FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

OR

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to _________

Commission file number 000-55872

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(424) 901-6656

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

As of May 20, 2019, there were 23,610,738 shares of common stock outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FOOTHILLS EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Organization

Business

Foothills Exploration, Inc., (“Company”, “Foothills Exploration”, or “Foothills”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 13, 2010, under the name “Key Link Assets Corp.” for the purpose of acquiring a portfolio of heavily discounted real estate properties in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Company changed its focus and planned to acquire small and medium sized grocery stores in non-urban locales that are not directly served by large national supermarket chains.

On May 2, 2016, Foothills Petroleum Inc., a Nevada corporation (“FPI”), acquired over 14.1 million pre-split (56.4 million post-split) shares of the Company’s common stock constituting approximately 96% of our then issued and outstanding shares (“FPI Acquired Shares”). As of May 16, 2016, we effected a 4:1 forward split of our shares of common stock.

On May 27, 2016, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with shareholders of FPI.

Prior to the Share Exchange, the Company had minimal assets and recognized no revenues from operations and was accordingly classified as a shell company. In light of closing the Share Exchange transaction with the shareholders of FPI, the Company became actively engaged in oil and gas operations and is no longer a shell company.

The consolidated balance sheets include the accounts of the Company, and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, Foothills Exploration, Inc. (“FTXP”), Foothills Petroleum, Inc. (“FPI”), Foothills Exploration, LLC (“FEL”), Foothills Petroleum Operating, Inc. (“FPOI”), Foothills Exploration Operating, Inc. (“FEOI”), Tiger Energy Partners International, LLC (“TEPI”), Tiger Energy Operating, LLC (“TEO”), and Tiger Energy Mineral Leasing, LLC (“TEML”).

The Company’s oil and gas operations are conducted by its wholly owned indirect subsidiaries. FEL is a qualified oil and gas operator in the states of Wyoming and Colorado, and TEO is a qualified oil and gas operator in the state of Utah.

The Company’s operating entities have historically employed, and will continue in the future to employ, on an as-needed basis, the services of drilling contractors, other drilling related vendors, field service companies and professional petroleum engineers, geologists, and landmen as required in connection with future drilling and production operations.

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has incurred recurring losses from inception through March 31, 2019, has a working capital deficit at March 31, 2019, of $23,265,998, and has limited sources of revenue. These conditions have raised substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the issuance of the financial statements. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

To address these matters, the Company is actively meeting with investors for possible equity investments, including business combinations; investigating other possible sources to refinance our existing debt; and in continuing discussions with various individuals and groups that could be willing to provide capital to fund operations and growth of the Company.

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The financial statements include the accounts of Foothills Exploration, Inc., and all of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries including Foothill Petroleum, Inc., Foothills Petroleum Operating, Inc., Foothills Exploration Operating, Inc., Foothills Exploration LLC, Tiger Energy Partners International, LLC, Tiger Energy Operating, LLC and Tiger Energy Mineral Leasing, LLC. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation and Functional Currency

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for Form 10-Q, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, footnote disclosures and other information normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.

These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and are expressed in United States dollars (USD).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date(s) of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period(s). Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in impairment testing of long-term assets, accruals for potential liabilities and valuing equity instruments issued for services. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts in prior year to conform to the current year presentation. All reclassifications have been applied consistently to the periods presented and had no effects on previously reported results of operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with maturity of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements are recorded in restricted cash in the current assets section of our consolidated balance sheet. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had restricted cash of $120,000 and $120,000, respectively. This amount is being held in escrow for the benefit of the State of Utah for certain properties located in Utah, covered under a certain Modification to Stipulated Order between the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and TEPI dated August 1, 2014 (Case No. SI/TA-102). These funds held in escrow, will be released to the Company once the Company finishes its reclamation of the various wells in question.

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the historical carrying amount net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts. The carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments. The Company routinely assesses the collectability of all material trade and other receivables.

Trade accounts receivable comprise receivables from joint interest owners which are recorded when the Company incurs expenses on behalf of the non-operator interest owners of the properties the Company operates.

The Company’s oil and gas revenues receivable comprise receivables from purchasers of the Company’s production of oil and gas and other hydrocarbons and from operators of properties in which the Company has a non-operated interest, as well as from joint interest owners of properties the Company operates. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company accrued $155,723 of net revenue receivable related to GRB Assets. See Note 4 – Property and Equipment. EOG Resources, Inc. (“EOG”), the operator of two wells in which the Company has a 21.62% working interest. The Company has been informed that EOG will apply to unpaid invoices of the Company’s share of costs to drill two wells until EOG has recovered those costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, those costs were $190,527, of which $170,122 were capitalized. See Note 4 – Property and Equipment.

The Company’s reported balance of accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, represents management’s estimate of the amount that ultimately will be realized in cash or used in the future to offset an operator’s joint interest billings.

The Company reviews the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts on an ongoing basis, using historical payment trends, the age of the receivables and knowledge of the individual customers or joint interest owners. When the analysis indicates, management increases or decreases the allowance accordingly. However, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances might be required.

Oil and Gas Properties

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for its investments in oil and gas properties. Under the full cost method, all costs associated with the exploration of properties are capitalized into appropriate cost centers within the full cost pool. Internal costs that are capitalized are limited to those costs that can be directly identified with acquisition, exploration, and development activities undertaken and do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities. Cost centers are established on a country-by-country basis.

Capitalized costs within the cost centers are amortized on the unit-of-production basis using proved oil and gas reserves. The cost of investments in unevaluated properties and major development projects are excluded from capitalized costs to be amortized until it is determined whether or not proved reserves can be assigned to the properties. Until such a determination is made, the properties are assessed annually to ascertain whether impairment has occurred. The costs of drilling exploratory dry holes are included in the amortization base immediately upon determination that the well is dry.

For each cost center, capitalized costs are subject to an annual ceiling test, in which the costs shall not exceed the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is equal to: (i) the present value of estimated future net revenues computed by applying current prices of oil and gas reserves (with consideration of price changes only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements) to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves computed using a discount factor of ten percent and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions; plus (ii) the cost of properties not being amortized; plus (iii) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized; and less (iv) income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the properties. If unamortized costs capitalized within a cost center, less related deferred income taxes, exceed the cost center ceiling, the excess is charged to expense and separately disclosed during the period in which the excess occurs.

Support Facilities and Equipment

Our support facilities and equipment are generally located in proximity to certain of our principal fields. Depreciation of these support facilities is calculated on a units-of-production basis.

Maintenance and repair costs that do not extend the useful lives of property and equipment are charged to expense as incurred.

Proved Reserves

Estimates of the Company’s proved reserves included in this report are prepared in accordance with US GAAP and guidelines from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company’s engineering estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves directly impact financial accounting estimates, including depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense and impairment. Proved oil and natural gas reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under period-end economic and operating conditions. The process of estimating quantities of proved reserves is very complex, requiring significant subjective decisions in the evaluation of all geological, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. The accuracy of a reserves estimate is a function of: (i) the quality and quantity of available data; (ii) the interpretation of that data; (iii) the accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions, and (iv) the judgment of the persons preparing the estimate. The data for a given reservoir may change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors, including additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. Changes in oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, and expected performance from a given reservoir also will result in revisions to the amount of the Company’s estimated proved reserves. The Company engages independent reserve engineers to estimate its proved reserves.

Fixed Assets

The Company capitalizes expenditures related to property and equipment not directly associated with our production of oil and gas, subject to a minimum rule, that have a useful life greater than one year for: (1) assets purchased; (2) existing assets that are replaced, improved or the useful lives have been extended; or (3) all land, regardless of cost, acquisitions of new assets, additions, replacements and improvements (other than land) costing less than the minimum rule in addition to maintenance and repair costs, including any planned major maintenance activities, are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Office equipment – 3 years

Vehicle(s) – 5 years

Land – not depreciated

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company follows the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification ASC 410 - Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. The fair value of an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The Company’s asset retirement obligations relate to the abandonment of oil and gas producing facilities and facilities that support the production of oil and gas. The amounts recognized are based upon numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement costs, future inflation rates and the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. After recording these amounts, the ARO will be accreted to its future estimated value using the same assumed cost of funds, and the capitalized costs are depreciated on a unit-of-production basis. Both the accretion and the depreciation will be included in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debt, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” defines fair value, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for receivables and current liabilities each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their fair values because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,” and ASC 815. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, including cash, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of notes payable and convertible notes approximates their fair values since the current interest rates and terms on these obligations are the same as prevailing market rates.

Certain of the Company’s debt and equity instruments include embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the host contract under the provisions of ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging. The estimated fair value of the derivative warrant instruments was calculated using a Black Scholes valuation model.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

The Company did not identify any other assets and liabilities that are required to be presented on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the requirements of ASC 606, which directs that it should recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services for an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. All of our revenue is attributable to sales of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons which are sold daily, with sales aggregated on a monthly basis. In the case of revenue received for a non-operated working interest, we are paid by the operator, which is a joint interest partner and not the purchaser of the product. In the case of revenue received for an operated working interest, we are paid by the marketer to whom we sell the commodities directly pursuant to contractual arrangements.

Debt Issuance Costs, Debt Discount and Detachable Debt-Related Warrants

Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and recorded as a reduction to the debt balance in our consolidated balance sheets. We amortize debt issuance costs over the expected term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Debt discounts relate to the relative fair value of warrants issued in conjunction with the debt and are also recorded as a reduction to the debt balance and accreted over the expected term of the debt to interest expense using the effective interest method.

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

The Company computes earnings per share under ASC 260-10, “Earnings Per Share.” The Company’s earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of securities, if any, that could share in the earnings (loss) of the Company and are calculated by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares. The diluted weighted average number of common shares is computed using the treasury stock method for common stock that may be issued for outstanding stock options, warrants, and convertible debt.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Stock-Based Compensation

All share-based payments, including grants of stock to employees, directors and consultants, are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based upon their estimated fair values.

The Company accounts for stock, stock options, and stock warrants issued for services and compensation by employees under the fair value method. For non-employees, the fair market value of the Company’s stock is measured on the date of stock issuance or the date an option/warrant is granted as appropriate under ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The Company determined the fair market value of the warrants/options issued under the Black-Scholes Pricing Model. Under the provisions ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).

The Company’s accounting policy for equity instruments issued to consultants and vendors in exchange for goods and services follows ASC Topic 505. As such, the value of the applicable stock-based compensation is periodically re-measured and income or expense is recognized during their vesting terms. The measurement date for the fair value of the equity instruments issued is determined at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the consultant or vendor is reached or (ii) the date at which the consultant or vendor’s performance is complete. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is primarily recognized over the term of the consulting agreement. In accordance with FASB guidance, an asset acquired in exchange for the issuance of fully vested, non-forfeitable equity instruments should not be presented or classified as an offset to equity on the grantor’s balance sheet once the equity instrument is granted for accounting purposes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-18 (Topic 230) Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The amendments in this update require that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. Current GAAP does not include specific guidance on the cash flow classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is required to be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company implemented this guidance effective January 1, 2018. Implementing this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). The standard clarifies the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Under ASU 2017-01, to be considered a business, the assets in the transaction need to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. Prior to the adoption of the new guidance, an acquisition or disposition would be considered a business if there were inputs, as well as processes that when applied to those inputs had the ability to create outputs. Early adoption is permitted for certain transactions. Adoption of ASU 2017-01 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation and may require the services of valuation experts. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not carry any Goodwill on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and does not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features (“ASU 2017-11”). When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. ASU 2017-11 is effective for annual or interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and should be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. The Company adopted ASU 2017-11 on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued “ASU 2018-07 - Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. An entity should apply the requirements of Topic 718 to nonemployee awards except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the attribution of cost (that is, the period of time over which share-based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost recognition over that period). The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The updated standard is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted, but no earlier than an entity’s adoption date of Topic 606. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2019 the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” which superseded previous lease guidance ASC 840, Leases. Topic 842 is a new lease model that requires a company to recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated income statement or consolidated cash flow statement.

The Company adopted the package of practical expedients and transition provisions available for expired or existing contracts, which allowed the Company carryforward its historical assessments of 1) whether contracts are or contain leases, 2) lease classification and 3) initial direct costs. Additionally, for real estate leases, the Company adopted the practical expedient that allows lessees to treat the lease and non-lease components of leases as a single lease component. The Company also elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the reasonably certain lease term for existing leases. Further, the Company elected the short-term lease exception policy, permitting it exclude the recognition requirements for leases with terms of 12 months or less. See Note 11 for additional information about leases.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 – Property and Equipment

Oil and Gas Properties

The Company’s oil and gas properties at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are located in the United States of America.

The carrying values of the Company’s oil and gas properties, net of depletion, depreciation, amortization, and impairment at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are set forth below in the following table:

Support Facilities and Equipment

The Company’s support facilities and equipment serve its oil and gas production activities. The following table summarizes these properties and equipment, together with their estimated useful lives:

The Company recognized depreciation expense of $820 and $185 during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Office Furniture, Equipment, and Other

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, office furniture, equipment, and other consisted of the following:

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded depreciation expense of $1,845 and $1,846, respectively.

Note 5 – Asset Retirement Obligation

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the estimated present value of asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Accretion expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $6,666 and $2,917, respectively.

Note 6 – Notes Payable

A summary of the outstanding amounts of our notes payable as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:

At March 31, 2019, the principal amounts due under our debt agreements were all classified as current on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Since January 23, 2018, the Company and the investor have been in ongoing discussions to extend the term of this Note. On March 28, 2018, the investor acknowledged that the Company is not in default regarding this Note and reaffirmed its belief that the Company will either extend the Note’s due date or repay its obligation on terms that are mutually satisfactory. The warrants have the following terms:

The aggregate relative fair value of three tranches of warrants was determined to be $105,000 on September 29, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 94%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 2-3 years. $2,536 imputed interest was recorded as debt discount. $2,536 was determined using the present value method based on the following assumptions: (i) adjusted interest rate 4% (ii) expected life of 0.26 year. The aggregate value of the warrants and imputed interest of $107,536 was considered as debt discount upon issuance and will be amortized as interest over the term of the Note or in full upon the conversion of the Note. At March 31, 2019, $250,000 of principal was outstanding under the Note.

Each tranche of warrants is subject to down round adjustment provisions if the Company during the term of that tranche issues additional securities for consideration per share, after giving effect to fees, commission and expenses, that is less, or which on conversion or exercise of the underlying security is less, than $0.665 per share (as adjusted for any change resulting from forward or reverse splits, stock dividends and similar events).

To satisfy most favored nation provisions in previously entered securities purchase agreements that are triggered by the transaction described above, the Company issued 136,015 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 136,015 shares of common stock, in the aggregate, to certain investors who purchased units from the Company, at a $1.00 per unit, with each unit consisting of one share and one warrant. See the Company’s Current Report on the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 5, 2017. Of this amount, 100,752 shares and warrants to purchase 100,752 shares of common stock will be issued to Wilshire Energy Partners LLC, an entity controlled by Kevin J. Sylla, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FPI. The exercise price of these investor warrants was adjusted to $0.665 per share. We measured the value of the effect of the down round feature as the difference between the fair value of the financial instrument at an original exercise price of $1.50 and an adjusted exercise price of $0.665 and, as a result, $59,801 was recorded as down round feature as interest expense under ASC 260-10-30-1. Foothills determined the amount of $59,801 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 94%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 3 years.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, we incurred $164,656 and $87,485 of interest expense, including amortization of discount of $8,905 and $2,264 and shares issued for extension of $0 and $46,700 and penalty of $100,000 and $0, respectively.

Note 7 – Notes Payable - Related Party

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, we incurred $191,610 and $157,119 of interest expense, including amortization of discount of $0 and $57,134 and shares issued for extension of $0 and $58,375, respectively.

Note 8 – Convertible Note Payable

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, the Company incurred $403,793 and $95,021 of interest expense, including amortization of discount of $382,565 and $88,511. At March 31, 2019, the unamortized discount was $1,158,850, respectively.

The following table reconciles, for the period ended March 31, 2019, the beginning and ending balances for financial instruments that are recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements:

Derivative liabilities were determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248 - 266 %, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 0.08 – 1.00 year.

Note 9 – Common Stock

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 200,000 shares to various consultants for services rendered, valued at $10,000.

On February 25, 2019, a third-party debt holder cashless exercised 875,000 shares of warrant to purchase common stocks.

On March 4, 2019, 650,000 shares were returned in connection with partial repayment made to debt holder and the same holder cashless exercised 1,110,000 shares of warrant to purchase common stocks.

As of March 31, 2019, the Company had 23,610,738 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

Warrants

On May 27, 2016, the Company granted to Wilshire Energy Partners, LLC, warrants (“Wilshire Warrants”) to purchase (i) 100,000 common shares at a strike price of $1.25 per share, (ii) 200,000 common shares at a strike price of $2.00 per share and (iii) 400,000 common shares at a strike price of $3.00 per share. The Wilshire Warrants commence to be exercisable on the earlier of (i) 12-month anniversary of the closing of a going public transaction or (ii) June 30, 2017 and expire on June 1, 2021.

On May 27, 2016, the Company granted to an unrelated party warrants to purchase (i) 125,000 common shares at a strike price of $1.25 per share, (ii) 100,000 common shares at a strike price of $2.00 per share and (iii) 100,000 common shares at a strike price of $3.00 per share. The warrants commence to be exercisable on the earlier of (i) 12-month anniversary of the closing of a going public transaction or (ii) June 30, 2017 and expire on June 1, 2021.

The fair value of above warrants was determined to be $2,144 on May 27, 2016, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 120%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5 years.

On November 7, 2017, the Company issued 50,000 warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a strike price of $1.00 per share expiring on May 7, 2019 in connection with a senior convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $50,000. If the Company fails to pay the principal and accrued unpaid interest due and payable to Lender on or before the due date of the convertible note, then the Lender shall be provided the right to convert at either $0.665 per share or upon the same terms offered in FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC Note’s conversion options. The relative fair value of warrant was determined to be $3,381 on November 7, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 77%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 1.5 years.

On November 17, 2017, the Company issued an unaffiliated investor warrants to purchase 267,500 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share and expires in 18 months, in connection with a senior convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $267,500. The aggregate relative fair value of warrant was determined to be $10,750 on November 17, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 78%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 1.5 year. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to March 4, 2019, which is $0.025. (ii) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the Conversion Date. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $1,381,963 on March 4, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 0.2 year. The same was considered as deemed dividend.

On August 11, 2018, the Company issued an unaffiliated investor warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at a strike price of $0.665 per share expiring in 24 months, in connection with a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $44,000. The aggregate relative fair value of the warrant was determined to be $9,035 on August 11, 2018, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 221%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 2 year.

On November 1, 2018, the Company issued an unaffiliated investor two tranches of warrants in connection with a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $380,000. (i) tranche 1 are warrants having a 5-year term to purchase 687,500 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share with cashless exercise option and (ii) tranche 2 are warrants having a 5-year term to purchase 2,062,500 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share with cashless exercise option. Tranche 2 warrants may be redeemed by the Company for $20,000 (“Call Payment”) beginning on the date of issuance, November 1, 2018, and ending on the date which is 180 calendar days following the issuance date (the “Call”). The aggregate relative fair value of the warrant was determined to be $89,908 on November 1, 2018, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 226%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5.0 year. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to March 4, 2019, which is $0.025. (ii) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the Conversion Date. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $3,421,241 on March 4, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 4.7 year. The same was considered as deemed dividend.

On December 6, 2018 the Company issued an unaffiliated investor warrants to purchase 227,500 shares of common stock at a strike price of $0.20 per share expiring in 5 years, in connection with a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $45,500. The relative fair value of the warrant was determined to be $7,880 on December 6, 2018, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 225%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5.0 year. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to March 4, 2019, which is $0.025. (ii) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the Conversion Date. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $299,594 on March 4, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 4.8 year. The same was considered as deemed dividend.

On March 4, 2019, the Company issued warrants having an 18-month term, to purchase 1,125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, with a cashless exercise feature. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) $0.5 or (ii) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the exercise price upon issuance. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $3,553,635 on March 4, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 1.5 year.

On March 6, 2019, the Company issued Labrys warrants having a five-year term to purchase 608,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, with a cashless exercise feature. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the Issuance Date. (ii) 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty (20) Trading Day prior to the Conversion Date. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $2,306,364 on March 6, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 248%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5 years.

On March 19, 2019, the Company issued warrants having a 18-month term to purchase 83,078 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, with a cashless exercise feature. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to the lesser of (i) 60% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty-five (25) Trading Days before the Issue Date of this Note or (ii) 60% multiplied by the Market Price. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $296,143 on March 19, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 266%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 1.5 year.

On March 20, 2019, the Company also issued warrants having a 5 years term to purchase 80,036 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, with a cashless exercise feature. The exercise price subject to adjustment if the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise) (including but not limited to under the Note), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price. Exercise Price shall be reduced to equal the effective price, and the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be calculated by the original total number of Warrant Shares multiplied by the initial Exercise Price divided by the effective price. As the result, the exercise price of the warrants was reset to 50% multiplied by the lowest Trading Price during the previous twenty 20 Trading Days prior to notice of conversion. The fair value of the warrant was determined to be $106,534 on March 20, 2019, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 266%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5 years.

The following table summarizes all stock warrant activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

Options

On May 19, 2016, the Company granted to each of its then three directors options to purchase (i) 50,000 common shares at a strike price of $2 per share, vesting when the Company achieves and maintains a total average daily production level of 100 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“BOE/D”) for at least 30 days, (ii) 50,000 common shares at a strike price of $3 per share, vesting when the Company achieves and maintains a total average daily production level of 200 BOE/D for at least 60 days, and (iii) 50,000 common shares at a strike price of $4 per share, vesting when the Company achieves and maintains a total average daily production level of 500 BOE/D for at least 90 days.

On February 27, 2017, the Company granted to Mr. Christopher Jarvis, currently an officer and director, options to purchase 400,000 common shares at a strike price of $1.99 per share, vesting quarterly over two years commencing with the first quarter following the 90-day probationary period.

The fair value of 400,000 options was determined to be $616,055 on February 27, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 129%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 5 years.

On February 27, 2017, the Company granted to Mr. Kevin J. Sylla, currently our Executive Chairman of the Board, options to purchase 1,200,000 common shares at a strike price of $1.99 per share, vesting quarterly over the term of three years.

The fair value of 1,200,000 options was determined to be $1,986,902 on February 27, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following assumptions: (i) volatility rate of 129%, (ii) discount rate of 0%, (iii) zero expected dividend yield, and (iv) expected life of 7 years.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $212,254 and $239,259 option expense. As of March 31, 2019, the unamortized option expense was $604,236.

The following table summarizes all stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018: