Laredo Oil, Inc. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
Form 10-K
☑ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021
or
o | 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: 333-153168
Laredo Oil, Inc. |
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) |
Delaware | 26-2435874 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
2021 Guadalupe Street, Ste. 260; Austin, TX 78705 |
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) |
(512) 337-1199 |
(Registrants 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: |
None |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o |
Non-accelerated filer | o | Smaller reporting company | x |
Emerging growth company | o | ||
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b of the Act). Yes o No ☑
The aggregate market value of the registrants outstanding shares of voting common stock held by non-affiliates based on the closing price of these shares on November 30, 2020 of $0.02 per share as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board, was $0.39 million. That date was the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter when shares were traded. Shares held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding common stock are considered affiliates. The determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of September 14, 2021 the registrant had 54,514,765 shares of voting common stock outstanding.
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LAREDO OIL, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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LAREDO OIL, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2021 ON FORM 10-K
Summary
Laredo Oil, Inc. (the Company) is an oil exploration and production (E&P) company primarily engaged in acquisition and exploration efforts for mineral properties. From June 14, 2011 to December 31, 2020, the Company was a management services company managing the acquisition and conventional operation of mature oil fields and the further recovery of stranded oil from those fields using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods for its sole customer, Stranded Oil Resources Corporation (SORC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (Alleghany).
From its inception through October 2009, the Company was primarily engaged in acquisition and exploration efforts for mineral properties. After a change in control in October 2009, the Company shifted its focus to locating mature oil fields with the intention of acquiring those oil fields and recovering stranded oil using EOR methods. The Company was unable to raise the capital required to purchase any suitable oil fields. On June 14, 2011, the Company entered into several agreements with SORC to seek recovery of stranded crude oil from mature, declining oil fields by using the EOR method known as Underground Gravity Drainage (UGD). Such agreements consisted of a license agreement between the Company and SORC (the SORC License Agreement), a license agreement between the Company and Mark See, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (the MS-Company License Agreement), an Additional Interests Grant Agreement between the Company and SORC, a Management Services Agreement between the Company and SORC (the MSA), a Finders Fee Agreement between the Company and SORC (the Finders Fee Agreement), and a Stockholders Agreement (the Stockholders Agreement) among the Company, SORC and Alleghany Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Alleghany (Alleghany Capital), each of which were dated June 14, 2011 (collectively, the 2011 SORC Agreements).
Pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 31, 2020 (the SORC Purchase Agreement), by and among the Company, Alleghany, SORC, and SORC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (SORC Holdings), SORC Holdings purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of SORC stock (the SORC Shares) in a transaction that closed on December 31, 2020 (the SORC Purchase Transaction). As consideration for the SORC Shares, SORC Holdings paid Alleghany $72,678 (comprised of $55,000 purchase price plus a $17,678 working capital adjustment calculated in accordance with the SORC Purchase Agreement), and the Company agreed to pay to Alleghany a revenue royalty of 5.0% of the Companys future revenues and net profits relating to oil, gas, gas liquids and all other hydrocarbons, subject to certain adjustments, for a period of seven years after the closing. The SORC Purchase Agreement provides for customary adjustments to the purchase price based on the effective date of December 31, 2020. In connection with the SORC Purchase Transaction, the 2011 SORC Agreements were terminated effective as of December 31, 2020.
Further, pursuant to the SORC Purchase Agreement, the Company and Alleghany entered into a Consulting Agreement dated as of December 31, 2020 (the Alleghany Consulting Agreement), pursuant to which Alleghany agreed to pay an aggregate of approximately $1.245 million during calendar year 2021 in consideration of the Company causing certain individuals, including Mark See, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Chris Lindsey, the Companys General Counsel and Secretary, to provide consulting services to Alleghany (for a period of three years for Mr. See and one year for Mr. Lindsey).
The Company believes that the SORC Purchase Transaction was advantageous as it simplified in a timely manner the unwinding of the 2011 SORC Agreements and allowed the Company to acquire vehicles and oil field assets that can be utilized in future oil recovery projects.
As the Company now owns SORC and the 2011 SORC Agreements have been terminated, the Company no longer receives any payments from SORC (including any Royalty payable by SORC to the Company) outlined in the 2011 SORC Agreements. As a result, except for the payments to be made in calendar year 2021 to the Company under the Alleghany Consulting Agreement, the Company will no longer receive management fee revenue from Alleghany or reimbursement from Alleghany for the monthly expenses of its employees, which fees and reimbursements were effectively all of the Companys revenues prior to the closing of the SORC Purchase Transaction.
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Item 1. Business - continued
During the period from June 14, 2011 through December 31, 2020, Company management gained specialized know-how and operational experience in evaluating, acquiring, operating and developing oil and gas properties while implementing UGD projects, as well as gaining expertise designing, drilling and producing conventional oil wells. Based upon the knowledge gained, the Company has identified and has acquired 23,739 acres of mineral properties in Montana. An initial target of 10 drilling locations has been identified with the intention to drill a development well there in calendar year 2021 and, if that well yields anticipated results, the Company plans to develop the field thereafter.
On June 30, 2020, the Company entered into the Limited Liability Company Agreement (the LLC Agreement) of Cat Creek Holdings LLC (Cat Creek), a Montana limited liability company formed as a joint venture with Lipson Investments LLC (Lipson) and Viper Oil & Gas, LLC (Viper) for the purchase of certain oil and gas properties in the Cat Creek Field in Petroleum and Garfield Counties in the State of Montana (the Cat Creek Properties). Cat Creek entered into an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Cat Creek Purchase Agreement) with Carrell Oil Company (Carrell Oil) on July 1, 2020 for the purchase of the Cat Creek Properties from Seller. Upon closing under the Cat Creek Purchase Agreement, Carrell received consideration of $400,000, subject to certain adjustments resulting from pre- and post-effective date revenue, expense and tax allocations. In accordance with the LLC Agreement, the Company invested $448,900 in Cat Creek for 50% of the ownership interests in Cat Creek using cash on hand. Each of Lipson Investments LLC and Viper Oil & Gas, LLC, the other two members of Cat Creek, have ownership interests in Cat Creek of 25% in consideration of their respective investments of $224,450. Cat Creek will be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of four directors, two of which shall be designated by the Company.
The original UGD method used conventional mining processes to establish a drilling chamber underneath an existing oil field from where closely spaced wellbores were intended to be drilled up into the reservoir, using residual radial pressure and gravity to then drain the targeted reservoir through the wellbores. As experience has been gained through practical application of the processes involved in oil recovery, variants of the UGD concept are continually developed and evaluated. The UGD method is applicable to mature oil fields that have very specific geological characteristics. The Company has done extensive research and has identified oil fields within the United States that it believes are qualified for UGD recovery methods. We believe the costs of implementing the UGD method are significantly lower than those presently experienced by other commonly used EOR methods. We also estimate that we can materially increase the field oil production rate from prior periods and, in some cases, recover amounts of oil equal to or greater than amounts previously recovered from the mature fields selected.
Our shares are currently listed for trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol LRDC. As of the date of this report, there has been light to medium trading for our common stock and we cannot provide assurance that an active trading market for our securities will ever develop.
General – Company Business during the Reporting Period until December 31, 2020
A description of the 2011 SORC Agreements effective during all periods shown prior to and including December 31, 2020 follows. In connection with the SORC Purchase Transaction, the 2011 SORC Agreements were terminated effective as of December 31, 2020.
The 2011 SORC Agreements stipulated that the Company and Mark See, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will provide to SORC, management services and expertise through exclusive, perpetual license agreements and a management services agreement (the Management Service Agreement) with SORC. As consideration for the licenses to SORC, the Company will receive an interest in SORCs net profits as defined in the Agreements (the Royalty). The Management Service Agreement (MSA) outlines that the Company will provide the services of various employees (Service Employees), including Mark See, in exchange for monthly and quarterly management service fees. The monthly management service fees provide funding for the salaries, benefit costs, and FICA taxes for the Service Employees identified in the MSA. SORC remits payment for the monthly management fees in advance and is payable on the first day of each calendar month. The quarterly management fee totals $137,500 and is paid on the first day of each calendar quarter, with the last payment being received October 1, 2020. In addition, prior to December 31, 2020, SORC reimbursed the Company for monthly expenses incurred by Service Employees in connection with their rendition of services under the MSA. The Company could also submit written requests to SORC for additional funding for payment of the Companys operating costs and expenses, which SORC, in its sole and absolute discretion, determined whether or not to fund.
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Item 1. Business - continued
As consideration for the licenses to SORC, the Company was to receive a 19.49% interest in SORC net profits as defined in the SORC License Agreement (the SORC License Agreement). Under the SORC License Agreement, the Company agreed that a portion of the Royalty equal to at least 2.25% of the net profits (Incentive Royalty) be used to fund a long-term incentive plan for the benefit of its employees, as determined by the Companys board of directors. On October 11, 2012, the Laredo Royalty Incentive Plan (the Plan) was approved and adopted by the Board and the Incentive Royalty was assigned by the Company to Laredo Royalty Incentive Plan, LLC, a special purpose Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company formed to carry out the purposes of the Plan (the Plan Entity). Through February 28, 2021 the subsidiary has received no distributions from SORC. As a result of the assignment of the Incentive Royalty to the Plan Entity, the Royalty retained by the Company has been reduced from 19.49% to 17.24% subject to reduction to 15% under certain events stipulated in the SORC License Agreement. Additionally, in the event of a SORC initial public offering or certain other defined corporate events, the Company was to receive 17.24%, subject to reduction to 15% under the SORC License Agreement, of the SORC common equity or proceeds emanating from the event in exchange for termination of the Royalty. Under certain circumstances regarding termination of exclusivity and license terminations, the Royalty could be reduced to 7.25%. If any Incentive Royalty is funded as a result of those conditions being met, the Company may record compensation expense for the fair value of the Incentive Royalty, once all pertinent factors are known and considered probable. As the Royalty is no longer payable by SORC to the Company as a result of the SORC Purchase Transaction referenced above, there are also no longer any Incentive Royalties payable pursuant to the Plan.
Prior to the Company receiving any Royalty cash distributions from SORC, all SORC preferred share accrued dividends would have been required to be paid (in excess of $200 million as of December 31, 2020), preferred shares redeemed (in excess of $270 million as of December 31, 2020), and debt retired to comply with any loan agreements. No Royalties have been received by the Company. As referenced above, as a result of the SORC Purchase Transaction, no Royalties will be paid to the Company by SORC in the future.
Competition
Our operating results are largely dependent upon competition from other oil companies in all areas of operation, including the acquisition of mature fields, and that such competitors may include large, well established companies with substantial capital resources.
Pandemic; Oil and Gas Price Volatility
Market prices for oil and gas collapsed in the first six months of calendar year 2020 as the combination of the COVID-19 global pandemic (the Pandemic) and geopolitical tensions among the worlds energy producers resulted in the simultaneous reduction of demand and increase in supply of crude. The price shock has adversely affected the results, prospects and values of investments in energy-related businesses which businesses are likely to remain pressured until the uncertainty around the Pandemic and the price of energy products recovers. Although prices recovered somewhat over the first half of calendar year 2021, they still remain volatile.
The long-term impacts of the global emergence of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on our business are currently unknown. In an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, we took proactive, aggressive action from the earliest signs of the outbreak in China to adopt social distancing policies at our locations, including working from home, limiting the number of employees attending meetings, reducing the number of people in our sites at any one time, and suspending employee travel. We anticipate that the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 will continue to negatively impact business activity. We have observed declining demand and price reductions in the oil and gas sector as business and consumer activity decelerates across the globe. When COVID-19 is demonstrably contained, we anticipate a rebound in economic activity, depending on the rate, pace, and effectiveness of the containment efforts deployed by various national, state, and local governments.
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Item 1. Business - continued
We will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions altering our business operations that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders, or as required by federal, state, or local authorities. It is not clear what the potential effects any such alterations or modifications may have on our business, including the effects on our customers, employees, and prospects, or on our financial results for the remainder of 2021.
Operating Hazards and Uninsured Risks
Drilling activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive reservoirs will be encountered. We believe that the cost and timing of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain and that drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors, including low oil prices, title problems, reservoir characteristics, weather conditions, equipment failures, delays by project participants, compliance with governmental requirements, shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and services and increases in the cost for such equipment and services. Future oil recovery activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Company operations are subject to hazards and risks inherent in drilling for and producing and transporting oil, such as fires, natural disasters, explosions, encountering formations with abnormal pressures, blowouts, craterings, pipeline ruptures and spills, any of which can result in the loss of hydrocarbons, environmental pollution, personal injury claims and other damage to Company properties and those of others. The Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. In particular, the insurance we maintain does not cover claims relating to failure of title to oil leases, loss of surface equipment at well locations, business interruption, loss of revenue due to low commodity prices or loss of revenues due to well failure. The occurrence of an event that is not covered, or not fully covered, by insurance which we maintain or may acquire, could have a material adverse effect on our sales in the period such event may occur.
Governmental Regulation
Oil and natural gas exploration, production, transportation and marketing activities are subject to extensive laws, rules and regulations promulgated by federal and state legislatures and agencies, including but not limited to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and various state regulatory agencies. Failure to comply with such laws, rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties, including the delay or stopping of our operations. The legislative and regulatory burden on the oil industry increases our cost of doing business.
State regulatory agencies, as well as the federal government when operating on federal or Indian lands, require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations and impose other requirements relating to the exploration and production of oil. These governmental authorities also have statutes or regulations addressing conservation matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, the establishment of maximum rates of production from wells and the regulation of spacing, plugging and abandonment of such wells. In each jurisdiction, we will most likely need exceptions to some regulations requiring regulatory approval. All of these matters could affect our operations.
Environmental Matters
The oil industry is subject to extensive and changing federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment, as well as safety and health. The recent trend in environmental legislation and regulation is generally toward stricter standards, and this trend is likely to continue. These laws and regulations may require a permit or other authorization before construction or drilling commences, and for certain other activities, limit or prohibit access, seismic acquisition, construction, drilling and other activities on certain lands lying within wilderness and other protected areas, impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from its operations, and require the reclamation of certain lands.
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Item 1. Business - continued
The permits that are required for oil and gas operations are subject to revocation, modification and renewal by issuing authorities.
Federal regulations require certain owners or operators of facilities that store or otherwise handle oil to prepare and implement spill prevention, control countermeasure and response plans relating to the possible discharge of oil into surface waters. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) contains numerous requirements relating to the prevention of and response to oil spills into waters of the United States. For onshore and offshore facilities that may affect waters of the United States, the OPA requires an operator to demonstrate financial responsibility. Regulations are currently being developed under federal and state laws concerning oil pollution prevention and other matters that may impose additional regulatory burdens on participants in the oil and gas industry. In addition, the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws require permits to be obtained to authorize discharge into surface waters or to construct facilities in wetland areas. The Clean Air Act of 1970 and its subsequent amendments in 1990 and 1997 also impose permit requirements and necessitate certain restrictions on point source emissions of volatile organic carbons (nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide) and particulates with respect to certain of our operations. The EPA and designated state agencies have in place regulations concerning discharges of storm water runoff and stationary sources of air emissions. These programs require covered facilities to obtain individual permits, participate in a group or seek coverage under an EPA general permit. Most agencies recognize the unique qualities of oil and natural gas exploration and production operations. A number of agencies, including but not limited to MSHA, the EPA, the BLM, and similar state commissions, have adopted regulatory guidance in consideration of the operational limitations on these types of facilities and their potential to emit pollutants.
Formation
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 31, 2008 under the name of Laredo Mining, Inc. with authorized common stock of 90,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value and authorized preferred stock of 10,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value. On October 21, 2009 the name was changed to Laredo Oil, Inc. Effective October 21, 2009, all shares of the Companys common stock issued and outstanding were combined and reclassified on a 1-to-6.25 basis. In connection with this change, the Certificate of Incorporation was amended to retain the par value at $0.0001 per share.
Facilities
Our principal executive office is located at 2021 Guadalupe Street, Ste. 260, Austin, Texas 78705.
Employer
As of May 31, 2021, we had 10 full-time employees and two non-employee directors.
Website Access
We make available, free of charge through our website, www.laredo-oil.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information on our website is not a part of this report.
We currently do not own any real property. Physical property consists of vehicles and oil field equipment located in Montana and Wyoming.
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On February 4, 2021, a case captioned Lustre Oil Company LLC and Erewhon Oil & Gas, LLC v. Anadarko Minerals, Inc. and A&S Mineral Development Co., LLC was filed in the Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court for Valley County by Lustre Oil Company LLC, a subsidiary of the Company (Lustre), to initiate a quiet title action confirming Lustres rights under certain mineral leases in Valley County, Montana. Lustre is also seeking damages with respect to actions taken by A&S Mineral Development Co., LLC to improperly produce oil on the property subject to such mineral leases.
Except as set forth above, we are not currently involved in any other legal proceedings and we are not aware of any other pending or potential legal actions.
As of May 31, 2021, there are no known environmental or other regulatory matters related to our operations that are reasonably expected to result in a material liability to us.
Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
The Companys common stock currently is quoted on the OTCBB which is not recognized as a stock exchange for SEC reporting purposes. Since the Company began trading November 5, 2009 on the OTCBB, there has been a limited trading market for the Companys common stock. The following table presents the range of high and low bid information for the common equity for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years.
Laredo Oil, Inc. High/Low Market Bid Prices ($) | |||||||||
Fiscal
Q1: Jun 2020 — Aug 2020 |
Fiscal
Q2: Sep 2020 — Nov 2020 |
Fiscal
Q3: Dec 2020— Feb 2021 |
Fiscal
Q4: Mar 2021 — May 2021 |
||||||
High Bid | 0.0255 | 0.016 | 0.0933 | 0.222 | |||||
Low Bid | 0.0077 | 0.01 | 0.0102 | 0.0441 | |||||
Fiscal
Q1: Jun 2019 — Aug 2019 |
Fiscal
Q2: Sep 2019 — Nov 2019 |
Fiscal
Q3: Dec 2019— Feb 2020 |
Fiscal
Q4: Mar 2020 — May 2020 |
||||||
High Bid | 0.0441 | 0.0385 | 0.066 | 0.0481 | |||||
Low Bid | 0.022 | 0.0214 | 0.02 | 0.015 |
Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
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Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - continued
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or quotation system. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC, that: (a) contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading; (b) contains a description of the brokers or dealers duties to the customer and of the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to a violation to such duties or other requirements of securities laws; (c) contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including bid and ask prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask price; (d) contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions; (e) defines significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading in penny stocks; and (f) contains such other information and is in such form, including language, type, size and format, as the SEC shall require by rule or regulation. The broker-dealer also must provide, prior to effecting any transaction in a penny stock, the customer with: (a) bid and offer quotations for the penny stock; (b) the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction; (c) the number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other comparable information relating to the depth and liquidity of the market for such stock; and (d) monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customers account. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchasers written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement, a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a suitably written statement.
These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our stock if it becomes subject to these penny stock rules. Therefore, if our common stock becomes subject to the penny stock rules, stockholders may have difficulty selling those securities.
Holders
As of September 14, 2021, the Company had 54,514,765 shares of common stock issued and outstanding estimated to be held by more than 700 beneficial holders including those who own units through their brokers in street name. The Company also had outstanding options to purchase 1,600,000 shares of common stock at $0.074 per share, 200,000 shares of common stock at $0.25 per share, 800,000 shares of common stock at $0.36 per share, 1,100,000 shares of common stock at $0.38 per share, 600,000 shares of common stock at $0.40 per share, 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.405, and 1,500,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share, all of which total 5,900,000 shares. Of those options, 4,300,000 are fully vested and the remaining 1,600,000 options vest monthly to be fully vested on July 1, 2024. If shares underlying all options were issued, the fully diluted number of shares outstanding would be 60,414,765 shares. Other than three months after an employee terminates, options expire over a range of dates starting in April 2022 and ending in July 2031
Dividends
Since its inception, the Company has not paid any dividends on its common stock, and the Company does not anticipate that it will pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
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Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Until December 31, 2020, the Company continued to manage the Alleghany subsidiary SORC. See Item 1. Business for a discussion of our business and our transactions with SORC. On December 31, 2020, the Company purchased 100% of the stock of SORC from Alleghany. Prior to its purchase by the Company, SORC sold the assets of three major projects, described below, and transferred funds therefrom to Alleghany. The Company acquired vehicles and oil field assets with the SORC purchase that were not included in the project sales.
The first project was located in Kansas. SORC funds had been used to acquire oil and gas leases and to purchase mineral rights totaling approximately 2,500 acres and used to construct and develop an Underground Gravity Drainage (UGD) facility. SORC completed construction of its underground facility in 2014 and commenced its drilling program in 2015. After a thorough evaluation of the project, SORC sold substantially all its assets to third parties as of December 29, 2017 and no longer had oil and gas properties in Kansas.
The second project was located in Louisiana where SORC had acquired oil and gas leases on approximately 9,244 acres in a targeted oil reservoir. The oil field assets there were operational, producing crude oil using both conventional and UGD production methods, and were sold to a third party effective July 1, 2020.
The third project was located in Wyoming. On January 30, 2015, SORC, through one of its subsidiaries, purchased the Department of Energys Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 3 (NPR-3), the Teapot Dome Oilfield, for $45.2 million. The purchase culminated a competitive bidding process that closed on October 16, 2014. Under the terms of the sale, operation and ownership of all of NPR-3s mineral rights and approximately 9,000 acres of land immediately transferred to SORC. The remaining surface acreage transferred in June 2015, bringing the total acres purchased to 9,318. The oil field there was sold to a third party on December 31, 2020.
During the period from June 14, 2011 through December 31, 2020, Company management gained specialized know-how and operational experience implementing UGD projects, as well as experience developing conventional oil wells. Based upon the knowledge gained, the Company has identified and has acquired 23,739.9 acres of mineral properties in Montana with the intention to drill a development well there in calendar year 2021 and, based upon successful results, will develop the field thereafter.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As a result of the SORC Purchase Transaction, the Company is no longer entitled to receive management fee revenue or operations reimbursements from Alleghany or SORC. Further, the Company is no longer entitled to any Royalty cash distributions from Alleghany or SORC. The Company plans to use its cash and cash equivalents on hand, and the proceeds from the Consulting Agreement, to maintain the mineral rights acquisition program in Montana and to pay its operating costs.
On April 28, 2020, the Company entered into a note in the amount of $1,233,656 (the First PPP Note) pursuant to the terms of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (the Program). The Program provides loans to qualifying businesses for amount up to 2.5 times the average monthly payroll expenses of the qualifying business. On July 19, 2021, the Company was notified that the SBA forgave $1,209,809 of the note, leaving $23,847 payable over the remaining life of the five-year loan. The loan will be repaid through monthly payments of principal and accrued interest in the amount of $559 beginning September 1, 2021 and ending April 28, 2025 with the final payment including all outstanding principal as well as accrued interest through that date.
Effective as of February 3, 2021, the Company entered into a note in the amount of $1,233,655 (the Second PPP Note and, together with the First PPP Note, the PPP Notes) for a second draw under the Program.
Under the terms of the Second PPP Note, PPP loan participants can apply for and be granted forgiveness for all or a portion of the loan (including interest) granted pursuant to the PPP. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of the loan proceeds for eligible purposes. No assurance can be given that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Second PPP Note, in whole or part.
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Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - continued
Our cash and cash equivalents at May 31, 2021 was $1,196,650. Total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2021 is $3,067,616 comprised of $600,305, recorded net of $17,629 deferred debt discount and owed to Alleghany Capital, which is classified as a short-term notes payable and $2,467,311 pursuant to the PPP Notes. Based on the terms of the PPP Notes, $1,246,486 is classified as a long-term note, net of the current portion totaling $1,220,825 which is classified as a current note payable and includes the $1,209,809 balance forgiven in July 2021.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Results of Operations
Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement with SORC, which terminated effective December 31, 2020 in connection with the SORC Purchase Transaction, the Company received and recorded management fee revenue and direct costs totaling $4,015,763 and $4,775,976, respectively, for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021 and $8,145,167 and $7,968,985, respectively, for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2020. The decrease in revenues and direct costs is primarily attributable to the termination of the MSA with SORC resulting in a reduction in force contributing to the decrease in employee related costs as well as the cessation of the related monthly and quarterly management fee revenues in fiscal year ending May 31, 2021 as compared to fiscal year ending May 31, 2020. Offsetting the decrease in the management fee revenue is an increase in other revenue totaling $576,863 recorded for continued consulting services after the termination of the MSA.
During the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, we incurred operating expenses of $499,332 and $307,048. These expenses consisted of general operating expenses incurred in connection with the day to day operation of our business, the preparation and filing of our required reports and stock option compensation expense. The increase in expenses for the year ended May 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 is primarily attributable to consulting and legal costs related to investment in Cat Creek and the Securities Purchase Agreement. The Company also experienced increases in other general and administrative expenses including insurance, IT and internet services and transfer agent fees, as well as depreciation expense in connection with the acquired property, plant and equipment.
Due to the nature of the Agreements, the Company is relatively unaffected by the impact of inflation. Usually, when general price inflation occurs, the price of crude oil increases as well, which may have a positive effect on sales. However, as the price of oil increases, it also most likely will result in making targeted oil fields more expensive.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The process of preparing consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of liabilities and stockholders equity/(deficit) at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in these consolidated financial statements include estimates related to purchase price allocation. Changes in the status of certain facts or circumstances could result in a material change to the estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements or other such unrecorded obligations, and we have not guaranteed the debt of any other party.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our consolidated financial statements required by this item are included on the pages immediately following the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing on page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
11
Item 9A Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives, and management necessarily is required to use its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our size has prevented us from being able to employ sufficient resources to enable us to have an adequate level of supervision and segregation of duties. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively segregate accounting duties which comprises a material weakness in internal controls. This lack of segregation of duties leads management to conclude that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are not effective to give reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports that the Company files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of May 31, 2021. As we grow, we are working on further improving our segregation of duties and level of supervision.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Companys registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report was not subject to attestation by the Companys registered public accounting firm pursuant to SEC rules adopted in conformity with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the year ended May 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
None.
12
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The following table sets forth as of August 30, 2021, the name, age, and position of each executive officer and director and the term of office of each director of the Company.
Name | Age | Position Held | Term
as Director or Officer Since | |||
Donald Beckham | 61 | Director | March 1, 2011 | |||
Michael H. Price | 73 | Independent Director | August 3, 2012 | |||
Mark See | 60 | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman | October 16, 2009 | |||
Bradley E. Sparks | 74 | Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director | March 1, 2011 |
Each director of the Company serves for a term of three years and until his successor is elected at the Companys annual shareholders meeting and is qualified, subject to removal by the Companys shareholders. Each officer serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors for a term of one year and until his successor is elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Set forth below is certain biographical information regarding each of the Companys executive officers and directors.
DONALD BECKHAM has served as a director of the Company since March 1, 2011. Since July 2015, he has been a Partner with Copestone Energy Partners, LLC. In 1993 he founded Beckham Resources, Inc. (BRI) which for the past 20 years has been a licensed, bonded and insured operator in good standing with the Railroad Commission of Texas. Through BRI, Mr. Beckham has drilled and operated fields for his own account. His expertise is in the acquisition, exploitation, exploration and production enhancement of mature oil and gas fields through which he has been able to enhance production by compressor optimization, pump design, work-over programs, stimulation techniques and identifying new pay zones. BRI has operated wells in the following fields: Hull, Liberty, Aransas Pass, McCampbell, Mission River, Garcitas Creek, Sour Lake, Batson, Barton Ranch and Dayton. Prior to BRI, Mr. Beckham was the chief operations manager for Houston Oil Fields Corporation (HOFCO) where he began his career. There he was responsible for drilling, production and field operations and managed approximately 100 people including engineers, geologists, land men, pumpers, and other contract personnel, as well as state and federal environmental and regulatory functions. He managed an annual capital budget of approximately $30 million and operated approximately 100 wells. HOFCO drilled about 20 wells per annum and performed approximately 30 recompletions and work over operations each year. HOFCO owned interests in about 10 key fields principally in Texas, and company-managed production was approximately 1,000 bpd of crude oil and 10 mm cfd of natural gas. Fields that he managed were as follows: Manvell, Cold Springs, Shepherd, Turtle Bay, Red Fish Bay, Dickinson, Refugio, Lost Lake, Liberty and Abbeville. Mr. Beckham is a petroleum engineer and 1984 graduate of Mississippi State University.
MICHAEL H. PRICE, has served as a director of the company since August 1, 2012 and has over 40 years of senior financial and petroleum experience in the global oil and gas industry. He has been a principal in Octagon Energy Advisors, a Houston based energy investment advisory firm, from 2002 to the present. The firm advises financial institutions and institutional investors participating in energy investments. Since 2008, he has been a Managing Director at ING Capital which provides debt financing to domestic exploration and production companies. From 1998 through 2002, Mr. Price was the Chief Financial Officer of Forman Petroleum Corporation. Before that, Mr. Price was Managing Director at Chase Manhattan Bank for fifteen years where he was in charge of technical support for Chases worldwide energy merchant banking activities. In his early career, he worked as a consulting principal on domestic petroleum engineering and landowner matters, and gained extensive international experience working with major oil companies in a variety of operating positions. He holds a BS and MS from Illinois Institute of Technology, an MBA from the University of Chicago, a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, and a MS in Petroleum Engineering from Tulane University.
13
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance - continued
MARK SEE has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Company since October 16, 2009. He has over 25 years of experience in tunneling, natural resources and the petroleum industries. He was the founder and founding CEO of Rock Well Petroleum, a private oil & gas company from January 2005 until December 2008 and worked from then until October of 2009 forming Laredo Oil. He was employed with Albian Sands as the Manager for the Alberta Oil Sands Projects at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, a joint venture between Shell Canada and Chevron. Mr. See was also President of Oil Recovery Enhancement LLC in Bozeman, Montana, a private oil company. He was selected as one of the top 25 Engineers in North America by the Engineering News Record for his innovations in the petroleum industry. He is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
BRADLEY E. SPARKS currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and has been a director of the Company since March 1, 2011. Before joining Laredo Oil in October 2009, he was the Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of Visualant, Inc. Prior to joining Visualant, he was the Chief Financial Officer of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. from 2005-2006. Before joining WatchGuard, he was the founder and managing director of Sunburst Growth Ventures, LLC, a private investment firm specializing in emerging-growth companies. Previously, he founded Pointer Communications and served as Chief Financial Officer for several telecommunications and internet companies, including eSpire Communications, Inc., Digex, Inc., Omnipoint Corporation, and WAM!NET. He also served as Vice President and Treasurer of MCI Communications from 1988-1993 and as Vice President and Controller from 1993-1995. Before his tenure at MCI, Mr. Sparks held various financial management positions at Ryder System, Inc. Mr. Sparks currently serves on the Board of Directors of Comrise. Mr. Sparks graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1969 and is a former Army Captain in the Signal Corps. He received a Master of Science in Management degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975 and is a licensed CPA in Florida.
To the knowledge of management, except as noted below, during the past ten years, no present or former director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or an executive officer of the Company:
(1) | filed a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law, nor had a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by the court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filings; |
(2) | was convicted in a criminal proceeding or named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
(3) | was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting, the following activities: |
(i) | acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity; |
(ii) | engaging in any type of business practice; or |
(iii) | engaging in any activities in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities laws or federal commodities laws; |
(4) | was the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described above under this Item, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activities; |
(5) | was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Securities and Exchange Commission to have violated any federal or state securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Securities and Exchange Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
14
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance - continued
(6) | was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; |
(7) | was the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of: |
(i) | Any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation; or |
(ii) | Any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or |
(iii) | Any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
(8) | was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(26))), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1(a)(29))), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
In calendar year 2014, Mr. Beckham served as an executive officer of Mining Oil, Inc. which filed for bankruptcy in January 2015. Four months prior to that filing, Mr. Beckham had resigned his position due to policy differences with members of the management team.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020, the Company had no class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Accordingly, no reports were required to be filed pursuant to Section 16(a) with respect to the Companys officers, directors, and beneficial holders of more than ten percent of any class of equity securities.
Code of Ethics
The Companys Code of Ethics is attached by reference as Exhibit 14.1 to this Form 10-K and can be found on the Companys web site at www.laredo-oil.com.
15
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation Summary for Executive Officers
The following table sets forth compensation paid or accrued by the Company for the last two years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 with regard to individuals who served as the Principal Executive Officer and for executive officers receiving compensation in excess of $100,000 during these fiscal periods.
Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary($) | Bonus($) | Option Awards($) |
All
Other Compensation($) |
Total($) | ||||||||||||||||
Mark See (1) | 2021 | 627,064 | - | - | 40,270 | 667,334 | ||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | 2020 | 525,000 | - | - | - | 525,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Bradley E. Sparks (2) | 2021 | 415,000 | - | - | - | 415,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director | 2020 | 415,000 | - | - | - | 415,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Christopher E. Lindsey | 2021 | 367,518 | 10,000 | - | 23,852 | 401,370 | ||||||||||||||||
General Counsel and Secretary | 2020 | 333,261 | 10,000 | - | - | 343,261 |
(1) | The salary amount shown in fiscal year 2021 includes a $100,000 cash payment in January 2021. All Other Compensation above was for accrued vacation. In fiscal year 2020 salary includes $520,746 in cash payments and $4,254 of deferred compensation. As of May 31, 2021, Mr. See has cumulative deferred compensation of $157,310. |
(2) | The amounts shown in 2021 include $359,771 of salary paid in cash and $55,229 in deferred compensation and in 2020 include $257,600 of salary paid in cash and $157,400 in deferred compensation. As of May 31, 2021, Mr. Sparks has cumulative deferred compensation of $1,225,586. |
Named Executive Officers Compensation and Termination of Employment Provisions
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 between the Company and Mr. See, the Company agreed to pay Mr. See an annual base salary of $240,000, and, after the Company is funded with a minimum of $7.5 million of capital, a base salary of $450,000 per year. The base salary has an automatic cost of living increase of 10% per year. He also is entitled to a monthly automobile allowance of $1,000, a monthly professional allowance of $1,000, and a monthly communication allowance of $500. We also granted to Mr. See 12,844,269 shares of our common stock. In October 2012, the Laredo Board of Directors voted to increase Mr. Sees salary to $450,000 per year as a result of the SORC Board of Directors both authorizing commencement of UGD development on the Companys initial project with SORC and increasing the monthly management fee to fund the salary increase. When the Company receives insufficient funds under the MSA to pay the base salary, including automatic cost of living increases, the difference of his actual paid base salary rate and the contractual per year rate, calculated monthly, is treated as deferred compensation until such time as the Company has adequate operating funds to satisfy such obligation or until otherwise paid through the issuance of equity or debt securities of the Company as determined by the Compensation Committee.
On October 14, 2014, the letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 between the Company and Mr. See was amended to set the salary amount at $495,000 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. See equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $525,000 per year) and delete the automatic cost of living increase of 10% per year. In addition, the amendment modified the terms of the severance so that if Mr. See is terminated by us without Cause (as such term is defined in the letter agreement), we will pay severance to Mr. See equal to 100% of his then-current annualized base salary, and any bonuses earned, paid out on a pro rata basis over our regular payroll schedule over the two-year period following the effective date of such termination, provided that if such termination occurs within 12 months after a Change of Control, such two-year period shall be increased to a three-year period. On March 1, 2016, the rate of cash salary compensation paid to Mr. See was reduced by 10% from $490,000 to $441,000 per year as part of an overall company salary reduction. Beginning January 1, 2017, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. See was increased by 3% from $441,000 to $454,230 per year. Beginning January 1, 2018, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. See was increased by 3% from $454,230 to $468,000 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. See equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $498,000 per year). Beginning January 1, 2019, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation - continued
See was increased from $468,000 to $485,000 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. See equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $515,000 per year). Beginning January 1, 2020, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. See was increased from $485,000 to $498,580 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. See equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $528,580 per year). Amounts received above the $495,000 contract salary reduce cumulative deferred compensation. Under his contract with Laredo and as of May 31, 2021, Mr. See has $157,310 of cumulative deferred compensation owed him which is the cumulative difference between his contract salary and the actual cash compensation he has received thereunder through May 31, 2021.
Effective December 31, 2020, the letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 between the Company and Mr. See was amended to set the salary amount to $498,580 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. See equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $528,580 per year). For calendar year 2021, the Company shall pay Mr. See as follows: (a) $100,000 cash on or before January 7, 2021, less applicable withholding taxes: and (b) four (4) equal cash installments of $99,645, less applicable withholding taxes, with the first payment to be made on or before January 15, 2021, the second payment to be made on or before April 8, 2021, the third payment to be made on or before July 8, 2021 and the fourth payment to be made on or before October 8, 2021. In consideration of the payments above, Mr. See waived any obligations of the Company to pay for any severance benefits included in the letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 referenced above.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated October 20, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Sparks, we agreed to pay Mr. Sparks an annual base salary of $180,000, and, after the Company is funded with a minimum of $7.5 million of capital, a base salary of $350,000 per year. The base salary has an automatic cost of living increase of 10% per year. He also is entitled to a monthly automobile allowance of $1,000, a monthly professional allowance of $1,000, and a monthly communication allowance of $500. We also granted to Mr. Sparks 2,824,857 shares of our common stock. In April 2013 the Laredo Board of Directors voted to increase Mr. Sparks salary to $350,000 per year with the effect of the SORC Board of Directors authorizing commencement of UGD development on the Companys initial project with SORC. When the Company receives insufficient funds under the MSA to pay the base salary, including automatic cost of living increases, the difference of his actual paid base salary rate and the contractual per year rate, calculated monthly, is treated as deferred compensation until such time as the Company has adequate operating funds to satisfy such obligation or until otherwise paid through the issuance of equity or debt securities of the Company as determined by the Compensation Committee. If Mr. Sparks is terminated by us without Cause (as such term is defined in the letter agreement), we will pay severance to Mr. Sparks equal to 100% of his then-current annualized base salary, and any bonuses earned, paid out on a pro rata basis over our regular payroll schedule over the three-year period following the effective date of such termination. In addition, Mr. Sparks will continue to receive all applicable benefits under our standard benefits plans currently available to other senior executives, for a period not to exceed 24 months following the termination of employment. Moreover, pursuant to a change in control severance agreement between us and Mr. Sparks, if Mr. Sparks is terminated by us within 12 months following a change in control of the Company without Cause (as such term is defined in the change in control agreement) or if Mr. Sparks terminates his employment with us for Good Reason (as such term is defined in the change in control agreement), he will be entitled to receipt of 100% of bonuses earned and his annual base salary paid out on a pro rata basis over our regular payroll schedule until contract expiration. In addition, Mr. Sparks will continue to receive all applicable benefits under our standard benefits plans currently available to other senior executives, for a period not to exceed 24 months following the termination of employment.
On October 14, 2014, the letter agreement dated October 20, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Sparks was amended to set the salary amount at $385,000 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. Sparks equaling $30,000, is an aggregate of $415,000 per year) and delete the automatic cost of living increase of 10% per year. In addition, the amendment modified the terms of the severance so that if Mr. Sparks is terminated by us without Cause (as such term is defined in the letter agreement), we will pay severance to Mr. Sparks equal to 100% of his then-current annualized base salary, and any bonuses earned, paid out on a pro rata basis over our regular payroll schedule over the two-year period following the effective date of such termination, provided that if such termination occurs within 12 months after a Change of Control, such two-year period shall be increased to a three-year period. On March 1, 2016, the rate of cash salary compensation paid to Mr. Sparks was reduced by 5% from $239,580 to $227,601 per year as part of an overall company salary reduction. Under his contract with Laredo and as of May 31, 2021, Mr. Sparks has $1,225,586 of cumulative deferred compensation owed him which is the cumulative difference between his contract salary and the actual cash compensation he has received thereunder.
17
Item 11. Executive Compensation - continued
Effective December 31, 2020, the letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Sparks was amended to set the salary payment schedule for calendar year 2021 as follows: four (4) equal cash installments of $96,250, less applicable withholding taxes, with the first payment to be made on or before January 15, 2021, the second payment to be made on or before April 8, 2021, the third payment to be made on or before July 8, 2021 and the fourth payment to be made on or before October 8, 2021. In consideration of the payments above, Mr. Sparks waived any obligations of the Company to pay for any severance benefits included in the letter agreement dated October 16, 2009 referenced above.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated October 16, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Lindsey, we agreed to pay Mr. Lindsey an annual base salary of $300,000 per year. He also is entitled to a monthly professional allowance of $1,000. We also granted to Mr. Lindsey an option to purchase 800,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.36 per share in accordance with the Laredo Oil, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. If Mr. Lindsey is terminated by us without Cause (as such term is defined in the letter agreement), we will pay severance to Mr. Lindsey equal to 100% of his then-current annualized base salary, and any bonuses earned, paid out on a pro rata basis over our regular payroll schedule over the one-year period following the effective date of such termination. In addition, Mr. Lindsey will continue to receive all applicable benefits under our standard benefits plans currently available to other senior executives, for a period not to exceed 24 months following the termination of employment. In January 2015, the Laredo Board of Directors increased the annual base salary of Mr. Lindsey to $314,000 per year. Effective March 1, 2016, as part of an overall company salary reduction, the annual base salary for Mr. Lindsey was reduced 5% to $298,300. Beginning January 1, 2017, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. Lindsey was increased by 3% from $298,300 to $307,249 per year, and he received a one-time bonus of $6,000 in December 2017. Beginning January 1, 2018, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. Lindsey was increased from $307,249 to $311,000 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. Lindsey equaling $12,000, is an aggregate of $323,000 per year). Beginning January 1, 2019, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. Lindsey was increased from $311,000 to $317,500 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. Lindsey equaling $12,000, is an aggregate of $329,500 per year). Beginning January 1, 2020, the rate of annual cash salary compensation paid to Mr. Lindsey was increased from $317,500 to $326,390 per year (which, together with previously approved allowances for Mr. Lindsey equaling $12,000, is an aggregate of $338,390 per year).
Effective December 31, 2020, the letter agreement dated October 6, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Lindsey was amended to set the salary payment schedule for calendar year 2021 as follows: four (4) equal cash installments of $81,597, less applicable withholding taxes, with the first payment to be made on or before January 15, 2021, the second payment to be made on or before April 8, 2021, the third payment to be made on or before July 8, 2021 and the fourth payment to be made on or before October 8, 2021. In consideration of the payments above, Mr. Lindsey waived any obligations of the Company to pay for any severance benefits included in the letter agreement dated October 6, 2013 referenced above. Effective December 31, 2020, Mr. Lindsey resigned as General Counsel.
Effective June 29, 2012, the Board approved the Laredo Management Retention Plan (the Royalty Plan) that outlines the terms and conditions under which employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the Incentive Royalty to be assigned to the Royalty Plan. In accordance with the terms of the Royalty Plan, a new special purposes entity was formed on July 3, 2012 as a Delaware limited liability company (the Plan Entity). On October 11, 2012, the Board (i) amended the Royalty Plan to, among other things, change the name of the Royalty Plan to Laredo Royalty Incentive Plan, (ii) appointed a Compensation Committee of the non-employee board members (the Compensation Committee) to administer the Royalty Plan and make awards thereunder, (iii) authorized the filing of an Amendment to the Certificate of Formation of the Plan Entity to change its name to Laredo Royalty Incentive Plan, LLC, (iv) adopted and approved an Assignment Agreement pursuant to which the Incentive Royalty was assigned to the Plan Entity in accordance with the Royalty Plan. Also, on October 11, 2012, the Compensation Committee made awards of Restricted Common Units of the Plan Entity (the Plan Units) pursuant to Award Agreements to certain of its employees. These Plan Units vest over a period of three years from the grant date but are subject to accelerated vesting upon the commencement of production under the initial UGD project as provided in the award agreement. Ten thousand (10,000) Plan Units are authorized for issuance under the Royalty Plan, of which 5,520 Plan Units were issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2020. The Royalty Plan was terminated on December 31, 2020.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation - continued
Outstanding equity awards as of May 31, 2021:
(a) Name and Principle Position |
(b) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable |
(e) Option Exercise Price ($) |
(f) Option Expiration Date | |||||||
Christopher
E. Lindsey General Counsel and Secretary |
800,000 | 0.36 | November 22, 2023 | |||||||
Bradley
E. Sparks CFO, Treasurer & Director |
1,500,000 | 2.00 | April 11, 2022 |
In February 2011, the Company approved the Laredo Oil, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. The Equity Incentive Plan was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-8 on November 8, 2011 and was amended in December 2014 to increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder to an aggregate of 15,000,000 shares.
Director Compensation
(a) Name |
(b) Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
(c) Stock Awards ($) |
(d) Option Awards ($) |
(j) Total ($) |
||||||||||||
Donald Beckham | 50,000 | - | - | 50,000 | ||||||||||||
Michael H. Price | 50,000 | - | - | 50,000 |
The compensation for each non-employee director is as follows: quarterly cash payment of $12,500 payable mid-quarter in arrears, 500,000 shares of restricted common stock vesting in three equal installments over three years, and all reasonable expenses associated with attendance at Board meetings. Five hundred thousand shares of the aforementioned restricted stock were granted in January 2012 to Mr. Beckham and were fully vested in January 2015. In August 2012, Mr. Price was granted 500,000 shares of restricted common stock vesting in three equal installments over three years and were fully vested in August 2015. On August 8, 2013, each non-employee director was awarded 50,000 restricted shares vesting in equal installments over three years. As of August 2016, all 50,000 shares were vested for Messrs. Beckham and Price. Since they are executive officers, Messrs. See and Sparks receive no additional compensation for Board service.
On January 2, 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 1,100,000 common shares to Mr. Beckham with an exercise price of $0.38 per share, the fair market value on the date of grant. The options vest monthly over three years and expire on January 2, 2025. As of May 31, 2021, all 1,100,000 options had vested.
19
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, the name and address and the number of shares of the Companys common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share, held of record or beneficially by each person who held of record, or was known by the Company to own beneficially, more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Companys common stock, and the name and shareholdings of each executive officer, director and of all officers and directors as a group.
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Nature
of Ownership (1) |
Amount
of Beneficial Ownership (1) |
Percent of Class | |||||||
Bedford
Holdings, LLC 44 Polo Drive Big Horn, WY 82833 |
Direct | 12,829,269 | 23.5 | % | ||||||
Darlington,
LLC (2) P.O. Box 723 Big Horn, WY 82833 |
Direct | 5,423,138 | 9.9 | % | ||||||
Mark
See (3) 2021 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260 Austin, Texas 78705 |
Direct | 31,096,676 | 57.0 | % | ||||||
Bradley
E. Sparks (4) 2021 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260 Austin, Texas 78705 |
Direct | 4,324,857 | 7.7 | % | ||||||
Donald
Beckham (5) 2021 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260 Austin, Texas 78705 |
Direct | 1,650,000 | 3.0 | % | ||||||
Christopher
E. Lindsey (6) 2021 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260 Austin, Texas 78705 |
Direct | 800,000 | 1.4 | % | ||||||
Michael
H. Price 2021 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260 Austin, Texas 78705 |
Direct | 550,000 | 1.0 | % | ||||||
All Directors and Officers as a Group persons) | Direct | 38,421,533 | 66.3 | % |
(1) | All shares owned directly are owned beneficially and of record, and such shareholder has sole voting, investment and dispositive power, unless otherwise noted. Amounts of beneficial ownership include all options to purchase common stock expected to be vested 60 days after the filing date of this Form 10-K. |
(2) | These shares are owned by Mrs. See, and Mr. See has a proxy from Mrs. See to vote the shares. |
(3) | Includes 12,829,269 shares owned by Mr. See through Bedford Holdings, LLC and 5,423,138 shares owned by Mrs. See through Darlington, LLC, as shown in the table above. These 18,252,407 shares are the only shares owned by relatives which are required to be included in the total number of shares owned by all directors and officers as a group (5 persons). |
(4) | Includes fully vested options to purchase 1,500,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share. |
(5) | Includes fully vested options to purchase 1,100,000 shares of common stock at $0.38 per share. |
(6) | Includes fully vested options to purchase 800,000 shares of common stock at $0.36 per share. |
20
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management - continued
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans
The following table provides information as of May 31, 2021 concerning the issuance of equity securities with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category | Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted
–average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights ($) (b) |
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) | 4,300,000 | 0.94 | 9,074,000 | (2) | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3) | 5,374,501 | 0.70 | N/A | |||||||||
Total | 9,674,501 | 0.81 | 9,074,000 |
(1) | Effective November 6, 2011, the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock of Laredo Oil, Inc. (the Company) took action by written consent to approve the Companys 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). Stockholders then owning an aggregate of 31,096,676 shares, or 59.8% of the then issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company, approved the matter. The Plan and corresponding agreements are exhibits to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2011. The Plan reserved 10,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance to eligible recipients. In December 2014, the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock of Laredo Oil, Inc. (the Company) took action by written consent to amend the Plan by reserving an additional 5,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance to eligible recipients. The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2014 regarding the additional shares. |
(2) | During fiscal year 2012, we issued 500,000 restricted shares to each of our two non-employee directors for a total of one million shares. During fiscal year 2013, we issued 500,000 restricted shares to our third non-employee director. In fiscal year 2014, we issued to our non-employee directors 150,000 restricted shares of which 50,000 restricted shares were later forfeited. In total, a net 1,600,000 restricted shares have been issued to our non-employee directors under the Plan. Since restricted shares were issued to directors, they are not available for issuance under the Plan and thus reduce the number of securities remaining available in this column. In addition, we granted options to purchase 6,010,000 shares of common stock to employees and contractors during fiscal year 2012, none in fiscal year 2013, 2,990,000 in fiscal year 2014, 1,700,000 in fiscal year 2015, 925,000 in fiscal year 2016, and none in fiscal years 2017 through 2021. Also, during fiscal year 2014, options to purchase 600,000 shares of common stock previously granted to Mr. See were forfeited and subsequently granted to key contractors in the form of options to purchase shares of common stock. In April 2017, the remaining 900,000 options to purchase common stock held by Mr. See expired and were returned to the unissued option pool. In addition to the See options forfeited, 5,900,000 options to purchase shares of common stock have been forfeited by terminated employees and returned to the option pool for future grants as per the Plan. Since Plan inception, 26,000 common shares have been issued pursuant to option exercises and are not available for issuance under the Plan. The aforementioned restricted stock and options were issued under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the Amended Plan) which has 15,000,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance for directors, employees and contractors. |
(3) | Associated with the Alleghany transaction, and as payment for arranging the transaction between the Company and SORC, Laredo agreed to issue Sunrise Securities Corporation warrants equal to 10% of the total issued and outstanding fully diluted number of shares of common stock of the Company. In September 2011, Laredo issued warrants to purchase 5,374,501 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share to two Sunrise Securities Corporation members to satisfy the finders fee obligation associated with the Alleghany transaction. The warrants expired June 14, 2021. |
21
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Transactions with Management and Others
None
Director Independence.
Both Mr. Price and Mr. Beckham serve as independent directors based on the definition of independence in the listing standards of NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15).
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
(1) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by the independent accountants for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services for the audit of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements and the review of consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were $75,000 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 and $77,000 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020.
(2) Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountants that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys consolidated financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (1) above was $0.
(3) Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years ending May 31, 2021 and 2020 for professional services rendered by the principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning was $8,490 and $9,225, respectively.
(4) All Other Fees
During the last two fiscal years ending May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively there were $0 fees charged by the principal accountants other than those disclosed in (1), (2) and (3) above.
(5) Audit Committees Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee pre-approves the engagement with the independent auditor. It meets four times annually and reviews consolidated financial statements with the independent auditor. Additionally, the Audit Committee meets in executive session with the independent auditor at the conclusion of those meetings.
22
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1.
(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules
The following financial statement schedules are included as part of this report:
None.
(a) (3) Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed herewith by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, as described in the following index of exhibits, are attached hereto unless otherwise indicated as being incorporated herein by reference, as follows:
23
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules - continued
24
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules - continued
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. |
25
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
LAREDO OIL, INC. | ||||
(the Registrant) | ||||
Date: September 14, 2021 | By: | /s/ Mark See | ||
Mark See | ||||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: September 14, 2021 | By: | /s/ Mark See | |
Mark See | |||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | |||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||
Date: September 14, 2021 | By: | /s/ Bradley E. Sparks | |
Bradley E. Sparks | |||
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|||
Date: September 14, 2021 | By: | /s/ Donald Beckham | |
Donald Beckham | |||
Director | |||
Date: September 14, 2021 | By: | /s/ Michael H. Price | |
Michael H. Price | |||
Director |
26
LAREDO OIL, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Laredo Oil, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Laredo Oil, Inc. and its subsidiary (the Company) as of May 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders deficit, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended May 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidate financial position of the Company as of May 31, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended May 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the entity has routinely incurred losses since inception, resulting in an accumulated deficit, and is dependent upon one customer for its revenue. These factors raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern. Managements plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2 to the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits include performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
F-2
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole8, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Equity Method Investment
Description of the Critical Audit Matter
As described in Notes 1 and 13 to the financial statements, at May 31, 2021, the Company has recorded approximately $329,000 of equity method investment, and approximately $120,000 loss on equity method investment during the year. Equity method investments are recorded at cost, and adjusted at each subsequent reporting period to recognize the Companys share of the earnings or losses of the investee.
We identified the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of the equity method investment as a critical audit matter. The equity method investment was significant to our audit because the amounts are material to the financial statements, and substantial audit efforts are necessary because the investee does not provide audited financial statements, or prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
How We Addressed the Critical Audit Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design of controls over the Companys recognition, measurement, and disclosure of the equity method investment. Our procedures also included, among others, vouching revenue and expenses recognized by the investee to supporting transaction evidence, examining subsequent activity in the investee for evidence of unrecorded transactions, and vouching assets recorded by the investee to supporting evidence.
Gain on Bargain Purchase
Description of the Critical Audit Matter
As described in Notes 1 and 4 to the financial statements, during the year ended May 31, 2021, the Company acquired a 100% equity interest in Stranded Oil Resources Corporation, which was accounted for as a business combination. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recognized a gain on bargain purchase of approximately $418,000.
We identified the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of the gain on bargain purchase as a critical audit matter. The gain on bargain purchase was significant to our audit because the amount is material to the financial statements In addition, the valuation of property and equipment acquired, which was a significant factor in the measurement of the gain on bargain purchase, required subjective auditor judgment due to limited observable market data.
How We Addressed the Critical Audit Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design of controls over the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of the gain on bargain purchase. Our procedures also included, among others, comparing managements estimates of acquisition date fair values of property and equipment to available market transaction data, and evaluating the business combination as a whole, qualitatively assessing whether a gain on bargain purchase was reasonable for this transaction.
WEAVER AND TIDWELL, L.L.P.
We have served as the Laredo Oil, Inc.s auditor since 2011.
Austin, Texas
September 14, 2021
F-3
Laredo Oil, Inc. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
May 31, | May 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,196,650 | $ | 1,532,511 | ||||
Receivables | 168,522 | - | ||||||
Receivables – related party | - | 32,058 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 267,150 | 58,492 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 1,632,322 | 1,623,061 | ||||||
Property and Equipment | ||||||||
Oil and gas acquisition costs | 389,480 | - | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 419,723 | - | ||||||
Total Property and Equipment, net | 809,203 | - | ||||||
Equity method investment | 329,283 | - | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 2,770,808 | $ | 1,623,061 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT | ||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 267,643 | $ | 20,954 | ||||
Accrued payroll liabilities | 1,559,283 | 1,581,847 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 17,491 | 259,133 | ||||||
Deferred management fee revenue | 95,373 | 45,833 | ||||||
Notes payable - Alleghany | - | 350,000 | ||||||
Note payable, current portion | 1,220,825 | 473,778 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 3,160,615 | 2,731,545 | ||||||
Long-term note payable - Alleghany | 600,305 | - | ||||||
Long-term note, net of current portion | 1,246,486 | 759,878 | ||||||
Total Noncurrent Liabilities | 1,846,791 | 759,878 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 5,007,406 | 3,491,423 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | - | - | ||||||
Stockholders Deficit | ||||||||
Preferred stock: $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding | - | - | ||||||
Common stock: $0.0001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 54,514,765 and 54,514,765 issued and outstanding, respectively | 5,451 | 5,451 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 8,844,592 | 8,844,592 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (11,086,641 | ) | (10,718,405 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders Deficit | (2,236,598 | ) | (1,868,362 | ) | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT | $ | 2,770,808 | $ | 1,623,061 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Laredo Oil, Inc. |
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
May 31, 2021 | May 31, 2020 | |||||||
Revenue – related party and other | $ | 4,592,626 | $ | 8,145,167 | ||||
Direct costs | 4,775,976 | 7,968,985 | ||||||
Gross profit (loss) | (183,350 | ) | 176,182 | |||||
General, selling and administrative expenses | 119,350 | 75,000 | ||||||
Consulting and professional services | 379,982 | 232,048 | ||||||
Total Operating Expense | 499,332 | 307,048 | ||||||
Operating income/(loss) | (682,682 | ) | (130,866 | ) | ||||
Other income/(expense) | ||||||||
Equity method loss | (119,617 | ) | ||||||
Gain on bargain purchase | 486,294 | |||||||
Interest expense | (52,231 | ) | (36,050 | ) | ||||
Net income/(loss) | $ | (368,236 | ) | $ | (166,916 | ) | ||
Net income/(loss) per share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding | 54,514,765 | 54,514,765 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Laredo Oil, Inc.
Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders Deficit
For the Years Ended May 31, 2021 and 2020
Common Stock | Preferred Stock | Additional Paid | Accumulated | Total Stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | In Capital | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at May 31, 2019 | 54,514,765 | $ | 5,451 | - | $ | - | $ | 8,844,592 | $ | (10,551,489 | ) | $ | (1,701,446 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net Loss | - | - | - | - | - | (166,916 | ) | (166,916 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at May 31, 2020 | 54,514,765 | $ | 5,451 | - | $ | - | $ | 8,844,592 | $ | (10,718,405 | ) | $ | (1,868,362 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net Loss | - | - | - | - | - | (368,236 | ) | (368,236 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at May 31, 2021 | 54,514,765 | $ | 5,451 | - | $ | - | $ | 8,844,592 | $ | (11,086,641 | ) | $ | (2,236,598 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Laredo Oil, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
May 31, 2021 | May 31, 2020 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (368,236 | ) | $ | (166,916 | ) | ||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | 12,439 | - | ||||||
Bargain purchase gain | (486,294 | ) | - | |||||
Equity method loss | 119,617 | - | ||||||
Depreciation | 13,953 | - | ||||||
Change in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
(Increase)/decrease in receivable | (136,464 | ) | (4,068 | ) | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets | (109,243 | ) | (18,941 | ) | ||||
(Decrease)/Increase in accounts payable | (343,380 | ) | 9,264 | |||||
(Decrease)/Increase in accrued payroll liabilities | (22,564 | ) | 153,907 | |||||
Increase in accrued interest | 39,792 | 36,050 | ||||||
Increase in deferred revenue | 49,540 | - | ||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/ (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES | (1,230,840 | ) | 9,296 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 13,500 | - | ||||||
Investment in oil and gas field rights | (265,555 | ) | - | |||||
Investment in SORC, net of cash acquired | 375,779 | - | ||||||
Investment in equity method investment | (448,900 | ) | - | |||||
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (325,176 | ) | - | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Repayment of note payable | (13,500 | ) | - | |||||
Proceeds from PPP Loan | 1,233,655 | 1,233,656 | ||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 1,220,155 | 1,233,656 | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (335,861 | ) | 1,242,952 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,532,511 | 289,559 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | $ | 1,196,650 | $ | 1,532,511 | ||||
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Oil and gas acquisition costs in accounts payable | 123,925 | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management of Laredo Oil, Inc. (the Company). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 presented have been made.
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 31, 2008 under the name of Laredo Mining, Inc. with authorized common stock of 90,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value and authorized preferred stock of 10,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value. On October 21, 2009 the name was changed to Laredo Oil, Inc.
Laredo Oil, Inc. (the Company) is an oil exploration and production (E&P) company primarily engaged in acquisition and exploration efforts for mineral properties. From June 14, 2011 to December 31, 2020, the Company was a management services company managing the acquisition and conventional operation of mature oil fields and the further recovery of stranded oil from those fields using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods for its sole customer, Stranded Oil Resources Corporation (SORC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (Alleghany).
From its inception through October 2009, the Company was primarily engaged in acquisition and exploration efforts for mineral properties. After a change in control in October 2009, the Company shifted its focus to locating mature oil fields with the intention of acquiring those oil fields and recovering stranded oil using EOR methods. The Company was unable to raise the capital required to purchase any suitable oil fields. On June 14, 2011, the Company entered into several agreements with SORC to seek recovery of stranded crude oil from mature, declining oil fields by using the EOR method known as Underground Gravity Drainage (UGD). Such agreements consisted of a license agreement between the Company and SORC (the SORC License Agreement), a license agreement between the Company and Mark See, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (the MS-Company License Agreement), an Additional Interests Grant Agreement between the Company and SORC, a Management Services Agreement between the Company and SORC (the MSA), a Finders Fee Agreement between the Company and SORC (the Finders Fee Agreement), and a Stockholders Agreement (the Stockholders Agreement) among the Company, SORC and Alleghany Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Alleghany (Alleghany Capital), each of which were dated June 14, 2011 (collectively, the 2011 SORC Agreements).
The 2011 SORC Agreements stipulated that the Company and Mark See, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will provide to SORC, management services and expertise through exclusive, perpetual license agreements and a management services agreement (the Management Service Agreement) with SORC. As consideration for the licenses to SORC, the Company will receive an interest in SORCs net profits as defined in the Agreements (the Royalty). The Management Service Agreement (MSA) outlines that the Company will provide the services of various employees (Service Employees), including Mark See, in exchange for monthly and quarterly management service fees. The monthly management service fees provide funding for the salaries, benefit costs, and FICA taxes for the Service Employees identified in the MSA. SORC remits payment for the monthly management fees in advance and is payable on the first day of each calendar month. The quarterly management fee totals $137,500 and is paid on the first day of each calendar quarter, with the last payment being received October 1, 2020. In addition, prior to December 31, 2020, SORC reimbursed the Company for monthly expenses incurred by Service Employees in connection with their rendition of services under the MSA. The Company could also submit written requests to SORC for additional funding for payment of the Companys operating costs and expenses, which SORC, in its sole and absolute discretion, determined whether or not to fund.
As consideration for the licenses to SORC, the Company was to receive an interest in SORC net profits as defined in the SORC License Agreement (the SORC License Agreement). Under the SORC License Agreement, the Company agreed that a portion of the Royalty equal to at least 2.25% of the net profits (Incentive Royalty) be used to fund a long-term incentive plan for the benefit of its employees, as determined by the Companys board of directors. On October 11, 2012, the Laredo Royalty Incentive Plan (the Plan) was approved and adopted by the Board and the Incentive Royalty was assigned to the Plan. As a result of the Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 31, 2020, (the SORC Purchase Agreement), there are no longer any Incentive Royalties payable pursuant to the Plan and no Royalties will be paid to the Company by SORC in the future.
F-8
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS - continued
Pursuant to the SORC Purchase Agreement, by and among the Company, Alleghany, SORC, and SORC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (SORC Holdings), SORC Holdings purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of SORC stock (the SORC Shares) in a transaction that closed on December 31, 2020 (the SORC Purchase Transaction). As consideration for the SORC Shares, SORC Holdings paid Alleghany $72,678 (comprised of $55,000 purchase price plus a $17,678 working capital adjustment calculated in accordance with the SORC Purchase Agreement), and the Company agreed to pay Alleghany a revenue royalty of 5.0% of the Companys future revenues and net profits relating to oil, gas, gas liquids and all other hydrocarbons, subject to certain adjustments, for a period of seven years after the closing. The SORC Purchase Agreement provides for customary adjustments to the purchase price based on the effective date of December 31, 2020. In connection with the SORC Purchase Transaction, the 2011 SORC Agreements were terminated effective as of December 31, 2020.
Further, pursuant to the SORC Purchase Agreement, the Company and Alleghany entered into a Consulting Agreement dated as of December 31, 2020 (the Alleghany Consulting Agreement), pursuant to which Alleghany agreed to pay an aggregate of approximately $1.245 million during calendar year 2021 in consideration of the Company causing certain individuals, including Mark See, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Chris Lindsey, the Companys General Counsel and Secretary, to provide consulting services to Alleghany (for a period of three years for Mr. See and one year for Mr. Lindsey).
The Company believes that the SORC Purchase Transaction was advantageous as it simplified in a timely manner the unwinding of the 2011 SORC Agreements and allowed the Company to acquire vehicles and oil field assets that can be utilized in future oil recovery projects.
As the Company now owns SORC and the 2011 SORC Agreements have been terminated, the Company no longer receives any payments from SORC (including any Royalty payable by SORC to the Company) outlined in the 2011 SORC Agreements. As a result, except for the payments to be made in calendar year 2021 to the Company under the Alleghany Consulting Agreement, the Company will no longer receive management fee revenue from Alleghany or reimbursement from Alleghany for the monthly expenses of its employees, which fees and reimbursements were effectively all of the Companys revenues prior to the closing of the SORC Purchase Transaction.
On June 30, 2020, the Company entered into the Limited Liability Company Agreement (the LLC Agreement) of Cat Creek Holdings LLC (Cat Creek), a Montana limited liability company formed as a joint venture with Lipson Investments LLC (Lipson) and Viper Oil & Gas, LLC (Viper) for the purchase of certain oil and gas properties in the Cat Creek Field in Petroleum and Garfield Counties in the State of Montana (the Cat Creek Properties). Cat Creek entered into an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Cat Creek Purchase Agreement) with Carrell Oil Company (Carrell Oil) on July 1, 2020 for the purchase of the Cat Creek Properties from Seller. Upon closing under the Cat Creek Purchase Agreement, Carrell received consideration of $400,000, subject to certain adjustments resulting from pre- and post-effective date revenue, expense and tax allocations. In accordance with the LLC Agreement, the Company invested $448,900 in Cat Creek for 50% of the ownership interests in Cat Creek using cash on hand. Each of Lipson Investments LLC and Viper Oil & Gas, LLC, the other two members of Cat Creek, have ownership interests in Cat Creek of 25% in consideration of their respective investments of $224,450. Cat Creek will be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of four directors, two of which shall be designated by the Company.
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
The Companys basic earnings per share (EPS) amounts have been computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. For the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, all options and warrants potentially convertible into common equivalent shares are considered antidilutive and have been excluded in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
F-9
NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Company has routinely incurred losses since inception, resulting in an accumulated deficit, and historically has been dependent on one customer for its revenue. The Company entered into the Agreements with SORC to fund operations and to provide working capital. However, as a result of the SORC Purchase Transaction, except for payments to be made in calendar year 2021 to Laredo under the Consulting Agreement, Alleghany will no longer fund operations or provide working capital to the Company or SORC. There is no assurance that in the future such financing will be available to meet the Companys needs. This situation raises substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements.
Management has undertaken steps as part of a plan to improve operations with the goal of sustaining operations for the next twelve months and beyond. These steps include (a) providing services and expertise under the Agreements to expand operations; and (b) controlling overhead and expenses. In that regard, the Company has worked to attract and retain key personnel with significant experience in the industry to enhance the quality and breadth of the services it provides. At the same time, in an effort to control costs, the Company has required a number of its personnel to multi-task and cover a wider range of responsibilities in an effort to restrict the growth of the Companys headcount. There can be no assurance that the Company can successfully accomplish these steps and it is uncertain that the Company will achieve a profitable level of operations and obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to the Company on satisfactory terms and conditions, if at all.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
USE OF ESTIMATES
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Laredo Oil and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.
EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT - Investments classified as equity method consist of investments in companies in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is initially recorded at cost, then the Companys proportional share of investees underlying net income or loss is recorded as a component of other income with a corresponding increase or decrease to the carrying value of the investment. Distributions received from the investee reduce the Companys carrying value of the investment. These investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company has elected to record its portion of the equity method loss with a two-month lag. Accordingly, the financial results for the equity investment are reported through March 31, 2021. No impairments were recognized for the Companys equity method investment during the year ended May 31, 2021. See Note 13.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Monthly Management Fee
The Company generated monthly management revenues from fees for labor and benefit costs in accordance with the Agreements. The Company recognizes revenue for these services in the month the labor and benefits are received by the customer. As a result, the Company records deferred revenue for service that have not been provided. Monthly management fee revenues of $3,694,930 and $7,595,167, respectively, were recognized for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020. The last monthly management fee payment from SORC was paid in February 2021.
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NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Quarterly Management Fee
While the Agreements were in place with Alleghany during calendar year 2020, the Company generated management fee revenue of $137,500 each quarter, payable in advance. The Company recognized that revenue over the applicable quarter on a straight-line basis. As a result, the Company recorded deferred revenue for services that have not been provided of $0 and $45,833 as of May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Quarterly management fees recognized for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 were $320,833 and $550,000, respectively. The last quarterly management fee payment from SORC was paid October 1, 2020.
Other Revenue
The Company and Alleghany have entered into a Consulting agreement (see Note 1), where Alleghany is obligated to pay the Company a total of $1,144,471, in quarterly payments beginning January 1, 2021, in consideration for making certain individuals available for their advice, assistance and support in connection with the oil and gas industry and any questions, issues or matters arising from Alleghanys previous ownership of SORC. Two individuals are committed for a one-year period ending December 31, 2021, and one individual is committed for a three-year period ending December 31, 2023. The Companys management believes that any work necessary under this obligation will in fact be completed by December 31, 2021, and is recognizing revenue on a monthly basis over the year ended December 31, 2021. Unearned revenue related to amounts received but not yet earned under this contract at May 31, 2021 totaled $95,373. Other revenue fees of $576,863 and zero, respectively, were recognized for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents as of May 31, 2021 and 2020. At times, the Company maintains cash balances deposited at its financial institution that exceed FDIC insured limits.
RECEIVABLES
Receivables include amounts due from Alleghany pursuant to the SORC Purchase Transactions as of May 31, 2021. Receivables represent related party balances arising from employee expense reports and estimated monthly license fees incurred in accordance with the Companys revenue recognition policy, but not paid at May 31, 2020 period end.
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets are primarily comprised of prepaid directors and officers insurance which is recorded and amortized to expense over the 12-month contract life, prepaids acquired in the Companys acquisition of SORC and prepaid wages. Certain employees are paid wages on a quarterly basis. As a result, the Company recorded one month of prepaid wages as of May 31, 2021.
OIL AND GAS ACQUISITION COSTS - Oil and gas acquisition costs include expenditures representing investments in unproved and unevaluated properties and include non-producing leasehold, geological and geophysical costs associated with leasehold or drilling interests. Costs are reviewed to determine if impairment has occurred. The Company has incurred oil and gas acquisition costs totaling $389,480 and zero during the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT – The carrying value of the Companys property and equipment represents the cost incurred to acquire the property and equipment, net of any impairments. For business combinations, property and equipment cost is based on the fair values at the acquisition date. Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of five to seven years are used for vehicles and machinery. Realization of the carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Assets are determined to be impaired if a forecast of undiscounted estimated future net operating cash flows directly related to the asset, including disposal value, if any, is less than the carrying amount of the asset. If any asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred.
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NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued
May 31, | May 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Vehicles and equipment | $ | 433,676 | $ | - | ||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | 13,953 | - | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | 419,723 | $ | - |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Companys financial instruments as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 825-10-50, Financial Instruments, include cash and cash equivalents, equity method investments, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable. The equity method investments approximate fair value as a result of limited activity by the investee since formation. All other instruments are accounted for on a historical cost basis, which, due to the short maturity of these financial instruments, approximates fair value at May 31, 2021.
Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of notes payable approximates their carrying value.
SHARE BASED EXPENSES
FASB ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation prescribes accounting and reporting standards for all stock-based payment awards to employees, including employee stock options, restricted stock, employee stock purchase plans and stock appreciation rights. Stock-based payment awards may be classified as either equity or liabilities. The Company should determine if a present obligation to settle the share-based payment transaction in cash or other assets exists. A present obligation to settle in cash or other assets exists if: (a) the option to settle by issuing equity instruments lacks commercial substance or (b) the present obligation is implied because of an entitys past practices or stated policies. If a present obligation exists, the transaction should be recognized as a liability; otherwise, the transaction should be recognized as equity.
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation issued to non-employees and consultants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 505-50, Equity - Based Payments to Non-Employees. Measurement of share-based payment transactions with non-employees shall be based on the fair value of whichever is more reliably measurable: (a) the goods or services received; or (b) the equity instruments issued. The fair value of the share-based payment transaction should be determined at the earlier of performance commitment date or performance completion date.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes by the asset and liability method in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the current year for temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes that are likely to be realized. In addition, a valuation allowance is established to reduce any deferred tax asset for which it is determined that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
In addition, the Company utilizes the two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained in an audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits within general and administrative expense. To the extent that accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction in general and administrative expenses in the period that such determination is made.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
F-12
NOTE 4 – ACQUISITION OF SORC
Purchase Price Allocation
Effective December 31, 2020, the Company acquired a 100% equity interest in SORC (see Note 1). We have accounted for the acquisition of SORC as a business combination using the acquisition method. The following table represents the allocation of the total purchase price of SORC to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the acquisition date, as updated for identified adjustments to current assets and liabilities. The preliminary allocations of the purchase price with less than a year of ownership are subject to revisions as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The revisions may have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. The allocations of the purchase price will be finalized once all the information is obtained, but not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. The primary areas of the purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized relate to prepaid expenses and current liabilities.
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | ||||
Consideration: | ||||
Cash | $ | 55,000 | ||
Working capital adjustment | 17,678 | |||
Total Consideration | $ | 72,678 | ||
Fair Value of Assets Acquired: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 448,457 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 99,415 | |||
Property and equipment | 447,176 | |||
Amounts attributable to assets acquired | $ | 995,048 | ||
Fair Value of Liabilities Assumed: | ||||
Current Liabilities | $ | 436,076 | ||
Amounts attributable to liabilities assumed | $ | 436,076 | ||
Total identifiable net asset | $ | 558,972 | ||
Bargain purchase gain | $ | 486,294 |
Financial Information
Pursuant to Topic 2, section 2010 of the SEC financial reporting manual, the Company evaluated the business combination. Prior to the acquisition by the Company, SORC sold all operating assets, terminated all employees and no longer maintained any of the business processes that previously existed. Accordingly, the Company has determined the transaction is considered an asset acquisition only. As a result, historical consolidated financial statements are not considered relevant to the ongoing operations and are not required.
In accordance with the Securities Purchase Agreement, Laredo agreed to pay to Alleghany a revenue royalty of 5.0% of the Companys future revenues and net profits relating to oil, gas, gas liquids and all other hydrocarbons, subject to certain adjustments, for a period of seven years after the closing. The Company has not attributed a value to this potential liability in the preliminary purchase price allocation as eligible revenues or net profits do not currently exist and are not estimable.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company received tangible assets which had previously been written off by the Seller. This previous reduction in asset values in combination with the Sellers desire to close the transaction on an accelerated basis enabled the Company to obtain the assets at a lower price resulting in the recognition of a bargain purchase gain.
For the period from December 31, 2020 to May 31, 2021, SORC recognized no revenues and $12,439 interest expense recorded related to the debt discount amortization, included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
F-13
NOTE 5 – EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings/(loss) per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. For both years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, warrants to purchase 5,374,501 shares of common stock, and, respectively, options to purchase 4,300,000 and 4,679,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings/(loss) per share because they were anti-dilutive.
For the Year Ended | ||||||||
May 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Numerator - net income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (368,236 | ) | $ | (166,916 | ) | ||
Denominator - weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 54,514,765 | 54,514,765 | ||||||
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per common share | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) |
NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions between related parties are considered to be related party transactions even though they may not be given accounting recognition. FASB ASC 850, Related Party Disclosures (FASB ASC 850) requires that transactions with related parties that would make a difference in decision making shall be disclosed so that users of the consolidated financial statements can evaluate their significance. Related party transactions typically occur within the context of the following relationships:
● | Affiliates of the entity; |
● | Entities for which investments in their equity securities is typically accounted for under the equity method by the investing entity; |
● | Trusts for the benefit of employees; |
● | Principal owners of the entity and members of their immediate families; |
● | Management of the entity and members of their immediate families. |
● | Other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. |
Prior to the SORC Purchase Acquisition on December 31, 2020, SORC and Alleghany were considered related parties under FASB ASC 850. See Note 1. All management fee revenue reported by the Company for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 is generated from charges to SORC. The Company also recorded an approximate $0 and $32,000 receivable from SORC as of May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, comprised of employee expense reports covered by SORC pursuant to the management services agreements. Outstanding notes payable totaling $350,000 and related accrued interest at May 31, 2020 were held by Alleghany. See Note 7.
F-14
NOTE 7- STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
Share Based Compensation
Effective November 6, 2011, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock approved the Plan to reserve 10,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance to eligible recipients. Effective December 2014, an additional 5,000,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance to eligible recipients under the Plan. Shares under the plan can be issued in the form of options, restricted stock, and other forms of equity securities. The Companys board of directors has the discretion to set the amount and vesting period of award grants. As of May 31, 2021, 9,074,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of options granted under our stock incentive plan.
Stock Options
As of May 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no remaining unvested and unrecognized shares.
The following table summarizes information about options granted during the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020:
Number of Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
Balance, May 31, 2019 | 4,679,000 | $ | 0.89 | |||||
Options granted and assumed | - | - | ||||||
Options expired | - | - | ||||||
Options cancelled, forfeited | ||||||||
Options exercised | - | - | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2020 | 4,679,000 | $ | 0.89 | |||||
Options granted and assumed | - | - | ||||||
Options expired | - | - | ||||||
Options cancelled, forfeited | 379,000 | .38 | ||||||
Options exercised | - | - | ||||||
Balance, May 31, 2021 | 4,300,000 | $ | 0.94 |
All stock options are exercisable upon vesting.
As of May 31, 2021 and 2020, 4,300,000 and 4,679,000 options are outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $0.94 and $0.89, respectively.
Restricted Stock
During fiscal years ending May 31, 2021 and 2020, no restricted stock has been granted and accordingly, no expense has been recorded for restricted stock. The Company granted 1.6 million shares of restricted stock during fiscal year 2014. As of May 31, 2021, all granted shares are fully vested.
Warrants
As of May 31, 2021 and 2020, there were 5,374,501 warrants remaining to be exercised at a price of $0.70 per share to Sunrise Securities Corporation to satisfy the finders fee obligation associated with the Alleghany transaction. The warrants expired June 14, 2021.
No warrants have been granted, exercised or cancelled during the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
All warrants are exercisable as of May 31, 2021.
F-15
NOTE 8 – NOTES PAYABLE
Alleghany Notes
May 31, | May 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total note payable - Alleghany | $ | 617,934 | $ | 350,000 | ||||
Less debt discount | 17,629 | |||||||
Less amounts classified as current | - | 350,000 | ||||||
Note payable – Alleghany, net of current portion | $ | 600,305 | $ | - |
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011, the Company entered into two Loan Agreements with Alleghany Capital for a combined available borrowing limit of $350,000. The notes accrued interest on the outstanding principal of $350,000 at the rate of 6% per annum, with an amended due date of December 31, 2020.
In connection with the SORC Purchase Transaction, the notes were amended, restated and consolidated into one note including all accrued interest through December 31, 2020, for a total of $631,434 (the Senior Consolidated Note) with a maturity date of June 30, 2022. The Senior Consolidated Note requires any stock issuances for cash be utilized to pay down the outstanding loan balance unless written consent is obtained from Alleghany. As part of the SORC Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to secure repayment of the Senior Consolidated Note with certain equipment and to reduce the note balance with any proceeds received from any sales of such equipment. During the five months ending May 31, 2021, the Company repaid $13,500 of the Senior Consolidated Note upon the sale of certain equipment. The note bears no interest until January 1, 2022 whereupon the interest rate increases to 5% per annum through maturity. Principal with all accrued and unpaid interest is due at maturity. In connection with the SORC acquisition purchase price allocation, the Company recorded a debt discount totaling $30,068 in recognition of imputed interest on the Senior Consolidated Note, to be amortized over the first year of the note term. The Senior Consolidated Note is recorded as a long-term note payable, net of debt discount as of May 31, 2021.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
May 31, | May 31, | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total PPP Loan | $ | 2,467,311 | $ | 1,233,656 | ||||
Less amounts classified as current | 1,220,825 | 473,778 | ||||||
PPP loan, excluding current portion | $ | 1,246,486 | $ | 759,878 |
On April 28, 2020, the Company entered into a Note (the Note) with IBERIABANK for $1,233,656 pursuant to the terms of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (CARES Act) In June 2020, the Flexibility Act which amended the CARES Act was signed into law. Pursuant to the Flexibility Act, the Note continues to accrue interest on the outstanding principal sum at the rate of 1% per annum. In addition, the initial two-year Note term has been extended to five years through mutual agreement with IBERIABANK as allowed under Flexibility Act provisions.
In February 2021, the Company drew an additional $1,233,655 under the PPP Second Draw Loans, bringing the total principal borrowed to $2,467,311. The additional draw is under the same terms and conditions as the first PPP loan.
The Flexibility Act also provides that if a borrower does not apply for forgiveness of a loan within 10 months after the last day of the measurement period (covered period), the PPP loan is no longer deferred and the borrower must begin paying principal and interest. In addition, the Flexibility Act extended the length of the covered period from eight weeks to 24 weeks from receipt of proceeds, while allowing borrowers that received PPP loans before June 5, 2020 to determine, at their sole discretion, a covered period of either 8 weeks or 24 weeks.
No interest or principal will be due during the deferral period, although interest will continue to accrue over this period. As of May 31, 2021, interest totaling $39,792 is recorded in accrued interest on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. After the deferral period and after taking into account any loan forgiveness applicable to the Note, any remaining principal and accrued interest will be payable in substantially equal monthly installments over the remaining term of the Note.
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NOTE 8 – NOTES PAYABLE - continued
The Company did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the loan, nor did the Company pay any facility charge to obtain the loan. The Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. The Company may prepay the Note at any time without payment of any penalty or premium.
The Company applied for forgiveness of the first PPP note and in July 2021 received notice that $1,209,809 of the $1,233,656 note payable balance has been forgiven. As of May 31, 2021 both PPP Notes have been recorded as debt. The portion of the loan forgiven, will be recorded as income from the extinguishment of its loan obligation as of the date when the Company is legally released from being the primary obligor in accordance with ASC 405-20-40-1. Monthly payments commence on September 1, 2021 with respect to the remaining $23,847 balance on the first Note.
At this time, the Company has not yet applied for or received loan forgiveness on the PPP Second Draw Loan. No assurance can be given that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the loan, in whole or in part. Similar to the first PPP Note, any forgiveness on the PPP Second Draw Loan will be treated as income from the extinguishment of its loan obligation when it is legally released from being the primary obligor in accordance with ASC 405-20-40-1.
NOTE 9 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
We did not provide any current or deferred U.S. federal income tax provision or benefit for any of the periods presented because we have experienced operating losses since inception. Per the authoritative literature when it is more likely than not that a tax asset cannot be realized through future income the Company must allow for this future tax benefit. We provided a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset, consisting of net operating loss carryforwards, because management has determined that it is more likely than not that we will not earn income sufficient to realize the deferred tax assets during the carryforward period.
The Company has not taken any tax positions that, if challenged, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements for the twelve-months ended May 31, 2021 and 2020. The Companys tax returns for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2012 through 2020 remain subject to examination by the tax authorities.
The components of the Companys deferred tax asset as of May 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Net operating loss | $ | 380,696 | $ | 298,177 | ||||
Stock compensation | 297,710 | 297,710 | ||||||
Deferred compensation | 319,449 | 304,996 | ||||||
Other | (17,163 | ) | 5,409 | |||||
Valuation allowance | (980,692 | ) | (906,292 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | - | $ | - |
A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory rate to the income tax amount recorded is as follows:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Tax at statutory rate (21%) | $ | (77,330 | ) | $ | (35,052 | ) | ||
Effect of non-deductible permanent differences | - | - | ||||||
Effect of change in statutory tax rate | - | - | ||||||
Other | 2,930 | - | ||||||
Increase/(decrease) in valuation allowance | 74,400 | 35,052 | ||||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | - | $ | - |
The net federal operating loss carry forward will expire between 2030 and 2040. This carry forward may be limited upon the consummation of a business combination under IRC Section 381.
F-17
NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
No office leases currently extend beyond one year. Rent expense amounted to $345 and $0 for each of the years ending May 31, 2021 and 2020.
Revenue Royalty
In accordance with the Securities Purchase Agreement, Laredo agreed to pay to Alleghany a revenue royalty of 5.0% of the Companys future revenues and net profits relating to oil, gas, gas liquids and all other hydrocarbons, subject to certain adjustments, for a period of seven years after the closing.
NOTE 11 – DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The Company has a savings and investment plan (the 401(k) Plan) covering substantially all employees. Company contributions are discretionary. Effective August 2019, the Company commenced matching employee contributions based on the level of employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% of an employees eligible salary, subject to an annual maximum. The Company discontinued matching in April 2020. Amounts expensed in connection with the 401(k) Plan totaled $0 and $49,237 for the years ending May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The 401(k) Plan was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2020.
NOTE 12 – EMPLOYEE SEPARATIONS
The Company establishes obligations for expected termination benefits provided under existing agreements with a former or inactive employee after employment but before retirement. These benefits generally include severance payments and medical continuation coverage. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company continued to reduce expenses in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During third quarter of 2021 and in connection with the SORC purchase agreement and termination of the Alleghany Agreements, the Company continued to reduce expenses. These activities included further reductions in its workforce. The Company incurred severance and related charges totaling $222,023 during the first quarter 2021 and $284,113 during the third quarter 2021. As of May 31, 2021, the Company has no remaining severance accrual included in accrued payroll liabilities. There were no similar accruals as of May 31, 2020.
NOTE 13 – EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT
On June 30, 2020, Laredo Oil, Inc. (Laredo) entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the LLC Agreement) of Cat Creek Holdings LLC (Cat Creek), a Montana limited liability company formed as a joint venture for the purchase of certain oil and gas properties in the Cat Creek Field in Petroleum and Garfield Counties in the State of Montana (the Cat Creek Properties). In accordance with the LLC Agreement, Laredo invested $448,900 in Cat Creek for 50% of the ownership interests in Cat Creek using cash on hand. Each of Lipson Investments LLC and Viper Oil & Gas, LLC, the other two members of Cat Creek, have ownership interests in Cat Creek of 25% in consideration of their respective investments of $224,450. Cat Creek will be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of four directors, two of which shall be designated by Laredo.
Cat Creek entered into an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Carrell Oil Company (Seller) on July 1, 2020 for the purchase of the Cat Creek Properties from Seller. On September 21, 2020, upon resolving the purchase contingency under the Purchase Agreement, the Seller received consideration of $400,000, taking into effect certain adjustments resulting from pre- and post-effective date revenue, expense, and allocations.
F-18
NOTE 13 – EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT - continued
Summarized Financial Information
The following table provides summarized financial information for the Companys ownership interest in Cat Creek accounted for under the equity method for the May 31, 2021 period presented and has been compiled from respective company financial statements, reflects certain historical adjustments, and is reported on a two-month lag. Results of operations are excluded for periods prior to acquisition.
Balance Sheet: | As of May 31, 2021 | |||
Current Assets | $ | 280,495 | ||
Non-current Assets | 509,479 | |||
Total Assets | $ | 789,974 | ||
Current Liabilities | $ | 67,511 | ||
Non-current Liabilities | 63,897 | |||
Shareholders equity | 658,566 | |||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity | $ | 789,974 |
Results of Operations: | Year Ended May 31, 2021 | |||
Revenue | $ | 288,858 | ||
Gross Profit | (106,043 | ) | ||
Net Loss | $ | (239,233 | ) |
F-19