Trio Petroleum Corp
For the period ended Oct 31, 2024. Filed Jan 17, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Jan 17, 2025
TPET$1.52+1.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-10-31; filed 2024-01-29.
0001493152-24-004144
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-10-31; filed 2025-01-17.
0001493152-25-002760
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 80 previous paragraphs and 101 current paragraphs.
32 unchanged; 30 reworded; 39 added; 18 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 5 previous and 5 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (39)
Current report
We are a California-based oil and gas exploration and development company headquartered in Bakersfield, California, with our principal executive offices located at 5401 Business Park South, Suite 115, Bakersfield, California 93309, with operations in Monterey County, California, and Uintah County, Utah.
Current report
We have had revenue-generating operations since the McCool Ranch Oil Field was restarted on February 22, 2024, and recognized our first revenues in our fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2024, and received the proceeds from these operations in June 2024.
Current report
We were formed to initially acquire an approximate 82.75% working interest (which was subsequently increased to an approximate 85.775% working interest) from Trio Petroleum LLC (“Trio LLC”) in the large, approximately 9,300-acre South Salinas Project that is located in Monterey County, California, and subsequently partner with certain members of Trio LLC’s management team to develop and operate those assets. We hold an approximate 68.62% interest after the application of royalties (“net revenue interest”) in the South Salinas Project. Trio LLC holds an approximate 3.8% working interest in the South Salinas Project. We and Trio LLC are separate and distinct companies.
Current report
California is a significant part of our geographic focus and we recently acquired a 22% working interest in the McCool Ranch Oil Field (the “McCool Ranch Oil Field”, “McCool Ranch Field” or “McCool Ranch”) in Monterey County, California. However, our interests extend beyond California and we recently acquired an interest in the Asphalt Ridge Project in Uintah County, Utah; we may acquire additional assets both inside and outside of California and Utah.
Current report
South Salinas Project
Current report
Efforts to obtain from Monterey County conditional use permits and a full field development permit for the South Salinas Project are progressing. Efforts to obtain from the California Geologic Energy Management Division (“CalGEM”) and from the California Water Boards a permit for a water disposal project at the South Salinas Project are also progressing. In the meantime, the Company recently determined that existing permits allow production testing to continue at the HV-3A discovery well at Presidents Field and, consequently, testing operations were restarted at this well on March 22, 2024. Oil production from this well has occurred with a generally favorable oil-water ratio and the Company expects, in December 2024, or the first calendar quarter of 2025, to takes steps to attempt to increase the well’s gross production rate, for example by adding up to 650 feet of additional perforations in the oil zone and/or acidizing the well for borehole cleanup. First oil sales from the HV-3A well occurred in the third calendar quarter of 2024.
Current report
McCool Ranch Oil Field
Current report
McCool Ranch operations have been successfully restarted, including the restarting of oil production at the HH-1, 35X and 58X wells. The HH-1 well has a short horizontal completion in the Lombardi Oil Sand, whereas the 35X and 58X wells are both vertical wells with similar oil columns in the Lombardi Oil Sand and with similar subsurface borehole completions. The HH-1 well at McCool Ranch upon restart was initially producing about 47 barrels of oil per day. The HH-1 and 35X wells collectively are currently producing about 10 to 15 bopd. The 58X well is temporarily idle. Oil production at the HH-1 and 35X wells is currently “cold” (i.e., without steam). The Company expects to restart cyclic steam operations in December 2024 or the first calendar quarter of 2025.
Current report
The aforementioned initial three wells at McCool Ranch were each restarted and produced “cold” (i.e. without steam injection), which allows for lower operating costs, with expectation that each would be produced cold as long as profitable. The Company expects to transition each well from cold to cyclic-steam production, also known as “huff and puff,” which is expected to significantly increase production. The wells at McCool Ranch historically have responded favorably when cyclic-steam operations have been applied.
Current report
The Company expects to restart the last two wells in the restart program, the HH-3 and HH-4 wells, in December 2024 or the first calendar quarter of 2025. The HH-3 and HH-4 wells will have horizontal completions similar to but longer than that of the HH-1 well. All water produced from these wells will be disposed in the on-site water disposal well.
Current report
The HH-1 well was initially produced cold for about 380 days in 2012-2013, during which time peak production was about 156 barrels of oil per day (“BOPD”), average production was about 35 BOPD and cumulative production was about 13,147 barrels of oil (“BO”). The 58X well was initially produced cold for about 230 days in 2011-2013, during which time peak production was about 41 BOPD, average production was about 13 BOPD and cumulative production was about 2,918 BO.
Current report
KLS Petroleum Consulting LLC (“KLSP”), a third-party, independent engineering firm, recommends that McCool Ranch be developed with horizontal wells, each landed in the Lombardi Oil Sand with a 1,000-foot lateral. Management estimates that TPET’s property can probably accommodate approximately 22 additional horizontal wells and TPET accordingly may commence a drilling program in 2025. TPET expects to add the reserve value of the McCool Ranch Field to the Company’s reserve report after a further period of observation and review of the oil production that was restarted on February 22, 2024.
Current report
Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement and the Lafayette Energy Leasehold Acquisition and Development Option Agreement
Current report
On November 10, 2023, TPET entered into a Leasehold Acquisition and Development Option Agreement (the “Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement”) with Heavy Sweet Oil LLC (“HSO”). Pursuant to the Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement, the Company acquired an option to purchase up to a 20% working interest in certain leases at a long-recognized, major oil accumulation in northeastern Utah, in Uintah County, southwest of the city of Vernal, including an initial 960 acres and a subsequent 1,920 acres, as well as a right-of-refusal option on approximately 30,000 acres. HSO holds the right to such leases below 500 feet depth from surface and the Company acquired the option to participate in HSO’s initial 960 acre and subsequent 1,920 acre drilling and production programs (the “HSO Program”) on such Asphalt Ridge Leases. TPET also holds the right of first refusal to participate with up to a 20% working interest on the greater approximate 30,000 acre leasehold at terms offered to other third-parties. On December 29, 2023, the Company and HSO entered into an Amendment to Leasehold Acquisition and Development Agreement (the “Amendment to the Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company and HSO amended the Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement to provide that, within three (3) business days of the effective date of the Amendment to the Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement, the Company would fund $200,000 of the $2,000,000 total purchase price in advance of HSO satisfying the closing conditions set forth in the Asphalt Ridge Option Agreement, in exchange for the Company receiving an immediate 2% interest in the initial 960 acres, which advanced funds would be used solely for the building of roads and related infrastructure in furtherance of the development plan. In January 2024, the Company funded an additional $25,000 resulting in a 2.25% working interest in the initial 960 acres.
Current report
The Asphalt Ridge Project, according to J. Wallace Gwynn of Energy News, is estimated to be the largest measured tar sand resource in the United States and is unique given its low wax and negligible sulfur content, which is expected to make the oil produced very desirable for many industries, including shipping.
Current report
Asphalt Ridge is a prominent, northwest-southeast trending topographic feature (i.e., a dipping slope called a hog’s back or cuesta) that crops-out along the northeast flank of the Uinta Basin. The outcrop is comprised largely of Tertiary and Cretaceous age sandstones that are locally highly saturated with heavy oil and/or tar. The oil-saturated sandstones extend into the shallow subsurface of the Uinta Basin to the southwest, which is the site of the Asphalt Ridge Development Project, and where the sandstones are estimated in various independent studies to contain billions of barrels of oil-in-place. The project leasehold comprises over 30,000 acres and trends northwest-southeast, along the trend of Asphalt Ridge, over a distance of about 20 miles.
Current report
The area has been underdeveloped for decades due, in large part, to lease ownership issues and the definition of heavy oil falling under mining regulations in the State of Utah. These factors created conflict between surface rights and subsurface mineral rights and were obstacles to developing the asset using proven advanced cyclic-steam production techniques. Necessary permits have now been secured that should allow drilling to commence by our operating partner. HSO hopes to continue to work with the State of Utah to supplement prior receipt of permits with other state incentives, including working with the State on an arrangement requiring only an 8% state royalty in connection with this project.
Current report
An early development phase contemplates the development of 240 acres with an estimated 119 wells in the Northwest Asphalt Ridge Area. The plan is to develop the 240 acres using advanced cyclic-steam production techniques, including initial CO2 injection. This phase contemplates seventeen 7-spot hexagonal well patterns on 2 ½ acre spacing (a 7-spot has a central steam/CO2 injection well that is surrounded by six producing oil wells). Upgrades have been made to existing roads and well pads as part of this early development phase.
Current report
Two oil-saturated Cretaceous sandstones are targeted for development at Asphalt Ridge: the Rimrock Sandstone and the underlying Asphalt Ridge Sandstone. We expect to add the reserve value, if any, of the Asphalt Ridge Project to the Company’s reserve report after a brief period of observation and review of the oil development operations that commenced in the third calendar quarter of 2024.
Current report
During the quarterly period ended April 30, 2024, we announced the commencement of drilling activities at Asphalt Ridge. The first well, HSO 8-4 (API# 4304757202), was spud on May 10, 2024 and drilled to a total depth of 1,020 feet. The well found 100 feet of Rimrock Sandstone tar-sand pay zone with good oil saturation and good porosity and thirty feet of the Rimrock was cored. A small, representative piece of Rimrock core was placed in water and brought to boiling point, and within a few minutes the sand disaggregated and the bitumen became liquid, mobile-oil, floating on top of the water – this simple laboratory test indicates that the bitumen becomes mobile-oil at relatively low temperatures and supports our contention that oil extraction using subsurface thermal-recovery methods may be very successful. A second well, the HSO 2-4 (API# 430475201), was spud on May 19, 2024 and drilled to a total depth of 1,390 feet. The well drilled through both the Rimrock tar-sand, which had a thickness of 135 feet, and the Asphalt Ridge tar-sand, which had a thickness of 59 feet. Oil production has commenced using downhole heaters, whereas the operator plans to transition to production using advanced cyclic-steam and steam-drive methods.
Current report
Carbon Capture and Storage Project as part of Company’s South Salinas Project
Current report
We are committed to attempting to reduce our own carbon footprint and, where possible, that of others. For this reason, we are taking initial steps to launch a Carbon Capture and Storage (“CCS”) project as part of the South Salinas Project, which appears ideal for such a task. The South Salinas Project covers a vast area and is uniquely situated at a deep depocenter where there are thick geologic zones (e.g., Vaqueros Sand, up to approximately 500’ thick) about two miles deep, which could accommodate and permanently store vast volumes of CO2. Four existing deep wells in the South Salinas Project (i.e., the HV 1-35, BM 2-2, BM 1-2-RD1 and HV 3-6 wells) are excellent candidates for use as CO2 injection wells. A CCS project in the future may help reduce our carbon footprint by sequestering and permanently storing CO2 deep underground at one or more deep wells, away from drinking water sources. Furthermore, three of the aforementioned deep wells are directly located on three idle oil and gas pipelines that could be used to import CO2 to our CCS Project. We have opened discussions with third parties who wish to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and who may be interested in participating in our CCS project. We believe it is feasible to develop the major oil and gas resources of the South Salinas Project and to concurrently establish a substantial CCS project and potentially a CO2 storage hub and/or Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub.
Current report
We have only begun to generate revenues in the current fiscal year and have incurred significant losses since inception. As of October 31, 2024, we have an accumulated deficit of $20,073,679 and a working capital deficit of $2,025,480, and for the year ended October 31, 2024, a net loss of $9,626,797 and cash used in operation activities of $3,840,744. To date, we have been funding operations through proceeds from the issuance of common stock, financing through certain investors, the consummation of our IPO in April 2023, and convertible note financing under two tranches in October 2023 and December 2023, pursuant to which we raised total gross proceeds of $2,371,500. Additionally, we received funds in the amount of $125,000 from an unsecured promissory note from our CEO, gross proceeds of $184,500 from a promissory note with an investor in March 2024, gross proceeds of $720,000 from convertible debt financing with two investors in April 2024, gross proceeds of $720,000 from convertible debt financing with two investors in June 2024, as well as additional financing secured after the end of the period in August 2024 for gross proceeds in the aggregate amount of $359,000 from two unsecured promissory notes.
Current report
Optioned Assets - McCool Ranch Oil Field
Current report
In October 2023, we entered into an agreement (“McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement”) with Trio LLC for the purchase of a 21.918315% working interest in the McCool Ranch Oil Field located in Monterey County near our flagship South Salinas Project; we initially recorded a payment of $100,000 upon the execution of the McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement, at which time Trio LLC began refurbishment operations with respect to the San Ardo WD-1 water disposal well (the “WD-1”) to determine if it was capable of reasonably serving the produced water needs for the assets. With refurbishment successfully accomplished, we will pay an additional $400,000 per the McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement; to date, operations have been successfully restarted at three wells, and we expect to restart the last two wells in the restart program during the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2024. As of October 31, 2024, we have paid approximately $284,000 during the year for restarting production operations on the assets and have a liability recorded of approximately $116,000 to Trio LLC as of October 31, 2024.
Current report
Optioned Assets – Asphalt Ridge Leasehold Acquisition & Development Option Agreement
Current report
On November 10, 2023, we entered into a leasehold acquisition and development option agreement (“ARLO Agreement”) with Heavy Sweet Oil, LLC (“HSO”) for a term of nine months, which gives the Company the exclusive right to acquire up to a 20% interest in a 960 acre drilling and production program in the Asphalt Ridge leases for $2,000,000, which may be invested in tranches by us, with an initial tranche closing for an amount no less than $500,000 and paid within seven days subsequent to HSO providing certain required items to the Company.
Current report
On December 29, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the ARLO Agreement, whereby we funded $200,000 of the $500,000 payable by us to HSO at the Initial Closing, in advance of HSO satisfying certain required items for a 2% interest in the leases; such funds are to be used by HSO solely for the building of roads and related infrastructure in furtherance of the development of the leases. During the quarterly period ended April 30, 2024, we announced the commencement of drilling activities at Asphalt Ridge and two wells (the HSO 8-4 and the HSO 2-4) were spud during May 2024; a third well is planned to be drilled in the third calendar quarter of 2024.
Current report
We have until February 10, 2025 to pay HSO an additional $1,775,000 to exercise an option for the remaining 17.75% working interest in the initial 960 acres of the Asphalt Ridge Leases; if this option is not exercised on or before such date, we will forfeit any further right to acquire this additional 17.75% working interest in the initial 960 acres. As of October 31, 2024, we have paid a total of $225,000 to HSO in costs related to infrastructure and have a 2.25% interest in the leases; such costs are capitalized costs and are reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2024.
Current report
Revenues, net
Current report
Revenues, net increased for year ended October 31, 2024 by approximately $0.2 million as compared to the prior period, which had no revenue; we sold and shipped approximately 2,900 barrels of oil, primarily produced from the HH-1 well.
Current report
For the year ended October 31, 2024, other expenses, net increased by approximately $1.5 million when compared to the prior year period. The increase is attributable to an increase in non-cash interest expense of $1.3 million, which is recognized as debt discounts on financings are amortized; there were less financings in the prior period.
Current report
Current assets decreased because of i) a decrease to the cash account of approximately $1.3 million due to increased payroll expenses and additional cash outlays for capital expenditures for the oil and gas properties, offset by an increase in prepaid assets of approximately $0.2 million. Current liabilities increased because of i) an increase in accounts payable of approximately $0.5 million, as well as an increase in notes payable – related parties of approximately $0.3 million.
Current report
We hold interests in various leases related to the unproved properties of the McCool Ranch Oil Field. These leases occur in two parcels, “Parcel 1” and “Parcel 2”. Parcel 1 comprises ten leases and approximately 480 acres, which are held by delay rental payments that are paid-up and current. Parcel 2 comprises one lease and approximately 320 acres, which is held by production. The total leasehold comprises approximately 800 gross and net acres.
Current report
On November 10, 2023, we entered into the ARLO Agreement with HSO for a term of nine months which allows us the exclusive right to acquire up to a 20% interest in a 960 acre drilling and production program in the Asphalt Ridge leases for $2,000,000, which may be invested in tranches, with an initial tranche closing for an amount no less than $500,000 and paid within seven days subsequent to HSO providing certain required items to us.
Current report
On December 29, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the ARLO Agreement, whereby we funded $200,000 of the $500,000 payable by us to HSO at the Initial Closing, in advance of HSO satisfying certain required items for a 2% interest in the leases; such funds are to be used by HSO solely for the building of roads and related infrastructure in furtherance of the development of the leases. As of October 31, 2024, we have paid a total of $225,000 to HSO in costs related to infrastructure and has obtained a 2.25% interest in the leases; such costs are capitalized costs and are reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2024.
Current report
On October 4, 2023 and December 29, 2023, the Company entered into placement agent agreements with Spartan Capital Securities, LLC (“Spartan”), whereby Spartan will serve as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the closing of private placements. The agreements provide the agent with i) a cash fee 7.5% of the aggregate proceeds raised in the sale and ii) warrants to purchase a number of common shares equal to 5% of the number of common shares initially issuable upon conversion of each note tranche; warrants to purchase 4,167 and 2,750 common shares with exercise prices of $26.40 and $11.00 for the first and second tranches, respectively, were issued to Spartan as of January 31, 2024. Such warrants may be exercised beginning 6 months after issuance until four- and one-half years thereafter.
Current report
Basis of Presentation
Current report
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions and apply judgments. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be important at the time the condensed financial statements are prepared, and actual results could differ from our estimates and such differences could be material. Due to the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. On a regular basis, we review our critical accounting policies and how they are applied in the preparation of our condensed financial statements, as well as the sufficiency of the disclosures pertaining to our accounting policies in the footnotes accompanying our financial statements. Described below are the most significant policies we apply in preparing our condensed financial statements, some of which are subject to alternative treatments under GAAP. We also describe the most significant estimates and assumptions we make in applying these policies. See “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our financial statements.
Removed paragraphs (18)
Previous report
The Company was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 19, 2021. The Company is engaged in the exploration and development of the South Salinas Project, a non-producing oil and gas property it acquired from Trio LLC. The Company is headquartered in Bakersfield, California, with its principal offices located at 4115 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite 100, Danville, CA, 94506.
Previous report
On September 14, 2021, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Trio LLC to acquire an 82.75% working interest in the South Salinas Project (which was subsequently increased to a 85.75% working interest in April 2023); the working interest includes the purchased percentage of the South Salinas Project’s leases, wells and inventory in exchange for $300,000 cash, a non-interest-bearing note payable of $3,700,000 due to Trio LLC on December 17, 2021 and 4,900,000 shares of the Company’s $0.0001 par value common stock. At the time of the acquisition, this share issuance constituted 45% of the total amount of issued shares of the Company. In April 2023, the Company purchased an additional approximate 3% working interest in the SSP and, as of October 31, 2023, there were no proved reserves attributable to the approximate 9,300 acres of the property.
Previous report
In April 2023, the Company consummated its initial public offering (“IPO”) and sold 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $3.00 per share for gross proceeds of $6,000,000. After deducting the underwriting commissions, discounts and offering expenses payable by the Company, it received net proceeds of approximately $4,940,000. The Company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol TPET. The Company also issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock to the underwriters at an exercise price of $3.30 per share (110% of public offering price).
Previous report
One of our objectives was to drill the HV-1 confirmation well at the President Oil Field immediately after the consummation of our IPO. This objective has been accomplished. The HV-1 well spud on about May 5, 2023, and was completed at its total depth (“TD”) of about 6,641feet (measured depth) on about May 15, 2023.
Previous report
The HV-1 well is located at Presidents Oil Field about two miles northwest of the HV-3A discovery well and for this reason it is considered a “confirmation well” intended to help confirm the size of lateral extent of the field. The HV-1 surface hole location (“SHL”) is located in about the center of T24S-R10E-Section 14. The well was directionally drilled approximately 2,600 feet toward the southeast and its bottom hole location (“BHL”) is located in T24S-R10E-Section 13.
Previous report
There were primarily three reservoir objectives in the HV-1 well, being the Yellow Zone (aka Yellow Chert), the underlying Brown Zone (aka Brown Chert) and the underlying Mid-Monterey Clay, all of which are stratigraphic subunits of the Miocene-age Monterey Formation. The Yellow and Brown zones are both attributed oil and gas reserves at Presidents in the Company’s reserve report as filed with the SEC. The Mid-Monterey Clay is nowhere assigned reserves in the Company’s reserve report, although it did have significant oil/gas shows in the HV-3A discovery well and periodically may have contributed to the flow of oil and gas to surface at said well.
Previous report
The Yellow Zone, Brown Zone and Mid-Monterey Clay were encountered in the HV-1 well largely as predicted including with respect to depth, thickness, lithology, wireline-log characteristics and oil and gas shows including free oil in cuttings and in the mud pit. The Company believes that the HV-1 well has confirmed that there is a major oil and gas accumulation in the Presidents Oil Field, as the Company announced in a press release on May 16, 2023.
Previous report
Confirmation of a major oil and gas accumulation by itself does not confirm whether economic oil/gas production can be established. The HV-1 well has undergone production testing to evaluate commerciality. Production testing at the HV-1 well was initially carried-out from the bottom up (i.e., by testing the deeper Mid-Monterey Clay zone first and working upward to the shallower Brown and Yellow zones), and the Brown and Mid-Monterey Clay zones were subsequently retested. The Mid-Monterey Clay, Brown Zone and Yellow Zone all underwent production testing. Oil and gas were recovered but commercial oil/gas production has not been established. Operations continue at the HV-1 well but it may soon be idle.
Previous report
In addition to the aforementioned HV-1 and HV-3A wells, the Company has drilling permits from Monterey County for two undrilled wells (i.e., the HV-2 and HV-4 wells) and, given adequate funding, the Company expects to drill these two wells in 2024. In such case, the South Salinas Project may have three producing wells (e.g., HV-2, HV-3A & HV-4) in 2024, which may largely confirm favorable project economics and underpin an aggressive permitting and subsequently an aggressive drilling and development program.
Previous report
Given adequate funding, the Company expects to drill two additional wells (the HV-2 and HV-4 wells) in 2024.
Previous report
For the year ended October 31, 2023, other expenses, net decreased by approximately $1.1 million when compared to the prior year period. The decrease is attributable to decreases in interest expense of approximately $0.9 million, a nominal decrease in license fees and a one-time penalty fee in the prior year of approximately $1.3 million that did not recur in the current year. These decreases were offset by losses on settlements and note conversions of approximately $15,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.
Previous report
Current assets decreased slightly because of i) an increase to the cash account of approximately $1.5 million, offset by ii) a decrease in deferred offering costs of approximately $1.6 million, both of which are due to the closing of the IPO, which resulted in net cash proceeds of $4,940,000 and the complete reduction of deferred offering costs asset account. The decrease in current liabilities is due to i) the conversion of the $4.5 million January 2022 SPA to equity, ii) the repayment of approximately $1.4 million in notes payable, both of which occurred upon consummation of the IPO and iii) the funding of a convertible note, net of discounts, in the amount of approximately $1.2 million.
Previous report
As of October 31, 2023, the Company assessed the unproved properties of the South Salinas Project and those adjacent to it for impairment, analyzing future drilling plans, leasehold expiration and the existence of any known dry holes in the area. Management concluded there is no impairment allowance required as of the balance sheet date.
Previous report
On July 28, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with Spartan Capital Securities, LLC (“Spartan”) whereby Spartan will serve as the exclusive agent, advisor or underwriter in any offering of securities of the Company for the term of the agreement, which is one year. The agreement provides for a $25,000 non-refundable advance upon execution of the agreement and completion of a bridge offering to be credited against the accountable expenses incurred by Spartan upon successful completion of the IPO, a cash fee or an underwriter discount of 7.5% of the aggregate proceeds raised in the IPO, warrants to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 5% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock placed in the IPO, an expense allowance of up to $150,000 for fees and expenses of legal counsel and other out-of-pocket expenses and 1% of the gross proceeds of the IPO to Spartan for non-accountable expenses. The agreement also provides for an option to Spartan that is exercisable within 45 days after the closing of the IPO to purchase up to an additional 15% of the total number of securities offered by the Company in the IPO.
Previous report
On April 20, 2023, pursuant to the agreement above, the Company issued representative warrants to Spartan to purchase up to an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock; these warrants may be exercised commencing from the closing of the offering on April 20, 2023, and expiring five years from the effective date of the registration statement on April 17, 2028, at an exercise price of $3.30 (110% of the public offering price of the common stock).
Previous report
Trio LLC – Monthly Consulting Fee
Previous report
Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the PSA, the Company agreed, commencing on May 1, 2022, to accrue a monthly consulting fee of $35,000, due and payable by the Company to Trio LLC. This fee is intended to cover the work being done for the Company by Trio LLC’s employees prior to the closing date of the Company’s IPO. As of October 31, 2023, the Company has accrued and paid $406,000 in fees for these services.
Previous report
On May 1, 2023, the Company entered into six employment agreements with Trio LLC employees; the agreements provide for compensation and restricted shares pursuant to the Plan (see Note 9 to our financial statements) with a start date of May 1, 2023, provided that each individual continues to serve as an employee of Trio LLC on a part-time basis.
Reworded paragraphs (30)
Previous wording
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Trio Petroleum Corp. as of and for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that are forward-looking. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” below. Actual results could differ materially because of the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report, and other factors that we may not know.
Current wording
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Trio Petroleum Corp. as of and for the years ended October 31, 2024 and 2023 should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that are forward-looking. See “Item 7. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” below. Actual results could differ materially because of the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report, and other factors that we may not know.
Previous wording
Throughout this report, the terms “our,” “we,” “us,” and the “Company” refer to Trio Petroleum Corp.
Current wording
Throughout this report, the terms “our,” “we,” “us,” “TPET” and the “Company” refer to Trio Petroleum Corp.
Previous wording
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that can involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Annual Report, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products, product approvals, research and development costs, future revenue, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, future results of anticipated products and prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important 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 the forward-looking statements.
Current wording
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that can involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Annual Report, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products, product approvals, research and development costs, future revenue, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, future results of anticipated products and prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important 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 the forward-looking statements.
Previous wording
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, statements about:
Current wording
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report include, but are not limited to, statements about:
Previous wording
On October 16, 2023, the Company entered into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale of an Undivided Interest (the “McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement”) in the McCool Ranch Oil Field (the “McCool Ranch Oil Field”) with Trio LLC. Pursuant to the McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement, effective October 1, 2023, we acquired an approximate 22% working interest undivided interest in and to certain oil and gas assets at the McCool Ranch Oil Field, which is located in Monterey, County, California, just seven miles from our flagship South Salinas Project. The acquired property is a relatively new oil field developed with six oil wells, one water-disposal well, steam generator, boiler, three 5,000 barrel tanks, 250 barrel test tank, water softener, two freshwater tanks, two soft water tanks, in-field steam pipelines, oil pipelines and other facilities. The property is fully and properly permitted for oil and gas production, cyclic-steam injection and water disposal and is currently idle (i.e., not producing), although operations to restart production have begun. We are acquiring the working interests at the McCool Ranch Oil Field through primarily work commitment expenditures that will be allocated to restart production at the fieldand establish cash flow for us, with upside potential given the numerous undrilled infill and development well locations. See Note 5 to our financial statementsfor further information on our acquisition of working interests in the McCool Ranch Oil Field.
Current wording
On October 16, 2023, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Trio LLC (the “McCool Ranch Purchase Agreement”) pertaining to the McCool Ranch Oil Field. Pursuant to this agreement, effective October 1, 2023, we acquired an approximate 22% working interest in and to certain oil and gas assets at the McCool Ranch Field, which is located in Monterey, County, California, just seven miles from our flagship South Salinas Project. The assets are situated in what is known as the “Hangman Hollow Area” of the McCool Ranch Field. The acquired property is a relatively new oil field (discovered in 2011) developed with six oil wells, one water-disposal well, a steam generator, boiler, three 5,000 barrel tanks, a 250-barrel test tank, a water softener, two freshwater tanks, two soft water tanks, in-field steam pipelines, oil pipelines and other facilities. The property is fully and properly permitted for oil and gas production, cyclic-steam injection and water disposal. We are acquiring the working interest at McCool Ranch primarily through work commitment expenditures, which are being allocated to restart production at the field and establish cash flow for us, with upside potential given the numerous undrilled infill and development well locations. Oil production was restarted on February 22, 2024.
Previous wording
The Company has not generated any revenues and has incurred significant losses since inception. As of October 31, 2023, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $10,446,882 and a working capital deficit of $156,045, and for the year ended October 31, 2023, a net loss of $6,544,426 and cash used in operating activities of $4,036,834. To date, the Company has been funding operations through proceeds from the issuance of common stock, financing through certain investors and the consummation of its IPO in April 2023. Additionally, on October 4, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (“October 2023 SPA”) with an institutional investor for convertible note financing in an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.5 million under two tranches; on that same date, the investor funded the first tranche for approximately $1.9 million (net of original issue discount of 7%). However, there is substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of our accumulated deficit and no source of revenue sufficient to cover our costs of operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financing.
Current wording
There is substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of our accumulated deficit and no source of revenue sufficient to cover our costs of operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financing.
Previous wording
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As we are not generating revenues, we need to raise a significant amount of capital to pay for our development, exploration, drilling and operating costs. While the Company raised capital in April 2023 with its IPO and in October 2023 with its convertible note financing, we expect to require additional funding in the future and there is no assurance that we will be able to raise additional needed capital or that such capital will be available under favorable terms. We are subject to all the substantial risks inherent in the development of a new business enterprise within an extremely competitive industry. Due to the absence of a long-standing operating history and the emerging nature of the markets in which we compete, we anticipate operating losses until we can successfully implement our business strategy, which includes all associated revenue streams. We may never achieve profitable operations or generate significant revenues.
Current wording
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern. As we have only begun to generate revenues, we need to raise a significant amount of capital to pay for our development, exploration, drilling and operating costs. While we raised capital in April 2023 with our IPO, in October 2023, December 2023, April 2024 and June 2024 with convertible debt financing, and in March 2024 and August 2024 with promissory notes, we expect to require additional funding in the future and there is no assurance that we will be able to raise additional needed capital or that such capital will be available under favorable terms or at all. We are subject to all the substantial risks inherent in the development of a new business enterprise within an extremely competitive industry. Due to the absence of a long-standing operating history and the emerging nature of the markets in which we compete, we anticipate operating losses until we can successfully implement our business strategy, which includes all associated revenue streams. We may never achieve profitable operations or generate significant revenues.
Previous wording
The Company will require additional capital funding in order to drill our planned HV-2 and HV-4 wells and to provide for additional development costs and other payment obligations and operating costs until our planned revenue streams are fully implemented and begin to offset our operating costs, if ever.
Current wording
We will require additional capital funding in order to drill additional planned wells at the South Salinas, McCool Ranch and Asphalt Ridge assets and to pay for additional development costs and other payment obligations and operating costs until our planned revenue streams are fully implemented and begin to offset our operating costs, if ever.
Previous wording
Since our inception, we have funded our operations with the proceeds from equity and debt financing. We have experienced liquidity issues due to, among other reasons, our limited ability to raise adequate capital on acceptable terms. We have historically relied upon the issuance of equity and promissory notes that are convertible into shares of our common stock to fund our operations and have devoted significant efforts to reduce that exposure. We anticipate that we will need to issue equity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future. If we are unable to achieve operational profitability or we are not successful in securing other forms of financing, we will have to evaluate alternative actions to reduce our operating expenses and conserve cash.
Current wording
Since our inception, we have funded our operations with the proceeds from equity and debt financing. We have experienced liquidity issues due to, among other reasons, our limited ability to raise adequate capital on acceptable terms. We have historically relied upon the issuance of equity and promissory notes that are convertible into shares of our common stock to fund our operations and have devoted significant efforts to reduce that exposure. We anticipate that we will need to issue equity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future. If we are unable to achieve operational profitability or are not successful in securing other forms of financing, we will have to evaluate alternative actions to reduce our operating expenses and conserve cash.
Previous wording
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The financial statements included in this report also include a going concern footnote. See Note 3 to our financial statements.
Current wording
The accompanying condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. The financial statements included in this report also include a going concern footnote (see Note 3).
Previous wording
The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Current wording
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Previous wording
Under the successful efforts method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas properties, exploration expenses consist primarily of exploratory geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals and exploratory overhead, and are expensed as incurred. Exploration expenses increased by approximately $0.2 million as compared to the prior year period due to an increase in exploratory, geological, and geophysical costs incurred during the year.
Current wording
Under the successful efforts method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas properties, exploration expenses consist primarily of exploratory geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals and exploratory overhead, and are expensed as incurred. Exploration expenses decreased by approximately $0.1 million as compared to the prior year period due to a decrease in exploratory, geological, and geophysical costs incurred during the period.
Previous wording
General and administrative expenses increased for the year ended October 31, 2023, by approximately $2.5 million as compared to the prior period due to director fees of approximately $160,000, consulting fees of approximately $430,000, insurance expenses of approximately $120,000, increased advertising and marketing fees of approximately $400,000, increased legal fees of approximately $800,000 and increased salaries expenses of approximately $600,000.
Current wording
General and administrative expenses increased for year ended October 31, 2024 by approximately $1.4 million as compared to the prior period due to increases in legal fees of $210,000, increased insurance expenses of $150,000, increased filing fees of $325,000, increased consulting fees of $100,000 and increased salary expenses of approximately $550,000.
Previous wording
The Company records stock-based compensation expense for costs associated with options and restricted shares granted in connection with the Plan, as well as for shares issued as payment for services. Stock-based compensation expense increased by approximately $1.0 million for the year ended October 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year due to the amortization of approximately $965,000 in expense for restricted shares, and approximately $40,000 in expense for options granted in the period.
Current wording
We record stock-based compensation expenses for costs associated with options and restricted shares granted in connection with the Plan, as well as for shares issued as payment for services. Stock-based compensation expense increased by approximately $0.5 million for the year ended October 31, 2024 due to the amortization of 260,000 options issued in the current year period; such had not yet been granted during the same period in the prior year.
Previous wording
The Company has an Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”) recorded that is associated with its oil and natural gas properties in the SSP; the fair value of the ARO was recorded as a liability and is accreted over time until the date the ARO is to be paid. For the year ended October 31, 2023, accretion expenses remained consistent with that of the prior year period.
Current wording
We have an Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”) recorded that is associated with its oil and natural gas properties in the SSP; the fair value of the ARO was recorded as a liability and is accreted over time until the date the ARO is to be paid. For the year ended October 31, 2024, accretion expenses remained consistent with that of the prior year period.
Previous wording
For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, cash used in operating activities was $4,036,834 and $502,144, respectively. The cash used in operations for the year ended October 31, 2023, was primarily attributable to our net loss of $6,544,426, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $2,520,829, as well as $13,237 of net cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash used in operations for the year ended October 31, 2022, was primarily attributable to our net loss of $3,800,392, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $2,729,551, as well as $568,697 of net cash provided to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
Current wording
For the years ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, cash used in operating activities was $3,840,744 and $4,036,834, respectively. The cash used in operations for the year ended October 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $9,626,797, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $5,042,982, as well as $743,071 of net cash provided to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash used in operations for year ended October 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $6,544,426, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $2,520,829, as well as $13,237 of net cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
Previous wording
For the year ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, cash used in investing activities was $2,189,859 and $0, respectively. The cash used during the current period is attributable to approximately $3.7 million related to drilling exploratory wells and approximately $0.4 million related to acquisition and reserve analysis costs, both of which were capitalized and are reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2023. These amounts were offset by approximately $1.9 million in amounts used from the Advance to Operators account, which is designated for costs for the HV-1 well.
Current wording
For the years ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, cash used in investing activities was $1,089,882 and $2,189,859, respectively. The cash used during the current period is attributable to approximately $1.2 million related to costs for capital expenditures, which were capitalized and are reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2024. Cash used from investing activities for the year ended October 31, 2023 was attributable to approximately $3.7 million related to drilling exploratory wells and approximately $0.4 million related to acquisition and reserve analysis costs, both of which were capitalized and are reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2023. These amounts were offset by approximately $1.9 million in amounts used from the Advance to Operators account, which is designated for costs for the HV-1 well.
Previous wording
For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, cash provided by financing activities was $7,714,969 and $496,915, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended October 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to $6.7 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock, $1.8 million in net proceeds from the exercise of warrants and $1.6 million in net proceeds from the convertible note financing, offset by the payment of offering costs of approximately $1.0 million and the payment of notes payables of approximately $1.5 million. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended October 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to approximately $4.8 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of notes payables to investors, offset by the repayment of notes payables of approximately $2.9 million and $1.5 million for the aggregate payment of debt issuance costs and deferred offering costs.
Current wording
For the years ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, cash provided by financing activities was$ 3,654,647 and $7,714,969, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended October 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to proceeds of approximately $3.1 million from the issuance of promissory notes, related party notes and convertible notes payable and proceeds of approximately $1.2 million from the issuance of common shares in connection with an ATM agreement, offset by payments for debt in the amount of approximately $0.4 million and debt issuance costs of $0.3 million. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended October 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to $6.7 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock, $1.8 million in net proceeds from the exercise of warrants and $1.6 million in net proceeds from the convertible note financing, offset by the payment of offering costs of approximately $1.0 million and the payment of notes payables of approximately $1.5 million.
Previous wording
The Company’s cash change was an increase of approximately $1.5 million as of October 31, 2023, from the prior year end. Management believes that the cash on hand and working capital are sufficient to meet its current anticipated cash requirements for anticipated capital expenditures and operating expenses for the next twelve months.
Current wording
Our cash change was a decrease of approximately $1.3 million as of October 31, 2024. Management believes that the cash on hand and working capital are sufficient to meet its current anticipated cash requirements for anticipated capital expenditures and operating expenses for the next twelve months.
Previous wording
As of October 31, 2023, the Company holds various leases related to the unproved properties of the South Salinas Project (see Note 5 to our financial statements); two of the leases are held with the same lessor. The first lease, which covers 8,417 acres, was amended on May 27, 2022, to provide for an extension of then-current force majeure status for an additional, uncontested twelve months, during which the Company would be released from having to evidence to the lessor the existence of force majeure conditions. As consideration for the granting of the lease extension, the Company paid the lessor a one-time, non-refundable payment of $252,512; this amount was capitalized and reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2022. The extension period commenced on June 19, 2022; as of October 31, 2023, the “force majeure” status has been extinguished by the drilling of the HV-1 well, and the validity of the lease is maintained by the drilling of the well, which is in production testing.
Current wording
We hold various leases related to the unproved properties of the South Salinas Project; two of the leases are held with the same lessor. The first lease, which covers 8,417 acres, was amended on May 27, 2022 to provide for an extension of then-current force majeure status for an additional, uncontested twelve months, during which we would be released from having to evidence to the lessor the existence of force majeure conditions. As consideration for the granting of the lease extension, we paid the lessor a one-time, non-refundable payment of $252,512; this amount was capitalized and reflected in the balance of the oil and gas property as of October 31, 2022. The extension period commenced on June 19, 2022 and currently, the “force majeure” status has been extinguished by the drilling of the HV-1 well. The ongoing operation and oil production at the HV-3A well maintain the validity of the lease.
Previous wording
The second lease covers 160 acres of the South Salinas Project; it is currently held by delay rental and is renewed every three years. Until drilling commences, the Company is required to make delay rental payments of $30/acre per year. The Company is currently in compliance with this requirement and has paid in advance the delay rental payment for the period from October 2022 through October 2023.
Current wording
The second lease covers 160 acres of the South Salinas Project; it is currently held by delay rental and is renewed every three years. Until drilling commences, we are required to make delay rental payments of $30/acre per year. We are currently in compliance with this requirement and have paid in advance the delay rental payment for the period from October 2023 through October 2024.
Previous wording
During February and March of 2023, the Company entered into additional leases related to the unproved properties of the South Salinas Project with two groups of lessors. The first group of leases covers 360 acres and has a term of 20 years; the Company is required to make rental payments of $25/acre per year. The Company is currently in compliance with this requirement and has paid in advance the rental payment for the period from February 2023 through February 2024. The second group of leases covers 307.75 acres and has a term of 20 years; the Company is required to make rental payments of $30/acre per year. The Company is currently in compliance with this requirement and has paid in advance the rental payment for the period from March 2023 through March 2024.
Current wording
During February and March of 2023, we entered into additional leases related to the unproved properties of the South Salinas Project with two groups of lessors. The first group of leases covers 360 acres and has a term of 20 years; we are required to make rental payments of $25/acre per year. We are currently in compliance with this requirement and have paid in advance the rental payment for the period February 2024 through February 2025. The second group of leases covers 307.75 acres and has a term of 20 years; we are required to make rental payments of $30/acre per year. We are currently in compliance with this requirement and have paid in advance the rental payment for the period from March 2024 through March 2025.
Previous wording
On July 11, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors approved compensation for each of the non-employee directors of the Company, which would be effective upon the consummation of the IPO. Such compensation is structured as follows: an annual retainer of $50,000 cash plus an additional $10,000 for each Board committee upon which the Director serves, each paid quarterly in arrears. Payment for this approved compensation commenced upon successful completion of the Company’s IPO and as of October 31, 2023, the Company has recognized $156,154 in directors’ fees.
Current wording
On July 11, 2022, our Board of Directors approved compensation for each of the non-employee directors of the Company, which would be effective upon the consummation of the IPO. Such compensation is structured as follows: an annual retainer of $50,000 cash plus an additional $10,000 for each Board committee upon which the Director serves, each paid quarterly in arrears. Payment for this approved compensation commenced upon successful completion of our IPO in April 2023; for the years ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has recognized $223,170 and $156,154, respectively, in directors’ fees.
Previous wording
The Company is in the exploration stage and has not yet realized any revenues from its operations. It applies the successful efforts method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, exploration costs such as exploratory geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals and exploratory overhead are expensed as incurred. If an exploratory property provides evidence to justify potential development of reserves, drilling costs associated with the property are initially capitalized, or suspended, pending a determination as to whether a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves can be attributed to the area as a result of drilling. At the end of each quarter, management reviews the status of all suspended exploratory property costs in light of ongoing exploration activities; in particular, whether the Company is making sufficient progress in its ongoing exploration and appraisal efforts. If management determines that future appraisal drilling or development activities are unlikely to occur, associated exploratory well costs are expensed.
Current wording
Our projects are in exploration and/or early production stages and we began generating revenue from its operations during the quarterly period ended April 30, 2024. We apply the successful efforts method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, exploration costs such as exploratory, geological, and geophysical costs, delay rentals and exploratory overhead are expensed as incurred. If an exploratory property provides evidence to justify potential development of reserves, drilling costs associated with the property are initially capitalized, or suspended, pending a determination as to whether a commercially sufficient quantity of proved reserves can be attributed to the area as a result of drilling. At the end of each quarter, management reviews the status of all suspended exploratory property costs considering ongoing exploration activities; in particular, whether we are making sufficient progress in our ongoing exploration and appraisal efforts. If management determines that future appraisal drilling or development activities are unlikely to occur, associated exploratory well costs are expensed.
Previous wording
Costs to acquire mineral interests in crude oil and/or natural gas properties, drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves and drill and equip development wells are capitalized. Acquisition costs of unproved leaseholds are assessed for impairment during the holding period and transferred to proven crude oil and/or natural gas properties to the extent associated with successful exploration activities. Significant undeveloped leases are assessed individually for impairment, based on the Company’s current exploration plans, and a valuation allowance is provided if impairment is indicated. Capitalized costs from successful exploration and development activities associated with producing crude oil and/or natural gas leases, along with capitalized costs for support equipment and facilities, are amortized to expense using the unit-of-production method based on proved crude oil and/or natural gas reserves on a field-by-field basis, as estimated by qualified petroleum engineers.
Current wording
Costs to acquire mineral interests in crude oil and/or natural gas properties, drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves and drill and equip development wells are capitalized. Acquisition costs of unproved leaseholds are assessed for impairment during the holding period and transferred to proven crude oil and/or natural gas properties to the extent associated with successful exploration activities. Significant undeveloped leases are assessed individually for impairment, based on our current exploration plans, and a valuation allowance is provided if impairment is indicated. Capitalized costs from successful exploration and development activities associated with producing crude oil and/or natural gas leases, along with capitalized costs for support equipment and facilities, are amortized to expense using the unit-of-production method based on proved crude oil and/or natural gas reserves on a field-by-field basis, as estimated by qualified petroleum engineers. We currently have four wells that are producing (one well in President’s Field in the South Salinas Project and three wells at the McCool Ranch Oil Field) and are evaluating the impact of production on the reserve determination for those wells and fields. We expect to add the reserve value of such fields to our reserve report after a further period of observation and review of oil production.
Previous wording
Unproved oil and natural gas properties consist of costs incurred to acquire unproved leases. Unproved lease acquisition costs are capitalized until the lease expires or when the Company specifically identifies a lease that will revert to the lessor, at which time it charges the associated unproved lease acquisition costs to exploration costs.
Current wording
Unproved oil and natural gas properties have unproved lease acquisition costs, which are capitalized until the lease expires or otherwise until we specifically identify a lease that will revert to the lessor, at which time we charge the associated unproved lease acquisition costs to exploration costs.
Previous wording
Unproved oil and natural gas properties are assessed periodically for impairment on a property-by-property basis based on remaining lease terms, drilling results or future plans to develop acreage.
Current wording
Unproved oil and natural gas properties are not subject to amortization and are assessed periodically for impairment on a property-by-property basis based on remaining lease terms, drilling results or future plans to develop acreage. We currently have four wells that are producing (one well in President’s Field in the South Salinas Project and three wells at the McCool Ranch Oil Field) and are evaluating the impact of production on the reserve determination for those wells and fields. We expect to add the reserve value of such fields to our reserve report after a further period of observation and review of the oil production. As of October 31, 2024 and 2023, all of our oil and gas properties were classified as unproved properties and were not subject to depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Previous wording
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical cost-carrying value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition. If the future net undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying value and estimated fair value. With regards to oil and gas properties, this assessment applies to proved properties; unproved properties are assessed for impairment either at an individual property basis or a group basis.
Current wording
We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical cost-carrying value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition. If the future net undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying value and estimated fair value. With regards to oil and gas properties, this assessment applies to proved properties; unproved properties are assessed for impairment either at an individual property basis or a group basis.
Previous wording
ARO consists of future plugging and abandonment expenses on oil and natural gas properties. In connection with the South Salinas Project acquisition described above, the Company acquired the plugging and abandonment liabilities associated with six temporarily shut-in, idle wells. The fair value of the ARO was recorded as a liability in the period in which the wells were acquired with a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of oil and natural gas properties. The Company plans to utilize the six wellbores acquired in the South Salinas Project acquisition in future production, development and/or exploration activities. The liability is accreted for the change in its present value each period based on the expected dates that the wellbores will be required to be plugged and abandoned. The capitalized cost of ARO is included in oil and gas properties and is a component of oil and gas property costs for purposes of impairment and, if proved reserves are found, such capitalized costs will be depreciated using the units-of-production method. The asset and liability are adjusted for changes resulting from revisions to the timing or the amount of the original estimate when deemed necessary. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.
Current wording
ARO consists of future plugging and abandonment expenses on oil and natural gas properties. In connection with the South Salinas Project acquisition described above, we acquired the plugging and abandonment liabilities associated with six temporarily shut-in, idle wells. The fair value of the ARO was recorded as a liability in the period in which the wells were acquired with a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of oil and natural gas properties. We plan to utilize the six wellbores acquired in the South Salinas Project acquisition in future production, development and/or exploration activities. The liability is accreted for the change in its present value each period based on the expected dates that the wellbores will be required to be plugged and abandoned. The capitalized cost of ARO is included in oil and gas properties and is a component of oil and gas property costs for purposes of impairment and, if proved reserves are found, such capitalized costs will be depreciated using the units-of-production method. The asset and liability are adjusted for changes resulting from revisions to the timing or the amount of the original estimate when deemed necessary. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.
Previous wording
All recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements have been deemed to be not applicable or immaterial to the Company.
Current wording
All recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements have been deemed to be not applicable or immaterial to us.