Item 1. Business
This annual report contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the section entitled “Risk Factors”, that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Our financial statements are stated in United States Dollars (US$) and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
In this annual report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars and all references to “common shares” refer to the common shares in our capital stock.
As used in this current report and unless otherwise indicated, the terms "we", "us", "our" and "Eden" mean Eden Energy Corp. and/or our subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
General Overview
From mid 2004 through to mid 2008 we were an exploration stage oil and gas company engaged in the exploration for petroleum and natural gas in the State of Nevada and in the Province of Alberta, Canada. Effective September 2006 we commenced with a natural gas development-drilling program in the White River Dome, Ant Hill Unit located in the Piceance Basin in Colorado. The White River Dome project became our primary focus of activity mid 2008 due to the belief it represented the combination of good commercial returns while providing a large number of low risk development locations. We commenced receiving revenues from our White River Dome project during 2008 and have moved from an exploration stage company to an operating company. We concluded all operations in Nevada in 2008 and currently in conjunction with our partners are monitoring exploration activities in Alberta, Canada.
During 2008 Eden continued with a strategy of growing its natural gas and oil reserves and production by drilling four new wells in the Ant Hill Unit. These new wells were added to production in the first quarter of 2009 bringing our total number of production wells in the area to eight. Net production from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 257,745 Mcfe as compared to approximately 295,157 Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenues recognized declined due to the lower production volumes and significantly lower commodity prices received to approximately $1.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to approximately $2.39 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The past year’s decline in gas and oil prices has impaired the valuation of our Colorado assets and currently has eroded our access to reserve based financing for continued drilling in Colorado. The commencement date for our continuous drilling program in Colorado has been extended to no later than July 1, 2010. Management continues to assess its future plans in the area as a result of the deterioration of selling prices and actual field results prior to further decisions.
Management has rationalized corporate costs where possible in an attempt to better align them with expected reduced revenues. During the past year we concluded negotiated settlements with all our vendors in Colorado and recorded lien releases on the four liens that were filed against our Ant Hill property. We concluded settlement with our operating partner in Colorado and received their reimbursement of $337,643 for their portion of Ant Hill pipeline and water gathering system costs.
In order to proceed with our plans we entered into a loan agreement whereby under certain terms and conditions we could borrow up to a $1,000,000 from a company owned and controlled by our president. As of December 31, 2009 we had borrowed the full amount. Ongoing production related issues and the volatility of oil and gas prices for the year ahead are challenging our revenue projections and estimates of operating cash flows. Additional funds to meet loan retirement obligations and to cover future costs of company operations will be required when the loan comes due in October 2010 if not earlier. There is uncertainty that further funding can be raised when necessary. Management plans to continue to review other potential exploration projects, which may be presented to them from time to time.
Our company, Eden Energy Corp., was incorporated in the State of Nevada on January 29, 1999, under the name E-Com Technologies Corp. On June 16, 2004 we effected a 2 for 1 stock split of our common stock and our preferred stock. On August 6, 2004 we changed our name to Eden Energy Corp. and increased our authorized capital to 100,000,000 shares of common stock having a $0.001 par value and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock having a $0.001 par value. On January 7, 2010 we effected a share consolidation of our authorized and issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a five (5) old for one (1) new basis, such, such that our authorized capital decreased from 100,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 to 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 and, correspondingly, our issued and outstanding shares of common stock decreased from 49,467,856 shares of common stock to 9,893,571 shares of common stock.
Due to the implementation of British Columbia Instrument 51-509 on September 30, 2008 by the British Columbia Securities Commission, we have been deemed to be a British Columbia based reporting issuer. As such, we are required to file certain information and documents at www.sedar.com.
Our Current Business
We are primarily focused and engaged in development drilling of the White River Dome, Ant Hill Unit Project in Colorado. We expect to continue to monitor our other exploration projects pursuant to our participation agreements with our partners.
White River Dome, Ant Hill Unit Drilling and Development Project - Colorado
The White River Dome, Ant Hill Project is a natural gas development-drilling program located in the Piceance Basin of western Colorado. Through agreements entered into September 1, 2006 and August 31, 2007 we have an 85% working interest in these prospective lands, and Eden carries EnCana for 15% of the total well cost in each new well drilled on 40-acre drill site quarter/quarter section. For each well drilled, Eden earned a 100% interest in a diagonal 40-acre tract, located in the same 160-acre quarter section. EnCana retains its 100% interest in the two remaining offset locations in each 160-acre drilling block.
After the initial four locations were drilled, Eden elected to develop 4 additional 160-acre drilling blocks on acreage outside the existing PA’s under the same terms, which initiated Eden’s continuing drilling commitment. There are 34 potential 160-acre drilling blocks outside of the existing PA’s that have not been developed, resulting in 68 potential drilling locations on what is effectively 40-acre spacing. There is also the potential to develop the field on 20-acre spacing, which would provide for another 68 drilling locations.
Ant Hill Unit - Colorado
The primary targets are the Cameo Coal and Williams Fork Sandstones of the Cretaceous Mesaverde Group, found at an average depth of 8,100 feet. As of January 1, 2010 cumulative production from the field is in excess of 82.5 Bcfe from 162 wells, with current production averaging 6.5 MMcf/d from 106 active wells. Typical well life in the field is in the range of 20 - 25 years. Effective January 1, 2010 in accordance with the current SEC reserve evaluation criteria, which uses an average of 2009 monthly actual received oil and gas prices, MHA Petroleum Consultants Inc. of Lakewood, CO. assigned Eden net reserves of 2.05 Bcfe. This report included our proved developed producing reserves only. Effective January 1, 2010, in accordance with the current Canadian Oil and Gas Handbook NI 51-101 reserve evaluation criteria, which uses the Sproule December 31, 2009 oil and gas price forecast, MHA Petroleum Consultants Inc. assigned Eden net reserves of 6.6 Bcfe. Gas from the Ant Hill unit typically contains about 25% carbon dioxide, which is removed at a local natural gas treatment plant. Drilling and completion costs have historically been in the $2,000,000 range per well throughout the field, though with service costs declining due to general economic conditions, we estimate costs now to be in the $1,500,000 range. Operations in the White River Dome Field are largely prohibited in the winter months.
On January 30, 2009 we reported that all of the new wells had been tied in to the sales line and that we were conducting additional completion operations to get all of the wells flowing. We reported that as of January 28, 2009 we were producing approximately 1,240 mcfd gross from our White River Dome wells. We also reported the costs and time to drill and complete the wells was in line with our original estimates, while the costs and time to install pipeline and tie-in to sales were above original estimates and we were in discussions with suppliers, subcontractors, and our operating partner to resolve these outstanding issues and their related costs. We reported that until these issues were resolved, we were not in a position to advance funds to settle all 2008 drilling program related accounts or claims.
On February 16, 2009 we received an independent reserve report from MHA Petroleum Consultants Inc., of Golden, Colorado, which was effective January 1, 2009. The report assigned total proved reserves of 10.11 Bcfe net to Eden’s interest; however due to the decline in gas and oil prices used in assigning reserve values, the proved undeveloped locations (8 PUD’s) currently are uneconomical to drill and complete. Using year-end actual received gas and oil prices as mandated by the SEC, net to Eden, the report assigned our eight proved developed producing wells reserves of 2.85 Bcfe with a PV10 value of $4.74 million.
On March 12 2009 we reported we had received notice of a lien being placed against the property by one of the suppliers relating to the pipeline installation. The lien filed was in the amount of $692,118. On April 27, 2009 we received notice of another lien being placed against the property by one other supplier relating to our 2008 well program. The lien filed was in the amount of $28,956. On June 12, 2009 we received notice of a lien being placed against the property by another supplier. The lien filed was in the amount of $148,864. On June 26, 2009 we received notice of a lien being placed against the property by another supplier. The lien filed was in the amount of $4,965.
On August 12, 2009 we finalized negotiations with our operating partner whereby under certain terms and conditions they agreed to reimburse us for pipeline related costs up to a maximum of $383,947 subject to discounts, and they agreed to extend the commencement date for our Continuous Drilling Program to no later than July 1, 2010. In addition we agreed to amend numerous ambiguous terms of our D&D Agreement including to provide for Eden to pay actual water gathering and disposal costs and for EnCana to construct Well Connect Facilities.
On October 20, 2009 we finalized settlements relating to the abovementioned four creditors who filed liens against our Ant Hill Unit properties in Colorado. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, in consideration for a final payment of $340,000 to cover three of the liens and $18,000 to cover the fourth lien, the four creditors each delivered an original lien release, which was recorded by the Rio Blanco County Clerk and Recorder in Colorado.
On October 26, 2009 we reported we had settled the majority of other account claims relating to our 2008 work program in the Ant Hill Unit. With the support and consideration of our contractor and vendor partners in Colorado, we settled approximately $1,444,230 of account claims, which included the lien settlements mentioned above, for approximately $828,400. In order to fund the settlements and provide capital for ongoing operations, on October 2, 2009 we entered into a loan agreement whereby under certain terms and conditions we could borrow up to US$1,000,000 from a company owned and controlled by our President. The loan has a one year term and is secured against our company pursuant to a general security agreement. The full principal amount of $1,000,000 has been advanced to the company.
Pursuant to our August 12, 2009 agreement with our Ant Hill partner, once all 2008 well program accounts and lien releases were settled, they were obliged to reimburse us for additional Ant Hill pipeline and water gathering system costs up to a maximum of $383,947, subject to discounts negotiated. As of October 30, 2009 we had incurred total costs of approximately $1,843,944 to construct the pipeline.
During the 2009 vendor settlement process, we negotiated approximately $230,800 in credits and discounts from the contractors and vendors involved on the pipeline project, which when deducted from the total pipeline costs of approximately $1,843,944 incurred, left a final cost of approximately $1,613,123. On January 7, 2009 our partner reimbursed us $868,025 of these costs, which effectively left $745,098 remaining unreimbursed. Due to the financial constraints we experienced at the time, these remaining costs and the related vendor accounts went unpaid until the recent settlement process described above. Under the terms and conditions of the agreement with our Ant Hill partner, we received a final pipeline cost reimbursement of $337,643 on December 17, 2009.
At the time of the agreement with our Ant Hill partner, they also agreed to extend the commencement date for our Continuous Drilling Program to no later than July 1, 2010. In addition we agreed to amend numerous ambiguous terms of our D&D Agreement including provisions for Eden to pay actual water gathering and disposal costs and for EnCana to construct Well Connect Facilities.
Net production from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 257,745 Mcfe as compared to approximately 295,157 Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenues recognized declined due to the lower production volumes and significantly lower commodity prices received to approximately $1.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to approximately $2.39 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
On February 5, 2010 we received an independent reserve report from MHA Petroleum Consultants Inc., of Lakewood, Colorado, which was effective January 1, 2010. Using an average of 2009 monthly actual received oil and gas prices in accordance with SEC criteria, net to Eden, the report assigned our eight proved developed producing wells net reserves of 2.05 Bcfe with a PV10 value of $2.88 million. Our eight associated proved and undeveloped well locations were not included in the SEC report as they are uneconomical to develop using the current SEC reserve criteria. Effective January 1, 2010 and in accordance with the current Canadian Oil and Gas Handbook NI 51-101 reserve evaluation criteria, which uses the Sproule December 31, 2009 oil and gas price forecast, MHA Petroleum Consultants Inc. assigned Eden net reserves of 6.6 Bcfe with a pre tax PV 10 value of $13.81 million.
The past year’s decline in gas and oil prices has impaired the valuation of our Colorado assets and currently has eroded our access to reserve based financing for continued drilling in Colorado. Management continues to assess its future plans in the area as a result of the deterioration of selling prices and actual field results prior to further decisions. More detailed information on this project is available in our 2008-year end filing.
Noah Project - Nevada
From August 2004 to July 2008 we conducted an exploration program in Nevada, which cumulated in the drilling of the Noah Federal #1 well in the spring of 2008. On April 28, 2008 we reported the Noah Federal #1 well had been plugged and abandoned after reaching a total depth of 7,080 feet. The well encountered its targeted formation, the sub-thrust Devonian Simonson dolomite, at a depth of 5,058 feet. Based on log analysis and the lack of oil or gas shows while drilling, the well did not warrant further testing.
On July 28, 2008 we reported our joint venture partner advised us they have elected not to pursue further exploration on additional Prospect area lands beyond the earned Prospect Area 1. We reported also that after incorporating the results of the Noah well into our overall geological model of the area, we have decided not to pursue additional drilling leads and will not be renewing leases we hold in the project area. Accordingly, we recognized total impairment of $8,398,382 related to the Noah project during the year ended December 31, 2008.
We believe that the Noah #1 well adequately tested our best seismic feature, and the results of the well did not warrant further drilling on the prospect or the expense of maintaining the leases. Therefore and pursuant to the Participation Agreement with Cedar Strat and upon their instruction, on October 27, 2008 we assigned all of our rights, title, and interest in all of the approximate 150,000 acres of leases in Prospect Areas 2 through 4 of the Noah Prospect to Diamond Land, LLC, a Utah based Company. Pursuant to the Participation Agreement, on November 3, 2008 we assigned the appropriate overriding royalties of Prospect Area 1 to Cedar Strat and Fort Scott. On December 11, 2008 we assigned our interests in approximately 39,732 acres of Prospect Area 1 to our drilling Partner in Prospect Area 1. We retained a 0.5% overriding royalty interest in the approximate 9,808 acres of the drill site lease only of Prospect Area 1, essentially concluding our participation and interest in the Noah project. We are not carrying any value for this retained override as the fair value is not readily determinable.
Due to Diamond Land, LLC and/or Cedar Strat Corporation’s failure to file the aforementioned assignments within the BLM mandated filing period, on February 23, 2009 we agreed by Letter Agreement with Cedar Strat Corporation to extend the assignment period to March 31, 2009 whereby Cedar Strat Corporation will advise us which leases and to which entity Eden should make assignment of the lands in Prospect Area 2 through 4 of the Noah prospect. On March 31, 2009 we assigned leases as instructed by Cedar Strat to Emergent Value Group LLC. More detailed information on this project is available in our 2008-year end filing.
Cherry Creek Project - Nevada
On October 21, 2005, we entered into a separate Letter Agreement with Cedar Strat Corporation for the exploration and development of a new project called Cherry Creek. On July 28, 2008, subsequent to the Noah well drilling and after a careful review of the technical aspects of the project, we reported we decided not to pursue further activities and would not be renewing leases we hold in the project area. Accordingly, we have recognized total impairment of $876,195 related to the Cherry Creek project during the year ended December 31, 2008.
Pursuant to the Participation Agreement with Cedar Strat on October 7, 2008 we assigned our interest in all of the approximate 26,000 acres of leases in the Cherry Creek prospect to Cedar Strat Corporation thereby concluding our participation and interest in the project.
Due to Cedar Strat Corporation’s failure to file the aforementioned assignments within the BLM mandated filing period, on February 23, 2009 we agreed by Letter Agreement with Cedar Strat Corporation to extend the assignment period to March 31, 2009 whereby Cedar Strat Corporation will advise us which leases and to which entity Eden should make assignment of the lands in the Cherry Creek prospect. On March 31, 2009 we assigned leases as instructed by Cedar Strat to Lucinda Kemp. More detailed information on this project is available in our 2008-year end filing.
Chinchaga Project - Alberta
From March 13, 2006 to February 2007 in conjunction with our partners, we conducted an exploration program in Alberta, which cumulated with drilling two exploratory wells. Both wells were plugged and abandoned in early 2007 and we recognized total impairment of $1,462,214 relating to the dry wells. By drilling these wells we have earned an interest in certain lands for potential future exploration. At this time no further decisions on continuing exploration in the area have been made. More detailed information on this project is available in our 2008-year end filing.
Competition
The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive. We compete with numerous individuals and companies, including many major oil and gas companies, which have substantially greater technical, financial and operational resources and staff. Accordingly, there is a high degree of competition for desirable oil and gas leases, suitable properties for drilling operations and necessary drilling equipment, as well as for access to funds. There are other competitors that have operations in the Northern Alberta and Colorado areas and the presence of these competitors could adversely affect our ability to acquire additional leases and/or equipment as required.
Governmental Regulations
Our oil and gas operations are subject to various United States and Canadian federal, state/provincial and local governmental regulations. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits for drilling operations, drilling and abandonment bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, and pooling of properties and taxation. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and gas. The production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas, by-products thereof, and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with oil and gas operations are also subject to regulation under federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating primarily to the protection of human health and the environment. To date, expenditures related to complying with these laws, and for remediation of existing environmental contamination, have not been significant in relation to the results of operations of our company. The requirements imposed by such laws and regulations are frequently changed and subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations.
Research and Development
We have incurred $Nil in research and development expenditures over the last fiscal year.
Employees
Currently our only employees are our directors and officers. Due to the deterioration of general economic conditions, effective February 28, 2009, we concluded our contract with an investor’s relations consultant and laid off a corporate manager and oil and gas assistant. There may be further material changes in the number of employees over the next 12-month period. We do and will continue to outsource contract employment as needed. With project advancement and if we are successful in any exploration or drilling programs, we may retain additional employees.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those set forth below:
We have had negative cash flows from operations If we are unable to obtain financing in the amounts and on terms deemed acceptable to us, we may be unable to continue our business and as a result may be required to scale back or cease operations for our business, the result of which would be that our stockholders would lose some or all of their investment.
To date we have had negative cash flows from operations and we have been dependent on sales of our equity securities and debt financing to meet our cash requirements and have incurred losses totaling approximately $2,834,956 for the year ended December 31, 2009, and cumulative losses of $47,815,280 to December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2009 we had a working capital deficit of $672,995. Other than for possibly a few months where our production rates are higher and commodity prices remain firm, we do not expect positive cash flow from operations in the next twelve month period and there is no assurance that actual cash requirements will not exceed our estimates, or that our sales projections will be realized as estimated. In particular, additional capital may be required in the event that:
- drilling and completion costs for further wells increase beyond our expectations; or
- commodity prices for our production decline beyond our expectations; or
- production levels do not meet our expectations; or
- we encounter greater costs associated with general and administrative expenses or offering costs.
The occurrence of any of the aforementioned events could adversely affect our ability to meet our business plans.
We will depend almost exclusively on outside capital to pay for the continued exploration and development of our properties. Such outside capital may include the sale of additional stock and/or commercial borrowing. Capital may not continue to be available if necessary to meet these continuing development costs or, if the capital is available, that it will be on terms acceptable to us. The issuance of additional equity securities by us would result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments.
If we are unable to obtain financing in the amounts and on terms deemed acceptable to us, we may be unable to continue our business and as a result may be required to scale back or cease operations for our business, the result of which would be that our stockholders would lose some or all of their investment.
A decline in the price of our common stock could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our operations.
A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because our operations have been primarily financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our continued operations. Any reduction in our ability to raise equity capital in the future would force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and would have a significant negative effect on our business plans and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. If our stock price declines, we may not be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations.
We have a history of losses and fluctuating operating results. We expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flow until we receive significant commercial production from our properties
From inception through to December 31, 2009, we have incurred aggregate losses of approximately $47,815,280. Our loss from operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was $3,114,623. There is no assurance that we will operate profitably or will generate positive cash flow in the future. In addition, our operating results in the future may be subject to significant fluctuations due to many factors not within our control, such as the unpredictability of when customers will purchase our production and/or services, the size of customers’ purchases, the demand for our production and/or services, and the level of competition and general economic conditions. If we cannot generate positive cash flows in the future, or raise sufficient financing to continue our normal operations, then we may be forced to scale down or even close our operations. Until such time as we generate significant revenues, we expect an increase in development costs and operating costs. Consequently, we expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flow until we receive significant commercial production from our properties.
We have a limited operating history and if we are not successful in continuing to grow our business, then we may have to scale back or even cease our ongoing business operations.
We have limited history of revenues from operations and have limited significant tangible assets. We have yet to generate positive earnings and there can be no assurance that we will ever operate profitably. Our company has a limited operating history and must be considered in the development stage. The success of our company is significantly dependent on a successful acquisition, drilling, completion and production program. Our company’s operations will be subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a developing enterprise and the uncertainties arising from the absence of a significant operating history. We may be unable to locate recoverable reserves, extract the reserves economically, and/or operate on a profitable basis. We are in the development stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by enterprises in the development stage. If our business plan is not successful, and we are not able to operate profitably, investors may lose some or all of their investment in our company.
Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC's "Penny Stock" regulations, which may limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted regulations which generally define "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors." The term "accredited investor" refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of, our common stock.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, has adopted sales practice requirements which may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the "penny stock" rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
Trading in our common shares on the OTC Bulletin Board is limited and sporadic making it difficult for our shareholders to sell their shares or liquidate their investments.
Our common shares are currently listed for public trading on the OTC Bulletin Board. The trading price of our common shares has been subject to wide fluctuations. Trading prices of our common shares may fluctuate in response to a number of factors, many of which will be beyond our control. The stock market has generally experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies with no current business operation. There can be no assurance that trading prices and price earnings ratios previously experienced by our common shares will be matched or maintained. These broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of our common shares, regardless of our operating performance.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs for us and a diversion of management's attention and resources.
Because of the early stage of development and the nature of our business, our securities are considered highly speculative.
Our securities must be considered highly speculative, generally because of the nature of our business and the early stage of its development. We have largely been engaged in the business of exploring and until only recently attempting to develop commercial reserves of oil and gas. Our Alberta property is in the exploration stage and without known reserves of oil and gas. Only our Colorado properties have commenced production. Accordingly, we have not generated significant revenues nor have we realized a profit from our operations to date and there is little likelihood that we will generate significant revenues or realize any profits in the short term. Any profitability in the future from our business will be dependent upon attaining adequate levels of internally generated revenues through locating and developing economic reserves of oil and gas, which itself is subject to numerous risk factors as set forth herein. Since we have not generated significant revenues, we will have to raise additional monies through either securing industry reserve based debt financing, or the sale of our equity securities or debt, or combinations of the above in order to continue our business operations.
As our properties are in the exploration and early development stage there can be no assurance that we will establish commercial discoveries and/or profitable production programs on these properties.
Exploration for economic reserves of oil and gas is subject to a number of risk factors. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing oil and/or gas wells. Our Nevada properties have been impaired and our Alberta properties are in the exploration stage only and are without proven reserves of oil and gas. We may not establish commercial discoveries on these properties. Our Colorado property is in early stage development drilling and may prove uneconomic to develop.
The potential profitability of oil and gas ventures depends upon factors beyond the control of our company.
The potential profitability of oil and gas properties is dependent upon many factors beyond our control. For instance, world prices and markets for oil and gas are unpredictable, highly volatile, potentially subject to governmental fixing, pegging, controls, or any combination of these and other factors, and respond to changes in domestic, international, political, social, and economic environments. Additionally, due to worldwide economic uncertainty, the availability and cost of funds for production and other expenses have become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to project. These changes and events may materially affect our financial performance.
Adverse weather conditions can also hinder drilling operations. A productive well may become uneconomic in the event water or other deleterious substances are encountered which impair or prevent the production of oil and/or gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is impregnated with water or other deleterious substances. The marketability of oil and gas, which may be acquired or discovered, will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include the proximity and capacity of oil and gas pipelines and processing equipment, market fluctuations of prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production and environmental protection. These factors cannot be accurately predicted and the combination of these factors may result in our company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.
Competition in the oil and gas industry is highly competitive and there is no assurance that we will be successful in acquiring the leases.
The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive. We compete with numerous individuals and companies, including many major oil and gas companies, which have substantially greater technical, financial and operational resources and staff. Accordingly, there is a high degree of competition for desirable oil and gas leases, suitable properties for drilling operations and necessary drilling equipment, as well as for access to funds. We cannot predict if the necessary funds can be raised or that any projected work will be completed. Our budget does not anticipate the potential acquisition of additional acreage in Nevada and/or Alberta although this may change at any time without notice. This acreage may not become available or if it is available for leasing, that we may not be successful in acquiring the leases. There are other competitors that have operations in these areas and the presence of these competitors could adversely affect our ability to acquire additional leases.
The marketability of natural resources will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control, which may result in us not receiving an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable.
The marketability of natural resources, which may be acquired or discovered by us, will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include market fluctuations in oil and gas pricing and demand, the proximity and capacity of natural resource markets and processing equipment, governmental regulations, land tenure, land use, regulation concerning the importing and exporting of oil and gas and environmental protection regulations. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in us not receiving an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable.
Oil and gas operations are subject to comprehensive regulation, which may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated causing an adverse effect on our company.
Oil and gas operations are subject to federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection of the environment, including laws regulating removal of natural resources from the ground and the discharge of materials into the environment. Oil and gas operations are also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations, which seek to maintain health and safety standards by regulating the design and use of drilling methods and equipment. Various permits from government bodies are required for drilling operations to be conducted; no assurance can be given that such permits will be received. Environmental standards imposed by federal, provincial, or local authorities may be changed and any such changes may have material adverse effects on our activities. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays or require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thus causing an adverse effect on us. Additionally, we may be subject to liability for pollution or other environmental damages, which it may elect not to insure against due to prohibitive premium costs and other reasons. To date we have not been required to spend any material amount on compliance with environmental regulations. However, we may be required to do so in future and this may affect our ability to expand or maintain our operations.
Exploration and production activities are subject to certain environmental regulations, which may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of our operations.
In general, our exploration and production activities are subject to certain federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental quality and pollution control. Such laws and regulations increase the costs of these activities and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuance of a given operation. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material effect on our operations or financial condition to date. Specifically, we are subject to legislation regarding emissions into the environment, water discharges and storage and disposition of hazardous wastes. In addition, legislation has been enacted which requires well and facility sites to be abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of state authorities. However, such laws and regulations are frequently changed and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance. Generally, environmental requirements do not appear to affect us any differently or to any greater or lesser extent than other companies in the industry.
We believe that our operations comply, in all material respects, with all applicable environmental regulations.
Our operating partners maintain insurance coverage customary to the industry; however, we are not fully insured against all possible environmental risks.
Exploratory and development drilling involves many risks and we may become liable for pollution or other liabilities, which may have an adverse effect on our financial position.
Drilling operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Hazards such as unusual or unexpected geological formations, power outages, labor disruptions, blow-outs, sour gas leakage, fire, inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour, and other risks are involved. We may become subject to liability for pollution or hazards against which it cannot adequately insure or which it may elect not to insure. Incurring any such liability may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and operations.
Any change to government regulation/administrative practices may have a negative impact on our ability to operate and our profitability.
The laws, regulations, policies or current administrative practices of any government body, organization or regulatory agency in the United States, Canada, or any other jurisdiction, may be changed, applied or interpreted in a manner which will fundamentally alter the ability of our company to carry on our business.
The actions, policies or regulations, or changes thereto, of any government body or regulatory agency, or other special interest groups, may have a detrimental effect on us. Any or all of these situations may have a negative impact on our ability to operate and/or our profitably.
Our By-laws contain provisions indemnifying our officers and directors against all costs, charges and expenses incurred by them.
Our By-laws contain provisions with respect to the indemnification of our officers and directors against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, actually and reasonably incurred by him, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment in a civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his being or having been one of our directors or officers.
Investors' interests in our company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share if we issue additional shares or raise funds through the sale of equity securities.
Our constating documents authorize the issuance of 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001. In the event that we are required to issue any additional shares or enter into private placements to raise financing through the sale of equity securities, investors' interests in our company will be diluted and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share depending on the price at which such securities are sold. If we issue any such additional shares, such issuances also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other shareholders. Further, any such issuance may result in a change in our control.
Our By-laws do not contain anti-takeover provisions, which could result in a change of our management and directors if there is a take-over of our company.
We do not currently have a shareholder rights plan or any anti-takeover provisions in our By-laws. Without any anti-takeover provisions, there is no deterrent for a take-over of our company, which may result in a change in our management and directors.
As a result of a majority of our directors and officers are residents of other countries other than the United States, investors may find it difficult to enforce, within the United States, any judgments obtained against our company or our directors and officers.
Other than our operations office in Denver, Colorado, we do not currently maintain a permanent place of business within the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons' assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against our company or our officers or directors, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.
Other Risks
Trends, Risks and Uncertainties
We have sought to identify what we believe to be the most significant risks to our business, but we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized nor can we guarantee that we have identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to our common stock.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Executive Offices
Effective December 1, 2009 our corporate head office is located at 1660, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2E9, Canada where we rent approximately 900 sq. ft. of office space for approximately $3000 monthly. On September 9 2009, our five year office lease which commenced September 1, 2007 was terminated by the Landlord. We are currently in negotiation with this Landlord to finalize costs and expenses as they relate to this lease.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On December 21, 2009 Ontrea Inc. filed an action in the courts of British Columbia, Canada against Eden Canada Holdings Ltd., a registered name of Eden Energy Corp. in Canada, claiming arrears rent and accelerated rent overdue of $109,273.25 plus damages. Eden Canada Holdings Ltd. filed its Statement of Defense on February 1, 2010 and at this time the outcome is not determinable. Other than this, we know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against us, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our company.
Item 4.
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common shares are quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “EDNE.” The following quotations, obtained from Yahoo Finance, reflect the high and low bids for our common shares based on inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
The high and low bid prices of our common stock for the periods indicated below are as follows:
(1) Over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
Our shares are issued in registered form. Pacific Stock Transfer Inc., 500 E Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (Telephone: (702) 361-3033; Facsimile: (702) 433-1979) is the registrar and transfer agent for our common shares.
On March 11 , 2010, the shareholders' list showed 146 registered shareholders and 9,893,563 common shares outstanding and Nil preferred shares outstanding.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and have no present intention of paying any dividends on the shares of our common stock. Our current policy is to retain earnings, if any, for use in our operations and in the development of our business. Our future dividend policy will be determined from time to time by our board of directors.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
As at December 31, 2009, we have one compensation plan in place, entitled Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan. This plan has not been approved by our security holders. On December 20, 2007, the directors of our company approved an amendment to the Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan by increasing the maximum number of options available for grant from 3,000,000 to 4,276,332. (On January 7, 2010 we effected 1:5 reverse share consolidation. The number of options available for grant post January 7, 2010 is reduced to 989,357.)
The Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan allows for the granting of share purchase options at a price of not less than fair value of the stock and for a term not to exceed five years. The total number of options granted to any person shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding our equity compensation plans as at December 31, 2009. (The table includes share adjustment for a 1:5 reverse share consolidation effective January 7, 2010):
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
We did not sell any equity securities which were not registered under the Securities Act during the year ended December 31, 2009 that were not otherwise disclosed on our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or our current reports on Form 8-K filed during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We did not purchase any of our shares of common stock or other securities during our fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
As a “smaller reporting company”, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated audited financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report, particularly in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 9 of this annual report.
Our consolidated audited financial statements are stated in United States Dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Overview
We are a Nevada corporation incorporated on January 29, 1999. We were previously involved in the business of providing internet and programming services through our subsidiary company to clients located primarily in Canada. Our principal products and services included the development of e-commerce web sites and strategies, web design and hosting, domain name registration, Internet marketing and consulting and custom programming of web based applications. Due to the inability to run this business with a profit and the difficulty in attracting additional capital on terms favorable to existing shareholders, we ceased operation of this business and disposed of our subsidiary company on December 31, 2003 for nominal consideration. We became an exploration stage oil and gas company engaged in the exploration for petroleum and natural gas in the State of Nevada and the Province of Alberta, Canada. As of July 28, 2008 our primary focus became a development-drilling program for natural gas in the State of Colorado and due to the commencement of receiving significant revenues in 2008, as at December 31, 2008 we have moved from an exploration stage company to an operating company.
PLAN OF OPERATIONS AND CASH REQUIREMENTS
Cash Requirements
For the next twelve-month period we expect to monitor our exploration projects in Alberta as our joint venture agreements provide for. We expect to review other potential exploration projects from time to time as they are presented to us.
In Colorado, we hold 640 gross acres in our White River Dome, Ant Hill Unit development-drilling project. We have assigned our interests to our partners in the Noah and Cherry Creek projects in Nevada. In Alberta we have interests in approximately 23,000 gross acres of leases pursuant to our joint venture exploration agreements.
Our current focus of activity is our development-drilling program in Colorado and over the next twelve-month period we have not budgeted for exploration expenditures.
The declines in gas and oil prices through late 2008 and the first half of 2009 together with the ongoing deterioration of general economic conditions has led to a significant write down in the valuation of our Colorado assets and currently has eroded our access to reserve based financing for continued drilling in Colorado. Ongoing production related issues and the volatility of oil and gas prices for the twelve-month period ahead are challenging our revenue projections and estimates of operating cash flows. We expect cash flows for the next twelve-month period to be in a range of $750,000, which we anticipate will not provide adequate operating cash flow for the period. For the year ending December 31, 2009 we had received or accrued approximately $1.05 million from gas, oil, and natural gas liquid sales from our production wells. We received a final pipeline cost reimbursement of $337,643 from our operating partner in Colorado on December 17, 2009.
Management continues to assess future plans in the area as a result of the deterioration of selling prices and field results prior to further decisions. Management has rationalized corporate costs where possible in an attempt to better align them with expected future revenues. We anticipate we will not have adequate operating cash flow for the next twelve month period. Additional funds to meet obligations and to cover the costs of company operations will be required in future and there is uncertainty that further funding can be raised.
Our net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $1,058,679 as compared to $5,361,070 used during the year ended December 31, 2008.
We will require additional funds in the future to maintain operations and further funds to implement our growth strategy in our gas development operations. These funds may be raised through equity financing, debt financing, or other sources, which may result in further dilution in the equity ownership of our shares. There is still no assurance that we will be able to maintain operations at a level sufficient for an investor to obtain a return on his investment in our common stock. Further, we may continue to be unprofitable.
In order to proceed with our plans, on October 2, 2009 we entered into a loan agreement to borrow the principal sum of up to US$1,000,000 from a company owned and controlled by Donald Sharpe, our President and a Director. The Loan is to be secured against our company pursuant to a general security agreement, also dated effective October 2, 2009.
The loan available to us was to be drawn down in an initial draw of $500,000 and, upon the provision of 30 days written notice, further draws of not less than $50,000, to an aggregate maximum of $1,000,000. The initial draw was confirmed received by the company on October 7, 2009 and a subsequent draw of $500,000 was confirmed received on October 21, 2009.
The loan bears interest from the date any funds are advanced to the date of full repayment of all amounts outstanding under the Loan, at 20% per annum. Interest shall be payable quarterly, in arrears, commencing January 5, 2010, and quarterly thereafter, for the initial draw. For subsequent draws, interest shall be payable three months after such draws, in arrears, and quarterly thereafter. The undrawn amount of the Loan shall bear interest at the rate of 1% per month, which amount shall be payable quarterly, commencing three months after the date of the Loan agreement.
We are required to repay the principal amount of the Loan and all accrued and unpaid amounts and interest on the earlier to occur of October 5, 2010, subject to extension upon mutual agreement, or an “Event of Default” occurring as defined in the agreement. We may prepay the Loan in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time without notice, bonus or penalty.
Over the next twelve months we expect to expend funds as follows:
Estimated Net Expenditures During the Next Twelve Months
We have suffered recurring losses from operations. The continuation of our company is dependent upon our company attaining and maintaining profitable operations and raising additional capital as needed.
The continuation of our business is dependent upon obtaining further financing, a successful program of exploration and/or development, and, finally, achieving a profitable level of operations. The issuance of additional equity securities by us could result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments.
There are no assurances that we will be able to obtain further funds required for our continued operations. As noted herein, we are pursuing various financing alternatives to meet our immediate and long-term financial requirements. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to obtain the additional financing on a timely basis, we will be unable to conduct our operations as planned, and we will not be able to meet our other obligations as they become due. In such event, we will be forced to scale down or perhaps even cease our operations.
Results of Operations - Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
The following summary of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, which are included herein.
Our operating results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and the changes between those periods for the respective items are summarized as follows:
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Change Between
Twelve Month Period
Ended
December 31, 2009 and
December 30, 2008
Revenue $ 1,050,170 $ 2,392,435 $ (1,342,265)
Debt conversion expense Nil 3,605,000 (3,605,000)
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 634,943 1,596,371 (961,428)
General and administrative 712,806 820,001 (107,195)
Interest expense 47,907 771,597 (723,690)
Impairment loss on oil and gas properties 1,721,598 24,794,404 (23,072,806)
Management fees 357,167 924,847 (567,680)
Oil and gas operating expenses 453,862 726,696 (272,834)
Production taxes 48,941 119,373 (70,432)
Professional fees 187,569 233,462 (45,893)
Loss on disposal of equipment (88,117) Nil (88,117)
Gain on recovery of costs previously impaired 357,678 Nil 357,678
Net loss $ (2,834,824) $ (30,996,554) $ 28,160,730
Our accumulated losses increased to $47,815,280 as of December 31, 2009. Our financial statements report a net loss of $2,834,824 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2009 compared to a net loss of $30,996,554 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2008. Our losses have decreased primarily as a result of rationalization initiatives, a decrease in interest and other costs, and a decrease in impairment of oil and gas properties of $1,721,598 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $24,794,404 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. The Company also recognized depletion, depreciation and amortization of its capitalized oil and gas expenditures of $634,943 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, compared to $1,596,371 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. The depletion rate for Colorado production for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was $1.41/mcfe.
Our total liabilities as of December 31, 2009 were $1,441,477 as compared to total liabilities of $2,044,722 as of December 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in accounts payable of $88,927 as of December 31, 2009 as compared to $1,810,797 as of December 31, 2008 offset by an increase in loans payable of $1,045,954 as of December 31, 2009 as compared to $nil as of December 31, 2008.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 we spent $445,749 on exploration, development and acquisition of our oil and gas properties as compared to $12,123,183 spent during the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Of this amount $13,091 was attributable to acquisition costs (2008 - $220,041), and $432,658 (2008 - $11,993,142) was attributable to exploration and development costs incurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
Working Capital
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $767,165 in the year ended December 31, 2009 compared with net cash used in operating activities of $812,945 in the same period in 2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $1,580,110 is mainly attributed to rationalization efforts decreasing expenses and a significant reduction in impairment expense being offset by a reduction in revenues.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $2,181,002 in the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $12,768,396 in the same period in 2008. The decrease in use of cash of $10,587,394 in investing activities is mainly attributable to the decrease in oil and gas property development costs.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,058,679 in the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $5,361,070 used in financing activities in the same period in 2008. The difference in cash of $6,419,749 in financing activities is mainly attributed to cash provided by a $1,000,000 loan in the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to cash used in repayment of $5,398,570 of convertible notes in the year ended December 31, 2008.
Oil and gas sales volume comparisons for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2008
Net production from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 257,745 Mcfe as compared to approximately 295,157 Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenues recognized declined due to the lower production volumes and significantly lower commodity prices received to approximately $1.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to approximately $2.39 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Contractual Obligations
As a “smaller reporting company”, we are not required to provide tabular disclosure obligations.
Going Concern
In 2008 we commenced receiving revenues from the White River Dome project and at mid-year we concluded our Nevada exploration projects. Reflecting these operational changes, as at December 31, 2008 we moved from an exploration stage company to an operating company. However, due to early production instability with our new wells in the White River Dome field and a dramatic decline in oil and gas selling prices through 2008 and into 2009, we continue to be burdened with operating losses and a lack of substantial positive cash flow such that we anticipate an operating cash short fall sometime within approximately twelve months time. Reserve based debt financing for further development is currently unavailable to us due to the decline in oil and gas selling prices. We anticipate that additional funding will be required in the form of equity financing from the sale of our common stock. At this time, we cannot provide investors with any assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient funding from the sale of our common stock or through a loan from our directors to meet our obligations within or beyond the next approximate twelve months. We currently do not have any firm arrangements in place for any future debt or equity financing. Global financial markets and economic conditions have deteriorated significantly and though we have been successful in the past raising funding, we may not be successful in future in order to maintain operations. We have reduced overhead costs where possible in attempt to match anticipated future revenues; however ongoing commitments and a certain level of fixed costs make further reductions challenging to realize. Future economic concerns and uncertainty are exacerbating the already negative environment we operate in as continued commodity pricing pressure is expected through the year ahead, which may result in further reduced revenues realized.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders.
Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. We believe that understanding the basis and nature of the estimates and assumptions involved with the following aspects of our financial statements is critical to an understanding of our financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions.
The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected. The most significant estimates with regard to these financial statements relate to recoverable values of oil and gas properties, stock-based compensation, the provision for income taxes, depreciation, depletion and asset retirement obligations.
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company utilizes the full cost method to account for its investment in oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including such costs as leasehold acquisition costs, capitalized interest costs relating to unproved properties, geological expenditures, tangible and intangible development costs including direct internal costs are capitalized to the full cost pool. When the Company commences production from established proven oil and gas reserves, capitalized costs, including estimated future costs to develop the reserves and estimated abandonment costs, net of salvage, will be depleted on the units-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects including capitalized interest, if any, are not depleted until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined. Unproved properties are evaluated annually for impairment, and if the future exploration of unproved properties are determined uneconomical the amount of such properties are added to the capitalized cost to be depleted, while if the unproved properties are abandoned completely the amount of such properties is written off.
The capitalized costs included in the full cost pool are subject to a "ceiling test", which limits such costs to the aggregate of the estimated present value, using a ten percent discount rate, of the future net revenues from proved reserves, based on current economic and operating conditions plus the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value of unproven properties.
Sales of proved and unproved properties are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas, in which case the gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations.
Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC 360, Property Plant and Equipment, the Company tests long-lived assets or asset groups for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. Recoverability is assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value which is generally determined based on the sum of the discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset, as well as specific appraisal in certain instances. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value.
Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accrued petroleum revenues, other receivables, accounts payable, and loan payable. Pursuant to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures and ASC 825, Financial Instruments, the fair value of our cash equivalents is determined based on “Level 1” inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Management believes that the recorded values of all of our other financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective relatively short maturity dates or durations.
Revenue Recognition
Oil and natural gas revenues are recorded using the sales method whereby the Company recognizes oil and natural gas revenue based on the amount of oil and gas sold to purchasers when title passes, the amount is determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Actual sales of gas are based on sales, net of the associated volume charges for processing fees and for costs associated with delivery, transportation, marketing, and royalties in accordance with industry standards. Operating costs and taxes are recognized in the same period in which revenue is earned.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2009, FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events, which establishes general standards for the evaluation, recognition and disclosure of events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date. Although there is new terminology, the standard is based on the same principles as those that currently exist in the auditing standards. The standard is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Refer to Note 12.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified as ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, aside from those issued by the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). ASC 105 does not change current U.S. GAAP, but is intended to simplify user access to all authoritative U.S. GAAP by providing all authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one place. The adoption of ASC 105 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, but did eliminate all references to pre-codification standards.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting company”, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
EDEN ENERGY CORP.
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 2009
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Eden Energy Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eden Energy Corp. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows and the changes in stockholders’ equity for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. To date, the Company has not generated profitable operations from its oil and gas business, has incurred significant losses in 2009 and further losses are anticipated. The Company will require additional funds to meet its obligations and the costs of its operations. There is uncertainty that further funding can be raised if and when needed. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in this regard are described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
“DMCL”
DALE MATHESON CARR-HILTON LABONTE LLP
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Vancouver, Canada
March 23, 2010
Eden Energy Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
Eden Energy Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
Eden Energy Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
Eden Energy Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
From January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1.
Nature and Continuance of Operations
The Company is involved in oil and gas exploration, development and production activities in Alberta, Canada, and Colorado USA.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company has experienced negative cash flows from operations to date and has accumulated losses of $47,815,280 since inception including a loss for the current year of $2,834,824 of which $1,721,598 is related to property impairment. To date the Company has funded operations through the issuance of capital stock and debt. Management’s plan is to continue raising additional funds through future equity or debt financings, if available, as needed until it achieves profitable operations from its oil and gas activities. Given the recent global economic climate and the uncertainty in commodity prices there may be difficulty in raising further funding. The ability of the Company to continue its operations as a going concern is dependent on continuing to raise sufficient new capital to fund its exploration and development commitments and to fund ongoing losses if, as and when needed, and ultimately on generating profitable operations. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
2.
Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and are expressed in United States dollars. The Company has produced revenue from its principal business and in fiscal years prior to December 31, 2008 was considered an Exploration Stage Company, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 915, Development Stage Entities. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Frontier Exploration Ltd. (“Frontier”), Southern Frontier Explorations Ltd. (“Southern”), companies incorporated and based in the State of Nevada, Eden Energy (North) Ltd. (“Eden North”), a company incorporated and based in the Province of Alberta, Canada, and Eden Energy Colorado LLC (“Eden Colorado”), a company incorporated and based in the State of Colorado. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected. The most significant estimates with regard to these financial statements relate to recoverable values of oil and gas properties, stock-based compensation, the provision for income taxes, depreciation, depletion and asset retirement obligations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with maturity of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s and its United States subsidiaries’ functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar. The financial statements of the subsidiary are translated to United States dollars in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Translation Matters. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. Average monthly rates are used to translate revenues and expenses. Gains and losses arising on translation or settlement of foreign currency denominated transactions or balances are included in the determination of income.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 440, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which establishes standards for the initial measurement and subsequent accounting for obligations associated with the sale, abandonment or other disposal of long-lived tangible assets arising from the acquisition, construction or development and for normal operations of such assets.
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company utilizes the full cost method to account for its investment in oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including such costs as leasehold acquisition costs, capitalized interest costs relating to unproved properties, geological expenditures, tangible and intangible development costs including direct internal costs are capitalized to the full cost pool. When the Company commences production from established proven oil and gas reserves, capitalized costs, including estimated future costs to develop the reserves and estimated abandonment costs, net of salvage, will be depleted on the units-of- production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects including capitalized interest, if any, are not depleted until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined. Unproved properties are evaluated annually for impairment, and if the future exploration of unproved properties are determined uneconomical the amount of such properties are added to the capitalized cost to be depleted, while if the unproved properties are abandoned completely the amount of such properties is written off.
The capitalized costs included in the full cost pool are subject to a "ceiling test", which limits such costs to the aggregate of the estimated present value, using a ten percent discount rate, of the future net revenues from proved reserves, based on current economic and operating conditions plus the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value of unproven properties.
Sales of proved and unproved properties are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas, in which case the gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations.
Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost of $75,251 (2008 - $219,152) less accumulated depreciation of $48,463 (2008 - $68,135). Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line basis over five years.
Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC 360, Property Plant and Equipment, the Company tests long-lived assets or asset groups for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. Recoverability is assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value which is generally determined based on the sum of the discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset, as well as specific appraisal in certain instances. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value.
Loss Per Share
The Company computes net earnings (loss) per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on the face of the income statement. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. In computing diluted EPS, the average stock price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options or warrants. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti dilutive.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
ASC 220, Comprehensive Income establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive loss and its components in the financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the only components of comprehensive loss were foreign currency translation adjustments.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accrued petroleum revenues, other receivables, accounts payable, and loan payable. Pursuant to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures and ASC 825, Financial Instruments the fair value of cash equivalents is determined based on “Level 1” inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Management believes that the recorded values of all of the Company’s other financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective relatively short maturity dates or durations.
Income Taxes
Potential benefits of income tax losses are not recognized in the accounts until realization is more likely than not. The Company has adopted ASC 740, Income Taxes as of its inception. Pursuant to ASC 740 the Company is required to compute tax asset benefits for net operating losses carried forward. The potential benefits of these net operating losses have not been recognized in these financial statements because the Company cannot be assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years.
Debt Issue Costs
In accordance with ASC 835, Interest, the Company recognizes debt issue costs on the balance sheet as deferred charges and amortizes the balance over the term of the related debt. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and classifies cash payments for debt issue costs as a financing activity. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized amortization expense of $nil (2008 - $127,324).
Stock - Based Compensation
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan (Note 9), whereby stock options are granted in accordance with the policies of the stock option plan. The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Based Compensation, using the fair value method.
All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Equity instruments issued to employees and the cost of the services received as consideration are measured and recognized based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued.
Revenue Recognition
Oil and natural gas revenues are recorded using the sales method whereby the Company recognizes oil and natural gas revenue based on the amount of oil and gas sold to purchasers when title passes, the amount is determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Actual sales of gas are based on sales, net of the associated volume charges for processing fees and for costs associated with delivery, transportation, marketing, and royalties in accordance with industry standards. Operating costs and taxes are recognized in the same period in which revenue is earned.
3.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2009, FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events, which establishes general standards for the evaluation, recognition and disclosure of events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date. Although there is new terminology, the standard is based on the same principles as those that currently exist in the auditing standards. The standard is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Refer to Note 12.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified as ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, aside from those issued by the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). ASC 105 does not change current U.S. GAAP, but is intended to simplify user access to all authoritative U.S. GAAP by providing all authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one place. The adoption of ASC 105 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, but did eliminate all references to pre-codification standards.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and 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.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
4.
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company’s oil and gas acquisition, exploration and development activities are as follows:
All of the Company’s oil and gas properties are located in the United States and Canada.
Depletion expense - Proven Properties
Depletion expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $586,754 (2008 - $1,415,736) was recorded in the U.S. cost center and $nil (2008 - $nil) was recorded in the Canadian cost center. None of the Company’s unproven properties are subject to depletion.
Impairment charges - Proven Properties
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company’s proven property costs (consisting of the Ant Hill Property) were considered impaired primarily as a result of the decline in gas prices resulting in a $1,721,598 (2008 - $17,969,687) non-cash impairment charge.
Impairment charges - Unproven Properties
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s unproven property costs were considered impaired resulting in a $6,824,717 non-cash impairment charge. No impairment charges on unproven properties were recorded in 2009.
5.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations consists of estimated final well closure and associated ground reclamation costs estimated to be incurred by the Company in the future once the economical life of its oil and gas wells are reached. A reconciliation between the estimated opening and closing asset retirement obligations balance is provided below:
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock Options
Effective May 1, 2005, the Company amended its stock option plan (the “Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan”) to issue up to 600,000 shares of common stock. The plan allows for the granting of share purchase options at a price of not less than fair value of the stock and for a term not to exceed five years. The total number of options granted to any person shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. Effective December 20, 2007 the Company amended its stock option plan (the “Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan”) to issue up to 855,266 shares of common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company did not grant any stock options. During the year ended December 31, 2009 stock options to acquire 50,000 common shares at $2.50 per share on or before June 11, 2009 expired in full without exercise. Stock options to acquire 2,000 common shares at $10.75 per share on or before December 16, 2010 were cancelled. Stock options to acquire 34,400 common shares at $12.50 per share on or before February 28, 2011 were cancelled. Stock options to acquire 8,400 common shares at $7.70 per share on or before December 20, 2011 were cancelled. Stock options to acquire 8,400 common shares at $3.00 per share on or before January 22, 2013 were cancelled.
At December 31, 2009, 601,200 stock options remained outstanding at prices between $3.00 and $12.50 per share, and expiring between May 1, 2010 and January 22, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company granted stock options to directors, officers, consultants, and employees to acquire up to 198,400 shares of common stock exercisable at $3.00 per share on or before January 22, 2013 pursuant to the Amended 2004 Stock Option Plan. One-third of the options vest on April 30, 2008, one-third vest on August 31, 2008 and the final one-third vest on December 31, 2008. The closing market price of the stock on the grant date was $3.10 per share. The fair value for options granted was estimated at the date of grant to be $353,913 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected life of 2.61 years, risk-free rate of 2.10% and expected volatility of 96%. The weighted average fair value of these stock options granted was $1.80 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2008, including stock based compensation on options granted in prior years which vested in the year ended December 31, 2008, including stock-based compensation on options granted in prior years which vested in 2008, the Company recorded stock-based compensation of $357,365 as management fees, $12,616 as consulting fees and $11,469 as general and administrative expense.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
9.
Capital Stock (continued)
Stock Options (continued)
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:
A summary of the status of the Company’s unvested stock options and changes during the year is presented below:
Share Purchase Warrants
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company issued convertible debentures with a principal amount of $9,075,000, together with 907,500 Series A detachable share purchase warrants. During the year ended December 31, 2005, a debenture with a principal amount of $450,000 was converted into 90,000 shares of common stock.
On January 17, 2008, and February 8, 2008, the Company entered into Note and Warrant Amendment Agreements (“Amendment”) with six of the holders of the convertible debt, whereby the terms of the convertible debt were amended. Upon their election to participate and pursuant to the Amendment, the term of 113,168 of the noteholders’ warrants was amended to expire on August 25, 2009, and the exercise price of the warrants was amended to $5.00, unless the warrants were exercised within 30 business days of the closing date of the Amendment, in which case the exercise price of the warrants would be $2.50. The fair value of the warrants as amended was estimated at the date of grant to be an incremental $79,702 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 1.55 - 1.61 years, risk-free rate of 1.9% - 2.39% and expected volatility of 81%. The Company recognized a debt conversion expense of $2,403,000 in the year ended December 31, 2008. On February 22, 2008, the Company issued 15,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of 15,000 warrants at $2.50 and the remainder subsequently expired.
On March 13, 2008, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Amendment Agreement (“Second Amendment”) with one of the holders of the convertible debt, whereby the terms of the convertible debt described were amended. Upon their election to participate and pursuant to the Second Amendment, the term of 10,000 of the noteholders’ warrants was amended to expire on August 25, 2009, and the exercise price of the warrants was amended to $5.50, unless the warrants were exercised within 30 business days of the closing date of the Second Amendment, in which case the exercise price of the warrants would be $3.50. The fair value of the warrants as amended was estimated at the date of grant to be an incremental $13,613 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 1.45 years, risk-free rate of 1.61% and expected volatility of 79%. The Company recognized a debt conversion expense of $556,000 in the year ended December 31, 2008. No warrants were exercised and all subsequently expired.
On April 2, 2008, the Company entered into a Note and Warrant Amendment Agreement (“Third Amendment”) with two of the holders of the convertible debt, whereby the terms of the convertible debt were amended. Upon their election to participate and pursuant to the Third Amendment, the term of 11,250 of the noteholders’ warrants was amended to expire on August 25, 2009, and the exercise price of the warrants was amended to $5.50, unless the warrants were exercised within 30 business days of the closing date of the Third Amendment, in which case the exercise price of the warrants would be $3.50. The fair value of the warrants as amended was estimated at the date of grant to be an incremental $14,672 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 1.4 years, risk-free rate of 1.54% and expected volatility of 76%. The Company recognized a debt conversion expense of $646,000 in the year ended December 31, 2008. No warrants were exercised and all subsequently expired.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
9.
Capital Stock (continued)
Share Purchase Warrants (continued)
Upon the completion of the conversions described above, those warrants held by noteholders who chose not to participate in the amendments were repriced such that the exercise price of their warrants were reduced from $25.20 to $22.40. On August 25, 2008, the Company repaid the remaining $5,398,570 principal outstanding and issued 59,523 shares of common stock in lieu of cash interest payments with a value of $77,380.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, all remaining warrants expired unexercised.
The following table summarizes the continuity of the Company’s warrants:
10.
Restricted Cash
As at December 31, 2009 restricted cash consists of $30,924 (CAD$32,500) (2008 - $91,867 (CAD$112,500)) for security for corporate credit cards. An additional $30,499 (2008 - $nil) is held under a garnishment order over an amount claimed by a third party, which the Company disputes and is currently in discussions to resolve. Refer to Note 12.
11.
Income Taxes
Potential benefits of income tax losses are not recognized in the accounts until realization is more likely than not. The Company has incurred net operating losses of approximately $25,591,000, which commence expiring in 2024. Pursuant to ASC 740, the Company is required to compute tax assets for net operating losses for tax purposes carried forward. Potential tax assets arising from net operating losses have not been recognized in these financial statements because the Company cannot be assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the valuation allowance established against the tax effected deferred tax assets increased by $966,000 and $12,927,000, respectively. The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the statutory tax rate, the effective tax rate and the elected amount of the valuation allowance are indicated below:
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
11.
Income Taxes (continued)
The provision for income tax differs from the amount computed by applying statutory rates to earnings before income taxes. The difference results from the following:
The Company has filed all prior years income tax returns in the United States and to 2007 in Canada. Inherent uncertainties arise over tax positions taken with respect to transfer pricing, related party transactions, tax credits, tax based incentives and stock based transactions. Management has considered the likelihood and significance of possible penalties associated with its current and intended filing positions and has determined, based on their assessment, that such penalties, if any, would not be expected to be material.
12.
Subsequent Events
In accordance with ASC 855, Subsequent Events, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of these audited consolidated financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events except the following:
On January 5, 2010 the Company received a Writ of Notice, a Statement of Claim, and a Garnishing Order Before Judgement relating to its past office premises and lease termination made on September 9, 2009. The Company disputes the claims within and is currently in discussions to settle the matter. The loss, if any, resulting from the outcome of the above will be recorded in the period when such determination or settlements are made.
On January 7, 2010, the Company effected a 1:5 reverse stock-split of the authorized, issued and outstanding common stock. As a result, the authorized share capital decreased from 100,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 to 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001. The issued and outstanding share capital decreased from 49,467,856 shares of common stock to 9,893,571 shares of common stock. All share amounts have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented in the financial statements.
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Capitalized Costs Related to Oil and Gas Producing Activities
Costs incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Activities
Results of Operations from Oil and Gas Producing Activities - United States
Eden Energy Corp.
December 31, 2008
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Reserve Information
The following estimates of proved developed reserve quantities and related standardized measure of discounted net cash flow are estimates only, and do not purport to reflect realizable values or fair market values of the Company’s reserves. The Company emphasizes that reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and that estimates of new discoveries are more imprecise than those of producing oil and gas properties. Accordingly, these estimates are expected to change as future information becomes available. All of the Company’s reserves are located in the United States.
Future cash flows are computed by applying the average of the price received at the first of each month for the year 2009 for natural gas and oil to period end quantities of proved natural gas and oil reserves. The average of the market prices used for the standardized measures below were $46.94/barrel for liquids and $3.13/Mcf for gas. Future operating expenses and development costs are computed primarily by the Company’s petroleum engineers by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the Company’s proved natural gas and oil reserves at the end of the period, based on period end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.
Future income taxes are based on period end statutory rates, adjusted for tax basis and applicable tax credits. A discount factor of ten percent was used to reflect the timing of future net cash flows. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is not intended to represent the replacement cost of fair value of the Company’s natural gas and oil properties. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, and a discount factor more representative of the time value of money and the risks inherent in reserve estimate of natural gas and oil producing operations.
Proved Oil and Gas Reserve Quantities
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There were no disagreements related to accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, internal controls or auditing scope or procedure during the two fiscal years and interim periods, including the interim period up through the date the relationship ended.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on 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 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our president (also our principal executive officer) and our secretary, treasurer and chief financial officer (also our principal financial and accounting officer) to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As of December 31, 2009, the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our president (also our principal executive officer) and our secretary, treasurer and chief financial officer (also our principal financial and accounting officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. It should be noted that due to an unprecedented economic downturn, which began in late 2008, management in early 2009 implemented significant rationalizing initiatives within the company in attempts to bring costs in line with the reduced revenues being received and expected in the year ahead. As the effectiveness of the company’s controls and procedures was to a degree dependant on a level of personnel and operations prior to rationalizing efforts, it is possible managements rationalizing initiatives consequently affected these controls. Through the year however and as a result of rationalizing efforts, senior management became more directly involved with all aspects of company operations and processes. Based on the foregoing, our president (also our principal executive officer) and our secretary, treasurer and chief financial officer (also our principal financial and accounting officer) believe that our disclosure controls and procedures were still effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance’s with US generally accepted accounting principles.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of control procedures. The objectives of internal control include providing management with reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management believes that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was still effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. Our management reviewed the results of their assessment with our Board of Directors.
Inherent limitations on effectiveness of controls
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which include but is not limited to the use of independent professionals for advice and guidance, interpretation of existing and/or changing rules and principles, segregation of management duties, scale of organization, and personnel factors. Internal control over financial reporting is a process which involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis, however these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2009 that have materially or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
All directors of our company hold office until the next annual meeting of the security holders or until their successors have been elected and qualified. The officers of our company are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their death, resignation or removal from office. Our directors and executive officers, their ages, positions held, and duration as such, are as follows:
Business Experience
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience during at least the past five years of each director, executive officer and key employee of our company, indicating the person’s principal occupation during that period, and the name and principal business of the organization in which such occupation and employment were carried out.
Donald Sharpe - President and Director
Mr. Sharpe has been the president and a director of our company since May 14, 2004.
Mr. Sharpe graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics in 1981 and joined Suncor Inc. in August of that year. From 1981 to 1987, Mr. Sharpe trained and worked as an exploration geophysicist, gaining experience in all parts of the exploration and development cycle throughout the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
In 1987, Mr. Sharpe moved into the then new field of gas marketing where he was responsible for the direct marketing of Suncor's gas to industrial, commercial and utility customers in the United States and Eastern Canada. The position required negotiating skills, an understanding of the North American pipeline infrastructure, and an appreciation for the dynamics of natural gas supply and demand. Mr. Sharpe continued his formal education and received a Certificate in Business Management from the University of Calgary in 1989.
In 1990, Mr. Sharpe returned to exploration at Suncor in the position of group leader for British Columbia exploration. In this position, Mr. Sharpe managed a team of professionals in land, geology and geophysics and was responsible for the planning, budgeting and execution of the team's exploration program. Mr. Sharpe continued his education and graduated from the Banff School of Advanced Management in 1991.
In 1994, Mr. Sharpe left Suncor and returned to Vancouver to found and run a number of public companies. Operating under the umbrella of D. Sharpe Management Inc., Mr. Sharpe has consulted to, managed and served as a director of a number of start-up oil and gas companies including Patriot Petroleum Corp., Gemini Energy Inc., Velvet Exploration Inc., Netco Energy Inc. and Nation Energy Ltd. Mr. Sharpe currently serves as a director of Universal Power Corp., an oil and gas exploration firm with properties offshore of Namibia, Africa. From December 17, 2009 Mr. Sharpe has served as president and a director of Coronado Corp., an early stage start up company incorporated in Nevada. (the common shares of which are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board).
Mr. Sharpe is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta and the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Drew Bonnell - Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director
Mr. Bonnell has been the chief financial officer, secretary, treasurer and a director of our company since May 14, 2004.
Mr. Bonnell graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario with a Masters of Business Administration degree in 1998. For a period of 12 years prior to graduation, Mr. Bonnell served as president and director of multiple private companies engaged in tourism operations in key resort destinations in Western Canada. In these positions, Mr. Bonnell had the responsibility to manage the affairs of each of these companies, to ensure the operation of the business, and interact with all professional services and counsel as required.
From 1997 to divestiture in 2006, Mr. Bonnell served as president and director of a private BC based company with business interests in Whistler Canada. From December 17, 2009 Mr. Bonnell has served as chief financial officer, secretary and a director of Coronado Corp. an early stage start up company incorporated in Nevada. (the common shares of which are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board).
Mr. Bonnell is active as a businessman and a member of the worldwide Ivey alumni association.
John Martin - Director
Mr. Martin has been a director of our company since August 31, 2004. Mr. Martin is a graduate of IMD one of the world’s top business schools located in Lausanne, Switzerland. He is a corporate finance specialist and is currently the managing director of CMI, Credit Markets Investments Ltd. (Geneva). Previously, Mr. Martin was the senior VP and head of Capital Markets for Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi AG (Switzerland), one of the world’s largest banks. While there from 1990 to 2000, he was a member of the Investment Policy Committee for private banking and an ALM committee member for the bank’s capital. Prior to this Mr. Martin was VP, Capital Markets for the Royal Bank of Canada (Suisse) and assistant treasurer and capital markets manager for Inspectorate Finance S.A. Geneva.
Ralph Stensaker - Director
Mr. Stensaker has been a director of our company since June 11, 2007. Mr. Stensaker has an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and is a Certified General Accountant. He has 26 years of varied experience in finance and administration and is currently the principal of Stensaker & Company, Certified General Accountant, which is based in Burnaby, British Columbia and provides accounting and advisory services to small-medium sized businesses.
Larry Kellison - Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Kellison has been the Chief Operating Officer of our company since May 1, 2006.
Mr. Kellison is a professional Geologist with more than 30 years of varied oil and gas experience. From December 2001 to November 2005, he was Vice President and General Manager for Black Hills Corporation’s oil and gas subsidiary in Golden, Colorado where he led the company’s operations throughout the U.S. From March 2000 to December 2001 he was an independent geologist. From December 17, 2009 Mr. Kellison has served as chief operating officer and a director of Coronado Corp. an early stage start up company incorporated in Nevada. (the common shares of which are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board).
Mr. Kellison has an B. Sc from the University of Mississippi and a M. Sc in geology from the University of Nebraska.. Mr. Kellison is Certified Petroleum Geologist and member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a registered Professional Geologist by the State of Wyoming, and a member of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Montana Geological Society and Nevada Petroleum Society.
Messrs. Sharpe and Bonnell are significant employees and the loss of either of these employees would have an adverse impact on our future developments and could impair our ability to succeed.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our directors, executive officers and proposed directors or executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
None of our directors, executive officers, promoters or control persons has been involved in any of the following events during the past five years:
1.
any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
2.
any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations and other minor offences;
3.
being subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; or
4.
being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, on Forms 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us, or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% percent beneficial owners were complied with.
Code of Ethics
Effective March 24, 2004, our company's board of directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to, among other persons, our company's president and secretary (being our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer), as well as persons performing similar functions. As adopted, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets forth written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
1.
honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
2.
full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications made by us;
3.
compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
4.
the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; and
5.
accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires, among other things, that all of our company's senior officers commit to timely, accurate and consistent disclosure of information; that they maintain confidential information; and that they act with honesty and integrity.
In addition, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics emphasizes that all employees, and particularly senior officers, have a responsibility for maintaining financial integrity within our company, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, and federal and state securities laws. Any senior officer who becomes aware of any incidents involving financial or accounting manipulation or other irregularities, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to our company. Any failure to report such inappropriate or irregular conduct of others is to be treated as a severe disciplinary matter. It is against our company policy to retaliate against any individual who reports in good faith the violation or potential violation of our company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by another.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2004 as Exhibit 14.1 to our annual report. We will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to any person without charge, upon request. Requests can be sent to: Eden Energy Corp., Suite 1660 - 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6E 2E9.
Board and Committee Meetings
Our board of directors held no formal meetings during the year ended December 31, 2009. All proceedings of the board of directors were conducted by resolutions consented to in writing by all the directors and filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the directors. Such resolutions consented to in writing by the directors entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of the directors are, according to the Nevada General Corporate Law and our Bylaws, as valid and effective as if they had been passed at a meeting of the directors duly called and held.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 our only standing committee of the board of directors was our audit committee.
Nomination Process
As of December 31, 2009, we did not effect any material changes to the procedures by which our shareholders may recommend nominees to our board of directors. Our board of directors does not have a policy with regards to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by our shareholders. Our board of directors has determined that it is in the best position to evaluate our company’s requirements as well as the qualifications of each candidate when the board considers a nominee for a position on our board of directors. If shareholders wish to recommend candidates directly to our board, they may do so by sending communications to the president of our company at the address on the cover of this annual report.
Audit Committee
Currently our audit committee consists of our entire board of directors. Effective January 1, 2008 Ralph Stensaker was appointed chair of the audit committee. We currently do not have nominating, compensation committees or committees performing similar functions. There has not been any defined policy or procedure requirements for shareholders to submit recommendations or nomination for directors.
During fiscal 2009 aside from quarterly review teleconferences, there were no meetings held by this committee. The business of the audit committee was conducted though these teleconferences and by resolutions consented to in writing by all the members and filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the audit committee.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors has determined that it does have a member of its audit committee that qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The particulars of the compensation paid to the following persons:
(a)
our principal executive officer;
(b)
each of our two most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008; and
(c)
up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided under (b) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as our executive officer at the end of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008,
who we will collectively refer to as the named executive officers of our company, are set out in the following summary compensation table, except that no disclosure is provided for any named executive officer, other than our principal executive officers, whose total compensation did not exceed $100,000 for the respective fiscal year:
(1)
Mr. Sharpe was appointed the President and a director of our company on May 14, 2004.
(2)
Mr. Bonnell was appointed the Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of our company May 14, 2004.
(3)
Mr. Kellison was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of our company on May 1, 2006.
Other than as set out below, there are no arrangements or plans in which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers. Our directors and executive officers may receive share options at the discretion of our board of directors in the future. We do not have any material bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to our directors or executive officers, except that share options may be granted at the discretion of our board of directors.
A management fee expense of $213,977 was charged by D. Sharpe Management Inc., a company wholly-owned by Donald Sharpe, our president and a director of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay D. Sharpe Management Inc., a company wholly-owned by Donald Sharpe, our president and a director of our company, a management fee of CDN$20,392 per month pursuant to an amended management agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. During the twelve period ended December 31, 2008, we paid D. Sharpe Management Inc. an aggregate amount of $235,697 for employment services rendered by Donald Sharpe.
A management fee expense of $143,190 was charged by Drew Bonnell in his role as chief financial officer and director of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay Drew Bonnell, our chief financial officer and a director of our company, a management fee of CDN$13,594 per month, pursuant to an amended management consulting agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2008, in consideration for management services rendered by Drew Bonnell. During the twelve period ended December 31, 2008, we paid Drew Bonnell an aggregate amount of $157,097 for employment services rendered by him.
A management fee expense of $151,044 was charged by Larry Kellison in his role as chief operating officer of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay Larry Kellison, our chief operating officer, a management fee of $12,587 per month, pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. During the twelve period ended December 31, 2008, we paid Larry Kellison an aggregate amount of $151,044 for employment services rendered by him.
2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides information about equity and non-equity awards granted to the named executives in 2009:
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The particulars of unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for our named executive officers are set out in the following table (table reflects January 7, 2010 1:5 reverse share split):
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
During our Fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 there were no options exercised by our named officers.
Compensation of Directors
We do not have any agreements for compensating our directors for their services in their capacity as directors, although such directors are expected in the future to receive stock options to purchase shares of our common stock as awarded by our board of directors.
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation paid to our non-employee directors in 2009:
(1) Based on the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the year ended December 31, 2009 in accordance with SFAS 123R, excluding estimated forfeitures and using only actual forfeitures. The assumptions we used for calculating the grant date fair value are set forth in Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
(2) As of December 31, 2009, the aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock subject to outstanding option awards held by our non-employee directors was as follows: John Martin, 70,000 shares; and Ralph Stensaker, 40,000 shares (number of shares reflects 1:5 reverse share split effective January 7, 2010)
Pension, Retirement or Similar Benefit Plans
There are no arrangements or plans in which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers. We have no material bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to our directors or executive officers, except that stock options may be granted at the discretion of the board of directors or a committee thereof.
Indebtedness of Directors, Senior Officers, Executive Officers and Other Management
None of our directors or executive officers or any associate or affiliate of our company during the last two fiscal years, is or has been indebted to our company by way of guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar agreement or understanding currently outstanding.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth, as of March 11, 2010, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares by each shareholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common shares, as well as by each of our current directors and executive officers as a group. Each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock, except as otherwise indicated. Beneficial ownership consists of a direct interest in the shares of common stock, except as otherwise indicated.
(1)
Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding on March 11, 2010. As of March 11, 2010 there were 9,893,571 shares of our company’s common stock issued and outstanding
(2)
Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 190,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days.
(3)
Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 190,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days.
(4)
Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 40,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days.
(5)
Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 110,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days.
(6)
Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 70,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days.
Changes in Control
We are unaware of any contract or other arrangement the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of our company.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Except as disclosed herein, no director, executive officer, shareholder holding at least 5% of shares of our common stock, or any family member thereof, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction, or proposed transaction since the year ended December 31, 2009, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at the year end for the last three completed fiscal years.
Over the year ended December 31, 2009, our company incurred management fee expenses in the amount of $508,211 and consulting fee expenses in the amount of $nil.
A management fee expense of $213,977 was charged by D. Sharpe Management Inc., a company wholly-owned by Donald Sharpe, our president and a director of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay D. Sharpe Management Inc., a company wholly-owned by Donald Sharpe, our president and a director of our company, a management fee of Cdn$20,392 per month pursuant to an amended management agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2008, we paid D. Sharpe Management an aggregate amount of $235,697.
A management fee expense of $143,190 was charged by Drew Bonnell in his role as chief financial officer and director of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay Drew Bonnell, our chief financial officer and a director of our company, a management fee of Cdn$13,594 per month, pursuant to an amended management consulting agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2007, in consideration for management services rendered by Drew Bonnell. During the twelve period ended December 31, 2008, we paid Drew Bonnell an aggregate amount of $157,097.
A management fee expense of $151,044 was charged by Larry Kellison in his role as chief operating officer of our company for the year ended December 31, 2009. We pay Larry Kellison, our chief operating officer, a management fee of $12,587 per month, pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated December 21, 2007, effective January 1, 2008, in consideration for management services rendered by Larry Kellison. During the twelve period ended December 31, 2008, we paid Larry Kellison an aggregate amount of $151,044.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded stock-based compensation of $nil (2008 -$357,365) as management fees to officers and directors.
Director Independence
We currently act with four (4) directors, consisting of Donald Sharpe, Drew Bonnell, John Martin and Ralph Stensaker.
We have determined that John Martin and Ralph Stensaker are independent directors, as that term is used in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Rules of National Association of Securities Dealers.
Currently our audit committee consists of our entire board of directors. We currently do not have nominating, compensation committees or committees performing similar functions. There has not been any defined policy or procedure requirements for shareholders to submit recommendations or nomination for directors.
Our board of directors has determined that it does have a member of its audit committee who qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
From inception to present date, we believe that the members of our audit committee and the board of directors have been and are collectively capable of analyzing and evaluating our financial statements and understanding internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The aggregate fees billed for the most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for these fiscal periods were as follows:
Our board of directors pre-approves all services provided by our independent auditors. All of the above services and fees were reviewed and approved by the board of directors either before or after the respective services were rendered.
Our board of directors has considered the nature and amount of fees billed by our independent auditors and believes that the provision of services for activities unrelated to the audit is compatible with maintaining our independent auditors’ independence.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
Financial Statements
(1)
Financial statements for our company are listed in the index under Item 8 of this document
(2)
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b)
Exhibits
* Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its
EDEN ENERGY CORP.
(Registrant)
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ Donald Sharpe
Donald Sharpe
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ Drew Bonnell
Drew Bonnell
Secretary, Treasurer and CFO
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ Donald Sharpe
Donald Sharpe
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ Drew Bonnell
Drew Bonnell
Secretary, Treasurer and CFO
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ John Martin
John Martin
Director
Dated: March 25, 2010 /s/ Ralph Stensaker
Ralph Stensaker
Director