Blueprint
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ Quarterly report under
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
☐ Transition report under
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______.
Commission file number:001-36247
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC.
(Name of registrant in its charter)
Nevada
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74-3237581
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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5700 West Plano Pkwy, Suite 3600
Plano, Texas 75093
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(214) 432-8002
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer,
an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. Large accelerated filer
☐ Accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer
☐ Smaller reporting company
☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an
emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided
pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes☐ No ☒
As of May 10, 2018, there were
69,790,034 shares of the
registrant’s common stock outstanding (the only class of
voting common stock).
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
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3
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PART I
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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4
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Item 1.
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Consolidated Financial Statements
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4
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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
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4
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Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
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5
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
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6
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Consolidated Statement of Shareholder Equity
(Unaudited)
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7
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
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8
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Item 2.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
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19
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Item 3.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk
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25
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Item 4.
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Controls and Procedures
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25
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PART II
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OTHER INFORMATION
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26
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Item 1.
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Legal Proceedings
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26
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Item 2.
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds
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26
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Item 6.
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Exhibits
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26
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Signatures
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27
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NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, among other things,
statements regarding plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future
events or performance and underlying assumptions and other
statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.
Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report,
including without limitation, Item 2 “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.” Forward-looking statements generally can be
identified by words such as “anticipates,”
“believes,” “estimates,”
“expects,” “intends,” “plans,”
“predicts,” “projects,” “will
be,” “will continue,” “will likely
result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that
are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our
actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute
to such differences include, but are not limited to, those
discussed in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2017 and in particular, the risks
discussed in our Form 10-K under the caption “Risk
Factors” in Item 1A therein, and those discussed in other
documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). Important factors that in our view could cause
material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of
operations include, but are not limited to, risks associated with
our future operating or financial results, our financial condition
and liquidity, including our ability to pay amounts that we owe,
obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital
expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities,
our ability to continue as a going concern, our development of
successful operations, the speculative nature of oil and gas
exploration, the volatile price of oil and natural gas, the risk of
incurring liability or damages as we conduct business operations
due to the inherent dangers involved in oil and gas operations, our
ability to rely on strategic relationships which are subject to
change, the competitive nature of the oil and gas market, changes
in governmental rules and regulations, and other factors that may
cause actual results to be materially different from those
described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the
results of any revision to any forward-looking statements, except
as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements.
As used herein, the “Company,”
“Torchlight,” “we,” “our,” and
similar terms include Torchlight Energy Resources, Inc. and its
subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
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ASSETS
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Current
assets:
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Cash
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$1,162,024
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$1,051,720
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Accounts
receivable
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611,987
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596,141
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Production
revenue receivable
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141,255
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142,932
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Prepayments
- development costs
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-
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1,335,652
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Prepaid
expenses
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17,878
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39,506
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Total
current assets
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1,933,144
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3,165,951
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Oil
and gas properties, net
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29,998,276
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25,579,279
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Office
equipment, net
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12,806
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15,716
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Other
assets
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6,362
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6,362
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TOTAL
ASSETS
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$31,950,588
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$28,767,308
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
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Current
liabilities:
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Accounts
payable
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$580,476
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$762,502
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Funds
received pending settlement
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520,400
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520,400
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Accrued
payroll
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740,176
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695,176
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Related
party payables
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45,000
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45,000
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Due
to working interest owners
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54,320
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54,320
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Accrued
interest payable
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354,274
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202,050
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Total
current liabilities
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2,294,646
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2,279,448
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Unsecured
promissory notes, net of discount and financing costs of
$1,089,030
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11,475,267
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7,269,281
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at March 31, 2018 and $795,017 at December 31,
2017
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Note
payable
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3,250,000
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3,250,000
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Asset
retirement obligations
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9,368
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9,274
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Total
liabilities
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17,029,281
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12,808,003
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Commitments
and contingencies
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Stockholders’
equity:
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Preferred
stock, par value $0.001, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
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-0-
issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31,
2017
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-
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-
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Common
stock, par value $0.001 per share; 150,000,000 shares
authorized;
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63,644
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63,344
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63,640,034 issued and outstanding at March 31,
2018
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63,340,034
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017
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Additional
paid-in capital
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100,139,899
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99,403,654
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Accumulated
deficit
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(85,282,236)
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(83,507,693)
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Total
stockholders' equity
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14,921,307
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15,959,305
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TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
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$31,950,588
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$28,767,308
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim
consolidated financial statements.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
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Revenue
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Oil
and gas sales
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$481,164
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$12,950
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Cost
of revenue
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(228,903)
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(4,157)
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Gross
profit
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252,261
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8,793
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Operating
expenses:
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General
and administrative expense
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(1,675,840)
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(993,404)
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Depreciation,
depletion and amortization
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(107,133)
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(24,517)
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Impairment
expense
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(139,891)
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-
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Total
operating expenses
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(1,922,864)
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(1,017,921)
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Other
income (expense)
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Interest
income
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-
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111
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Interest
and accretion expense
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(103,941)
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(47,266)
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Total
(expense)
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(103,941)
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(47,155)
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Loss
before income taxes
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(1,774,544)
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(1,056,283)
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Provision
for income taxes
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-
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-
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Net loss
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$(1,774,544)
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$(1,056,283)
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Loss per common share:
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Basic and Diluted
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$(0.03)
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$(0.02)
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
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Basic and Diluted
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62,160,902
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57,337,607
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim
consolidated financial statements.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
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Cash Flows From Operating Activities
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Net
loss
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$(1,774,544)
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$(1,056,283)
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Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash from operations:
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Stock
based compensation
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736,545
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312,158
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Accretion
of note discounts
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44,858
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45,868
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Depreciation,
depletion and amortization
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107,133
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24,517
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Impairment
expense
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139,891
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-
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Change
in:
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Accounts
receivable
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(15,847)
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4,126
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Production
revenue receivable
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1,678
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355
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Prepayment
of development costs
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1,335,652
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255,879
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Prepaid
expenses
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21,628
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26,829
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Other
assets
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-
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13,357
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Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
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(137,025)
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(150,167)
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Accounts
payable related party
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-
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37,500
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Accrued
interest payable
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152,224
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(6,049)
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Net cash from operating activities
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612,193
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(491,910)
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Cash Flows From Investing Activities
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Investment
in oil and gas properties
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(4,663,018)
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(1,137,550)
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Net cash from investing activities
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(4,663,018)
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(1,137,550)
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Cash Flows From Financing Activities
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Proceeds
from promissory notes, net of offering costs
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4,161,129
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-
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Net cash from financing activities
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4,161,129
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-
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Net increase (decrease) in cash
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110,304
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(1,629,460)
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Cash - beginning of period
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1,051,720
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1,769,499
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Cash - end of period
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$1,162,024
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$140,039
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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: (Non Cash
Items)
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Mineral
interests received in warrant exercise
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$-
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$3,229,431
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Cash
paid for interest
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$285,353
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$105,618
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Cash
paid for income tax
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$-
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$-
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim
consolidated financial statements.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
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(Unaudited)
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|
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Balance, December 31, 2017
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63,340,034
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$63,344
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$99,403,654
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$(83,507,692)
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$15,959,305
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Issuance
of common stock for services
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300,000
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300
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364,700
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-
|
365,000
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Warrants
issued for services
|
-
|
-
|
316,545
|
-
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316,545
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Stock
options issued for services
|
-
|
-
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55,000
|
-
|
55,000
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Net
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,774,544)
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(1,774,544)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Balance, March 31, 2018
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63,640,034
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$63,644
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$100,139,899
|
$(85,282,236)
|
$14,921,307
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim
consolidated financial statements.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES, INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS
Torchlight Energy Resources, Inc. (“Company”) was
incorporated in October 2007 under the laws of the State of Nevada
as Pole Perfect Studios, Inc. (“PPS”). From its
incorporation to November 2010, the Company was primarily engaged
in business start-up activities.
On November 23, 2010, we entered into and closed a Share Exchange
Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) between the major
shareholders of PPS and the shareholders of Torchlight Energy, Inc.
(“TEI”). As a result of the transactions effected by
the Exchange Agreement, at closing TEI became our wholly-owned
subsidiary, and the business of TEI became our sole business. TEI
was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in June,
2010. We are engaged in the acquisition, exploitation and/or
development of oil and natural gas properties in the United States.
We operate our business through our subsidiaries Torchlight Energy
Inc., Torchlight Energy Operating, LLC, Hudspeth Oil Corporation,
Torchlight Hazel, LLC, and Winkler Properties LLC.
2. GOING CONCERN
At March 31, 2018, the Company had not yet achieved profitable
operations. We had a net loss of $1,774,544 for the three months
ended March 31, 2018 and had accumulated losses of $85,282,236
since our inception. The Company had working capital deficit as of
March 31, 2018 of $361,502. We expect to incur further losses in
the development of our business. These conditions raise substantial
doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going
concern.
The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is
dependent on its ability to generate future profitable operations
and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its projected
development costs and repay its liabilities arising from normal
business operations when they come due. Management’s plan to
address the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern
includes: (1) obtaining debt or equity funding from private
placement or institutional sources; (2) obtaining loans from
financial institutions, where possible, or (3) participating in
joint venture transactions with third parties. Although management
believes that it will be able to obtain the necessary funding to
allow the Company to remain a going concern through the methods
discussed above, there can be no assurances that such methods will
prove successful.
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue as a going concern and therefore, the
financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the
possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of
assets or the amount and classifications of liabilities that may
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company maintains its accounts on the accrual method of
accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Accounting principles
followed and the methods of applying those principles, which
materially affect the determination of financial position, results
of operations and cash flows are summarized below:
Use of estimates – The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and certain assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from
these estimates.
Basis of presentation—The
financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and
include all of the accounts of Torchlight Energy Resources Inc. and
its wholly owned subsidiaries, Torchlight Energy, Inc., Torchlight
Energy Operating, LLC, Hudspeth Oil Corporation, Torchlight Hazel
LLC, and Warwink Properties LLC. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated.
These
interim financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial
reporting. Certain disclosures have been condensed or omitted from
these financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all
the information and notes required by accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America
(“GAAP”) for complete consolidated financial
statements, and should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2017.
In the
opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial
condensed consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary
to fairly present the financial position as of, and the results of
operations for, all periods presented. In preparing the
accompanying financial statements, management has made certain
estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts in the
condensed financial statements and disclosures of contingencies.
Actual results may differ from those estimates. The results for
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior
period’s consolidated financial statements and related
footnotes to conform them to the current period
presentation.
Risks and uncertainties –
The Company’s operations are subject to significant risks and
uncertainties, including financial, operational, technological, and
other risks associated with operating an emerging business,
including the potential risk of business
failure.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Concentration of risks –
At times the Company’s cash balances are in excess of amounts
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The
Company’s cash is placed with a highly rated financial
institution, and the Company regularly monitors the credit
worthiness of the financial institutions with which it does
business.
Fair value of financial instruments – Financial instruments consist of cash,
receivables, payables and promissory notes, if any. The estimated
fair values of cash, receivables, and payables approximate the
carrying amount due to the relatively short maturity of these
instruments. The carrying amounts of any promissory notes
approximate their fair value giving affect for the term of the note
and the effective interest rates.
For assets and liabilities that require re-measurement to fair
value the Company categorizes them in a three-level fair value
hierarchy as follows:
·
|
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities.
|
·
|
Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities
in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly through market
corroboration.
|
·
|
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on management’s
own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair
value.
|
A financial asset or liability’s classification within the
hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is
significant to the fair value measurement.
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents
include certain investments in highly liquid instruments with
original maturities of three months or less
Accounts receivable –
Accounts receivable consist of uncollateralized oil and natural gas
revenues due under normal trade terms, as well as amounts due from
working interest owners of oil and gas properties for their share
of expenses paid on their behalf by the Company. Management reviews
receivables periodically and reduces the carrying amount by a
valuation allowance that reflects management’s best estimate
of the amount that may not be collectible. As of March 31, 2018 and
December 31, 2017, no valuation allowance was considered
necessary.
Oil and gas properties –
The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for exploration
and development activities as defined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Under this method of
accounting, the costs of unsuccessful, as well as successful,
exploration and development activities are capitalized as
properties and equipment. This includes any internal costs that are
directly related to property acquisition, exploration and
development activities but does not include any costs related to
production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Gain
or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties
is not recognized, unless the gain or loss would significantly
alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved
reserves.
Oil and gas properties include costs that are excluded from costs
being depleted or amortized. Oil and natural gas property costs
excluded represent investments in unevaluated properties and
include non-producing leasehold, geological, and geophysical costs
associated with leasehold or drilling interests and exploration
drilling costs. The Company allocates a portion of its acquisition
costs to unevaluated properties based on relative value. Costs are
transferred to the full cost pool as the properties are evaluated
over the life of the reservoir. Unevaluated properties are reviewed
for impairment at least quarterly and are determined through an
evaluation considering, among other factors, seismic data,
requirements to relinquish acreage, drilling results, remaining
time in the commitment period, remaining capital plan, and
political, economic, and market conditions.
Gains and losses on the sale of oil and gas properties are not
generally reflected in income unless the gain or loss would
significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and
proved reserves. Sales of less than 100% of the Company’s
interest in the oil and gas property are treated as a reduction of
the capital cost of the field, with no gain or loss recognized, as
long as doing so does not significantly affect the
unit-of-production depletion rate. Costs of retired equipment, net
of salvage value, are usually charged to accumulated
depreciation.
Capitalized interest – The Company capitalizes interest on unevaluated
properties during the periods in which they are excluded from costs
being depleted or amortized. During three months ended March 31,
2018 and 2017, the Company capitalized $418,130 and $105,618,
respectively, of interest on unevaluated
properties.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization – The depreciable base for oil and natural
gas properties includes the sum of all capitalized costs net of
accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
(“DD&A”), estimated future development costs and
asset retirement costs not included in oil and natural gas
properties, less costs excluded from amortization. The depreciable
base of oil and natural gas properties is amortized on a
unit-of-production method.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Ceiling test – Future
production volumes from oil and gas properties are a significant
factor in determining the full cost ceiling limitation of
capitalized costs. Under the full cost method of accounting, the
Company is required to periodically perform a “ceiling
test” that determines a limit on the book value of oil and
gas properties. If the net capitalized cost of proved oil and gas
properties, net of related deferred income taxes, plus the cost of
unproved oil and gas properties, exceeds the present value of
estimated future net cash flows discounted at 10 percent, net of
related tax affects, plus the cost of unproved oil and gas
properties, the excess is charged to expense and reflected as
additional accumulated DD&A. The ceiling test calculation uses
a commodity price assumption which is based on the unweighted
arithmetic average of the price on the first day of each month for
each month within the prior 12-month period and excludes future
cash outflows related to estimated abandonment
costs.
The
determination of oil and gas reserves is a subjective process, and
the accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of
available data and the application of engineering and geological
interpretation and judgment. Estimates of economically recoverable
reserves and future net cash flows depend on a number of variable
factors and assumptions that are difficult to predict and may vary
considerably from actual results. In particular, reserve estimates
for wells with limited or no production history are less reliable
than those based on actual production. Subsequent re-evaluation of
reserves and cost estimates related to future development of proved
oil and gas reserves could result in significant revisions to
proved reserves. Other issues, such as changes in regulatory
requirements, technological advances, and other factors which are
difficult to predict could also affect estimates of proved reserves
in the future.
Asset retirement obligations – The fair value of a liability for an
asset’s retirement obligation (“ARO”) is
recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable
estimate of fair value can be made, with the corresponding charge
capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its then-present
value each subsequent period, and the capitalized cost is depleted
over the useful life of the related asset. Abandonment costs
incurred are recorded as a reduction of the ARO
liability.
Inherent in the fair value calculation of an ARO are numerous
assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement
amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing
of settlement, and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental,
and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these
assumptions impact the fair value of the existing ARO liability, a
corresponding adjustment is made to the oil and gas property
balance. Settlements greater than or less than amounts accrued as
ARO are recorded as a gain or loss upon settlement.
Income taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and
liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and
operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation
allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is
more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be
realized.
Authoritative guidance for uncertainty in income taxes requires
that the Company recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax
position only after determining that the relevant tax authority
would more likely than not sustain the position following an
examination. Management has reviewed the Company’s tax
positions and determined there were no uncertain tax positions
requiring recognition in the consolidated financial statements.
Company tax returns remain subject to Federal and State tax
examinations. Generally, the applicable statutes of limitation are
three to four years from their respective filings.
Estimated interest and penalties related to potential underpayment
on any unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of
tax expense in the statement of operation. The Company has not
recorded any interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax
benefits for any periods covered by these financial
statements.
Share-based compensation – Compensation cost for equity awards is
based on the fair value of the equity instrument on the date of
grant and is recognized over the period during which an employee is
required to provide service in exchange for the award. Compensation
cost for liability awards is based on the fair value of the vested
award at the end of each period.
The
Company accounts for stock option awards using the calculated value
method. The expected term was derived using the simplified method
provided in Securities and Exchange Commission release Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 110, which averages an awards weighted
average vesting period and contractual term for “plain
vanilla” share options.
The
Company accounts for any forfeitures of options when they occur.
Previously recognized compensation cost for an award is reversed in
the period that the award is forfeited.
The
Company also issues equity awards to non-employees. The fair value
of these option awards is estimated when the award recipient
completes the contracted professional services. The Company
recognizes expense for the estimated total value of the awards
during the period from their issuance until performance completion,
at which time the estimated expense is adjusted to the final value
of the award as measured at performance completion.
The
Company values warrant and option awards using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Revenue recognition – On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and the related guidance in
ASC 340-40 (the new revenue standard), and related guidance on
gains and losses on derecognition of nonfinancial assets ASC
610-20, using the modified retrospective method applied to those
contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Under the
modified retrospective method, the Company recognizes the
cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as
an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings; however,
no significant adjustment was required as a result of adopting the
new revenue standard. Results for reporting periods beginning after
January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard. The
comparative information has not been restated and continues to be
reported under the historic accounting standards in effect for
those periods. The impact of the adoption of the new revenue
standard is expected to be immaterial to the Company’s net
income on an ongoing basis.
The Company’s revenue is typically generated from contracts
to sell natural gas, crude oil or NGLs produced from interests in
oil and gas properties owned
by the Company. Contracts for the sale of natural gas and crude oil
are evidenced by (1) base contracts for the sale and purchase of
natural gas or crude oil, which document the general terms and
conditions for the sale, and (2) transaction confirmations, which
document the terms of each specific sale. The transaction
confirmations specify a delivery point which represents the point
at which control of the product is transferred to the customer.
These contracts frequently meet the definition of a derivative
under ASC 815, and are accounted for as derivatives unless the
Company elects to treat them as normal sales as permitted under
that guidance. The Company elects to treat contracts to sell oil
and gas production as normal sales, which are then accounted for as
contracts with customers. The Company has determined that these
contracts represent multiple performance obligations which are
satisfied when control of the commodity transfers to the customer,
typically through the delivery of the specified commodity to a
designated delivery point.
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the
contract with the customer, and excludes any amounts collected on
behalf of third parties. The
Company recognizes revenue in the amount that reflects the
consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for
transferring control of those goods to the customer. Amounts
allocated in the Company’s price contracts are based on the
standalone selling price of those products in the context of
long-term contracts. Payment is generally received one or two
months after the sale has occurred.
Gain or loss on derivative instruments is outside the scope of ASC
606 and is not considered revenue from contracts with customers
subject to ASC 606. The Company may in the future use financial or
physical contracts accounted for as derivatives as economic hedges
to manage price risk associated with normal sales, or in limited
cases may use them for contracts the Company intends to physically
settle but do not meet all of the criteria to be treated as normal
sales.
Producer Gas Imbalances. The
Company applies the sales method of accounting for natural gas
revenue. Under this method, revenues are recognized
based
on the actual volume of natural gas sold to
purchasers.
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share – Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed
by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed in the
same way as basic earnings (loss) per common share except that the
denominator is increased to include the number of additional common
shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had
been issued and if the additional common shares were
dilutive. The calculation of diluted earnings per share
excludes 19,850,356 shares issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding warrants and options because their effect would be
anti-dilutive.
Environmental laws and regulations – The Company is subject to extensive
federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on
their future economic benefit. The Company believes that it is in
compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Recent
accounting pronouncements – In February 2016 the FASB,
issued ASU, 2016-02, Leases. The ASU requires companies to
recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the
rights and obligations created by leased assets. ASU 2016-02 will
be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019, with
early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and related
disclosures.
Other recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements are not
expected to have, or did not have, a material impact on the
Company’s financial position or results from
operations.
Subsequent events – The
Company evaluated subsequent events through May 10,
2018, the date of issuance of the
financial statements. Subsequent events are disclosed in Note
11.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. OIL & GAS PROPERTIES
The following table presents the capitalized costs for oil &
gas properties of the Company as of March 31, 2018 and December 31,
2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Evaluated
costs subject to amortization
|
$5,035,284
|
$5,022,129
|
|
30,750,705
|
26,100,749
|
Total
capitalized costs
|
35,785,989
|
31,122,878
|
Less
accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
|
(5,787,713)
|
(5,543,599)
|
Total
oil and gas properties
|
$29,998,276
|
$25,579,279
|
Unevaluated costs as of March 31, 2018 include cumulative costs on
developing projects including the Orogrande, Hazel, and Warwink
projects in West Texas and adjusted costs of nonproducing leases in
Oklahoma.
The Company identified impairment of $2,300,626 in 2017 related to
its unevaluated properties. Although we had no recognized
impairment expense in 2017, the Company has adjusted the separation
of evaluated versus unevaluated costs within its full cost pool to
recognize the value impairment related to the expiration of
unevaluated leases in 2017 in the amount of $2,300,626. The impact
of this change will be to increase the basis for calculation of
future period’s depletion, depreciation and amortization to
include $2,300,626 of cost which will effectively recognize the
impairment on the Consolidated Statement of Operations over future
periods. The $2,300,626 has also become an evaluated cost for
purposes of future period’s Ceiling Tests and which may
further recognize the impairment expense recognized in future
periods. The impact of this cost reclassification at March 31, 2018
was a recognized impairment expense of $139,891.
Due to the volatility of commodity prices, should oil and natural
gas prices decline in the future, it is possible that a further
write-down could occur. Proved reserves are estimated quantities of
crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, which geological
and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be
recoverable from known reservoirs under existing economic and
operating conditions. The independent engineering estimates include
only those amounts considered to be proved reserves and do not
include additional amounts which may result from new discoveries in
the future, or from application of secondary and tertiary recovery
processes where facilities are not in place or for which
transportation and/or marketing contracts are not in place.
Estimated reserves to be developed through secondary or tertiary
recovery processes are classified as unevaluated
properties.
Acquisition of Additional Interests in Hazel Project
On
January 30, 2017, we and our then wholly-owned subsidiary,
Torchlight Acquisition Corporation, a Texas corporation
(“TAC”), entered into and closed an Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization and a Plan of Merger with Line Drive Energy, LLC,
a Texas limited liability company (“Line Drive”), and
Mr. McCabe, under which agreements TAC merged with and into Line
Drive and the separate existence of TAC ceased, with Line Drive
being the surviving entity and becoming our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Line Drive, which was wholly-owned by Mr. McCabe, owned
certain assets and securities, including approximately 40.66% of
12,000 gross acres, 9,600 net acres, in the Hazel Project and
521,739 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock (which
warrants had been assigned by Mr. McCabe to Line Drive). Upon the
closing of the merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of TAC automatically converted into a membership
interest in Line Drive, constituting all of the issued and
outstanding membership interests in Line Drive immediately
following the closing of the merger, the membership interest in
Line Drive held by Mr. McCabe and outstanding immediately prior to
the closing of the merger ceased to exist, and we issued Mr. McCabe
3,301,739 restricted shares of our common stock as consideration
therefor. Immediately after closing, the 521,739 warrants held by
Line Drive were cancelled, which warrants had an exercise price of
$1.40 per share and an expiration date of June 9, 2020. A
Certificate of Merger for the merger transaction was filed with the
Secretary of State of Texas on January 31, 2017. Subsequent to the
closing the name of Line Drive Energy, LLC was changed to
Torchlight Hazel, LLC. We are required to drill one well every six
months to hold the entire 12,000 acre block for eighteen months,
and thereafter two wells every six month starting June
2018.
Also on
January 30, 2017, TEI entered into and closed a Purchase and Sale
Agreement with Wolfbone. Under the agreement, TEI acquired certain
of Wolfbone’s Hazel Project assets, including its interest in
the Flying B Ranch #1 well and the 40 acre unit surrounding the
well, for consideration of $415,000, and additionally, Wolfbone
caused to be cancelled a total of 2,780,000 warrants to purchase
shares of our common stock, including 1,500,000 warrants held by
MPC, and 1,280,000 warrants held by Green Hill Minerals, an entity
owned by Mr. McCabe’s son, which warrant cancellations were
effected through certain Warrant Cancellation Agreements. The
1,500,000 warrants held by MPC that were cancelled had an exercise
price of $1.00 per share and an expiration date of April 4, 2021.
The warrants held by Green Hill Minerals that were cancelled
included 100,000 warrants with an exercise price of $1.73 and an
expiration date of September 30, 2018 and 1,180,000 warrants with
an exercise price of $0.70 and an expiration date of February 15,
2020.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. OIL & GAS PROPERTIES (CONTINUED)
Since
Mr. McCabe held the controlling interest in both Line Drive and
Wolfbone, the transactions were combined for accounting purposes.
The working interest in the Hazel Project was the only asset held
by Line Drive. The warrant cancellation was treated in the
aggregate as an exercise of the warrants with the transfer of the
working interests as the consideration. We recorded the
transactions as an increase in its investment in the Hazel Project
working interests of $3,644,431, which is equal to the exercise
price of the warrants plus the cash paid to Wolfbone.
Upon
the closing of the transactions, our working interest in the Hazel
Project increased by 40.66% to a total ownership of
74%.
Effective
June 1, 2017, we acquired an additional 6% working interest from
unrelated working interest owners in exchange for 268,656 shares of
common stock valued at $373,430, increasing our working interest in
the Hazel project to 80%, and an overall net revenue interest of
74-75%.
In
April 2018, we announced that we have commenced a process that
could result in the monetization of the Hazel Project. Pursuant to
our corporate strategy, in our opinion between the development
activity at the Hazel Project, coupled with nearby activities of
other oil and gas operators, this project has achieved a level of
value that suggests monetization. We believe that the liquidity
that would be provided from selling the Hazel Project could be
redeployed into the Orogrande Project.
Winkler Project, Winkler County, Texas
On
December 1, 2017, the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization that we
and our then wholly-owned subsidiary, Torchlight Wolfbone
Properties, Inc., a Texas corporation (“TWP”), entered
into with MPC and Warwink Properties on November 14, 2017 closed.
Under the agreement, TWP merged with and into Warwink Properties
and the separate existence of TWP ceased, with Warwink Properties
being the surviving entity and becoming our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Warwink Properties was wholly owned by MPC. Warwink
Properties owns certain assets, including a 10.71875% working
interest in approximately 640 acres in Winkler County, Texas. Upon
the closing of the merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock of TWP converted into a membership interest in
Warwink Properties, constituting all of the issued and outstanding
membership interests in Warwink Properties immediately following
the closing of the merger, the membership interest in Warwink
Properties held by MPC and outstanding immediately prior to the
closing of the merger ceased to exist, and we issued MPC 2,500,000
restricted shares of our common stock as consideration. Also on
December 1, 2017, MPC closed its transaction with MECO IV, LLC, or
MECO, for the purchase and sale of certain assets as contemplated
by the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 9, 2017 among
MPC, MECO and additional parties thereto, or the MECO PSA, to which
we are not a party. Under the MECO PSA, Warwink Properties received
a carry from MECO (through the tanks) of up to $1,475,000 in the
next well drilled on the Winkler County leases. A Certificate of
Merger for the merger transaction was filed with the Secretary of
State of Texas on December 5, 2017.
Also on
December 1, 2017, the transactions contemplated by the Purchase
Agreement that TEI entered into with MPC closed. Under the Purchase
Agreement, which was entered into on November 14, 2017, TEI
acquired beneficial ownership of certain of MPC’s assets,
including acreage and wellbores located in Ward County, Texas, or
the Ward County Assets. As consideration under the Purchase
Agreement, at closing TEI issued to MPC an unsecured promissory
note in the principal amount of $3,250,000, payable in monthly
installments of interest only beginning on January 1, 2018, at the
rate of 5% per annum, with the entire principal amount together
with all accrued interest due and payable on January 1, 2021. In
connection with TEI’s acquisition of beneficial ownership in
the Ward County Assets, MPC sold those same assets, on behalf of
TEI, to MECO at closing of the MECO PSA, and accordingly, TEI
received $3,250,000 in cash for its beneficial interest in the Ward
County Assets. Additionally, at closing of the MECO PSA, MPC paid
TEI a performance fee of $2,781,500 in cash as compensation for
TEI’s marketing and selling the Winkler County assets of MPC
and the Ward County Assets as a package to MECO.
MECO IV
expects to drill two gross horizontal well in this project in 2018,
with the first well expected to spud in the second quarter of
2018.
Reference
is made to Note 11, “Subsequent Events” below,
regarding the acquisition of additional acreage in the Warwink
Project with updates to the drilling obligations.
5. RELATED PARTY PAYABLES
As of March 31, 2018, related party payables consisted of accrued
and unpaid compensation to one of our executive officers totaling
$45,000.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
The
Company has a noncancelable lease for its office premises that
expires on November 30, 2019 and which requires the payment of base
lease amounts and executory costs such as taxes, maintenance and
insurance. Rental expense for lease was $23,058 and $22,473 for the
three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Approximate
future minimum rental commitments under the office premises lease
are:
Year Ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
$72,495
|
To
2019 Expiration
|
88,605
|
Total
|
$161,100
|
Environmental matters
The
Company is subject to contingencies as a result of environmental
laws and regulations. Present and future environmental laws and
regulations applicable to the Company’s operations could
require substantial capital expenditures or could adversely affect
its operations in other ways that cannot be predicted at this time.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no amounts had been
recorded because no specific liability has been identified that is
reasonably probable of requiring the Company to fund any future
material amounts.
Legal Proceeding
We have
pending in the 429th judicial district court in Collin County,
Texas a lawsuit against Husky, Charles V. Long, Silverstar of
Nevada, Inc., Gastar Exploration Inc., J. Russell Porter, Michael
A. Gerlich, and Jerry R. Schuyler that was originally filed in May
2016 (previous defendants April Glidewell, Maximus Exploration,
LLC, Atwood Acquisitions, LLC and John M. Selser, Sr. have been
non-suited without prejudice to re-filing the claims). In the
lawsuit, we allege, among other things, that the defendants acted
improperly in connection with multiple transactions, and that the
defendants misrepresented and omitted material information to us
with respect to these transactions. In April 2017, Husky filed a
counterclaim against us and TEI, and a third-party petition against
John Brda, our Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and a
member of our board of directors, and Willard McAndrew III, a
former officer of our company, which we refer to as the Husky
Counterclaim. The Husky Counterclaim asserts a claim of breach of
contract against us and TEI and asserts a claim for tortious
interference with Husky’s contractual relationship with us
and a claim for conspiracy to tortiously interfere with unspecified
Husky business and contractual relationships against us and TEI,
John Brda and Willard McAndrew III.
In
April 2018, we and TEI entered into a binding letter agreement with
Husky and its affiliates that settled for non-financial
consideration all claims asserted by Husky, including those claims
Husky asserted against John Brda and Willard McAndrew III, as well
as the claims we and TEI asserted against Husky and its affiliates.
The binding letter agreement requires a formal settlement agreement
that will result in all claims asserted against the Company, TEI,
John Brda, Willard McAndrew III, Husky and Husky’s affiliates
to be dismissed with prejudice.
In May
2017, the Court granted Gastar Exploration, Inc., J. Russell
Porter, Michael A. Gerlich, and Jerry R. Schuyler’s, or
Gastar Defendants, motion for summary judgment dismissing all of
our claims against the Gastar Defendants with prejudice. The only
claim remaining related to the Gastar Defendants is a counterclaim
against us by Gastar Exploration, Inc. for our alleged breach of a
release that Gastar Exploration, Inc. claims occurred because we
filed this lawsuit against the Gastar Defendants. We have alleged
that this release is unenforceable against all the defendants,
including but not limited to, the Gastar Defendants. In January
2018, the Court heard cross-motions for summary judgment by Gastar
and us to resolve Gastar’s remaining claims against us. The
Court issued its ruling in March 2018 denying our motion for
summary judgment and granting in part Gastar’s motion for
summary judgment, but has yet to issue an order reflecting that
ruling. The Court’s ruling leaves only the issue of how much
attorneys’ fees and costs that we will have to pay to Gastar
for breaching the release. If we and Gastar cannot resolve the
amount of attorneys’ fees to be paid by us to Gastar, we will
go to trial in May 2018.
7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
During
the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company issued 300,000
shares of common stock as compensation for services, with total
fair value of $365,000.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company issued
500,000 warrants for services which resulted in $316,545 of
recognized expense.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized
$55,000 of expense related to 800,000 stock options issued in third
quarter of 2017.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
A summary of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2018 by exercise
price and year of expiration is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.50
|
400,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
400,000
|
$0.70
|
-
|
-
|
420,000
|
-
|
420,000
|
$0.77
|
-
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
$1.00
|
-
|
25,116
|
-
|
-
|
25,116
|
$1.03
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
120,000
|
120,000
|
$1.08
|
-
|
37,500
|
-
|
-
|
37,500
|
$1.40
|
-
|
-
|
1,121,736
|
|
1,121,736
|
$1.50
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
100,000
|
$1.64
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
200,000
|
200,000
|
$1.73
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
100,000
|
$1.80
|
-
|
-
|
1,250,000
|
-
|
1,250,000
|
$2.00
|
837,596
|
-
|
-
|
400,000
|
1,237,596
|
$2.03
|
2,000,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,000,000
|
$2.09
|
2,800,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,800,000
|
$2.23
|
-
|
-
|
832,512
|
|
832,512
|
$2.29
|
120,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
120,000
|
$2.50
|
-
|
35,211
|
-
|
-
|
35,211
|
$2.82
|
38,174
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
38,174
|
$3.50
|
-
|
15,000
|
-
|
-
|
15,000
|
$4.50
|
-
|
700,000
|
-
|
-
|
700,000
|
$6.00
|
60,000
|
22,580
|
-
|
-
|
82,580
|
|
-
|
700,000
|
-
|
-
|
700,000
|
|
6,355,770
|
1,635,407
|
3,624,248
|
820,000
|
12,435,425
|
A summary of stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2018 by
exercise price and year of expiration is presented
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.97
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
259,742
|
-
|
259,742
|
$1.10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
800,000
|
800,000
|
$1.57
|
-
|
-
|
5,997,163
|
-
|
-
|
5,997,163
|
$1.63
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
58,026
|
-
|
58,026
|
$1.79
|
-
|
-
|
300,000
|
-
|
-
|
300,000
|
|
-
|
-
|
6,297,163
|
317,768
|
800,000
|
7,414,931
|
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
At March 31, 2018, the Company had reserved 19,850,356 shares for
future exercise of warrants and options.
Warrants and options issued were valued using the Black Scholes
Option Pricing Model. The assumptions used in calculating the fair
value of the warrants and options issued during the three months
ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
2018
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
2.15% - 2.30%
|
Expected volatility of common stock
|
114% - 119%
|
Dividend yield
|
0.00%
|
Discount due to lack of marketability
|
20%
|
Expected life of option/warrant
|
Three Years
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
1.47%
|
Expected volatility of common stock
|
113% - 114%
|
Dividend yield
|
0.00%
|
Discount due to lack of marketability
|
20%
|
Expected life of option/warrant
|
3 years - 4 years
|
8. INCOME TAXES
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted tax legislation referred to
as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) which significantly
changes U.S. corporate income tax laws beginning, generally, in
2018. These changes include, among others, (i) a permanent
reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a top marginal
rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, (ii) elimination of the
corporate alternative minimum tax, (iii) immediate deductions for
certain new investments instead of deductions for depreciation
expense over time, (iv) limitation on the tax deduction for
interest expense to 30% of adjusted taxable income, (v) limitation
of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of current year
taxable income and elimination of net operating loss carrybacks,
and (vi) elimination of many business deductions and credits,
including the domestic production activities deduction, the
deduction for entertainment expenditures, and the deduction for
certain executive compensation in excess of $1 million. Additional
impacts from the enactment of the Tax Act will be recorded as they
are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB
No. 118, which extends up to one year from the enactment
date.
The
Company estimates its annual effective income tax rate in recording
its quarterly provision for income taxes in the various
jurisdictions in which it operates. Statutory tax rate changes and
other significant or unusual items are recognized as discrete items
in the quarter in which they occur. The Company recorded no income
tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 because the
Company expects to incur a tax loss in the current year. Similarly,
no income tax expense was recognized for the three months ended
March 31, 2017 for this same reason.
The Company had a net deferred tax asset related to federal net
operating loss carryforwards of $54,201,342 and $52,934,915 at
March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The federal net
operating loss carryforward will begin to expire in 2032.
Realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent, in part, on
generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the
loss carryforwards. The Company has placed a 100% valuation
allowance against the net deferred tax asset because future
realization of these assets is not assured.
9. PROMISSORY NOTES
On
April 10, 2017, we sold to investors in a private transaction two
12% unsecured promissory notes with a total of $8,000,000 in
principal amount. Interest only is due and payable on the notes
each month at the rate of 12% per annum, with a balloon payment of
the outstanding principal due and payable at maturity on April 10,
2020. The holders of the notes will also receive annual payments of
common stock at the rate of 2.5% of principal amount outstanding,
based on a volume-weighted average price. Both notes were sold at
an original issue discount of 94.25% and accordingly, we received
total proceeds of $7,540,000 from the investors. We used the
proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, which
includes, without limitation, drilling capital, lease acquisition
capital and repayment of prior debt.
These 12% promissory notes allow for early redemption. The notes
also contain certain covenants under which we have agreed that,
except for financing arrangements with established commercial
banking or financial institutions and other debts and liabilities
incurred in the normal course of business, we will not issue any
other notes or debt offerings which have a maturity date prior to
the payment in full of the 12% notes, unless consented to by the
holders.
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
9. PROMISSORY NOTES (CONTINUED)
The
effective interest rate is 16.15%.
On
April 24, 2017, we used $2,509,500 of the proceeds from this
financing to redeem and repay a portion of the outstanding 12%
Series B Convertible Unsecured Promissory Notes. Separately,
$1,000,000 of the principal amount of the Series B Notes plus
accrued interest was converted into 1,007,890 shares of common
stock and $60,000 was rolled into the new debt
financing.
In
connection with the transaction, effective December 5, 2017, for
the acquisition of the Warwink properties, the Company borrowed
$3.25 million from its Chairman, Greg McCabe on a three-year
interest only promissory note bearing interest at 5% per
annum.
On
February 6, 2018, we sold to an investor in a private transaction a
12% unsecured promissory note with a principal amount of
$4,500,000. Interest only is due and payable on the note each month
at the rate of 12% per annum, with a balloon payment of the
outstanding principal due and payable at maturity on April 10,
2020. The holder of the note will also receive annual payments of
common stock at the rate of 2.5% of principal amount outstanding,
based on a volume-weighted average price. We sold the note at an
original issue discount of 96.27% and accordingly, we received
total proceeds of $4,332,150 from the investor. We used the
proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, which
includes, without limitation, drilling capital, lease acquisition
capital and repayment of prior debt.
This
12% promissory note allows for early redemption, provided that if
we redeem before February 6, 2019, we must pay the holder all
unpaid interest and common stock payments on the portion of the
note redeemed that would have been earned through February 6, 2019.
The note also contains certain covenants under which we have agreed
that, except for financing arrangements with established commercial
banking or financial institutions and other debts and liabilities
incurred in the normal course of business, we will not issue any
other notes or debt offerings which have a maturity date prior to
the payment in full of the 12% note, unless consented to by the
holder.
The
effective interest rate is 15.88%.
Promissory
note transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are
summarized as follows:
Unsecured
promissory note balance - December 31, 2017
|
$7,269,281
|
|
|
New
borrowing
|
4,500,000
|
Original
issue discount
|
(167,850)
|
Proceeds
from borrowing
|
4,332,150
|
|
|
New
note debt issuance costs
|
(225,000)
|
Accretion
of discount and amortization of debt issuance costs
|
98,836
|
|
|
|
|
Unsecured
promissory note balance - March 31, 2018
|
$11,475,267
|
10. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The
following is a reconciliation of the asset retirement obligation
liability through March 31, 2018:
Asset
retirement obligation – December 31, 2017
|
$9,274
|
|
|
Accretion
expense
|
93
|
|
|
Asset
retirement obligation – March 31, 2018
|
$9,367
|
TORCHLIGHT ENERGY RESOURCES,
INC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Additional Funding
On
April 19, 2018, we entered into an Underwriting Agreement with Roth
Capital Partners, LLC (the “Underwriter”)
under which a total of 5,750,000 shares of our common stock were
issued and sold in an underwritten public offering, which amount
includes the full exercise of the over-allotment option for 750,000
shares. The offering closed on April 23, 2018. The public offering
price for each share of common stock was $1.15. The Underwriter
purchased the shares of common stock from us at a price of $1.0752
per share, representing a 6.5% discount from the public offering
price. The Underwriter acted as the sole manager for the offering.
The common stock was offered and sold pursuant to our effective
registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333220181) filed with
the SEC on August 25, 2017 and declared effective by the SEC on
September 28, 2017, the accompanying prospectus contained therein,
and preliminary and final prospectus supplements filed with the SEC
in connection with our takedown relating to the offering. The net
proceeds to us from the sale of the shares of common stock in the
offering was $6.0 million, after deducting underwriting discounts
and commissions and our other offering expenses.
Addition to the Warwink Project
As of May 7, 2018
the Company’s Winkler project in the Delaware Basin has begun
the drilling phase of the first Warwink Project well, the UL 21
War-Wink 47 #2H. Torchlight’s operating partner, MECO IV has
begun the pilot hole on the project and was currently drilling
ahead at 3,500 feet. The plan is to evaluate the various potential
zones for a lateral leg to be drilled once logging is completed.
The Company expects the most likely target to be the Wolfcamp A
interval. The well is on 320 newly acquired acres offsetting the
original leasehold Torchlight entered into in December, 2017. The
additional acreage was leased by Torchlight’s operating
partner under the Area of Mutual Interest Agreement (AMI) and
Torchlight recently exercised its right to participate for its
12.5% in the additional 1,080 gross acres. Torchlight’s
carried interest in the first well, as outlined in the agreement,
was originally planned to be on the first acreage acquired. That
carried interest is being applied to this new well and will allow
MECO IV to drill and produce potential revenues sooner than
originally planned. The primary leasehold is a 320-acre block
directly west of the current position and will allow for 5,000-foot
lateral wells to be drilled.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation,
and/or development of oil and natural gas properties in the United
States. We operate our business through our subsidiaries Torchlight
Energy Inc., Torchlight Energy Operating, LLC, Hudspeth Oil
Corporation, and Torchlight Hazel, LLC.
The core strategy of the Company is pursuing the ongoing
development of its assets in the Permian basin consisting of the
Orogrande and the Hazel Projects. These West Texas properties
demonstrate significant potential and future production
capabilities based upon the analysis of scientific data already
gathered in the day by day development activity. Therefore, the
Board has determined to focus its efforts and capital on these two
projects to maximize shareholder value for the long
run.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited
financial statements included herewith and our audited financial
statements included with our Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2017. This discussion should not be construed to imply that the
results discussed herein will necessarily continue into the future,
or that any conclusion reached herein will necessarily be
indicative of actual operating results in the future. Such
discussion represents only the best present assessment by our
management.
Our
financial results depend on many factors, particularly the price of
natural gas and crude oil and our ability to market our production
on economically attractive terms. Commodity prices are affected by
many factors outside of our control, including changes in market
supply and demand, which are impacted by pipeline capacity
constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials, weather
conditions and other factors. As a result, we cannot accurately
predict future commodity prices and, therefore, cannot determine
with any degree of certainty what effect increases or decreases in
these prices will have on our capital program, production volumes
or revenues. We expect natural gas and crude oil prices to remain
volatile. In addition to production volumes and commodity prices,
finding and developing sufficient amounts of natural gas and crude
oil reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term
success.
Current Projects
As of March 31, 2018, we had interests in four oil and gas
projects: the Orogrande Project in Hudspeth County, Texas, the
Hazel Project in Sterling, Tom Green, and Irion Counties, Texas,
the Winkler Project in Winkler County, Texas, and the Hunton wells
in partnership with Husky Ventures in Central
Oklahoma.
Orogrande Project, West Texas
On August 7, 2014, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with
Hudspeth Oil Corporation (“Hudspeth”), McCabe Petroleum
Corporation (“MPC”), and Gregory McCabe, our Chairman.
Mr. McCabe was the sole owner of both Hudspeth and MPC. Under the
terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, at closing, we
purchased 100% of the capital stock of Hudspeth which holds certain
oil and gas assets, including a 100% working interest in
approximately 172,000 mostly contiguous acres in the Orogrande
Basin in West Texas. As of December 31, 2017, leases covering
approximately 133,000 acres remain in effect. This acreage is in
the primary term under five-year leases that carry additional
five-year extension provisions. As consideration, at closing we
issued 868,750 restricted shares of our common stock to Mr. McCabe
and paid a total of $100,000 in geologic origination fees to third
parties. Additionally, Mr. McCabe has, at his option, a 10% working
interest back-in after payout and a reversionary interest if
drilling obligations are not met, all under the terms and
conditions of a participation and development
agreement among
Hudspeth, MPC and Mr. McCabe. We believe all drilling obligations
through March 31, 2018 have been met.
On September 23, 2015, Hudspeth entered into a Farmout Agreement
with Pandora Energy, LP (“Pandora”), Founders Oil &
Gas, LLC (“Founders”), and for the limited purposes set
forth therein, MPC and Mr. McCabe, for the entire Orogrande Project
in Hudspeth County, Texas. The Farmout Agreement provided that
Hudspeth and Pandora (collectively referred to as
“Farmor”) would assign to Founders an undivided 50% of
the leasehold interest and a 37.5% net revenue interest in the oil
and gas leases and mineral interests in the Orogrande Project,
which interests, except for any interests retained by Founders,
would be reassigned to Farmor by Founders if Founders did not spend
a minimum of $45.0 million on actual drilling operations on the
Orogrande Project by September 23, 2017. Under a joint operating
agreement also entered into on September 23, 2015, Founders is
designated as operator of the leases.
On March 27, 2017, Founders, Founders Oil & Gas Operating, LLC,
Founders’ operating partner, Hudspeth and Pandora signed a
Drilling and Development Unit Agreement (the “DDU
Agreement”), with the Commissioner of the General Land
Office, on behalf of the State of Texas, and as approved by the
Board for Lease of University Lands, or University Lands, on the
Orogrande Project. The DDU Agreement has an effective date of
January 1, 2017 and required a payment from Founders, Hudspeth and
Pandora, collectively, of $335,323 as the initial consideration
fee. The initial consideration fee was paid by Founders in April
2017 and was to be deducted from the required spud fee payable to
us at commencement of the next well drilled.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-
continued
The DDU
Agreement allows for all 192 existing leases covering approximately
133,000 net acres leased from University Lands to be combined into
one drilling and development unit for development purposes. The
term of the DDU Agreement expires on December 31, 2023, and the
time to drill on the drilling and development unit continues
through December 2023. The DDU Agreement also grants the right to
extend the DDU Agreement through December 2028 if compliance with
the DDU Agreement is met and the extension fee associated with the
additional time is paid. Our drilling obligations began with one
well to be spudded and drilled on or before September 1, 2017, and
increased to two wells in year 2018, three wells in year 2019, four
wells in year 2020 and five wells per year in years 2021, 2022 and
2023. The drilling obligations are minimum yearly requirements and
may be exceeded if acceleration is desired. The DDU Agreement
replaces all prior agreements, and will govern future drilling
obligations on the drilling and development unit if the DDU
Agreement is extended.
There are two vertical tests wells in the Orogrande Project, the
Orogrande Rich A-11 test well and the University Founders B-19 #1
test well. The Orogrande Rich A-11 test well was spudded on March
31, 2015, drilled in the second quarter of 2015 and was evaluated
and numerous scientific tests were performed to provide key data
for the field development thesis. We believe that future utility of
this well may be conversion to a salt water disposal well in the
course of further development of the Orogrande acreage. The
University Founders B-19 #1 was spudded on April 24, 2016 and
drilled in the second quarter of 2016. The well successfully pumped
down completion fluid in the third quarter of 2016 and indications
of hydrocarbons were seen at the surface on this second Orogrande
Project test well. We believe that future utility of this well may
be conversion to a salt water disposal well in the course of
further development of the Orogrande acreage.
During the fourth quarter of 2017, we took back operational control
from Founders on the Orogrande Project. We were joined by Wolfbone
Investments, LLC, or Wolfbone, a company owned by Mr. McCabe. We,
along with Hudspeth, Wolfbone and, for the limited purposes set
forth therein, Pandora, entered into an Assignment of Farmout
Agreement with Founders, or the Assignment of Farmout Agreement,
pursuant to which we and Wolfbone will share the remaining
commitments under the Farmout Agreement. All original provisions of
our carried interest will remain in place including reimbursement
to us on each wellbore. Founders will remain a 9.5% working
interest owner in the Orogrande Project for the $9.5 million it had
spent as of the date of the Assignment of Farmout Agreement, and
such interests will be carried until $40.5 million is spent by
Wolfbone and us, with each contributing 50% of such capital spend,
under the existing agreement. Our working interest in the Orogrande
Project thereby increased by 20.25% to a total of 67.75% and
Wolfbone now owns 20.25%.
Founders will operate a newly drilled horizontal well called the
University Founders #A25 (at 5,540’ depth in a 1,000’
lateral) with supervision from us and our partners. The University
Founders #A25 was spudded on November 28, 2017. Once the well is
completed, we, MPC and Mr. McCabe will assume full operational
control including managing drilling plans and timing for all future
wells drilled in the project. We believe two additional wells will
be drilled and completed in 2018.
Rich Masterson, our consulting geologist, is credited with
originating the Orogrande Project in Hudspeth County in the
Orogrande Basin. With Mr. Masterson’s assistance, we have
identified target payzone depths between 4,100’ and
6,100’ with primary pay, described as the WolfPenn formation,
located at depths of 5,300 to 5,900’. Based on our geologic
analysis to date, the Wolfpenn formation is prospective for oil and
high British thermal unit (Btu) gas, with a 70/30 mix expected,
respectively.
Hazel Project in the Midland Basin in West Texas
Effective April 4, 2016, TEI acquired from MPC a 66.66% working
interest in approximately 12,000 acres in the Midland Basin in
exchange for 1,500,000 warrants to purchase shares of our common
stock with an exercise price of $1.00 for five years and a back-in
after payout of a 25% working interest to MPC.
Initial development of the first well on the property, the Flying B
Ranch #1, began July 9, 2016 and development continued through
September 30, 2016. This well is classified as a test well in the
development pursuit of the Hazel Project. We believe that this
wellbore will be utilized as a salt water disposal well in support
of future development.
In October 2016, the holders of all of our then-outstanding
shares of Series C Preferred Stock (which were issued in July 2016)
elected to convert into a total 33.33% working interest in our
Hazel Project, reducing our ownership from 66.66% to a 33.33%
working interest. As of December 31, 2016, no shares of our Series
C Preferred Stock were outstanding.
On December 27, 2016, drilling activities commenced on the second
Hazel Project well, the Flying B Ranch #2. The well is a vertical
test similar to our first Hazel Project well, the Flying B Ranch
#1. Recompletion in an alternative geological formation for this
well was performed during the three months ended September 30,
2017; however, we believe that the results were uneconomic for
continuing production. We believe that this wellbore will be
utilized as a salt water disposal well in support of future
development.
We commenced planning to drill the Flying B Ranch #3 horizontal
well in the Hazel Project in June 2017 in compliance with the
continuous drilling obligation. The well was spudded on June 10,
2017. The well was completed and began production in late September
2017.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-
continued
Acquisition of Additional Interests in Hazel Project
On
January 30, 2017, we and our then wholly-owned subsidiary,
Torchlight Acquisition Corporation, a Texas corporation
(“TAC”), entered into and closed an Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization and a Plan of Merger with Line Drive Energy, LLC,
a Texas limited liability company (“Line Drive”), and
Mr. McCabe, under which agreements TAC merged with and into Line
Drive and the separate existence of TAC ceased, with Line Drive
being the surviving entity and becoming our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Line Drive, which was wholly-owned by Mr. McCabe, owned
certain assets and securities, including approximately 40.66% of
12,000 gross acres, 9,600 net acres, in the Hazel Project and
521,739 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock (which
warrants had been assigned by Mr. McCabe to Line Drive). Upon the
closing of the merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of TAC automatically converted into a membership
interest in Line Drive, constituting all of the issued and
outstanding membership interests in Line Drive immediately
following the closing of the merger, the membership interest in
Line Drive held by Mr. McCabe and outstanding immediately prior to
the closing of the merger ceased to exist, and we issued Mr. McCabe
3,301,739 restricted shares of our common stock as consideration
therefor. Immediately after closing, the 521,739 warrants held by
Line Drive were cancelled, which warrants had an exercise price of
$1.40 per share and an expiration date of June 9, 2020. A
Certificate of Merger for the merger transaction was filed with the
Secretary of State of Texas on January 31, 2017. Subsequent to the
closing the name of Line Drive Energy, LLC was changed to
Torchlight Hazel, LLC. We are required to drill one well every six
months to hold the entire 12,000 acre block for eighteen months,
and thereafter two wells every six month starting June
2018.
Also on
January 30, 2017, TEI entered into and closed a Purchase and Sale
Agreement with Wolfbone. Under the agreement, TEI acquired certain
of Wolfbone’s Hazel Project assets, including its interest in
the Flying B Ranch #1 well and the 40 acre unit surrounding the
well, for consideration of $415,000, and additionally, Wolfbone
caused to be cancelled a total of 2,780,000 warrants to purchase
shares of our common stock, including 1,500,000 warrants held by
MPC, and 1,280,000 warrants held by Green Hill Minerals, an entity
owned by Mr. McCabe’s son, which warrant cancellations were
effected through certain Warrant Cancellation Agreements. The
1,500,000 warrants held by MPC that were cancelled had an exercise
price of $1.00 per share and an expiration date of April 4, 2021.
The warrants held by Green Hill Minerals that were cancelled
included 100,000 warrants with an exercise price of $1.73 and an
expiration date of September 30, 2018 and 1,180,000 warrants with
an exercise price of $0.70 and an expiration date of February 15,
2020.
Since
Mr. McCabe held the controlling interest in both Line Drive and
Wolfbone, the transactions were combined for accounting purposes.
The working interest in the Hazel Project was the only asset held
by Line Drive. The warrant cancellation was treated in the
aggregate as an exercise of the warrants with the transfer of the
working interests as the consideration. We recorded the
transactions as an increase in its investment in the Hazel Project
working interests of $3,644,431, which is equal to the exercise
price of the warrants plus the cash paid to Wolfbone.
Upon
the closing of the transactions, our working interest in the Hazel
Project increased by 40.66% to a total ownership of
74%.
Effective
June 1, 2017, we acquired an additional 6% working interest from
unrelated working interest owners in exchange for 268,656 shares of
common stock valued at $373,430, increasing our working interest in
the Hazel project to 80%, and an overall net revenue interest of
74-75%.
Mr.
Masterson is credited with originating the Hazel Project in the
Midland Basin. With Mr. Masterson’s assistance, we are
targeting prospects in the Midland Basin that have 150 to 130 feet
of thickness, are likely to require six to eight laterals per
bench, have the potential for twelve to sixteen horizontal wells
per section, and 200 long lateral locations, assuming only two
benches.
In
April 2018, we announced that we have commenced a process that
could result in the monetization of the Hazel Project. Pursuant to
our corporate strategy, in our opinion between the development
activity at the Hazel Project, coupled with nearby activities of
other oil and gas operators, this project has achieved a level of
value that suggests monetization. We believe that the liquidity
that would be provided from selling the Hazel Project could be
redeployed into the Orogrande Project.
Winkler Project, Winkler County, Texas
On
December 1, 2017, the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization that we
and our then wholly-owned subsidiary, Torchlight Wolfbone
Properties, Inc., a Texas corporation (“TWP”), entered
into with MPC and Warwink Properties on November 14, 2017 closed.
Under the agreement, TWP merged with and into Warwink Properties
and the separate existence of TWP ceased, with Warwink Properties
being the surviving entity and becoming our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Warwink Properties was wholly owned by MPC. Warwink
Properties owns certain assets, including a 10.71875% working
interest in approximately 640 acres in Winkler County, Texas. Upon
the closing of the merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock of TWP converted into a membership interest in
Warwink Properties, constituting all of the issued and outstanding
membership interests in Warwink Properties immediately following
the closing of the merger, the membership interest in Warwink
Properties held by MPC and outstanding immediately prior to the
closing of the merger ceased to exist, and we issued MPC 2,500,000
restricted shares of our common stock as consideration. Also on
December 1, 2017, MPC closed its transaction with MECO IV, LLC, or
MECO, for the purchase and sale of certain assets as contemplated
by the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 9, 2017 among
MPC, MECO and additional parties thereto, or the MECO PSA, to which
we are not a party. Under the MECO PSA, Warwink Properties received
a carry from MECO (through the tanks) of up to $1,475,000 in the
next well drilled on the Winkler County leases. A Certificate of
Merger for the merger transaction was filed with the Secretary of
State of Texas on December 5, 2017.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-
continued
Also on
December 1, 2017, the transactions contemplated by the Purchase
Agreement that TEI entered into with MPC closed. Under the Purchase
Agreement, which was entered into on November 14, 2017, TEI
acquired beneficial ownership of certain of MPC’s assets,
including acreage and wellbores located in Ward County, Texas, or
the Ward County Assets. As consideration under the Purchase
Agreement, at closing TEI issued to MPC an unsecured promissory
note in the principal amount of $3,250,000, payable in monthly
installments of interest only beginning on January 1, 2018, at the
rate of 5% per annum, with the entire principal amount together
with all accrued interest due and payable on January 1, 2021. In
connection with TEI’s acquisition of beneficial ownership in
the Ward County Assets, MPC sold those same assets, on behalf of
TEI, to MECO at closing of the MECO PSA, and accordingly, TEI
received $3,250,000 in cash for its beneficial interest in the
Ward County Assets.
Additionally, at closing of the MECO PSA, MPC paid TEI a
performance fee of $2,781,500 in cash as compensation for
TEI’s marketing and selling the Winkler County assets of MPC
and the Ward County Assets as a package to
MECO.
MECO IV
expects to drill two gross horizontal well in this project in 2018,
with the first well expected to spud in the second quarter of
2018.
Mr.
Masterson is credited with originating the Winkler Project in the
Delaware Basin. With Mr. Masterson’s assistance, we have
identified Wolfcamp A and B, Upper Second Bone Spring and Lower
Second Bone Spring formations within our acreage
position.
Reference
is made to Note 11, “Subsequent Events” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, regarding the acquisition of additional acreage in the
Warwink Project with updates to the drilling
obligations.
Hunton Play, Central Oklahoma
As of March 31, 2018, we were producing from one well in the Viking
Area of Mutual Interest, or AMI, and one well in Prairie
Grove.
Legal Proceeding
As previously disclosed, in May, 2016, Torchlight Energy Resources,
Inc. and its subsidiary Torchlight Energy, Inc. filed a lawsuit in
the 429th judicial district court in Collin County, Texas against
Husky Ventures, Inc., Charles V. Long, April Glidewell, Silverstar
of Nevada, Inc., Maximus Exploration, LLC, Atwood Acquisitions,
LLC, Gastar Exploration Inc., J. Russell Porter, Michael A.
Gerlich, Jerry R. Schuyler, and John M. Selser, Sr. Reference is
made to the subsection titled “Legal Proceeding” under
Note 6, “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
Viking AMI
In November 2013, we entered into a Participation Agreement
regarding an AMI with Husky for the Viking Project (“Viking
AMI”). We acquired a 25% interest in approximately 3,945
acres and subsequently acquired an additional 5% in May 2014. We
had an interest in approximately 8,800 total acres and
approximately 2,600 net undeveloped acres as of December 31, 2016.
Our net cumulative investment through December 31, 2016 in
undeveloped acres in the Viking AMI was $1,387,928. In addition, we
incurred $133,468 as our share of costs related to the early stages
of the construction of a gas pipeline which was to serve the Viking
AMI. As of March 31, 2018, we believe substantially all of the
leases have expired (although some may have been renewed without
notice to us) and the leases remain subject to settlement
negotiations in the legal action referenced above.
Rosedale AMI
In December 2013, we entered into a Participation Agreement for a
25% working interest in approximately 5,000 acres in the Rosedale
AMI consisting of eight townships in South Central Oklahoma. We
subsequently acquired an additional 5% in May 2014. We had an
interest in approximately 11,600 total acres and approximately
3,500 net undeveloped acres as of December 31, 2016. Our cumulative
investment through December 31, 2016 in the Rosedale AMI was
$2,833,744. As of March 31, 2018, we believe substantially all of
the leases have expired (although some may have been renewed
without notice to us) and the leases remain subject to settlement
negotiations in the legal action referenced above.
Prairie Grove – Judy Well
In February 2014, we acquired a 10% working interest in a well in
the Prairie Grove AMI from a non-consenting third-party who elected
not to participate in the well. The well is producing at March 31,
2018.
Thunderbird AMI
In July 2014, we contracted for a 25% working interest in the
Thunderbird AMI. The total acres in which we had an interest at
December 31, 2016 was approximately 4,300 acres and approximately
1,100 net undeveloped acres. Our cumulative investment through
December 31, 2016 in the Thunderbird AMI was $949,530. As of March
31, 2018, we believe substantially all of the leases have expired
(although some may have been renewed without notice to us) and the
leases remain subject to settlement negotiations in the legal
action referenced above.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-
continued
Historical Results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and
2017:
Revenues and Cost of Revenues
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we had production
revenue of $481,164 compared to $12,950 for the three months ended
March 31, 2017. Refer to the table of production and revenue
included below for quarterly changes in revenue. Our cost of
revenue, consisting of lease operating expenses and production
taxes, was $228,903 and $4,157 for the three months ended March 31,
2018 and 2017, respectively.
Property
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Q1
- 2018
|
72
|
2,008
|
4,464
|
5,202
|
$9,666
|
Hazel (TX)
|
Q1
- 2018
|
7,786
|
0
|
471,498
|
-
|
$471,498
|
Total Q1-2018
|
|
7,858
|
2,008
|
$475,962
|
$5,202
|
$481,164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Q1
- 2017
|
101
|
2,303
|
$5,346
|
$7,604
|
$12,950
|
Hazel (TX)
|
Q1
- 2017
|
0
|
0
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total Q1-2017
|
|
101
|
2,303
|
$5,346
|
$7,604
|
$12,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Q2
- 2017
|
140
|
2,332
|
6,594
|
6,709
|
13,303
|
Hazel (TX)
|
Q2
- 2017
|
0
|
0
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total Q2-2017
|
|
140
|
2,332
|
$6,594
|
$6,709
|
$13,303
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Q3
- 2017
|
132
|
2,041
|
5,733
|
3,727
|
9,460
|
Hazel (TX)
|
Q3
- 2017
|
204
|
0
|
8,836
|
-
|
8,836
|
Total Q3-2017
|
|
336
|
2,041
|
$14,569
|
$3,727
|
$18,296
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Q4
- 2017
|
84
|
2,583
|
4,739
|
8,227
|
12,966
|
Hazel (TX)
|
Q4
- 2017
|
9,730
|
0
|
512,984
|
-
|
512,984
|
Total Q4-2017
|
|
9,814
|
2,583
|
$517,723
|
$8,227
|
$525,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,391
|
9,259
|
$544,232
|
$26,267
|
$570,499
|
The increase in revenue and related production costs results from
the operations of the Flying B wells in the Hazel project
area.
We recorded depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense of
$107,133 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to
$24,517 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -
continued
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1,675,840 and $993,404, respectively,
an increase of $682,436. Our general and administrative expenses
consisted of consulting and compensation expense, substantially all
of which was non-cash or deferred, accounting and administrative
costs, professional consulting fees, and other general corporate
expenses. The change in general and administrative expenses for the
three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 2017 is detailed as
follows:
Increase(decrease)
in audit fees
|
$63,383
|
Increase(decrease)
in consulting expense
|
$125,000
|
Increase(decrease)
in director fees
|
$(37,500)
|
Increase(decrease)
in filing and compliance fees
|
$19,178
|
Increase(decrease)
in general corporate expenses
|
$21,058
|
Increase(decrease)
in insurance
|
$(2,324)
|
Increase(decrease)
in investor relations
|
$162,506
|
Increase(decrease)
in legal fees
|
$(90,669)
|
Increase(decrease)
in non cash stock and warrant compensation
|
$424,387
|
Increase(decrease)
in repairs and maintenance
|
$(6,256)
|
Increase(decrease)
in salaries and compensation
|
$12,289
|
Increase(decrease)
in travel expense
|
$(8,616)
|
|
|
Total
(Decrease) in General and Administrative Expenses
|
$682,436
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At
March 31, 2018, we had working capital deficit of $361,502 and
total assets of $31,950,588. Stockholders’ equity was
$14,921,307.
Cash flow from operating activities for the three months ended
March 31, 2018 was $612,193 compared to $(491,910) for the three
months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $1,104,103. Cash flow
from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018
can be primarily attributed to net loss from operations of
$1,774,544, stock based compensation of $736,545, and a decrease in
prepayments for development costs. Cash flow from operating
activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 can be
primarily attributed to net loss from operations of $1,056,283 and
$312,158 in stock compensation expense. Reference the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flow for additional detail of the components
that comprise the net use of cash in operations. We expect to
continue to use cash flow in operating activities until such time
as we achieve sufficient commercial oil and gas production to cover
all of our cash costs.
Cash flow from investing activities for the three months ended
March 31, 2018 was $(4,663,018) compared to $(1,137,550) for the
three months ended March 31, 2017. Cash flow from investing
activities consists of investment in oil and gas properties in
Texas during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31,
2017.
Cash flow from financing activities for the three months ended
March 31, 2018 was $4,161,129 as compared to $-0- for the three
months ended March 31, 2017. Cash flow from financing activities
consists of proceeds from promissory notes for 2018. We expect to
continue to have cash flow provided by financing activities as we
seek new rounds of financing and continue to develop our oil and
gas investments.
We will require additional debt or equity financing to meet our
plans and needs. We face obstacles in continuing to attract new
financing due to industry conditions and our history and current
record of net losses and working capital deficits. Despite our
efforts, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to obtain
the financing required to meet our stated objectives or even to
continue as a going concern.
We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
The
Company has a non-cancelable lease for its office premises that
expires on November 30, 2019 and which requires the payment of base
lease amounts and executory costs such as taxes, maintenance and
insurance. Rental expense for the lease was $23,058 for the three
months ended March 31, 2018 and $22,473 for the three months ended
March 31, 2017.
Approximate
future minimum rental commitments under the office premises lease
are:
Year Ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
$72,495
|
To
2019 Expiration
|
88,605
|
Total
|
$161,100
|
Environmental matters
We are subject to contingencies as a result of environmental laws
and regulations. Present and future environmental laws and
regulations applicable to our operations could require substantial
capital expenditures or could adversely affect our operations in
other ways that cannot be predicted at this time. As of March 31,
2018 and December 31, 2017, no amounts have been recorded because
no specific liability has been identified that is reasonably
probable of requiring us to fund any future material
amounts.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK
Commodity Price Risk
Our
primary market risk is exposure to natural gas and crude oil
prices. Realized prices are mainly driven by worldwide prices for
crude oil and spot market prices for North American natural gas
production. Commodity prices can be volatile and unpredictable. We
presently do not use any hedging transactions with respect to our
oil and natural gas production, and accordingly, we may be subject
to significant reduction in prices which could have a material
negative impact on us.
Interest Rate Risk
Presently,
all of our outstanding debt instruments are fixed rate in nature
(i.e., the interest payments we make are based upon a predetermined
rate that does not reset), and accordingly we face a risk that
interest rates will change in an unfavorable direction.
Specifically, we run the risk that market rates will decline and
our related required payments on our outstanding debt instruments
will exceed those based on the current market rate.
Fair value of financial instruments – Financial instruments consist of cash,
receivables, payables and promissory notes, if any. The estimated
fair values of cash, receivables, and payables approximate the
carrying amount due to the relatively short maturity of these
instruments. The carrying amounts of any promissory notes
approximate their fair value giving affect for the term of the note
and the effective interest rates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), we
evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of March 31, 2018. Based
on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed
by us in the reports we submit under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the applicable rules and forms and that such
information was accumulated and communicated to our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allowed for
timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
were no changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a
description of our material pending legal proceedings, please refer
to the subsection titled “Legal Proceeding” under Note
6, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which subsection is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we issued 300,000
shares of common stock as compensation for consulting
services.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we issued 500,000
warrants as compensation for consulting
services.
All of the above sales of securities were sold under the exemption
from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act
of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The
issuances of securities did not involve a “public
offering” based upon the following factors: (i) the issuances
of securities were isolated private transactions; (ii) a limited
number of securities were issued to a limited number of purchasers;
(iii) there were no public solicitations; (iv) the investment
intent of the purchasers; and (v) the restriction on
transferability of the securities issued.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
-
continued
101.INS
|
|
XBRL Instance Document
|
101.SCH
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
|
101.CAL
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
|
101.DEF
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase
|
101.LAB
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
|
* Incorporated by reference from our previous filings with the
SEC
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized.
|
Torchlight Energy Resources, Inc.
|
|
|
Date:
May 10, 2018
|
/s/ John A. Brda
|
|
By: John A. Brda
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
Date: May 10, 2018
|
/s/ Roger Wurtele
|
|
By: Roger Wurtele
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer
|