PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and
does not contain all of the information that should be considered before investing in our common stock. Potential investors should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the more detailed
information regarding our business provided below in the "Description of Business" section, the risks of purchasing our common stock discussed under the "Risk Factors" section, and our financial
statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.
Unless
the context indicates otherwise, all references in this registration statement to "Hyperdynamics," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Hyperdynamics Corporation and our
subsidiaries, including SCS Corporation Ltd. ("SCS"). Our exploration efforts are pursuant to a Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract, as amended (the "PSC"). We refer to the rights granted
under the PSC as the "Concession." The rights in our Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea ("Guinea") are held by SCS.
Overview
We are an independent oil and gas exploration company with a 5,000 square kilometer Concession to explore for hydrocarbons offshore Guinea in
Northwest Africa. Pursuant to the PSC, we have the right to explore for hydrocarbons on the Concession and, if discoveries are made, submit for the approval of the authorities of Guinea a development
plan aimed at producing discovered hydrocarbons over a period up to 25 years.
Following
the execution of Amendment No. 1 to the PSC in March 2010 (the "First PSC Amendment") and the receipt of a Presidential Decree in May 2010, we sold a 23% gross interest
in the Concession to Dana Petroleum, PLC ("Dana"), a subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Corporation. In December 2012, we closed a sale of a 40% gross interest to Tullow Guinea Ltd.
("Tullow"), and Tullow became the Operator on April 1, 2013. A planned exploration well was initially delayed by Tullow and thereafter by the Ebola epidemic. Continued failure to resume
petroleum operations by both and Tullow and Dana in 2015 forced us to file legal actions under our Joint Operating Agreement. On August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release
Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement Agreement") that returned to Hyperdynamics 100% of the interest under the PSC, long-lead item property useful in the drilling of an exploratory well, and
$0.7 million in cash, in return for a mutual release of all claims. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala-1 well if it results in a discovery.
We
executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("Second PSC Amendment") on September 15, 2016, and received a Presidential Decree that gave us a one year extension to the second
exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period") and became the designated Operator of the Concession.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the initial PSC, we agreed in the Second PSC Amendment to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed
within the PSC Extension Period with a projected commencement date of April 2017 (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells.
Following
the signing of a Tri-Party Protocol on March 10, 2017 (the "Protocol"), with Guinea and South Atlantic Petroleum Limited ("SAPETRO"), a Nigerian independent oil company,
on March 30, 2017 we signed a Farmout Agreement ("Farmout Agreement") with SAPETRO. Under the terms of the Farmout Agreement, SAPETRO will receive a 50% participating interest in the PSC in
exchange for its commitment to pay 50% of the expenditures associated with the Concession, including the drilling of the upcoming Fatala-1 well, (the minimum work program under the PSC). Further,
SAPETRO agreed to reimburse us for half of the costs previously incurred in preparing for the well
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since
the approval of the Second PSC Amendment. The approximate total amount of such costs is estimated to be approximately $8-10 million depending on the timing of the closing of the Farmout
Agreement.
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC (the "Third PSC Amendment") that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the
closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017. The Third PSC Amendment approves the assignment of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea
concession to SAPETRO, and it confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on a 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling
operations in relation to the obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017. Also, it
provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the companies' option.
The
Third PSC Amendment reaffirms clear title of SAPETRO and SCS to the Concession as well as amends the security instrument requirements under the PSC. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to a
US $5 million security instrument to be put in place by SAPETRO and SCS within 30 days from the date of the Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such
time that the drilling rig, to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. Pursuant to the terms of the
Protocol, SAPETRO will provide the $5 million security instrument upon Government of Guinea approval to enter the Concession and completion of the Farmout Agreement. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to
joint and several liability to the Government of Guinea in respect to the PSC.
In
addition, SCS and SAPETRO separately agreed that SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement will be $15 million in "cash and
committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably" in addition to costs already incurred. SAPETRO and SCS further agreed that SAPETRO may elect to pay for a portion of SCS's
Fatala-1 well costs so long as SCS is not in default of either the PSC or the Farmout Agreement and requires credit support. In case SAPETRO makes such payments for a share of SCS's costs of, SCS
shall assign to SAPETRO 2% of its participating interest in the Concession for each $ 1 million of SCS's costs paid by SAPETRO.
Our
primary focus is the advancement of exploration work in Guinea. We have no source of operating revenue, and there is no assurance when we will, if ever. We have no operating cash
flows, and absent cash inflows we will not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due, and therefore there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as
a going concern. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they become due over the next twelve-months, and to be able to continue exploration, will depend on obtaining additional resources
through sales of additional interests in the Concession, equity or debt financial offerings, or through other means. If we further farm-out additional interests in the Concession, our percentage will
decrease. The terms of any such arrangements, if made, may not be advantageous. Our need for additional funding may also be affected by the uncertainties involved with resumption of petroleum
operations and the planned exploratory well, and other risks discussed under "Risk Factors" below.
Our
executive offices are located at 12012 Wickchester Lane, Suite 475, Houston, Texas 77079, and our telephone number is +1-713-353-9400.
Organizational History
We were incorporated in Delaware in March 1996. We have two wholly-owned subsidiaries, SCS, a Cayman corporation, and HYD Resources Corporation
("HYD"), a Texas corporation. SCS is registered as a branch in the Republic of Guinea and through SCS we hold the rights under the PSC.
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Capital Needs
On April 27, 2017, we had $0.8 million in cash and $1.0 million in trade accounts payable and accrued expense liabilities,
all of which are current. We plan to use our existing cash to fund our general corporate needs and our expenditures associated with the Concession. The net working capital available will not be
sufficient to meet our corporate needs and Concession-related activities for the quarter ending June 30, 2017. We are currently pursuing several avenues to raise funds.
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations under the PSC subjects us to risk of loss of the Concession. Potential future delays due to liquidity could adversely affect the
ability to explore the Concession in a timely manner which will diminish the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing sources.
Our
current capital resources are not sufficient to cover our financial commitments required to meet the additional exploration activity in the Concession. We will seek such funding
through additional sales of interest in the Concession, from equity or debt or other financial instruments.
As
a result and absent cash inflows, we will not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they
become due over the next quarter and twelve months and to be able to continue with our operations will depend on obtaining additional resources through sales of additional interests in the Concession,
issuing equity or debt securities, or through other means, and the resumption of petroleum operations.
No
assurance can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
About This Offering
This prospectus relates to the public offering, which is not being underwritten, by the selling stockholders listed in this prospectus, of up to
21,985,772 shares of our common stock. Of the shares being offered, (i) 20,750,629 represent a good faith estimate of the number of shares that may be issuable upon conversion of 1,951
outstanding shares of our 1% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") as well as up to 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be issued
pursuant to an option described herein, (ii) up to 1,104,073 may be issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to purchasers of the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock as well as common stock purchase warrants that may be issued pursuant to an option described herein, and (iii) 131,070 may be issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock
purchase warrants issued to, or common stock purchase warrants that may be issued to, the placement agent for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and its designees. (Such 20,750,629 shares
represent a good faith estimate of the number of shares that may be issuable upon conversion of all such Series A Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $0.25 per share, the current "floor"
on the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock.)
The
shares offered by this prospectus may be sold by the selling stockholders from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. We will receive none of the proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders. We will bear all expenses of registration incurred
in connection with this offering, but all selling and other expenses incurred by the selling stockholders will be borne by them.
Selected Risks Associated with an Investment in Shares of Our Common Stock
An investment in shares of our common stock is highly speculative and is subject to numerous risks described in the section entitled "Risk
Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should carefully consider these risks before making an investment. Some of these risks include:
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Our business is dependent on a single exploration asset.
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We are required to provide certain securities under the terms of the PSC at certain specific dates or face losing our Concession.
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We require additional financing to meet our general and administrative obligations and in order to fulfill our PSC commitments. We are
currently not in a position to predict when, if ever, we will be able to meet those obligations.
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We operate in the Republic of Guinea, a country which is a high-risk jurisdiction for corruption that could impair our ability to do business
in the future or result in significant fines or penalties.
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The absence of cash inflows into our company raises substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern as reflected in the
opinion of the auditors of our financial statements. If we are not successful in carrying out our plans, we may not be able to continue operations.
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We have no proved reserves and our exploration program may not yield oil in commercial quantities or quality, or at all.
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An extended period of depressed oil and gas prices could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and
future operating results. Oil and gas prices are volatile, and we have no ability to control the price of oil and gas. A continued substantial or extended decline in prices could adversely affect our
financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and future operating results.
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We are subject to a very tight timeline to obtain financing and begin drilling the exploration well.
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The PSC is subject to renegotiation under certain conditions which may have an adverse impact upon our operations and profitability.
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Drilling wells is speculative and potentially hazardous. Actual costs may be more than our estimates, and may not result in any discoveries.
The cost of our last drilled exploratory well was significantly higher than expected.
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We are exposed to the failure or non-performance of commercial counterparties.
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We are subject to governmental regulations, the cost of compliance with which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations and future cash flow.
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You may experience dilution of your ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock or
other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock.
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Our common stock is traded on OTC Markets and is not listed on any securities exchange. There currently is a limited market for our common
stock and there can be no assurance that a consistent trading market will ever develop. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make
it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.
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The price of our common stock historically has been volatile. This volatility may affect the price at which you could sell your common stock,
and the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
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We may not ever generate revenues or achieve profitability.
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You could lose all of your investment.
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Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 12012 Wickchester Lane, Suite 475, Houston, Texas 77079. Our telephone number is
1-713-353-9400. Our website address is http://www.hyperdynamics.com.
The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this
prospectus.
We
are a "smaller reporting company" as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and have elected to take advantage of certain
of the scaled disclosure available for smaller reporting companies.
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THE OFFERING
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Common stock currently outstanding
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21,871,658 shares(1)
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Preferred stock currently outstanding
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1,951 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
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Common stock offered by the Company
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None
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Common stock offered by the selling stockholders
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21,985,772 shares(2)
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Use of proceeds
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We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sales of our common stock by the selling stockholders.
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OTCQX Market symbol
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HDYN
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Risk Factors
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You should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set
forth in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page 1 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in shares of our common stock.
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(1)
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As
of May 18, 2017.
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(2)
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Consists
of up to 20,750,629 shares of common stock that may become issuable upon conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock as well as up
to 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option (as defined below), up to 1,104,073 may be issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock
purchase warrants issued to purchasers of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as well as common stock purchase warrants that may be issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option, and up to
131,070 may be issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to or common stock purchase warrants that may be issued to the placement agent for the Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock and its designees.
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NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains express or implied forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, in the sections captioned "Description of
Business," "Risk Factors," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere) that are based on our management's belief and assumptions and on
information currently available to our management. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements relate to future events or
our future operational or financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such
as "may," "should," "could," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "future," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "pro-forma," "potential," "attempt," "develop," "continue" or the negative of
these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for
future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the development of our Concession, (ii) a projection of income
(including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) our future financial performance,
including any such statement contained in a discussion and analysis of financial condition by management or in the results of operations included pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above.
These
statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors,
which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. These factors include, without limitation, our ability to raise additional funding as required to execute our
exploration and development program, our dependence on a single exploration asset, our lack proved reserves, our lack of operating revenue, dependence on joint development partners, the high operating
risks of developing oil and gas resources, weather conditions and natural disasters, political conditions in the regions in which we operate or propose to operate, fluctuations in prices of oil and
natural gas, the threat of terrorism, and general economic conditions. You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed with the as exhibits hereto
completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking
statements in this prospectus represent our views as of the date of this prospectus. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect
to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should therefore not rely on these
forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this prospectus.
Investors
should the carefully review the disclosures under "Risk Factors" below and the other information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, set forth in this
prospectus.
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in shares of our common stock is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. We face a variety
of risks that may affect our operations or financial results and many of those risks are driven by factors that we cannot control or predict. Before investing in our common stock you should carefully
consider the following risks, together with the financial and other information contained in this prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, financial
condition
and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline and you may lose all or a part of your investment. Only those
investors who can bear the risk of loss of their entire investment should invest in our common stock.
This prospectus contains certain statements relating to future events or the future financial performance of our company. Prospective investors are cautioned that
such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should
specifically consider the various factors identified in this prospectus, including the matters set forth below, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements.
If
any of the following or other risks materialize, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected which, in turn, could adversely
impact the value of our common stock. In such a case, investors in our common stock could lose all or part of their investment.
Prospective
investors should consider carefully whether an investment in the Company is suitable for them in light of the information contained in this prospectus and the financial
resources available to them. The risks described below do not purport to be all the risks to which the Company or the Company could be exposed. This section is a summary of certain risks and is not
set out in any particular order of priority. They are the risks that we presently believe are material to the operations of the Company. Additional risks of which we are not presently aware or which
we presently deem immaterial may also impair the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Business and the Industry in Which We Operate
Our business is dependent on a single exploration asset.
The Concession is our single exploration asset. We have been conducting exploration work related to offshore Guinea since 2002, including
significant seismic data surveys, processing, evaluations and studies, but we have no reserves and there is no assurance that our exploration work will result in any discoveries or in any commercial
success. The PSC, as amended, requires the drilling of a minimum of one additional exploration well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed at a minimum cost of $46 million. We
further agreed to begin drilling
operations, defined as having a rig capable of drilling the upcoming exploration well in the territorial waters of Guinea, by May 30, 2017. The PSC has financial and other administrative
additional obligations that need to be performed to maintain compliance with the PSC. Failure to comply could subject us to risk of loss of the Concession. In addition, oil and natural gas operations
in Africa may be subject to higher political, health and security risks than operations in other areas of the world. Any adverse development affecting our operations such as, but not limited to, the
drilling and operational hazards described below, could result in damage to, or destruction of, any wells and producing facilities constructed on the Concession as well as damage to life. As the
Concession is our only exploration asset, any adverse development affecting it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
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We executed a Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO that includes a number of conditions that must be met prior to
closing.
Our Farmout agreement contains a number of financial and other conditions that must be met prior to closing. While SCS and SAPETRO agreed that
SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement is $15 million in "cash and committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably"
in addition to costs already incurred, we are uncertain of our ability to raise those funds in order to close on the Farmout Agreement and mobilize the drilling rig in time to meet the May 30,
2017 drilling operations deadline. Should closing on the Farmout Agreement not occur in the near future, we risk being unable to meet our obligations under the PSC and a loss of the Concession.
We are required to provide certain securities under the terms of the PSC at certain specific dates or face
losing our Concession.
The Third PSC Amendment requires us and SAPETRO, to place a US $5 million security instrument within 30 days from the date of the
April 21, 2017, Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such time that the drilling rig, employed to drill the Fatala-1 well, enters Guinea territorial waters. If
SAPETRO or we are not able to place a satisfactory security instrument within the specified 30 days, the Concession will be at risk. Per the Third PSC Amendment, SCS and SAPETRO have joint and
several liability to the Government of Guinea in respect to the PSC.
We require additional financing to meet our general and administrative obligations and in order to fulfill
our PSC commitments. We are currently not in a position to predict when, if ever, we will be able to meet those obligations.
Absent cash inflows, we will not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due and therefore there is
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to meet our obligations will depend on obtaining additional funding through sales of additional interests in the
Concession, issuing equity or debt securities, or through other means, which we currently pursue. No assurance can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
The
Concession offshore Guinea is our principal asset and we do not have the funds necessary to fulfill our obligations under the PSC, as amended, and our ability to obtain additional
financing is likely dependent upon raising funds through the issuance of corporate equity or debt instruments and/or reaching farm-in agreements with prospective partner(s) who will share the costs of
the exploration program for the Concession area. There is no assurance that we will be successful in raising the funds or acquiring the partners in the time needed to execute the program required in
the PSC.
The absence of cash inflows into our company raises substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a
going concern as reflected in the opinion of the auditors of our financial statements. If we are not successful in carrying out our fund raising plans, we will not be able to continue operations.
Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. As noted in Note 1 to our financial
statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, and for the three and six months ended December 31, 2016, contained herein, the absence of cash inflows raises substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a going concern. Our auditors have noted this concern in their opinion on our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. Our financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our plans to address this problem are discussed in Note 1. There can be no assurance that we
will be successful in carrying out our plans to obtain additional cash resources. If we are unable to obtain additional cash resources, we will not be able to continue operations.
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We have no proved reserves and our exploration program may not yield oil in commercial quantities or quality,
or at all.
We have no proved reserves. We have drilled one exploratory well which had non-commercial results. We have identified prospects and leads based
on seismic and geological information that we believe indicate the potential presence of hydrocarbons. However, we operated in a virgin basin without any hydrocarbon discoveries and the areas to be
drilled may not yield oil in commercial quantities or quality, or at all. Even when properly used and interpreted, 2-dimensional ("2D") and 3-dimensional ("3D") seismic data and visualization
techniques are only tools used to assist geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators and do not enable the interpreter to know whether hydrocarbons are, in fact,
present in those structures. Accordingly, we do not know if any of our prospects will contain oil in sufficient quantities, or at all, or quality to recover drilling and completion costs or to be
economically viable. Even if oil is found in commercial quantities, construction costs of oil pipelines or floating production systems, as applicable, and transportation costs may prevent such leads
from being economically viable. If these exploration efforts do not prove to be successful, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
Efforts to attract commercial partners may not be successful and may not be on terms advantageous to us.
We have no source of operating revenue and will need to obtain additional resources through sales of additional interests in the Concession,
equity or debt financings, or through other means. If we seek to sell additional interests in the Concession, we may not be successful in attracting a commercial partner, or the commercial partner may
not have the capital resources or other attributes that are deemed desirable by us. If we enter into an arrangement, the terms may not be advantageous to us. Any such arrangement will likely involve
the transfer of a negotiated interest in the Concession, which could reduce the potential profitability of our interest in the Concession.
An extended period of depressed oil and gas prices could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity,
ability to obtain financing and future operating results. Oil and gas prices are volatile, and we have no ability to control the price of oil and gas. A continued substantial or extended decline in
prices could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and future operating results.
We currently have no source of operating revenue. Our financial condition is based solely on our ability to sell equity or debt securities to
investors, enter into an additional joint operating or similar strategic relationship with an industry partner, sell interests related to the Concession or borrow funds. We expect that entering into
these joint operating or similar relationships would entail transferring a portion of our interest in the Concession to such partner. Such investors
would consider the price of oil and gas in making an investment decision. Prolonged periods of low oil and gas prices could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain
financing, and operating results. Low oil and gas prices in the future will likely also reduce the amount of oil and gas that we could produce economically and could have a negative effect on our
future financial results. Historically, oil and gas prices and markets have been volatile and they are likely to continue to be volatile, with prices fluctuating widely in response to relatively minor
changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. These factors include:
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the level of domestic and foreign supplies of oil;
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the level of consumer product demand;
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weather conditions and natural disasters;
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political conditions in oil producing regions throughout the world;
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the ability of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to agree to and maintain oil production;
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speculation as to the future price of oil and natural gas and the speculative trading of oil and natural gas futures contracts;
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price and production controls;
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political and economic conditions, including embargoes in oil-producing countries or affecting other oil-producing activities, particularly in
the Middle East, Africa, Russia and South America;
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continued threat of terrorism and the impact of military and other action, including U.S. military operations in the Middle East;
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the level of global oil and natural gas exploration and production activity;
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the price of foreign oil imports;
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actions of governments;
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domestic and foreign governmental regulations;
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the price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels;
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technological advances affecting energy consumption;
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global economic conditions; and
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the value of the U.S. dollar, the Euro and fluctuations in exchange rates generally.
These
factors and the volatile nature of the energy markets make it impossible to predict oil and gas prices. Our inability to respond appropriately to changes in these factors could
have a material adverse effect on our business plan, financial position, results of operations and future cash flows.
The Second and Third PSC Amendments significantly reduced our acreage and interest in the Concession and we
agreed to a very tight timeline to obtain financing and begin drilling the exploration well.
We received a one year extension and 100% of the Concession pursuant to rights granted to us under the Second PSC Amendment signed on
September 15, 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the Second PSC Amendment, we agreed to relinquish an additional 77% of the remaining acreage, agreed to a very ambitious drilling timeline,
requiring that drilling operations for the Fatala-1 well must commence no later than May 30, 2017. We further agreed to provide security to the Government of Guinea and agreed to financial
penalties for failure to drill the exploration well. Our interest in the Concession was further diminished under the Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO and the Third PSC Amendment. Our reduced acreage and
tight timeline have reduced the value of the Concession and our ability to attract financing and third parties to join us in exploration activities. There is no guarantee that we will be able to raise
the necessary funds or meet the drilling timeline.
The PSC is subject to renegotiation under certain conditions which may have an adverse impact upon our
operations and profitability.
The PSC provides that should the Guinea government note material differences between provisions of the PSC and international standards or the
Guinea Petroleum Code, the parties will renegotiate the relevant articles of the PSC. If the Guinea government identifies material differences between the PSC's provisions and international standards
or the Guinea Petroleum Code, there is no assurance that we will be able to negotiate an acceptable modification to the PSC. If the parties are not successful in renegotiating the relevant articles of
the PSC, the parties may be required to submit the matter to international arbitration. There is no assurance that any arbitration would be successful or otherwise lead to articles that are more
favorable to us than the present articles. Therefore, the results of such negotiations or arbitration could be unfavorable to us and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial position, results of operation and future cash flows.
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We may not be able to obtain the additional capital necessary to achieve our business plan.
Our business is capital intensive and we must invest a significant amount in our activities. We intend to make substantial capital expenditures
to find, develop, and produce natural gas and oil reserves.
Additional
capital could be obtained from a combination of funding sources. The current potential funding sources and the potential adverse effects attributable thereto,
include:
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sales or assignments of interests in the Concession and exploration program, which would reduce any future revenues from that program while at
the same time offsetting potential expenditures;
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offerings of equity, equity-linked and convertible debt securities, which would dilute the equity interests of our stockholders;
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debt and convertible debt offerings, which would increase our leverage and add to our need for cash to service such debt and which could result
in assets being pledged as collateral; and
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borrowing from financial institutions, which may subject us to certain restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting our ability to
raise additional capital or pay dividends.
It
is difficult to quantify the amount of financing we may need to fund our business plan in the longer term. The amount of funding we may need in the future depends on various factors
such as:
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our financial position;
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the cost of exploration and drilling;
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the prevailing market price of natural gas and oil; and
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the lead time required to bring any discoveries to production.
If
we do not obtain capital resources in the future it is unlikely that we will be able to continue to pursue exploration offshore Guinea and our financial condition and operations will
be adversely affected.
We are highly dependent on our management team and consultants, and any failure to retain the services of
such parties could adversely affect our ability to effectively manage our operations or successfully execute our business plan.
Our business is dependent on retaining the services of a small number of key personnel of the appropriate caliber as the business develops. Our
success is, and will continue to be to a significant extent, dependent upon the expertise and experience of the directors, senior management and certain key consultants, but the retention of their
services cannot be guaranteed. The loss of key members of our management team or other highly qualified professionals has adversely affected our ability to effectively manage our overall operations or
successfully execute current or future business strategies. If any further member of management, director, or other consultants were to leave our company, it may have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and/or growth prospects.
Claims and lawsuits against us may result in adverse outcomes.
While there are currently no pending legal proceedings to which we are a party (or that are to our knowledge contemplated by governmental
authorities) that we believe will have individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results, from time to time we may become involved
in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in any such matters could
occur that could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations,
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including
significant monetary damages or limitations on our ability to engage in our business activities. Although we have director and officer insurance, in case such claims arise it may not apply
to or fully cover any liabilities we may incur as a result of these lawsuits.
Drilling wells is speculative and potentially hazardous. Actual costs may be more than our estimates, and may
not result in any discoveries. The cost of our recently drilled exploratory well was significantly higher than expected.
Although SCS has contracted what it believes to be a high quality modern drillship rig and reliable contractors for a significant portion of the
drilling technological services, exploring for and developing oil reserves involves a high degree of operational and financial risk, which precludes definitive statements as to the time required and
costs involved in reaching certain objectives. The budgeted costs of drilling, completing, and operating wells are often exceeded, especially in the ultra-deep offshore. The cost of our exploratory
well, the Sabu-1, was higher than we initially expected, primarily due to numerous delays and issues related to mechanical and operational matters on the rig, logistical delays resulting from limited
port facilities in Guinea, and an expanded well logging program. In addition, oil was not discovered in commercial quantities. Unexpected delays and increases in costs associated with the upcoming
well drilled in the future, could adversely affect our results of operation, financial position, liquidity and business plans.
Drilling
may be unsuccessful for many reasons, including geological conditions, weather, cost overruns, equipment shortages and mechanical difficulties. Exploratory wells bear a much
greater risk of loss than development wells. The successful drilling of an oil well may not be indicative of the potential for the development of a commercially viable field and will not necessarily
result in a profit on investment. A variety of factors, both geological and market-related, can cause a well to become uneconomic or only marginally economic.
There
are a variety of operating risks, including:
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blowouts, cratering and explosions;
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mechanical and equipment problems;
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uncontrolled flows of oil and gas or well fluids;
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fires;
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marine hazards with respect to offshore operations;
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formations with abnormal pressures;
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pollution and other environmental risks; and
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weather conditions and natural disasters.
Offshore
operations are subject to a variety of operating risks particular to the marine environment, such as capsizing and collisions. Also, offshore operations are subject to damage or
loss from adverse weather conditions. Any of these events could result in loss of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of our operations and substantial
losses.
The
site for the next exploratory well we plan to drill will be in the ultra-deep water. Deep-water drilling generally requires more time and more advanced drilling technologies than
exploration in shallower waters, involving a higher risk of equipment failure and higher drilling costs. In addition,
even if there is a discovery, taking it to production presents risks that we may not be currently aware of. If we participate in the development of new subsea infrastructure and use floating
production systems to transport oil from producing wells, these operations may require substantial time for installation or encounter mechanical difficulties and equipment failures that could result
in significant
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liabilities,
cost overruns, or delays. Furthermore, deep-water operations generally, and operations in West Africa in particular, lack the physical oilfield service infrastructure present in other
regions. As a result, a significant amount of time may elapse between a deep-water discovery and the marketing of the associated oil and natural gas, increasing both the financial and operational
risks involved with these operations. Because of the lack and high cost of this infrastructure, further discoveries we may make in Guinea may never be economically producible.
The cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oilfield services, as well as gathering systems
and processing facilities, and our dependence on industry contractors generally, could adversely impact us.
We are dependent on industry contractors for the success of our oil and gas exploration projects. In particular, our drilling activity offshore
Guinea will require that we have access to offshore drilling rigs and contracts with experienced operators of such rigs. The availability and cost of drilling rigs and other equipment and services,
and the skilled personnel required to operate those rigs and equipment is affected by the level and location of drilling activity around the world. An increase in drilling operations worldwide may
reduce the availability and increase the cost to us of drilling rigs, other equipment and services, and appropriately experienced drilling contractors. The reduced availability of such equipment and
services may delay our ability to discover reserves and higher costs for such equipment and services may increase our costs, both of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and future cash flow. If we succeed in constructing oil wells, we may be required to shut them because access to pipelines, gathering systems or processing facilities may be limited or
unavailable. If that were to occur, we would be unable to realize revenue from those wells until arrangements were made to deliver the production to market, which could cause a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial condition.
Operator's responsibilities pose high risk in terms of organizing operations safely, in an environmentally
responsible way and within the terms prescribed by the applicable legislation.
Under the terms of the PSC and the Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO, SCS is designated as the Operator. The Farmout Agreement includes reciprocal
"knock-for-knock" indemnities and SCS and SAPETRO are jointly and severally liable for the obligations under the PSC, as amended, to the Government of Guinea. Due to the complexity of the oil and gas
operations of drilling deep-water exploration wells, we are unable to provide assurances that complications while drilling operations will not occur, whether we will be able to cover claims that may
arise, and whether we will be able to carry sufficient catastrophic well insurance to adequately cover us.
We are exposed to the failure or non-performance of commercial counterparties.
Our operations will be dependent on certain third parties with whom we have commercial agreements (such as drilling contractors and the parties
responsible for transporting and/or storing our production) for our future exploration, development, production, sales or other activities. The efficiency, timeliness and quality of contract
performance by third party providers are largely beyond our direct control. If one or more of these third parties fails to meet its contractual obligations to us, or if such services are temporarily
or permanently unavailable (for example, as a result of technical problems or industrial action), or not available on commercially acceptable terms, we may experience a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, financial condition and future cash flow. In addition, as a named party under the PSC, we could be held liable for the environmental, health and safety impacts arising
out of the activities of our drilling project management contractor or any other third party service provider contracted by us or on our behalf, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and future cash flow.
In
particular, we cannot give any assurance in relation to the ability of our co-venturer, SAPETRO, to pay for its portion of the costs associated with the Concession, including, but not
limited
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to
the Fatala-1 well costs as well as costs related to subsequent operations (herein "Project Costs"). Although currently SAPETRO seems to have sufficient financial resources to cover its share of
Project Costs, in case SAPETRO does not pay any material part of its share of the Project Costs, it is highly probable that SCS will not be able to continue operations provided under the terms of the
PSC and Farmout Agreement on its own.
Participants in the oil and gas industry are subject to numerous laws that can affect the cost, manner or
feasibility of doing business.
Exploration and production activities in the oil and gas industry are subject to local laws and regulations. We may be required to make large
expenditures to comply with governmental laws and regulations, particularly in respect of the following matters:
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licenses for drilling operations;
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tax increases, including retroactive claims;
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unitization of oil accumulations;
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local content requirements (including the mandatory use of local partners and vendors); and
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environmental requirements and obligations, including investigation and/or remediation activities.
Under
these and other laws and regulations, we could be liable for personal injuries, property damage and other types of damages. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations also
may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Moreover, new laws and regulations may be enacted and current laws and
regulations could change or their interpretations could change, in ways that could substantially increase our costs. These
risks may be higher in the developing countries in which we conduct our operations, where there could be a lack of clarity or lack of consistency in the application of these laws and regulations. Any
resulting liabilities, penalties, suspensions or terminations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore,
the explosion and sinking in April 2010 of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig during operations on the Macondo exploration well in the Gulf of Mexico, and the resulting oil
spill, have increased the risks faced by those drilling for oil in deep-water regions, including increased industry standards, governmental regulation and enforcement, and less favorable investor
perception of the risk-adjusted benefits of deep-water offshore drilling.
The
occurrence of any of these factors, or the continuation thereof, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or future results of operations.
We may not be able to commercialize our interests in any oil and natural gas produced from our Guinea
Concession.
Our Concession is in the deep-water area offshore Guinea. Even if we find accumulations of hydrocarbons, we may not be able to commercialize our
interests due to the geology, water depth, and distance to shore. There is no ready market for hydrocarbons in Guinea, and the development of the market for natural gas in West Africa is in its early
stages. Currently there is no infrastructure to transport and process crude hydrocarbons on commercial terms in Guinea, and the expenses associated with constructing such infrastructure ourselves may
not be commercially viable. Unless there is a significant shift in market conditions in Guinea, there is likely to be limited or no value derived from any natural gas produced from our Guinea
Concession.
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Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover losses, or we could be subject to uninsured liabilities
which could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
There are circumstances where insurance will not cover or where it will not be sufficient to cover the consequences of an event, or where we may
become liable for costs incurred in
events or incidents against which we either cannot insure or may elect not to have insured (whether on account of prohibitive premium costs or for other commercial reasons). Further, insurance
covering certain matters (such as sovereign risk, terrorism and many environmental risks) may not be available to us. Moreover, we may be subject to large excess payments in the event a third party
has a valid claim against us, and therefore may not be entitled to recover the full extent of our loss, or may decide that it is not economical to seek to do so. The realization of any significant
liabilities in connection with our future activities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future cash flow.
There
are risks associated with the drilling of oil and natural gas wells which could significantly reduce our revenues or cause substantial losses, impairing our future operating
results. We may become subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs or other hazards, including those arising out of the activities of our third-party contractors. We intend to obtain insurance with
respect to certain of these hazards, but such insurance likely will have limitations that may prevent us from recovering the full extent of such liabilities. The payment by us of such liabilities
could reduce the funds available to us or could, in an extreme case, result in a total loss of our properties and assets. Moreover, oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all
the risks typically associated with such operations, including premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
We may incur a variety of costs to engage in business transactions, and the anticipated benefits of those
transactions may never be realized.
As a part of our business strategy, we enter into business transactions, or significant investments in, other assets, particularly those that
would allow us to produce oil and natural gas and generate revenue to fund our exploration activities. Any future acquisitions would be accompanied by risks such
as:
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diversion of our management's attention from ongoing business concerns;
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our potential inability to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful development of the asset or assets acquired;
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impairment of our relationship with our existing employees if we cannot hire employees to staff any new operations and our existing employees
are required to staff both old and new operations; and
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maintenance of uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies.
We
cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate any business, products, technologies or personnel that we might acquire in the future, and our failure to do so could
harm our business.
We have competition from other companies that have larger financial and other resources than we do, which
puts us at a competitive disadvantage.
A large number of companies and individuals engage in drilling for gas and oil, and there is competition for the most desirable prospects. We
are likely to face competition from international oil and gas companies, which already may have significant operations in a region, together with potential new entrants into such markets, any of which
may have greater financial, technological and other resources than us. There is a high degree of competition for the discovery and acquisition of properties considered to have a commercial potential.
We compete with other companies for the acquisition of oil
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and
gas interests, as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and other personnel.
There
can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively with other existing oil and gas companies, or any new entrants to the industry. Any failure by us to
compete effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future cash flow.
We do not have reserve reports for the Concession and our expectations as to oil and gas reserves are
uncertain and may vary substantially from any actual production.
We neither have reserves nor any reserve reports for the Concession. A reserve report is the estimated quantities of oil and gas based on
reports prepared by third party reserve engineers. Reserve reporting is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner.
Expectations as to oil and gas reserves are uncertain and may vary substantially from any actual production.
We have not yet determined the accounting impact of the issuance of our Series A Preferred Stock and
warrants.
In our March and April 2017 private placement, we issued the Series A Preferred stock, which is convertible into our common stock, and
warrants to purchase common stock. We have not yet completed the accounting analysis for the securities, but because of certain provisions, the accounting treatment is likely to result in a liability
component that would be required to be marked to market at each quarterly balance sheet date, with changes to income or expense in our statement of operations, which could introduce variability in
earnings depending on the valuation.
Risks Relating to Operating in Guinea
We operate in the Republic of Guinea, a country which is a high-risk jurisdiction for corruption that could
impair our ability to do business in the future or result in significant fines or penalties.
We are the Operator in a Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea, a country where corruption has been known to exist. There is a risk of
violating either the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, laws or legislation promulgated pursuant to the 1997 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business
Transactions, or Guinea anti-corruption regulations that generally prohibit the making of improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business.
The
Republic of Guinea is largely a cash-based society and that creates additional internal control and related risks. We have been subject to investigations by the Department of Justice
and Securities and Exchange Commission under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") into how we obtained or retained the original Concession and spent approximately $12.8 million in
legal fees in working with the US Government. Those matters were resolved in 2015, but should the DOJ, the SEC, or the Republic of Guinea open additional investigations regarding prior or current
activities in the Republic Guinea or elsewhere, we do not have the financial ability to bear the cost of additional investigations and are unable to predict whether we will be able to raise the funds
to properly defend the Company.
Geopolitical instability where we operate subjects us to political, economic and other uncertainties.
We conduct business in Guinea, which is in a region of the world where there have been prior civil wars, revolutions, coup
d'états and internecine conflicts. There is the risk of political violence and increased social tension in Guinea as a result of the past political upheaval, and there is a risk of
civil
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unrest,
crime and labor unrest at times. Since 2010, democratic elections have been held, a president was democratically elected and re-elected. While these developments indicate that the political
situation in Guinea is improving, external or internal political forces potentially could create a political or military climate that might cause a change in political leadership, the outbreak of
hostilities, or civil unrest. Such uncertainties could result in our having to cease our Guinea operations and result in the loss or delay of our rights under the PSC.
Further,
we face political and economic risks and other uncertainties with respect to our operations, which may include, among other things:
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loss of future revenue, property and equipment, as a result of hazards such as expropriation, war, acts of terrorism, insurrection and other
political risks;
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increases in taxes and governmental royalties;
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unilateral renegotiation or cancellation of contracts by governmental entities;
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difficulties enforcing our rights against a governmental agency because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity and foreign sovereignty over
international operations;
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changes in laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies; and
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currency restrictions and exchange rate fluctuations.
Realization
of any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or growth prospects. The Consortium's operations
in Guinea also may be adversely affected by laws and policies of multiple jurisdictions.
An epidemic of the Ebola virus disease in Guinea could adversely affect our business operations and financial
condition.
There was an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in Guinea in 2013 - 2015. While the World Health Organization declared Guinea
Ebola free on December 29, 2015, sporadic new cases of infection have occurred, and any future outbreak of the Ebola virus will adversely affect our business operations and financial condition.
Any
drilling activities in Guinea will require safe access to the Conakry airport and port as well as other infrastructure in Guinea. If there is another Ebola virus outbreak, drilling
plans will likely be delayed or could be compromised and costs of operations will be increased, which additional costs we may not be able to cover in a timely manner and thus we could lose our
participating interest in the Guinea Concession. Further, if contractors or subcontractors impose travel bans or personnel refuse to travel to Guinea, drilling plans will be further delayed or
interrupted after commencement. It is likely that the cost of any services could be significantly higher than planned which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, business, and
results of operations.
We are subject to governmental regulations, the cost of compliance with which may have an adverse effect on
our financial condition, results of operations and future cash flow.
Oil and gas operations in Guinea will be subject to government regulation and to interruption or termination by governmental authorities on
account of ecological and other considerations. It is impossible to predict future government proposals that might be enacted into law, future interpretation of existing laws or future amendments to
the Guinea Petroleum Code or any other laws, or the effect those new or amended laws or changes in interpretation of existing laws might have on us. Restrictions on oil and gas activities, such as
production restrictions, price controls, tax increases and pollution and environmental controls may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and future cash
flows.
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Social, economic and health conditions in Guinea may adversely affect our business, results of operation,
financial condition and future cash flow.
As all of our potential revenue generating assets are currently located in Guinea, our operations are dependent on the economic and political
conditions prevailing in Guinea. Accordingly, we are subject to the risks associated with conducting business in and with a foreign country, including the risks of changes in the country's laws and
policies (including those relating to taxation, royalties, acquisitions, disposals, imports and exports, currency, environmental protection, management of natural resources, exploration and
development of mines, labor and safety standards, and historical and cultural preservation). The costs associated with compliance with these laws and regulations are substantial, and possible future
laws and regulations as well as changes to existing laws and regulations could impose additional costs on us, require us to incur additional capital expenditures and/or impose restrictions on or
suspensions of our operations and delays in the development of our assets.
Further,
these laws and regulations may allow government authorities and private parties to bring legal claims based on damages to property and injury to persons resulting from the
environmental, health and safety impacts of our past and current operations and could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions. If material, these
compliance costs, claims or fines could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or growth prospects. In addition, Guinea has high levels of
poverty, crime, unemployment and an undeveloped health care system.
The legal and judicial system in Guinea is relatively undeveloped and subject to frequent changes, and we may
be exposed to similar risks if we operate in certain other jurisdictions.
Guinea has a less developed legal and judicial system than more established economies which could result in risks such as: (i) effective
legal redress in the courts of such jurisdictions, whether in respect of a breach of contract, law or regulation, or in an ownership dispute, being more difficult to obtain; (ii) a higher
degree of discretion on the part of Governmental authorities who may be susceptible to corruption; (iii) the lack of judicial or administrative guidance on interpreting applicable rules and
regulations; (iv) inconsistencies or conflicts between and within various laws, regulations, decrees, orders and resolutions; or (v) relative inexperience of the judiciary and courts in
such matters. In Guinea and certain other jurisdictions, the commitment of local business people, government officials and agencies and the judicial system to abide by legal requirements and
negotiated agreements may be more uncertain, creating particular concerns with respect to the Concession or other licenses, permits or approvals required by us for the operation of our business, which
may be susceptible to revision or cancellation, and legal redress may be uncertain or delayed. There can be no assurance that joint ventures, licenses, license applications or other legal arrangements
will not be adversely affected by the actions of government authorities or others, and the effectiveness of and enforcement of such arrangements in these jurisdictions cannot be assured.
Investment Risks
You could lose all of your investment.
An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Potential investors should be aware that the value of an
investment in the Company may go down as
well as up. In addition, there can be no certainty that the market value of an investment in the Company will fully reflect its underlying value. You could lose your entire investment.
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You may experience dilution of your ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares
of our common or preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock.
In the future, we may issue our authorized but previously unissued equity securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of
our present stockholders and the purchasers of our common stock offered hereby. The Company is authorized to issue an aggregate of 87,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of "blank
check" preferred stock. We may issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock in connection with hiring or retaining
employees, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes. The future issuance of any such additional shares of our common stock may
create downward pressure on the trading price of the common stock. We will need to raise additional capital in the near future to meet our working capital needs, and there can be no assurance that we
will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with these capital raising efforts, including at a price (or exercise prices)
below the price you paid for your stock.
Future sales of our common stock or securities convertible or exchangeable for our common stock, or the
perception that such sales might occur, may cause our stock price to decline and may dilute your voting power and your ownership interest in us.
If our existing stockholders or warrant or option holders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our common stock in the
public market, the price of our common stock could decline. The perception in the market that these sales may occur could also cause the price of our common stock to decline. Upon the effectiveness of
the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or other registration statements we could elect to file with respect to any other outstanding shares of common stock, any sales
of those shares or any perception in the market that such sales may occur could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. As of the date of effectiveness of such registration statement,
such shares registered for resale will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") except for shares purchased by affiliates.
The ability of our Board of Directors to issue additional stock may prevent or make more difficult certain
transactions, including a sale or merger of the Company.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 87,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock with powers,
rights and preferences designated by it. (1,951 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are currently outstanding.) Shares of voting or convertible preferred stock could be issued, or rights to
purchase such shares could be issued, to create voting impediments or to frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control of the Company. The ability of the Board of Directors
to issue such additional shares of preferred stock, with rights and preferences it deems advisable, could discourage an attempt by a party to acquire control of the Company by tender offer or other
means. Such issuances could therefore deprive stockholders of benefits that could result from such an attempt, such as the realization of a premium over the market price for their shares in a tender
offer or the temporary increase in market price that such an attempt could cause. Moreover, the issuance of such additional shares of preferred stock to persons friendly to the Board of Directors
could make it more difficult to remove incumbent managers and directors from office even if such change were to be favorable to stockholders generally.
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There currently is a limited market for our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active public
market will ever develop. Failure to develop or maintain an active trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.
There is currently only a limited public market for shares of our common stock, and an active trading market may never develop. Our common stock
is quoted on the OTC Markets. The OTC Markets is a thinly traded market and lacks the liquidity of certain other public markets with which some investors may have more experience. We may not ever be
able to satisfy the listing requirements for our common stock to be listed on a national securities exchange, which is often a more widely-traded and liquid market. Some, but not all, of the factors
which may delay or prevent the listing of our common stock on a more widely-traded and liquid market include the following: our stockholders' equity may be insufficient; the market value of our
outstanding securities may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low; our common stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our common
stock; and we may fail to meet the rules and requirements mandated by the several exchanges and markets to have our common stock listed. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of the
national exchanges, or our common stock is otherwise rejected for listing, and remains listed on the OTC Markets or is suspended from the OTC Markets, the trading price of our common stock could
suffer and the trading market for our common stock may be less liquid and our common stock price may be subject to increased volatility.
The price of our common stock historically has been volatile. This volatility may affect the price at which
you could sell your common stock, and the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
The closing price for our common stock has varied between a high of $2.80 on January 4, 2017 and a low of $0.3601 on June 29,
2016, for the twelve months ended April 30, 2017. On May 17, 2017, the closing price of our common stock was $1.73. This volatility may affect the price at which an investor could sell
the common stock, and the sale of substantial amounts of our common stock could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Our stock price is likely to continue to be volatile and subject to
significant price and volume fluctuations in response to market and other factors, including the other factors discussed in section entitled "Risks Relating to Our Business and the Industry in Which
We Operate," variations in our quarterly operating results from our expectations or those of securities analysts or investors; downward revisions in securities analysts' estimates; and announcement by
us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments.
Our common stock is subject to the "penny stock" rules of the SEC and the trading market in the securities is
limited, which makes transactions in the stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.
Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a "penny stock," for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security
that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt,
the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to
the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In
order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the
person and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to
be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
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The
broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight
form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (b) confirms that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the
investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the "penny stock" rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to
dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our common stock.
Disclosure
also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker or
dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly
statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Our stock may be traded infrequently and in low volumes, so you may be unable to sell your shares at or near
the quoted bid prices if you need to sell your shares.
Until our Common stock is listed on a national securities exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, we expect our
common stock to remain eligible for quotation on the OTC Markets, or on another over-the-counter quotation system, or in the "pink sheets." In those venues, however, the shares of our common stock may
trade infrequently and in low volumes, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. An
investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock or to sell his or her shares at or near bid prices or at all. In addition, if we fail to meet
the criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors.
Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect the liquidity of our common stock. This would also make it more
difficult for us to raise capital.
We do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock, and investors may lose the entire amount of their
investment.
Cash dividends have never been declared or paid on our common stock, and we do not anticipate such a declaration or payment for the foreseeable
future. We expect to use future earnings, if any, to fund business growth. Therefore, stockholders will not receive any funds absent a sale of their shares of common stock. If we do not pay dividends,
our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates. We cannot assure stockholders of a positive return on their investment when
they sell their shares, nor can we assure that stockholders will not lose the entire amount of their investment.
We are a smaller reporting company and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable
to smaller reporting companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We qualify as a "smaller reporting company" (meaning that we are not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned
subsidiary of a parent company that is not a smaller reporting company, and we have a public float of less than $75 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second
fiscal quarter), which allows us to take advantage of a number of exemptions from SEC disclosure requirements in this prospectus and our periodic reports and proxy statements, including, among other
things, simplified executive compensation disclosures, only being required to provide two (rather than three) years of audited financial statements, and not being required to comply with the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that our
24
Table of Contents
independent
registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Decreased disclosures in our SEC filings due to our
status as a "smaller reporting company" may make it harder for investors to analyze our results of operations and financial prospects and may cause some investors to find our common stock less
attractive because we rely on these exemptions, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.
Certain provisions of Delaware law and our charter documents may impede or discourage a takeover, which could
adversely impact the market price of our shares.
As a Delaware corporation, we are governed by anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"DGCL") that prohibit certain publicly-traded Delaware corporations from engaging in a business combination with anyone who owns at least 15% of its common stock for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired the 15% ownership, unless the certification of incorporation or by-laws of the corporation contain a provision expressly electing
not to be governed by this anti-takeover statute, the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner, or the corporation does not have a class of voting stock that is listed on a national
securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 stockholders of record. We are currently not subject to these restrictions; however, our certification of incorporation and by-laws do not contain a
provision electing not to be governed by this statute, and once our common stock is listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 stockholders of record, we will become subject
to these restrictions, which may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for our common stock, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our common stock.
Certain
other provisions of Delaware law and of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a
change in control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders, or could discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for our common stock. In addition, these provisions may
frustrate or prevent any attempt by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult to replace or remove our Board of Directors. These provisions
include:
-
-
no cumulative voting in the election of directors;
-
-
the exclusive right of our Board of Directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board of Directors or the
resignation, death or removal of a director;
-
-
a requirement that special meetings of stockholders be called only by the chairperson of the board of directors, the chief executive officer
or, by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors,
-
-
an advance notice requirement for stockholder proposals and nominations;
-
-
the authority of our board of directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as our board of directors may determine; and
-
-
elimination of personal liability for breaches of fiduciary duty as a director, to the extent permitted under the Delaware law.
These
restrictions, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our common stock.
Being a public company is expensive and administratively burdensome.
As a public reporting company, we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other
federal securities laws, rules and regulations related
25
Table of Contents
thereto,
including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Complying with these laws and regulations requires the time and attention of our Board of Directors and management, and increases our
expenses. Among other things, we are required to:
-
-
maintain and evaluate a system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
-
-
maintain policies relating to disclosure controls and procedures;
-
-
prepare and distribute periodic reports in compliance with our obligations under federal securities laws;
-
-
institute a more comprehensive compliance function, including with respect to corporate governance; and
-
-
involve, to a greater degree, our outside legal counsel and accountants in the above activities.
The
costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders is expensive and much
greater than that of a privately-held company, and compliance with these rules and regulations may require us to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance personnel, and
will involve a material increase in regulatory, legal and accounting expenses and the attention of management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable regulations
in a timely manner, if at all. In addition, being a public company makes it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. In the future, we may be required to accept
reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain this coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executives and members of our Board
of Directors, particularly directors willing to serve on an audit committee which we expect to establish.
Any failure to maintain effective internal control over our financial reporting could materially adversely
affect us.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to include in our annual reports on Form 10-K an assessment by
management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, at such time, if any, as we are no longer a "smaller reporting company," our independent registered
public accounting firm will have to attest to and report on management's assessment of the effectiveness of such internal control over financial reporting. Based upon the last evaluation conducted as
of June 30, 2016, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of such date to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board
of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States.
Although
our management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2016, if we fail to maintain effective internal control, we may be
unable to prevent or detect fraud or provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements. This could result in a loss of investor
confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could negatively affect the price of our common stock.
In
particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management and (if required in future) our independent
registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404(b). Our compliance with Section 404(b) may
require that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal
26
Table of Contents
audit
group. We may need to retain the services of additional accounting and financial staff or consultants with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge to satisfy the
ongoing requirements of Section 404(b). We intend to review the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures and make any changes management determines appropriate, including to
achieve compliance with Section 404(b) by the date on which we are required to so comply.
***
The risks above do not necessarily comprise all of those associated with an investment in the Company. This prospectus contains forward looking statements that involve unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those set out
above.
27
Table of Contents
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This prospectus covers the resale from time to time by the selling stockholders identified in the table below of up to 21,985,772 shares of our
common stock. Of the shares being offered:
-
(i)
-
up
to 8,177,031 may be issuable upon conversion of 1,951 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock,
-
(ii)
-
up
to 12,573,598 may be issuable upon conversion of up to 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option,
-
(iii)
-
435,073
are issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to purchasers of the Series A Preferred Stock,
-
(iv)
-
up
to 669,000 may be issuable upon exercise of common stock purchase warrants that may be issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option,
-
(v)
-
51,650
are issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to the placement agent for the Series A Preferred Stock and its
designees, and
-
(vi)
-
up
to 79,420 may be issuable upon exercise of common stock purchase warrants that may be issued to the placement agent for the Series A Preferred Stock and
its designees in connection with exercises of the Subscriber Option.
The
number of shares set forth in (i) and (ii) above represent a good faith estimate of the number of shares that would become issuable upon conversion of all of such
Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $0.25 per share, the current "floor" on the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock.) (See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering" below for a description of the Subscriber Option, and "Description of
SecuritiesPreferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock" below for a description of the conversion rights of the Series A Preferred Stock.)
Pursuant
to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, this prospectus also covers the resale of shares of common stock that may become issuable or be issued pursuant to provisions of the
Series A Preferred Stock, Investor Warrants and Placement Agent Warrants to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends, or similar transactions ("Anti-Dilution Shares").
The
selling stockholders identified in the table below may from time to time offer and sell under this prospectus any or all of the shares of common stock described under the columns
"Shares of Common Stock Owned Prior to This Offering and Registered Hereby" and "Shares Issuable upon Exercise of Warrants Owned Prior to This Offering and Registered Hereby" in the table below. The
table does not include any Anti-Dilution Shares that may be issued to and sold by the selling stockholders hereunder.
The
table below has been prepared based upon the information furnished to us by the selling stockholders as of the date of this prospectus. The selling stockholders identified below may
have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of some or all of their shares since the date on which the information in the following table is presented in transactions exempt from or not subject to
the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Information concerning the selling stockholders may change from time to time and, if necessary, we will amend or supplement this prospectus
accordingly. We cannot give an estimate as to the number of shares of common stock that will actually be held by the selling stockholders upon termination of this offering because the selling
stockholders may offer some or all of their common stock under the offering contemplated by this prospectus or acquire additional shares of common stock. The total number of shares that may be sold
hereunder will not exceed the number of shares offered hereby. Please read the section entitled "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus.
28
Table of Contents
The following table sets forth the name of each selling stockholder, the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such stockholder before this offering, the number of
shares to be offered for such stockholder's account and the number and (if one percent or more) the percentage of the class to be beneficially owned by such stockholder after completion of the
offering. The number of shares owned are those beneficially owned, as determined under the rules of the SEC, and such information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other
purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares of our common stock as to which a person has sole or shared voting power or investment power and any shares of common stock which
the person has the right to acquire within 60 days after May 18, 2017 (the "Determination Date"), through the exercise of any option, warrant or right, through conversion of any security
or pursuant to the automatic termination of a power of attorney or revocation of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement, and such shares are deemed to be beneficially owned and
outstanding for computing the share ownership and percentage of the person holding such options, warrants or other rights, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other
person. The number of shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned before the offering is based on information furnished to us or otherwise based on information available to us at the time of
the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Unless
otherwise set forth below, based upon the information furnished to us, (a) the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with
respect to the shares set forth opposite the selling stockholder's name, subject to community property laws, where applicable, (b) no selling stockholder had any position, office or other
material relationship within the past three years, with us or with any of our predecessors or affiliates, and (c) no selling stockholder is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer.
Selling
stockholders who are broker-dealers or affiliates of broker-dealers are indicated by footnote. We have been advised that these broker-dealers and affiliates of broker-dealers who
hold shares of common stock included in the table below purchased our common stock in the ordinary course of business, not for resale. These broker-dealers and affiliates of broker-dealers who hold
warrants to
purchase shares of common stock included in the table below (other than Jeffrey Wiegand) received such warrants as compensation to the placement agent in the offering of the Series A Preferred
Stock. We have been advised that, in either case, at the time of such purchase of shares or
29
Table of Contents
receipt
of warrants, such persons did not have any agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute such common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling Stockholder
|
|
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned Prior
to This
Offering(1)
|
|
Shares of
Common Stock
Issuable upon
Conversion of
Series A
Preferred Stock
Registered
Hereby(2)
|
|
Shares of
Common Stock
Issuable upon
Exercise of
Warrants
Registered
Hereby(3)
|
|
Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned upon
Completion
of This
Offering(4)
|
|
Percentage of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned upon
Completion
of This
Offering(5)
|
|
Belousov, Igor
|
|
|
94,600
|
|
|
2,124,938
|
|
|
113,061
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
%
|
Bonelli, Ronald and Annette, JTWROS(6)
|
|
|
429,600
|
|
|
1,064,565
|
|
|
56,642
|
|
|
407,300
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
Danford, Michael(7)
|
|
|
259,616
|
|
|
532,282
|
|
|
28,321
|
|
|
248,466
|
|
|
|
|
EFD Capital Inc.(8)
|
|
|
2,225
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F&M Star Alliance, Inc.(9)
|
|
|
17,840
|
|
|
850,814
|
|
|
45,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Farmer, Robert L.
|
|
|
33,575
|
|
|
264,046
|
|
|
14,049
|
|
|
28,000
|
|
|
|
|
FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund LLC(10)
|
|
|
22,300
|
|
|
1,064,565
|
|
|
56,642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flett, Eric
|
|
|
41,150
|
|
|
532,282
|
|
|
28,321
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
|
Gabriele, Joseph
|
|
|
135,430
|
|
|
159,266
|
|
|
8,474
|
|
|
132,085
|
|
|
|
|
Kay, Lina
|
|
|
44,600
|
|
|
2,124,938
|
|
|
113,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keener, Justin W.
|
|
|
55,750
|
|
|
2,657,221
|
|
|
141,382
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leonard, Ray(11)
|
|
|
439,897
|
|
|
532,282
|
|
|
28,321
|
|
|
428,747
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
Livson, Roman**
|
|
|
38,425
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,509
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madigan, Michael
|
|
|
32,285
|
|
|
532,282
|
|
|
28,321
|
|
|
21,135
|
|
|
|
|
Mamuta, Inna
|
|
|
4,460
|
|
|
213,751
|
|
|
11,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marts, Douglas and Bonnie Girardi-Marts, JTWRS(12)
|
|
|
21,308
|
|
|
54,486
|
|
|
2,899
|
|
|
20,193
|
|
|
|
|
Marshall, Gregory
|
|
|
17,683
|
|
|
222,133
|
|
|
11,819
|
|
|
13,000
|
|
|
|
|
Martillo Finance Limited(13)
|
|
|
22,300
|
|
|
1,064,565
|
|
|
56,642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oliver, Avery
|
|
|
49,460
|
|
|
213,751
|
|
|
11,373
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
|
|
Pearthree, Philip A. and Marie S., JTWROS(14)
|
|
|
4,460
|
|
|
213,751
|
|
|
11,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preng, David
|
|
|
116,725
|
|
|
796,328
|
|
|
42,370
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
|
Renaud, Stephen**
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roth, John F.
|
|
|
4,460
|
|
|
213,751
|
|
|
11,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ryzhkov, Roman(9)
|
|
|
33,450
|
|
|
1,596,847
|
|
|
84,963
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silverman, Michael**
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,764.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Veneto Private Equity Investments Limited(15)
|
|
|
44,600
|
|
|
2,124,938
|
|
|
113,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wiegand, Jeffrey**(16)
|
|
|
118,950
|
|
|
1,596,847
|
|
|
84,963
|
|
|
85,500
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,750,629
|
|
|
1,235,143
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
*
-
Less
than 1%
-
**
-
Affiliate
of registered broker-dealer
-
(1)
-
Amounts
do not include (a) shares of common stock into which shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned by the selling stockholder are convertible,
because the Series A Preferred Stock is not currently convertible or convertible on a determinable date within 60 days, nor (b) shares of common stock into which shares of
Series A Preferred Stock may be convertible and for which warrants may be exercisable that the selling stockholder may acquire pursuant to the Subscriber Option, because the Subscriber Option
is not currently exercisable or exercisable on a determinable date within 60 days. Amounts do include shares of common stock into which warrants purchased by the selling stockholder in the
Series A Offering are currently convertible.
30
Table of Contents
-
(2)
-
Assumes
all of the 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Subscriber Option are purchased by the selling stockholders, on pro rata basis,
and converted into shares of common stock.
-
(3)
-
Assumes
all of the warrants issuable pursuant to the Subscriber Option are purchased by the selling stockholders, on pro rata basis, and exercised for shares of
common stock.
-
(4)
-
Assumes
all of the shares of common stock to be registered by the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, including all shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of warrants held by the selling stockholders, are sold in the offering and that shares of common stock beneficially owned by such selling stockholder but not being registered by
this prospectus (if any) are not sold.
-
(5)
-
Percentages
are based on the 21,871,658 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of the Determination Date. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance
with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock underlying shares of preferred stock, options or warrants currently
exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days after the Determination Date are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such shares of
preferred stock, options or warrants but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
-
(6)
-
Ronald
Bonelli and Annette Bonelli are joint tenants with right of survivorship and have equal voting and investment power over the shares owned thereby.
-
(7)
-
Includes
248,466 shares held jointly with Barbara Danford over which Michael Danford has shared voting and investment power.
-
(8)
-
Barbara
J. Glenns is President of EFD Capital Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EFD"), and may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the shares held
by EFD.
-
(9)
-
Roman
Ryzhkov is President of Star Alliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("F&M"), and may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the shares held
by F&M.
-
(10)
-
Eliezer
S. Fireman is the Managing Member of FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("FirstFire"), and may be deemed
to have voting and investment power over the shares held by FirstFire.
-
(11)
-
Ray
C. Leonard is our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of our Board of Directors. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management" for information as to Mr. Leonard's beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock.
-
(12)
-
Douglas
Marts and Bonnie Girardi-Marts are joint tenants with right of survivorship and have equal voting and investment power over the shares owned thereby.
-
(13)
-
Alison
M. Blackwood is a Director of Martillo Finance Limited ("Martillo"), a company organized under the laws of British Virgin Islands and may be deemed to have
voting and investment power of the shares held by Martillo.
-
(14)
-
Philip
A. Pearthree and Marie S. Pearthree are joint tenants with right of survivorship and have equal voting and investment power over the shares owned thereby.
-
(15)
-
Amicorp.
Cayman Fiduciary Limited ("Amicorp") is Director and Secretary of Veneto Private Equity Investments Limited, a company organized under the laws of the
Cayman Islands. Each of Kimbert Solomon and Nicole Sloley is a director and attorney-in-fact for Amicorp and may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the shares held by Amicorp.
-
(16)
-
Includes
an aggregate of 29,250 shares owned directly by Mr. Wiegand's friend, members of his family, and by his IRAs over which Mr. Wiegand has sole
or shared voting and investment power.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from sales of common stock made under this prospectus.
31
Table of Contents
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE
There currently is a limited public market for our common stock. The selling stockholders will determine at what price they may sell the offered
shares, and such sales may be made
at prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. See "Plan of Distribution" below for more information.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information and Holders
Shares of our common stock, for the periods presented below, were traded on the New York Stock Exchange through March 10, 2015. Since
March 11, 2015, our common stock trades on the QX Tier of OTC Markets (OTCQX), under the symbol "HDYN."
As of May 18, 2017, we had 21,871,658 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding held by approximately 59 stockholders of record.
The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock on the NYSE for the periods presented through March 10, 2015, and the high and low closing bid
prices for our common stock on OTC Markets for the periods presented from March 11, 2015. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not
represent actual transactions. Our common stock is thinly traded and, thus, pricing of our common stock on OTC Markets does not necessarily represent its fair market value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Quarter ended September 30, 2014
|
|
$
|
3.2500
|
|
$
|
1.7800
|
|
Quarter ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
1.7500
|
|
|
0.7700
|
|
January 1 through March 10, 2015
|
|
|
0.9794
|
|
|
0.5700
|
|
March 11 through March 31, 2015
|
|
|
0.3700
|
|
|
0.1850
|
|
Quarter ended June 30, 2015
|
|
|
1.3000
|
|
|
0.3631
|
|
Quarter ended September 30, 2015
|
|
|
0.8100
|
|
|
0.4500
|
|
Quarter ended December 31, 2015
|
|
|
1.9700
|
|
|
0.7800
|
|
Quarter ended March 31, 2016
|
|
|
1.2500
|
|
|
0.3200
|
|
Quarter ended June 30, 2016
|
|
|
0.5700
|
|
|
0.3500
|
|
Quarter ended September 30, 2016
|
|
|
1.2500
|
|
|
0.3500
|
|
Quarter ended December 31, 2016
|
|
|
2.4200
|
|
|
1.1100
|
|
Quarter ended March 31, 2017
|
|
|
2.7700
|
|
|
0.6950
|
|
Quarter ending June 30, 2017 (through May 16, 2017)
|
|
|
1.7800
|
|
|
1.4200
|
|
On May 17, 2017, the last reported sales price for our common stock as reported by OTC Markets was $1.73 per share.
Dividends
We have never paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings to fund ongoing operations and future capital requirements. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our
Board of Directors and will be dependent upon financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Other than provisions of
the Delaware Revised Statutes requiring post-dividend solvency according to certain measures, there are no material restrictions limiting, or that are likely to limit, our ability to pay dividends on
our common stock.
32
Table of Contents
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
On February 18, 2010, at our annual meeting of stockholders, our Board of Directors and stockholders approved our 2010 Equity Incentive
Plan (the "2010 Plan"). Subsequently, on February 17, 2012, the 2010 Plan was amended to increase the maximum shares issuable under the 2010 Plan from 625,000 shares to 1,250,000 shares and
again on January 27, 2016, at our annual meeting
of stockholders, the stockholders approved amending the 2010 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 750,000 shares to 2,000,000 shares.
The
2010 Plan provides for the grants of shares of common stock, restricted stock units or incentive stock options and/or nonqualified stock options to purchase our common stock to
selected employees, directors, officers, agents, consultants, attorneys, vendors and advisors. Shares of common stock, options, or restricted stock can only be granted under the Plan within
10 years from the effective date of February 18, 2010.
The
purpose of the Plan is to further our interest, and the interest of our subsidiaries and our stockholders by providing incentives in the form of stock or stock options to key
employees, consultants, directors, and vendors who contribute materially to our success and profitability. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to attract
and retain highly qualified personnel as employees, independent consultants, and directors. The issuance of stock and grants of options will recognize and reward outstanding individual performances
and contributions and will give such persons a proprietary interest in us, thus enhancing their personal interest in our continued success and progress. We pay wages, salaries, and consulting rates
that we believe are competitive. We use the 2010 Plan to augment our compensation packages.
The
following table provides information as of June 30, 2016, with respect to the shares of common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan category
|
|
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
|
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
(b)
|
|
(c)
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
|
|
|
1,016,997
|
|
$
|
5.03
|
|
|
945,710
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
2010
Equity Incentive Plan
The
following table provides a reconciliation of the securities remaining available for issuance as of June 30, 2016 under the 2010 Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 Plan
|
|
Shares available for issuance, June 30, 2015
|
|
|
44,503
|
|
Stock options granted
|
|
|
(183,860
|
)
|
Restricted stock granted
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholder approved increase in shares issuable
|
|
|
750,000
|
|
Previously issued options cancelled or expired
|
|
|
335,067
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares available for issuance, June 30, 2016
|
|
|
945,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33
Table of Contents
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes certain selected consolidated financial data for the periods presented. The selected historical financial data as
of and for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
You
should read the following information, together with "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended June 30,
|
|
(In thousands, except earnings per share data)
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Full-Cost ceiling test write-down
|
|
$
|
(14,331
|
)
|
$
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
$
|
(22,846
|
)
|
$
|
(13,394
|
)
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(22,846
|
)
|
$
|
(13,392
|
)
|
Basic loss per common share
|
|
$
|
(1.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.64
|
)
|
Diluted loss per common share
|
|
$
|
(1.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.64
|
)
|
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
21,047
|
|
|
21,047
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
10,327
|
|
$
|
18,374
|
|
Oil and Gas Properties
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
11,678
|
|
$
|
34,096
|
|
Long-Term Liabilities
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Shareholder's Equity
|
|
$
|
9,935
|
|
$
|
32,428
|
|
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This prospectus contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals,
strategies, expectations, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements generally can be
identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "project," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," or "think." Forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We assume no duty to update or revise our forward-looking
statements based on changes in plans or expectations or otherwise.
Overview
Our corporate mission is to provide energy for the future by exploring for, developing new, and re-establishing pre-existing sources of energy.
Our primary focus is the advancement of exploration work in Guinea. We have no source of operating revenue, and there is no assurance when we will, if ever. Our operating cash flows are negative, and
we will require substantial additional funds, through additional participants, securities offerings, or through other means, to fulfill our business plans.
Our
operating plan within the next twelve months includes the following:
-
-
Commence preparations for drilling of the exploration well in Guinea.
-
-
Consider financing alternatives and other measures to raise funds to pursue our exploration and appraisal objectives offshore Guinea.
34
Table of Contents
Following
the execution of Amendment No. 1 to the PSC in March 2010 (the "First PSC Amendment") and the receipt of a Presidential Decree in May 2010, we sold a 23% gross interest
in the Concession to Dana Petroleum, PLC ("Dana"), a subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Corporation. In December 2012, we closed a sale of a 40% gross interest to Tullow Guinea Ltd.
("Tullow"), and Tullow became the Operator on April 1, 2013. A planned exploration well was initially delayed by Tullow and thereafter by the Ebola epidemic. Continued failure to resume
petroleum operations by both Tullow and Dana in 2015 forced us to file legal actions under our Joint Operating Agreement. On August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement
with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement Agreement") that returned to Hyperdynamics 100% of the interest under the PSC, long-lead item property useful in the drilling of an exploratory well, and
$0.7 million in cash, in return for a mutual release of all claims. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala-1 well if it results in a discovery.
We
executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("Second PSC Amendment") on September 15, 2016, and received a Presidential Decree that gave us a one year extension to the second
exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period") and became the designated Operator of the Concession.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the Second PSC Amendment to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed within the
PSC Extension Period (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells. Fulfillment of the work obligations exempts us from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension
Period.
In
turn, we retained only an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore waters and are obliged to provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A
parent company guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely
basis could result in a notice of termination with a 30 day period to cure), and (3) certain guarantees.
For
the purposes of calculation for this clause (Article 4 of the PSC), however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the
drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea. If we do not provide either security by the specified dates, the
Government of Guinea may terminate the PSC immediately and without prior notice to remedy such deficiency.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $165,000,000 net to our interest) and
begin to move into the territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently stored in Takoradi, Ghana for the drilling of the Extension Well in 2017. The
movement of approximately $1.6 million of the $4.1 million of equipment was started on January 29, 2017 and was completed on February 5, 2017. The balance of the material
still in Ghana will be moved at a later date. Finally, we agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of
$250,000 in addition to any unused portion of the training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC. The unused portion of the training program is now estimated to be approximately $500,000.
On
March 10, 2017, SCS entered into a Tri Party Protocol ("Protocol") with South Atlantic Petroleum Limited ("SAPETRO"), a privately held Nigerian oil and gas exploration and
production company, and the Government of Guinea.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Protocol, it was agreed that drilling operations for the Fatala-1 well must commence no later than May 30, 2017, and that SAPETRO and SCS will make
all reasonable efforts to negotiate and finalize all transaction documents for SAPETRO's entry into the project in conformity with the PSC and submit for the approval of the Government of Guinea no
later than
35
Table of Contents
April 10,
2017. The Government of Guinea in turn agreed to provide adequate assurances in relation to the validity of the existing PSC and amendments to enable SCS and SAPETRO to enter into the
transaction documents and obtain all necessary Government approvals and to mobilize the requisite resources in the form of contracts, funds and personnel to spud and accomplish drilling operations in
respect of the Fatala well and subsequent exploration wells. It was further agreed that upon completion
of the transaction documents and receipt of the requisite approvals by the Government of Guinea, SAPETRO will provide the $5 million Security Instrument as required by the terms of the Second
PSC Amendment.
On
March 30, 2017, SCS entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will
assign and transfer to SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement (as defined below). Pursuant to the terms of the Farmout Agreement, upon
closing, SAPETRO will (i) reimburse SCS its proportional share of past costs associated with the preparations for the drilling of the Fatala-1 well, and (ii) pay its participating
interest's share of future costs in the Concession. Currently the total amount of costs spent by SCS after the date of the Second PSC Amendment in relation to the preparation of drilling of the
Fatala-1 well is estimated at approximately $8-10 million depending on the timing of the completion of the Farmout Agreement and upon approval of the Guinea government.
The
closing of the Farmout Agreement and the corresponding transfer of the participating interest are subject to several conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) the receipt
of the requisite approvals and consents of the government of the Republic of Guinea, (ii) if required by the Government of Guinea, security in respect of each party's participating share of the
drilling costs, and (iii) subject to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably, SCS having obtained cash or committed financings in the amount of up to $ 15 million to enable it to
meet its obligations related to the Fatala-1 well. At closing, SAPETRO and SCS will deliver mutual parent guarantees to secure the obligations under the Farmout Agreement and execute the joint
operating agreement, attached as Exhibit B to the Farmout Agreement (the "Joint Operating Agreement"), governing the conduct of operations. Each party to the Farmout Agreement may waive certain
conditions in whole or in part at any time.
The
parties have agreed to close on or before May 31, 2017, unless the Farmout Agreement is previously terminated due to parties' failure to satisfy the closing conditions, by
mutual agreement of the parties, or if either party receives final, unappealable written notice from the Government of Guinea stating that it will not approve the transfer of the farm-in interest, or
on certain other conditions. The Farmout Agreement includes customary representations and warranties of the parties, including due organization and authority.
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC (the "Third PSC Amendment") that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the
closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the assignment of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it
confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to
the obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017 and provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the
companies' option.
The
Third PSC Amendment further reaffirms clear title of SAPETRO and SCS to the Concession as well as amends the security instrument requirements under the PSC. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to
a
US $5 million security instrument to be put in place within 30 days from the date of the Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such time that the drilling rig
to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. Pursuant to the terms of the Protocol, SAPETRO will provide
the $5 million security
36
Table of Contents
instrument
upon Government of Guinea approval to enter the Concession and completion of the Farmout Agreement. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to joint and several liability to the Government of Guinea in
respect to the PSC.
In
addition SCS and SAPETRO separately agreed that SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement will be $15 million in "cash and
committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably" in addition to costs already incurred. SAPETRO and SCS further agreed that SAPETRO may elect to pay for a portion of SCS's
Fatala-1 well costs so long as SCS is not in default of either the PSC or the Farmout Agreement and requires credit support. In case SAPETRO makes such payments for a share of SCS's costs of, SCS
shall assign to SAPETRO 2% of its participating interest in the Concession for each $ 1 million of SCS's costs paid by SAPETRO.
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession. Any future delay in drilling
plans would adversely affect the ability to explore the Concession and reduce the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing parties.
Absent
cash inflows, we will not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due and therefore there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue
as a going concern. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they become due over the next twelve-months, and to be able to continue exploration, will depend on obtaining additional resources
through sales of interests in the Concession, equity or debt financial offerings, or through other means.
No
assurance can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
Series A Preferred Stock Offering
Between March 17 and April 26, 2017, we held four closings of a private placement offering (the "Series A Offering") of an
aggregate of 1,951 Units of our securities, at a purchase price of $1,000 per Unit. Each "Unit" consisted of (i) one share of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock, with a Stated Value
of $1,040 per share, and (ii) a warrant (the "Investor Warrant") to purchase 223 shares of the Company's common stock, exercisable from issuance until March 17, 2019, at an exercise
price of $3.50 per share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances). At the closings, we issued to the subscribers an aggregate of: (i) 1,951 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and
(ii) Investor Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 435,073 shares of common stock.
The
Company received an aggregate of $1,951,000 in gross cash proceeds, before deducting placement agent fees and expenses, and legal, accounting and other fees and expenses, in
connection with the sale of the Units.
See
"Description of SecuritiesPreferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock" below for a description of the voting powers, designations, preferences,
limitations, restrictions and relative rights of, the Series A Preferred Stock.
Subscribers
in the Series A Offering have an option (the "Subscriber Option") to purchase, at the same purchase price of $1,000 per Unit, their pro rata share of up to an
aggregate of $3,000,000 in additional Units following the effective date of the registration statement registering for resale the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A
Preferred Stock and exercise of the Investor Warrants and Placement Agent Warrants (as defined below), which we have agreed to file as described below (the "Registration Statement") (which is the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part).
We
also agreed in the Subscription Agreements that until March 17, 2018, we will not create or allow to be created any security interest, lien, charge or other encumbrance on any
of our or our
37
Table of Contents
subsidiaries'
rights under or interests in the PSC that secures the repayment of indebtedness of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for money borrowed.
Katalyst
Securities, LLC (the "Placement Agent"), a U.S. registered broker-dealer, was engaged by the Company as placement agent for the Series A Offering, on a reasonable
best effort basis. We agreed to pay to the Placement Agent (and any sub agent) a cash commission of 9% of the gross purchase price paid by the Subscribers for the Units (including for Units that may
be issued upon exercise of the Subscriber Option), and to issue to the Placement Agent (and any sub agent) warrants to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 7% of the number of shares
of common stock initially issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock contained in the Units sold in Series A Offering (including Units that may be issued upon
exercise of the Subscriber Option), at the exercise price of $3.00 per share (the "Placement Agent Warrants"). We also agreed to reimburse the Placement Agent for certain expenses related to the
Series A Offering. We paid the Placement Agent a total of $175,590 of cash fees and issued to the Placement Agent or its designees Placement Agent Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 51,650
shares of common stock.
The
Investor Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants have provisions for the "weighted average" adjustment of their exercise price in the event that we issue shares of common stock (or
common stock equivalents) for a consideration per share less than the exercise price then in effect, subject to certain exceptions.
In
connection with the Series A Offering, we also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with each of the Subscribers and the holders
of the Placement Agent Warrants. See "Description of SecuritiesRegistration Rights" below for a description of the Registration Rights Agreement.
Reportable segments
We have one reportable segment: our international operations in Guinea conducted through our subsidiary SCS. SCS is engaged in oil and gas
exploration activities pertaining to offshore Guinea.
Results of Operations
Based on the factors discussed below the net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended December 31, 2016
increased $4.9 million to a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.31 per share, from a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2015.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended
December 31, 2016 increased $1.8 million to a net loss of $5.6 million, or $0.26 per share, from a net loss of $3.8 million, or $0.18 per share for the six months ended
December 31, 2015.
The
increase in net loss attributable to common shareholders for the current fiscal year three month period is primarily the result of the $1.3 million cost of issuing the 600,000
shares of common stock for the Iroquois legal settlement (see "Legal Proceedings" below), $0.4 million downward revision in fair market value on our oil and gas well construction equipment,
Full-cost ceiling test write-down of $0.8 million and increased general and administrative costs incurred on resuming operatorship of our Guinea Concession.
The
increase in net loss attributable to common shareholders for the current fiscal year six month period is primarily the result of the $4.8 million gain on the legal settlement
with Tullow and Dana being more than offset by the $1.3 million cost of the Iroquois case legal settlement, Full-cost ceiling test write-down of $0.8 million and increased general and
administrative costs incurred on resuming operatorship of our Guinea Concession.
38
Table of Contents
Three months ended December 31, 2016 compared to three months ended December 31, 2015
Revenues.
There were no revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Depreciation.
Depreciation on property and equipment decreased 62% or $17 thousand from the fiscal 2015 period to the fiscal 2016
period.
Depreciation expense was $10,400 and $27,700 in the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease is primarily attributed to only a small amount of asset additions
subject to depreciation in the current year whereas a large portion of the assets in service in the prior year became fully depreciated early in the current year.
General, Administrative and other Operating Expenses.
Our general, administrative and other operating expenses were $4.3 million
and
$1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This represents an increase of 134% or $2.5 million from the fiscal 2015 period to the fiscal
2016 period. We had increases in personnel related costs of approximately $0.4 million, and an increase in legal and other professional fees of $1.7 million related to legal activity and
contract services required for the resumption of operatorship in our Guinea Concession. Additionally, we had increased costs relating to our special shareholder meeting and proxy solicitation of
$0.1 million, increased directors' and officers' insurance premium costs of $0.1 million, increased travel expenses of $0.1 million and the Guinea branch office startup and
infrastructure costs of $0.1 million.
Full-cost ceiling test write-down.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2016 we impaired $0.8 million of unproved oil and
gas property
costs capitalized during the current quarter ($0.5 million) and previous quarter ($0.3 million). That impairment assessment was based on our liquidity position, and the possibility that
we may not reach an agreement with the Government of Guinea regarding the requirement under the PSC to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million and the possibility that the
Government of Guinea may at any time and without prior notice terminate our Concession.
Cost of legal settlement.
We recognized a $1.3 million cost of the Iroquois legal case based on a settlement agreement at the end
of December
whereby we would issue 600,000 shares of company stock which we value based on the settlement date at $2.18 per share. The common stock was issued on February 2, 2017.
We
also made a $0.4 million downward revision in the fair market value on our oil and gas well equipment inventory we received from Tullow in the Tullow and Dana legal settlement.
This revision was based on additional information received on this equipment once this equipment was in our possession and as we readied it to be moved into Guinea from Ghana.
Loss from Operations.
As a result of the factors discussed above, our loss from operations increased by $3.2 million from
$1.9 million
in the three months ended December 31, 2015 to $5.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.
Six months ended December 31, 2016, compared to six months ended December 31, 2015
Revenues.
There were no revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Depreciation.
Depreciation on property and equipment decreased 37% or $21 thousand from the fiscal 2015 period to the fiscal 2016
period.
Depreciation expense was $35 thousand and $56 thousand in the six months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease is primarily attributed to only a small
amount of asset additions and related modest depreciation in the current year whereas a large portion of the assets in service in the prior year became fully depreciated early in the current year.
General, Administrative and Other Operating Expenses.
Our general, administrative and other operating expenses were $8.2 million
and
$3.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This represents an increase of 123% or $4.5 million from the fiscal 2015 period to
39
Table of Contents
the
fiscal 2016 period. The increase in expense was attributable to increases in personnel related costs of approximately $0.5 million and an increase in legal and professional fees of
$3.4 million, related to our lawsuits against Tullow and Dana and with services required for the resumption of operatorship costs in our Guinea Concession. Additionally, we had increased costs
relating to our special shareholder meeting and proxy solicitation of $0.1 million, increased directors' and officers' insurance costs of $0.1 million, increased travel expenses of
$0.3 million and the Guinea branch office startup and infrastructure costs of $0.1 million.
Full-cost ceiling test write-down.
During the period ended December 31, 2016 we impaired $0.8 million of unproved oil and gas
property
costs capitalized. That impairment assessment was based on our liquidity
position, and the possibility that we may not reach an agreement with the Government of Guinea regarding the requirement under the PSC to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million
and the possibility that the Government of Guinea may at any time and without prior notice terminate our Concession.
Gain and cost on legal settlements.
The $4.8 million gain on legal settlement with Tullow and Dana includes a cash payment from
Tullow to us
of $686,570 and the fair value of $4.1 million for the well construction material we received from Tullow as a part of our Settlement and Release Agreement.
We
recognized a $1.3 million cost of the Iroquois legal case based on a settlement agreement at the end of December whereby we would issue 600,000 shares of company stock which we
value based on the settlement date at $2.18 per share. The common stock was issued on February 2, 2017.
In
deciding to settle we considered the possibility that the plaintiffs' claims for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation could have result in a judgment that could have
awarded damages in amounts ranging from $4.0 million to $18.5 million plus pre-judgment interest. Because we are seeking equity investment and project partners among many oil companies
management decided to pursue the settlement option, eliminate this legal risk for the Company and thus improve the Company's attractiveness as a joint venture partner or as an investment in its stock.
Loss from Operations.
As a result of the factors discussed above, our loss from operations increased by $5.3 million from
$3.8 million
in the six months ended December 31, 2015 to $9.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2016.
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, compared to fiscal year ended June 30, 2015
Based on the factors discussed below, the net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended June 30, 2016, increased
$9,452,000, to a net loss of $22,846,000, or $1.09 per share in 2016 from a net loss of $13,392,000, or $0.64 per share in 2015.
Revenues.
There were no revenues for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.
Depreciation.
Depreciation decreased 54%, or $128,000, from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2016. Depreciation expense was $109,000 and $237,000
in the years
ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease is primarily attributed to no asset additions in the current year and a portion of assets used in the prior year being fully depreciated
in the current year.
Full impairment of unproved oil and gas properties.
At March 31, 2016, we fully impaired our unproved oil and gas properties as
discussed in
Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, Investment in Oil and Gas Properties, which totaled $14.3 million.
General, Administrative and Other Operating Expenses.
Our general, administrative and other operating expenses were $8.4 million
and
$13.2 million for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This represents a decrease of 36% or, $4.8 million from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2016. The
40
Table of Contents
$4.8 million
decrease in expense was attributable to a decrease in legal and other professional fees of $3.4 million, which can be attributed primarily to a decrease in legal and other
professional fees related to the FCPA investigations ($5.0 million) offset somewhat by increased legal and other professional fees related to our lawsuits against Tullow and Dana
($1.6 million). Additionally, we had a decrease in personnel related costs of approximately $1.8 million, which can be attributed to a decline in headcount as a result of fiscal 2015 and
2016 staff reductions. These factors resulting in decreased costs were partially offset by a partial year increase in our Director and Officer insurance costs of approximately $0.4 million.
Loss from Continuing Operations.
Primarily as a result of the decrease in general and administrative expenses of $4,777,000, offset by
the full
impairment of unproved oil and gas properties of $14,331,000, our loss from continuing operations increased by $9,454,000, from $13,392,000 in the year ended June 30, 2015 to $22,846,000 for
the year ended June 30, 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Six months ended December 31, 2016, compared to Six Months Ended December 31, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
Cash used or provided, net
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
$
|
(7,246
|
)
|
$
|
(3,987
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(860
|
)
|
|
(20
|
)
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(8,088
|
)
|
|
(4,007
|
)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at Beginning of period
|
|
|
10,327
|
|
|
18,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
2,239
|
|
$
|
14,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2016 was $7.2 million compared to $4.0 million for the six months ended
December 31, 2015. The increase in cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to the $4.5 million increase in general, administrative and other operating costs,
partially offset by changes in working capital during the periods, and the $0.7 million in cash received from the legal settlement with Tullow and Dana.
Investing Activities
Net
cash used in investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2016 was $0.9 million compared to $20 thousand net cash used in the six
months ended December 31, 2015. The increase primarily relates to oil and gas property costs incurred by the Company in resumption of the prospect development as operator of the Guinea
Concession.
Financing Activities
There
were $18 thousand of cash proceeds provided by financing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2016 as a result of the exercise of
stock options. There was no cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended December 31, 2015.
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Table of Contents
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, compared to fiscal year ended June 30, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
$
|
(8,027
|
)
|
$
|
(16,833
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
(63
|
)
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(8,047
|
)
|
|
(16,896
|
)
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
18,374
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
10,327
|
|
$
|
18,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2016 was $8.0 million compared to $16.8 million for the year ended
June 30, 2015. The decrease in cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to our $4.8 million decrease in General, administrative and other operating expenses and by
changes in working capital during the periods, primarily a $4.1 million working capital change in accounts payable in the current year when compared to the previous year.
Investing Activities
Net
cash used in investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2016 was $(20) thousand compared to $(63) thousand in the year ended June 30, 2015.
Financing Activities
There
was no cash provided by financing activities during the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.
Liquidity
On December 31, 2016, we had $2.2 million in cash and 1.5 million in trade accounts payable and accrued expense
liabilities, all of which are current. We plan to use our existing cash to fund our general corporate needs and our expenditures associated with the Concession. However, the net working capital of
approximately $0.7 million will not be sufficient to meet our corporate needs and Concession related activities for the quarter ending March 31, 2017. We are currently pursuing several
avenues to raise funds.
As
of April 27, 2017 the Company's trade accounts payable and accrued expenses exceeded its cash balances.
The
DOJ and SEC investigations and the Tullow and Dana arbitration are resolved and closed. Through several annual periods ended June 30, 2016 these matters cumulatively cost us a
total of approximately $12.8 million.
In
addition, the legal and professional fees related to legal actions taken against Tullow and Dana, as described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for the three
and six months ended December 31, 2016, also were costly and also reduced our liquidity. We incurred approximately $1.6 million in legal and professional fees related to these legal
actions in the year ended June 30, 2016 and approximately $0.4 million in the period ended December 31, 2016 for a cumulative total of $2.0 million.
The
Iroquois lawsuit is similarly settled as discussed in Note 6 of those financial statements. The $1.35 million part of the cash settlement was funded by our insurance
underwriters. The non-cash
42
Table of Contents
expense
part of the settlement that is reported in the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was subsequently settled on February 2, 2017 by the issuance of the 600,000 shares of common stock.
On
September 15, 2016, we executed the Second PSC Amendment, which was approved on September 21, 2016 by a Presidential Decree from the Republic of Guinea where we received
a one year extension to September 22, 2017, and confirmed we are the holder of 100% and operator of the
Concession. In turn, we agreed to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed with a projected commencement of April 2017 and a budget of approximately
$46.0 million. On March 30, 2017, we entered into a Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will assign and
transfer to SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement. On April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC
that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the assignment of 50% of SCS'
participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of
Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to the obligation well are begin no later than May 30, 2017 and provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled
within the exploration period at the companies' option.
Failure
to comply with the security instrument obligations, the commencement of drilling operations by May 30, 2017, and other obligations of the PSC subjects us to risk of loss
of the Concession. Potential future delays due to liquidity could adversely affect the ability to explore the Concession in a timely manner which will diminish the attractiveness of the Concession to
prospective industry participants and financing sources.
Our
current capital resources are not sufficient to cover our financial commitments required to meet the exploration activity in the Concession. We are working to close the Farmout
Agreement with SAPETRO as well as seeking funding through additional sales of interest in the Concession, from equity or debt or other financial instruments.
As
a result and absent cash inflows, we do not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they
become due over the next quarter and twelve months and to be able to continue with our operations will depend on obtaining additional resources through sales of additional interests in the Concession,
issuing equity or debt securities, or through other means, and the resumption of petroleum operations.
No
assurance can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
Capital Expenditures
During the first six months of fiscal 2017, we incurred an additional $0.8 million on unproved oil and gas properties and
$42 thousand for property, plant and equipment. This compares to the first six months of fiscal 2016, where we spent $20 thousand on unproved oil and gas properties.
In
the legal settlement with Tullow and Dana, we also received long lead items of well construction material previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the initial
drilling of the Fatala-1 well. The fair market value at the date of settlement, taking into account the condition of the material and then current pricing among other factors, was determined to be
$4.1million. This part of the settlement was a non-cash transaction and was recorded as an oil and gas property asset addition and a gain on legal settlement.
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Contractual Commitments and Obligations
Disclosure of Contractual Obligations as of June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period ($thousands)
|
|
Contractual Obligations(1):
|
|
Total
|
|
Less than
1 year
|
|
1 - 3 years
|
|
3 - 5 years
|
|
More than
5 years
|
|
Operating Lease Obligations
|
|
$
|
1,506
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
791
|
|
$
|
715
|
|
$
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
We
are subject to certain commitments under the PSC as discussed under "Description of Business" below.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our functional currency is the US dollar. Prior to the closure of our office in the United Kingdom, we had some foreign currency exchange rate
risk related to the Pound Sterling. Subject to the receipt of adequate funding, we are in the process of opening an office in Conakry, Guinea, to supervise drilling activities. US dollars are accepted
in Guinea and many of our purchases and purchase obligations, such as our office lease in Guinea, are denominated in US dollars. However, our costs for labor, supplies, and fuel could increase if the
Guinea Franc significantly appreciates against the US dollar. We did not hedge the exposure to currency rate changes. We do not believe our exposure to market risk to be material.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which
require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate
our estimates, including those estimates that may have a significant effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to
our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, and for the three and six months ended December 31, 2016. The following discussion of critical accounting
policies addresses those policies that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require significant judgment and estimates. We base our estimates
and judgment on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions or conditions.
Oil and Gas Properties
We account for oil and natural gas producing activities using the full-cost method of accounting as prescribed by the SEC. Accordingly, all
costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties, including the costs of abandoned properties, dry holes, geophysical costs, and annual lease rentals
are capitalized. All selling, general and administrative corporate costs unrelated to drilling activities are expensed as incurred. Sales or other dispositions of oil and natural gas properties are
accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recorded unless the ratio of cost to proved reserves would significantly change, or to the extent that the
sale proceeds exceed our capitalized costs. Depletion of evaluated oil and natural gas properties is computed on the units of production method based on proved reserves. The net capitalized costs of
proved oil and natural gas properties are subject to a full cost ceiling limitation in which the costs are not allowed to exceed their related estimated future net revenues discounted at 10%, net of
tax considerations. In accordance with SEC release 33-8995, prices based on the preceding 12-months' average price based on closing prices on the first day of each month, or prices defined by existing
44
Table of Contents
contractual
arrangements, are used in deriving future net revenues discounted at 10%, net of tax. The application of the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties generally results in
higher capitalized costs and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization rates compared to the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas properties.
Costs Excluded
Costs associated with unevaluated properties are excluded from amortization until evaluated. We review our unevaluated properties at the end of
each quarter to determine whether the costs incurred should be transferred to the amortization base.
We
assess unproved property on a quarterly basis for possible impairment or reduction in value. We assess properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually
insignificant. The assessment includes consideration of the following factors, among others: intent to drill; remaining lease term under our concession; geological and geophysical evaluations;
drilling results and activity; the assignment of proved reserves; and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. We assess our unproved properties on a country-by-country
basis. During any period in which these factors indicate impairment, the adjustment is recorded through earnings of the period. As of March 31, 2016, based on our impairment assessment, we
fully impaired the $14,331,000 of unproved oil and gas properties. At June 30, 2016, we had no capitalized costs associated with our Guinea operations.
The
amount of capitalized costs associated with our Guinea operations at February 28, 2017, totaled $4.5 million.
Environmental Obligations and Other Contingencies
Management makes judgments and estimates in accordance with applicable accounting rules when it establishes reserves for environmental
remediation, litigation and other contingent matters. Provisions for such matters are charged to expense when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and reasonable estimates of the
liability can be made. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based on a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the stage of investigation, the stage of the remedial design, evaluation
of existing remediation technologies, and presently enacted laws and regulations. In future periods, a number of factors could significantly change our estimate of environmental remediation costs,
such as changes in laws and regulations, or changes in their interpretation or administration, revisions to the remedial design, unanticipated construction problems, identification of additional areas
or volumes of contaminated soil and groundwater, and changes in costs of labor, equipment and technology. Consequently, it is not possible for management to reliably estimate the amount and timing of
all future expenditures related to environmental or other contingent matters and actual costs may vary significantly from our estimates.
Share-Based Compensation
We follow ASC 718 which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of
equity instruments over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). ASC 718 also requires measurement of the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We account for non-employee share-based awards based upon the provisions of ASC 505-50,
"Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees."
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
The Company did not engage in any "off-balance sheet arrangements" (as that term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of
Regulation S-K) as of March 31, 2017.
45
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Overview
We are an independent oil and gas exploration company with a concession to explore 5,000 square kilometers in offshore Republic of Guinea
("Guinea") in Northwest Africa pursuant to rights granted to us by Guinea (the \"Concession") under a Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract, as amended ("PSC"). We have the right to explore for
hydrocarbons on the Concession and, if discoveries are made, submit for the approval of the authorities of Guinea a development plan aimed at producing discovered hydrocarbons over a period of
25 years.
We
sold a 23% gross interest in the Concession to Dana, a subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Corporation, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and a 40% gross interest to Tullow
during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Tullow became the Operator of the Concession on April 1, 2013. Dana and Tullow transferred their interest back to us on August 15, 2016
following a dispute stemming from their refusal to resume petroleum operations. On September 15, 2016, we signed a Second Amendment to the PSC with the Government of Guinea granting us 100%
interest in the Concession and designating us as Operator and received a Presidential Decree on September 22, 2016. On March 30, 2017 we sold a 50% interest in the Concession to South
Atlantic Petroleum Limited ("SAPETRO") and executed a Third Amendment to the PSC with the Government of Guinea on April 12, 2017. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement with Tullow ("Tullow SPA"), we planned to drill the exploration well in the ultra-deep-water area of the Concession the first half
of calendar 2014, but Tullow called Force Majeure in March of 2014 based on the mere existence of DOJ and SEC investigations pursuant to the FCPA ("FCPA Investigations"). Tullow withdrew its Force
Majeure declaration in May of 2014, but did not resume petroleum operations citing the existence of the FCPA Investigations and the Ebola outbreak as the reason. The DOJ investigation ended in May
2015, the SEC investigation ended in September 2015, and the World Health Organization declared Guinea Ebola free on December 29, 2015. Notwithstanding the resolution of the FCPA
Investigations, Dana insisted on further specific title assurances from the Government of Guinea. Notwithstanding repeated
efforts to rectify the situation and unable to see a path forward, we filed legal actions against Tullow and Dana under our Joint Operating Agreement. On August 15, 2016, we entered into a
Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement Agreement") that returned to Hyperdynamics 100% of the interest under the PSC, long-lead item property useful in the drilling of an
exploratory well, and $0.7 million in cash, in return for a mutual release of all claims. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala-1 well if it
results in a discovery.
We
executed the Second PSC Amendment on September 15, 2016, and received a Presidential Decree on September 22, 2016 that gave us a one-year extension to the second
exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period") and became the designated Operator of the Concession.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the Second PSC Amendment to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed within the
PSC Extension Period (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells. Fulfillment of the work obligation exempts us from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension
Period.
In
turn, we retained an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore waters and are obliged to provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A parent
company guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely basis
may result in a notice of termination with a 30 day period to cure), and (3) certain guarantees. For the purposes of calculation
46
Table of Contents
for
this clause (Article 4 of the PSC), however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the
Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea. If we do not provide either security by the specified dates, the Government of Guinea may terminate the PSC immediately
and without prior notice to remedy such deficiency.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $165,000,000 net to our interest) and
begin to move into the territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently stored in Takoradi, Ghana, for the drilling of the Extension Well in 2017. The
movement of approximately $1.6 million of the $4.1 million of equipment was started on January 29, 2017 and was completed on February 5, 2017. The balance of the material
still in Ghana will be moved at a later date. Finally, we agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of
$250,000 in addition to any unused portion of the training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC. The unused portion of the training program is now estimated to be approximately $500,000.
On
March 10, 2017, SCS entered into a Tri Party Protocol ("Protocol") with South Atlantic Petroleum Limited ("SAPETRO"), a privately held Nigerian oil and gas exploration and
production company, and the Government of Guinea.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Protocol, it was agreed that drilling operations for the Fatala-1 well must commence no later than May 30, 2017, and that SAPETRO and SCS will make
all reasonable efforts to negotiate and finalize all transaction documents for SAPETRO's entry into the project in conformity with the PSC and submit for the approval of the Government of Guinea no
later than April 10, 2017. The Government of Guinea in turn agreed to provide adequate assurances in relation to the validity of the existing PSC and amendments to enable SCS and SAPETRO to
enter into the transaction documents and obtain all necessary Government approvals and to mobilize of the requisite resources in the form of contracts, funds and personnel to spud and accomplish
drilling operations in respect of the Fatala-1 well and subsequent exploration wells. It was further agreed that upon completion of the transaction documents and receipt of the requisite approvals by
the Government of Guinea, SAPETRO will provide the $5 million Security Instrument as required by the terms of the Second PSC Amendment.
On
March 30, 2017, SCS entered into the Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will assign and transfer to
SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement (as defined below). Pursuant to the terms of the Farmout Agreement, upon closing, SAPETRO will
(i) reimburse SCS its proportional share of past costs associated with the preparations for the drilling of the Fatala-1 well, and (ii) pay its participating interest's share of future
costs in the Concession. Currently the total amount of costs spent by SCS after the date of the Second PSC Amendment in relation to the preparation of drilling of the Fatala-1 well is estimated at
approximately $8-10 million depending on the timing of the completion of the Farmout Agreement and upon approval of the Guinea government.
The
closing of the Farmout Agreement and the corresponding transfer of the participating interest are subject to several conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) the receipt
of the requisite approvals and consents of the government of the Republic of Guinea, (ii) if required by the Government of Guinea, security in respect of each party's participating share of the
drilling costs, and (iii) subject to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably, SCS having obtained cash or committed financings in the amount of up to $ 15 million to enable it to
meet its obligations related to the Fatala-1 well. At closing, SAPETRO and SCS will deliver mutual parent guarantees to secure the obligations under the Farmout Agreement and execute the Joint
Operating Agreement, attached as Exhibit B to the Farmout Agreement (the "Joint Operating Agreement"), governing the conduct of operations. Each party to the Farmout Agreement may waive certain
conditions in whole or in part at any time.
47
Table of Contents
The parties have agreed to close on or before May 31, 2017, unless the Farmout Agreement is previously terminated due to parties' failure to satisfy the
closing conditions, by mutual agreement of the parties, or if either party receives final, unappealable written notice from the Government of Guinea stating that it will not approve the transfer of
the farm-in interest, or on certain other conditions. The Farmout Agreement includes customary representations and warranties of the parties, including due organization and authority.
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC (the "Third PSC Amendment") that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the
closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the assignment of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it
confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to
the obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017 and provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the
companies' option.
The
Third PSC Amendment further reaffirms clear title of SAPETRO and SCS to the Concession as well as amends the security instrument requirements under the PSC. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to
a US $5 million security instrument to be put in place within 30 days from the date of the Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such time that the drilling
rig to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. Pursuant to the terms of the Protocol, SAPETRO will
provide the $5 million security instrument upon Government of Guinea approval to enter the Concession and completion of the Farmout Agreement. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to joint and several
liability to the Government of Guinea in respect to the PSC.
In
addition SCS and SAPETRO separately agreed that SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement will be $15 million in "cash and
committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably" in addition to costs already incurred. SAPETRO and SCS further agreed that SAPETRO may elect to pay for a portion of SCS's
Fatala-1 well costs so long as SCS is not in default of either the PSC or the Farmout Agreement and requires credit support. In case SAPETRO makes such payments for a share of SCS's costs of, SCS
shall assign to SAPETRO 2% of its participating interest in the Concession for each $ 1 million of SCS's costs paid by SAPETRO.
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession. Any future delay in drilling
plans would adversely affect the ability to explore the Concession and reduce the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing parties.
Our
primary focus is the advancement of exploration work in Guinea. We have no source of operating revenue, and there is no assurance when we will, if ever. We have no operating cash
flows, and we will require substantial additional funds, through additional participation arrangements, securities offerings, or through other means, to fulfill our business plans. If we further
farm-out additional interests in the Concession, our percentage will decrease. The terms of any such arrangements, if made, may not be advantageous. Our need for additional funding may also be
affected by the uncertainties involved with resumption of petroleum operations and the planned exploratory well, and other risks discussed under "Risk Factors" above.
Our
executive offices are located at 12012 Wickchester Lane, Suite 475, Houston, Texas 77079, and our telephone number is +1-713-353-9400.
48
Table of Contents
OPERATIONS OFFSHORE GUINEA
The PSC
We have been conducting exploration work related to offshore Guinea since 2002. On September 22, 2006, we entered into the PSC with
Guinea. Under that agreement, we were granted certain exclusive contractual rights to explore and exploit offshore oil and gas reserves, if any, off the coast of Guinea. We refer to the rights to the
offshore area subject to the Concession as the "Contract Area."
On
March 25, 2010, we entered into the First PSC Amendment with Guinea. In May 2010, the government of Guinea issued a Presidential Decree approving the PSC, as amended by the
First PSC Amendment. The First PSC Amendment clarified that we retained a Contract Area of approximately 25,000 square kilometers or 30% of the original Contract Area under the PSC. The First PSC
Amendment required that an additional 25% of the retained Contract Area be relinquished by September 21, 2013 as part of the renewal of the second exploration period. As of June 30,
2016, the Contract Area was 18,750 square kilometers. Under the terms of the First PSC Amendment, the first exploration period ended and the second exploration period began on September 21,
2010. The second exploration period ran until September 2013, at which point it was renewed to September 2016.
The
First PSC Amendment required the drilling of an exploration well, which had to be commenced by year-end 2011 and drilled to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below seabed. This
requirement was satisfied with the drilling of the Sabu-1 well which was commenced during October of 2011 and reached the minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed in February of 2012. It also
required the acquisition of at least 2,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data which was satisfied by the 3,600 square kilometer seismic acquisition in 2010-2011. To satisfy the September 2013-2016
work requirement, the Consortium is required to commence drilling of an additional exploration well by the end of September 2016, to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below seabed. The First PSC
Amendment required the expenditure of $15 million on each of the exploration wells ($30 million in the aggregate). Greater than $15 million was spent on the first exploration
well. Fulfillment of work obligations exempted us from expenditure obligations and exploration work in excess of minimum work obligations for each exploration period may be carried forward to the
following exploration period. We spent approximately $200 million fulfilling work obligations under the PSC through fiscal 2016.
Under
the First PSC Amendment, Guinea may participate in development of any discovery at a participating interest of up to 15% of costs being carried for its share. The cost of that
carry is to be recovered out of 62.5% of Guinea's share of cost and profit oil. The First PSC Amendment clarified that only those eligible expenditures, which were made following the date the PSC was
signed, on September 22, 2006, are eligible for cost recovery. It required the establishment of an annual training budget of $200,000 for the benefit of Guinea's oil industry personnel, and
obligated the Consortium to pay an annual surface tax of $2.00 per square kilometer on the retained Concession acreage. The First PSC Amendment further provided that should the Guinea government note
material differences between provisions of the First PSC Amendment and international standards or the Petroleum Code, the parties will renegotiate the relevant articles.
On
September 15, 2016, we executed the Second PSC Amendment where we received a one (1) year extension to the second exploration period of the PSC to
September 22, 2017 and confirmed that we are the holder of 100% interest in the Concession following the official withdrawal by Tullow and Dana on August 15, 2016. The Second PSC
Amendment became effective upon the receipt of a Presidential Decree on September 22, 2016.
We
executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("Second PSC Amendment") on September 15, 2016, and received a Presidential Decree on September 22, 2016 that gave us a one year
extension to
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the
second exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period") and became the designated Operator of the Concession.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the Second PSC Amendment to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed within the
PSC Extension Period (the "Extension Well") with a projected commencement date of May 2017 and the option of drilling additional wells. Fulfillment of the work obligations exempts us from the
expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension Period.
In
turn, we retained an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore waters and are obliged to provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A parent
company guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely basis
could result in a notice of termination with a 30-day period to cure), and certain guarantees to Guinea.
For
the purposes of calculation for this clause (Article 4 of the PSC), however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the
drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea. If we do not provide either security by the specified dates, the
Government of Guinea may terminate the PSC immediately and without prior notice to remedy such deficiency.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $165,000,000 net to our interest) and
begin to move into the territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently stored in Takoradi, Ghana for the drilling of the Extension Well in 2017. The
movement of approximately $1.6 million of the $4.1 million of equipment was started on January 29, 2017 and was completed on February 5, 2017. The balance of the material
still in Ghana will be moved at a later date. Finally, we agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of
$250,000 in addition to any unused portion of the training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC. The unused portion of the training program is now estimated to be approximately $500,000.
We
also agreed to allocate up to a maximum total budget of $120,000 for the actual travel and operating expenses incurred by Guinea for its participation in the management and
administration of the Concession, subject to our review of receipts and limited to reimbursement of actual costs. Further, during the PSC Extension Period, the approved training budget for Guinean
personnel was increased from $200,000 to $250,000. This amount is in addition to the unused portion of the training budget to date, subject to an audit of Tullow's expenditures on the training budget
during its tenure as Operator, estimated to be approximately $500,000. Finally, we agreed that we would make available for the benefit of Guinea a virtual data room containing all seismic data in our
possession relating to relinquished areas. We would not be agents of or work on behalf of Guinea, but will provide, at the request of Guinea during the PSC Extension Period, access to the virtual data
room to interested third parties.
On
March 10, 2017, SCS entered into a Tri Party Protocol ("Protocol") with South Atlantic Petroleum Limited ("SAPETRO"), a privately held Nigerian oil and gas exploration and
production company, and the Government of Guinea.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Protocol, it was agreed that drilling operations for the Fatala-1 well must commence no later than May 30, 2017, and that SAPETRO and SCS will make
all reasonable efforts to negotiate and finalize all transaction documents for SAPETRO's entry into the project in conformity with the PSC and submit for the approval of the Government of Guinea no
later than April 10, 2017. The Government of Guinea in turn agreed to provide adequate assurances in relation to the validity of the existing PSC and amendments to enable SCS and SAPETRO to
enter into the
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transaction
documents and obtain all necessary Government approvals and to mobilize the requisite resources in the form of contracts, funds and personnel to spud and accomplish drilling operations in
respect of the Fatala well and subsequent exploration wells. It was further agreed that upon completion of the transaction documents and receipt of the requisite approvals by the Government of Guinea,
SAPETRO will provide the $5 million Security Instrument as required by the terms of the Second PSC Amendment.
On
March 30, 2017, SCS entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will
assign and transfer to SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement.
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC (the "Third PSC Amendment") that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the
closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the assignment of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it
confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to
the obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017 and provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the
companies' option.
The
Third PSC Amendment further reaffirms clear title of SAPETRO and SCS to the Concession as well as amends the security instrument requirements under the PSC. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to
a US $5 million security instrument to be put in place within 30 days from the date of the Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such time that the drilling
rig to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. Pursuant to the terms of the Protocol, SAPETRO will
provide the $5 million security instrument upon Government of Guinea approval to enter the Concession and completion of the Farmout Agreement. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to joint and several
liability to the Government of Guinea in respect to the PSC.
Sale of Interest to Dana
On December 4, 2009, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement ("Dana SPA") with Dana for Dana to acquire a 23% gross interest in the
PSC. On January 28, 2010, we closed on the transaction with Dana, and we entered into an Assignment of Participating Interest (the
"Assignment"), a Deed of Assignment and Joint Operating Agreement ("JOA"). Pursuant to the Assignment, we assigned to Dana an undivided 23% of our participating interest in the contractual interests,
rights, obligations and duties under the PSC. . On May 20, 2010, we completed the assignment to Dana following the receipt of the final approvals from the Government of Guinea, which were in
the form of a Presidential Decree approving the PSC and a document, referred to as an Arrêté, from the Guinea Ministry of Mines and Geology, confirming the Guinea
government's approval of the assignment of a 23% participating interest in the PSC to Dana.
Sale of Interest to Tullow
On December 31, 2012, we closed a sale to Tullow of a 40% gross interest in the Concession. As consideration, we received
$27 million from Tullow as reimbursement of our past costs in the Concession and, as additional consideration, Tullow agreed to: (i) pay our entire participating interest share of future
costs associated with joint operations in the Concession, up to a gross expenditure cap of $100 million incurred during the carry period that began on September 21, 2013; and
(ii) pay our participating interest share of costs associated with an appraisal well of the initial exploration well, if drilled, subject to a gross expenditure cap on the appraisal well of
$100 million The $27 million
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payment
was received by us on December 31, 2012 and was recorded as a reduction in unproved oil and gas properties, net of transaction costs of approximately $3.3 million.
The
Assignment was approved by Guinea's Ministry of Mines and Geology by issuing an Arrêté on December 27, 2012 which formally authorized our
assignment of a participating interest to Tullow. SCS, Dana and Tullow elected Tullow as the Operator of the Concession beginning April 1, 2013.
Settlement of Claims with Tullow and Dana
On August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement ("Settlement and Release") with Tullow and Dana with respect to
our dispute in arbitration (American
Arbitration Association, Case No: 01-16-0000-0679, styled
SCS Corporation Ltd v. Tullow Guinea Ltd. and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Ltd.
).
Under the Settlement and Release, we released all claims against Tullow and Dana and (i) issued to the Government of Guinea a notice of withdrawal from the Concession and PSC effective
immediately, (ii) Tullow and Dana transferred their interest in the long lead items previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the drilling of the Fatala well, and agreed to pay
net cash of $686,570 to us. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery. We will record the long lead items and a gain
once they have been inspected and appropriately valued.
Sale of Interest to South Atlantic Petroleum Limited
On March 30, 2017, SCS entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and
subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will assign and transfer to SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement (as defined below). Upon
closing, SAPETRO will (i) reimburse SCS its proportional share of past costs associated with the preparations for the drilling of the Fatala-1 well, and (ii) pay its participating
interest's share of future costs in the Concession. Currently the total amount of costs spent by SCS after the date of the Second PSC Amendment in relation to the preparation of drilling of the
Fatala-1 well is estimated at approximately $8-10 million depending on the timing of the completion of the Farmout Agreement and upon approval of the Guinea government.
The
closing of the Farmout Agreement and the corresponding transfer of the participating interest are subject to several conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) the receipt
of the requisite approvals and consents of the government of the Republic of Guinea, (ii) if required by the Government of Guinea, security in respect of each party's participating share of the
drilling costs, and (iii) subject to the reasonable satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably, SCS having obtained cash or committed financings in the amount of up to $ 15 million to
enable it to meet its obligations related to the Fatala-1 well. At closing, SAPETRO and SCS will deliver mutual parent guarantees to secure the obligations under the Farmout Agreement and execute the
joint operating agreement, attached as Exhibit B to the Farmout Agreement (the "Joint Operating Agreement"), governing the conduct of operations. Each party to the Farmout Agreement may waive
certain conditions in whole or in part at any time.
The
parties have agreed to close on or before May 31, 2017, unless the Farmout Agreement is previously terminated due to parties' failure to satisfy the closing conditions, by
mutual agreement of the parties, or if either party receives final, unappealable written notice from the Government of Guinea stating that it will not approve the transfer of the farm-in interest, or
on certain other conditions. The Farmout Agreement includes customary representations and warranties of the parties, including due organization and authority.
In
addition SCS and SAPETRO separately agreed that SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement will be $15 million in "cash and
committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably" in addition to costs already
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incurred.
SAPETRO and SCS further agreed that SAPETRO may elect to pay for a portion of SCS's Fatala-1 well costs so long as SCS is not in default of either the PSC or the Farmout Agreement and
requires credit support. In case SAPETRO makes such payments for a share of SCS's costs of, SCS shall assign to SAPETRO 2% of its participating interest in the Concession for each $ 1 million
of SCS's costs paid by SAPETRO.
Exploration Strategies and Work to Date
Our business plan incorporates a multi-channel approach to exploring and developing our Contract Area under the PSC. We plan to continue to
develop and evaluate drilling targets and complete technical work and planning with Tullow and Dana.
From
the inception of our involvement in Guinea beginning in 2002 through June 2009, we accomplished exploration work, including:
-
-
a 1,000 kilometer 2D seismic data shoot, the processing of the seismic data acquired, and the evaluation of that data and data that had been
acquired in the past;
-
-
a 4,000 kilometer 2D seismic data shoot, the processing of the seismic data acquired, and the evaluation of that data and data that had been
acquired in the past;
-
-
acquisition and geochemical analysis of core samples from the Contract Area and a satellite seeps study;
-
-
third party interpretation and analysis of our seismic data, performed by PGS;
-
-
reconnaissance within Guinea to evaluate drilling infrastructure, support services, and the operating environment;
-
-
a 2,800 kilometer 2D seismic data shoot, the processing of the seismic data acquired, and the evaluation of that data and data that had been
acquired in the past;
Since
July 2009, we have accomplished critical exploration work, including:
-
-
an oil seep study performed by TDI Brooks;
-
-
a 10,400 kilometer 2D seismic data shoot, the processing of the seismic data acquired, and the evaluation of that data;
-
-
a 3,635 square kilometer 3D seismic data shoot covering the shallower-water portion of the deep water area, and the processing of the seismic
data acquired, and the evaluation of that data;
-
-
completion of the drilling of the Sabu-1, an exploratory well, and evaluation of associated core and fluid samples; and
-
-
a 4,080 square kilometer 3D seismic data shoot primarily covering the deeper water area, and the pre-stack depth migration processing and
evaluation of the seismic data acquired.
-
-
commissioned eSeis, Inc., to do further specialized processing of our 3D seismic data covering the Fatala, Bamboo and Buried Hill
prospects in order to estimate fluid and rock properties.
DESCRIPTION OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
The Contract Area is located in the Transform Margin play, offshore Guinea. Following the relinquishment of approximately 77% of the remaining
Contract Area as required by the Second PSC Amendment, we have the exclusive exploration and production rights, along with SAPETRO, to explore and develop approximately 5,000 square kilometers in
offshore Guinea under the Concession and received a one-year extension of the PSC to September 22, 2017. The extension period is not renewable except in the case of a discovery where, following
two months' notice to Guinea, we have up to two
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additional
years to allow the completion of the appraisal of any discovery made. Delays have adversely affected the ability to explore the Concession, forced us to relinquish a sizable remaining
portion of the Concession and reduce the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing sources.
An
exploration well with a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed and a minimum cost of $46,000,000 is required to be drilled by September 22, 2017 to satisfy the work
requirement during the PSC Extension Period of the PSC. Under the terms of a Third PSC Amendment, we agreed to provide a satisfactory Security instrument in the amount of $5 million within
30 days of the receipt of the April 21, 2017 Presidential Decree, to be released at such time that the drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the
shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. We also agreed that drilling operations for the Fatala-1 well must commence no later than May 30, 2017. Failure to
comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC subject us to risk of loss of the Concession.
Our
prospects are in an underexplored basin among multiple highly prospective trends with Turbidite fans and 4-way closures.
Two
wells have been drilled in the Contract Area: the GU-2B-1 well (1977) and the Sabu-1 well (2012). The GU-2B-1 well was drilled by another company reaching a total depth of 3,253
meters below seabed. Drilling of the Sabu-1 well was finished in February 2012 reaching a total depth of 2,891 meters below seabed.
The
GU-2B-1 well drilled in 1977 demonstrated good Upper Cretaceous shelf reservoirs and source rock. The oil seep and oil slick evaluation done by us in 2009 indicated a working
petroleum system with mature Upper Cretaceous marine source. Well data from the Sabu-1 well also confirmed to us the presence of a working petroleum system. Hydrocarbons in fluid inclusions in the
rock drilled in the well demonstrate that the well was part of an oil-migration pathway, and oil and gas shows during drilling of the well indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in the upper Cretaceous
section. Our well-log interpretations indicated residual oil (noncommercial oil saturations) in a 400-meter section of the Upper Cretaceous. The fluid sampling of Upper Cretaceous intervals did not
find movable oil. We believe the Sabu-1 well was not a commercial success because of the lack of a reservoir seal such as marine shales or reservoir-seal pairs needed for a commercial accumulation.
We
acquired approximately 18,200 kilometers of 2D seismic and 7,635 square kilometers of 3D seismic (with 4,000 square kilometers acquired during fiscal 2012 in the deep-water portion of
the Concession) to evaluate the Concession. The most recent 3D seismic (Survey C) shows thick wedges of sediment that may contain deep water sandstone reservoirs with marine shale seals that
may trap significant oil accumulations, similar to recent discoveries by others on trend. We believe the Sabu-1 well results, demonstrating good reservoir and a working petroleum system, reduced the
risks associated with the deeper water exploration program and support the possibility of a continuation into Guinea of the oil-prone play along the Equatorial Atlantic margin.
Reserves Reported To Other Agencies
We have not reported any estimates of proved or probable net oil or gas reserves to any federal authority or agency since July 1, 2008,
on producing properties owned in the United States at that time, but subsequently sold in 2009.
Production
We have no producing properties and have had no production during the periods covered by the financial statements in this prospectus.
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Delivery Commitments
We have no existing contracts or agreements obligating us to provide a fixed or determinable quantity of oil or gas in the future.
Employees and Independent Contractors
As of the date of this prospectus, we have 15 employees, all of whom are based in the United States. We also use independent contractors from
time to time for specific projects and functions. No employees are represented by a union.
Competition
Many companies and individuals engage in drilling for gas and oil, and there is competition for the most desirable prospects. We expect to
encounter intense competition from other companies and other entities in the sale of our oil and gas. We could be competing with numerous oil and gas companies which may have financial resources
significantly greater than ours.
Productive Wells and Acreage; Undeveloped Acreage
We do not have any productive oil or gas wells, and we do not have any developed acres
(
i.e.
acres spaced or assignable to productive wells). Undeveloped Acreage is owned through our Concession in offshore Guinea, a description of
and the terms of which are described above under "Operations Offshore GuineaThe PSC." The following table sets forth the undeveloped acreage that we held as of June 30, 2016:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undeveloped
Acreage(1)(2)(3)(4)
|
|
Foreign
|
|
Gross Acres
|
|
Net Acres
|
|
Offshore Guinea
|
|
|
4,632,000
|
|
|
1,713,840
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
4,632,000
|
|
|
1,713,840
|
|
-
(1)
-
A
gross acre is an acre in which a working interest is owned. A net acre is deemed to exist when the sum of fractional ownership working or participation interests
in gross acres equals one. The number of net acres is the sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres expressed as whole numbers and fractions thereof. Undeveloped acreage is
considered to be those leased acres on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of crude oil and natural gas regardless of
whether or not such acreage contains proved reserves.
-
(2)
-
One
square mile equals 640 acres. The Contract Area in the Concession is approximately 18,750 square kilometers, or 7,238 square miles. We have a 100% working
interest in the Concession. Upon closing of the Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO, we will have a 50% working interest in the Concession.
-
(3)
-
On
September 15, 2016, we entered into the Second PSC Amendment. Under the terms of the Second PSC Amendment, we received a one year extension to the Second
Exploration Period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 and confirmed that we are the holder of a 100% interest in the Concession following the official withdrawal by Tullow and Dana on
August 15, 2016. In return, we will drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2500 meters below the mudline for an estimated amount of $46,000,000, relinquished approximately 77% of the
remaining Contract Area, and agreed to limit the past cost recoverable expenses to those costs directly incurred by SCS through the
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execution
of the Second PSC Amendment. After the 77% relinquishment, we had approximately 1,065,000 gross and net acres.
-
(4)
-
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the closing of
the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the assignment of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it confirms
the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to the
obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017 and provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the
companies' option. After the Farmout Agreement closes, we will have approximately, 532,500 net acres
Drilling Activity
An exploratory well is a well drilled to find crude oil or natural gas in an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found
to be productive of crude oil or
natural gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir. A development well is a well drilled within the proved area of a crude oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic
horizon known to be productive.
In
October 2011, we commenced drilling operations on the Sabu-1 well. In February 2012, the Sabu-1 exploratory well reached the planned total depth of 3,600 meters.
There
have been no drilling activities since February 2012.
Geographical Information
The following table sets out long-lived assets associated with Guinea, including our investment in the Concession offshore Guinea as well as
fixed assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
June 30, 2015
|
|
Long-lived assets related to Guinea
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311,000
|
|
The
seismic data we collected prior to Tullow becoming Operator and our geological and geophysical work product are maintained in our offices in the United States. As of March 31,
2016, based on our impairment assessment, we fully impaired the $14,331,000 of unproved oil and gas properties. This impairment assessment was based on the continued impasse by our members of the
Consortium to resume petroleum operations and drill the next exploration obligation well, which needs to be commenced by the end of September 2016, and our inability to get interim injunctive relief
from the American Arbitration Association requiring Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a process that would result in the
execution of the amendment which we hoped would have led to the resumption of petroleum operations. Thus, we believe all legal measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well
have been exhausted. We entered in a Settlement and Release agreement with Tullow and Dana on August 15, 2016, and signed the Second PSC Amendment with Guinea on September 15, 2016,
granting us a one year extension to the PSC to September 22, 2017. We also executed a Farmout Agreement with SAPETRO and a Third PSC Amendment with Guinea that includes the obligation to begin
drilling activities in our Concession prior to May 30, 2017.
Cost of Compliance with Environmental Laws
Management makes judgments and estimates in accordance with applicable accounting rules when it establishes reserves for environmental
remediation, litigation and other contingent matters. Provisions
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for
such matters are charged to expense when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and reasonable estimates of the liability can be made. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based
on a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the stage of investigation, the stage of the remedial design, evaluation of existing remediation technologies, and presently enacted laws and
regulations. In future periods, a number of factors could significantly change our estimate of environmental remediation costs, such as changes in laws and regulations, or changes in their
interpretation or administration, revisions to the remedial design, unanticipated construction problems, identification of additional areas or volumes of contaminated soil and groundwater, and changes
in costs of labor,
equipment and technology. Consequently, it is not possible for management to reliably estimate the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental or other contingent matters and
actual costs may vary significantly from our estimates.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
While there are currently no pending legal proceedings to which we are a party (or that are to our knowledge contemplated by governmental
authorities) that we believe will have individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results, from time to time we may become involved
in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in any such matters could
occur that could harm our business, financial condition or results of operation, including significant monetary damages or limitations on our ability to engage in our business activities. Although we
have director and officer insurance, in case such claims arise it may not apply to or fully cover any liabilities we may incur as a result of these lawsuits.
The
following are descriptions of certain concluded legal proceedings in which we were involved that have historical significance in relation to the discussions herein under "Business,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere, and are included for reference purposes.
Iroquois Lawsuit
On May 9, 2012, a lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against us and all of our directors. The plaintiffs,
five hedge funds, including Iroquois Master Fund Ltd., that invested in us in early 2012, allege that we breached an agreement with the plaintiffs, and that we and the directors made certain
negligent misrepresentations relating to our drilling operations. Among other claims, the plaintiffs alleged that we misrepresented the status of our drilling operations and the speed with which the
drilling would be completed. The plaintiffs advanced claims for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation and sought damages in the amount of $18.5 million plus pre-judgment interest.
On June 19, 2013, the court dismissed the negligent misrepresentation claim but declined to dismiss the breach of contract claim. On August 12, 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended
complaint. That complaint named only us and sought recovery for alleged breaches of contract.
On
December 31, 2016 we entered into a settlement agreement with the five hedge funds in this lawsuit. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Hyperdynamics would issue to
the plaintiffs a total of
600,000 new shares of common stock, and it would cause a payment to be made of $1.35 million in cash that would be covered under its directors' and officers' insurance policy. The plaintiffs
are restricted from selling the shares of common stock before April 1, 2017 under the terms of the agreement.
On
January 26, 2017 an order to approve the settlement agreement was entered in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County and subsequently approved by the Court
on the same day.
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On
January 11, 2017 a payment of $1.35 million was made by the insurance underwriters of the Company's directors' and officers' insurance policy to the hedge funds in the
Iroquois lawsuit on behalf of the Company. On February 2, 2017, the Company issued 600,000 shares of its common stock to the hedge funds named in the settlement agreement.
Tullow and Dana Legal Actions
On January 11, 2016, we filed legal actions against members of the Consortium under the Joint Operating Agreement governing the oil and
gas exploration rights offshore Guinea ("JOA") in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and before the AAA against Tullow for their failure to meet their obligations
under the JOA. On January 28, 2016, the action in the Federal District Court was voluntarily dismissed by us and refiled in District Court in Harris County, Texas. On February 8, 2016
Tullow and Dana removed the case to Federal District Court.
On
February 2, 2016, SCS filed an Application for Emergency Arbitrator and Interim Measures of Protection and requested the following relief: (a) expedite discovery prior
to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal; (b) provide that the time period permitted by the parties' arbitration agreement for the selection of the arbitrators and the filing of any
responsive pleadings or counterclaims be accelerated; (c) require Tullow, as the designated operator under the JOA, to maintain existing "well-planning activities"; (d) require Tullow to
undertake and complete certain planning activities; and (e) require Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in completing the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a
process that will result in the execution of the amendment. With the exception of limited relief regarding discovery and agreement by Tullow to maintain certain well plan readiness, the Emergency
Arbitrator ruled on February 17, 2016, that SCS is not entitled to the emergency injunctive relief it requested. Further, the Emergency Arbitrator enjoined all parties to the dispute from
pursuing parallel District Court proceedings. On February 12, 2016, the case was voluntarily stayed by
us. SCS believes that it has exhausted all of its options for the pursuit of legal measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well.
The
AAA action sought (1) a determination that Tullow and Dana were in breach of their contractual obligations and (2) the damages caused by the repeated delays in well
drilling caused by the activities of Tullow and Dana. We determined to bring the legal actions only after it became apparent that Tullow and Dana would not move forward, despite many opportunities to
do so, with petroleum operations. SCS believed that it had exhausted all of its options for the pursuit of legal measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well.
On
August 15, 2016, we subsequently entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement and Release") with respect to our dispute in arbitration.
Under the Settlement and Release, we released all claims against Tullow and Dana and Tullow and Dana (i) issued to the Government of Guinea a notice of withdrawal from the Concession and PSC
effective immediately, (ii) transferred their interest in the long lead items of well construction material previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the initial drilling of the
Fatala well, and agreed to pay net cash of $0.7 million to us. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name, age, and positions and offices with us of each of our directors and executive officers as of the date
of this prospectus. Each of our directors was re-elected for a one-year term at the April 19, 2017, Annual Meeting. There is no family relationship between or among any of the directors and our
executive officers. Board of Directors vacancies are filled by a
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majority
vote of the Board of Directors. Our Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Government Relations Committee.
|
|
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Name
|
|
Position
|
|
Committee memberships
|
|
Age
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
Director, CEO and President
|
|
Member of Government Relations Committee
|
|
|
64
|
|
Ian Norbury*
|
|
Director and Non-Executive Chairman
|
|
Member of Audit Committee
|
|
|
66
|
|
Patricia N. Moller*
|
|
Director
|
|
Chair of Government Relations Committee
|
|
|
73
|
|
William O. Strange*
|
|
Director
|
|
Chair of Audit Committee and Member of Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee
|
|
|
74
|
|
Fred S. Zeidman*
|
|
Director
|
|
Chair of Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee, Member of Audit Committee, and Member of Government Relations Committee
|
|
|
71
|
|
Gary D. Elliston*
|
|
Director
|
|
Member of Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee
|
|
|
63
|
|
Sergey Alekseev
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President-Business Development
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
Raymond C. Leonard was appointed to the Board of Directors and was appointed CEO and President in July 2009. Mr. Leonard served as the
Vice President of Eurasia & Exploration for Kuwait Energy Company from December 2006 to June 2009. From January 2005 to November 2006, Mr. Leonard served as the Senior Vice President of
International Exploration and Production of MOL Plc. Mr. Leonard also served as Vice President of Exploration & New Ventures for YUKOS, Russia's second largest oil company, based
in Moscow, Russia from February 2001 to December 2004. Prior to joining YUKOS, Leonard held the title of Vice President of Exploration with First International Oil from June 1998 to January 2001.
Previously, Mr. Leonard spent 19 years with Amoco, where he began as a geologist and was promoted to Vice President of Resource Acquisitions. During his tenure at Amoco, he held a
three-year assignment as Division Geologist in West Africa. Mr. Leonard holds a Master of Arts in Geology from the University of TexasAustin and a Bachelor of Science in
Geosciences from the University of Arizona.
In
addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led the Board of Directors to
conclude that Mr. Leonard should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMr. Leonard has held numerous roles in key executive management over his career, including the Vice President of Exploration for YUKOS and First
International Oil, and Senior Vice President of Exploration and Production for MOL.
Industry
ExperienceMr. Leonard has worked in the Oil & Gas industry his entire career in various Exploration and Production companies and has presented in
numerous international forums on world oil reserves and future industry trends.
Ian Norbury
Ian Norbury joined the Board of Directors in January 2013. Mr. Norbury became the Chairman of the Board in April 2015. Mr. Norbury
is a Director of Energy Software Information and Analytics Limited, a UK firm being the holding company for Hannon Westwood. Prior to joining Hannon
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Westwood
in 2003, Mr. Norbury held various positions with Amerada Hess International since 1985, most recently as Executive Manager, Exploration with responsibility for worldwide exploration
performance, including West Africa. He previously held senior geologist positions with Conoco and Amoco. Mr. Norbury earned his BSC in Geology and Geography at the University of London.
In
addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led the Board of Directors to
conclude that Mr. Norbury should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMr. Norbury has held various key executive positions such as the executive manager of exploration at Amerada Hess International and has held the
position of CEO with Hannon Westwood.
Industry
ExperienceMr. Norbury has worked in the Oil & Gas industry his entire career in various Exploration and Production companies and consultancy firms.
Patricia N. Moller
Patricia N. Moller was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2015. Ms. Moller served as the United States Ambassador to the
Republic of Guinea from 2009 to 2012 and to the Republic of Burundi from March 2006 until 2009. From April 1987 to March 2006, she served in various capacities in the U.S. Department of State,
including as a Foreign Service officer and management officer. Ms. Moller retired from the Department of State in 2012, and served as
Charge'dAffaires
to both the Kingdom of Morocco and to Romania
in 2013. Ms. Moller received several awards because of her service within the U.S.
government, including the Robert C. Frasure Award (2011), the Presidential Meritorious Service Award (2009) and Leamon Hunt Award (1999), among others. She received a Bachelor of Arts from the
University of Tampa in 1974.
In
addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led the Board of Directors to
conclude that Ms. Moller should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMs. Moller has held several positions within the U.S. government of significant responsibility, including as Ambassador to the Republic of
Guinea.
William O. Strange
William O. Strange was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2010. Mr. Strange was an audit partner with Deloitte &
Touche LLP prior to his retirement in May 2005. He joined the international accounting firm in 1964 and became a partner in 1976. During his 41 years with Deloitte &
Touche LLP, he specialized in audits of SEC registrants for a variety of publicly traded energy clients in exploration and production, petrochemicals, pipelines, and oil services. Since 2005,
he has been engaged in independent financial and accounting consulting services. Mr. Strange is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and lives in Houston. He is on the Audit Committee of
the Presbytery of the New Covenant, the governing body for Presbyterian Churches in the Gulf Coast area. He has served as the President of the Petroleum Club of Houston and as a member of the Major
Cases Committee of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. In January 2014, he was elected Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County, and was additionally elected to its Board of
Directors in January 2015.
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In addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led
the Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Strange should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMr. Strange worked over 41 years for Deloitte & Touche LLP, including 29 years as an audit partner. While at
Deloitte & Touche LLP, most of his clients were in the energy industry, including many exploration and production companies, and he spent the vast majority of his time working on clients
that reported to the SEC. He has also lived overseas and understands foreign operations.
Financial
ExperienceIn addition to his over 41 years at Deloitte & Touche LLP, Mr. Strange was considered a Senior Technical Partner at
Deloitte & Touche LLP. He has extensive knowledge of energy industry economics and business methods. He has worked with more than 20 audit committees of public company clients and
understands the best practices of audit committees.
Fred S. Zeidman
Fred S. Zeidman was appointed to our Board of Directors in December 2009. Mr. Zeidman has been the Chairman of Gordian Group LLC,
a U.S. investment bank specializing in complex and distressed financial advisory work, since January 2015. In March 2008, Mr. Zeidman was appointed the Interim President of Nova Biosource
Fuels, Inc. ("Nova"), a publicly traded biodiesel technology company, and served in that position until the company's acquisition in November 2009 and as a Nova director since June 2007. From
August 2009 through November 2009, Mr. Zeidman was appointed Chief Restructuring Officer for Transmeridian Exploration, Inc. and served in that position until its sale in November 2009.
Mr. Zeidman has been Bankruptcy Trustee of AremisSoft Corp since 2004.
Mr. Zeidman
currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the University of Texas Health Science System Houston, he serves as interim Chief Financial Officer of the Texas Heart
Institute, and is a director of Lucas Energy Inc., Straight Path Communications Inc. and Petro River Oil. Mr. Zeidman served as Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial
Council from March 2002 through September 2010. Mr. Zeidman was on the board of Compact Power, Inc., an energy storage systems company from November 2007 to November 2009.
Mr. Zeidman has served on the board of Prosperity Bank for 30 years. He also served as CEO, President and Chairman of the Board of Seitel Inc., an oil field services company, from
June 2002 until its sale in February 2007. Mr. Zeidman served as a Managing Director of the law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP from July 2003 to December 2008.
In
addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led the Board of Directors to
conclude that Mr. Zeidman should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMr. Zeidman has served in numerous roles of executive and directorship responsibility, including serving on the board of Prosperity Bank for
30 years and acting as Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
Financial
ExperienceMr. Zeidman has a Master's in Business Administration degree and was the Chief Restructuring Officer for Transmeridian Exploration.
Gary D. Elliston
Gary D. Elliston was appointed to our Board of Directors in November 2015. Mr. Elliston has been the senior founding partner of
DeHay & Elliston, L.L.P., a registered limited liability legal partnership, since August 1992, and specializes in litigation. He is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme
Court, Texas Supreme Court, U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of Texas, and the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit. He is also licensed in New York, West
Virginia, Illinois and Oklahoma. He graduated cum laude from Howard Payne
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University
in 1975 and cum laude from Southern Methodist University Law School in 1978. In 2007, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Howard Payne University.
In
addition to the professional and education background and experience described above, the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills led the Board of Directors to
conclude that Mr. Elliston should serve as a director:
Leadership
ExperienceMr. Elliston is the senior founding partner of DeHay & Elliston, L.L.P. In addition, he has previously served on the Board of
Trustees for Howard Payne University, a private university located in Brownwood, Texas, and the Board of Regents for Baylor University, a private university located in Waco, Texas.
Executive Officers
Raymond C. Leonard
Raymond C. Leonard, 63, President and Chief Executive Officer is also a director of the Company. Mr. Leonard has been the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and President since December 2009. Information about his professional background is discussed in the section above regarding the Board of Directors.
Sergey Alekseev
Sergey Alekseev, 51, joined the Company on July 5, 2016, as an outside consultant serving as our Vice President of Business Development.
Mr. Alekseev became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2017. Prior to joining Hyperdynamics, Mr. Alekseev was Chief Operating Officer for Soyuzneftegaz, a Russian
oil and gas company, and was Chief Financial Officer and First Vice President for oil company Rosneft. Previously, he also held executive positions with ABN AMRO Bank and Coopers & Lybrand,
both in Moscow. Mr. Alekseev holds a Diploma in International Financial Relations from the Moscow Institute of International Relations and a Master's degree in International Economics (MSc.Ec.)
from the London School of Economics.
Director Independence
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQX. We use SEC Rule 10A-3 in determining whether a director is independent in the capacity of
director and in the capacity as a member of a board committee. In determining director independence, we have not relied on any exemptions from any rule's definition of independence.
We
currently have six directors, five of whom are Independent Directors. The Board of Directors has determined that the following directors are independent under SEC Rule 10A-3
because they have no relationship with the Company (other than being a director and stockholder of the Company): Ian Norbury, Chairman of the Board; Patricia N. Moller; William O.
Strange; Fred S. Zeidman; and Gary D. Elliston (collectively, the "Independent Directors").
Our
Independent Directors meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management present. Ian Norbury, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is the presiding Independent
Director at these executive sessions.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines that provide the framework for the governance of the Company and reflect the Board of
Directors' belief that sound corporate governance policies and practices provide an essential foundation for the Board in fulfilling its oversight
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responsibilities.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available at the Company's website at www.hyperdynamics.com.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Our compensation discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, discusses the compensation for our Principal Executive
Officer ("PEO"), who is our President and Chief Executive Officer, Raymond C. Leonard; as well as disclosure for David W. Wesson and Paolo G. Amoruso, who, pursuant to Item 402 of
Regulation S-K, would have been deemed to be named executive officers except that they were not serving as officers at the end of the Company's fiscal year (individually, each a "Named
Executive Officer" or "NEO," and collectively, our "Named Executive Officers" or "NEOs"). Both Messrs. Wesson and Amoruso provided services to the Company as
independent consultants pursuant to Consulting Agreements entered into on June 30, 2016 through September 30, 2016 having resigned their employment positions in advance of the expiration
of their employment agreements. The Company engaged Mr. Amoruso through his law firm, Paolo G Amoruso PLLC, beginning on October 1, 2016 to provide services as requested by the Company
from time to time.
The
Company's 10-K for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2016 included disclosures for David W. Wesson and Paolo G. Amoruso, who, pursuant to Item 402 of
Regulation S-K, would have been deemed to be named executive officers except that they were not serving as officers at the end of the Company's prior fiscal year. Both Messrs. Wesson and
Amoruso provided services to the Company as independent consultants pursuant to Consulting Agreements entered into on June 30, 2016 through September 30, 2016 having resigned their
employment positions in advance of the expiration of their employment agreements. The Company engaged Mr. Amoruso through his law firm, Paolo G. Amoruso PLLC, beginning on October 1,
2016 and Mr. Wesson individually to provide services as requested by the Company from time to time.
These
officers are also reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below and discussed further in the accompanying narrative thereto. In this compensation discussion and analysis, the
terms "we" and "our" refer to Hyperdynamics Corporation, and not the Compensation, Nominating, or Corporate Governance Committee.
Compensation Overview, Objectives, and Elements
We are an early-stage and relatively small company in the oil and gas exploration industry and our operations in the last several years have
focused on oil and gas exploration in our Concession offshore the coast of the Republic of Guinea in West Africa, identifying additional prospects that may contain oil or gas and identifying other
oil & gas companies to farm-out participating interests in the Concession. We have accomplished this with a small team of management individuals with significant industry experience. We have
designed our compensation program to attract and retain these highly experienced individuals, who have competing opportunities at more established companies, as well as to motivate and reward these
individuals for the successful execution of our business plan.
The
Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the performance of our executives and develops and makes recommendations to the Board
of Directors with respect to executive compensation policies. The Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee is empowered by the Board of Directors to establish and administer our
executive compensation programs. The members of the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Elliston, Strange, and Zeidman. Mr. Zeidman is the Chair of
the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee. All committee members are independent.
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Because
of the uniqueness of our business and operations, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee has concluded that we do not have a single group of peer or
comparison companies for purposes of traditional benchmarking and percentile targeting and, as such, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee does not use traditional
benchmarking or percentile targeting against a stated peer group in setting compensation. Rather than looking to a single peer or comparison group of companies, our compensation practice concerning
our executives is to review compensation on a position-by-position basis and determine the particular skill set required to be successful at the Company for the particular position in question. The
skill set necessarily varies among positions but may include: executive management experience at oil and gas enterprises; offshore experience and technical expertise; international experience;
experience growing and maturing a company; relevant financial and commercial experience; and relevant compliance and legal experience. As a result, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate
Governance Committee's determinations in setting compensation are often qualitative and subjective, depending on the executive's position.
The
details of the processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive compensation are described below.
What are the objectives of our executive officer compensation program?
The objectives of the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee in determining executive compensation are to:
(1) attract and retain key individuals who are important to the continued success of Hyperdynamics, and (2) provide strong financial incentives, at reasonable cost to the stockholders,
for senior management to enhance the value of the stockholders' investment.
What is our executive officer compensation program designed to reward?
Our compensation program is designed to reward individuals for the achievement of our business goals and to foster continuity of management by
encouraging key individuals to maintain long-term careers with Hyperdynamics.
What are the elements of our executive officer compensation program and why do we provide each element?
The elements of compensation that the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee uses to accomplish these objectives include:
(1) base salaries, (2) bonuses, and (3) long-term incentives in the form of stock and stock options. From time to time, we also provide perquisites to certain executives and
health and insurance to all employees. The elements of compensation that we offer help us to attract and retain our officers. The specific purpose of each element of compensation is outlined below.
Base Salaries
We provide fixed annual base salaries as consideration for each executive's performance of his or her job duties. Salaries are set based on
level of responsibility, skills, knowledge, experience, and contribution to Hyperdynamics' business.
Bonuses
Annual cash bonuses are typically awarded to our executives as a variable compensation component. Bonuses are based on goals and objectives for
each executive. Each executive is given a target bonus percentage. The Chief Executive Officer recommends a bonus amount to the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee.
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Our
historic policy has been to set such executive's bonus in a range of 50% to 100% of that executive's annual base salary with a target of 75% of the executive's annual base salary.
The Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee or Board of Directors approves annual bonuses for our executives usually during the month of June of the fiscal year that concludes at
the end of that month. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Raymond C. Leonard, has specific performance-related goals and targets usually set by the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate
Governance Committee in the month of June (prior to the commencement of the applicable fiscal year). The following June (at the end of the fiscal year) the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate
Governance Committee evaluates the Chief Executive Officer's performance against those goals and targets and recommends a bonus amount to the Board of Directors following that evaluation.
In
June 2016, the Board of Directors revised Hyperdynamics' Bonus Policy to make all annual bonuses completely performance-based upon the achievement of pre-established targets.
Long-term Incentives
We can provide long-term incentives in the form of stock and stock options. Our practice has been to provide stock options as our preferred form
of long-term incentives. Long-term incentives are a component of variable compensation because the amount of income ultimately earned is dependent upon and varies with our common stock price over the
term of the option. The stock option awards tie a portion of executive compensation to the stock price and, accordingly, our financial and operating results. We do not use a formula to determine stock
and stock option awards to executives. Stock option awards are not designed to be tied to yearly results. We view stock option awards as a means to encourage equity ownership by executives and, thus,
to generally align the interests of the executives with the stockholders.
Our
2010 Plan authorizes the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee to award stock options, restricted stock, and stock registered under a Form S-8
registration statement to officers and other key employees. The Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee implements this authority by awarding stock options designed to align the
interests of all senior executives to those of stockholders. This is accomplished by awarding stock options, which rise in value based upon the market price rise of Hyperdynamics' common stock, on a
systematic basis.
The
actual amount of long-term incentives that each of our executives is eligible to receive is established by that executive's employment agreement.
Our
policy has been to make such executive's long-term incentive award in the form of stock options. The number of shares underlying the stock options is typically set at 25% of the
dollar amount of that executive's annual cash bonus. For example, if an executive's annual cash bonus was $150,000, a stock option to purchase 37,500 share of our common stock would be granted. The
Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee or Board of Directors usually approves long-term incentive grants during the month of June of the fiscal year that concludes at the end of
that month.
We
report the estimated fair value of our stock option grants, as determined for accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 718, using either the Black-Scholes option pricing model or a
Monte Carlo model, in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table. The amount reflected for accounting purposes does not reflect whether the executive has or will realize
a financial benefit from the awards. Because stock option awards are made at a price equal to or above the market price on the date of grant, stock options have no intrinsic value at the time of
grant. We believe the potential appreciation of the option awards over the stock price provide motivation to executives.
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Perquisites
Perquisites are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee.
How do we determine the amount for each element of executive officer compensation?
Our policy is to provide compensation packages that are competitively reasonable and appropriate for our business needs. We consider such
factors as: competitive compensation packages as negotiated with our officers; evaluations of the President and Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; achievement of performance goals
and milestones as additional motivation for certain executives; officers' ability to work in relationships that foster teamwork among our executive
officers; officers' individual skills and expertise, and labor market conditions. We did not engage a third-party compensation consultant during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 or 2016.
During
the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015, and 2016, total executive compensation consists of base salary, bonuses, and option awards. Generally, the option awards for
executives are negotiated in the executive's contract, with an exercise price based on the market price on the award date. Special option awards are also issued to employees on a case-by-case basis
during the year for significant achievement. Because of the simplicity of the compensation package, there is very little interaction between decisions about the individual elements of compensation.
Administration of Executive Compensation
The Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of
the NEOs, evaluates the NEOs' performance, and sets their compensation. In determining compensation policies and procedures, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee considers
the results of stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation and how the votes have affected executive compensation decisions and policies.
The
Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee or Board of Directors usually sets annual salaries during the month of December of the fiscal year that ends the
following June 30th and usually approves the payment of annual bonuses and the award of long-term incentives during the month of June of the fiscal year that concludes at the end of that
month.
Chief Executive Officer Involvement in Compensation Decisions
The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee concerning the employment
packages of all subordinate officers. Neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other Company officer or employee attends periodic executive sessions of the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate
Governance Committee.
How compensation or amounts realizable from prior compensation are considered?
The amount of past compensation generally does not affect current year considerations because bonuses and long-term incentives are awarded for
each individual fiscal year's job performance. As part of its ongoing review process, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee regularly evaluates our compensation programs to
ensure they meet changing business needs and support alignment with stockholders' interests.
Tax Considerations
Our compensation plans are designed generally to ensure full tax deductibility of compensation paid under the plans.
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This includes compliance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which limits our tax deduction for an executive's compensation to
$1 million, unless certain conditions are met. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the full amount of all compensation provided to all executives was tax deductible to the Company.
Timing, Award Date, and Exercise Price for Stock Option Awards
Our policy is to award stock options upon hiring of the employee and on a case-by-case basis throughout the year. Stock option exercise prices
are the closing price on the date of grant. We also have made certain awards based on the completion of performance criteria.
Analysis of Variations in Individual NEOs Compensation
Each NEO's compensation is detailed in the Summary Compensation Table below and discussed further in the accompanying narrative thereto. For
those NEOs who have employment agreements, each such agreement is described under the caption "Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table."
2016 Compensation Decisions for Our Named Executive Officers
Described below are the details of the processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive compensation for fiscal
year 2016.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the salaries, bonuses, incentive awards, retirement benefits and other compensation relating to fiscal years ended
June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 for our PEO and our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our PEO, pursuant to paragraph (m)(2)(iii) of Item 402 of SEC
Regulation S-K. Columns for which there was no compensation have been omitted.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
Stock
Grants
($)
|
|
Option
Awards(1)
($)
|
|
All Other
Compensation(2)
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
Raymond C, Leonard,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
42,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
492,000
|
|
President and CEO
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,818
|
|
|
|
|
|
636,818
|
|
David W. Wesson,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
268,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,836
|
|
|
|
|
|
274,086
|
|
Former V.P., Principal Financial and Accounting Officer(3)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
255,750
|
|
|
127,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
407,165
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso,
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
288,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,260
|
|
|
|
|
|
294,260
|
|
Former Vice President of Legal Affairs and Secretary(4)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
274,250
|
|
|
137,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,244
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
496,619
|
|
-
(1)
-
These
amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for options awarded in the last two fiscal years ended
June 30, 2016 and 2015. For a description of the assumptions used for purposes of determining award date fair value, see Note 8 to the financial statements for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2016 included in this prospectus. Regardless of the value on the grant date, the actual value that may be recognized by the executives will depend on the market value of the Company's
common stock on a date in the future when a stock option is recognized.
-
(2)
-
The
amount reflects a $60,000 bonus pursuant to a retention bonus agreement that Mr. Amoruso signed on June 30, 2014 with the Company.
Mr. Amoruso received half of the retention bonus on June 30, 2014, and the second half in January 2015.
1
67
Table of Contents
-
(3)
-
The
amounts noted above for Mr. Wesson reflect the compensation for his service as our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and our Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer for fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015. Mr. Wesson continued to provide services to the Company as an independent consultant pursuant to a
Consulting Agreement entered into on June 30, 2016 2016 having resigned his employment positions in advance of the expiration of his Employment Agreement. Mr. Wesson entered into a
separate engagement agreement with the Company for services as requested from time to time. (See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions").
-
(4)
-
The
amounts noted above for Mr. Amoruso reflect the compensation for his service as our Vice President of Commercial and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015. Mr. Amoruso continued to provide services to the Company as an independent consultant through September 30, 2016
pursuant to a consulting agreement entered into on June 30, 2016 having resigned his employment positions in advance of the expiration of his Employment Agreement. The Company engaged
Mr. Amoruso through his law firm, Paolo G Amoruso PLLC, beginning on October 1, 2016 to provide services as requested by the Company from time to time. (See "Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions").
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Raymond C. Leonard,
President and Chief Executive
Officer
We entered into a three-year employment agreement with Raymond C. Leonard, our current Chief Executive Officer, President and Director effective
as of July 22, 2009, as amended, effective December 11, 2009. On September 10, 2012, effective as of July 23, 2012, we entered into an amended and restated employment
agreement with Mr. Leonard. The agreement, as amended and restated, has a one-year term that is automatically extended for successive one-year periods following the end of the initial one-year
term, unless otherwise terminated by delivery of written notice by either party prior to May 31 of each period. The agreement provides that Mr. Leonard will serve as our President and
Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Leonard's current base salary is $400,000, which is subject to annual adjustments, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, but in no event shall the Company
pay Mr. Leonard a base salary less than that set forth above, or any increased base salary later in effect, without the consent of Mr. Leonard.
In
June 2015, the Board of Directors approved the annual base salary for Mr. Leonard for fiscal year 2016 (to be effective July 1, 2015) of $400,000, which represents no
increase in Mr. Leonard's salary in 2015.
Additionally,
pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Leonard is eligible to receive incentive compensation, as may be adopted and approved by the Compensation, Nominating, and
Corporate Governance Committee from time to time and is entitled to participate in any incentive compensation plan ("ICP") applicable to Mr. Leonard's position, as may be adopted by us from
time to time and in accordance with the terms of such plan(s). Mr. Leonard's cash bonus award opportunity is 100% of his base salary with a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 200% and shall be
subject to such other terms, conditions and restrictions as may be established by the Board of Directors or the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr. Leonard
is also entitled to receive stock options in an amount equal to 50% of the number of dollars of the cash award, as adjusted for the July 1, 2013 reverse stock
split.
Annually,
Mr. Leonard develops a proposed set of current year performance metrics that are subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors and/or the Compensation,
Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee and the achievement of which are evaluated by the Committee in making annual cash bonus payments and long-term incentive awards. Since the inception of
Mr. Leonard's employment, the metrics for his bonus award have been based on annual objectives related to advancing our exploration activities, achieving funding from equity capital raises,
participation in the Concession, and/or stock price appreciation. The Compensation, Nominating, and
68
Table of Contents
Corporate
Governance Committee approved that the bonus would be determined by allocating 50% of the amount to the stock price, 25% to securing funding and addressing our "going concern" status, and
25% to operations, with each component to be reviewed by the Committee.
In
June 2016, in order to minimize cash consumption payments, the Board of Directors offered all employees an election to receive their bonuses through an increased stock component and a
lower cash component. As part of the annual review of Mr. Leonard's performance during the 2016 fiscal year, on June 30, 2016, Mr. Leonard elected to receive and we issued him
100,000 shares of our common stock and $50,000 in lieu of paying Mr. Leonard his incentive bonus amount of $200,000 and 50,000 associated stock option grants.
Finally,
Mr. Leonard will receive certain standard benefits, including reimbursement in accordance with our standard policies and procedures of business and business-related
business expenses and dues and fees to industry and professional organizations, four weeks of paid vacation each calendar year, and participation by Mr. Leonard and his spouse and dependents in
all benefits, plans and programs available to our executive employees.
David W. Wesson,
Former V.P., Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
On October 7, 2015, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Wesson, effective October 1, 2015. The employment
agreement provided for a base salary of $261,500, which increased to $275,000 on January 1, 2016.
In
setting fiscal year 2016 annual salary for Mr. Wesson in June 2015, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors reviewed and
evaluated his individual
performance, experience level and level of responsibility, among other factors. Based on the recommendation of Mr. Leonard, the Board of Directors decided to increase the salary for
Mr. Wesson, reflected in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Mr. Wesson
also participated in the Company's ICP, and had an annual cash target award (the "ICP Bonus Award") opportunity under the ICP of 75% of his base salary with a minimum
of 50% and a 100% maximum. The performance metrics for the ICP Bonus Award for the Mr. Wesson mirrored the metrics of our Chief Executive Officer as approved by our Compensation, Nominating,
and Corporate Governance Committee in May 2015. In addition to the ICP Bonus Award, Mr. Wesson received an annual award of options to purchase shares of our common stock under our equity
incentive plan then in effect in an amount equal to 25% of the number of dollars of the cash award.
Upon
termination of the initial term of the employment agreement, on June 30, 2016, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Wesson pursuant to the terms of which he
will provide services to the Company as an independent consultant (See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions").
Paolo G. Amoruso,
Former Vice President of Legal
Affairs and Secretary
On October 7, 2015, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Amoruso, effective October 1, 2015. The employment
agreement provided for a base salary for fiscal year 2016 of $281,000, which increased to $295,000 on January 1, 2016.
In
setting the fiscal year 2016 annual salary for Mr. Amoruso in June 2015, the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors reviewed and
evaluated his individual performance, experience level and level of responsibility, among other factors. Based on the recommendation of Mr. Leonard, the Board of Directors decided to increase
the salary for Mr. Amoruso, reflected in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Mr. Amoruso
also participated in the Company's ICP, and had an annual cash target award (the "ICP Bonus Award") opportunity under the ICP of 75% of his base salary with a minimum
of 50%
69
Table of Contents
and
a 100% maximum. The performance metrics for the ICP Bonus Award for Mr. Amoruso mirrored the metrics of our Chief Executive Officer as approved by our Compensation, Nominating, and
Corporate Governance Committee in May 2015. In addition to the ICP Bonus Award, Mr. Amoruso received an annual award of options to purchase shares of our common stock under our equity incentive
plan then in effect in an amount equal to 25% of the number of dollars of the cash award.
Upon
termination of the initial term of the employment agreement, on June 30, 2016, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Amoruso pursuant to the terms of which
he will provide services to the Company as an independent consultant (See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions").
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-In-Control
The Employment Agreement with Mr. Leonard may be earlier terminated by us in the event of his death or inability to perform, or for
cause, including material breach of his duties involving fraud. Mr. Leonard may terminate the Employment Agreement for good reason, including a material reduction in his reporting
responsibilities or a change of more than 75 miles in the location of his principal place of employment. Either we or Mr. Leonard may terminate the employment agreement without cause or without
good reason.
If
we terminate Mr. Leonard without cause, or if Mr. Leonard terminates for good reason, or upon expiration of the employment term due to our notice to terminate, then
Mr. Leonard will be entitled to receive one year's base salary, his bonus award at the target level for the performance period in effect on the employment termination date, and full vesting of
all stock option and restricted stock awards held by him with a twelve month period to exercise (or the expiration of the award term, if that occurs sooner).
Retirement Plans, Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, no executive officer received any perquisites.
Plan-Based Awards
The following table lists awards of plan-based stock options for the 2016 fiscal year for our PEO and our two most highly compensated executive
officers other than our principal executive officer.
AWARDS OF PLAN-BASED STOCK OPTIONS IN FISCAL YEAR2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Action Date
|
|
Award Date
|
|
Threshold
($)
|
|
Target
($)
|
|
Maximum
($)
|
|
All Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
|
|
Exercise or
Base Price of
Option Awards
($/Share)
|
|
Award Date
Fair Value of
Stock &Options
($)
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
6/30/2016
|
|
|
6/30/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,375
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
5,836
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
6/30/2016
|
|
|
6/30/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,875
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
6,260
|
|
-
(1)
-
Mr. Leonard
elected to receive 100,000 shares of Hyperdynamics common stock and $50,000 in cash in lieu of his Employment Contract incentive bonus amount of
$200,000 in cash and 50,000 incentive stock options.
70
Table of Contents
Equity Awards
The following table lists all equity awards outstanding on the last day of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 to each of the executives
named in the Summary Compensation Table. All option awards are fully vested.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
No. of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
Exercisable (#)
|
|
No. of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
Unexercisable (#)
|
|
Option
Exercise Price
($/Share)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
45,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.72
|
|
|
6/29/2017
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
18,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.60
|
|
|
6/25/2018
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
6/30/2019
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
54,522
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
6/30/2020
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
625
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.16
|
|
|
1/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
6,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.72
|
|
|
6/29/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
34,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
9,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.60
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.91
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
28,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.32
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
34,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.64
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
David W. Wesson
|
|
|
5,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.40
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.52
|
|
|
9/20/2016
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
625
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.16
|
|
|
1/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.72
|
|
|
6/29/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.56
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
11,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.60
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
32,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.80
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
37,382
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.64
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
6,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.40
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Paolo G. Amoruso
|
|
|
36,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
Director Compensation for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016
The following table sets forth compensation amounts for our Independent Directors for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
71
Table of Contents
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
|
|
Stock
Grants
($)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William O. Strange(2)
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,024
|
|
Herman Cohen(3)
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Patricia N. Moller(2)(4)
|
|
|
33,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,548
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,779
|
|
Fred S. Zeidman(2)
|
|
|
69,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
74,024
|
|
Ian Norbury(2)
|
|
|
74,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,024
|
|
Gary D. Elliston(2)(4)
|
|
|
33,769
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,548
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,317
|
|
-
(1)
-
We
do not provide additional compensation to employees who also serve as directors for their service on the Board of Directors. All compensation paid to
Mr. Leonard is reflected above separately in the Summary Compensation Table.
-
(2)
-
During
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, each Director Norbury, Strange, Zeidman, Moller and Elliston received five-year options to purchase 15,000 shares,
with 50% vesting on December 30, 2016 and 50% vesting on June 30, 2017. Mr. Cohen retired from his position as a member of the Board of Directors on November 20, 2015.
-
(3)
-
Mr. Cohen
retired from his position as a member of the Board of Directors on November 20, 2015.
-
(4)
-
On
November 20, 2015, Ms. Moller and Mr. Elliston were elected to the Board of Directors. On November 27, 2015, Ms. Moller and
Mr. Elliston each received an award of 15,000 options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the Company's 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options have a term of
five years from the date of award and vest 50% on May 27, 2016 and 50% on November 27, 2016.
Director Compensation Arrangements
On April 30, 2015, we realigned the committees of the Board of Directors, merging the Compensation Committee with the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee, and eliminating the Technical Committee. Additionally, we restructured compensation to directors for service on the Board of Directors and on each of the committees,
with the changes to compensation taking effect for service during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. The current compensation program for our Independent Directors
consists of the following:
-
-
Cash compensation consisting of quarterly payments, as applicable, of: (i) $11,000 for services as a director, (ii) $5,000 for
service as the Chairman of the Board or Chair of the Audit Committee, (iii) $2,500 for service as a member of the Audit Committee or Chair of the Government Relations Committee,
(iv) $1,500 for service as a member of the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee or Government Relations Committee, and (v) $3,000 for service as the Chair of the
Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee.
-
-
An annual award, pursuant to our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, of options to purchase shares of our common stock. The options are to be awarded
on or about July 1st of each year, have an exercise price equal to the then current closing price of our common stock, vest 50% six months from the award date and vest the remaining 50%
on the first anniversary of the award date. The options have a five-year term.
72
Table of Contents
Director Stock Option Awards
The Board of Directors awarded stock options to our directors on June 30, 2016 as reflected in the table below. The awards were made
pursuant to our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $0.42 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on June 30, 2016, have a term for five years
from the date of award, and vest 50% on December 30, 2016 and 50% on June 30, 2017. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock underlying the options awarded
to each of our Independent Directors during the fiscal year 2016:
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Director
|
|
Shares of Common Stock Underlying
Options Awarded for Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2016
|
|
Patricia N. Moller
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
Ian Norbury
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
William O. Strange
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Fred S. Zeidman
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Gary D. Elliston
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
Additionally,
on November 20, 2015, Ms. Moller and Mr. Elliston were elected to the Board of Directors. On November 27, 2015, Ms. Moller and
Mr. Elliston each received an award of 15,000 options to purchase shares of Company common stock pursuant to the Company's 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options have a term of five
years from the date of award and vest 50% on May 27, 2016 and 50% on November 27, 2016. The options have an exercise price of $1.18 per share.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of May 18, 2017 (the "Determination Date") with respect to the beneficial ownership of
shares of common stock by (1) each person known to us that owns beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, (2) each of our directors, (3) each of our
executive officers, and (4) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. As of the Determination Date, we had 21,871,658 shares of common stock outstanding. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person or group and the percentage ownership of that person or group,
shares of our common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after the Determination Date are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for
purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The address of
73
Table of Contents
each
director and officer named in the below table is c/o Hyperdynamics Corporation, 12012 Wickchester Lane, Suite 475 Houston, TX 77079.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
|
|
Percent
of Class
|
|
Common stock
|
|
BlackRock, Inc.(1)
|
|
|
1,844,576
|
(1)
|
|
8.4
|
%
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
439,897
|
(2)
|
|
2.0
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Ian Norbury
|
|
|
90,500
|
(3)
|
|
*
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Patricia N. Moller
|
|
|
15,000
|
(4)
|
|
*
|
|
Common stock
|
|
William O. Strange
|
|
|
97,875
|
(5)
|
|
*
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Fred S. Zeidman
|
|
|
95,875
|
(6)
|
|
*
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Gary D. Elliston
|
|
|
370,875
|
(7)
|
|
1.7
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Sergey Alekseev
|
|
|
50,000
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers
as a group (7 persons)
|
|
|
1,160,022
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
-
*
-
Less
than 1%
-
(1)
-
This
amount is based on ownership reported by BlackRock, Inc., as of December 31, 2016, in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC. The address of
BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.
-
(2)
-
This
amount includes: 280,100 shares of common stock, options to purchase 148,647 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 11,150 shares of common stock.
This amount does not include: 50 shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Leonard (and the shares of common stock into which they are convertible), because the Series A
Preferred Stock is not a voting security and is not currently convertible or convertible on a determinable date within 60 days; nor up to 77 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (and the
shares of common stock into which they are convertible) and a warrant to purchase up to 17,171 shares of common stock that Mr. Leonard may acquire pursuant to the Subscriber Option, because the
Subscriber Option is not currently exercisable or exercisable on a determinable date within 60 days.
-
(3)
-
This
amount includes: 3,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 87,500 shares of common stock.
-
(4)
-
This
amount includes: no shares of common stock and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock.
-
(5)
-
This
amount includes: 4,125 shares of common stock and options to purchase 93,750 shares of common stock.
-
(6)
-
This
amount includes: 1,375 shares of common stock and options to purchase 94,500 shares of common stock.
-
(7)
-
This
amount includes: 355,875 shares of common stock (all pledged as security) and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock.
-
(8)
-
This
amount consists of options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Conflicts of Interest
We have a conflict of interest policy governing transactions involving related parties. In accordance with the policy, transactions involving
related parties must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which is comprised of Independent Directors.
Related Persons Transactions
Paolo G. Amoruso and David W. Wesson continued, after year end, to provide services to the Company as independent consultants pursuant to
Consulting Agreements entered into on June 30, 2016, extending through September 30, 2016. Under the Consulting Agreements, Mr. Amoruso received a consulting fee of $30,000 per
month and Mr. Wesson received a consulting fee of $25,000 per month. After September 30, 2016, Mr. Wesson continued to provide services as a contractor, respectively, to the
Company on an hourly basis pursuant to engagement agreements depending on the needs of the Company. Mr. Amoruso, through his law firm, Paolo G Amoruso PLLC, entered into an engagement agreement
with the Company on October 1, 2016 to provide outside counsel services depending on the needs of the Company.
On
June 30, 2016, the Company also entered into Transition Agreements with Messrs. Amoruso and Wesson. Mr. Amoruso and Mr. Wesson agreed in the Transition
Agreements that they are not entitled to any payments under their former employment agreements.
Pursuant
to his Transition Agreement, Mr. Amoruso received payments of $150,000 on July 15, 2016, $50,000 on August 15, 2016, and $300,000 on September 15,
2016; provided, if the Company and Mr. Amoruso entered into a new employment agreement as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary prior to September 15, 2016,
Mr. Amoruso would not be entitled to the September 15, 2016 payment of $300,000. Mr. Amoruso and the Company did not enter into a new employment agreement. In addition,
Mr. Amoruso received an award of non-qualified stock options to
acquire 36,875 shares of the Company's common stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price on June 30, 2016.
Pursuant
to his Transition Agreement, Mr. Wesson received payments of $150,000 on July 15, 2016, August 15, 2016, and September 15, 2016. In addition,
Mr. Wesson received an award of non-qualified stock options to acquire 34,375 shares of the Company's common stock with an exercise price equal to the closing price on June 30, 2016.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders and their pledgees, donees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their
shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. If the shares of common stock are
sold through underwriters, the selling stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent's commissions. These sales may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market
prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common stock offered by the selling
stockholders. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
-
-
any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
-
-
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
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-
-
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as
principal to facilitate the transaction;
-
-
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
-
-
through brokers, dealers or underwriters that may act solely as agents;
-
-
transactions other than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market;
-
-
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions entered into after the effective date of the registration statement
of which this prospectus is a part, , whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise;
-
-
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
-
-
privately negotiated transactions;
-
-
short sales;
-
-
broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
-
-
a combination of any such methods of sale; and
-
-
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
The
selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus. Rule 144 under the Securities Act,
generally permits the resale, subject to various terms and conditions, of restricted securities after they have been held for six months.
The
selling stockholders may also engage in short sales against the box, puts and calls and other transactions in our securities or derivatives of our securities and may sell or deliver
shares in connection with these trades, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law or agreement.
Broker-dealers
engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling
stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions and
discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved. Any profits on the resale of shares of common stock by a broker-dealer acting as principal might be deemed to be
underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. Discounts, concessions, commissions and similar selling expenses, if any, attributable to the sale of shares will be borne by a selling
stockholder. The selling stockholders may agree to indemnify any agent, dealer or broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving sales of the shares if liabilities are imposed on that
person under the Securities Act.
In
connection with the sale of the shares of our common stock or otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in
short sales of the shares of common stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of common stock short and deliver shares of common stock
covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling stockholders may also loan or pledge shares of common stock to
broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares.
The
selling stockholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of our common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance
of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of our common stock from time to time under this prospectus after we have filed an amendment to this
prospectus under
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Rule 424(b)(3)
or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling
stockholders under this prospectus.
The
selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling
beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus and may sell the shares of common stock from time to time under this prospectus after we have filed an amendment to this prospectus under
Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgees, transferees or other successors in interest as selling
stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer and donate the shares of common stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other
successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
The
selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act in
connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, such broker-dealers or agents and any profit realized on the resale of the shares purchased
by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. At the time a particular offering of the shares of common stock is made, a prospectus supplement, if
required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of shares of common stock being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or
agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to
broker-dealers. Under the securities laws of some states, the shares of common stock may be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the
shares of common stock may not be sold unless such shares have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.
Each
selling stockholder that is an affiliate of a broker-dealer has informed us that it purchased the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus in the ordinary course of
business and, at the time of the purchase of such shares, had no agreements, plans or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute such shares.
There
can be no assurance that any selling stockholder will sell any or all of the shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus. Each of the selling stockholders reserves the
right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents.
We
have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
We
are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares of common stock. Except as provided for indemnification of the selling stockholders, we are not
obligated to pay any of the expenses of any attorney or other advisor engaged by a selling stockholder.
We
have agreed with the selling stockholders use our commercially reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the
earliest of (a) the date that is two years from the date it is declared effective by the SEC, (b) the date on which all the securities registered hereunder have been transferred other
than to certain permitted assignees, and (c) the date as of which all of the selling stockholders may sell all of the securities registered hereunder without restriction pursuant to
Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable.
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To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or understandings between the selling stockholders and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent
regarding the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus by such selling stockholders. Upon being notified in writing by a selling stockholder that any material arrangement has been entered into
with an underwriter, broker-dealer or agent for the sale of common stock through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer,
we will file a supplement to this prospectus or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which it is a part, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities
Act, disclosing (i) the name of each such selling stockholder and of the participating broker-dealer(s), (ii) the number of shares involved, (iii) the price at which such shares
of common stock were sold, (iv) the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such underwriter, broker-dealer or agent, where applicable, (v) that such underwriter,
broker-dealer or agent did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and (vi) other facts material to the transaction. In
addition, upon being notified in writing by a selling stockholder that a donee or pledgee intends to sell more than 500 shares of common stock, we will file a supplement to this prospectus or a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement if then required in accordance with applicable securities law.
The
anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of our common stock and activities of the selling stockholders, which may limit the timing of
purchases and
sales of any of the shares of common stock by the selling stockholders and any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution
of the shares of common stock to engage in passive market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock. Passive market making involves transactions in which a market maker acts as both
our underwriter and as a purchaser of our common stock in the secondary market. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of common stock and the ability of any person or entity
to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock.
Once
sold under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the shares of common stock will be freely tradable in the hands of persons other than our
affiliates.
Our
common stock is currently quoted on OTC Markets and trades below $5.00 per share; therefore, our common stock is considered a "penny stock" and subject to SEC rules and regulations
which impose limitations upon the manner in which such shares may be publicly traded. These regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule
explaining the penny stock market and the associated risks. Under these regulations, certain brokers who recommend such securities to persons other than established customers or certain accredited
investors must make a special written suitability determination regarding such a purchaser and receive such purchaser's written agreement to a transaction prior to sale. These regulations have the
effect of limiting the trading activity of the common stock and reducing the liquidity of an investment in the common stock.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
We have authorized capital stock consisting of 87,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of the date of
this prospectus, we had 21,871,658 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and 1,951 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, the holders of outstanding shares of common stock are
entitled to receive dividends out of assets or funds legally available for the payment of dividends of such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors from time to time may determine. We do
not have any plans to pay dividends to our stockholders. See
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"Market
for Common Equity and Related Stockholder MattersDividends" for more information. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to
a vote of stockholders. There is no cumulative voting of the election of directors then standing for election. The common stock is not entitled to pre-emptive rights and is not subject to conversion
or redemption. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are distributable ratably among the holders of the common stock
after payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding payment of other claims of creditors. Each outstanding share of common stock is duly and validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
Preferred Stock
Shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each of which will have such distinctive designation or title
as shall be determined by our Board of Directors prior to the issuance of any shares thereof. Preferred stock will have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such preferences
and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in such resolution or resolutions providing for the issue
of such class or series of preferred stock as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors prior to the issuance of any shares thereof. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock
may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares
of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of the directors, voting together as a single class, without a separate vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or any series
thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to any preferred stock designation.
While
we do not currently have any plans for the issuance of additional preferred stock, the issuance of such preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common
stock and, therefore, reduce the value of the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock on the rights of holders of the common stock
until the Board of Directors determines the specific rights of the holders of the preferred stock; however, these effects may include:
-
-
Restricting dividends on the common stock;
-
-
Diluting the voting power of the common stock;
-
-
Impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or
-
-
Delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by the stockholders.
Series A Preferred Stock
Between March 17 and April 26, 2107, we issued and sold 1,951 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.
The
Certificate of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock provides that:
-
-
Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends payable on the Stated Value of such Series A Preferred
Stock at the rate of 1% per annum, which shall be cumulative and be due and payable in common stock on the applicable conversion date or in cash in the case of a redemption of the Series A
Preferred Stock by the Company.
-
-
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, in cash, at a price per share
equal to 115% of the Stated Value plus 115% of accrued but unpaid dividends.
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-
-
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to
receive, out of assets available therefor, an amount equal to 115% of the Stated Value of their shares plus 115% of any accrued but unpaid dividends.
-
-
The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, into shares of common stock at any time
after the earlier of (i) the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC or (ii) September 17, 2017. If no conversion has taken place by December 17,
2017, the Series A Preferred Stock, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends, will automatically convert into shares of common stock. The conversion price per share of common stock in either event
is the lesser of (i) $2.75 per share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances), or (ii) 80% of the lowest closing price during 21 consecutive trading days ending on the trading
day immediately prior to the conversion date, subject to a floor of $0.25 per share (which floor is subject to "full ratchet" adjustment in certain circumstances if we issue common stock (or common
stock equivalents) in the aggregate amount of not less than $1,000,000 at a price below $0.25 per share of common stock, and to proportionate adjustment in certain other circumstances).
-
-
Except in certain limited circumstances affecting the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock or as required by law, holders
of the Series A Preferred Stock will not have voting rights.
-
-
Until September 17, 2017, the Company will not authorize or create any class of stock ranking as to dividends, redemption or
distribution of assets upon a liquidation senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, without the consent of holders of no less than 66
2
/
3
% of the then-outstanding shares of
Series A Preferred Stock.
Other
than in connection with shares of preferred stock (as explained above), which, other than the Series A Preferred Stock, is not currently designated nor contemplated by us,
and as described below under "Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and Delaware State Law" we do not believe that any provision of our charter or bylaws
would delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Company.
Warrants
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering"
for a description of the Investor Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants issued in the Series A Offering.
As
of the date of this prospectus, no other warrants to purchase shares of our stock are outstanding.
Options
As of the date of this prospectus, we have outstanding options to purchase up to 784,710 shares of common stock, with a weighted-average
exercise price of $4.05 , exercisable until various dates though December 2021 . See "Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder MattersSecurities Authorized for Issuance under
Equity Compensation Plans" for additional information. These options do not include Subscriber Option related to the Series A Offering. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering" above for additional information.
Other Convertible Securities
We have outstanding no other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for share of our equity securities.
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Registration Rights
In connection with the Series A Offering, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with each
of the subscribers for the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of the Placement Agent Warrants, which requires the Company to file a Registration Statement with the SEC by May 1,
2017, registering for resale (i) all shares of common stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (including any shares of Series A Preferred Stock
issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option described under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering"
above), and (ii) all shares of common stock issued or issuable upon exercise of the Investor Warrants (including any Investor Warrants issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option described above)
and the Placement Agent Warrants (including any that may be issued upon exercise of the Subscriber Option), and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be
declared effective no later than July 29, 2017. The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part was filed by us in compliance with the agreement.
With
respect to (i) above, we have made a good faith estimate of 20,750,629 as the number of shares that may be issuable upon conversion of the 1,951 outstanding shares of
Series A Preferred Stock as well as up to 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option, up to 1,104,073 may be issuable upon exercise of
outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to purchasers of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as well as common stock purchase warrants that may be issued pursuant to the
Subscriber Option, and up to 131,068 may be issuable upon exercise of outstanding common stock purchase warrants issued to or common stock purchase warrants that may be issued to the placement agent
for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and its designees. (Such 20,750,629 shares represent the number of shares that would become issuable upon conversion of all of such shares of
Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $0.25 per share, the current "floor" on the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock. (The $0.25 "floor" is also adjustable in the event of
stock splits, stock dividends, or similar transactions, and any additional shares of common stock that may become issuable as a result of such an event are covered by this prospectus but not included
in such good faith estimate.) See "Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock" above in this section.
We
also granted to the holders of the registrable shares certain "piggyback" registration rights until two years after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
If
the Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC within the specified deadline set forth above, or the Registration Statement ceases to be effective or otherwise cannot
be used for a period specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, or trading of the common stock on the Company's principal market is suspended or halted for more than three consecutive trading
days (each, a "Registration Event"), monetary penalties payable by the Company to the holders of registrable shares that are affected by such Registration Event will commence to accrue at a rate equal
to 12% per annum of the purchase price paid for each Unit purchased, for the period that such Registration event continues, but not exceeding in the aggregate 5% of such purchase price.
We
have agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Registration Statement effective until the earliest of (a) the date that is two years from the date it is
declared effective by the SEC, (b) the date on which all the securities registered hereunder have been transferred other than to certain permitted assignees, and (c) the date as of which
all of the selling stockholders may sell all of the securities registered hereunder without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the
need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable.
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Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The transfer agent's address is 6201
15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, and its telephone number is +1-800-937-5449.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and Delaware Law
Some provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that could make the following transactions
more difficult: acquisition of us by means of a tender offer; acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or removal of our incumbent officers and directors. It is possible that these
provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best
interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares.
These
provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking
to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board of Directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of a non-friendly
or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
In general, Delaware corporations are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any
business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, with the following
exceptions:
-
-
before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested holder;
-
-
upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at
least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock
owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the
right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer;
-
-
on or after such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the
stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66
2
/
3
% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder; or
-
-
the corporation does not have a class of voting stock that is: (i) listed on a national securities exchange; or (ii) held of
record by more than 2,000 stockholders, unless any of the foregoing results from action taken, directly or indirectly, by an interested stockholder or from a transaction in which a person becomes an
interested stockholder
In
general, Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:
-
-
any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
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-
-
any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
-
-
subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to
the interested stockholder;
-
-
any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the
corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
-
-
the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loss, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through
the corporation.
Section 203
defines interested stockholder as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or any entity or person
affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
While
we are currently not subject to the restrictions contained in Section 203, we will become subject to these restrictions if our common stock is listed on a national
securities exchange or we have more than 2,000 stockholders of record of our common stock.
Undesignated Preferred Stock
The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other
rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or
management of the Company.
Special Stockholder Meetings
Our bylaws provide that special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or by any officer instructed by the directors to call the
meeting. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority
of the total number of directors which the corporation would have if there were no vacancies and shall be called in accordance with the By-law's notice or waiver of notice provisions. Special meetings
of the stockholders may also be called by the Secretary upon the written request in proper form of the holders of at least 30% of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at such
meeting. Our bylaws prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting. These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or
discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our Company.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as
directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders, including that noticewhich must include certain information specified in the bylawsof such
proposals be timely delivered (generally not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year) in writing to our
Secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Our bylaws also specify certain requirements regarding the form and content of a stockholder's notice.
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No Cumulative Voting
Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative
voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting. Therefore, stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors are able to elect all our directors.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our bylaws authorize only our Board of Directors to fill vacant directorships, including newly created seats. In addition, the number of
directors constituting our Board of Directors is permitted to be set only by a resolution adopted by our Board of Directors. These provisions would prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of
our board of directors and then gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees. This makes it more difficult to change the composition of our Board
of Directors but promotes continuity of management.
The
foregoing provisions of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws may have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence,
they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our Common Stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of
preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
None
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON
INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Under the DGCL and our certificate of incorporation, our directors and officers are not individually liable to us or our stockholders for any
damages as a result of any act or failure to act in their capacity as an officer or director unless it is proven that:
-
-
His or her act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duty as a director or officer; and
-
-
His or her breach of these duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.
Delaware
law allows corporations to provide broad indemnification to its officers and directors. At the present time, our bylaws also provide for broad indemnification of our current and
former directors, trustees, officers, employees and other agents.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons, we have been advised that in the opinion
of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by CKR Law LLP, 1330 Avenue of the Americas,
14
th
Floor, New York, NY 10019 ("CKR"). CKR is counsel to us and receives legal fees in accordance with an executed retainer agreement.
84
Table of Contents
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and for the fiscal years then ended, included in this prospectus and
registration statement, have been audited by Hein & Associates LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon (which contains an explanatory
paragraph relating to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, as described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2016) appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance on such report given upon such firm's authority as an expert in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read or obtain a copy of these reports at
the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room and their copy charges
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains registration statements, reports, proxy information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is http://www.sec.gov.
We
have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act to register the shares offered by this prospectus. The term "registration statement" means
the original registration statement and any and all amendments thereto, including the schedules and exhibits to the original registration statement or any amendment. This prospectus is part of that
registration statement. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with
respect to us and the shares we are offering pursuant to this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of
any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the copy of that contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement. You may read or obtain a copy of the registration statement at the SEC's public reference facilities and Internet site referred to above.
85
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
|
|
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
FirmHein & Associates LLP
|
|
|
F-2
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and 2015
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
|
|
|
F-4
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and
2015
|
|
|
F-5
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
|
|
|
F-6
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-7
|
|
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
|
|
|
F-28
|
|
Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited)
|
|
|
F-29
|
|
Financial Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016
|
|
|
F-31
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2016
and 2015
|
|
|
F-32
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the period from July 1, 2015 to
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
F-33
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2016 and
2015
|
|
|
F-34
|
|
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-35
|
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Hyperdynamics Corporation
Houston, Texas
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hyperdynamics Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2016. Our audits included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2016. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hyperdynamics Corporation and
subsidiaries as of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their consolidated operations and their consolidated cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated
financial statements, the absence of cash inflows raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also discussed
in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/
Hein & Associates LLP
Houston,
Texas
September 22, 2016
F-2
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares and Per Share Amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
June 30,
2015
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
10,327
|
|
$
|
18,374
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
|
1,170
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
11,627
|
|
|
19,625
|
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,075 and $1,983
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
160
|
|
Unproved oil and gas properties excluded from amortization (Full-Cost method)
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
14,471
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
11,678
|
|
$
|
34,096
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current LiabilitiesAccounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
1,743
|
|
$
|
1,668
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 43,750,000 shares authorized; 21,046,591 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
169
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
317,757
|
|
|
317,404
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(307,991
|
)
|
|
(285,145
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
9,935
|
|
|
32,428
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
11,678
|
|
$
|
34,096
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares and Per Share Amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
109
|
|
$
|
237
|
|
General, administrative and other operating
|
|
|
8,406
|
|
|
13,157
|
|
Full impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
|
|
|
14,331
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
|
(13,394
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income tax
|
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
|
(13,392
|
)
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(22,846
|
)
|
$
|
(13,392
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per common share
|
|
$
|
(1.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.64
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstandingbasic and diluted
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Paid-
in Capital
|
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance, July 1, 2014
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
316,760
|
|
$
|
(271,753
|
)
|
$
|
45,176
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,392
|
)
|
|
(13,392
|
)
|
Amortization of fair value of stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
644
|
|
|
|
|
|
644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2015
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
317,404
|
|
$
|
(285,145
|
)
|
$
|
32,428
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
Amortization of fair value of stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2016
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
317,757
|
|
$
|
(307,991
|
)
|
$
|
9,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(22,846
|
)
|
$
|
(13,392
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
237
|
|
Full Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
|
|
|
14,331
|
|
|
|
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
644
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
(124
|
)
|
|
(338
|
)
|
(Increase) decrease in Other current assets
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Increase (decrease) in Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
(3,982
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(8,027
|
)
|
|
(16,833
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Investment in oil and gas properties
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
(64
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
(63
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(8,047
|
)
|
|
(16,896
|
)
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
18,374
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
10,327
|
|
$
|
18,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid in cash
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Income taxes paid in cash
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable for oil and gas property
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
(12
|
)
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of business
Hyperdynamics Corporation ("Hyperdynamics," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our") is a Delaware corporation formed in March 1996. Hyperdynamics
has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, SCS Corporation Ltd (SCS), a Cayman corporation, and HYD Resources Corporation (HYD), a Texas corporation. Through SCS and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SCS
Guinea SARL (SCSG), which is a Guinea limited liability company formed under the laws of the Republic of Guinea ("Guinea") located in Conakry, Guinea, Hyperdynamics focuses on oil and gas exploration
offshore the coast of West Africa. Our exploration efforts are pursuant to a Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract, as amended (the "PSC"). We refer to the rights granted under the PSC as the
"Concession." We began operations in oil and gas exploration, seismic data acquisition, processing, and interpretation in late fiscal 2002.
As
used herein, references to "Hyperdynamics," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Hyperdynamics Corporation and our subsidiaries, including SCS Corporation Ltd ("SCS"). The
rights in the Concession offshore Guinea are held by SCS.
Status of our Business
We have no source of operating revenue and there is no assurance when we will, if ever. On June 30, 2016, we had $10.3 million in
cash, and $1.7 million in liabilities, all of which are current liabilities. We plan to use our existing cash to fund our general corporate needs and our expenditures associated with the
Concession.
On
December 31, 2012, we closed a sale to Tullow, a subsidiary of Tullow Oil plc, of a 40% gross interest in the Concession. Through June 30, 2016, we held a 37%
participating interest, with Dana Petroleum, PLC ("Dana"), which is a subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Corporation, holding the remaining 23% interest in the Concession. We refer to
Tullow, Dana and us in the Concession as the "Consortium".
Pursuant
to the Share Purchase Agreement ("Tullow SPA") between Tullow and us, Tullow agreed to pay our entire participating interest share of expenditures associated with joint
operations in the Concession up to a gross expenditure cap of $100 million incurred during the carry period that began on September 21, 2013. Additionally, Tullow agreed to pay our
participating interest share of future costs for the drilling of an appraisal of the initial exploration well, if drilled, up to a gross expenditure cap of $100 million.
We
signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea on August 19, 2016 and a second amendment to the PSC ("2016 Amendment") on September 15,
2016. As more fully described below, the 2016 Amendment gave us a one year extension to the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period"). During the PSC Extension Period, we agreed to
drill an exploration well to a minimum depth of two thousand five hundred (2,500) meters below the seabed for an estimated amount of forty six million US Dollars ($46,000,000 USD). The
projected commencement date of drilling of the exploration well is April 2017 with a currently estimated time to completion of 42 days. Additional exploration wells may be drilled during the
PSC Extension Period. If the well is not drilled within the PSC Extension Period, we will owe the Government of Guinea the difference between the actual expenditures related to the well and U.S.
$46,000,000. Failure to comply
F-7
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
with
the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession.
The
continued delays have affected adversely the ability to explore the Concession and reduces the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing
sources. While we currently hold 100% of the Concession, it is unknown whether we will be able to raise the necessary funds to drill the exploratory well during the PSC Extension Period.
As
described in Note 8, SCS filed parallel actions on January 11, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and before the American
Arbitration Association ("AAA") against Tullow and Dana. The legal actions sought (1) a determination that Tullow and Dana are in breach of their contractual obligations and (2) orders
requiring Tullow and Dana to move forward with well drilling activities offshore Guinea. In addition, the arbitration action seeks the damages caused by the repeated delays in well drilling resulting
from the activities of Tullow and Dana. On January 28, 2016, the action in the Federal District Court was voluntarily dismissed by us and refiled in District Court in Harris County, Texas (the
"Texas District Court"). On February 8, 2016 Tullow and Dana removed the case to Federal District Court. On February 2, 2016, SCS filed an Application for Emergency Arbitrator and
Interim Measures of Protection and requested the following relief: (a) expedite discovery prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal; (b) provide that the time period permitted
by the parties' arbitration agreement for the selection of the arbitrators and the filing of any responsive pleadings or counterclaims be accelerated; (c) require Tullow, as the designated
operator under the JOA, to maintain existing "well-planning activities"; (d) require Tullow to undertake and complete certain planning activities; and (e) require Tullow and Dana to join
with SCS in completing the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a process that will result in the execution of the amendment. With the exception of limited relief
regarding discovery and agreement by Tullow to maintain certain well plan readiness, the Emergency Arbitrator ruled on February 17, 2016 that SCS is not entitled to the emergency injunctive
relief it requested. Further, the Emergency Arbitrator enjoined all parties to the dispute from pursuing parallel Federal District Court proceeding. The Federal District Court action was voluntarily
stayed by us on February 12, 2016.
Subsequently,
on August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement and Release") with respect to our dispute in arbitration
(American Arbitration Association, Case No: 01-16-0000-0679, styled SCS Corporation Ltd v. Tullow Guinea Ltd. and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Ltd.). Under the Settlement and Release, we
released all claims against Tullow and Dana and Tullow and Dana (i) issued to the Government of Guinea a notice of withdrawal from the Concession and PSC effective immediately,
(ii) transferred their interest in the long lead items previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the drilling of the Fatala well, and agreed to pay net cash of $686,570 to us.
We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery. We will record the long lead items and a gain once they have been inspected
and appropriately valued.
The
timing and amount of our cash outflows are dependent on a number of factors including: a negative outcome related to any of our legal proceedings, inability to resume petroleum
operations or drilling delays, well costs exceeding our carry, or if we have unfavorable well results. As a result, absent cash inflows, there is substantial doubt as to whether we will have adequate
capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due and therefore be able to continue as a going concern. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they become due over the next
twelve-months, and to be able
F-8
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
to
continue exploration, will depend on obtaining additional resources through sales of additional interests in the Concession, equity or debt financings, or through other means, although no assurance
can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hyperdynamics and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.
All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses at the balance sheet date and for the period then ended. We believe our
estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, such estimates and assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from such
estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions underlying these financial statements include:
-
-
estimates in the calculation of share-based compensation expense,
-
-
estimates made in our income tax calculations,
-
-
estimates in the assessment of current litigation claims against the company, and
-
-
estimates and assumptions involved in our assessment of unproved oil and gas properties for impairment.
We
are subject to legal proceedings, claims, and liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for losses when such losses are considered probable and the amounts
can be reasonably estimated.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. For the years presented, we maintained all of
our cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, exceed the federally insured limits.
Oil and Gas Properties
Full-Cost Method
We account for oil and natural gas producing activities using the full-cost method of accounting as prescribed by the SEC. Accordingly, all
costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties, including the costs of abandoned properties, dry holes, geophysical costs and annual lease rentals
are capitalized. All selling, general and administrative corporate costs unrelated to drilling activities are expensed as incurred. Sales or other dispositions of oil and natural
F-9
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
gas
properties are accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recorded unless the ratio of capitalized costs to proved reserves would significantly change, or to the
extent that the sale proceeds exceed our capitalized costs. Depletion of evaluated oil and natural gas properties would be computed on the units of production method based on proved reserves. The net
capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties are subject to quarterly impairment tests.
Costs Excluded from Amortization
Costs associated with unproved properties are excluded from amortization until it is determined whether proved reserves can be assigned to the
properties. We review our unproved properties at the end of each quarter to determine whether the costs incurred should be transferred to the amortization base.
We
assess unproved property on a quarterly basis for possible impairment or reduction in value. We assess properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually
insignificant. The assessment includes consideration of the following factors, among others: intent to drill; remaining lease term under our concession; geological and geophysical evaluations;
drilling results and activity; the assignment of proved reserves; and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. We assess our unproved properties on a country-by-country
basis. During any period in which these factors indicate an impairment, the adjustment is recorded through earnings of the period.
Full-Cost Ceiling Test
At the end of each quarterly reporting period, the capitalized costs less accumulated amortization and deferred income taxes shall not exceed an
amount equal to the sum of the following items: (i) the present value of estimated future net revenues of oil and gas properties (including future development and abandonment costs of wells to
be drilled) using prices based on the preceding 12-months' average price based on closing prices on the first day of each month, or prices defined by existing contractual arrangements, discounted at
10%, (ii) the cost of properties not being amortized, and (iii) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized, less related
income tax effects ("Full-Cost Ceiling Test").
The
calculation of the Full-Cost Ceiling Test is based on estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in
projecting the future rates of production, timing, and plan of development. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological
interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing, and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often
different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. We have no proved reserves. We recognized a $14.3 million Full-Cost Ceiling test write-down in the year ended
June 30, 2016. No Full-Cost Ceiling test write-down was recognized in the year ended June 30, 2015.
Property and Equipment, other than Oil and Gas
Property and equipment are stated on the basis of historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years.
F-10
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, "Income Taxes," which requires the
recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and for
loss and credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are provided when recovery of deferred tax assets is not considered likely.
Tax
benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest
amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these
recognition and measurement standards. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million.
Our
policy is to recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. For the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, we
did not recognize any interest or penalties in our consolidated statements of operations, nor did we have any interest or penalties accrued on our consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2016
and 2015 relating to unrecognized benefits.
The
tax years 2011-2015 remain open to examination for federal income tax purposes and by the other major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.
Stock-Based Compensation
ASC 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee services received in
exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). We measure the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We account for non-employee share-based awards based upon ASC 505-50, "Equity-Based Payments
to Non-Employees."
Earnings Per Share
Basic loss per common share has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during
each period. In a period of earnings, diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period plus weighted-average dilutive potential common shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations assume, as of the beginning of the period, exercise of stock options and warrants using the
treasury stock method.
All
potential dilutive securities, including potentially dilutive options, warrants and convertible securities, if any, were excluded from the computation of dilutive net loss per common
share for the years ended June 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively, as their effects are antidilutive due to our net loss for those periods.
Stock
options to purchase approximately 1.0 million common shares at an average exercise price of $5.03 were outstanding at June 30, 2016. Using the treasury stock method,
had we had net income,
F-11
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
approximately
25 thousand common shares attributable to our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share for the year ended June 30, 2016.
Stock
options to purchase approximately 1.2 million common shares at an average exercise price of $7.43 and warrants to purchase approximately 0.03 million shares of common
stock at an average exercise price of $12.64 were outstanding at June 30, 2015. Using the treasury stock method, had we had net income, approximately four hundred common shares attributable to
our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share calculation for the year ended June 30, 2015. There would have been no dilution attributable to
our outstanding warrants to purchase common shares. Had we had net income, approximately four thousand common shares attributable to restricted stock awards would have been included in the fully
diluted earnings per share for the year ended June 30, 2015.
Contingencies
We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities. We accrue for losses associated with legal claims when such losses are probable and
can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted as additional information becomes available or circumstances change. Legal fees are charged to expense as they are incurred. See Note 8
for more information on legal proceedings.
Foreign currency gains and losses from current operations
In accordance with ASC Topic 830,
Foreign Currency Matters
, the functional currency of our
international subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions arising from operating assets and liabilities are included in general, administrative and other
operating expense, have not been significant. Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) were ($3) thousand and ($0.1) million for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated all subsequent events from June 30, 2016 through the date of issuance of these financial statements.
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Computer equipment and software
|
|
3 years
|
|
$
|
1,285
|
|
$
|
1,302
|
|
Office equipment and furniture
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
307
|
|
|
307
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
534
|
|
|
534
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Cost
|
|
|
|
|
2,126
|
|
|
2,143
|
|
LessAccumulated depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
(2,075
|
)
|
|
(1,983
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
51
|
|
$
|
160
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-12
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)
We
review assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015,
there were no impairments of property and equipment.
3. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
Investment in oil and gas properties consists entirely of our Guinea Concession in offshore West Africa. We owned a 77% participating interest in our Guinea Concession prior to the sale
of a 40% gross interest to Tullow which closed on December 31, 2012. We now own a 37% interest in the Concession.
Guinea Concession
We have been conducting exploration work related to the area off the coast of Guinea since 2002. On September 22, 2006 we entered into
the PSC with Guinea. Under that agreement, we were granted certain exclusive contractual rights by Guinea to explore and exploit offshore oil and gas reserves, if any, off the coast of Guinea. We are
conducting our current work in Guinea under the PSC, as amended on March 25, 2010 (the "PSC Amendment").
The
PSC Amendment clarified that we retained a Contract Area of approximately 25,000 square kilometers, which is approximately equivalent to 9,650 square miles or 30% of the original
Contract Area under the PSC, following a December 31, 2009 relinquishment of approximately 70% of the original Contract Area. The PSC Amendment required that the Consortium relinquish an
additional 25% of the retained Contract Area by September 30, 2013. The Contract Area is currently 18,750 square kilometers. Under the terms of the PSC Amendment, the first exploration period
ended and the Consortium entered into the second exploration period on September 21, 2010. The second exploration period ran until September 2013, at which point it was renewed to September
2016 and may be extended for up to one (1) additional year to allow the completion of a well in process and for up to two (2) additional years to allow the completion of the appraisal of
any discovery made.
The
PSC Amendment required the drilling of an exploration well, which had to be commenced by the year-end 2011, to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below seabed. This requirement was
satisfied with the drilling of the Sabu-1 well which was commenced during October of 2011 and reached the minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed in February of 2012. The Consortium is required
to drill an additional exploration well, which is to be commenced by the end of September 2016, to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below seabed. The PSC Amendment requires the expenditure of
$15 million on each of the exploration wells ($30 million in the aggregate). The Consortium was also required to acquire a minimum of 2,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic by September
2013 with a minimum expenditure of $12 million. This requirement was satisfied with the first 3D seismic survey acquired in 2010. Fulfillment of work obligations exempts us from expenditure
obligations and exploration work in excess of minimum work obligations for each exploration period may be carried forward to the following exploration period. If the Consortium does not fulfil the
work requirement under the PSC, it is required to pay to Guinea the difference between the amounts actually spent on work realized in fulfillment of the obligations of the work program and the amounts
estimated for the total work program.
Under
the PSC Amendment, Guinea may participate in development of any discovery at a participating interest of up to 15% of costs being carried for its share. The cost of that carry is
to be
F-13
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
recovered
out of 62.5% of Guinea's share of cost and profit oil. The PSC Amendment clarified that only those eligible expenditures, which were made following the date the PSC was signed, on
September 22, 2006, are eligible for cost recovery. We are required to establish an annual training budget of $200,000 for the benefit of Guinea's oil industry personnel, and we are also
obligated to pay an annual surface tax of $2.00 per square kilometer on our retained Concession acreage. The PSC Amendment also provides that should the Guinea government note material differences
between provisions of the PSC Amendment and international standards or the Petroleum Code, the parties will renegotiate the relevant articles.
Under
the PSC and PSC Amendment our Guinea Concession is subject to a 10% royalty interest to Guinea. Of the remaining 90% of the first production, we will receive 75% of the revenue for
recovery of the cost of operations, and Guinea will receive 25%.
After
recovery cost of operations, revenue will be split as outlined in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daily production (b/d)
|
|
Guinea Share
|
|
Contractor Share
|
|
From 0 to 2,000
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
75
|
%
|
From 2,001 to 5,000
|
|
|
30
|
%
|
|
70
|
%
|
From 5,001 to 100,000
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
59
|
%
|
Over 100,001
|
|
|
60
|
%
|
|
40
|
%
|
The
Guinea Government may elect to take a 15% working interest in any exploitation area.
On
May 20, 2010, we completed a 23% assignment to Dana following the receipt of the final approvals from the Government of Guinea, which were in the form of a Presidential Decree
approving the PSC and a document, referred to as an Arrêté, from the Guinea Ministry of Mines and Geology. On December 27, 2012, we received an
Arrêté which formally authorized our 40% assignment of a participating interest to Tullow.
Sale of Interest to Tullow
On December 31, 2012, we closed a sale to Tullow of a 40% gross interest in the Concession. As consideration, we received
$27 million from Tullow as reimbursement of our past costs in the Concession and, as additional consideration, Tullow agreed to: (i) pay our participating interest
share of future costs associated with joint operations in the Concession, up to a gross expenditure cap of $100 million incurred during the carry period that began on September 21, 2013;
and (ii) pay our participating interest share of costs associated with an appraisal well of the initial exploration well, if drilled, subject to a gross expenditure cap on the appraisal well of
$100 million. Tullow will continue to pay our costs, subject to the gross expenditure cap of $100 million, until 90 days following the date on which the rig contracted to drill
the exploration well moves off the well location. We are responsible for our share of any costs exceeding the gross expenditure cap of $100 million per well. The $27 million payment was
received by us on December 31, 2012 and was recorded as a reduction in unproved oil and gas properties, net of transaction costs of approximately $3.3 million.
In
connection with the transaction, SCS, Tullow and Dana entered into a Joint Operating Agreement Novation and Amendment Agreement reflecting that as a result of the sale to Tullow, the
interest of the parties in the Concession are SCS 37%, Dana 23%, and Tullow 40%, and that Tullow agreed to be bound by the PSC and the JOA previously entered into between SCS and Dana. Tullow
F-14
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
assumed
all the respective liabilities and obligations of SCS in respect of the assigned 40% interest. SCS and Tullow executed a Deed of Assignment. The Assignment was approved by Guinea's Ministry of
Mines and Geology by issuing an Arrêté on December 27, 2012 which formally authorized our assignment of a participating interest to Tullow. SCS, Dana and Tullow
have elected Tullow as the Operator of the Concession beginning April 1, 2013.
Accounting for oil and gas property and equipment costs
We follow the "Full-Cost" method of accounting for oil and natural gas property and equipment costs. Under this method, internal costs incurred
that are directly identified with exploration, development, and acquisition activities undertaken by us for our own account, and which were not related to production, general corporate overhead, or
similar activities, are capitalized. Capitalization of internal costs was discontinued April 1, 2013 when Tullow became the operator. Geological and geophysical costs incurred that are directly
associated with specific unproved properties are capitalized in "Unproved properties excluded from amortization" and evaluated as part of the total capitalized costs associated with a prospect. The
cost of unproved properties not being amortized is assessed to determine whether such properties have been impaired. In determining whether such costs should be impaired, we evaluate current drilling
results and available geological and geophysical information. If petroleum operations are not commenced soon, our ability to obtain additional financing and our financial condition will be adversely
affected, which will likely impact our ability to conduct exploration. No reserves have been attributed to the concession.
We
exclude capitalized costs of unproved oil and gas properties from amortization until evaluated. Geological and geophysical information pertaining to the Guinea concession was
collected and evaluated and no reserves have been attributed to the Concession. In February 2012, we completed the drilling of the Sabu-1 well, which was determined to be non-commercial. As a result,
we evaluated certain geological and geophysical related costs in unproved properties along with the drilling costs of the Sabu-1 well totaling $116.8 million and determined that these
properties were subject to the Full-Cost Ceiling Test. As we have no proved reserves to include in the Full-Cost Ceiling Test, the entire $116.8 million resulted in a Full-Cost Ceiling Test
write-down of our unproved oil and gas properties. As of March 31, 2016, based on our impairment assessment, we fully impaired the $14,331,000 of unproved oil and gas properties. This
impairment assessment was based on the continued impasse by our members of the Consortium to resume petroleum operations and drill the next exploration obligation well, which needs to be commenced by
the end of September 2016, and our inability to get interim injunctive relief from the American Arbitration Association requiring Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in the negotiation of an acceptable
amendment to the PSC and to agree to a process that would result in the execution of the amendment which we hoped would have led to the resumption of petroleum operations. Thus, we believe all legal
measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well have been exhausted. Despite this impairment, we continued to pursue any avenues in order to begin drilling activities in our
Concession.
F-15
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
The
following table provides detail of total capitalized costs for our Guinea Concession as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
June 30, 2015
|
|
Oil and Gas Properties:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved oil and gas Properties
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
Other Equipment Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved properties not subject to amortization
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During
the year ended June 30, 2016, our oil and gas property balance increased by $20 thousand to $14,331,000 as a result of additional geological and geophysical costs
incurred.
Subsequently
on August 19, 2016, we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea and executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("2016 Amendment") on
September 15, 2016. The 2016 Amendment, upon receipt of a Presidential Decree, will give us a one year extension to the second exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC
Extension Period"). In addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the 2016 Amendment to drill one (1) exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed
within the PSC Extension Period with a projected commencement date of April 2017 (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells. If the Extension Well is not drilled within the
PSC Extension Period, we will owe the Government of Guinea the difference between the actual expenditures in Guinea related to the well and $46,000,000. Fulfillment of the work obligations exempts us
from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension Period.
In
turn, we will retain only an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore and will provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A parent company
guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely basis in a
notice of termination with a 30 day period to cure), and (3) guarantees to Guinea that (a) no later than January 21, 2017 we will provide a mutually acceptable security for
$5,000,000 on terms customary in international petroleum operations, provided that this security is to be released at the time the drilling rig for the Extension Well is on location offshore Guinea,
and (b) no later than April 12, 2017, we will deliver a mutually acceptable security for the difference between $46,000,000 and the amount spent to date on the Extension Well. For the
purposes of calculation for this clause, however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the
Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea. If we do not provide either security by the specified dates, the Government of Guinea may terminate the PSC immediately
and without prior notice to remedy such deficiency.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $150,000,000) and move into the
territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently in Takoradi, Ghana for the drilling of the Extension Well by January 31, 2017. Finally, we
agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of $250,000 in addition to any unused portion of the
training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC, estimated to be approximately $500,000.
F-16
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession. The continued delays have
affected adversely the ability to explore the Concession and reduces the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing sources. While we currently hold 100% of
the Concession, it is unknown whether we will be able to raise the necessary funds to drill the exploratory well during the PSC Extension Period.
4. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 include the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Accounts payabletrade
|
|
$
|
1,361
|
|
$
|
1,157
|
|
Accounts payablelegal costs
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
342
|
|
Accrued payroll
|
|
|
321
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,743
|
|
$
|
1,668
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
single largest payable in the Accounts payable trade balances is for the yearly Director & Officer Insurance renewal and was $1.3 million and $1.1 million for
2016 and 2015, respectively.
5. INCOME TAXES
Federal Income taxes are not currently due since Hyperdynamics has had losses since inception. Components of deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Current deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current temporary differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: valuation allowance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net current deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock compensation
|
|
$
|
2,464
|
|
$
|
2,389
|
|
Property and Equipment
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
164
|
|
Oil and gas properties
|
|
|
21,504
|
|
|
16,503
|
|
Capital loss
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
24,181
|
|
$
|
19,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating losses
|
|
|
36,138
|
|
|
34,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,319
|
|
|
53,328
|
|
Less: valuation allowance
|
|
|
(60,319
|
)
|
|
(53,328
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-17
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
Deferred tax assets have been fully reserved due to determination that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize the benefit from them. In accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, no deferred income tax asset has been recognized for the $118 million excess of the income tax basis in SCS, the Company's Cayman Island operating
subsidiary, over the book basis of the subsidiary. This potential tax benefit will only be fully realized if the subsidiary or the Concession is sold at a taxable gain, subject to potential tax
limitations.
Hyperdynamics
has U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $115.8 million at June 30, 2016. The U.S. net operating losses contain excess tax benefits related
to stock compensation in the amount of $2.2 million which have not been included in the financial statements.
Internal
Revenue Code Section 382 restricts the ability to use these carryforwards whenever an ownership change, as defined, occurs. Hyperdynamics incurred such an ownership
change on January 14, 1998 and again on June 30, 2001. As a result of the first ownership change, Hyperdynamics' use of net operating losses as of January 14, 1998, of $949,000,
is restricted to $151,000 per year. The availability of losses from that date through June 30, 2001 of $3,313,000 is restricted to $784,000 per year.
The
Company underwent a restructuring during fiscal 2012 that removed approximately $13.2 million of net operating losses from the U.S. consolidated tax return. It is unlikely
that the entity where these net operating losses reside will ever generate U.S. taxable income sufficient to utilize any of these losses. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, it is not
expected that any possible limitation will have an impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. The U.S. net operating loss carryforwards expire from 2020 to 2035.
The
difference between the statutory tax rates and our effective tax rate is primarily due to the valuation allowance applied against our deferred tax assets generated by net operating
losses. A
reconciliation of the actual taxes to the U.S. statutory tax rate for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Income tax (benefit) at the statutory federal rate (35%)
|
|
$
|
(7,996
|
)
|
$
|
(4,687
|
)
|
Increase (decrease) resulting from nondeductible stock compensation
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
172
|
|
Foreign Rate Differential
|
|
|
914
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
21
|
|
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
6,991
|
|
|
2,609
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income tax expense
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-18
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The
following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal, State and
Foreign Tax
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
Balance at July 1, 2014
|
|
$
|
5,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to tax positions related to the current year
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to tax positions related to prior years
|
|
|
|
|
Statute expirations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at June 30, 2015
|
|
$
|
5,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to tax positions related to the current year
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to tax positions related to prior years
|
|
|
|
|
Statute expirations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at June 30, 2016
|
|
$
|
5,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate was $5,485,000 for the years ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015.
We
file income tax returns, including tax returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Our tax returns are subject to routine compliance review by
the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we file tax returns in the ordinary course of business. We consider the United States to be our most significant tax jurisdiction; however, the
taxing authorities in Guinea may audit various tax returns. We currently have no ongoing federal or state audits. The normal statute of limitations for tax returns being available for IRS audit is
three years from the filing date of the return. However, net operating losses are subject to adjustment upon utilization of the loss to offset taxable income regardless of when the net operating loss
was generated. Therefore, all of our historic losses are subject to adjustment until they are utilized or expire. We do not believe there will be any decreases to our unrecognized tax benefits within
the next twelve months.
6. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock issuances
There were no stock options or warrants exercised during the years ended June 30, 2016 or 2015.
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On February 18, 2010, at our annual meeting of stockholders, the board of directors and stockholders approved the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"). Prior to the 2010
stockholder meeting, we had two stock award plans: the Stock and Stock Option Plan, which was adopted in 1997 ("1997 Plan") and the 2008 Restricted Stock Award Plan ("2008 Plan"). In conjunction with
the approval of the 2010 Plan at the annual meeting, the 1997 Plan and 2008 Plan were terminated as of February 18, 2010. Subsequently, on February 17, 2012, the 2010 Plan was amended to
increase the maximum shares issuable under the 2010 Plan and again on January 27, 2016, at our annual meeting of
F-19
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
stockholders,
the stockholders approved amending the 2010 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 750,000 shares.
The
2010 Plan provides for the grants of shares of common stock, restricted stock or incentive stock options and/or nonqualified stock options to purchase our common stock to selected
employees,
directors, officers, agents, consultants, attorneys, vendors and advisors of ours' or of any parent or subsidiary thereof. Shares of common stock, options, or restricted stock can only be granted
under this plan within 10 years from the effective date of February 18, 2010. A maximum of 2,000,000 shares are issuable under the 2010 Plan and at June 30, 2016, 945,710 shares
remained available for issuance.
The
2010 Plan provides a means to attract and retain the services of participants and also to provide added incentive to such persons by encouraging stock ownership in the Company. Plan
grants are administered by the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee, who has substantial discretion to determine which persons, amounts, time, price, exercise terms, and
restrictions, if any.
Additionally,
from time to time, we issue non-compensatory warrants, such as warrants issued to investors.
Stock Options
The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For market based stock option awards, those options
where vesting terms are dependent on achieving a specified stock price, the fair value was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with inputs adjusted for the probability of the vesting
criteria being met and the median expected term for each grant as determined by utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation. Expected volatility is based solely on historical volatility of our common stock
over the period commensurate with the expected term of the stock options. We rely solely on historical volatility as we do not have traded options. The expected term calculation for stock options is
based on the simplified method as described in the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin number 107. We use this method because we do not have sufficient historical
information on exercise patterns to develop a model for expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U. S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for an instrument with a maturity
that is commensurate with the expected term of the stock options. The dividend yield rate of zero is based on the fact that we have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and we do not expect
to pay cash dividends on our common stock during the expected term of the options.
The
following table provides information about options during the years ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Number of options granted
|
|
|
183,860
|
|
|
476,106
|
|
Compensation expense recognized
|
|
$
|
352,653
|
|
$
|
643,980
|
|
Compensation cost capitalized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options outstanding
|
|
$
|
5.03
|
|
$
|
5.13
|
|
F-20
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The
following table details the significant assumptions used to compute the fair market values of employee and director stock options granted during the years ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
0.36 - 1.01
|
%
|
|
0.07 - 0.93
|
%
|
Dividend yield
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Volatility factor
|
|
|
109 - 148
|
%
|
|
65 - 216
|
%
|
Expected life (years)
|
|
|
0.5 - 2.875
|
|
|
0.5 - 2.875
|
|
Summary
information regarding employee stock options issued and outstanding under all plans as of June 30, 2016 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
Weighted
Average Share
Price
|
|
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
|
|
Options outstanding at July 1, 2014
|
|
|
1,441,727
|
|
$
|
8.76
|
|
$
|
8,327
|
|
|
3.14
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
476,106
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(517,853
|
)
|
|
4.21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(218,026
|
)
|
|
10.71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at June 30, 2015
|
|
|
1,181,954
|
|
$
|
7.43
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
3.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
183,860
|
|
|
0.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(39,175
|
)
|
|
1.39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(309,642
|
)
|
|
12.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at June 30, 2016
|
|
|
1,016,997
|
|
$
|
5.03
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
3.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable at June 30, 2016
|
|
|
919,396
|
|
$
|
5.50
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
3.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Options outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding
Number of
Shares
|
|
Remaining Life
|
|
Exercisable
Number of Shares
|
|
$0.42 - 4.00
|
|
|
71,250
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
71,250
|
|
$0.42 - 4.00
|
|
|
78,855
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
78,855
|
|
$0.42 - 4.00
|
|
|
197,390
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
197,390
|
|
$0.42 - 4.00
|
|
|
348,954
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
333,963
|
|
$0.42 - 4.00
|
|
|
82,610
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
97,938
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
97,938
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
9,000
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
9,000
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
4,062
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
4,062
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
18,250
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
18,250
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
28,750
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
28,750
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
31,000
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
31,000
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
16,250
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
16,250
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
25,813
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
25,813
|
|
$40.01 - 50.00
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,016,997
|
|
|
|
|
919,396
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Options outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding
Number of
Shares
|
|
Remaining Life
|
|
Exercisable
Number of Shares
|
|
$0.90 - 4.00
|
|
|
121,067
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
121,067
|
|
$0.90 - 4.00
|
|
|
88,264
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
68,842
|
|
$0.90 - 4.00
|
|
|
217,707
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
187,716
|
|
$0.90 - 4.00
|
|
|
375,000
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
43,498
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
43,498
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
107,126
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
106,502
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
13,062
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
10,281
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
22,000
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
22,000
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
1,875
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
28,750
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
28,750
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
16,667
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
16,667
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
31,625
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
31,625
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
74,000
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
74,000
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
27,563
|
|
6 years
|
|
|
27,563
|
|
$40.01 - 50.00
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
$40.01 - 50.00
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
6 years
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,181,954
|
|
|
|
|
754,136
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
June 30, 2016, there was $31 thousand of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements granted to employees under the
plans. During 2016, a total of 449,904 options, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.10 per share, vested in accordance with the underlying agreements. Unvested options at
June 30, 2016 totaled 97,601 with a weighted average grant date fair value of $5.50, an amortization period of one to two years and a weighted average remaining life of 4.91 years. At
June 30, 2015, there was $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements granted to employees under the plans. During 2015, a
total of 377,274 options, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $3.76 per share, vested in accordance with the underlying agreements. Unvested options at June 30, 2015 totaled
427,826 with a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.95, an amortization period of one to two years and a weighted average remaining life of 4.83 years.
Restricted Stock
The fair value of restricted stock awards classified as equity awards is based on the Company's stock price as of the date of grant. Such awards
do not grant any rights as a shareholder of the company until a certificate for the vested shares of common stock has been issued. During the year ended June 30, 2015, all such awards were
forfeited with compensation expense forfeiture credits of approximately $46 thousand recorded. No new grants have been issued, and none are outstanding at June 30, 2016.
F-23
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Warrants
The exercise price of the warrants may be adjusted in the case of stock splits, stock dividends or combinations of shares, or in the event the
Company issues rights, options or warrants to all holders of the Company's common stock with an exercise or purchase price less than the volume weighted average price of the Company's shares on the
record date. The warrants are considered indexed to our common stock and therefore are not considered a derivative. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model. The last of the previously granted outstanding warrants expired in October 2015, and there were no warrants granted or exercised in the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Accordingly,
there were no warrants outstanding at the year ended June 30, 2016
Summary
information regarding common stock warrants issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
Weighted
Average
Share Price
|
|
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life(years)
|
|
Outstanding at year ended June 30, 2014
|
|
|
32,358
|
|
$
|
11.69
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
1.12
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(6,375
|
)
|
|
7.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at year ended June 30, 2015
|
|
|
25,983
|
|
$
|
12.64
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Outstanding
Number of
Shares
|
|
Remaining Life
|
|
Exercisable
Number of
Shares
|
|
|
$12.64
|
|
|
25,983
|
|
|
0.30 year
|
|
|
25,983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,983
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LITIGATION AND OTHER LEGAL MATTERS
From time to time, we and our subsidiaries are involved in disputes. We are unable to predict the outcome of such matters when they arise. We
review the status of on-going proceedings and other contingent matters with legal counsel. Liabilities for such items are recorded if and when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and
when the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. If we are able to reasonably estimate a range of possible losses, an estimated range of possible loss is disclosed for such matters in
excess of the accrued liability, if any. Liabilities are periodically reviewed for adjustments based on additional information.
F-24
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Tullow and Dana Legal Actions
On January 11, 2016, we filed legal actions against members of the Consortium under the Joint Operating Agreement governing the oil and
gas exploration rights offshore Guinea
("JOA") in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and before the AAA against Tullow for their failure to meet their obligations under the JOAC. On January 28, 2016,
the action in the Federal District Court was voluntarily dismissed by us and refiled in District Court in Harris County, Texas. On February 8, 2016 Tullow and Dana removed the case to Federal
District Court.
On
February 2, 2016, SCS filed an Application for Emergency Arbitrator and Interim Measures of Protection and requested the following relief: (a) expedite discovery prior
to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal; (b) provide that the time period permitted by the parties' arbitration agreement for the selection of the arbitrators and the filing of any
responsive pleadings or counterclaims be accelerated; (c) require Tullow, as the designated operator under the JOA, to maintain existing "well-planning activities"; (d) require Tullow to
undertake and complete certain planning activities; and (e) require Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in completing the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a
process that will result in the execution of the amendment. With the exception of limited relief regarding discovery and agreement by Tullow to maintain certain well plan readiness, the Emergency
Arbitrator ruled on February 17, 2016, that SCS is not entitled to the emergency injunctive relief it requested. Further, the Emergency Arbitrator enjoined all parties to the dispute from
pursuing parallel District Court proceedings. On February 12, 2016, the case was voluntarily stayed by us.
The
AAA action sought (1) a determination that Tullow and Dana are in breach of their contractual obligations and (2) the damages caused by the repeated delays in well
drilling caused by the activities of Tullow and Dana. We determined to bring the legal actions only after it became apparent that Tullow and Dana would not move forward, despite many opportunities to
do so, with petroleum operations.
Subsequently,
on August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement and Release") with respect to our dispute in arbitration
(American Arbitration Association, Case No: 01-16-0000-0679, styled SCS Corporation Ltd v. Tullow Guinea Ltd. and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Ltd.). Under the Settlement and Release, we
released all claims against Tullow and Dana and Tullow and Dana (i) issued to the Government of Guinea a notice of withdrawal from the Concession and PSC effective immediately,
(ii) transferred their interest in the long lead items previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the drilling of the Fatala well, and agreed to pay net cash of $686,570 to us.
We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery. We will record the long lead items and a gain once they have been inspected
and appropriately valued.
Shareholder Lawsuits
Beginning on March 13, 2014, two lawsuits styled as class actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Texas against us and several then-current officers of the Company alleging that we made false and misleading statements that artificially inflated our stock
prices. The lawsuits allege, among other things, that we misrepresented our compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-money laundering statutes and that we lacked adequate internal
controls. The lawsuits seek damages based on Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, although
F-25
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
the
specific amount of damages is not specified. On May 12, 2014, a shareholder filed a motion for appointment as lead plaintiff, which remains pending. One of the March 2014 lawsuits has now
been dismissed voluntarily, and the parties to the remaining suit await the issuance of a scheduling order in that matter. We have assessed the status of the remaining March 2014 lawsuit and have
concluded that an adverse judgment remains reasonably possible, but not probable. As a result, no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements. We are unable to estimate a range of
possible loss; however, in our opinion, the outcome of this dispute will not have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In
addition, we have received demands from shareholders to inspect our books and records.
Iroquois Lawsuit
On May 9, 2012, a lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against us and all of our directors. The plaintiffs,
five hedge funds that invested in us in early 2012, allege that we breached an agreement with the plaintiffs, and that we and the directors made certain negligent misrepresentations relating to our
drilling operations. Among other claims, the plaintiffs allege that we misrepresented the status of our drilling operations and the speed with which the drilling would be completed. The plaintiffs
advance claims for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation and seek damages in the amount of $18.5 million plus pre-judgment interest. On July 12, 2012, we and the directors
moved to dismiss the suit for failure to state a claim as to all defendants and for lack of personal jurisdiction over the director defendants. On June 19, 2013, the court dismissed the
negligent misrepresentation claim but declined to dismiss the breach of contract claim. The negligent misrepresentation claim was dismissed without prejudice, meaning plaintiffs could attempt to
refile it. On August 12, 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. That complaint names only us and seeks recovery for alleged breaches of contract. We filed an answer to the plaintiffs'
amended complaint on September 9, 2013, and the court has entered a scheduling order governing pre-trial proceedings in the matter. The maximum possible loss is the full amount of
$18.5 million plus interest accrued thereon until judgment. We, however, have assessed the status of this matter and have concluded that although an adverse judgment is reasonably possible, it
is not probable. As a result, no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the outcome of this dispute will not have a material effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
We lease office space under long-term operating leases with varying terms. Most of the operating leases contain renewal and purchase options. We
expect that in the normal course of business, the majority of operating leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases.
F-26
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
The following is a schedule by years of minimum future rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year as
of June 30, 2016 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Years ending June 30:
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
$
|
392
|
|
2018
|
|
|
399
|
|
2019
|
|
|
406
|
|
2020
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum payments required
|
|
$
|
1,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rent
expense included in loss from operations for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively in each year.
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement Agreement") that gave us 100% of the interest under the PSC, property
useful in the drilling of an exploratory well, and cash, in return for a mutual release of all claims. We will record the property received and a gain once they have been inspected and appropriately
valued.
On
August 19, 2016, we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea and executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("2016 Amendment") on
September 15, 2016. As more fully described below, upon receipt of a Presidential Decree, the 2016 Amendment will give us a one year extension to the second exploration period of the PSC to
September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period"). In addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the 2016 Amendment to drill one (1) exploratory well to a minimum depth
of 2,500 meters below the seabed within the PSC Extension Period with a projected commencement date of April 2017 (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells. If the Extension
Well is not drilled within the PSC Extension Period, we will owe the Government of Guinea the difference between the actual expenditures in Guinea related to the well and $46,000,000. Fulfillment of
the work obligations exempts us from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension Period.
In
turn, we will retain only an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore and will provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A parent company
guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely basis in a
notice of termination with a 30 day period to cure), and (3) guarantees to Guinea that (a) no later than January 21, 2017 we will provide a mutually acceptable security for
$5,000,000 on terms customary in international petroleum operations, provided that this security is to be released at the time the drilling rig for the Extension Well is on location offshore Guinea,
and (b) no later than April 12, 2017, we will deliver a mutually acceptable security for the difference between $46,000,000 and the amount spent to date on the Extension Well. For the
purposes of calculation for this clause, however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the drilling rig to be used in the drilling of the
Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea. If we do not provide
F-27
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
either
security by the specified dates, the Government of Guinea may terminate the PSC immediately and without prior notice to remedy such deficiency.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $150,000,000) and move into the
territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently in Takoradi, Ghana for the drilling of the Extension Well by January 31, 2017. Finally, we
agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of $250,000 in addition to any unused portion of the
training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC, estimated to be approximately $500,000.
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession. The continued delays have
affected adversely the ability to explore the Concession and reduces the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing sources. While we currently hold 100% of
the Concession, it is unknown whether we will be able to raise the necessary funds to drill the exploratory well during the PSC Extension Period.
10. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Shown below are selected unaudited quarterly data for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
2016:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
$
|
27
|
|
$
|
26
|
|
General, administrative and other operating
|
|
|
1,877
|
|
|
1,829
|
|
|
3,266
|
|
|
1,434
|
|
Full impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,331
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(1,905
|
)
|
|
(1,857
|
)
|
|
(17,624
|
)
|
|
(1,460
|
)
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(1,905
|
)
|
|
(1,857
|
)
|
|
(17,624
|
)
|
|
(1,460
|
)
|
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.84
|
)
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
2015:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
86
|
|
$
|
69
|
|
$
|
49
|
|
$
|
33
|
|
General, administrative and other operating
|
|
|
3,962
|
|
|
3,633
|
|
|
2,721
|
|
|
2,841
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(4,048
|
)
|
|
(3,702
|
)
|
|
(2,770
|
)
|
|
(2,874
|
)
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(4,047
|
)
|
|
(3,701
|
)
|
|
(2,770
|
)
|
|
(2,874
|
)
|
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
|
|
$
|
(0.19
|
)
|
$
|
(0.18
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
The
sum of the individual quarterly net loss per share amounts may not agree with year-to-date net loss per share as each quarterly computation is based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during that period. In addition, certain potentially dilutive securities were not included in any of the quarterly computations of diluted net loss per share because to do so
would have been antidilutive.
F-28
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Estimates of reserve quantities and related standardized measure of discounted net cash flows are estimates only, and are not intended to reflect realizable values or fair market values
of reserves. Reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and estimates of new discoveries are more imprecise than producing oil and gas properties. Additionally, the price of oil has been very volatile
and downward changes in prices can significantly affect quantities that are economically recoverable. Accordingly, estimates are expected to change as future information becomes available and these
changes may be significant.
Proved
reserves are estimated reserves of crude oil and natural gas that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from
known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those expected to be recovered through existing wells, equipment and operating methods.
The
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows are computed by applying average price for the year (with consideration of price changes only to the extent provided by
contractual arrangements) to the estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves, less estimated future expenditures (based on year-end costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the
proved reserves, less estimated future income tax expenses. The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted using a rate of 10% per year to reflect the estimated timing of the future cash
flows.
Capitalized Costs Related to Oil and Gas Activities
Aggregate capitalized costs relating to our crude oil and natural gas producing activities, including asset retirement costs and related
accumulated depreciation, depletion & amortization are shown below (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
|
Republic of
Guinea
|
|
Total
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved properties
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Proved properties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less accumulated DD&A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net capitalized costs
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved properties
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
Proved properties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,311
|
|
|
14,311
|
|
Less accumulated DD&A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net capitalized costs
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
$
|
14,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of March 31, 2016, based on our impairment assessment, we fully impaired the $14,331,000 of unproved oil and gas properties. This impairment assessment was based on the
continued impasse by our members of the Consortium to resume petroleum operations and drill the next exploration obligation well, which needs to be commenced by the end of September 2016, and our
inability to get
F-29
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
interim
injunctive relief from the American Arbitration Association requiring Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a process that
would result in the execution of the amendment which we hoped would have led to the resumption of petroleum operations. Despite this impairment, we continued to pursue any avenues in order to begin
drilling activities in our Concession.
Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Activities
Costs incurred in connection with our crude oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration and development activities are shown below (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
|
Republic of
Guinea
|
|
Total
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property acquisition:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Exploration
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
20
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs incurred
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property acquisition:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Exploration
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
52
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs incurred
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved Reserves
We do not hold any proved reserves as of June 30, 2016 and 2015.
F-30
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
2,239
|
|
$
|
10,327
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
645
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
Deposits and other current assets
|
|
|
235
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
3,119
|
|
|
11,627
|
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,097 and $2,075
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
51
|
|
Unproved oil and gas properties excluded from amortization (Full-Cost Method)
|
|
|
4,142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,201
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
7,320
|
|
$
|
11,678
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
1,475
|
|
$
|
1,743
|
|
Liability for legal settlement (Note 6)
|
|
|
1,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
2,783
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 87,000,000 shares authorized; 21,201,536 and 21,046,591 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
169
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
317,938
|
|
|
317,757
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(313,570
|
)
|
|
(307,991
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
4,537
|
|
|
9,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
7,320
|
|
$
|
11,678
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-31
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
Six Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
$
|
56
|
|
General, administrative and other operating
|
|
|
4,281
|
|
|
1,829
|
|
|
8,247
|
|
|
3,706
|
|
Full-cost ceiling test write-down
|
|
|
753
|
|
|
|
|
|
753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(5,044
|
)
|
|
(1,857
|
)
|
|
(9,035
|
)
|
|
(3,762
|
)
|
Gain (loss) on settlement agreement
|
|
|
(371
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
4,764
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of legal settlement
|
|
|
(1,308
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,308
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income tax
|
|
|
(6,723
|
)
|
|
(1,857
|
)
|
|
(5,579
|
)
|
|
(3,762
|
)
|
Income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(6,723
|
)
|
$
|
(1,857
|
)
|
$
|
(5,579
|
)
|
$
|
(3,762
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
$
|
(0.26
|
)
|
$
|
(0.18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstandingbasic and diluted
|
|
|
21,201,536
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
|
21,127,758
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-32
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
|
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance, July 1, 2015
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
317,404
|
|
$
|
(285,145
|
)
|
$
|
32,428
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
|
(22,846
|
)
|
Amortization of fair value of stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2016
|
|
|
21,046,591
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
317,757
|
|
$
|
(307,991
|
)
|
$
|
9,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,579
|
)
|
|
(5,579
|
)
|
Exercise of stock options
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
Awards in lieu of cash bonus
|
|
|
134,945
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
Amortization of fair value of stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2016
|
|
|
21,201,536
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
$
|
317,938
|
|
$
|
(313,570
|
)
|
$
|
4,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-33
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(5,579
|
)
|
$
|
(3,762
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
56
|
|
Full-cost ceiling test write-down
|
|
|
753
|
|
|
|
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
189
|
|
Stock issued in lieu of cash bonuses
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on legal settlement
|
|
|
(4,078
|
)
|
|
|
|
Cost of legal settlement
|
|
|
1,308
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in Accounts receivable joint interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52
|
)
|
Decrease in Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
649
|
|
|
582
|
|
Increase in Deposits and other current assets
|
|
|
(229
|
)
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Decrease in Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(268
|
)
|
|
(992
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(7,246
|
)
|
|
(3,987
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(42
|
)
|
|
|
|
Investment in unproved oil and gas properties
|
|
|
(818
|
)
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(860
|
)
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(8,088
|
)
|
|
(4,007
|
)
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
|
|
|
10,327
|
|
|
18,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
|
|
$
|
2,239
|
|
$
|
14,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-34
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General Overview
Hyperdynamics Corporation ("Hyperdynamics," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our") is a Delaware corporation formed in March 1996. Hyperdynamics
has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, SCS Corporation Ltd ("SCS"), a Cayman corporation, and HYD Resources Corporation ("HYD"), a Texas corporation. Through SCS, Hyperdynamics focuses on oil and
gas exploration offshore the coast of West Africa. Our exploration efforts are pursuant to a Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract, as amended (the "PSC"). We refer to the rights granted under the
PSC as the "Concession." We began operations in oil and gas exploration, seismic data acquisition, processing, and interpretation in late fiscal 2002.
As
used herein, references to "Hyperdynamics," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Hyperdynamics Corporation and our subsidiaries, including SCS. The rights in the Concession
offshore Guinea are held by SCS.
Status of our Business, Liquidity and Going Concern
We have no source of operating revenue and there is no assurance when we will, if ever. On December 31, 2016, we had $2.2 million
in cash, and $1.5 million in accounts payable and accrued expense liabilities, all of which are current liabilities. We are currently pursuing several avenues to raise funds. We have no other
material commitments other than ordinary operating costs and commitments relating to the PSC.
As
of April 27, 2017 the Company's trade accounts payable and accrued expenses exceeded its cash balances.
In
2010 we sold a 23% gross interest in the Concession to Dana Petroleum, PLC ("Dana"), a subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Corporation. Later, at the end of 2012, we sold a
40% gross interest to Tullow Guinea Ltd. ("Tullow"). The Share Purchase Agreement ("Tullow SPA") was dated December 31, 2012. A few months later Tullow became the Operator of the
Concession on April 1, 2013. We refer to Tullow, Dana and us in the Concession as the "Consortium".
Pursuant
to the Tullow SPA between Tullow and us, Tullow paid us $26.0 million in cash and Tullow agreed to pay our entire participating interest share of expenditures associated
with joint operations in the Concession up to a gross expenditure cap of $100.0 million incurred during the period of our carried interest while drilling the initial exploratory well that began
on September 21, 2013. Tullow also agreed to pay our participating interest share of future costs for the drilling of an appraisal well following the initial exploration well, if drilled, up to
an additional gross expenditure cap of $100.0 million.
The
Consortium planned to drill the exploration well in the ultra-deepwater area (water depths of over 2,000 meters) of the Concession during the first half of calendar 2014, but Tullow
declared Force Majeure in March of 2014 based on the mere existence of the Department of Justice ("DOJ") and Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") investigations pursuant to the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of the United States ("FCPA Investigations"). Tullow withdrew its Force Majeure declaration in May of 2014, but did not resume petroleum operations citing the existence of the FCPA
investigations and the Ebola outbreak in Guinea as the reason.
F-35
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The
DOJ investigation ended last May 2015, the SEC investigation ended last September 2015, and the World Health Organization declared Guinea Ebola free on December 29, 2015.
Notwithstanding the resolution of the FCPA investigations, Dana insisted on further specific title assurances from the Government of Guinea and at a Petroleum Operations Management Committee meeting
with the Government of Guinea in Conakry on December 16 and 17, 2015, Tullow and SCS obtained a PSC Amendment that we believed provided such further assurances. Instead of signing the PSC
Amendment both Tullow and Dana refused to execute the agreement. Unable to see a path forward, we filed legal actions against Tullow and Dana under our Joint Operating Agreement.
On
August 15, 2016, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement Agreement") that returned to Hyperdynamics 100% of the interest under the
PSC, long-lead item property useful in the drilling of an exploratory well, and $0.7 million in cash, in return for a mutual release of all claims. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee
based upon the certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery.
On
August 19, 2016, we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea and executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("2016 Amendment") on
September 15, 2016. We also received a Presidential Decree that gave Hyperdynamics a one year extension to the second exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension
Period") and we also became the designated Operator with the receipt of the Presidential Decree.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the initial PSC, we agreed in the 2016 Amendment to drill one exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed within
the PSC Extension Period with a projected commencement date of April 2017 (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells.
If
the Extension Well is not drilled within the PSC Extension Period, we will owe the Government of Guinea, under Article 4.2 of the PSC, the difference between the actual
expenditures in Guinea that are related to the well and $46.0 million. Fulfillment of the work obligations exempts us from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension Period. Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession.
In
mid-January 2017 the Company requested and received a notification letter dated January 24, 2017 from the General Director of the National Petroleum Office of the Republic of
Guinea, informing the Company that the Republic of Guinea granted a postponement of the Company's obligation to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million to February 20,
2017 (originally required by no later than January 21, 2017) as well as a clarification regarding the timing of the security under Article 4.2 of the 2016 PSC Amendment until the work on
the Fatala-1 well is completed.
On
March 1, 2017, the Republic of Guinea has issued a reservation of rights letter asserting the Company has not satisfied its obligation to deposit mutually acceptable security
of $5.0 million. See Note 7, "Subsequent Events" below.
Absent
cash inflows we will not have adequate capital resources to meet our current obligations as they become due and therefore there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue
as a going concern. Our ability to meet our current obligations as they become due over the next twelve-months,
F-36
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
and
to be able to continue exploration, will depend on obtaining additional resources through sales of additional interests in the Concession, equity or debt financial offerings, or through other
means.
No
assurance can be given that any of these actions can be completed.
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hyperdynamics and its direct and indirect
wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 presented above.
In
the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and the results of operations for the
interim periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Notes to the
financial statements which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, have been omitted.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses at the balance sheet date and for the period then ended. We believe our
estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, such estimates and assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from such
estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions underlying these financial statements include:
-
-
estimates in the calculation of share-based compensation expense,
-
-
estimates made in our income tax calculations,
-
-
estimates in the assessment of current litigation claims against the Company,
-
-
estimates and assumptions involved in our assessment of unproved oil and gas properties for impairment, and
-
-
estimates and assumptions involved in our fair market value assessment of the well construction equipment received in the August 15,
2016 Settlement Agreement with Tullow and Dana.
We
are subject, from time to time, to legal proceedings, claims, and liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for losses when such losses are considered
probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.
F-37
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. For the periods presented, we maintained all
of our cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, exceed the federally insured limits.
Earnings per share
Basic loss per common share has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during
each period. In period of earnings, diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period plus weighted-average dilutive potential common shares. Diluted earnings per share calculations assume, as of the beginning of the period, exercise of stock options and warrants using the
treasury stock method.
All
potential dilutive securities, including potentially dilutive options, warrants and convertible securities, if any, were excluded from the computation of dilutive net loss per common
share for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because their effects in the computation are antidilutive due to our net loss for those periods.
Stock
options to purchase approximately 1.2 million common shares at an average exercise price of $4.08 were outstanding at December 31, 2016. Using the treasury stock
method, had we had net income, approximately 298,700 common shares attributable to our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share for the three month
period ended December 31, 2016 while approximately 182,200 common shares attributable to our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share for the
six month period ended December 31, 2016.
Stock
options to purchase approximately 1.0 million common shares at an average exercise price of $5.67 were outstanding at December 31, 2015. Using the treasury stock
method, had we had net income, approximately 101,600 common shares attributable to our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share for the three month
period ended December 31, 2015 while approximately 50,800 common shares attributable to our outstanding stock options would have been included in the fully diluted earnings per share for the
six month period ended December 31, 2015.
Contingencies
We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities. We accrue for losses associated with legal claims when such losses are probable and
can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted as additional information becomes available or circumstances change. Legal fees are charged to expense as they are incurred. See Note 6
for more information on legal proceedings and settlements.
Fair Value Measurements
The accounting standards define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurements and enhance
disclosure requirements for fair value measures. As
F-38
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
discussed
in Note 2, we determined a fair value of the well construction equipment material (Level 3 fair value measurement) that we received at the time of our legal settlement with
Tullow and Dana. The fair value estimate was based on the combination of cost and market approaches taking into consideration a number of factors, which included but were not limited to the original
cost and the condition of the material and demand for steel and tubulars at the time of measurement.
2. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
Investment in oil and gas properties consists entirely of our Concession in offshore Guinea, West Africa. We previously owned a 37% participating interest in our Guinea Concession on
June 30, 2016. On August 19, 2016, we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea and executed a Second Amendment to the PSC ("2016 Amendment") on
September 15, 2016 and received a Presidential Decree on September 21, 2016 giving us a one year extension to the second
exploration period of the PSC to September 22, 2017 ("PSC Extension Period") and reaffirming that we now own 100% of the Concession.
One
part of our settlement with Tullow and Dana included the relinquishments of their respective 40% and 23% participating interests in the Concession. Hyperdynamics now owns 100% of the
participating interests in the Concession.
In
addition to clarifying certain elements of the PSC, we agreed in the 2016 Amendment to drill one (1) exploratory well to a minimum depth of 2,500 meters below the seabed within
the PSC Extension Period with a projected commencement date of April 2017 (the "Extension Well") with the option of drilling additional wells. If the Extension Well is not drilled within the PSC
Extension Period, we will owe the Government of Guinea the difference between the actual expenditures in Guinea related to the well and $46.0 million. Fulfillment of the work obligations
exempts us from the expenditure obligations during the PSC Extension Period. In the event a discovery is made, the terms of the PSC make us eligible for a two-year appraisal period during which we are
obliged either to declare that the reserves are commerciality viable or that we decide that the PSC shall terminate.
In
turn, we will retain only an area equivalent to approximately 5,000 square kilometers in the Guinea offshore and will provide the Government of Guinea: (1) A parent company
guarantee for the well obligation, (2) monthly progress reports and a reconciliation of budget to actual expenditures, (failure to provide the reports and assurances on a timely basis could
result in a notice of termination with a 30 day period to cure), and (3) guarantees to the Guinea Government that (a) no later than January 21, 2017 we will provide a
mutually acceptable security for $5.0 million on terms customary in international petroleum operations, provided that this security is to be released at the time the drilling rig for the
Extension Well is on location offshore Guinea, and (b) no later than April 12, 2017, we will deliver a mutually acceptable security for the difference between $46.0 million and
the amount spent to date on the Extension Well.
For
the purposes of calculation for this clause, however, only costs spent for services and goods provided in Guinea shall be taken into account until the drilling rig to be used in the
drilling of the Extension Well is located in the territorial waters of the Republic of Guinea.
On
January 24, 2017 the Company requested and received a notification letter from the General Director of the National Petroleum Office of the Republic of Guinea, informing the
Company that the
F-39
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
2. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
Republic
of Guinea granted a postponement to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million to February 20, 2017 as well as a clarification regarding the timing of the
$46.0 million security payment under Article 4.2 of the 2016 PSC Amendment until the work on the Fatala well is completed.
On
March 1, 2017, the Republic of Guinea has issued a reservation of rights letter asserting the Company has not satisfied its obligation to deposit mutually acceptable security
of $5.0 million.
Additionally,
we agreed to limit the cost recovery pool to date to our share of expenditures in the PSC since 2009 (estimated to be approximately $150,000,000) and move into the
territory of Guinea the long lead items we received in the Settlement Agreement that are currently in Takoradi, Ghana for the drilling of the Extension Well by January 31, 2017. The movement of
approximately $1.6 million of the $4.1 million of equipment was started on January 29, 2017 and was completed on February 5, 2017. The balance of the material still in
Ghana will be moved at a later date. Finally, we agreed to allocate and administer a training budget during the PSC Extension Period for the benefit of the Guinea National Petroleum Office of $250,000
in addition to any unused portion of the training program under Article 10.3 of the PSC, estimated to be approximately $500,000.
Failure
to comply with the drilling and other obligations of the PSC as amended subjects us to financial penalties and a risk of loss of the Concession. The continued delays have
affected adversely the ability to explore the Concession and reduce the attractiveness of the Concession to prospective industry participants and financing sources. While we currently hold 100% of the
Concession, it is unknown whether we will be able to raise the necessary funds to drill the exploratory well during the PSC Extension Period.
We
follow the "Full-Cost" method of accounting for oil and natural gas property and equipment costs. Under this method, internal costs incurred that were directly identified with
exploration, development, and acquisition activities undertaken by us for our own account, and which were not related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities, are capitalized.
Capitalization of internal costs was discontinued April 1, 2013 when Tullow became the operator. Hyperdynamics became the operator after the signing of the Second Amendment of the PSC on
September 15, 2016 and thus capitalization of certain internal, project related costs had resumed. For the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2016, we capitalized
$1.3 million and $1.5 million of such costs, respectively.
Capitalized
internal costs of $ 0.2 million from the previous quarter were written off and recorded as Full-cost ceiling test write-down expenses, and capitalized internal costs
of $ 1.3 million in the current quarter were written off and recorded as General, administrative and other operating costs.
Geological
and geophysical costs incurred that are directly associated with specific unproved properties are capitalized in "Unproved properties excluded from amortization" and evaluated
as part of the total capitalized costs associated with a prospect. The cost of unproved properties not being amortized is assessed to determine whether such properties have been impaired. In
determining whether such costs should be impaired, we evaluate current drilling plans and drilling results and available geological and geophysical information. No reserves have been attributed to the
Concession.
F-40
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
2. INVESTMENT IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)
The
following table provides detail of total capitalized costs for the Concession which remain unproved and unevaluated and are excluded from amortization as of December 31, 2016
and June 30, 2016 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
Oil and Gas Properties:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unproved properties not subject to amortization
|
|
$
|
4,142
|
|
$
|
|
|
During
the six month period ended December 31, 2016, our oil and gas property balance increased by $4.1 million as a result of the fair value of the material received in
our settlement with Tullow and Dana. The fair value of the material, for the most part well construction material, at the time of the settlement was approximately $4.4 million, of which we
reduced by approximately $0.4 million during the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 based on additional information that we determined reduced the original fair market value. We engaged an
independent outside party with expertise in valuing oil and gas equipment to conduct an appraisal and provide a fair valuation determination for our initial recording and reporting purposes.
During
the quarter ended December 31, 2016 we impaired $0.8 million of unproved oil and gas property costs capitalized during the current quarter ($0.5 million) and
previous quarter ($0.3 million) and the internal costs described above. That impairment assessment was based on our liquidity position, and the possibility that we may not reach an agreement
with the Government of Guinea regarding the requirement under the PSC to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million, and the possibility that the Government of Guinea may at any
time and without prior notice terminate our Concession.
As
of June 30, 2016 at the close of our last fiscal year we fully impaired the $14.3 million of previously capitalized unproved oil and gas property costs. That impairment
assessment was based on the continued impasse at the time by our members of the Consortium to resume petroleum operations and drill the next exploration obligation well, which needed to be commenced
at that time by the end of September 2016, and our inability at the time to get interim injunctive relief from the American Arbitration Association requiring Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in the
negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a process that would result in the execution of the amendment which we hoped would have led to the resumption of petroleum operations
by the Consortium. Thus, we believed all legal measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well had been exhausted.
F-41
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
3. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 include the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
Accounts payabletrade and oil and gas exploration activities
|
|
$
|
601
|
|
$
|
1,361
|
|
Accounts payablelegal costs
|
|
|
171
|
|
|
61
|
|
Accrued payroll
|
|
|
703
|
|
|
321
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,475
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
Liability for legal settlement (Note 6)
|
|
|
1,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,783
|
|
$
|
1,743
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On February 18, 2010, at our annual meeting of stockholders, the board of directors and stockholders approved the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"). Prior to the 2010
stockholder meeting, we had two stock award plans: the Stock and Stock Option Plan, which was adopted in 1997 ("1997 Plan") and the 2008 Restricted Stock Award Plan ("2008 Plan"). In conjunction with
the approval of the 2010 Plan at the annual meeting, the 1997 Plan and the 2008 Plan were terminated as of February 18, 2010. Subsequently, on February 17, 2012, the 2010 Plan was
amended to increase the maximum shares issuable under the 2010 Plan and again on January 27, 2016, at our annual meeting of stockholders, the stockholders approved amending the 2010 Plan to
increase the number of shares available for issuance by 750,000 shares.
The
2010 Plan provides for the awards of shares of common stock, restricted stock units or incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to purchase our common stock to selected
employees, directors, officers, agents, consultants, attorneys, vendors and advisors of ours' or of any parent or subsidiary thereof. Shares of common stock, options, or restricted stock can only be
awarded under the 2010 Plan within 10 years from the effective date of February 18, 2010. A maximum of 2,000,000 shares are issuable under the 2010 Plan and at December 31, 2016,
783,460 shares remained available for issuance.
The
2010 Plan provides a means to attract and retain the services of participants and also to provide added incentive to such persons by encouraging stock ownership in the Company. Plan
awards are administered by the Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee, who has substantial discretion to determine which persons, amounts, time, price, exercise terms, and
restrictions, if any.
From
time to time we issue non-compensatory warrants, such as warrants issued to investors.
F-42
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
4. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Stock Options
The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For market-based pricing of stock option awards,
those options where vesting terms are dependent on achieving a specified stock price, the fair value was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with inputs adjusted for the probability
of the vesting criteria being met and the median expected term for each award as determined by utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation. Expected volatility is based solely on historical volatility of our
common stock over the period commensurate with the expected term of the stock options. We rely solely on historical volatility because we do not have options that are traded. The expected term
calculation for stock options is based on the simplified method as described in the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.
We
use this method because we do not have sufficient historical information on exercise patterns to develop a model for expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U. S.
Treasury yield in effect at the time of award for an instrument with a maturity that is commensurate with the expected term of the stock options. The dividend yield rate of 0% is based on the fact
that we have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock during the expected term of the options.
The
following table provides information about options during the six months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Number of options awarded
|
|
|
178,500
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
Compensation expense recognized
|
|
$
|
106,000
|
|
$
|
189,000
|
|
Weighted average award-date fair value of options outstanding
|
|
$
|
4.08
|
|
$
|
5.67
|
|
The
following table details the significant assumptions used to compute the fair values of employee and director stock options awarded during the six month periods ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
0.47 - 1.86%
|
|
|
1.74
|
%
|
Dividend yield
|
|
0%
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
Volatility factor
|
|
109 - 157%
|
|
|
109
|
%
|
Expected life (years)
|
|
1.0 - 4.73
|
|
|
2.88
|
|
F-43
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
4. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Summary
information regarding employee and director stock options issued and outstanding under all plans as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term (years)
|
|
Options outstanding at July 1, 2016
|
|
|
1,016,997
|
|
$
|
5.03
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
3.19
|
|
Awarded
|
|
|
178,500
|
|
|
1.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(20,000
|
)
|
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(16,250
|
)
|
|
34.43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at December 31, 2016
|
|
|
1,159,247
|
|
$
|
4.08
|
|
$
|
883,620
|
|
|
2.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable at December 31, 2016
|
|
|
959,550
|
|
$
|
4.72
|
|
$
|
646,342
|
|
|
2.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2016
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding
Number of
Shares
|
|
Remaining Life
|
|
Exercisable
Number of
Shares
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
245,525
|
|
Less than1 year
|
|
|
245,525
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
57,916
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
57,916
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
136,296
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
136,296
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
226,720
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
226,720
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
112,610
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
71,405
|
|
$0.41 - 4.00
|
|
|
158,492
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
79,563
|
|
Less than 1 year
|
|
|
79,563
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
38,625
|
|
1 year
|
|
|
38,625
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
4,062
|
|
2 years
|
|
|
4,062
|
|
$4.01 - 10.00
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
13,125
|
|
Less than 1 year
|
|
|
13,125
|
|
$10.01 - 20.00
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
Less than 1 year
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
$20.01 - 30.00
|
|
|
28,500
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
28,500
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
Less than 1 year
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
$30.01 - 40.00
|
|
|
13,313
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
13,313
|
|
$40.01 - 48.72
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
4 years
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,159,247
|
|
|
|
|
959,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
December 31, 2016, there were $177 thousand of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements awarded to employees and
directors under the plans. During the six months ended December 31, 2016, a total of 76,404 options, with a weighted average award date fair value of $0.57 per share, vested in accordance with
the underlying agreements. Unvested options at December 31, 2016 totaled 199,697 with a weighted average award date fair value of $4.72, an amortization period of one year and a weighted
average remaining life of 0.93 years.
F-44
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
4. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
Restricted Stock
The fair value of restricted stock awards classified as equity awards is based on the Company's stock price as of the date of grant. During the
year ended June 30, 2015, all such awards were forfeited. No new grants have been issued, and none are outstanding at December 31, 2016.
5. INCOME TAXES
Federal income taxes are not due as we have had losses since inception. Our effective tax rate for the six month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is 0%. This rate is lower
than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the valuation allowance applied against our net deferred tax assets.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LITIGATION AND OTHER LEGAL MATTERS
From
time to time, we and our subsidiaries are involved in disputes. We review the status of on-going proceedings and other contingent matters with legal counsel.
Liabilities for such
items are recorded if and when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. If we are able to reasonably estimate a range of
possible losses, an estimated range of possible loss is disclosed for such matters in excess of the accrued liability, if any. Liabilities are periodically reviewed for adjustments based on additional
information.
Iroquois Lawsuit
On May 9, 2012, a lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against us and all of our directors. The plaintiffs,
five hedge funds that invested in us in early 2012, alleged that we breached an agreement with the plaintiffs, and that we and the directors made certain negligent misrepresentations relating to our
drilling operations. Among other claims, the plaintiffs alleged that we misrepresented the status of our drilling operations and the speed with which the drilling would be completed. The plaintiffs'
advanced claims for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation and sought damages in the amount of $18.5 million plus pre-judgment interest.
On
July 12, 2012, we and the directors moved to dismiss the suit for failure to state a claim as to all defendants and for lack of personal jurisdiction over the director
defendants. On June 19, 2013, the court dismissed the negligent misrepresentation claim but declined to dismiss the breach of contract claim. The negligent misrepresentation claim was dismissed
without prejudice, meaning plaintiffs could attempt to refile it. On August 12, 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. That complaint named only the Company and sought recovery for
alleged breaches of contract. We filed an answer to the plaintiffs' amended complaint on September 9, 2013, and the court entered a scheduling order governing pre-trial proceedings in the
matter.
On
December 31, 2016 we entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs whereby Hyperdynamics will issue to the plaintiffs a total of 600,000 new shares of common stock,
and it will cause a payment to be made of $1.35 million in cash that will be covered under its directors' and officers' insurance policy.The liability for the issuance of the shares was
recorded to "liability for legal
F-45
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
settlement"
in the amount of $1.3 million based on the $2.18 December 30, 2016 closing price of our common stock. The plaintiffs are restricted from selling the shares before
April 1, 2017 under the terms of the agreement. The shares of common stock were issued on February 2, 2017, whereby the issuance of those shares will be recorded to "Common Stock" and
"Additional paid in capital" and the liability for legal settlement will be cleared.
Shareholder Lawsuits
Beginning on March 13, 2014, two lawsuits styled as class actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Texas against us and several then-current officers of the Company alleging that the Company made false and misleading statements that artificially inflated the Company's stock prices. The lawsuits
alleged, among other things, that the Company misrepresented its compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-money laundering statutes and that it lacked adequate internal controls. The
lawsuits sought damages based on Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, although the specific amount of damages is not specified. On May 12, 2014, a shareholder
filed a motion for appointment as lead plaintiff.
Both
of the March 2014 lawsuits were dismissed voluntarily. One was dismissed during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and the second on October 6, 2016.
Tullow and Dana Legal Actions
On January 11, 2016, we filed legal actions against members of the Consortium under the Joint Operating Agreement governing the oil and
gas exploration rights offshore Guinea ("JOA") in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and before the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") against Tullow for their
failure to meet their obligations under the JOA. On January 28, 2016, the action in the Federal District Court was voluntarily dismissed by us and refiled in District Court in Harris County,
Texas. On February 8, 2016 Tullow and Dana removed the case to Federal District Court.
On
February 2, 2016, SCS filed an Application for Emergency Arbitrator and Interim Measures of Protection and requested the following relief: (a) expedite discovery prior
to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal; (b) provide that the time period permitted by the parties' arbitration agreement for the selection of the arbitrators and the filing of any
responsive pleadings or counterclaims be accelerated; (c) require Tullow, as the designated operator under the JOA, to maintain existing "well-planning activities"; (d) require Tullow to
undertake and complete certain planning activities; and (e) require Tullow and Dana to join with SCS in completing the negotiation of an acceptable amendment to the PSC and to agree to a
process that will result in the execution of the amendment.
With
the exception of limited relief regarding discovery and agreement by Tullow to maintain certain well plan readiness, the Emergency Arbitrator ruled on February 17, 2016, that
SCS was not entitled to
the emergency injunctive relief it requested. Further, the Emergency Arbitrator enjoined all parties to the dispute from pursuing parallel District Court proceedings. On February 12, 2016, the
case was voluntarily stayed by us.
The
AAA action sought (1) a determination that Tullow and Dana was in breach of their contractual obligations and (2) the damages caused by the repeated delays in well
drilling caused by the
F-46
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
activities
of Tullow and Dana. We determined to bring the legal actions only after it became apparent that Tullow and Dana would not move forward, despite many opportunities to do so, with petroleum
operations. SCS believed that it had exhausted all of its options for the pursuit of legal measures to require Tullow and Dana to drill the planned exploration well.
On
August 15, 2016, we subsequently entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Tullow and Dana ("Settlement and Release") with respect to our dispute in arbitration.
Under the Settlement and Release, we released all claims against Tullow and Dana and Tullow and Dana (i) issued to the Government of Guinea a notice of withdrawal from the Concession and PSC
effective immediately, (ii) transferred their interest in the long lead items of well construction material previously purchased by the Consortium in preparation for the initial drilling of the
Fatala well, and agreed to pay net cash of $686,570 to us. The net cash received was recorded as a part of the gain on the legal settlement. We also agreed to pay Dana a success fee based upon the
certified reserves of the Fatala well if it results in a discovery of commercially producible oil and gas reserves.
The
$4.8 million gain on legal settlement also includes the estimated fair value of $4.1 million for the well construction material we received from Tullow as a part of our
Settlement and Release Agreement.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
We lease office space under long-term operating leases with varying terms. Most of the operating leases contain renewal and purchase options. We
expect that in the normal course of business, most of the operating leases will be renewed or replaced by other similar leases.
During
the three months period ended December 31, 2016 and as a part of our program to begin drilling operations in Guinea, we entered into a lease for in-country offices and
nearby apartments. The leases are for six months with options to renew as necessary and collectively cost about $30 thousand per month.
The
following is a schedule by years of minimum future rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year
(in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Years ending June 30:
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
$
|
377
|
|
2018
|
|
|
399
|
|
2019
|
|
|
406
|
|
2020
|
|
|
309
|
|
2021 and thereafter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum payments required
|
|
$
|
1,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rent
expense included in net loss from operations for the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $0.1 million in each period. Rent expense included in net
loss from
F-47
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
operations
for the six month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million respectively, in each period.
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Issuance of Common Stock and Payment of Cash by Insurers: Settlement of Iroquois Lawsuit
On January 11, 2017 a payment of $1.35 million was made by the insurance underwriters of the Company's directors' and officers'
insurance policy to the hedge funds in the Iroquois lawsuit on behalf of the Company. On February 2, 2017 the Company issued 600,000 shares of its common stock to the hedge funds named in the
settlement agreement.
On
December 31, 2016 we had entered into a settlement agreement with the five hedge funds in the Iroquois lawsuit. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Hyperdynamics would
issue to the plaintiffs a total of 600,000 shares of new common stock, and it would cause a payment to be made of $1.35 million in cash that would be covered under its directors' and officers'
insurance policy. The plaintiffs are restricted from selling the shares of common stock before April 1, 2017 under the terms of the agreement.
Certain requirements under the PSC
On January 24, 2017 the Company requested and received a notification letter from the General Director of the National Petroleum Office
of the Republic of Guinea, informing the Company that the Republic of Guinea granted a postponement to provide a mutually acceptable security of $5.0 million to February 20, 2017 as well
as a clarification regarding the timing of the $46.0 million security payment under Article 4.2 of the 2016 PSC Amendment until the work on the Fatala well is completed.
On
March 1, 2017, the Republic of Guinea has issued a reservation of rights letter asserting the Company has not satisfied its obligation to deposit mutually acceptable security
of $5.0 million.
On
March 30, 2017, SCS entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") with SAPETRO, pursuant to the terms of which, and subject to certain conditions therein, SCS will
assign and transfer to SAPETRO 50% of its 100% gross participating interest in the PSC and the Joint Operating Agreement (as defined below). Pursuant to the terms of the Farmout Agreement, upon
closing, SAPETRO will (i) reimburse SCS its proportional share of past costs associated with the preparations for the drilling of the Fatala-1 well, and (ii) pay its participating
interest's share of future costs in the Concession. Currently the total amount of costs spent by SCS after the date of the Second PSC Amendment in relation to the preparation of drilling of the
Fatala-1 well is estimated at approximately $8-10 million depending on the timing of the completion of the Farmout Agreement and upon approval of the Guinea government.
The
parties have agreed to close on or before May 31, 2017, unless the Farmout Agreement is previously terminated due to parties' failure to satisfy the closing conditions, by
mutual agreement of the parties.
On
April 12, 2017 SCS, SAPETRO and Guinea executed a Third Amendment to the PSC (the "Third PSC Amendment") that was subject to the receipt of a Presidential Decree and the
closing of the Farmout Agreement. We received a Presidential Decree on April 21, 2017 approving the
F-48
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
assignment
of 50% of SCS' participating interest in the Guinea concession to SAPETRO, and it confirms the two companies' rights to explore for oil and gas on our 5,000-square-kilometer Concession
offshore the Republic of Guinea. The contract requires that drilling operations in relation to the obligation well Fatala-1 (the "Extension Well") shall begin no later than May 30, 2017 and
provides that additional exploration wells may be drilled within the exploration period at the companies' option.
The
Third PSC Amendment further reaffirms clear title of SAPETRO and SCS to the Concession as well as amends the security instrument requirements under the PSC. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to
a US $5 million security instrument to be put in place within 30 days from the date of the Presidential Decree. The security instrument will be released at such time that the drilling
rig to be used in the drilling of the extension well is located in the shelf waters of the Republic of Guinea, including its territorial waters. Pursuant to the terms of the Protocol, SAPETRO will
provide the $5 million security instrument upon Government of Guinea approval to enter the Concession and completion of the Farmout Agreement. SCS and SAPETRO agreed to joint and several
liability to the Government of Guinea in respect to the PSC.
In
addition SCS and SAPETRO separately agreed that SCS's "sufficient financing for the Obligation Well Costs" as defined in the Farmout Agreement will be $15 million in "cash and
committed financing to the satisfaction of SAPETRO acting reasonably" in addition to costs already incurred. SAPETRO and SCS further agreed that SAPETRO may elect to pay for a portion of SCS's
Fatala-1 well costs so long as SCS is not in default of either the PSC or the Farmout Agreement and requires credit support. In case SAPETRO makes such payments for a share of SCS's costs of, SCS
shall assign to SAPETRO 2% of its participating interest in the Concession for each $ 1 million of SCS's costs paid by SAPETRO.
OTC Markets Group Listing Requirements and Delinquency Notice
On February 27, 2017 the OTC Markets Group determined that the Company was delinquent in filing its SEC Form 10-Q for the Quarter
ended December 31, 2016. The Company was advised that it had until March 29, 2017, a thirty day period, to correct the deficiency. If the Company is unable to correct the deficiency or
provide an acceptable plan to comply with the requirement to timely file its ongoing disclosure obligations, the OTC Markets Group will remove the Company from OTCQX U.S. to OTC Pink on
March 30, 2017.
The
filing of Form 10-Q on March 3, 2017 cured this delinquency.
Series A Preferred Stock Offering
Between March 17 and April 26, 2017, the Company held four closings of a private placement offering (the "Series A
Offering") of an aggregate of 1,951 Units of its securities, at a purchase price of $1,000 per Unit. Each "Unit" consisted of (i) one share of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock,
with a Stated Value of $1,040 per share, and (ii) a warrant (the "Investor Warrant") to purchase 223 shares of the Company's common stock, exercisable from issuance until March 17, 2019,
at an exercise price of $3.50 per share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances). At the closings, the Company issued to the subscribers an aggregate of: (i) 1,951 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) Investor Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 435,073 shares of common stock.
F-49
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
The
Company received an aggregate of $1,951,000 in gross cash proceeds, before deducting placement agent fees and expenses, and legal, accounting and other fees and expenses, in
connection with the sale of the Units.
Subscribers
in the Series A Offering have an option (the "Subscriber Option") to purchase, at the same purchase price of $1,000 per Unit, their pro rata share of up to an
aggregate of $3,000,000 in additional Units following the effective date of the registration statement registering for resale the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A
Preferred Stock and exercise of the Investor Warrants and Placement Agent Warrants (as defined below), which the Company have agreed to file as described below (the "Registration Statement").
The
Company also agreed in the Subscription Agreements that until March 17, 2018, the Company will not create or allow to be created any security interest, lien, charge or other
encumbrance on any of its or its subsidiaries' rights under or interests in the PSC that secures the repayment of indebtedness of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for money borrowed.
The
Certificate of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock provides that:
-
-
Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends payable on the Stated Value of such Series A Preferred
Stock at the rate of 1% per annum, which shall be cumulative and be due and payable in common stock on the applicable conversion date or in cash in the case of a redemption of the Series A
Preferred Stock by the Company.
-
-
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, in cash, at a price per share
equal to 115% of the Stated Value plus 115% of accrued but unpaid dividends.
-
-
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to
receive, out of assets available therefor, an amount equal to 115% of the Stated Value of their shares plus 115% of any accrued but unpaid dividends.
-
-
The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, into shares of common stock at any time
after the earlier of (i) the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC or (ii) September 17, 2017. If no conversion has taken place by December 17,
2017, the Series A Preferred Stock, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends, will automatically convert into shares of common stock. The conversion price per share of common stock in either event
is the lesser of (i) $2.75 per share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances), or (ii) 80% of the lowest closing price during 21 consecutive trading days ending on the trading
day immediately prior to the conversion date, subject to a floor of $0.25 per share (which floor is subject to "full ratchet" adjustment in certain circumstances if the Company issues common stock (or
common stock equivalents) in the aggregate amount of not less than $1,000,000 at a price below $0.25 per share of common stock, and to proportionate adjustment in certain other circumstances).
-
-
Except in certain limited circumstances affecting the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock or as required by law, holders
of the Series A Preferred Stock will not have voting rights.
F-50
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
-
-
Until September 17, 2017, the Company will not authorize or create any class of stock ranking as to dividends, redemption or
distribution of assets upon a liquidation senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, without the consent of holders of no less than 66
2
/
3
% of the then-outstanding shares of
Series A Preferred Stock.
A
U.S. registered broker-dealer (the "Placement Agent") was engaged by the Company as placement agent for the Series A Offering, on a reasonable best effort basis. The Company
agreed to pay to the Placement Agent (and any sub agent) a cash commission of 9% of the gross purchase price paid by the Subscribers for the Units (including for Units that may be issued upon exercise
of the Subscriber Option), and to issue to the Placement Agent (and any sub agent) warrants to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 7% of the number of shares of common stock initially
issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock contained in the Units sold in Series A Offering (including Units that may be issued upon exercise of the Subscriber
Option), at the exercise price of $3.00 per share (the "Placement Agent Warrants"). The Company also agreed to reimburse the Placement Agent for certain expenses related to the Series A
Offering. The Company paid the Placement Agent a total of $175,590 of cash fees and issued to the Placement Agent or its designees Placement Agent Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 51,650 shares of
common stock.
The
Investor Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants have provisions for the "weighted average" adjustment of their exercise price in the event that the Company issue shares of common
stock (or common stock equivalents) for a consideration per share less than the exercise price then in effect, subject to certain exceptions.
In
connection with the Series A Offering, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with each of the subscribers for the Series A Preferred Stock and the
holders of the Placement Agent Warrants, which requires the Company to file a Registration Statement with the SEC by May 1, 2017, registering for resale (i) all shares of common
stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (including any shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option described under
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering" above), and (ii) all shares of common stock issued
or issuable upon exercise of the Investor Warrants (including any Investor Warrants issued pursuant to the Subscriber Option described above) and the Placement Agent Warrants (including any that may
be issued upon exercise of the Subscriber Option), and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective no later than July 29, 2017.
If
the Registration Statement is not declared effective by, the SEC within the specified deadline set forth above, or the Registration Statement ceases to be effective or otherwise
cannot be used for a period specified in the Registration Rights Agreement, or trading of the common stock on the Company's principal market is suspended or halted for more than three consecutive
trading days (each, a "Registration Event"), monetary penalties payable by the Company to the holders of registrable shares that are affected by such Registration Event will commence to accrue at a
rate equal to 12% per annum of the purchase price paid for each Unit purchased, for the period that such Registration event continues, but not exceeding in the aggregate 5% of such purchase price.
The
Company has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Registration Statement effective until the earliest of (a) the date that is two years from the date
it is declared
F-51
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
effective
by the SEC, (b) the date on which all the securities registered hereunder have been transferred other than to certain permitted assignees, and (c) the date as of which all of
the selling stockholders may sell all of the securities registered hereunder without restriction pursuant to SEC Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the
need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable.
The
Company also granted to the holders of the registrable shares certain "piggyback" registration rights until two years after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
F-52
Table of Contents
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
21,985,772 Shares of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
, 2017
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Set forth below is an estimate (except for registration fees, which are actual) of the approximate amount of the fees and expenses payable by us
in connection with the issuance and distribution of the shares of our common stock. The selling stockholders will not be responsible for any of the expenses of this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSE
|
|
AMOUNT
|
|
SEC registration fee
|
|
$
|
4,090
|
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
|
$
|
15,000
|
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
|
$
|
40,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
$
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
69,090
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws allow us to indemnify our officers and directors from certain liabilities, and our
certificate of incorporation states that every director, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, will not be held personally liable for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the
extent such exemption from liability is not permitted under the DGCL, such as personal liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (iii) for any transaction from which the director derived any
improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended to authorize further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be
eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as so amended.
Our
bylaws state that we shall indemnify every (i) present or former director or officer of us, (ii) any person who while serving in any of the capacities referred to in
clause (i) served at our request as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, employee, agent or similar functionary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and (iii) any person nominated or designated by (or pursuant to authority granted by) the Board of Directors or any committee
thereof to serve in any of the capacities referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) (each an "Indemnitee").
Our
bylaws provide that we shall indemnify an Indemnitee against all judgments, penalties (including excise and similar taxes), fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any proceeding in which he was, is or is threatened to be named as defendant or respondent, or in which he was or is a witness without being
named a defendant or respondent, by reason, in whole or in part, of his serving or having served, or having been nominated or designated to serve, if it is determined that the Indemnitee
(a) conducted himself in good faith, (b) reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in his official capacity, that his conduct was in our best interests and, in all other cases, that
his conduct was at least not opposed to our best interests, and (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful; provided, however,
that in the event that an Indemnitee is found liable to us or is found liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the Indemnitee, the indemnification (i) is limited to
reasonable expenses actually incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the proceeding and (ii) shall not be made in respect of any proceeding in which the Indemnitee shall have been found
liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to us.
Other
than discussed above, there are no provisions in our bylaws, our certificate of incorporation that include any specific indemnification provisions for our officers or directors
against liability under
Table of Contents
the
Securities Act. Additionally, insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
The Series A Offering
The information regarding the Series A Offering set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
OperationsSeries A Preferred Stock Offering" above is incorporated herein by reference.
On
December 31, 2016, the "Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with Iroquois Master Fund Ltd., Hudson Bay Master Fund Ltd., Kingsbrook Opportunities Master
Fund LP, and Parkfield Funding, LLC (collectively, the "Investors") in connection with an action filed by the Investors, Cranshire Capital Master Fund, Ltd. and Freestone
Advantage Partners II, LP (collectively, the "Plaintiffs") against the Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (the "Court") on May 9, 2012.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company (among other things) issued a total of 600,000 shares of common stock to the Investors. The issuance of these shares was exempt from registration
pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration statement.
The agreements included (or incorporated by reference) as exhibits to this registration statement, may contain representations and warranties by each of the
parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the parties to the applicable agreement
and:
-
-
should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to
one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
-
-
have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the
applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
-
-
may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to you or other
investors; and
-
-
were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the
agreement and are subject to more recent developments.
Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other
time.
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
|
3.1
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended through November 29, 2016(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Form of Common Stock Certificate(4)
|
II-2
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
|
4.2
|
|
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to investors on February 1, 2012(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to investors in the March-April, 2017, Private Placement Offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to placement agent and its designees in the March-April, 2017, Private Placement Offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
*
|
Legal opinion of CKR Law LLP
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract (PSA) between SCS Corporation and the Republic of Guinea, dated September 22, 2006(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Hydrocarbons Production Sharing Contract between SCS Corporation and the Republic of Guinea, dated March 25, 2010(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract (Original French version), dated September 21, 2016(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract (English translation), dated September 21, 2016(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Hyperdynamics and Ray Leonard, effective as of July 23, 2012(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
Sale and Purchase Agreement between Hyperdynamics Corporation and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited, effective as of December 4, 2009(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
Operating Agreement between SCS Corporation and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited, dated January 28, 2010(10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
2010 Equity Incentive Plan as amended(11)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement(12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement(12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement(12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Contract Number: AGR/C105/10 between SCS Corporation and AGR Peak Well Management Limited for Provision of Well Construction Management Services, including LOGIC General Conditions as Appendix I(13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
Agreement for the Supply of Marine Seismic Data Application and Processing Services, dated September 20, 2011 between SCS Corporation and CGG Veritas Services SA(14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 30, 2012, between Hyperdynamics Corporation and investors in the offering(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Placement Agency Agreement, dated January 30, 2012, by and between Hyperdynamics Corporation and Rodman & Renshaw, LLC(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
Purchase and Sale Agreement between SCS Corporation Ltd. and Tullow Guinea Ltd., dated November 20, 2012(15)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
Joint Operating Agreement Novation and Amendment Agreement relating to the Operating Agreement for the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract, offshore Guinea, between SCS Corporation Ltd., Dana Petroleum E&P
Limited, and Tullow Guinea Ltd. dated December 31, 2012(16)
|
|
|
|
|
II-3
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
|
10.18
|
|
Parent Company Guarantee between Tullow Oil plc and SCS Corporation Ltd., dated December 31, 2012(16)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.19
|
|
Settlement Deed between Hyperdynamics Corporation, SCS Corporation Ltd., AGR Well Management Ltd, and Jasper Drilling Private Ltd dated May 16, 2014(17)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
|
Employment Agreement, Effective October 1, 2015, between Hyperdynamics Corporation and Paolo Amoruso(18)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.21
|
|
Employment Agreement, Effective October 1, 2015, between Hyperdynamics Corporation and David Wesson(18)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.22
|
|
Transition and Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 30, 2016, between Hyperdynamics Corporation and Paolo Amoruso(19)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.23
|
|
Transition and Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 30, 2016, between Hyperdynamics Corporation and David Wesson(19)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.24
|
|
Settlement and Release Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2016, by and among SCS Corporation Ltd., Tullow Guinea Ltd. and Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited(19)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.25
|
|
Presidential Decree of the Republic of Guinea, dated as of September 21, 2016 (Original French version)(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.26
|
|
Presidential Decree of the Republic of Guinea, dated as of September 21, 2016 (English Translation)(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.27
|
|
Drilling Services Contract, dated as of November 28, 2016, by and between Pacific Drilling Operations Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Drilling S.A., and SCS Corporation Ltd.(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.28
|
|
Letter of Award, signed as of December 28, 2016, by and between Schlumberger Oilfield Eastern Limited and SCS Corporation Ltd.(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.29
|
|
Master Service Agreement, signed as of December 28, 2016, by and between Schlumberger Oilfield Eastern Limited and SCS Corporation Ltd.(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.30
|
|
Settlement Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2016, by and among Hyperdynamics Corporation and Iroquois Master Fund Ltd., et al.(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.31
|
|
Notification Letter, dated as of January 24, 2017, from Mr. Diakaria Koulibaly, General Director of the National Petroleum Office of the Republic of Guinea, to SCS Corporation Ltd. (Original French
language)(20)
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|
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10.32
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|
Notification Letter, dated as of January 24, 2017, from Mr. Diakaria Koulibaly, General Director of the National Petroleum Office of the Republic of Guinea, to SCS Corporation Ltd. (English language
translation)(20)
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10.33
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Tri Party Protocol between SCS Corporation Ltd, SAPETRO and the Government of Guinea dated March 10, 2017. (English)(21)
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10.34
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|
Tri Party Protocol between SCS Corporation Ltd, SAPETRO and the Government of Guinea dated March 10, 2017. (French)(21)
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10.35
|
|
Farmout Agreement, dated March 30, 2017, by and between SCS Corporation Ltd. and South Atlantic Petroleum Ltd. (including form of Joint Operating Agreement)(22)
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10.36
|
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract (English translation)(23)
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II-4
Table of Contents
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Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
|
10.37
|
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract (Original French version)(23)
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|
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10.38
|
|
Presidential Decree (English Translation)(23)
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|
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10.39
|
|
Presidential Decree (Original French version)(23)
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|
|
|
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10.40
|
|
Form of Subscription Agreement for the March-April, 2017, Private Placement Offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2)
|
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10.41
|
|
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Subscription Agreement for the March-April, 2017, Private Placement Offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(24)
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10.42
|
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement for the March-April, 2017, Private Placement Offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock(2)
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21.1
|
*
|
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
|
|
|
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23.1
|
**
|
Consent of Hein & Associates LLP
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23.2
|
*
|
Consent of CKR Law LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
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101
|
**
|
Interactive Data Files of Financial Statements and Notes.
|
|
|
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101.ins
|
**
|
Instant Document
|
|
|
|
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101.sch
|
**
|
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document
|
|
|
|
|
|
101.cal
|
**
|
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
|
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101.def
|
**
|
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
|
|
|
|
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101.lab
|
**
|
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
|
|
|
|
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101.pre
|
**
|
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
|
-
*
-
Filed
previously
-
**
-
Filed
herewith
-
-
Management
contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
-
(1)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 10-Q filed on March 3, 2017
-
(2)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2017
-
(3)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed December 28, 2011
-
(4)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form S-1 filed January 12, 2006, as amended
-
(5)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2012
-
(6)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed September 28, 2006
-
(7)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2010
-
(8)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed September 22, 2016
-
(9)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed December 7, 2009
-
(10)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K dated January 29, 2010
II-5
Table of Contents
-
(11)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 10-Q filed on February 11, 2016
-
(12)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form S-8 filed June 14, 2010
-
(13)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed December 6, 2010
-
(14)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011
-
(15)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed November 21, 2012
-
(16)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed January 7, 2013
-
(17)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 10-K filed September 12, 2014
-
(18)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed October 7, 2015
-
(19)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed July 6, 2016
-
(20)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 10-Q filed March 3, 2017
-
(21)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed March 13, 2017
-
(22)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed April 6, 2017
-
(23)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed April 27, 2017
-
(24)
-
Incorporated
by reference to corresponding Exhibit to Form 8-K filed April 3, 2017
Item 17. Undertakings.
-
(a)
-
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
-
1.
-
To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
-
i.
-
To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
-
ii.
-
To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
-
iii.
-
To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement.
-
2.
-
That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
-
3.
-
To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
II-6
Table of Contents
-
(b)
-
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities, other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred and paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
-
(c)
-
For
the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a
registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be
part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part
of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as
to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration
statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
II-7
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the Houston, Texas, on May 18, 2017.
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|
HYPERDYNAMICS CORPORATION
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ RAYMOND C. LEONARD
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Raymond C. Leonard
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ SERGEY ALEKSEEV
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Sergey Alekseev
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice-President Business Development (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 18, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ RAYMOND C. LEONARD
Raymond C. Leonard
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
*
Patricia N. Moller
Director
|
*
Ian Norbury
Director and Non-Executive Chairman
|
|
*
William O. Strange
Director
|
*
Gary D. Elliston
Director
|
|
*
Fred S. Zeidman
Director
|
*By:
|
|
/s/ RAYMOND C. LEONARD
Raymond C. Leonard
Attorney-in-Fact
|
|
|
II-8
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