UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________________to_________________________
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE
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001-16653
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73-1238709
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(State or Other Jurisdiction
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(Commission File Number)
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(I.R.S. Employer
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of Incorporation or Organization)
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Identification No.)
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Financial Plaza, Suite 450, 215 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(303) 305-4365
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class: NONE
Name of each exchange on which registered: N/A
Securities registered pursuant to 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class: Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Name of each exchange on which registered: None
________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ☐
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Accelerated filer ☐
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Non-accelerated filer ☐
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Smaller reporting company ☑
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☑ No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, based upon the average bid and asked prices of the registrant's Common Stock on the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $340,554.
The number of shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of March 1, 2016, 8,710,609.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION
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PAGE NO.
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PART I
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Item 1.
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Business
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4
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Item 1A.
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Risk Factors
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5
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Item 1B.
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Unresolved Staff Comments
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5
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Item 2.
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Properties
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5
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Item 3.
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Legal Proceedings
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6
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Item 4.
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Mine Safety Disclosures
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6
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PART II
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Item 5.
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Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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6
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Item 6.
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Selected Financial Data
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7
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Item 7.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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7
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Item 7A.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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10
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Item 8.
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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10
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Item 9.
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Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
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11
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Item 9A.
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Controls and Procedures
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11
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Item 9B.
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Other Information
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11
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PART III
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Item 10.
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Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
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11
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Item 11.
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Executive Compensation
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12
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Item 12.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
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13
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Item 13.
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
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14
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Item 14.
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Principal Accounting Fees and Services
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14
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PART IV
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Item 15.
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Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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15
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Signatures
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17
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Background
Empire Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Empire"), was incorporated in the State of Utah in August 1983 under the name Chambers Energy Corporation and domesticated in Delaware in March 1985 under the name Americomm Corporation. The Company's name was changed to Americomm Resources Corporation in July 1995. On May 29, 2001, Americomm Resources Corporation acquired Empire Petroleum Corporation, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Americomm Resources Corporation. On August 15, 2001, Americomm Resources Corporation and Empire Petroleum Corporation merged and the Company's name was changed to Empire Petroleum Corporation.
Lease Option Agreements
During 2015, the Company entered into two Lease Option Agreements primarily in South Dakota.
In the first, with BHPP Group, the Company has an exclusive option for a period of two years ending April 8, 2017 to enter into oil and gas leases with respect to mineral interests owned by BHPP in Haakon, Meade, and Pennington Counties in South Dakota. The Lease Option Agreement covers approximately 150,000 gross leasable acres. The Company granted BHPP the option to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company's stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
Under Lease Option Agreement II, with Anderson Brothers, the Company has an exclusive option for a period of two years ending April 30, 2017 to enter into oil and lease leases with respect to mineral interests owned by the Anderson Brothers in Perkins and Harding Counties in South Dakota and Adams County in North Dakota. The Lease Option Agreement covers approximate 10,000 gross leasable acres. The Company granted Anderson Brothers the option to acquire 250,000 shares of the Company's stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
Gabbs Valley Prospect
Until December 30, 2014, the Company owned a working interest in oil and gas leases in Nye County, Nevada (the "Gabbs Valley Prospect"). The Albert E. Whitehead Living Trust (the "Whitehead Trust") had advanced funds to the Company from time to time in the past. As of December 30, 2014, the total outstanding indebtedness owed by the Company to the Whitehead Trust was $196,451. Albert E. Whitehead, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman of its Board until January 20, 2015, is the trustee of the Whitehead Trust. Effective as of December 30, 2014, the Company exchanged its leasehold interest in its Gabbs Valley Prospect to Mr. Whitehead in exchange for the debt owed to the Whitehead Trust. At the time of such exchange, the Company's interest in the Gabbs Valley Prospect was carried on its books at $191,715. The Company did not have the funds to pay rentals on such properties as they came due in 2015 and intended to let them expire. The exchange was approved by the disinterested directors at that time.
South Okie Prospect
Until September 10, 2014, the Company owned a working interest in oil and gas leases in Natrona County, Wyoming (the "South Okie Prospect"). On August 4, 2009, the Company purchased, for $25,000 and payment of lease rentals of $4,680, a nine month option to purchase oil and gas leases known as the South Okie Prospect in Natrona County, Wyoming. The option allowed the Company to purchase the leasehold interests for $35,000. The Tensleep Sand at depths from 3,300 feet to 4,500 feet was the primary target. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had acquired 11 miles of seismic data and studies of this data were completed in early January 2010. An additional geological study was also completed early January 2010. Based on these studies, the Company exercised its option in 2010. In October, 2012, the Company allowed one of the leases to terminate on the South Okie Prospect, Wyoming. As of December 31, 2013, the Company's interest in the South Okie Prospect consisted of approximately 110 net acres of leases. On September 10, 2014, the Company re-assigned the aforementioned leases to the original owner, Viking Exploration, LLC, as required by the option agreement, since the Company had not drilled a well on the site.
New Directors and Executive Officers
On December 30, 2014, each of Albert E. Whitehead, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, and Montague H. Hackett, Jr., a member of the Company's Board of Directors, transferred and assigned all of the common stock owned by them to Empire Petroleum Holdings, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company ("Empire Holdings"). In connection with such transaction, each of Montague H. Hackett, Jr. and Kevin R. Seth resigned from the Board of Directors effective as of January 16, 2015 and Albert E. Whitehead appointed two designees of Empire Holdings to fill such vacancies effective as of January 19, 2015. Empire Holdings designated J. C. Whorton, Jr., and Michael R. Morrisett to be appointed to the Board. Messrs. Whorton and Morrisett each own 45% of the equity interest of and are managers of Empire Holdings. Albert E. Whitehead resigned from the Company's Board of Directors effective as of January 20, 2015. Effective as of January 21, 2015, the reconstituted Board of the Company appointed J. C. Whorton, Jr., as the new Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive and Michael R. Morrisett, as President, of the Company.
Competition
The oil and gas business is extremely competitive. The Company must compete with many long-established companies with greater financial resources and technical capabilities. The Company is not a significant participant in the oil and gas industry.
Markets; Price Volatility
The market price of oil and gas is volatile, subject to speculative movement and depends upon numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including expectations regarding inflation, global and regional demand, political and economic conditions and production costs. Future profitability, if any, will depend substantially upon the prevailing prices for oil and gas. If the market price for oil and gas remains depressed in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to raise additional capital necessary to finance operations. Lower oil and gas prices may also reduce the amount of oil and gas, if any, that can be produced economically from the Company's properties. The Company anticipates that the prices of oil and gas will fluctuate somewhat in the near future.
Regulation
The oil and gas industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the production, transportation and sale of hydrocarbons as well as the taxation of income resulting therefrom.
Legislation affecting the oil and gas industry is constantly changing. Numerous federal and state departments and agencies have issued rules and regulations applicable to the oil and gas industry. In general, these rules and regulations regulate, among other things, the extent to which acreage may be acquired or relinquished; spacing of wells; measures required for preventing waste of oil and gas resources; and, in some cases, rates of production. The heavy and increasing regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industry increase the Company's cost of doing business and, consequently, affect profitability.
Many times leases are granted by the federal government and administered by the BLM and the Minerals Management Service ("MMS") of the U.S. Department of the Interior, both of which are federal agencies. Such leases are issued through competitive bidding, contain relatively standardized terms and require compliance with detailed BLM and MMS regulations and orders (which are subject to change by the BLM and the MMS). Leases are also accompanied by stipulations imposing restrictions on surface use and operations. Operations to be conducted by the Company on federal oil and gas leases must comply with numerous regulatory restrictions, including various nondiscrimination statutes. Federal leases also generally require a complete archaeology and environmental impact assessment prior to the authorization of an exploration or development plan.
The oil and gas operations are also subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. These laws govern, among other things, the amounts and types of substances and materials that may be released into the environment, the issuance of permits in connection with exploration, drilling and production activities, the reclamation and abandonment of wells and facility sites and the remediation of contaminated sites. These laws and regulations may impose substantial liabilities if the Company fails to comply or if any contamination results from the Company's operations.
Employees
The Company has no employees. Mr. Albert E. Whitehead, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until January 20, 2015, devoted a considerable amount of time to the affairs of the Company and received no compensation. On January 21, 2015, J.C. Whorton was appointed as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Michael R. Morrisett was appointed as the Company's President. During 2015, Messrs. Whorton and Morrisett each received $6,000 as partial compensation for services provided to the Company. The fair value of these services in excess of compensation paid is estimated by management and is recognized as a capital contribution by its executive officers.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not own any interest in oil and gas properties. A further described under Item 1, Business, the Company disposed of its interest in Gabbs Valley Prospect effective as of December 30, 2014 and the South Okie Prospect effective as of September 10, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company owned options to acquire approximately 160,000 gross leasable acres in South Dakota and North Dakota as further described under Item 1, Business.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company was not subject to any legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
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ITEM 5.
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MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
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Market Information
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the OTCQB under the symbol "EMPR".
The following table sets forth the high and low bid information for the Company's common stock during the time periods indicated.
Year ended December 31, 2014:
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Quarter
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High
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Low
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03/31/14
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$0.65
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$0.01
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06/30/14
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$0.65
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$0.05
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09/30/14
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$0.35
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$0.15
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12/31/14
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$0.15
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$0.10
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Year ended December 31, 2015:
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Quarter
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High
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Low
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03/31/15
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$0.29
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$0.10
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06/30/15
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$0.20
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$0.105
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09/30/15
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$0.12
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$0.0403
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12/31/15
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$0.12
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$0.07
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Quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
At December 31, 2015, there were approximately 185 stockholders of record of the Company's Common Stock.
Dividends
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The Company intends to retain future earnings for use in its business and, therefore, does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The Company completed a private placement to seven accredited investors on dates from February 12, 2015 through February 24, 2015, of 1,080,000 shares of its common stock, along with warrants to purchase up to 540,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $0.25, for an aggregate purchase price of $135,000. The warrants may be exercised at any time from the date of issuance until February 28, 2017.
The offers and sales related to the securities described above were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of that act provided by section 4(2) thereof and Regulation D promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. Each of the investors described above is a sophisticated accredited investor with the experience and expertise to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment in the Company's securities and the financial means to bear the risks of such an investment. In addition, each investor was provided access to all of the material information regarding the Company that such investor would have received if the offer and sale of the securities had been registered.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "may," "might," "potential," "project" or similar statements.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements include:
* the need for additional capital,
* the costs expected to be incurred in exploration and development,
* unforeseen engineering, mechanical or technological difficulties in drilling wells,
* uncertainty of exploration results,
* operating hazards,
* competition from other natural resource companies,
* the fluctuations of prices for oil and gas,
* the effects of governmental and environmental regulation, and
* general economic conditions and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC").
Information on these and other risk factors are discussed under "Factors That May Affect Future Results" below. Accordingly, the actual results of operations in the future may vary widely from the forward-looking statements included herein, and all forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis, judgment, belief and expectations only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.
Factors That May Affect Future Results.
The Company does not have any significant on-going income producing oil and gas properties and has limited financial resources.
For the past three fiscal years, the Company has financed its operations primarily from sales of its equity securities and from loans made to the Company by Albert E. Whitehead, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to finance its operations through the sale of its equity securities, or through loans or advances by third parties.
The Company reported losses of $(174,924) and $(236,585) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company also had an accumulated deficit of $(14,899,233) as of December 31, 2015. The Company can provide no assurance that it will be profitable in the future and, if the Company does not become profitable, it may have to suspend its operations. As a result of the foregoing, the audit report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm relating to the Company's financial statements has been modified because of a going concern uncertainty. If the Company is able to raise the funds necessary to continue its operations, its future performance will be dependent on the successful drilling results. The failure of drilling activities to achieve sufficient quantities of economically attractive reserves and production would have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, operations and financial results.
The Company could be adversely affected by fluctuations in oil and gas prices.
Even if the Company's drilling activities achieve commercial quantities of economically attractive reserves and production revenue, the Company will remain subject to prevailing prices for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, which are dependent upon numerous factors such as weather, economic, political and regulatory developments and competition from other sources of energy. The volatile nature of the energy markets makes it particularly difficult to estimate future prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. Prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in circumstances, and there can be no assurance that future prolonged decreases in such prices will not occur. All of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Any significant decline in oil and gas prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, operations and financial condition.
The Company could be adversely affected by increased costs of service providers utilized by the Company.
In accordance with customary industry practice, the Company has relied and will rely on independent third party service providers to provide most of the services necessary to drill new wells, including drilling rigs and related equipment and services, horizontal drilling equipment and services, trucking services, tubulars, fracing and completion services and production equipment. The industry has experienced significant price fluctuations for these services during the last year and this trend is expected to continue into the future. These cost uncertainties could, in the future, significantly increase the Company's development costs and decrease the return possible from drilling and development activities, and possibly render the development of certain proved undeveloped reserves uneconomical.
The Company is subject to numerous drilling and operating risks.
Oil and gas drilling activities are subject to numerous risks, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company's operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements, mechanical difficulties and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment. In addition, the Company's properties may be susceptible to hydrocarbon drainage from production by other operators on adjacent properties. Industry operating risks include the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards such as oil spills, gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases, the occurrence of any of which could result in substantial losses to the Company due to injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations.
The Company's insurance policies may not adequately protect the Company against certain unforeseen risks.
In accordance with customary industry practice, when the Company again begins conducting drilling operations, the Company intends to maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described herein. There can be no assurance that any insurance will be adequate to cover the Company's losses or liabilities. The Company cannot predict the continued availability of insurance, or its availability at premium levels that justify its purchase.
The Company is subject to various environmental risks, and governmental regulation relating to environmental matters.
The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations related to the storage, use, discharge and disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous materials. These regulations subject the Company to increased operating costs and potential liability associated with the use and disposal of hazardous materials. Although these laws and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be required to make material expenditures in the future. Moreover, the Company anticipates that such laws and regulations will become increasingly stringent in the future, which could lead to material costs for environmental compliance and remediation by the Company. Any failure by the Company to obtain required permits for, control the use of, or adequately restrict the discharge of hazardous substances under present or future regulations could subject the Company to substantial liability or could cause its operations to be suspended. Such liability or suspension of operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation. Oil and gas operations are subject to various federal, state and local governmental regulations that may be changed from time to time in response to economic or political conditions. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production in order to conserve supplies of oil and gas. In addition, the production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas, by-products thereof and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with oil and gas operations are subject to regulation under federal, state and local laws and regulations primarily relating to protection of human health and the environment. To date, expenditures related to complying with these laws and for remediation of existing environmental contamination have not been significant in relation to the operations of the Company. There can be no assurance that the trend of more expansive and stricter environmental legislation and regulations will not continue.
The Company is subject to intense competition.
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment and competes with major and independent oil and gas companies for the acquisition of desirable oil and gas properties, as well as for the equipment and labor required to develop and operate such properties. Many of these competitors have financial and other resources substantially greater than those of the Company.
The Company currently depends on the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President.
The Company is dependent on the experience, abilities and continued services of its current Chief Executive Officer, J. C. Whorton, Jr., and its current President, Michael R. Morrisett, both of which currently serve the Company without a formal compensation plan. The loss or reduction of services of either Mr. Whorton or Mr. Morrisett could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
There has been a limited public trading market for the Company's Common Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained.
There can be no assurance that the Common Stock will trade at or above any particular price in the public market, if at all. The trading price of the Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly operating results or even mild expressions of interest on a given day. Accordingly, the Common Stock could experience substantial price changes in short periods of time. Even if the Company is performing according to its plan and there is no legitimate company-specific financial basis for this volatility, it must still be expected that substantial percentage price swings will occur in the Company's Common Stock
for the foreseeable future.
The Company does not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
The Company has not declared or paid any dividends on its Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain future earnings to fund the development and growth of its business, to repay indebtedness and for general corporate purposes, and therefore, does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
The Company's Common Stock may be subject to secondary trading restrictions related to penny stocks.
Certain transactions involving the purchase or sale of Common Stock of the Company may be affected by a SEC rule for "penny stocks" that imposes additional sales practice burdens and requirements upon broker-dealers that purchase or sell such securities. For transactions covered by this penny stock rule, broker-dealers must make certain disclosures to purchasers prior to purchase or sale. Consequently, the penny stock rule may impede the ability of broker-dealers to purchase or sell the Company's securities for their customers and the ability of persons now owning or subsequently acquiring the Company's securities to resell such securities.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL TO ALL PERIODS
The Company's primary business is the exploration and development of oil and gas interests. The Company has incurred significant losses from operations, and there is no assurance that it will achieve profitability or obtain funds necessary to finance its future operations.
For all periods presented, the Company's effective tax rate is 0%. The Company has generated net operating losses since inception, which would normally reflect a tax benefit in the statement of operations and a deferred asset on the balance sheet. However, because of the current uncertainty as to the Company's ability to achieve profitability, a valuation reserve has been established that offsets the amount of any tax benefit available for each period presented in the statements of operations.
TWELVE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, COMPARED TO TWELVE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, sales revenue was $0. The Company does not have any producing wells at this time.
Lease abandonment expenses decreased by $31,750 in 2015 to $0 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 from $31,750 for the same period in 2014. The decrease in was due to the re-assignment by the Company of the South Okie leases in 2014.
Production and operating expenses decreased $26,611 to $9,276 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, from $35,887 for the same period in 2014.
General and administrative expenses increased by $11,322 to $165,648 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, from $154,326 for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher travel costs in 2015.
Loss on transfer of assets decreased by $11,471 in 2015 to $0 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 from $11,471 for the same period in 2014. The decrease in 2015 was due to the difference in carrying value of the Gabbs Valley leases compared to amounts owed to the Albert E. Whitehead Living Trust at the date of transfer in satisfaction of amounts owed.
Interest expense decreased by $3,151 in 2015 to $0 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 from $3,151 for the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to interest on loans from the Albert E. Whitehead Living Trust in 2014 which was not incurred in 2015.
For the reasons discussed above, net loss decreased $61,661 from $(236,585) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, to $(174,924) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
GENERAL
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $18,105 of cash on hand. The Company expects to incur costs of approximately $7,500 per month relating to general administrative and other expenses. In order to sustain the Company's operations on a long term basis, the Company intends to pursue equity and/or debt financing.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because estimates and assumptions require significant judgment, future actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The Company re-evaluates its estimates and assumptions at least on a quarterly basis. The following policies may involve a higher degree of estimation and assumption:
Successful Efforts Accounting - Under the successful efforts method of accounting, the Company capitalizes all costs related to property acquisitions and successful exploratory wells, all development costs and the costs of support equipment and facilities. Certain costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination that proved reserves have been found. Such determination is dependent upon the results of planned additional wells and the cost of required capital expenditures to produce the reserves found.
All costs related to unsuccessful exploratory wells are expensed when such wells are determined to be non-productive and other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred. The application of the successful efforts method of accounting requires management's judgment to determine the proper designation of wells as either developmental or exploratory, which will ultimately determine the proper accounting treatment of the costs incurred. The results from a drilling operation can take considerable time to analyze, and the determination that commercial reserves have been discovered requires both judgment and application of industry experience. Wells may be completed that are assumed to be productive and actually deliver oil and gas in quantities insufficient to be economic, which may result in the abandonment of the wells at a later date. The evaluation of oil and gas leasehold acquisition costs requires management's judgment to estimate the fair value of exploratory costs related to drilling activity in a given area.
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties - Capitalized drilling costs are reviewed periodically for impairment. Costs related to impaired prospects or unsuccessful exploratory drilling are charged to expense. Management's assessment of the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of such leaseholds impact the amount and timing of impairment provisions. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future as it may not be economic to develop some of these unproved properties.
Estimates of future dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs - the Company accounts for future abandonment costs of wells and related facilities in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. Under this method of accounting, the accrual for future dismantlement and abandonment costs is based on estimates of these costs for each of the Company's properties based upon the type of production structure, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering consultants. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments that are subject to future revisions based upon numerous factors, including changing technology and the political and regulatory environment and, estimates as to the proper discount rate to use and timing of abandonment.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The financial statements of the Company are set forth on pages 20 through 30 at the end of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e). Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) has concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report are effective.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's internal controls were designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the Company's financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
Due to inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of control effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) made an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 1992. Based on this assessment, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President (and principal financial officer) concluded that as of December 31, 2015, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC, which only require management's report in this annual report.
Changes on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Company's evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures which occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter (the fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or that is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The following lists the directors and executive officers of the Company:
|
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
|
J. C. Whorton, Jr.
|
65
|
Director, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Michael R. Morrisett
|
52
|
Director & President
|
______________________
Directors hold office until their successors are elected by the stockholders of the Company and qualified. Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Whorton has served as the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since January 19, 2015. Mr. Whorton holds a Bachelors of Art, Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and Masters of Administration, Public Administration, from Oklahoma City University. He has over thirty-eight years of experience spanning all segments of the energy value chain from both the physical and financial perspective. From 2002 to the present, Mr. Whorton has served as the Managing Director of StratCom Advisors LLC, which is a land services and energy management consulting firm.
Mr. Morrisett has served as a director of the Company and as the Company's President since January 19, 2015. Mr. Morrisett has over 25 years of experience in investment banking and considerable experience in the management of non-operated oil and gas operations. From November 2012 to the present, Mr. Morrisett has served Total Energy Partners Funds, an investment fund engaged in the ownership of non-operated oil and gas working interests, in several capacities, including as a partner. From May 2011, to July 2013, Mr. Morrisett served in several roles at Osage Investments, Inc., a FINRA member investment banking firm, initially as Head of Investment Banking, and then later as President. From April 2010 to December 2012, Mr. Morrisett served as Vice President of Investment Banking of Equity Station, Inc., a FINRA member investment banking firm. Prior to 2010, Mr. Morrisett served in various executive capacities at other investment banking firms and oil and gas concerns
Identification of Audit Committee; Audit Committee Financial Expert
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had not established any committees (including an audit committee) because of the small size of its Board of Directors. As such, the Company does not have an audit committee or an audit committee financial expert serving on such committee. As of December 31, 2015, the entire Board of Directors essentially serve as the Company's audit committee.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of the Company's directors and employees, including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions. The Company undertakes to provide any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the Code of Ethics. Requests may be directed to Empire Petroleum Corporation, 215 Union Blvd., Suite 450, Lakewood, CO, or by calling (303) 305-4365.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company's directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10 percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company.
Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and any written representations that in other reports were required during the year ended December 31, 2015, to the Company's knowledge, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners during the year ended December 31, 2015 were complied with on a timely basis.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The Board of Directors does not have a Compensation Committee.
Executive Compensation
During 2015, Messrs. Whorton and Morrisett have not received any recurring compensation, but were each paid $6,000 as partial compensation for services provided to the Company. The Company's only named executive officer during 2014, Albert E. Whitehead, does not hold any stock options and has not received any other award under an equity incentive plan.
Additionally, Messrs. Whorton and Morrisett have indicated that other than with respect to the possible issuance of stock options or other awards under the Company's equity incentive plan as are ordinarily awarded to executive officers and members of the board of directors of companies similar to the Company, they do not expect to receive recurring compensation or be compensated commensurate with work performed for serving as executive officers or directors of the Company in the immediate foreseeable future. This could change at such time as the business and revenues of the Company justify such a change.
Director Compensation
No Director received compensation or any other benefits from the registrant during the last completed fiscal year.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had two equity incentive plans under which equity securities were authorized for issuance to the Company's directors, officers, employees and other persons who performed substantial services for or on behalf of the Company. The "1995 Stock Option Plan", which expired in May 2005, remains only to the extent necessary to govern outstanding options issued under the Plan. At the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders approved the "2006 Stock Incentive Plan", which authorizes granting up to 5,000,000 options for up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
The following table provides certain information relating to the 1995 Stock Option Plan and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2015, adjusted for the 2013 reverse stock split:
| |
|
(a)
|
|
(b)
|
|
(c)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
for future
|
| |
|
Number of securities
|
|
|
|
issuance under
|
| |
|
to be issued upon
|
|
Weighted-average
|
|
equity compensation
|
| |
|
exercise of
|
|
exercise price of
|
|
plans (excluding
|
| |
|
outstanding options
|
|
outstanding options
|
|
securities reflected
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
and rights
|
|
and rights
|
|
in column (a)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
approved by security
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
holders
|
|
6,250
|
|
$2.56
|
|
4,993,750
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
not approved by security
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
holders
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
|
4,993,750
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 1, 2015 for:
* each person who is known to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock;
* each of our executive officers and directors; and
* all executive officers and directors as a group.
The percentage of beneficial ownership for the following table is based on 8,710,609 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2016.
Unless otherwise indicated below, to the Company's knowledge, all persons and entities listed below have sole voting and investment power over their shares of Common Stock.
| |
|
Amount and nature of
|
|
|
|
Name and address of beneficial owner
|
|
beneficial ownership
|
|
Percent of class (1)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
J. C. Whorton, Jr.
|
|
1,673,128 (2)
|
|
19.21%
|
|
Chairman of the Board and CEO
|
|
|
|
|
|
165 S. Union Blvd., Suite 360
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lakewood, CO 80228
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael R. Morrisett
|
|
1,673,128 (2)
|
|
19.21%
|
|
Director and President
|
|
|
|
|
|
4870 S Lewis Ave. Suite 250
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Empire Petroleum Holdings, LLC
|
|
3,718,064
|
|
42.68%
|
|
3803 S. Trenton Ave.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tulsa, OK 74105
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
All current directors and executive officers as a group (2 persons)
|
|
3,346,256
|
|
38.42%
|
(1) The percentage ownership for each person is calculated in accordance with the rules of the SEC, which provide that any shares a person is deemed to beneficially own by virtue of having a right to acquire shares upon the conversion of options or other rights are considered outstanding solely for purposes of calculating such person's percentage ownership.
(2) Mr. Whorton and. Mr. Morrisett each own 45% of the outstanding membership interests in Empire Petroleum Holdings, LLC ("Holdings"). Holdings own 3,718,064 shares of common stock of the Company. Mr. Whorton and Mr. Morrisett are each therefore deemed to beneficially own 1,673,128 shares of common stock of the Company.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Director Independence
Because of the small size of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company has not established any committees. Rather, the entire Board acts as, and performs the same functions as, the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating committee. Neither Mr. Whorton nor Mr. Morrisett is considered "independent" within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The following is a summary of the fees billed or to be billed to the Company by HoganTaylor LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
|
Fee Category
|
|
Fiscal 2015 Fees
|
|
|
Fiscal 2014 Fees
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1)
|
|
$
|
30,250
|
|
|
$
|
30,250
|
|
|
Audit - Related Fees (2)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
All Other Fees (3)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees
|
|
$
|
30,250
|
|
|
$
|
30,250
|
|
(1) Audit Fees consist of aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in quarterly reports or services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(2) Audit-Related fees consist of aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees."
(3) All Other Fees consist of aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by HoganTaylor LLP, other than those disclosed above.
The entire Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm and approves in advance any services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, whether audit-related or not. The entire Board of Directors reviews each proposed engagement to determine whether the provision of services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. All of the fees shown above were pre-approved by the entire Board of Directors.
PART IV.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) (1) Financial Statements
The financial statements under this item are included in Item 8 of Part II.
(2) Schedules
NONE
(3) Exhibits
Exhibit Description
|
NO.
|
|
| |
|
|
2.1
|
Option to acquire oil and gas lease dated as of April 14, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K dated April 23, 2015, which was filed on April 23, 2015).
|
| |
|
|
2.2
|
Option to acquire oil and gas lease dated as of April 30, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K dated May 11, 2015, which was filed on May 11, 2015).
|
| |
|
|
3.1
|
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 1995, which was filed November 6, 1995).
|
| |
|
|
3.2
|
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 31, 2012, which was filed on June 1, 2012).
|
| |
|
|
3.3
|
Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1998, which was filed May 15, 1998).
|
| |
|
|
10.1
|
1995 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of the Company's Form DEFS 14A dated June 13, 1995, which was filed June 14, 1995).
|
| |
|
|
10.2
|
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(g) of the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was filed March 29, 1996).
|
| |
|
|
10.3
|
2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's 2006 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated May 10, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.4
|
Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.5
|
Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.6
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
31.1
|
Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of J. C. Whorton, Jr., Chief Executive Officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
31.2
|
Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of Michael R. Morrisett, principal financial officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
32.1
|
Section 1350 Certification of J. C. Whorton, Jr., Chief Executive Officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
32.3
|
Section 1350 Certification of Michael R. Morrisett, principal financial officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
101
|
Financial Statements for XBRL format (submitted herewith).
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| |
Empire Petroleum Corporation
|
|
Date:
|
March 30, 2016
|
By:
|
/s/ J. C. Whorton, Jr.
|
| |
|
J. C. Whorton, Jr.
|
| |
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
| |
|
(principal executive 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.
|
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
| |
|
|
|
/s/ J. C. Whorton, Jr.
|
Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
J. C. WHORTON, JR.
|
(principal executive officer)
|
|
| |
|
|
|
/s/ Michael R. Morrisett
|
Director and President (principal financial
|
March 30, 2016
|
|
MICHAEL R. MORRISETT
|
officer and principal accounting officer)
|
|
| |
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
2.1
|
Option to acquire oil and gas lease dated as of April 14, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K dated April 23, 2015, which was filed on April 23, 2015).
|
| |
|
|
2.2
|
Option to acquire oil and gas lease dated as of April 30, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K dated May 11, 2015, which was filed on May 11, 2015).
|
| |
|
|
3.1
|
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 1995, which was filed November 6, 1995).
|
| |
|
|
3.2
|
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated May 31, 2012, which was filed on June 1, 2012).
|
| |
|
|
3.3
|
Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1998, which was filed May 15, 1998).
|
| |
|
|
10.1
|
1995 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of the Company's Form DEFS 14A dated June 13, 1995, which was filed June 14, 1995).
|
| |
|
|
10.2
|
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(g) of the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995, which was filed March 29, 1996).
|
| |
|
|
10.3
|
2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's 2006 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated May 10, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.4
|
Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.5
|
Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
10.6
|
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, which was filed on June 9, 2006).
|
| |
|
|
31.1
|
Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of J. C. Whorton, Jr., Chief Executive Officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
31.2
|
Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of Michael R. Morrisett, principal financial officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
32.1
|
Section 1350 Certification of J. C. Whorton, Jr., Chief Executive Officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
32.3
|
Section 1350 Certification of Michael R. Morrisett, principal financial officer (submitted herewith).
|
| |
|
|
101
|
Financial Statements for XBRL format (submitted herewith).
|
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
| |
Page No.
|
| |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
20
|
| |
|
|
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
21
|
| |
|
|
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
22
|
| |
|
|
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended
|
23
|
|
December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
|
| |
|
|
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
|
24
|
| |
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
25
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders of Empire Petroleum Corporation
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Empire Petroleum Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years then ended. 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.
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 audit 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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made 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 Empire Petroleum Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred significant losses since inception. The ultimate recoverability of the Company's investment in its oil and gas interests is dependent upon the existence and discovery and development of economically recoverable oil and gas reserves and the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to carry out its exploration and development program. This condition raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans concerning this matter are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ HOGANTAYLOR LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 30, 2016
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
| |
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
18,105
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
18,105
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
Lease options, at cost
|
|
|
181,475
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
199,580
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
$
|
8,175
|
|
|
$
|
228
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
8,175
|
|
|
|
228
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock - $.001 par value 150,000,000 shares authorized,
|
|
|
8,710
|
|
|
|
7,630
|
|
|
8,710,609 and 7,630,609 shares issued and outstanding,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
respectively
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid in capital
|
|
|
15,081,928
|
|
|
|
14,716,533
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(14,899,233
|
)
|
|
|
(14,724,309
|
)
|
|
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)
|
|
|
191,405
|
|
|
|
(146
|
)
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)
|
|
$
|
199,580
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
| |
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum Sales
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease abandonment expense
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
31,750
|
|
|
Production and operating
|
|
|
9,276
|
|
|
|
35,887
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
165,648
|
|
|
|
154,326
|
|
| |
|
|
174,924
|
|
|
|
221,963
|
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(174,924
|
)
|
|
|
(221,963
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income and (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss on transfer of assets and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
extinguishment of note payable
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(11,471
|
)
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(3,151
|
)
|
|
Total other income and (expense)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(14,622
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(174,924
|
)
|
|
$
|
(236,585
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
share, basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
Weighted average number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
common shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic and diluted
|
|
|
8,615,924
|
|
|
|
7,630,609
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Paid in
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Shares
|
|
|
Par Value
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balances December 31, 2013
|
|
|
7,630,609
|
|
|
$
|
7,630
|
|
|
$
|
14,616,533
|
|
|
$
|
(14,487,724
|
)
|
|
$
|
136,439
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of Call Option
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(236,585
|
)
|
|
|
(236,585
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of services contributed by employee
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances December 31, 2014
|
|
|
7,630,609
|
|
|
$
|
7,630
|
|
|
$
|
14,716,533
|
|
|
$
|
(14,724,309
|
)
|
|
$
|
(146
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of services contributed
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(174,924
|
)
|
|
|
(174,924
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of Stock
|
|
|
1,080,000
|
|
|
|
1,080
|
|
|
|
133,920
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
135,000
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Issued
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
181,475
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
181,475
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances December 31, 2015
|
|
|
8,710,609
|
|
|
$
|
8,710
|
|
|
$
|
15,081,928
|
|
|
$
|
(14,899,233
|
)
|
|
$
|
191,405
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
| |
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(174,924
|
)
|
|
$
|
(236,585
|
)
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cash used in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of services contributed by employee
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
Net loss on transfer of assets and extinguishment of note payable
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
11,471
|
|
|
Lease abandonment
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
31,750
|
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable and other assets
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(14,007
|
)
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
7,947
|
|
|
|
2,807
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(116,977
|
)
|
|
|
(154,564
|
)
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from call option agreement
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
Proceeds from related party note payable
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
101,720
|
|
|
Proceeds from stock issuance
|
|
|
135,000
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
Net cash provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
135,000
|
|
|
|
151,720
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash
|
|
|
18,023
|
|
|
|
(2,844
|
)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash - Beginning of year
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
2,926
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash - End of year
|
|
$
|
18,105
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note payable extinguished with transfer of assets
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
193,300
|
|
|
Transfer of property for extinguishment of note payable
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
191,715
|
|
|
Common stock options issued to acquire lease options
|
|
$
|
181,475
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements
EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014
General:
On July 20, 2001, Americomm Resources Corporation merged with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Empire Petroleum Corporation, and simultaneously changed the name of the corporation to Empire Petroleum Corporation (the "Company"). Both the merger and name change were effective as of August 15, 2001. Americomm Resources Corporation was originally incorporated in the State of Utah on the 22nd day of August 1983, as Chambers Energy Corporation. On the 7th day of March 1985, the state of incorporation was changed to Delaware by means of a merger with Americomm Corporation, a Delaware corporation formed for the purpose of effecting the said change. In July 1995, the Company changed its name to Americomm Resources Corporation.
1. Continuing operations:
The ultimate recoverability of the Company's investment in its oil and gas interests is dependent upon the existence and discovery and development of economically recoverable oil and gas reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to further develop the interests, and upon the ability to attain future profitable production. The Company has been incurring significant losses in recent years.
The continuation of the Company is dependent upon the ability of the Company to attain future profitable operations. These financial statements have been prepared on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a company with continuing operations, which assume that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its obligations in the normal course of operations. Management believes the going concern assumption to be appropriate for these financial statements. If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for these financial statements, then adjustments might be necessary to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, reported expenses and the balance sheet classifications used.
2. Significant accounting policies:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Capital assets:
The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas activities. Costs incurred are deferred until exploration and completion results are evaluated. At such time, costs of activities with economically recoverable reserves are capitalized as proven properties, and costs of unsuccessful or uneconomical activities are expensed.
Capitalized drilling costs are reviewed periodically for impairment. Costs related to impaired prospects or unsuccessful exploratory drilling is charged to expense. Management's assessment of the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of such leaseholds impact the amount and timing of impairment provisions. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties.
Lease options have been capitalized as unproved property acquisition costs. If the lease options expire or are abandoned the options will be expensed. If proved reserves are discovered after the options are exercised, these costs will be reclassified as proved property.
(b) Per share amounts:
The Company calculates and discloses basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS") and diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS"). The computation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period.
Diluted Earnings per Share ("EPS") gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on losses. As a result, if there is a loss from continuing operations, Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as Basic EPS. At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had 6,250 options outstanding, that were not included in the calculation of earnings per share for the periods then ended. Such financial instruments may become dilutive and would then need to be included in future calculations of Diluted EPS. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the outstanding options were considered anti-dilutive since the strike prices were above the market price and since the Company has incurred losses year to date.
(c) Income taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established if management determines it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
(d) Financial instruments:
The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.
(e) Stock option plan:
The Company expenses options granted over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of the award.
(f) Obligations associated with the retirement of assets:
The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance on accounting for asset retirement obligations, which among other matters, addresses financial accounting and reporting for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This guidance requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred, with the associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the related asset and allocated to expense over the asset's useful life. The Company applies its analysis to producing wells.
(g) Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
FASB periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. The Company has reviewed the recently issued pronouncements and concluded that the following new accounting standards are applicable:
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09: "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". This guidance was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The guidance is effective for the fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on the Company's financial statements.
3. Property and Lease Options:
In 2003, the Company acquired a 10% interest in the Gabbs Valley Prospect of Western Nevada by issuing 166,667 shares of Company stock. The Company has recorded its investment at $200,000. In 2005, the Company conducted a seismic survey of the Gabbs Valley Prospect. Based on the results of the seismic survey, during 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to increase its working interest in the prospect to 40% by paying $675,000 plus 55% of the drilling costs through completion. The Company contracted a drilling rig, which commenced drilling the Empire Cobble Cuesta 1-12-12N-34E, Nye County, Nevada in September 2006. After reaching a depth of 5,195 feet the Company ceased drilling operations, ran electronic logs, installed a wellhead, and
conditioned the hole so that it might be re-entered or deepened at a later date. In April 2007, the Company re-entered the well and based on the results of drill stem tests, determined that the formation was very sensitive to the mud and water used in drilling the test well, causing clogs in the formation to swell which prevented any oil which might be present to flow into the well bore. The total gross acres of this prospect was increased to 92,826 acres by the acquisition of 30,917 acres from the U.S. Department of Interior in June 2006, at a cost of $36,689, the acquisition of 9,943.91 acres in September 2008, at a cost of $13,025 and the acquisition of 7,680 acres in September 2009, at a cost of $12,615. The Company increased its interest to 57% in the prospect leases in 2007 when one of the joint participants elected to surrender its 30% interest. The Company and the remaining joint owners assumed liabilities of approximately $68,000 to acquire the interest.
In 2010, the Company drilled a test well in the Paradise Unit of the Gabbs Valley Prospect to a depth of 4,250 feet. The well produced small amounts of oil containing paraffin which may have restricted oil flow. A co-owner of the lease elected to take over the lease and well, including remediation of the site and as of December 31, 2010, the Company had expensed $2,255,493 of intangible drilling costs related to the Paradise Unit test well. Also in 2010, the Company sold a 7% working interest in the Gabbs Valley Prospect for $700,000. In December 2011, the Company acquired leases on 3,840 acres of undeveloped land in Nye County, Nevada, which are a part of the Gabbs Valley Prospect. As of December 31, 2012, the Gabbs Valley Prospect consisted of approximately 34,186 gross acres of federal leases located in Nye County, Nevada, of which the Company owned a 50% working interest in 30,346 gross acres and an 88.5% in 3,840 gross acres.
On December 30, 2014 the Company exchanged its leasehold interests in the Gabbs Valley Prospect in exchange for the debt owed to the Albert E. Whitehead Living Trust. See Note 9.
In 2015, the Company acquired the exclusive option to enter into oil and gas leases with respect to 160,000 gross acres of mineral interests primarily in South Dakota, See Note 4. The Company is conducting geological and geophysical studies of the prospective acreage to identify potential areas for seismic surveys, geochemical imaging surveys and satellite and gravity studies to identify certain areas within the acreage for prospect development.
4. Capital Stock:
On March 4, 2014, the Company, Albert E. Whitehead and Sierra Nevada Oil LLC ("Sierra") entered into a Call Option Agreement (the "Call Option Agreement"). The Call Option Agreement provided Sierra with a call option to purchase 4,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of (i) $0.25 per share or an aggregate of $1,000,000, less (ii) the $50,000 paid by Sierra to the Company as consideration for the Call Option Agreement. The Call Option Agreement also provided that, if the Call Option is exercised by Sierra, Albert E. Whitehead, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, would take commercially reasonable efforts to cause the current members of the Company's Board of Directors, Albert E. Whitehead, Montague H. Hackett, Jr. and Kevin R. Seth, to resign from the Company's Board of Directors and three of Sierra's designees to be appointed to the Company's Board of Directors.
On June 27, 2014, the parties to the Call Option Agreement agreed to extend the date by which Sierra may exercise the call option to September 1, 2014. The call option was not exercised by September 1, 2014 therefore expired.
The company completed a private placement to seven accredited investors on dates from February 12, 2015 through February 24, 2015 of 1,080,000 shares of common stock, along with warrants to purchase up to 540,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $0.25, for an aggregate price of $135,000. The warrants may be exercised at any time from the date of issuance until February 28, 2017. Proceeds of the placements were allocated $1,080 to Common Stock, $6,858 to Additional Paid in Capital, and $127,062 to Common Stock Warrants, which is reflected in Additional Paid in Capital on the Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit). The value assigned to the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation with the following assumptions: no dividend yield, expected annual volatility of 214%, risk free interest rate of .49% and an expected useful life of two year period.
Effective April 8, 2015, the Company entered into an option to acquire oil & gas leases (the "Lease Option Agreement") with certain parties (BHPP Group). Pursuant to the Lease Option Agreement, the Company acquired the sole and exclusive option for a period of two years to enter into one or more oil and gas leases with respect to any mineral interests owned by BHPP Group Members within an area of mutual interest located in the Counties of Haakon, Meade and Pennington in the State of South Dakota (the "Area of Mutual Interest"). The Lease Option Agreement covers approximately 150,000 gross leasable acres. As the initial consideration under the Lease Option Agreement, the Company granted to the BHPP Group options to acquire an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for a period of two years from the effective date of the Lease Option Agreement. In addition, under the Lease Option Agreement, the BHPP Group has the right to be issued additional options to acquire shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share upon assisting the Company in securing additional oil and gas leases within the Area of Mutual Interest. The value assigned to the stock options was determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation with the following assumptions: no dividend yield, expected annual volatility of 147%, risk free interest rate of .54% and an expected useful life of two years, The value of the stock options was allocated $150,200 to Paid in Capital with an offsetting allocation of $150,200 to the Lease Options.
Effective April 30, 2015, the Company entered into an option to acquire oil & gas leases (the "Lease Option Agreement II") with certain parties (Anderson Brothers). Pursuant to the Lease Option Agreement II, the Company acquired the sole and exclusive option for a period of two years to enter into one or more oil and gas leases with respect to any mineral interests owned by the Anderson Brothers within an area of mutual interest located in the Counties of Perkins and Harding in the State of South Dakota and the County of Adams, North Dakota (the "Area of Mutual Interest II"). The Lease Option Agreement II covers approximately 10,000 gross leasable acres. As the initial consideration under the Lease Option Agreement II, the Company granted to the Anderson Brothers options to acquire an aggregate of 250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for a period of two years from the effective date of the Lease Option Agreement II. In addition, under the Lease Option Agreement II, the Anderson Brothers have the right to be issued additional options to acquire shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.25 per share upon assisting the Company in securing additional oil and gas leases within the Area of Mutual Interest II. The value assigned to the stock options was determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation with the following assumptions: no dividend yield, expected annual volatility of 135%, risk free interest rate of .58% and an expected useful life of two years. The value of the stock options was allocated $31,275 to Paid in Capital with an offsetting allocation of $31,275 to the Lease Options.
5. Stock options:
Under a stock option plan adopted in 1995, the Company had the discretion to grant options for up to 1,600,000 shares of common stock until May 15, 2005, at which time the plan terminated except to the extent necessary to govern outstanding options. Stock options granted under the plan vest on grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant plus 30 days. The exercise price of the options is the fair value on the date of grant.
At the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders approved the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan permits the issuance of stock options, restricted stock awards, and performance shares to employees, officers, directors, and consultants of the Company. Initially, and until such time as the Board creates a Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors will administer the Plan. The total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards under the Plan is 5,000,000. Under the Plan, no participant may receive awards of stock options that cover in the aggregate more than 500,000 shares of common stock in any fiscal year. Unless terminated by the Board, or upon the granting of awards covering all of the shares subject to the Plan, the Plan shall terminate on June 5, 2016.
The Company expenses the cost of options granted over the vesting period of the option based on the grant-date fair value of the award. For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized no expense related to options granted under the Plan.
Fair values were estimated at the date of grants of the options for options issued in prior years, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. For purposes of determining the expected life of the options, the Company utilizes the Simplified Method as defined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In addition options valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including stock price volatility.
As of December 31, 2015, there were no unrecognized compensation expenses related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements under the Plan.
A summary of the Company's Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year is presented below:
| |
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
| |
|
Options
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at Beginning of Year 2014
|
|
|
60,417
|
|
|
$
|
1.82
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled or Exercised
|
|
|
(54,167
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.73
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at End of Year 2014
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
$
|
2.56
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled or Exercised
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at End of Year 2015
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
$
|
2.56
|
|
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:
| |
Options Outstanding
|
Options Exercisable
|
| |
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Average
|
Weighted
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Range of
|
Number
|
Remaining
|
Average
|
Number
|
Average
|
|
Exercise
|
Outstanding
|
Contractual
|
Exercise
|
Exercisable
|
Exercise
|
|
Prices
|
at 12/31/15
|
Life
|
Price
|
at 12/31/15
|
Price
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1.44 - $3.12
|
6,250
|
3.45 years
|
$2.56
|
6,250
|
$2.56
|
6. Income taxes:
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount obtained by applying the Federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes. The difference relates to the following items:
| |
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
Statutory tax rate
|
|
34% |
|
|
34% |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected tax benefit
|
|
$
|
(60,000)
|
|
|
$
|
(80,000)
|
|
|
Benefit of losses not recognized
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax provision (benefit) as reported
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss carry-forwards
|
|
$
|
2,900,000
|
|
|
$
|
2,700,000
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(2,900,000)
|
|
|
|
(2,700,000)
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred taxes
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2015, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8,545,703 which expire beginning in 2015.
Utilization of the Company's loss carryforwards is dependent on realizing taxable income. Deferred tax assets for these carryforwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance up to an amount equal to estimated deferred tax liability.
The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. The Company is not currently the subject of any income tax examinations by any tax authorities.
Based upon a review of its income tax filing positions, the Company believes that its positions would be sustained upon an audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company recognizes interest related to income taxes as interest expense and penalties as operating expenses.
7. Oil Sale Revenue:
The Company records revenue from petroleum sales when received from the operator of the well. Petroleum sales are reported net of working interest and overriding royalty amounts due.
8. Operating lease:
Until December 31, 2014, the Company leased office space under an operating lease agreement with an unrelated party. Monthly lease payments were $1,100.
Rent expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2,000 and $13,200, respectively.
9. Related Party Transactions:
During 2014 the Whitehead Trust advanced loans to the Company of $101,720
On December 30, 2014 the Company exchanged its leasehold interests in the Gabbs Valley Prospect to Mr. Whitehead in exchange for the debt owed to the Whitehead Trust. At the date of the exchange, the Company's interest in the Gabbs Valley Prospect was recorded at $191,715. The Company also transferred its related receivables for partner's portion of lease rentals of $14,007 and the office lease deposit of $2,200. The debt owed to the Whitehead Trust was recorded at $193,300 plus interest due of $3,151.
The Company has no employees. Mr. Albert E. Whitehead, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until January 20, 2015, devoted a considerable amount of time to the affairs of the Company and received no compensation. On January 21, 2015, J. C. Whorton was appointed as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Michael R. Morrisett was appointed as the Company's President. During 2015, Messrs. Whorton and Morrisett each received $6,000 as partial compensation for services provided to the Company. The fair value of these services in excess of compensation paid is estimated by management and is recognized as a capital contribution. For each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded $50,000 as a contribution by its executive officers.
During the year, the Company also paid or accrued $2,000 for rent to a company in which Mr. Whorton also serves as an officer.