensation for services rendered as follows:
President/Chief Executive Officer
As of November 1, 2008, we entered into a contractual relationship with POI regarding the engagement and compensation of Steve Harding, our President/Chief Executive Officer (the “Harding Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Harding Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $10,000 to POI as compensation for Mr. Harding. A Board Resolution was passed on November 24th 2009,by Board members excluding Mr. Harding, that his monthly salary would be increased to $15,000, to better align with professional compensation recognized from salary surveys conducted by the Association of Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (A.P.E.G.G.A.).
Chief Financial Officer
As of February 1, 2009, we entered into a contractual relationship with MBCC regarding the engagement and compensation of Brian Manko, our Chief Financial Officer (the “Manko Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Manko Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $2,750 to MBCC as compensation for Mr. Manko.
Director
As of November 1, 2008, we entered into a contractual relationship with Devinder Randhawa regarding the engagement and compensation of Mr. Randhawa as a member of our Board of Directors (the “Randhawa Arrangement”). In accordance with the terms and provisions of the Randhawa Arrangement, we will pay a monthly salary of $5,000 to Mr. Randhawa as compensation. This compensation relationship continued until March 31st, 2009 when such compensation was waived. Mr. Randhawa resigned from our Board of Directors effective November 25, 2009. Mr. Randhawa continues to serve us as a consultant.
During fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, a director and an unrelated third party advanced $87,548 to us. Interest of 10% per annum will be paid to the lenders beginning July 1, 2009 and the loans are due upon demand.
Except for the transactions described above, none of our directors, officers or principal stockholders, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing, have any interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or in any proposed transactions, which has materially affected or will materially affect us during fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
During fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we incurred approximately $44,000 in fees to our principal independent accountant for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and for the review of our financial statements for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and August 31, 2010.
During fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we also incurred $950 in fees to our principal independent accountant for preparation of our 2009 income tax return. We did not incur any other fees for professional services rendered by our principal independent accountant for all other non-audit services which may include, but is not limited to, tax-related services, actuarial services or valuation services.
During fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we incurred $21,530 in fees to our principal independent accountant for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and for the review of our financial statements for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and August 31, 2009.
During fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we did not incur any other fees for professional services rendered by our principal independent accountant for all other non-audit services which may include, but is not limited to, tax-related services, actuarial services or valuation services.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL SCHEDULES
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report.
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation (1) |
3.1.2 | Articles of Incorporation as amended. |
3.1.3 | Articles of Merger between Minhas Energy Consultants and American Energy Corp. (2) |
3.1.4 | Certificate of Change dated October 7, 2010 filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. (8) |
10.1 | Option Agreement between American Energy Corporation and Westrock Land Corporation dated October 2008. (3) |
10.2 | 5% Convertible Debenture dated October 13, 2009 between American Exploration Corporation and DMS Ltd. (4) |
10.3 | Stock Option Plan of American Exploration Corporation dated September 14, 2009. (5) |
10.4 | Merger Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 30, 2010 between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. |
10.5 | Promissory Note between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated September 27, 2010 (9) |
10.6 | Amending Agreement between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated September 7, 2010 (10) |
10.7 | Amending Agreement between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated December 23, 2010. (11) |
10.8 | Amendment to Promissory Note between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated December 23, 2010. (12) |
10.9 | Amending Agreement between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated March 14, 2011. (13) |
10.10 | Amendment No. 2 to Promissory Note between American Exploration Corporation and Mainland Resources Inc. dated March 30, 2011. |
16.1 | Letter from Moore & Associates dated August 11, 2009. (6) |
16.2 | Letter from Seale & Beers, CPAs dated November 2, 2009. (7) |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act. |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act. |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Under Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. |
(1) | Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on March 5, 2006. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 8, 2008. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 6, 2008 and our Amendment No. 1 to Current Report filed with the Commission on January 25, 2009. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference from Form Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 19, 2009. |
(5) | Incorporated by reference from Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 20, 2009. |
(6) | Incorporated by reference from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 17, 2009. |
| Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission November 4, 2009. |
(8) | Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission October 14, 2010 |
(9) | Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission October 6, 2010 |
| Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission October 19, 2010 |
| Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission January 3, 2011 |
| Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission January 3, 2011 |
(13) | Incorporation by referenced from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission March 18, 2011 |
AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| AMERICAN EXPLORATION CORPORATION | |
| | | |
Dated: April 5, 2011 | By: | /s/STEVE HARDING | |
| | Steve Harding, President/Chief | |
| | Executive Officer | |
| | | |
Dated: April 5, 2011 | By: | /s/ BRIAN MANKO | |
| | Brian Manko, Chief Financial Officer | |
| | | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: April 5, 2011 | By: | /s/ STEVE HARDING | |
| | Director | |
Dated: April 5, 2011 | By: | /s/ HERB DHALIWAL | |
| | Director | |
Dated: April 5, 2011 | By: | /s/ MANMOHAN MINHAS | |
| | Director | |