PEDEVCO CORP

Previous wording

The price we receive for our oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas and NGLs, heavily influences our revenue, profitability, cash flows, liquidity, access to capital, present value and quality of our reserves, the nature and scale of our operations and future rate of growth. Oil, NGL and natural gas are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. In recent years, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile. These markets will likely continue to be volatile in the future. Further, oil prices and natural gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relation to each other. Because approximately 67% of our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 were oil, our financial results are more sensitive to movements in oil prices. The price of crude oil has experienced significant volatility over the last five years, with the price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude, dropping below $20 per barrel in 2020 due in part to reduced global demand stemming from the global COVID-19 outbreak, and surging to over $120 a barrel in early March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, to the $70s in recent months. A prolonged period of low market prices for oil and natural gas, or further declines in the market prices for oil and natural gas, will likely result in capital expenditures being further curtailed and will adversely affect our business, financial condition and liquidity and our ability to meet obligations, targets or financial commitments and could ultimately lead to restructuring or filing for bankruptcy, which would have a material adverse effect on our stock price and indebtedness. Additionally, lower oil and natural gas prices have, and may in the future, cause, a decline in our stock price. The below table highlights the recent volatility in oil and gas prices by summarizing the high and low daily NYMEX WTI oil spot price and daily NYMEX natural gas Henry Hub spot price for the periods presented:

Current wording

The price we receive for our oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas and NGLs, heavily influences our revenue, profitability, cash flows, liquidity, access to capital, present value and quality of our reserves, the nature and scale of our operations and future rate of growth. Oil, NGL and natural gas are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. In recent years, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile. These markets will likely continue to be volatile in the future. Further, oil prices and natural gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relation to each other. Because approximately 60% of our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were oil, our financial results are more sensitive to movements in oil prices. The price of crude oil has experienced significant volatility over the last five years, with the price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude, dropping below $20 per barrel in 2020 due in part to reduced global demand stemming from the global COVID-19 outbreak, and surging to over $120 a barrel in early March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, to the $70s in recent months. A prolonged period of low market prices for oil and natural gas, or further declines in the market prices for oil and natural gas, will likely result in capital expenditures being further curtailed and will adversely affect our business, financial condition and liquidity and our ability to meet obligations, targets or financial commitments and could ultimately lead to restructuring or filing for bankruptcy, which would have a material adverse effect on our stock price and indebtedness. Additionally, lower oil and natural gas prices have, and may in the future, cause, a decline in our stock price. The below table highlights the recent volatility in oil and gas prices by summarizing the high and low daily NYMEX WTI oil spot price and daily NYMEX natural gas Henry Hub spot price for the periods presented:

Previous wording

We have a limited operating history and are engaged in the initial stages of exploration, development and exploitation of our leasehold acreage and will continue to be so until commencement of substantial production from our oil and natural gas properties, which will depend upon successful drilling results, additional and timely capital funding, and access to suitable infrastructure. Companies in their initial stages of development face substantial business risks and may suffer significant losses. We have generated substantial net losses in the past and may continue to incur net losses as we continue our drilling program. In considering an investment in our common stock, you should consider that there is only limited historical and financial operating information available upon which to base your evaluation of our performance. We have incurred net losses of $126,477,000 from the date of inception (February 9, 2011) through December 31, 2023. Additionally, we may be dependent on obtaining additional debt and/or equity financing to roll-out and scale our planned principal business operations. Management’s plans in regard to these matters consist principally of seeking additional debt and/or equity financing combined with expected cash flows from current oil and gas assets held and additional oil and gas assets that we may acquire. Our efforts may not be successful, and funds may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.

Current wording

We have a limited operating history and are engaged in the initial stages of exploration, development and exploitation of our leasehold acreage and will continue to be so until commencement of substantial production from our oil and natural gas properties, which will depend upon successful drilling results, additional and timely capital funding, and access to suitable infrastructure. Companies in their initial stages of development face substantial business risks and may suffer significant losses. We have generated substantial net losses in the past and may continue to incur net losses as we continue our drilling program. In considering an investment in our common stock, you should consider that there is only limited historical and financial operating information available upon which to base your evaluation of our performance. We have incurred net losses of $106,002,000 from the date of inception (February 9, 2011) through December 31, 2024. Additionally, we may be dependent on obtaining additional debt and/or equity financing to roll-out and scale our planned principal business operations. Management’s plans in regard to these matters consist principally of seeking additional debt and/or equity financing combined with expected cash flows from current oil and gas assets held and additional oil and gas assets that we may acquire. Our efforts may not be successful, and funds may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.

Previous wording

We may need to raise additional funding to complete future potential acquisitions and may be required to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financing or other various means to fund our operations and complete exploration and drilling operations beyond 2024 and acquire assets. In such a case, adequate funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on favorable terms. If we need to raise additional funds in the future by issuing equity securities, dilution to existing stockholders will result, and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. If funding is insufficient at any time in the future and we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from new business arrangements, to complete planned acquisitions or operations, our results of operations and the value of our securities could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We may need to raise additional funding to complete future potential acquisitions and may be required to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financing or other various means to fund our operations and complete exploration and drilling operations beyond 2025 and acquire assets. In such a case, adequate funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on favorable terms. If we need to raise additional funds in the future by issuing equity securities, including sales of common stock under our December 2024 Sales Agreement entered into with Roth Capital Partners, LLC and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, pursuant to which we can sell up to $8 million in at-the-market offerings, dilution to existing stockholders will result, and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. If funding is insufficient at any time in the future and we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from new business arrangements, to complete planned acquisitions or operations, our results of operations and the value of our securities could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Year 2022 saw significant increases in the costs of certain services and materials, including steel, sand and fuel, as a result of availability constraints, supply chain disruption, increased demand, labor shortages associated with a fully employed US labor force, high inflation, interest rates and other factors, with supply and demand fundamentals being further aggravated by disruptions in global energy supply caused by multiple geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the current armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, all resulting in an estimated cost increase of approximately 25% to 30% per well on our Permian Asset and 10% to 20% on our D-J Basin Asset, based on costs we experienced commencing in the third quarter of 2021 and continuing throughout 2022. Service and materials costs also increased accordingly through 2022, stabilizing in 2023, with general supply chain and inflation issues seen throughout the industry leading to increased operating costs. While the Company is cautiously optimistic that such costs have plateaued and will hold at current levels as we have not seen significant cost increases in 2023 and thus far in 2024, supply chain constraints and inflationary pressures may continue to adversely impact our operating costs and may negatively impact our ability to procure materials and equipment in a timely and cost-effective manner, if at all, which could result in reduced margins and production delays and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

Year 2022 saw significant increases in the costs of certain services and materials, including steel, sand and fuel, as a result of availability constraints, supply chain disruption, increased demand, labor shortages associated with a fully employed US labor force, high inflation, interest rates and other factors, with supply and demand fundamentals being further aggravated by disruptions in global energy supply caused by multiple geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the current armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, all resulting in an estimated cost increase of approximately 25% to 30% per well on our Permian Asset and 10% to 20% on our D-J Basin Asset, based on costs we experienced commencing in the third quarter of 2021 and continuing throughout 2022. Service and materials costs also increased accordingly through 2022, stabilizing in 2023 in 2024, with general supply chain and inflation issues seen throughout the industry leading to increased operating costs. While the Company is cautiously optimistic that such costs have plateaued and will hold at current levels as we have not seen significant cost increases in 2024 and thus far in 2025, supply chain constraints, the effect of tariffs, and inflationary pressures may adversely impact our operating costs and may negatively impact our ability to procure materials and equipment in a timely and cost-effective manner, if at all, which could result in reduced margins and production delays and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

Recent increases in inflation have had an adverse effect on us. Current and future inflationary effects may be driven by, among other things, supply chain disruptions and governmental stimulus or fiscal policies, and geopolitical instability, including the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia and the current armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Increases in inflation, have in the past, and could in the future, impact our costs of labor, equipment and services and the margins we are able to realize on our wells, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Inflation has also resulted in higher interest rates, which in turn raises our cost of debt borrowing.

Current wording

Recent increases in inflation have had an adverse effect on us. Current and future inflationary effects may be driven by, among other things, supply chain disruptions and governmental stimulus or fiscal policies, and geopolitical instability, including the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia and the current armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and the effect of tariffs. Increases in inflation, have in the past, and could in the future, impact our costs of labor, equipment and services and the margins we are able to realize on our wells, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Inflation has also resulted in higher interest rates in the past, which in turn raises our cost of debt borrowing.

Previous wording

Global economic conditions continue to be volatile and uncertain due to, among other things, consumer confidence in future economic conditions, fears of recession and trade wars, the price of energy, fluctuating interest rates, the availability and cost of consumer credit, the availability and timing of government stimulus programs, levels of unemployment, increased inflation, and tax rates. These conditions remain unpredictable and create uncertainties about our ability to raise capital in the future. In the event required capital becomes unavailable in the future, or more costly, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Current wording

Global economic conditions continue to be volatile and uncertain due to, among other things, consumer confidence in future economic conditions, fears of recession and trade wars, the effect of tariffs, the price of energy, fluctuating interest rates, the availability and cost of consumer credit, the availability and timing of government stimulus programs, levels of unemployment, increased inflation, and tax rates. These conditions remain unpredictable and create uncertainties about our ability to raise capital in the future. In the event required capital becomes unavailable in the future, or more costly, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Previous wording

We have entered into a Stipulated Final Order (“SFO”) with the Director of the Oil and Gas Conservation Division of the State of New Mexico Energy (“OCD”) which requires that the Company fund the plugging and abandonment of an aggregate of approximately 299 legacy vertical wells in our Permian Basin Asset, with any failure by us to comply with the SFO likely to materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We have entered into a Stipulated Final Order with the Director of the OCD which requires that the Company fund the plugging and abandonment of an aggregate of approximately 299 legacy vertical wells in our Permian Basin Asset, compliance with which may be costly and our failure to comply with the SFO may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The Company has entered into an SFO with the OCD through RAZO, the Company’s New Mexico operating subsidiary, which requires, among other things, that the Company reimburse the OCD for actual costs incurred by the OCD for plugging and abandoning approximately 299 inactive legacy wells in the Permian Basin Asset at a rate of $2.00 per gross barrel of oil sold by RAZO during any production reporting period, subject to a minimum payment of $30,000 per month by RAZO. In the event the Company is unable to fully comply with the terms of the SFO, then the Company could be subject to significant civil penalties and sanctions, which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, could require us to raise additional funding which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and may negatively affect our drilling plans in the future, and may cause the value of our securities to decline in value.

Current wording

The Company has entered into an SFO with the OCD through RAZO, the Company’s New Mexico operating subsidiary, which requires, among other things, that the Company reimburse the OCD for actual costs incurred by the OCD for plugging and abandoning approximately 299 inactive legacy wells in the Permian Basin Asset at a rate of $2.00 per gross barrel of oil sold by RAZO during any production reporting period, subject to a minimum payment of $30,000 per month by RAZO. .RAZO has been timely paying each reimbursement invoice received from the OCD in accordance with the SFO and is in full compliance with the SFO. Such required payments and reimbursements may be significant, and may reduce our cash flows and funds available for our business plan and/or require us to raise additional funding in the future. Additionally, in the event the Company is unable to fully comply with the terms of the SFO, then the Company could be subject to significant civil penalties and sanctions, which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, could require us to raise additional funding which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and may negatively affect our drilling plans in the future, and may cause the value of our securities to decline in value.

Previous wording

A substantial percentage of our New Mexico properties, and all of our Wyoming properties, are undeveloped; therefore, the risk associated with our success is greater than would be the case if the majority of such properties were categorized as proved developed producing.

Current wording

A substantial percentage of our Colorado and New Mexico properties, and all of our Wyoming properties, are undeveloped; therefore, the risk associated with our success is greater than would be the case if the majority of such properties were categorized as proved developed producing.

Previous wording

Because a substantial percentage of our New Mexico properties, and all of our Wyoming properties, are undeveloped, we will require significant additional capital to develop such properties before they may become productive. Further, because of the inherent uncertainties associated with drilling for oil and gas, some of these properties may never be developed to the extent that they result in positive cash flow. Even if we are successful in our development efforts, it could take several years for a significant portion of our undeveloped properties to be converted to positive cash flow.

Current wording

Because a substantial percentage of our Colorado and New Mexico properties, and all of our Wyoming properties, are undeveloped, we will require significant additional capital to develop such properties before they may become productive. Further, because of the inherent uncertainties associated with drilling for oil and gas, some of these properties may never be developed to the extent that they result in positive cash flow. Even if we are successful in our development efforts, it could take several years for a significant portion of our undeveloped properties to be converted to positive cash flow.

Previous wording

The $1.1 million owed to us under a secured convertible promissory note due from Tilloo Exploration may not be repaid timely, if at all.

Current wording

The $1.1 million owed to us under a secured convertible promissory note due from Tilloo in the Milnesand Sale may not be repaid.

Previous wording

On November 9, 2023, in accordance with the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary EOR to Tilloo Exploration, the Company entered into a five-year secured promissory note (the “Note”) with Tilloo Exploration, bearing interest at 10% per annum, with no payments due during the first twelve months, and fully-amortized payments due monthly over the remaining four years of the term thereafter until maturity. The Note contains customary events of default and is secured by a lien over all the assets and capital shares of EOR created under a Security Agreement, a Security Agreement (Pledge of Corporate Securities), and a Mortgage entered into by and between the Company and Tilloo Exploration. Tilloo Exploration may not timely pay the Note when due, if at all.

Current wording

On November 9, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Milnesand Sale, the Company entered into a five-year secured promissory note (the “Note”) with Tilloo, bearing interest at 10% per annum, with no payments due until January 8, 2025, and fully-amortized payments due monthly over the remaining four years of the term thereafter until maturity. The Note contains customary events of default and is secured by a lien over all the assets and capital shares of EOR Operating Company (“EOR”), our prior wholly-owned subsidiary which was sold to Tilloo, created under a Security Agreement, a Security Agreement (Pledge of Corporate Securities), and a Mortgage entered into by and between the Company and Tilloo. Tilloo failed to make the initial installment payment due under the Tilloo Note on January 8, 2025. The Company issued a notice of default under the Tilloo Note to Tilloo in mid-January 2025, and the Company intends to pursue all available avenues and remedies, including potential foreclosure under the security agreement and mortgages securing the secured obligation, to resolve these matters. However, Tilloo may not make any payments under the Note and the Company may not be able to recover amounts due under the Note. Furthermore, litigation relating to the repayment of the Note, if initiated, may take away time and resources that management would otherwise have spent on other matters, which may adversely affect our results of operations and ultimately the value of our common stock.

Previous wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our Chief Executive Officer and member of our board of directors, J. Douglas Schick, our President, and Clark R. Moore, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, hold various other management positions with privately-held companies, some of which are involved in the oil and gas industry, and Dr. Kukes is the trustee and beneficiary of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, the Company’s largest stockholder. Dr. Kukes also beneficially owns 66.5% of our voting securities. We believe these positions require only an immaterial amount of each officer’s time and will not conflict with their roles or responsibilities with our company. If any of these companies enter into one or more transactions with our company, or if the officer’s position with any such company requires significantly more time than currently anticipated, potential conflicts of interests could arise from the officers performing services for us and these other entities.

Current wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our former CEO and newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, J. Douglas Schick, our President and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board, and Clark R. Moore, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, hold various other management positions with privately-held companies, some of which are involved in the oil and gas industry, and Dr. Kukes is the trustee and beneficiary of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, the Company’s largest stockholder. Dr. Kukes also beneficially owns 65.4% of our voting securities. We believe these positions require only an immaterial amount of each officer’s time and will not conflict with their roles or responsibilities with our company. If any of these companies enter into one or more transactions with our company, or if the officer’s position with any such company requires significantly more time than currently anticipated, potential conflicts of interests could arise from the officers performing services for us and these other entities.

Previous wording

In 2018 and 2019, Dr. Simon G. Kukes, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and director, loaned us an aggregate of $51.7 million to support our operations and for acquisitions through an entity owned and controlled by him, all of which loans were evidenced by promissory notes. The promissory notes generally had terms which were more favorable to us than we would have been able to obtain from third parties, including, generally favorable interest rates, no restrictions on further borrowing or financial covenants and no security interests in our assets. All of such notes have to date been converted into 29.5 million shares of common stock at conversion prices which were above the then-trading prices of our common stock. Additionally, pursuant to subscription agreements, Dr. Kukes’ entity purchased an additional aggregate of 15.0 million shares of common stock from the Company in private transactions for $28.0 million in 2019, also on substantially more favorable terms to us than could be obtained with third parties. Subsequent to September 2019, we have not received any additional capital from Dr. Kukes, instead funding our operations primarily through the sale of securities in public offerings, the sale of oil and gas properties, and sales of crude oil and natural gas. While Dr. Kukes has verbally advised us that he intends to provide us additional funding as needed, nothing has been documented to date, and such future funding, if any, may not ultimately be provided on favorable terms, if at all. In the event that we are forced to obtain funding from parties other than Dr. Kukes, such funding terms will likely not be as favorable to the Company as the funding provided by Dr. Kukes, and may not be available in such amounts as previously provided by Dr. Kukes. In the event Dr. Kukes fails to provide us future funding, when and if needed, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and could force us to borrow funds from outside sources on less favorable terms than our prior debt or sell equity to outside investors on less favorable terms than the equity we issued to Dr. Kukes.

Current wording

In 2018 and 2019, Dr. Simon G. Kukes, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and director and current Executive Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, loaned us an aggregate of $51.7 million to support our operations and for acquisitions through an entity owned and controlled by him, all of which loans were evidenced by promissory notes. The promissory notes generally had terms which were more favorable to us than we would have been able to obtain from third parties, including, generally favorable interest rates, no restrictions on further borrowing or financial covenants and no security interests in our assets. All of such notes have to date been converted into 29.5 million shares of common stock at conversion prices which were above the then-trading prices of our common stock. Additionally, pursuant to subscription agreements, Dr. Kukes’ entity purchased an additional aggregate of 15.0 million shares of common stock from the Company in private transactions for $28.0 million in 2019, also on substantially more favorable terms to us than could be obtained with third parties. Subsequent to September 2019, we have not received any additional capital from Dr. Kukes, instead funding our operations primarily through the sale of securities in public offerings, the sale of oil and gas properties, and sales of crude oil and natural gas. While Dr. Kukes has verbally advised us that he intends to provide us additional funding as needed, nothing has been documented to date, and such future funding, if any, may not ultimately be provided on favorable terms, if at all. In the event that we are forced to obtain funding from parties other than Dr. Kukes, such funding terms will likely not be as favorable to the Company as the funding provided by Dr. Kukes, and may not be available in such amounts as previously provided by Dr. Kukes. In the event Dr. Kukes fails to provide us future funding, when and if needed, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and could force us to borrow funds from outside sources on less favorable terms than our prior debt or sell equity to outside investors on less favorable terms than the equity we issued to Dr. Kukes.

Previous wording

We depend to a significant degree upon the involvement of our management, specifically, our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Simon G. Kukes and our President, Mr. J. Douglas Schick. Our performance and success are dependent to a large extent on the efforts and continued employment of Dr. Kukes and Mr. Schick. We do not believe that Dr. Kukes or Mr. Schick could be quickly replaced with personnel of equal experience and capabilities, and their successor(s) may not be as effective. If Dr. Kukes, Mr. Schick, or any of our other key personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present roles and if they are not adequately replaced, our business operations could be adversely affected. We have no employment or similar agreement in place with Dr. Kukes. Mr. Schick is party to an employment agreement with us which has no stated term and can be terminated by either party without cause.

Current wording

We depend to a significant degree upon the involvement of our management, specifically, our former Chief Executive Officer and newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, Dr. Simon G. Kukes and our President and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board, Mr. J. Douglas Schick. Our performance and success are dependent to a large extent on the efforts and continued employment of Dr. Kukes and Mr. Schick. We do not believe that Dr. Kukes or Mr. Schick could be quickly replaced with personnel of equal experience and capabilities, and their successor(s) may not be as effective. If Dr. Kukes, Mr. Schick, or any of our other key personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present roles and if they are not adequately replaced, our business operations could be adversely affected. We have no employment or similar agreement in place with Dr. Kukes. Mr. Schick is party to an employment agreement with us which has no stated term and can be terminated by either party without cause.

Previous wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of board of directors, beneficially owns 66.5% of our common stock, which gives him majority voting control over stockholder matters and his interests may be different from your interests; and as a result of such ownership, we are a “controlled company” under applicable NYSE American rules.

Current wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our former Chief Executive Officer and newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, beneficially owns 65.4% of our common stock, which gives him majority voting control over stockholder matters and his interests may be different from your interests; and as a result of such ownership, we are a “controlled company” under applicable NYSE American rules.

Previous wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors, through his individual ownership of the Company and through his position as trustee and beneficiary of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, which beneficially owns approximately 58% of our issued and outstanding common stock and Dr. Kukes, together with the ownership of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, beneficially owns approximately 66.5% of our issued and outstanding common stock. As such, Dr. Kukes can control the outcome of all matters requiring a stockholder vote, including the election of directors, the adoption of amendments to our certificate of formation or bylaws and the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions. Subject to any fiduciary duties owed to the stockholders generally, while Dr. Kukes’ interests may generally be aligned with the interests of our stockholders, in some instances Dr. Kukes may have interests different than the rest of our stockholders, including but not limited to, future potential company financings in which Dr. Kukes or The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust may participate, or his leadership at the Company. Dr. Kukes’ influence or control of our company as a stockholder may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of other stockholders. Because Dr. Kukes controls the stockholder vote, investors may find it difficult to replace Dr. Kukes (and such persons as he may appoint from time to time) as members of our management if they disagree with the way our business is being operated. Additionally, the interests of Dr. Kukes may differ from the interests of the other stockholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are adverse to other stockholders. of Dr. Kukes’ ownership of the Company, as discussed above, we are a “controlled company” under the rules of the NYSE American. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and, as such, can elect to be exempt from certain corporate governance requirements, including requirements that:

Current wording

Dr. Simon G. Kukes, our former Chief Executive Officer and newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, through his individual ownership of the Company and through his position as trustee and beneficiary of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, which beneficially owns approximately 56.7% of our issued and outstanding common stock and Dr. Kukes, together with the ownership of The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust, beneficially owns approximately 65.4% of our issued and outstanding common stock. As such, Dr. Kukes can control the outcome of all matters requiring a stockholder vote, including the election of directors, the adoption of amendments to our certificate of formation or bylaws and the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions. Subject to any fiduciary duties owed to the stockholders generally, while Dr. Kukes’ interests may generally be aligned with the interests of our stockholders, in some instances Dr. Kukes may have interests different than the rest of our stockholders, including but not limited to, future potential company financings in which Dr. Kukes or The SGK 2018 Revocable Trust may participate, or his leadership at the Company. Dr. Kukes’ influence or control of our company as a stockholder may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of other stockholders. Because Dr. Kukes controls the stockholder vote, investors may find it difficult to replace Dr. Kukes (and such persons as he may appoint from time to time) as members of our management if they disagree with the way our business is being operated. Additionally, the interests of Dr. Kukes may differ from the interests of the other stockholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are adverse to other stockholders. of Dr. Kukes’ ownership of the Company, as discussed above, we are a “controlled company” under the rules of the NYSE American. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and, as such, can elect to be exempt from certain corporate governance requirements, including requirements that:

Previous wording

In addition, approximately 16% of the Company’s acreage in New Mexico, 1% of the Company’s acreage in Colorado, and 3% of the Company’s acreage in Wyoming is located on federal lands, which may be subject to federal laws, regulations and orders that could limit our ability to operate. For example, on January 20, 2021, the Acting Secretary of the Interior issued Order Number 3395 (“Order No. 3395”) which contained a directive to temporarily halt all federal permitting activity for 60 days in an effort to study environmental impacts of oil and gas drilling and development, which a federal court blocked with a preliminary injunction in June 2021, which injunction is being appealed. President Biden subsequently announced that his administration will resume onshore oil and gas lease sales on federal lands effective April 18, 2022. While this had no impact on existing or ongoing operations, potentially subsequent federal orders could restrict our ability to develop our leases on federal lands, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, approximately 17% of the Company’s acreage in New Mexico, 1% of the Company’s acreage in Colorado, and 4% of the Company’s acreage in Wyoming is located on federal lands, which may be subject to federal laws, regulations and orders that could limit our ability to operate. For example, on January 20, 2021, the Acting Secretary of the Interior issued Order Number 3395 (“Order No. 3395”) which contained a directive to temporarily halt all federal permitting activity for 60 days in an effort to study environmental impacts of oil and gas drilling and development, which a federal court blocked with a preliminary injunction in June 2021. President Biden subsequently announced that his administration will resume onshore oil and gas lease sales on federal lands effective April 18, 2022. While this had no impact on existing or ongoing operations, potentially subsequent federal orders could restrict our ability to develop our leases on federal lands, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

For example, in 2014, 2016 and 2018, opponents of hydraulic fracturing sought statewide ballot initiatives in Colorado that would have restricted oil and gas development in Colorado and could have had materially adverse impacts on us. One of the proposed initiatives would have made the vast majority of the surface area of the state ineligible for drilling, including substantially all of our planned future drilling locations. By further example, in April 2019, Colorado Senate Bill 19-181 (the “Bill”) was passed into law, which prioritizes the protection of public safety, health, welfare, and the environment in the regulation of the oil and gas industry by modifying the State’s oil and gas statutes and clarifying, reinforcing, and establishing local governments’ regulatory authority over the surface impacts of oil and gas development in Colorado. This Bill, among other things, gives more power to local government entities in making land use decisions about oil and gas development and regulation, and directs the Energy & Carbon Management Commission (“ECMC”) (formally the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (“COGCC”)) to promulgate rules to ensure, among other things, proper wellbore integrity, allow public disclosure of flowline information, and evaluate when inactive or shut-in wells must be inspected before being put into production or used for injection. In addition, the Bill requires that owners of more than 50% of the mineral interests in lands to be pooled must have joined in the application for a pooling order and that the application must include proof that the applicant received approval for the facilities from the affected local government or that the affected local government does not regulate such facilities. In addition, the Bill provides that an operator cannot use the surface owned by a nonconsenting owner without permission from the nonconsenting owner, and increases nonconsenting owners’ royalty rates during a well’s pay-back period from 12.5% to 13.0%. Pursuant to the Bill, the COGCC (now the ECMC) conducted a series of rulemaking hearings during 2020 which resulted in updated regulatory and permitting requirements, including siting requirements. The COGCC (now the ECMC) commissioners determined that locations with residential or high occupancy building units within 2,000 feet would be subject to additional siting requirements, but also supported “off ramps” allowing oil and gas operators to site their drill pads as close as 500 feet from building units in certain circumstances. We anticipate that the Bill may make it more difficult and more costly for us to undertake oil and gas development activities in Colorado.

Current wording

For example, in 2014, 2016 and 2018, opponents of hydraulic fracturing sought statewide ballot initiatives in Colorado that would have restricted oil and gas development in Colorado and could have had materially adverse impacts on us. One of the proposed initiatives would have made the vast majority of the surface area of the state ineligible for drilling, including substantially all of our planned future drilling locations. By further example, in April 2019, Colorado Senate Bill 19-181 (the “Bill”) was passed into law, which prioritizes the protection of public safety, health, welfare, and the environment in the regulation of the oil and gas industry by modifying the State’s oil and gas statutes and clarifying, reinforcing, and establishing local governments’ regulatory authority over the surface impacts of oil and gas development in Colorado. This Bill, among other things, gives more power to local government entities in making land use decisions about oil and gas development and regulation, and directs the Energy & Carbon Management Commission (“ECMC”) (formerly the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (“COGCC”)) to promulgate rules to ensure, among other things, proper wellbore integrity, allow public disclosure of flowline information, and evaluate when inactive or shut-in wells must be inspected before being put into production or used for injection. In addition, the Bill requires that owners of more than 50% of the mineral interests in lands to be pooled must have joined in the application for a pooling order and that the application must include proof that the applicant received approval for the facilities from the affected local government or that the affected local government does not regulate such facilities. In addition, the Bill provides that an operator cannot use the surface owned by a nonconsenting owner without permission from the nonconsenting owner, and increases nonconsenting owners’ royalty rates during a well’s pay-back period from 12.5% to 13.0%. Pursuant to the Bill, the COGCC (now the ECMC) conducted a series of rulemaking hearings during 2020 which resulted in updated regulatory and permitting requirements, including siting requirements. The COGCC (now the ECMC) commissioners determined that locations with residential or high occupancy building units within 2,000 feet would be subject to additional siting requirements, but also supported “off ramps” allowing oil and gas operators to site their drill pads as close as 500 feet from building units in certain circumstances. We anticipate that the Bill may make it more difficult and more costly for us to undertake oil and gas development activities in Colorado, although the Company has not experienced any significant additional difficulties or costs to date as a result of the Bill.

Previous wording

For example, in 2019, the EPA increased the state of Colorado’s non-attainment ozone classification for the Denver Metro North Front Range Ozone Eight-Hour Non-Attainment (“Denver Metro/North Front Range NAA”) area from “moderate” to “serious” under the 2008 national ambient air quality standard (“NAAQS”). This increase in non-attainment status to “serious” triggered significant additional obligations for the state under the CAA and resulted in Colorado adopting new and more stringent air quality control requirements in December 2020 that are applicable to our operations, with additional obligations for the state under the CAA possible that could result in new and more stringent air quality permitting and control requirements, which may in turn result in significant costs and delays in obtaining necessary permits applicable to our operations. It is possible that future ballot initiatives will be proposed that could limit the areas of the state in which drilling would be permitted to occur or otherwise impose increased regulations on our industry.

Current wording

For example, in 2019, the EPA increased the state of Colorado’s non-attainment ozone classification for the Denver Metro North Front Range Ozone Eight-Hour Non-Attainment (“Denver Metro/North Front Range NAA”) area from “moderate” to “serious” under the 2008 national ambient air quality standard. This increase in non-attainment status to “serious” triggered significant additional obligations for the state under the CAA and resulted in Colorado adopting new and more stringent air quality control requirements in December 2020 that are applicable to our operations, with additional obligations for the state under the CAA possible that could result in new and more stringent air quality permitting and control requirements, which may in turn result in significant costs and delays in obtaining necessary permits applicable to our operations. It is possible that future ballot initiatives will be proposed that could limit the areas of the state in which drilling would be permitted to occur or otherwise impose increased regulations on our industry.

Previous wording

On January 20, 2021, the Acting U.S. Interior Secretary, instituted a moratorium on new oil and gas leases and permits on federal onshore and offshore lands, which a federal court blocked with a preliminary injunction in June 2021, which injunction is being appealed. President Biden subsequently announced that his administration will resume onshore oil and gas lease sales on federal lands effective April 18, 2022. A total of approximately 16% of the Company’s acreage in New Mexico, 1% of the Company’s acreage in Colorado, and 3% of the Company’s acreage in Wyoming is located on federal lands. It is currently unclear whether the moratorium will be reinstated, or whether such moratorium is the start of a change in federal policies regarding the grant of oil and gas permits on federal lands. The moratorium does not affect the Company, as the Company has no plans to drill new wells on any leases held on federal lands; however, if such prior moratorium was to become permanent, or the federal government in the future were to grant less permits on federal lands, make such permitting process more difficult, costly, or to institute more stringent rules relating to such permitting process, it could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Company’s leases and/or its ability to undertake oil and gas operations on such the portion of its leases on federal lands.

Current wording

On January 20, 2021, the Acting U.S. Interior Secretary, instituted a moratorium on new oil and gas leases and permits on federal onshore and offshore lands, which a federal court blocked with a preliminary injunction in June 2021. President Biden subsequently announced that his administration will resume onshore oil and gas lease sales on federal lands effective April 18, 2022. A total of approximately 17% of the Company’s acreage in New Mexico, 1% of the Company’s acreage in Colorado, and 4% of the Company’s acreage in Wyoming is located on federal lands. It is currently unclear whether the moratorium will be reinstated, or whether such moratorium is the start of a change in federal policies regarding the grant of oil and gas permits on federal lands. If such prior moratorium was to become permanent, or the federal government in the future were to grant less permits on federal lands, make such permitting process more difficult, costly, or to institute more stringent rules relating to such permitting process, it could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Company’s leases and/or its ability to undertake oil and gas operations on such the portion of its leases on federal lands.

Previous wording

Maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to produce reliable financial statements. As reported under“Part II” - “Item 9 A. Controls and Procedures”, as of December 31, 2023, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) have determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Separately, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 and determined that such internal control over financial reporting was not effective as a result of such assessment, and such internal control over financial reporting.

Current wording

Maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to produce reliable financial statements. As reported under “Part II” - “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures”, as of December 31, 2024, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) have determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Separately, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 and determined that such internal control over financial reporting was not effective as a result of such assessment, and such internal control over financial reporting.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to the review of the inputs to the calculation of depreciation, depletion, and amortization of our reserves, including the review over the proper inclusion of all developed reserves and the review of proper exclusion of certain segments of certain wells towards the end of the life in the reserve quantity estimates. The error was identified through the course of the Company’s preparation of its year-ended December 31, 2023 financial statements. The Company has already developed a plan to implement new controls and procedures designed to address the identified material weakness. The Company believes these new controls and procedures will remediate the material weaknesses in a future period. However, there is the potential that the Company’s already implemented efforts to remedy the material weakness will be ineffective and/or that additional material weaknesses could occur regardless of the remediation or additional controls implemented by the Company.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, there was a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to the review of the inputs to the calculation of depreciation, depletion, and amortization of our reserves, including the review over the proper inclusion of all production for the current year in the reserve base for our calculation of depreciation, depletion, and amortization of our reserves. The error was identified through the course of the Company’s preparation of its year-ended December 31, 2024 financial statements. There was also a material weakness in the preparation of the tax provision. The Company has already developed a plan to implement new controls and procedures designed to address the identified material weaknesses. The Company believes these new controls and procedures will remediate the material weaknesses in a future period. However, there is the potential that the Company’s already implemented efforts to remedy the material weaknesses will be ineffective and/or that additional material weaknesses could occur regardless of the remediation or additional controls implemented by the Company.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, there are outstanding stock options to purchase 1,632,334 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price per share of $1.28. For the life of the options, the holders have the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of our common stock without assuming the risk of ownership. The issuance of shares upon the exercise of outstanding securities will also dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, there are outstanding stock options to purchase 1,835,667 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price per share of $1.12. For the life of the options, the holders have the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of our common stock without assuming the risk of ownership. The issuance of shares upon the exercise of outstanding securities will also dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.

Previous wording

The availability of these shares for public resale, as well as any actual resales of these shares, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. We previously filed registration statements with the SEC on Form S-8 providing for the registration of an aggregate of approximately 16,134,915 shares of our common stock, issued, issuable or reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans. Subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, the expiration of lockup agreements, any management 10b5-1 plans and certain restrictions on sales by affiliates, shares registered under registration statements on Form S-8 will be available for resale immediately in the public market without restriction.

Current wording

The availability of these shares for public resale, as well as any actual resales of these shares, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. We previously filed registration statements with the SEC on Form S-8 providing for the registration of an aggregate of approximately 21,134,915 shares of our common stock, issued, issuable or reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans. Subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, the expiration of lockup agreements, any management 10b5-1 plans and certain restrictions on sales by affiliates, shares registered under registration statements on Form S-8 will be available for resale immediately in the public market without restriction.

Previous wording

If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that our shareholders might sell shares of our common stock could also depress the market price of our common stock. Additionally, if our existing shareholders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly. The market price for shares of our common stock may drop significantly when such securities are sold in the public markets. A decline in the price of shares of our common stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities.

Current wording

If we or our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that we or our shareholders might sell shares of our common stock could also depress the market price of our common stock. Additionally, if we or our existing shareholders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly. The market price for shares of our common stock may drop significantly when such securities are sold in the public markets. A decline in the price of shares of our common stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities.