Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration Statement No. 333-208630

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated January 7, 2016)

 

Houston American Energy Corp.

Up to $1,900,000 of Shares

of Common Stock

 

 

We entered into an at-the-market issuance sales agreement, dated October 5, 2018 (the “Sales Agreement”), with WestPark Capital, Inc. (“WestPark Capital”), pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,900,000 from time to time through WestPark Capital, acting as our sales agent.

 

Our common stock is quoted on the NYSE American (“NYSE”) under the symbol “HUSA.” On October 4, 2018, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $0.2516 per share.

 

In accordance with the Sales Agreement, sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be made by any method deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including, without limitation, sales made directly on or through the NYSE, on any other existing trading market for our common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker. In addition, subject to the terms of the Sales Agreement, with our prior written consent, WestPark Capital may sell shares of our common stock by any other method permitted by law, or as may be required by the rules or regulations of the NYSE or such other trading market on which our common stock is listed or quoted, including, but not limited to, in negotiated transactions. WestPark Capital is not required to sell a certain number of shares or dollar amount of our common stock. Westpark Capital will use commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us, consistent with their normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreed terms between WestPark Capital and us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

 

We will pay WestPark Capital in cash a commission equal to 3% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock sold under the Sales Agreement. The net proceeds that we receive from the sale of our common stock in this offering will depend on the number of shares of common stock actually sold and the offering price for such shares of common stock.

 

In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, WestPark Capital may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of WestPark Capital may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to WestPark Capital against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75,000,000. The aggregate market value of our outstanding voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, as computed within sixty (60) days prior to the date of this Prospectus Supplement, was $14,141,732, based on 61,331,236 shares of our common stock outstanding, of which 10,443,390 shares were held by non-affiliates, both as of measured on October 4, 2018, and the last reported sale price of our common stock on October 3, 2018. During the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus supplement (excluding this offering), we sold an aggregate of $1,797,584 of securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3.

 

Investing in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement, on page 5 of the accompanying base prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein before making any decision to invest in our common stock.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

WestPark Capital, Inc.

 

This prospectus supplement is dated October 5, 2018.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT		S-1
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY		S-2
THE OFFERING		S-3
RISK FACTORS		S-4
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		S-6
USE OF PROCEEDS		S-7
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		S-8
LEGAL MATTERS		S-9
EXPERTS		S-9
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		S-9
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		S-10
Prospectus
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		1
SUMMARY		2
RISK FACTORS		5
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		5
USE OF PROCEEDS		6
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK		6
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		9
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		18
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		19
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		20
LEGAL MATTERS		22
EXPERTS		22
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION		22
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		23

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

On December 18, 2015, we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-208630) using a shelf registration process relating to the securities described in this prospectus supplement, which registration statement was declared effective on January 7, 2016.

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of common stock. The second part is the accompanying base prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, which provides more general information about the securities we may offer, some of which may not apply to the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. Generally, when we refer to this “prospectus,” we are referring to both the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus combined. We urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, and the documents incorporated herein and therein, before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add to, update or change information contained in the accompanying base prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying base prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference therein, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying base prospectus and such documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement, contained, or incorporated by reference, in the accompanying base prospectus or contained in any free writing prospectus we have distributed in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. You should not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus supplement is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus distributed by us is accurate only as of the date on the front of the applicable document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any sale of a security.

 

We are not making any representation to you regarding the legality of an investment in the shares of our common stock by you under applicable law. You should consult with your own legal advisors as to the legal, tax, business, financial and related aspects of a purchase of the common stock.

 

Information contained on or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus.

 

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus to “Houston American Energy,” “Houston American,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” or similar references refer to Houston American Energy Corp. and its subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our common stock involves risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and the risk factors contained in the accompanying base prospectus, as well as the risk factors included in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, together with all other information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference in evaluating our business and prospects. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also impair our business operations. If any of those risks occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks relating to our common stock

 

Future sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

 

Sales by us or our stockholders of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that these sales might occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. We are currently authorized to issue 150 million shares of common stock and 10 million shares of preferred stock with such designations, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as determined by our board of directors. As of June 30, 2018, we had outstanding 60,452,258 shares of common stock, 1,125 shares of 12.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which shares of preferred stock are convertible into up to 5,625,000 shares of our common stock, and 885 shares of 12.0% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which shares of preferred stock are convertible into up to 2,458,333 shares of our common stock. Additionally, as of June 30, 2018, we had reserved an aggregate of 6,462,165 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant outstanding warrants and stock options and 4,473,456 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant options that may be granted pursuant to our existing equity incentive plans. The potential issuance of such additional shares of common stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.

 

Our common stock ranks junior to our outstanding preferred stock with respect to dividends and amounts payable in the event of our liquidation.

 

Our common stock ranks junior to the 1,125 outstanding shares, as of June 30, 2018, of 12.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 885 shares of 12.0% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and amounts payable in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Consequently, unless dividends have been paid or set aside for payment on all outstanding preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then-current dividend period, no dividends may be declared or paid on our common stock. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, no distribution of our assets may be made to holders of our common stock until we have paid to holders of the outstanding preferred stock a liquidation preference equal to $1,000.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Furthermore, our board of directors has the authority to issue additional shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rates, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices and liquidation preferences and, which may be superior to those of the common stock, without further vote or action by the stockholders.

 

Because we have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock, investors must look solely to stock appreciation for a return on their investment in us.

 

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our board of directors may deem relevant. Covenants contained in the certificates of designations for our preferred stock restrict our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize a return on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock.

 

 

Risks relating to our operations on in the Permian Basin

 

We are substantially dependent upon the results of our Permian Basin drilling program as to which there is no assurance of success.

 

While we continue to hold other mineral interests in the U.S. and Colombia, our future success and profitability is substantially dependent upon the results of our drilling program on our holdings in the Permian Basin. We have drilled two wells on our Permian Basin acreage with plans to drill additional wells. However, the operators of our Permian Basin acreage have not yet proposed drilling additional wells on said acreage. There is no assurance as to the ultimate production or the ultimate economic viability of future drilling operations on our Permian Basin acreage. If our Permian Basin drilling program is not successful, for any reason, we may not have sufficient cash flow to support future operations or pursuit of alternative resource plays and may be required to sell assets or raise additional capital to support basic working capital needs.

 

We may require substantial additional capital to support our drilling program.

 

We do not presently have the available capital resources to fulfill our anticipated share of costs associated with expected drilling operations on our Permian Basin acreage. We require additional financial resources to fund ongoing, and planned, drilling and completion operations. Even if we successfully sell all of the shares of common stock offered hereby, there is no assurance that we will have adequate financing resources, from financing activities or operations, to fully fund our share of anticipated drilling and completion costs. If, for any reason, we lack the necessary funding to pay our share of all drilling and development costs, we may be subject to certain penalty provisions relating to, or loss in part or in whole of, our interest in our acreage holdings.

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, our filings with the SEC and our public releases, including, but not limited to, information regarding the status and progress of our operating activities, the plans and objectives of our management, assumptions regarding our future performance and plans, and any financial guidance provided therein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A(i) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continues,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “foresee,” “expect,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” or their negatives and similar expressions identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements due to the factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus supplement. We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf. The risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following: our business strategy; our financial position; our cash flow and liquidity; declines in the prices we receive for our oil and gas affecting our operating results and cash flows; economic slowdowns that can adversely affect consumption of oil and gas by businesses and consumers; uncertainties in estimating our oil and gas reserves; replacing our oil and gas reserves; uncertainties in exploring for and producing oil and gas; our inability to obtain financing necessary in order to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and to meet our other obligations; availability of drilling and production equipment and field service providers; disruptions, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on pipeline systems which deliver our gas and other processing and transportation considerations; competition in the oil and gas industry; our inability to retain and attract key personnel; the effects of government regulation and permitting and other legal requirements; political instability in Colombia which could affect our right and ability to produce and exploit our holdings in that country; weather patterns and poor field infrastructure which could affect our ability to produce and exploit our holdings in Colombia; costs associated with perfecting title to mineral rights in some of our properties; and, other factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”

 

Other factors besides those described in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or the documents we incorporate by reference herein could also affect our actual results. These forward-looking statements are largely based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control.

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $1,900,000 from time to time. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions paid by us and proceeds that we receive, if any, are not determinable at this time. We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering may be up to approximately $1,800,000, after deducting WestPark Capital’s commission and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

To the extent that we receive proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock hereunder, we expect to use those proceeds to support our financial commitments relating to drilling and completion operations and for general corporate purposes.

 

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We have entered into an at-the-market sales agreement, dated as of October 5, 2018 (the “Sales Agreement”), with Westpark Capital, Inc. (“WestPark Capital”) pursuant to which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $1,900,000 from time to time through Westpark Capital as our sales agent. Westpark Capital may sell the shares of our common stock by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering”, as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, sales made directly on or through the NYSE, on any other existing trading market for shares of our common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker. In addition, subject to the terms of the Sales Agreement, with our prior written consent, WestPark Capital may sell shares of our common stock by any other method permitted by law, or as may be required by the rules or regulations of the NYSE or such other trading market on which our common stock is listed or quoted, including, but not limited to, in negotiated transactions.

 

As our sales agent, Westpark Capital will not engage in any transactions that stabilize the price of our common stock.

 

Each time we wish to issue and sell common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement, we will notify Westpark Capital of the number of shares of common stock to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed Westpark Capital, unless they decline to accept the terms of such notice, Westpark Capital has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares of common stock up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of Westpark Capital under the Sales Agreement to sell shares of our common stock is subject to a number of conditions that we must meet.

 

The settlement between us and Westpark Capital is generally anticipated to occur on the second (2^nd) trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means upon which we and Westpark Capital may agree. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

 

We will pay Westpark Capital a commission equal to an aggregate of 3% of the gross proceeds we receive from the sales of our common stock and will reimburse the expenses of Westpark Capital in connection with the offering in an amount up to $18,000. Based on the closing price of our common stock on October 4, 2018, because we are limited to the sale of common stock with gross proceeds aggregating $1,900,000, the maximum number of shares of common stock we could sell in this offering is approximately 7,550,000. If 7,550,000 shares of common stock were sold at the October 4, 2018 closing sales price, we would receive approximately $1,900,000 in gross proceeds, or approximately $1,800,000 in proceeds net of WestPark Capital’s fee and before offering expenses. The actual net proceeds to us will vary depending on the number of shares of common stock sold and the prices of such sales. Because there is no minimum offering amount required, the actual total may be substantially less than the maximum amount set forth above. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to WestPark Capital under the terms of the Sales Agreement, will be approximately $40,000.

 

In connection with the sale of our common stock on our behalf, Westpark Capital may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of Westpark Capital may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to Westpark Capital with respect to certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

The offering of our common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the second (2nd) year anniversary of the date of the Sales Agreement, (ii) the sale of all shares of our common stock provided for in this prospectus supplement, or (iii) the termination of the Sales Agreement by us or WestPark Capital pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

This summary of the material provisions of the Sales Agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the Sales Agreement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus form a part. See “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and “Where You Can Find More Information” on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

To the extent required by Regulation M under the Exchange Act, Westpark Capital will not engage in any market making activities involving our common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus supplement.

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters with respect to the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Michael W. Sanders, Attorney at Law, Dripping Springs, Texas. Mr. Sanders holds 25 shares of our 12.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Houston American Energy as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of Marcum LLP (formerly known as GBH CPAs, PC), independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Certain estimates of our proved oil and gas reserves incorporated by reference herein were based upon engineering reports prepared by Lonquist & Co, LLC and Russell K. Hall & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum consultants. These estimates are included herein in reliance on the authority of such firms as experts in such matters.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information electronically with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference room. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying costs. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s website can be found at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, we make available free of charge on or through our website copies of these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish them to the SEC. Our website can be found at http://www.houstonamerican.com. The contents of our website, however, are not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus.

 

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

We are allowed to incorporate by reference information contained in documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. You should read the information incorporated by reference for more detail. We incorporate by reference in two ways. First, we list below certain documents that we have already filed with the SEC. The information in these documents is considered part of this prospectus. Second, the information in documents that we file in the future will update and supersede the current information in, and be incorporated by reference in, this prospectus. Any documents that we subsequently file with the SEC will automatically update and replace any information previously filed with the SEC. Thus, for example, in the case of a conflict or inconsistency between information set forth in this prospectus supplement and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later.

 

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below that we previously filed with the SEC and any additional documents that we may file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus supplement until the termination of this offering (in each case, except for the information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 in any current report on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A or corresponding information furnished under Item 9.01 of Form 8-K):

 

	●	our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2018;
	●	our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 14, 2018, and for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2018;
	●	our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2018, April 13, 2018, April 23, 2018, June 7, 2018, July 2, 2018 and August 3, 2018;
	●	our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 27, 2018; and
	●	our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July 26, 2010, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating the description of our common stock therein.

 

In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act, except as will be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

We will provide each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus upon written or oral request at no cost to the requester. Requests should be directed to: Houston American Energy Corp., 801 Travis, Suite 1425, Houston, Texas 77002, Attn: Investor Relations, telephone: (713) 222-6966.

 

This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC. That registration statement contains more information than this prospectus supplement regarding us and our securities, including certain exhibits and schedules. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC at the address listed above or from the SEC’s website.

 

You should rely only on the information provided in and incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of these documents.

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

$12,000,000

 

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

 

HOUSTON AMERICAN ENERGY CORP.

 

We may, from time to time in one or more offerings, offer and sell up to $12,000,000 in the aggregate of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities.

 

This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. We will provide the specific terms of the securities offered in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. You should read carefully this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as any documents incorporated by reference before you invest in any of our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “HUSA.”

 

As of December 15, 2015, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $7.7 million, based on 52,169,945 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 11.57 million shares are held by affiliates, and a price of $0.1899 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE MKT on December 15, 2015. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on, and including, the date of this prospectus. So long as we are subject to Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3, under no circumstances will we offer securities under this Prospectus in any 12 calendar month period having an aggregate market value greater than one-third of the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by our non-affiliates.

 

Investing in our securities involves risk. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus and contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus.

 

We will sell these securities directly to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is January 7, 2016

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		1
SUMMARY		2
RISK FACTORS		5
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		5
USE OF PROCEEDS		6
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK		6
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		9
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		18
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		19
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		20
LEGAL MATTERS		22
EXPERTS		22
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION		22
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		23

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities, in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $12,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will, to the extent required by law, provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or the related free writing prospectus; provided that if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date — for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus — the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.

 

We have not authorized any dealer, agent or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference (as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date), even though this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.

 

As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, includes additional information not contained in this prospectus. You may read the registration statement and the other reports we file with the SEC at the SEC’s web site or at the SEC’s offices described below under the heading “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, or any updates in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, together with all of the other information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.  Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.  Furthermore, the trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, our filings with the SEC and our public releases, including, but not limited to, information regarding the status and progress of our operating activities, the plans and objectives of our management, assumptions regarding our future performance and plans, and any financial guidance provided therein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A(i) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continues,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “foresee,” “expect,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” or their negatives and similar expressions identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements due to the factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf. The risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following: our business strategy; our financial position; our cash flow and liquidity; integration of acquisitions; declines in the prices we receive for our oil and gas affecting our operating results and cash flows; economic slowdowns that can adversely affect consumption of oil and gas by businesses and consumers; uncertainties in estimating our oil and gas reserves; replacing our oil and gas reserves; uncertainties in exploring for and producing oil and gas; our inability to obtain financing necessary in order to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and to meet our other obligations; availability of drilling and production equipment and field service providers; disruptions, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems which deliver our gas and other processing and transportation considerations; competition in the oil and gas industry; our inability to retain and attract key personnel; the effects of government regulation and permitting and other legal requirements; political instability in Colombia which could affect our right and ability to produce and exploit our holdings in that country; weather patterns and poor field infrastructure which could affect our ability to produce and exploit our holdings in Colombia; costs associated with perfecting title to mineral rights in some of our properties; and, other factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”

 

Other factors besides those described in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or the documents we incorporate by reference herein could also affect our actual results. These forward-looking statements are largely based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control.

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Except as described in any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, including working capital.

 

When we offer a particular series of securities, we will describe the intended use of the net proceeds from that offering in a prospectus supplement.

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK

 

The following description of our common stock and preferred stock, together with any additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, summarizes the material terms and provisions of our common stock and the preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future common stock or preferred stock that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any class or series of these securities in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. For the complete terms of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of these securities may also be affected by Delaware General Corporation Law. The summary below and that contained in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws.

 

Common Stock

 

We are authorized to issue 150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 52,169,945 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 15, 2015. Additional shares of authorized common stock may be issued, as authorized by our board of directors from time to time, without stockholder approval, except as may be required by applicable securities exchange requirements. The holders of common stock possess exclusive voting rights in us, except to the extent our board of directors specifies voting power with respect to any other class of securities issued in the future. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Stockholders do not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors.

 

Subject to preferences that may be granted to the holders of preferred stock, each holder of our common stock is entitled to share ratably in distributions to stockholders and to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive, after payment of all of our debts and liabilities and of all sums to which holders of any preferred stock may be entitled, the distribution of any of our remaining assets. Holders of our common stock have no conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights (other than such as may be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion) and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities.

 

All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of any securities convertible into our common stock will be, fully paid and non-assessable. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus or upon the conversion of any preferred stock or debt securities or exercise of any warrants offered pursuant to this prospectus, when issued and paid for, will also be, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Securities Exchange Listing

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “HUSA.”

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Standard Registrar and Transfer Company.

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

We are authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, none of which are issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. Our board of directors is authorized to classify or reclassify any unissued portion of our authorized shares of preferred stock to provide for the issuance of shares of other classes or series, including preferred stock in one or more series. We may issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more class or series, with the exact terms of each class or series established by our board of directors. Our board of directors may issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock without seeking stockholder approval. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock and may adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and reduce the likelihood that common stockholders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation.

 

The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed by the certificate of designation relating to each series. We will incorporate by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part the form of any certificate of designation that describes the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering, including, but not limited to:

 

	●	the distinctive designation and the maximum number of shares in the series;
	●	the number of shares we are offering and purchase price per share;
	●	the liquidation preference, if any;
	●	the terms on which dividends, if any, will be paid;
	●	the voting rights, if any, on the shares of the series;
	●	the terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of the series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of capital stock;
	●	the terms on which the shares may be redeemed, if at all;
	●	any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;
	●	a discussion of any material or special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock; and
	●	any or all other preferences, rights, restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, and qualifications of shares of the series.

 

The issuance of preferred stock may delay, deter or prevent a change in control.

 

The description of preferred stock above and the description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock in any applicable prospectus supplement are not complete. You should refer to the applicable certificate of designation for complete information.

 

The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the state of our incorporation, provides that the holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on any proposal involving fundamental changes in the rights of holders of that preferred stock. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided for in the applicable certificate of designation.

 

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of our Charter Documents and Delaware Law

 

The following is a summary of certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate law of Delaware and our certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws.

 

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Preferred Stock. Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors has the power to authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, all of which are currently undesignated, and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without further vote or action by our stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock may:

 

	●	delay, defer or prevent a change in control;
	●	discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price of our common stock;
	●	adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock; and
	●	discourage acquisition proposals or tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

 

Advance Notice Requirement. Stockholder nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors and stockholder proposals of other matters to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders must comply with the advance notice procedures set forth in our amended and restated bylaws. Generally, to be timely, such notice must be received at our principal executive offices no later than the date specified in our proxy statement released to stockholders in connection with the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders, which date shall be not earlier than the 90th day, nor later than the close of business on the 70th day, prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Special Meeting Requirements. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may only be called at the request of our board of directors or holders of at least ten percent (10%) of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.

 

No Cumulative Voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not include a provision for cumulative voting for directors.

 

Classified Board; Removal of Director. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the members of our board of directors are divided into three classes as nearly equal as possible. Each class is elected for a three-year term. At each annual meeting of shareholders, approximately one-third of the members of the board of directors are elected for a three-year term and the other directors remain in office until their three-year terms expire. Furthermore, our certificate of incorporation provides that no director may be removed without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors. Thus, control of the board of directors cannot be changed in one year without removing the directors by a vote of two-thirds of the stockholders; rather, at least two annual meetings must be held before a majority of the members of the board of directors could be changed.

 

Indemnification. Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors against losses they incur in investigations and legal proceedings resulting from their services to us, which may include service in connection with takeover defense measures.

 

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.

 

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits, with some exceptions, a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date that stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

 

	●	prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
	●	upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
	●	on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include any of the following:

 

	●	any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
	●	any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
	●	subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
	●	any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
	●	the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

 

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any person who, together with the person’s affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did beneficially own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.

 

The above provisions may deter a hostile takeover or delay a change in control of management or us.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

General

 

The debt securities that we may issue may constitute debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of Houston American Energy Corp., to be issued in one or more series, which may include senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and senior subordinated debt securities. The particular terms of any series of debt securities we may offer, including the extent to which the general terms set forth below may be applicable to a particular series, will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series.

 

Debt securities that we may issue may be issued under a senior indenture between us and a trustee, or a subordinated indenture between us and a trustee (collectively, the “indenture”). We have incorporated by reference forms of the indentures as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. If we enter into any revised indenture or indenture supplement, we will file a copy of that supplement with the SEC.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE. IT DOES NOT RESTATE THE INDENTURE IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE INDENTURE IS GOVERNED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939. THE TERMS OF THE DEBT SECURITIES INCLUDE THOSE STATED IN THE INDENTURE AND THOSE MADE PART OF THE INDENTURE BY REFERENCE TO THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT. WE URGE YOU TO READ THE INDENTURE BECAUSE IT, AND NOT THIS DESCRIPTION, DEFINES YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOLDER OF THE DEBT SECURITIES.

 

The indenture contains no covenant or provision which affords debt holders protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

 

Information You Will Find in the Prospectus Supplement

 

The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series by resolution of our board of directors or by means of a supplemental indenture, and that we may denominate the debt securities and make them payable in foreign currencies. The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that can be issued thereunder. The prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities will provide information relating to the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, which may include:

 

	●	the title and denominations of the debt securities of the series;
	●	any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series;
	●	the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, with respect to the debt securities of the series are payable or the method of determination thereof;
	●	the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method of calculating and/or resetting such rate or rates of interest;
	●	the dates from which such interest shall accrue or the method by which such dates shall be determined and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated;
	●	the interest payment dates for the series of debt securities or the method by which such dates will be determined, the terms of any deferral of interest and any right of ours to extend the interest payments periods;
	●	the place or places where the principal and interest on the series of debt securities will be payable;
	●	the terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or otherwise;
	●	our obligation, if any, to redeem, purchase, or repay debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or other specified event or at the option of the holders and the terms of any such redemption, purchase, or repayment;
	●	the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for other securities, including, among other things, the initial conversion or exchange price or rate and the conversion or exchange period;
	●	if the amount of principal, premium, if any, or interest with respect to the debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
	●	if any payments on the debt securities of the series are to be made in a currency or currencies (or by reference to an index or formula) other than that in which such securities are denominated or designated to be payable, the currency or currencies (or index or formula) in which such payments are to be made and the terms and conditions of such payments;
	●	any changes or additions to the provisions of the indenture dealing with defeasance, including any additional covenants that may be subject to our covenant defeasance option;

 

 

	●	the currency or currencies in which payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest with respect to debt securities of the series will be payable, or in which the debt securities of the series shall be denominated, and the particular provisions applicable thereto in accordance with the indenture;
	●	the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series which will be payable upon declaration of acceleration or provable in bankruptcy or the method by which such portion or amount shall be determined;
	●	whether the debt securities of the series will be secured or guaranteed and, if so, on what terms;
	●	any addition to or change in the events of default with respect to the debt securities of the series;
	●	the identity of any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars;
	●	the applicability of, and any addition to or change in, the covenants currently set forth in the indenture;
	●	the subordination, if any, of the debt securities of the series and terms of the subordination;
	●	any other terms of the debt securities of the series; and
	●	whether securities of the series shall be issuable as registered securities or bearer securities (with or without interest coupons), and any restrictions applicable to the offering, sale or delivery of such bearer securities and the terms upon which such bearer securities of a series may be exchanged for registered securities, and vice versa.

 

Holders of debt securities may present debt securities for exchange in the manner, at the places, and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities, the indenture, and the prospectus supplement. We will provide these services without charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith, but subject to the limitations provided in the indenture, any board resolution establishing such debt securities and any applicable indenture supplement. Debt securities in bearer form and the coupons, if any, appertaining thereto will be transferable by delivery.

 

Senior Debt

 

We may issue senior debt securities under the indenture and any coupons that will constitute part of our senior debt. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable indenture supplement or in any board resolution establishing such debt securities and described in a prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured debt. The senior debt securities will be senior to all of our subordinated debt and junior to any secured debt we may incur as to the assets securing such debt.

 

Subordinated Debt

 

We may issue subordinated debt securities under the indenture and any coupons that will constitute part of such subordinated debt. These subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the indenture and any applicable indenture supplement, to all of our senior indebtedness.

 

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with a series of subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference will set forth the approximate amount of senior indebtedness, if any, outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

 

 

Senior Subordinated Debt

 

We may issue senior subordinated debt securities under the indenture and any coupons that will constitute part of our senior subordinated debt. These senior subordinated debt securities will be, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our “senior indebtedness” and senior to our other subordinated debt. See the discussions above under “—Senior Debt” and “—Subordinated Debt” for a more detailed explanation of our senior and subordinated indebtedness.

 

Interest Rate

 

Debt securities that bear interest will do so at a fixed rate or a floating rate. We may sell, at a discount below the stated principal amount, any debt securities which bear no interest or which bear interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate. The relevant prospectus supplement will describe the special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to:

 

	●	any discounted debt securities; and
	●	any debt securities issued at par which are treated as having been issued at a discount for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Registered Global Securities

 

We may issue registered debt securities of a series in the form of one or more fully registered global securities. We will deposit the registered global security with a depositary or with a nominee for a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. The global security or global securities will represent and will be in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding registered debt securities of the series to be represented by the registered global security or securities. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred, except as a whole in three cases:

 

	●	by the depositary for the registered global security to a nominee of the depositary;
	●	by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary; and
	●	by the depositary or any nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of the successor.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement concerning any portion of that series of debt securities to be represented by a registered global security. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to all depositary arrangements.

 

Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the registered global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary. These persons are referred to as “participants.” Any underwriters, agents or debtors participating in the distribution of debt securities represented by the registered global security will designate the accounts to be credited. Only participants or persons that hold interests through participants will be able to beneficially own interests in a registered global security. The depositary for a global security will maintain records of beneficial ownership interests in a registered global security for participants. Participants or persons that hold through participants will maintain records of beneficial ownership interests in a global security for persons other than participants. These records will be the only means to transfer beneficial ownership in a registered global security.

 

The laws of some states may require that specified purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may limit the ability of those persons to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in global securities.

 

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, the depositary or its nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:

 

 

	●	may not have the debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in their names;
	●	will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities represented by a registered global security in definitive form; and
	●	will not be considered the owners or holders of debt securities represented by a registered global security under the indenture.

 

Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture applicable to the registered global security.

 

We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders, or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through the participants to give or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

 

Payment of Interest on and Principal of Registered Global Securities

 

We will make principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of Houston American Energy, the trustee, or any paying agent for debt securities represented by a registered global security will have any responsibility or liability for:

 

	●	any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in such registered global security;
	●	maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to beneficial ownership interests;
	●	the payments to beneficial owners of the global security of amounts paid to the depositary or its nominee; or
	●	any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the depositary, its nominee or any of its participants.

 

We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest in respect of the global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their beneficial interests in the principal amount of a registered global security as shown on the depositary’s records. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices. This is currently the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.” Such payments will be the responsibility of participants.

 

Exchange of Registered Global Securities

 

We may issue debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security if both of the following occur:

 

	●	the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act; and
	●	we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days.

 

 

In addition, we may, at any time, determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more registered global securities. In this event, we will issue debt securities of that series in definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global security or securities representing those debt securities.

 

Our Covenants

 

The indenture includes covenants by us, including among other things that we will make all payments of principal and interest at the times and places required. The board resolution or supplemental indenture establishing each series of debt securities may contain additional covenants, including covenants which could restrict our right to incur additional indebtedness or liens and to take certain actions with respect to our businesses and assets.

 

Events of Default

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following will be events of default under the indenture with respect to each series of debt securities issued under the indenture:

 

	●	failure to pay when due any interest on any debt security of that series that continues for 30 days;
	●	failure to pay when due the principal of, or premium, if any, on, any debt security of that series;
	●	default in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to any debt security of that series when due and payable;
	●	failure to perform any other covenant or agreement of ours under the indenture or the supplemental indenture with respect to that series or the debt securities of that series, continued for 90 days after written notice to us by the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series to which the covenant or agreement relates;
	●	certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings affecting us and our subsidiaries; and
	●	any other event of default specified in any supplemental indenture under which such series of debt securities is issued.

 

Except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings affecting us and except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any event of default shall occur and be continuing with respect to any series of debt securities under the indenture, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may accelerate the maturity of all debt securities of such series. Upon certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings affecting us, the principal, premium, if any, and interest on all debt securities of each series shall be immediately due and payable.

 

After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of each affected series of debt securities may waive all defaults with respect to such series and rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied.

 

No holder of any debt securities will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless such holder shall have previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default and the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series shall have made written request and offered indemnity satisfactory to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the trustee shall not have received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days. However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security for enforcement of payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on such debt security on or after the respective due dates expressed in such debt security.

 

 

Supplemental Indentures

 

We and the trustee may, at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to or consent of any holders of debt securities after issuance of such debt securities, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to, among other things:

 

	●	add guarantees to or secure any series of debt securities;
	●	add any additional Events of Default;
	●	provide for the succession of another person pursuant to the provisions of the indenture relating to consolidations, mergers and sales of assets and the assumption by such successor of our covenants, agreements, and obligations, or to otherwise comply with the provisions of the indenture relating to consolidations, mergers, and sales of assets;
	●	surrender any right or power conferred upon us under the indenture or to add to our covenants further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;
	●	cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained in the indenture, in any supplemental indenture or in any debt securities that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained therein, so long as any such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities of any series in any material respect;
	●	add or change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture to extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons;
	●	add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to permit the defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities pursuant to the indenture;
	●	change, or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture;
	●	evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate trustee; and
	●	establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series and to make any change that does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities.

 

With the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of debt securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture (each series voting as one class), we and the trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture or modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of debt securities of each such series.

 

Notwithstanding our rights and the rights of the trustee to enter into one or more supplemental indentures with the consent of the holders of debt securities of the affected series as described above, no such supplemental indenture to be entered into after issuance of the debt securities shall, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the affected series, among other things:

 

	●	change the final maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any debt securities;
	●	reduce the principal amount of any debt securities or the rate of interest on any debt securities;
	●	change the currency in which any debt securities are payable;
	●	release any security interest that may have been granted with respect to such debt securities;

 

 

	●	impair the right of the holders to conduct a proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee;
	●	reduce the percentage in principal amount of any series of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment or supplemental indenture;
	●	modify the ranking or priority of the securities;
	●	reduce any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities or change the time at which any debt security may be redeemed; or
	●	make any change that adversely affects the relative rights of holders of subordinated debt securities with respect to senior debt securities.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance

 

Except to the extent set forth in a supplemental indenture with respect to any series of debt securities, we, at our election, may discharge the indenture and the indenture shall generally cease to be of any further effect with respect to that series of debt securities if (a) we have delivered to the trustee for cancellation all debt securities of that series (with certain limited exceptions) or (b) all debt securities of that series not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and we have deposited with the trustee the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such debt securities.

 

In addition, we have a “legal defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, all of our obligations under such debt securities and the indenture with respect to such debt securities) and a “covenant defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, our obligations with respect to such debt securities under certain specified covenants contained in the indenture). If we exercise our legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default related to the specified covenants.

 

We may exercise our legal defeasance option or our covenant defeasance option with respect to the debt securities of a series only if we irrevocably deposit in trust with the trustee cash or U.S. government obligations (as defined in the indenture) for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. In addition, to exercise either of our defeasance options, we must comply with certain other conditions, including the delivery to the trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of debt securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of legal defeasance only, such opinion of counsel must be based on a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable Federal income tax law).

 

The trustee will hold in trust the cash or U.S. government obligations deposited with it as described above and will apply the deposited cash and the proceeds from deposited U.S. government obligations to the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to the debt securities of the defeased series. In the case of subordinated debt securities, the money and U.S. government obligations held in trust will not be subject to the subordination provisions of the indenture.

 

Mergers, Consolidations and Certain Sales of Assets

 

Under the proposed form of indenture, we may not (1) consolidate with or merge into any other person or entity or permit any other person or entity to consolidate with or merge into us in a transaction in which we are not the surviving entity, or (2) transfer, lease or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to any other person or entity unless:

 

 

	●	the resulting, surviving or transferee entity shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof and such resulting, surviving or transferee entity shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture;
	●	immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the resulting, surviving or transferee entity as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by such entity at the time of such transaction), no default or event of default would occur or be continuing; and
	●	we shall have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the indenture.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

 

No director, officer, incorporator or stockholder of Houston American Energy, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of Houston American Energy under the debt securities or the indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation, solely by reason of his, her, or its status as director, officer, incorporator or stockholder of Houston American Energy. By accepting a debt security, each holder waives and releases all such liability, but only such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities. Nevertheless, such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it has been the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

 

Conversion or Exchange Rights

 

Any debt securities issued under the indenture may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our equity securities. The terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Such terms may include, among others, the following:

 

	●	the conversion or exchange price;
	●	the conversion or exchange period;
	●	provisions regarding our ability or that of the holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;
	●	events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and
	●	provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of such debt securities.

 

Concerning the Trustee

 

The indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee with respect to one or more series of debt securities. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under a supplemental indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under such indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by the trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under an indenture. Any trustee under the indenture or a supplemental indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery of (including authentication and delivery on original issuance of the debt securities), the debt securities of a series will be effected by the trustee with respect to such series at an office designated by the trustee.

 

 

The indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, should it become a creditor of Houston American Energy, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. If the trustee acquires an interest that conflicts with any duties with respect to the debt securities, the trustee is required to either resign or eliminate such conflicting interest to the extent and in the manner provided by the indenture.

 

Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities

 

Debt securities in bearer form are subject to special U.S. tax requirements and may not be offered, sold, or delivered within the United States or its possessions or to a U.S. person, except in certain transactions permitted by U.S. tax regulations. Investors should consult the relevant prospectus supplement, in the event that bearer debt securities are issued for special procedures and restrictions that will apply to such an offering.

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Warrants may be offered independently or together with common stock, preferred stock or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe in particular the terms of any series of warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.

 

We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant agreement, which may include a form of warrant certificate, that describes the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering before the issuance of the related series of warrants. We may issue the warrants under a warrant agreement that we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any registered holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus related to the particular series of warrants that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants.

 

The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:

 

	●	the title of such warrants;
	●	the aggregate number of such warrants;
	●	the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
	●	the currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which the price of such warrants may be payable;
	●	the terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such warrants;
	●	the price at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
	●	the date on which the right to exercise such warrants will commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
	●	any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants;

 

 

	●	if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
	●	if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;
	●	if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
	●	information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
	●	the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
	●	United States federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants, if material; and
	●	any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of such warrants.

 

Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of preferred stock or common stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

 

We will specify the place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised in the warrant agreement or warrant certificate and applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the purchased securities. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.

 

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities purchasable upon exercise, including (i) in the case of warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise, if any; or (ii) in the case of warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, any premium or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture.

 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.

 

We will file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement that describes the terms of the series of units we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of units. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the unit agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of units. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the particular series of units that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the units.

 

 

General

 

We may issue units comprised of one or more debt securities, shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock and warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

 

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units, including, but not limited to:

 

	●	the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
	●	any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below; and
	●	any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units.

 

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Stock and Preferred Stock,” “Description of Debt Securities” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to each unit and to any common stock, preferred stock, debt security or warrant included in each unit, respectively.

 

Issuance in Series

 

We may issue units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as we determine.

 

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units

 

Each unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of the related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.

 

We, the unit agents and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any unit certificate as an absolute owner of the units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities to or through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. A prospectus supplement or supplements (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including, to the extent applicable

 

	●	the name or names of any agents or underwriters;
	●	the purchase price of the securities being offered and the proceeds we will receive from the sale;
	●	any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;
	●	any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;
	●	any public offering price;
	●	any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

 

●

any securities exchanges or markets on which such securities may be listed.

 

We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:

 

	●	fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time;
	●	market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
	●	prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
	●	negotiated prices.

 

Agents

 

We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases of our securities for the period of their appointment or to sell our securities on a continuing basis. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Underwriters

 

If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities of the series offered if they purchase any of the securities of that series. We may change from time to time any public offering price and any discounts or concessions the underwriters allow or reallow or pay to dealers. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe the nature of any such relationship in any applicable prospectus supplement naming any such underwriter. Only underwriters we name in the prospectus supplement are underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities related to offerings under this prospectus, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities.

 

Direct Sales

 

We may also sell securities directly to one or more purchasers without using underwriters or agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify in the applicable prospectus supplement any underwriters, dealers or agents and will describe their compensation. We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against specified civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

Trading Markets and Listing of Securities

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than our common stock, which is currently listed on the NYSE MKT. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchange or market, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.

 

 

Stabilization Activities

 

Any underwriter may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of these activities at any time.

 

Passive Market Making

 

Any underwriters who are qualified market makers on the NYSE MKT may engage in passive market making transactions in the securities on the NYSE MKT in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the securities. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security. If all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Michael Sanders, Attorney at Law. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for any underwriters, dealers or agents, that counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that specific offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated balance sheets of Houston American Energy as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of GBH CPAs, PC, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Certain estimates of our proved oil and gas reserves at December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein were based upon engineering reports prepared by Lonquist & Co, LLC, independent petroleum consultants. These estimates are included herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as an expert in such matters.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information electronically with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference room. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying costs. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s Internet site can be found at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, we make available on or through our Internet site copies of these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish them to the SEC. Our Internet site can be found at http://www.houstonamericanenergy.com.

 

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

We are allowed to incorporate by reference information contained in documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents and that the information in this prospectus is not complete. You should read the information incorporated by reference for more detail. We incorporate by reference in two ways. First, we list below certain documents that we have already filed with the SEC. The information in these documents is considered part of this prospectus. Second, the information in documents that we file in the future will update and supersede the current information in, and be incorporated by reference in, this prospectus.

 

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below, any filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, and any filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus until the termination of this offering (in each case, except for the information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 in any current report on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A):

 

	●	our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015 (File No. 001-32955);
	●	the information specifically incorporated by reference into our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 28, 2015 (File No. 001-32955);
	●	our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2015, and for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2015 (File No. 001-32955);
	●	our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 24, 2015 (File No. 001-32955);
	●	the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A12B filed with the SEC on July 26, 2010 (File No. 001-32955).

 

We will provide each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus upon written or oral request at no cost to the requester. Requests should be directed to: Houston American Energy Corp., 801 Travis, Suite 1425, Houston, Texas 77002, Attn: Investor Relations, telephone: (713) 222-6966.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC. That registration statement contains more information than this prospectus regarding us and our securities, including certain exhibits and schedules. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC at the address listed above or from the SEC’s Internet website.

 

You should rely only on the information provided in and incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of these documents.

 

 

Houston American Energy Corp.

 

Up to $1,600,000 of Shares

of Common Stock

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

WESTPARK CAPITAL, INC.

 

This prospectus supplement is dated October 5, 2018.