UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 0-51414
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
| Nevada | 98-0417780 |
| (State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77098
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone no.: (713) 528-1881
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
State the issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year. $ 1,330,084
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold, or the average bid and ask prices of such stock as of a specified date within 60 days.
$ 49,156,741(Based on price per share on June 22, 2007)
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | Outstanding as of March 31, 2007 |
Common Stock, Par Value $0.001 per share | 29,792,429 |
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
A description of "Documents Incorporated by Reference" is contained in Part III, Item 13.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format. Yes [ ] No [X]
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LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I | |
| Page | |
| Item 1. Description of Business | 4 |
| Item 1A. Risk Factors | 7 |
| Item 2. Description of Property | 14 |
| Item 3. Legal Proceedings | 16 |
| Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 16 |
| PART II | |
| Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters | 16 |
| Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation | 17 |
| Item 7. Financial Statements | 19 |
| Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 19 |
| Item 8A. Controls and Procedures | 20 |
| Item 8B. Other Information | 20 |
| Part III | |
| Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons; | |
| Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act | 21 |
| Item 10. Executive Compensation | 23 |
| Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management | 24 |
| Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 24 |
| Item 13. Exhibits | 25 |
| Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 25 |
| Signatures | 26 |
| Financial Statements | F-1 |
Cautionary Statement
This report on Form 10-KSB and the documents or information incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
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our growth strategies;
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anticipated trends in our business;
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our ability to make or integrate acquisitions;
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our liquidity and ability to finance our exploration, acquisition and development strategies;
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market conditions in the oil and gas industry;
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the timing, cost and procedure for proposed acquisitions;
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the impact of government regulation;
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estimates regarding future net revenues from oil and natural gas reserves and the present value thereof;
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planned capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof);
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increases in oil and gas production;
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the number of wells we anticipate drilling in the future;
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estimates, plans and projections relating to acquired properties;
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the number of potential drilling locations; and
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our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations.
We identify forward-looking statements by use of terms such as may, will, expect,anticipate, estimate, hope, plan, believe, predict, envision, intend, will, continue, potential, should, confident, could and similar words and expressions, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should consider carefully the statements under the Risk Factors section of this report and other sections of this report which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, and the following factors:
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the possibility that our acquisitions may involve unexpected costs;
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the volatility in commodity prices for oil and gas;
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the accuracy of internally estimated proved reserves;
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the presence or recoverability of estimated oil and gas reserves;
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the ability to replace oil and gas reserves;
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the availability and costs of drilling rigs and other oilfield services;
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environmental risks;
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exploration and development risks;
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competition;
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the inability to realize expected value from acquisitions;
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the ability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals;
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other economic, competitive, governmental, legislative, regulatory, geopolitical and technological factors that may negatively impact our businesses, operations and pricing.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this report. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
General
Lucas Energy, Inc., through its consolidated operations, is an independent oil and gas company focused on building and revitalizing a diversified portfolio of oil and gas production assets located in the State of Texas. We seek to acquire underperforming oil and gas assets that we believe we can revitalize in a short period of time.
Acquisitions are a core part of our growth strategy. The majority of the acquisition proposals and candidates that we review are sourced directly by our senior management or specialized third-party consultants with local area knowledge. We focus on well acquisitions in which we estimate (a) have a good opportunity and the appropriate acreage to drill additional laterals (PUDS), (b) our related payback periods will be less than 12 months and (c) our projected internal rate of return on capital invested will exceed 80%.
We are conducting engineering on a program to drill laterals on existing well-bores or offset locations that we have already leased. The purpose of these laterals will be to provide more aerial access to the formation in order to increase the flow rate and to recover additional oil and gas reserves not recoverable from the existing vertical (straight) holes. We expect drilling to commence by the third calendar quarter of 2007.
We focus on acquiring shut-in wells that we believe have been overlooked by larger companies and have a high probability of containing large reserves recoverable through the lateral drilling process and responding to our revitalization process. We seek opportunities to acquire mature oil fields that have 30% to 50% of original oil in place. These fields typically have lost some or all of the reservoir pressure required to drive the oil through the overlying rock and sand and into the well bores of the producing wells, or have experienced mechanical problems. We believe we have standardized a process that enables us to quickly restore oil production as well as increase production yield.
We use a diverse range of financing arrangements in our acquisitions. We employ a wide variety of financing structures to acquire assets, including payment of cash and/or stock consideration, seller financing, and royalty fee arrangements. Since becoming a publicly-traded company in June 2006, we have placed a greater emphasis on using our common stock as a form of consideration.
We seek to maintain a low overhead cost structure while we remain focused on growing our portfolio. For the past seven consecutive quarters since inception, we have achieved positive net income and have retained our earnings in order to grow our portfolio.
History
The business is conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., which was incorporated on April 6, 2005 in Nevada. Lucas Energy Resources was formed by our senior executive officers in 2004 in order to capitalize on the increasing availability of opportunistic acquisitions in the energy sector. We believe that the continuing divestiture of mature assets held by large companies has created an opportunity to acquire undervalued properties with significant upside potential.
Our main source of revenue comes from the sale of the crude oil that we extract from our wells. We also derive some ancillary revenue from natural gas sales related to our existing producing oil wells. The main costs associated with our business are related to oil and gas property acquisition, initial well revitalization and ongoing lease operating expenses. Typical lease acquisition and revitalization cost per well is $250,000 ($60,000 pumping unit; $90,000 in-ground well equipment; and $100,000 intangible drilling
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costs, which includes, among other things, costs of labor, chemical treatments, rental tools and equipment, water hauling, insurance, on-site geology and overhead). The revitalization of wells allows short term cash increases while holding the lease for additional future development.
We currently own and operate 31 producing oil and gas wells located throughout four counties in Texas. Our monthly production, as measured in barrels of oil, has increased from approximately 1,000 barrels per month in December 2005 to over 3,300 barrels per month in March 2007.
On June 16, 2006, we completed a reverse merger with a publicly-traded development stage company, Panorama Investments Corp. (OTCBB: PIVC, Panorama). Prior to the merger, we were a privately-held company with less than 20 shareholders. In the business combination transaction, the preferred and common equity shareholders of our private predecessor company were issued 86 % of the total outstanding shares of Panorama in exchange for their stock of the private company. In conjunction with the reverse merger, we changed the name of the company from Panorama to Lucas Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: LUCE).
Our principal office is located at 3000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77098. Our phone number is (713) 528-1881. Our principal operating subsidiary has been granted a Certificate of Authority to transact business in the state of Texas and is a bonded operator with the Texas Railroad Commission.
Recent Events
Purchase of Griffin Lease
On February 24, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of the Griffin Lease, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.4 hereto. The Griffin Lease encompasses approximately 498 acres in the area of Gonzales, Texas. The acreage is in the G.W. Barnett Survey, A-110, Gonzales County, Texas and has 5 existing wells, 3 active and 2 plugged. All of the active wells are suitable for workover by the Company. The Company is analyzing the possibility of any further expansion or exploration of the lease, but has formed no opinion at this time with respect to further drilling. The acquisition price was a 20% overriding royalty given to the mineral rights owner.
Purchase of Delphic Oil Co., LLC
On December 20, 2006, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with The Delphic Oil Co., LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company ("Delphic"). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase six oil wells located in Gonzales, Texas (the "Delphic Assets"). The Delphic Assets represent 4 leasehold properties with a total of 1172.29 acres. The Delphic Assets include six wells, four of which are operating and two additional wells which are currently shut-in and awaiting workover. The properties also contain additional acreage with offset drilling locations. The terms of the transaction included all assets of Delphic in exchange for 1.6 million shares of the Company's restricted common stock, valued at $2.65 per share, or $4.24 million.
Purchase of Wilson Wells and Properties
On August 8, 2006, the Company acquired leases, wells and equipment on nine oil properties in Texas. The oil leases were acquired from the Wilson Oil & Gas Company, in Texas for $2,750,000 Lucas Energy paid $2,200,000 in cash and 220,000 shares of the Company's restricted common stock valued at $2.50 a share. Wilson Oil & Gas is a non-affiliate to the Company and will retain a royalty interest averaging 2% in the well production.
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Background
On May 19, 2006, Lucas Energy, Inc., formerly known as, Panorama Investments, Corp. (the "Company" or "Lucas Energy") entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company has acquired, through an exchange transaction, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of privately held, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., formerly known as Lucas Energy, Inc. ("Lucas Energy Resources"), from Lucas Energy Resources' shareholders. Lucas Energy is an independent oil and gas company that is building a diversified portfolio of oil and gas assets in the United States. The transaction was contingent upon the satisfaction of certain circumstances, including the issuance and transfer of certain Lucas Energy shares to the former Lucas Energy Resources shareholders and completion of certain corporate actions by both companies and their shareholders. The terms of the Acquisition Agreement were satisfied and the transaction was completed on June 16, 2006. In conjunction with the transaction, Lucas Energy, Inc., has Amended its Articles of Incorporation to change the Company's name, has forward split its common stock on a 2.4 to 1 ratio, and has changed its trading symbol on the OTC-BB to "LUCE".
The terms of the Acquisition Agreement required that of all of the Lucas Energy Resources shareholders agree to exchange their shares, including preferred and common classes, for an aggregate of 21,800,011 (forward split adjusted) Lucas Energy common shares in a specified Closing Transaction which occurred Tuesday, June 13, 2006. The transaction required transfer of 2,640,000 outstanding "control" shares to Lucas Energy Resources' private shareholders and required the issuance of an additional 19,160,011 shares to Lucas Energy Resources' private shareholders, for a total new issuance relating to the transaction of 21,800,011 common shares. 3,540,002 shares were retained by the shareholders of the predecessor company bringing the total outstanding shares to 25,340,013 upon close of the transaction.
Research and Development
We have not allocated funds for conducting research and development activities. We do not anticipate allocating funds for research and development in the immediate future.
Marketing of Crude Oil and Natural Gas
We operate exclusively in the oil and gas industry. Crude oil and natural gas production from wells owned by us is generally sold direct to oil purchasers such as Gulfmart and Texon and natural gas marketing companies. Sales are generally made on the spot market. These prices often are tied to WTI crude and natural gas futures contracts as posted in national publications. We have not entered into any agreements to hedge or sell forward any of our oil and gas production.
Natural gas delivered through pipeline networks is sold through a contract with ETC Texas Pipeline Limited.
We sell our oil production to third party purchasers under agreements at posted field prices. These third parties purchase the oil at the wellhead.
Although management believes that we are not dependent upon any one customer, our marketing arrangement with Gulfmart accounted for approximately 61% of our revenue for the year ended March 31, 2007 and approximately 0% for 2006. In the event that Gulfmart is unwilling or unable to purchase the production, management believes alternative purchasers of its production are readily available.
Employees
As of the end of our fiscal year on March 31, 2007, we employed three full-time employees, consisting of two executives, and one clerical person. We also utilize certain outsourced third parties to provide operational, technical and certain administrative services. As production levels increase, we may find the need to hire additional personnel.
None of our employees is a member of any union, nor have they entered into any collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good. With the successful
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implementation of our business plan, we may seek additional employees in the next year to handle anticipated potential growth.
Facilities
We currently occupy approximately 1,500 square feet of office space in Houston, Texas for $1,600 per month, inclusive of utilities. We also occupy 450 square feet of office space in San Mateo, California for $500 per month, inclusive of utilities. Both leases are month-to-month.
Industry Segments
We are presently engaged in one industry segment, which is the exploration and production of natural gas and oil.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves a number of risks. These risks include those described in this confidential private placement memorandum and others we have not anticipated or discussed. Before you purchase the Securities you should carefully consider the information about risks identified below, as well as the information about risks stated in other parts of this memorandum and in our filings with the Commission that we have incorporated by reference in this memorandum. Any of the risks discussed below or elsewhere in this memorandum or in our Commission filings, and other risks we have not anticipated or discussed, could have a material impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. As a result, they could have an impact on our ability to pay any amounts due with respect to the Securities, or our stock price.
Risks Relating to Our Business
We have a limited operating history, and we may not be able to operate profitably in the near future, if at all.
We have a limited operating history. Businesses which are starting up or in their initial stages of development present substantial business and financial risks and may suffer significant losses from which they cannot recover. We will face all of the challenges of a new business enterprise, including but not limited to, locating suitable office space, engaging the services of qualified support personnel and consultants, establishing budgets and implementing appropriate financial controls and internal operating policies and procedures. We will need to attract and retain a number of key employees and other service personnel..
We have limited operating capital.
We have sufficient capital for current operations through our cash position and current cash flow. However to continue growth and to fund our expansion plans we will require additional financing.. The amount of capital available to us is limited, and may not be sufficient to enable us to fully execute our growth plans without additional fund raising. Additional financing may be required to meet our objectives and provide more working capital for expanding our development and marketing capabilities and to achieve our ultimate plan of expansion and full scale of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on attractive terms, if at all. We have no firm commitments for additional cash funding beyond the proceeds of the recently completed private placement.
We do not intend to pay dividends to our shareholders.
We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends at any time in the foreseeable future. At present, we will follow a policy of retaining all of our earnings, if any, to finance development and expansion of our business.
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Our officers and directors have limited liability, and we are required in certain instances to indemnify our officers and directors for breaches of their fiduciary duties.
We have adopted provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws which limit the liability of our officers and directors and provide for indemnification by us of our officers and directors to the full extent permitted by Nevada corporate law. Our articles generally provide that our officers and directors shall have no personal liability to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for breaches of their duties of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, acts involving unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions, or any transaction from which a director derives an improper personal benefit. Such provisions substantially limit our shareholders' ability to hold officers and directors liable for breaches of fiduciary duty, and may require us to indemnify our officers and directors.
We face intense competition.
We compete against many other energy companies, some of which have considerably greater resources and abilities. These competitors may have greater marketing and sales capacity, established distribution networks, significant goodwill and global name recognition.
We depend significantly upon the continued involvement of our present management.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the involvement of our management, who are in charge of our strategic planning and operations. We may need to attract and retain additional talented individuals in order to carry out our business objectives. The competition for such persons could be intense and there are no assurances that these individuals will be available to us.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation.
As many of our activities are subject to federal, state and local regulation, and as these rules are subject to constant change or amendment, there can be no assurance that our operations will not be adversely affected by new or different government regulations, laws or court decisions applicable to our operations.
Government regulation and liability for environmental matters may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Crude oil and natural gas operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local government regulations, which may be changed from time to time. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, unitization 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 crude oil and natural gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of crude oil and natural gas. There are federal, state and local laws and regulations primarily relating to protection of human health and the environment applicable to the development, production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of crude oil and natural gas, byproducts thereof and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with crude oil and natural gas operations. In addition, we may inherit liability for environmental damages caused by previous owners of property we purchase or lease. As a result, we may incur substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities. We are also subject to changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of which cannot be predicted. The implementation of new, or the modification of existing, laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on us.
The crude oil and natural gas reserves we will report in our SEC filings will be estimates and may prove to be inaccurate.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating crude oil and natural gas reserves and their estimated values. The reserves we will report in our filings with the SEC will only be estimates and such
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estimates may prove to be inaccurate because of these uncertainties. Reservoir engineering is a subjective and inexact process of estimating underground accumulations of crude oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner. Estimates of economically recoverable crude oil and natural gas reserves depend upon a number of variable factors, such as historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas and assumptions concerning effects of regulations by governmental agencies, future crude oil and natural gas prices, future operating costs, severance and excise taxes, development costs and work-over and remedial costs. Some or all of these assumptions may in fact vary considerably from actual results. For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities of crude oil and natural gas attributable to any particular group of properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk of recovery, and estimates of the future net cash flows expected therefrom prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers but at different times may vary substantially. Accordingly, reserve estimates may be subject to downward or upward adjustment. Actual production, revenue and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and such variances may be material.
Crude oil and natural gas development, re-completion of wells from one reservoir to another reservoir, restoring wells to production and drilling and completing new wells are speculative activities and involve numerous risks and substantial and uncertain costs.
Our growth will be materially dependent upon the success of our future development program. Drilling for crude oil and natural gas and reworking existing wells involves numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive crude oil or natural gas reservoirs will be encountered. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is substantial and uncertain, and drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of a variety of factors beyond our control, including:
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unexpected drilling conditions;
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pressure or irregularities in formations;
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equipment failures or accidents;
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inability to obtain leases on economic terms, where applicable;
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adverse weather conditions;
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compliance with governmental requirements; and
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shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs or crews and the delivery of equipment.
Drilling or reworking is a highly speculative activity. Even when fully and correctly utilized, modern well completion techniques such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling do not guarantee that we will find crude oil and/or natural gas in our wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping a fluid with or without particulates into a formation at high pressure, thereby creating fractures in the rock and leaving the particulates in the fractures to ensure that the fractures remain open, thereby potentially increasing the ability of the reservoir to produce oil or gas. Horizontal drilling involves drilling horizontally out from an existing vertical well bore, thereby potentially increasing the area and reach of the well bore that is in contact with the reservoir. Our future drilling activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure would have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that our overall drilling success rate or our drilling success rate for activities within a particular geographic area will not decline. We may identify and develop prospects through a number of methods, some of which do not include lateral drilling or hydraulic fracturing, and some of which may be unproven. The drilling and results for these prospects may be particularly uncertain. Our drilling schedule may vary from our capital budget. The final determination with respect to the drilling of any scheduled or budgeted prospects will be dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
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the results of previous development efforts and the acquisition, review and analysis of data;
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the availability of sufficient capital resources to us and the other participants, if any, for the drilling of the prospects;
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the approval of the prospects by other participants, if any, after additional data has been compiled;
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economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling, including prevailing and anticipated prices for crude oil and natural gas and the availability of drilling rigs and crews;
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our financial resources and results;
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the availability of leases and permits on reasonable terms for the prospects; and
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the success of our drilling technology.
We cannot assure you that these projects can be successfully developed or that the wells discussed will, if drilled, encounter reservoirs of commercially productive crude oil or natural gas. There are numerous uncertainties in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond our control.
Crude oil and natural gas prices are highly volatile in general and low prices will negatively affect our financial results.
Our revenues, operating results, profitability, cash flow, future rate of growth and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital, as well as the carrying value of our properties, are substantially dependent upon prevailing prices of crude oil and natural gas. Lower crude oil and natural gas prices also may reduce the amount of crude oil and natural gas that we can produce economically. Historically, the markets for crude oil and natural gas have been very volatile, and such markets are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Prices for crude oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuation in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control, including:
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worldwide and domestic supplies of crude oil and natural gas;
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the level of consumer product demand;
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weather conditions;
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domestic and foreign governmental regulations;
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the price and availability of alternative fuels;
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political instability or armed conflict in oil producing regions;
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the price and level of foreign imports; and
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overall domestic and global economic conditions.
It is extremely difficult to predict future crude oil and natural gas price movements with any certainty. Declines in crude oil and natural gas prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to finance planned capital expenditures and results of operations. Further, oil and gas prices do not move in tandem.
Risks Related To Share Ownership
The market price for our common stock may be volatile, and you may not be able to sell our stock at a favorable price or at all.
Many factors could cause the market price of our common stock to rise and fall, including:
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| actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations; |
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| changes in market valuations of companies in our industry; |
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| changes in expectations of future financial performance; |
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| fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes; |
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| issuances of common stock or other securities in the future; |
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| the addition or departure of key personnel; |
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| announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, investments or strategic alliances; and |
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| the increase or decline in the price of oil and natural gas. |
It is possible that the proceeds from sales of our common stock may not equal or exceed the prices you paid for it plus the costs and fees of making the sales.
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Substantial sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock.
We cannot predict whether future issuances of our common stock or resales in the open market will decrease the market price of our common stock. The impact of any such issuances or resales of our common stock on our market price may be increased as a result of the fact that our common stock is thinly, or infrequently, traded. The exercise of any options or the vesting of any restricted stock that we may grant to directors, executive officers and other employees in the future, the issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions and other issuances of our common stock could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, future issuances of our common stock may be dilutive to existing shareholders. Any sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could lower the market price of our common stock.
We have anti-takeover defenses that could delay or prevent an acquisition and could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and provisions of Nevada law could delay, defer or prevent an acquisition or change in control of us or otherwise adversely affect the price of our common stock. Nevada law also contains certain provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect and otherwise discourage third parties from effecting transactions with us.
Our common stock is considered "penny stock" securities under Exchange Act rules, which may limit the marketability of our securities.
Our securities are considered low-priced or "designated" securities under rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. Under these rules, broker/dealers participating in transactions in low-priced securities must first deliver a risk disclosure document which describes the risks associated with such stocks, the broker/dealer's duties, the customer's rights and remedies, certain market and other information, and make a suitability determination approving the customer for low-priced stock transactions based on the customer's financial situation, investment experience and objectives. Broker/dealers must also disclose these restrictions in writing to the customer and obtain specific written consent of the customer, and provide monthly account statements to the customer. The likely effect of these restrictions is a decrease in the willingness of broker/dealers to make a market in the stock, decreased liquidity of the stock and increased transaction costs for sales and purchases of the stock as compared to other securities.
IN ADDITION TO THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH ABOVE, THE COMPANY IS SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS OTHER RISKS SPECIFIC TO THE PARTICULAR BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY, AS WELL AS GENERAL BUSINESS RISK. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSIDER ALL OF THE RISKS INHERENT IN THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES PRIOR TO PURCHASING OR MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION. THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES ARE HIGHLY SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A VERY HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
Competition
We are in direct competition with numerous oil and natural gas companies, drilling and income programs and partnerships exploring various areas of the Texas and elsewhere competing for properties. Many competitors are large, well-known oil and gas and/or energy companies, although no single entity dominates the industry. Many of our competitors possess greater financial and personnel resources enabling them to identify and acquire more economically desirable energy producing properties and drilling prospects than us. Additionally, there is competition from other fuel choices to supply the energy needs of consumers and industry. Management believes that there exists a viable market place for smaller producers of natural gas and oil.
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Government Regulation
In the United States, legislation affecting the oil and gas industry has been pervasive and is under constant review for amendment or expansion. Pursuant to such legislation, numerous federal, state and local departments and agencies have issued extensive rules and regulations binding on the oil and gas industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. These laws and regulations have a significant impact on oil and gas drilling, gas processing plants and production activities, increasing the cost of doing business and, consequently, affect profitability. Inasmuch as new legislation affectinging the oil and gas industry is commonplace and existing laws and regulations are frequently amended or reinterpreted, Lucas Energy may be unable to predict the future cost or impact of complying with these laws and regulations. Lucas Energy considers the cost of environmental protection a necessary and manageable part of its business. Lucas Energy has been able to plan for and comply with new environmental initiatives without materially altering its operating strategies.
Exploration and Production. Lucas Energy's operations are subject to various types of regulation at the federal, state and local levels. These regulations include requiring permits for the drilling wells; maintaining prevention plans; submitting notification and receiving permits related to the presence, use and release of certain materials incidental to oil and gas operations; and regulating the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the use, transportation, storage and disposal of fluids and materials used in connection with drilling and production activities, surface plugging and abandoning of wells and the transporting of production. Lucas Energy's operations are also subject to various conservation matters, including the number of wells which may be drilled in a unit, and the unitization or pooling of oil and gas properties. In this regard, some states allow the forced pooling or integration of tracts to facilitate exploration while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases, which may make it more difficult to develop oil and gas properties. In addition state conservation laws establish maximum rates of production oil and gas wells, generally limit the venting or flaring of gas, and impose certain requirements regarding the ratable purchase of production. The effect of these regulations is to limit the amounts of oil and gas Lucas Energy can produce from its wells and to limit the number of wells or the locations at which Lucas Energy can drill.
Environmental. Our exploration, development, and production of oil and gas, including our operation of saltwater injection and disposal wells, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Such laws and regulations can increase the costs of planning, designing, installing and operating oil and gas wells. Our domestic activities are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA"), the Clean Water Act ("CWA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Clean Air Act ("CAA"), and the Safe Drinking Water Act ("SDWA"), as well as state regulations promulgated under comparable state statutes. We are also subject to regulations governing the handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials that are found in our oil and gas operations. Civil and criminal fines and penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, these laws and regulations require the acquisition of permits or other governmental authorizations before undertaking certain activities, limit or prohibit other activities because of protected areas or species, and impose substantial liabilities for cleanup of pollution.
Under the OPA, a release of oil into water or other areas designated by the statute could result in the company being held responsible for the costs of remediating such a release, certain OPA specified damages, and natural resource damages. The extent of that liability could be extensive, as set forth in the statute, depending on the nature of the release. A release of oil in harmful quantities or other materials into water or other specified areas could also result in the company being held responsible under the CWA for the costs of remediation, and civil and criminal fines and penalties.
CERCLA and comparable state statutes, also known as "Superfund" laws, can impose joint and several and retroactive liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons for the release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment. In practice, cleanup costs are usually allocated among various responsible parties. Potentially liable parties include site owners or operators, past owners or operators under certain conditions, and entities that arrange for the disposal or
12
treatment of, or transport hazardous substances found at the site. Although CERCLA, as amended, currently exempts petroleum, including but not limited to, crude oil, gas and natural gas liquids from the definition of hazardous substance, our operations may involve the use or handling of other materials that may be classified as hazardous substances under CERCLA. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the exemption will be preserved in future amendments of the act, if any.
RCRA and comparable state and local requirements impose standards for the management, including treatment, storage, and disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes. We generate hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste in connection with its routine operations. From time to time, proposals have been made that would reclassify certain oil and gas wastes, including wastes generated during drilling, production and pipeline operations, as "hazardous wastes" under RCRA which would make such solid wastes subject to much more stringent handling, transportation, storage, disposal, and clean-up requirements. This development could have a significant impact on our operating costs. While state laws vary on this issue, state initiatives to further regulate oil and gas wastes could have a similar impact. Because oil and gas exploration and production, and possibly other activities, have been conducted at some of our properties by previous owners and operators, materials from these operations remain on some of the properties and in some instances require remediation. In addition, in certain instances we have agreed to indemnify sellers of producing properties from which we have acquired reserves against certain liabilities for environmental claims associated with such properties. While we do not believe that costs to be incurred by us for compliance and remediating previously or currently owned or operated properties will be material, there can be no guarantee that such costs will not result in material expenditures.
Additionally, in the course of our routine oil and gas operations, surface spills and leaks, including casing leaks, of oil or other materials occur, and we incur costs for waste handling and environmental compliance. Moreover, we are able to control directly the operations of only those wells for which we act as the operator. Management believes that the company is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
We do not anticipate being required in the near future to expend amounts that are material in relation to our total capital expenditures program by reason of environmental laws and regulations, but inasmuch as such laws and regulations are frequently changed, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance. There can be no assurance that more stringent laws and regulations protecting the environment will not be adopted or that we will not otherwise incur material expenses in connection with environmental laws and regulations in the future.
Occupational Health and Safety. Lucas Energy is also subject to laws and regulations concerning occupational safety and health. Due to the continued changes in these laws and regulations, and the judicial construction of many of them, Lucas Energy is unable to predict with any reasonable degree of certainty its future costs of complying with these laws and regulations. Lucas Energy considers the cost of safety and health compliance a necessary and manageable part of its business. Lucas Energy has been able to plan for and comply with new initiatives without materially altering its operating strategies.
Lucas Energy is subject to certain laws and regulations relating to environmental remediation activities associated with past operations, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state statutes. In response to liabilities associated with these activities, accruals have been established when reasonable estimates are possible. Such accruals primarily include estimated costs associated with remediation. Lucas Energy has used discounting to present value in determining its accrued liabilities for environmental remediation or well closure, but no material claims for possible recovery from third party insurers or other parties related to environmental costs have been recognized in Lucas Energy's financial statements. Lucas Energy adjusts the accruals when new remediation responsibilities are discovered and probable costs become estimable, or when current remediation estimates must be adjusted to reflect new information.
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Taxation
The operations of the Company, as is the case in the petroleum industry generally, are significantly affected by federal tax laws. Federal, as well as state, tax laws have many provisions applicable to corporations which could affect the future tax liability of the Company.
Commitments and Contingencies
Lucas Energy is liable for future restoration and abandonment costs associated with its oil and gas properties. These costs include future site restoration, post closure and other environmental exit costs. The costs of future restoration and well abandonment have not been determined in detail. State regulations require operators to post bonds that assure that well sites will be properly plugged and abandoned. Each state in which Lucas Energy operates requires a security bond varying in value from state to state and depending on the number of wells that Lucas Energy operates. Management views this as a necessary requirement for operations within each state and does not believe that these costs will have a material adverse effect on its financial position as a result of this requirement.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
Our properties consist essentially of working and royalty interests owned by us in various oil and gas wells and leases located in Texas.
Oil and Gas Acreage
The following table sets forth the developed leasehold acreage held by the Company as of March 31, 2007. Gross acres are the total number of acres in which the Company has a working interest. Net acres are the sum of the Company's fractional interests owned in the gross acres.
In certain leases, the Companys ownership varies at different depths; therefore, the net acreage in these leases is calculated using the lowest ownership interest at any depth.
Gross | Net | ||
Texas, approximately | 8,269 | 8,269 |
Reserves
Our proved reserves for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are set forth below:
Proved Reserves
|
|
| Oil |
| Gas |
| Undiscounted |
| Present Value of | |||||||||
| Proved Developed Producing |
|
| 252,200 | 0.00 | 12,040,010 | 7,078,060 |
| ||||||||||
| Proved Developed Non Producing |
| 85,840 |
|
|
| 41.53 |
|
|
| 4,567,850 |
|
|
| 3,233,380 |
| ||
| Undeveloped |
|
| 1,244,500 |
|
|
| 0.00 |
|
|
| 50,755.63 |
|
|
| 25,629,880 | ||
Total Proved | 1,582,540 | 41.53 | 67,363,580 | 35,941,320 | ||||||||||||||
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The estimates for 2007 are based primarily on the report, dated March 31, 2007, of Forest A. Garb & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum consultants. Such reports are, by their very nature, inexact and subject to changes and revisions. Proved developed reserves are reserves expected to be recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are expected to be recovered from new wells drilled to known reservoirs on undrilled acreage for which existence and recoverability of such reserves can be estimated with reasonable certainty, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required to establish production. No estimates of reserves have been included in any reports to any federal agency other than the SEC. See SFAS 69 Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures included as part of our consolidated financial statements.
Wells
The following summarizes the Company's productive oil and gas wells as of March 31, 2007. Productive wells are producing wells and wells capable of production. Gross wells are the total number of wells in which the company has an interest. Net wells are the sum of the Company's fractional interests owned in the gross wells.
Gross | Net | ||
Oil and gas wells, Texas | 31 | 31 | |
31 | 31 |
Set forth in the following schedule is the average sales price per unit of oil, expressed in barrels ("bbl"), and of natural gas, expressed in thousand cubic feet ("mcf"), produced by us for the past three fiscal years.
Years ended March 31, | ||||
2007 | 2006 | |||
Average sales price: | ||||
Gas (per mcf) | $ 6.03 | $ - | ||
Oil (per bbl) | 59.68 | 58.41 | ||
Average cost of production: | ||||
Gas (per mcf) * | - | - | ||
Oil (per bbl) | $ 9.43 | $22.36 | ||
*Gas sold is a byproduct of oil production; costs associated with the gas sold are included in the cost of oil production.
We have not filed any estimates of total, proved net oil and gas reserves with any federal authority or agency since the beginning of our last fiscal year.
The following schedule sets forth the capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities by us for the past three fiscal years.
Years ended March 31, | ||||
2007 | 2006 | |||
Proved oil and gas producing properties | ||||
and related lease and well equipment | $ 9,623,745 | $ 631,267 | ||
Accumulated depletion | (166,204) | (38,315) | ||
Net Capitalized Costs |
9,457,541 |
$ 592,952 | ||
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The following schedule summarizes changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to our proved oil and gas reserves.
Years ended March 31, | ||||
2007 | 2006 | |||
Standardized measure, beginning of year | $ 2,208,416 | $ - | ||
Oil and gas sales, net of production costs | (1,024,628) | (169,702) | ||
Sales of mineral in place | (619,131) | (144,539) | ||
Purchases | 9,619,480 | 2,038,099 | ||
Net change due to revisions in quantity | ||||
estimates and accretion of discount |
25,767,183 | 484,558 | ||
Standardized measure, end of year | $ 35,941,320 | $ 2,208,416 | ||
We do not anticipate investing in or purchasing assets and/or property for the purpose of capital gains. It is our intention to purchase assets and/or property for the purpose of enhancing our primary business operations. We are not limited as to the percentage amount of our assets we may use to purchase any additional assets or properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of our securities holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Market Information
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol LUCE. Set forth in the table below are the quarterly high and low prices of our common stock as obtained from the OTC Bulletin Board for the past fiscal year.
High | Low | ||
2007 | |||
3/1/06-6/30/06 | $ 2.30 | $ 1.75 | |
7/1/06-9/30/06 | $ 2.85 | $ 2.06 | |
10/01/06-12/31/06 | $ 3.50 | $ 2.17 | |
01/01/07-03/31/07 | $ 3.75 | $ 2.20 |
Holders
As of March 31, 2007, there were approximately 260 holders of record of our common stock, which figure does not take into account those shareholders whose certificates are held in the name of broker-dealers or other nominee accounts.
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Dividend Policy
We have not declared, paid cash dividends, or made distributions in the past. We do not anticipate that we will pay cash dividends or make distributions in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain and reinvest future earnings to finance operations.
Item 6. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total revenues of principal items contained in the statements of operations of the consolidated financial statements included herewith for the two most recent fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. It should be noted that percentages discussed throughout this analysis are stated on an approximate basis.
Fiscal Years Ended March 31, | ||||
2007 | 2006 | |||
Amount |
Percentage |
Amount |
Percentage | |
Total revenues |
1,330,084 | 100% | 302,500 | 100% |
Total costs and expenses |
675,302 | 51% |
227,053 | 75% |
Total other income (expenses) |
(205,314) | (15)% |
(8,286) | (3)% |
Income before income taxes |
449,468 | 38 % |
67,161 | 22% |
Income taxes |
127,340 | 10% |
4,485 | 2% |
Net income |
322,128 | 24 % |
62,316 | 21% |
For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended March 31, 2006
Total revenues of $1,330,084 for the year ended March 31, 2007 ("2007") increased 440% compared to $302,500 for the year ended March 31, 2006 ("2006"), due primarily to the purchase of various oil and gas wells and the work completed to bring those wells back into production. In 2007, oil made up 99% of total revenues compared to 100% in 2006, and gas represented 1% of revenues in 2007 compared to 0% in 2006. The changes were considered minimal representing only a slight difference in percentage points.
We had an operating profit of $654,782 for 2007 compared to an operating profit of $75,447 in 2006. Total operating expenses increased in 2007 primarily due to the increase in general and administrative expenses. There was also an increase of 216% in cost of sales for the year. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of creating the infrastructure to handle the additional wells purchased in 2007. We realized consulting income of $34,000 with no similar incomes in 2006.
Interest expense increased from $8,297 in 2006 to $222,611 in 2007. This change is attributed to the borrowing of $2,300,000 in 2007 to purchase new oil and gas properties.
Our net pretax income for 2007 was $449,468 versus a pretax income of $67,161 for 2006. The increase in net income in 2007 is primarily attributed to increase in net revenues.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, working capital needs have been satisfied through our operating revenues and from the sale of debt and equity instruments. Our working capital surplus at March 31, 2007 was $468,711 compared with working capital surplus of $51,178 at March 31, 2006. We anticipate meeting working capital needs during the 2008 fiscal year with revenues from operations. Growth and execution of our proposed drilling program will require capital raised through the sale of either equity or debt securities. We have no other current agreements or arrangements for additional funding and there can be no assurance such funding will be available to us, or if available, such funding will be on acceptable or favorable terms to us.
As of March 31, 2007, we had total assets of $10,425,990 and stockholders' equity of $7,444,013 compared to total assets of $720,786 and total stockholders' equity of $548,896 at March 31, 2006. The increase in total assets and increase in stockholders equity at March 31, 2007 is attributed to the purchase of oil wells for common stock valued at $4,790,000 and the private placement of common stock for $1,936,000. We have recorded a short-term liability of $2,300,000 for debt borrowed in 2007 in order to purchase and improve wells.
In the opinion of management, inflation has not had a material effect on the operations of Lucas Energy.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected ventures, new products and services, anticipated market performance and similar matters. When used in this report, the words "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements regarding events, conditions, and financial trends that may affect our future plans of operations, business strategy, operating results, and financial position. We caution readers that a variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other matters expressed in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include:
* the sufficiency of existing capital resources and our ability to raise
additional capital to fund cash requirements for future operations;
* uncertainties involved in the rate of growth of our business and acceptance of any
products or services;
* volatility of the stock market, particularly within the energy sector; and
* general economic conditions.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Where applicable, SFAS No. 157 simplifies and codifies related guidance within GAAP and does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is encouraged. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a significant effect on its financial position or results of operation.
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In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material impact on its financial reporting, and the Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its disclosure requirements.
Item 7. Financial Statements
See Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Effective April 4, 2007, the Company, confirmed with its auditors, Moore & Associates (Moore) that the firm would no longer be representing the Registrant as its accountants. As of that date, the Company was informed that Moore was voluntarily resigning as the Registrant's accounting firm. Moore audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the period from inception (April 6, 2005) to March 31, 2006.
The change of independent accountants was ratified by the Board of Directors of Registrant on April 4, 2007. During the period under which Moore was engaged from May 19, 2006 to April 4, 2007, there were no disagreements with Moore on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to Moore's satisfaction, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its report. During the period from May 19, 2006 to April 4, 2007, there have been no reportable events (as defined in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(1)(v)). During the period from May 19, 2006 to April 4, 2007, Moore did not advise the Company that the internal controls necessary for the Company to develop reliable financial statements do not exist. During the period from May 19, 2006 to April 4, 2007, Moore did not advise the Company that any information had come to their attention which had led them to no longer be able to rely on management's representation, or that had made Moore unwilling to be associated with the financial statements prepared by management, that the scope of any audit needed to be expanded significantly or that more investigation was necessary, that there was any information which the accountants concluded would materially impact the fairness and reliability of either (i) a previously issued audit report or the underlying financial statements, or (ii) the financial statements issued or to be issued covering the fiscal period(s) subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements covered by an audit report (including information that, unless resolved to the accountant's satisfaction, would prevent it from rendering an unqualified audit report on those financial statements.
The Company engaged Malone & Bailey, PC ("Malone") as its new independent accountants on April 4, 2007. Prior to April 4, 2007 the Company had not consulted with Malone regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's consolidated financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by Malone concluding there was an important factor to be considered by the Registrant in reaching a decision as to an accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K, or a reportable event, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
The decision to change principal auditors and the engagement of the new principal auditor was recommended and approved by the Companys Board of Directors.
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Item 8A.
Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that a company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that material information related to our company is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.
Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we re-evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2007, the design and operation of such disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Our independent auditor identified adjusting entries related to our accounting for oil and gas properties and difference in Income Tax disclosures for the period covered by this report. The Company determined that the adjustments made by our independent auditors arose out of a lack of internal accounting staff with knowledge of oil and gas accounting matters. To remedy this deficiency, the Company anticipates increasing its accounting resources in the oil and gas and financial reporting functions.
There were no changes in the Companys internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007 that have materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Item 8B.
Other Information
None.
Reports on Form 8-K
Since the beginning of our fiscal fourth quarter commencing January 1, 2007 through the date of this report, we have filed current reports on Form 8-K reporting the following:
On January 29, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Peter Grunebaum to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. For the past 10 years, Mr. Grunebaum has been an independent consultant. From 1980 to the present, Mr. Grunebaum has served as a director of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. and, from 2005 to the present; he has also served on the Board of Directors of Stonemor MLP.
Effective February 21, 2007, Mr. Gordon Jones resigned from the board of directors of the Company, and from his position as Chief Financial Officer. There are no disagreements between the Company and Mr. Jones.
Effective February 24, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of the Griffin Lease. The Griffin Lease encompasses approximately 498 acres in the area of Gonzales, Texas. The acreage is in the G.W. Barnett Survey, A-110, Gonzales County, Texas and has 5 existing wells, 3 active and 2 plugged. All of the wells are suitable for work-over by the Company. The Company is analyzing the possibility of any further expansion or exploration of the lease, but has formed no opinion at this time with respect to further drilling. The acquisition price was a 20% over-riding royalty given to the mineral rights owner.
The Company has engaged Malone & Bailey, PC ("Malone") as its new independent accountants on April 4, 2007.
On April 10, 2007, the Board of Directors of Lucas Energy, Inc. (the "Company") appointed Malek A. Bohsali as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer.
The Company has not provided audited financial statements within its 8k filings
for the WIlson Oil & Gas and Delphic acquisitions. The Company is in the process
of amending the filings to include the appropriate information.
20
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The following table sets forth the names, ages, and offices held by our directors and executive officers:
Name | Position | Director Since | Age |
James J. Cerna, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer, Director | April 6, 2005 | 38 |
William A. Sawyer | Chief Operating Officer, Director | April 6, 2005 | 58 |
Malek A. Bohsali | Chief Financial Officer | April 10, 2007 | 41 |
Eric Wold | Director | May 19, 2006 | 34 |
Rick Schmid | Director | May 19, 2006 | 56 |
Peter Grunebaum | Director | January 29, 2007 | 73 |
All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no agreements with respect to the election of directors. We have not compensated our directors for service on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, but directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the Board and any committee thereof. Executive officers are appointed annually by the Board and each executive officer serves at the discretion of the Board. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, to the extent permitted under Nevada law, exercises all of the power and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of Lucas Energy between meetings of the Board.
The business experience of each of the persons listed above during the past five years is as follows:
JAMES J. CERNA, JR., CEO, PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR
Mr. Cerna was appointed to his position as Director and principal executive officer on May 19, 2006 and was appointed as President on June 12, 2006. From 2004 to June of 2006 Mr. Cerna was CEO of the privately held Lucas Energy Inc. which merged into the current company. Mr. Cerna is a successful company leader with experience in the energy industry and publicly traded companies. Prior to joining Lucas Energy Inc., Jim was the Chief Oil and Gas Analyst and CFO of Petroleum Partners LLC from 2001 to 2004. Jim was the founder and CEO of NetCurrents, Inc., (NASDAQ: NTCS), an organization that focuses on Internet information monitoring and analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic counsel in the business-to-business market sector. Jim was responsible for successfully growing the company from a start up with an initial valuation of $500,000 to a Nasdaq Small Cap listed company with a market cap of $330 million upon his retirement. Prior to NetCurrents, Jim was the manager of the GT Global/AIM Funds performance analysis group in San Francisco. Earlier, he was an international equity analyst with Bailard, Biehl, and Kaiser in San Mateo, California. Jim has received five certificates of achievement from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts. He is honored by Strathmore's Who's Who for leadership and achievement in the Finance Industry.
WILLIAM A. SAWYER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DIRECTOR
Mr. Sawyer's appointment to his positions with the Company was effective on June 13, 2006. Mr. Sawyer is proven hands-on energy executive with over 30 years of diversified experience in the energy industry with firms such as; ARCO, Houston Oil & Minerals, Superior Oil (Mobil), and ERCO. Mr. Sawyer founded the petroleum consulting firm of Exploitation Engineers, Inc. The firm has served the oil and gas industry for more than eighteen years. From the period 1999 to 2004 Mr. Sawyer worked for Exploitation Engineers, his clients have included private investors, independent oil companies, banking institutions, major energy and chemical companies, and the US government. The firm has evaluated and managed
21
large projects such as a private trust, which included interests in several hundred producing and non-producing oil and gas properties. This background as a consultant has given Mr. Sawyer the superior technical and business skills necessary to evaluate mineral interests and to prepare fair market value appraisals of both minerals interests and sub-surface storage interests. Mr. Sawyer has been an expert witness in federal court, state court, and before several state agencies in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Sawyer has testified as to the fair market value of mineral interests and sub-surface storage interests on several occasions.
MALEK BOHSALI - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mr. Bohsali has over 15 years of experience in the energy industry, including positions in management and oversight of engineering and construction activities, negotiating major vendor contracts, and implementing financial controls. Mr. Bohsali also has strategic business development, competitive analysis and financial structuring experience. He has identified analyzed and negotiated acquisition and development targets ranging in size from $50 million to $1.45 billion for Fortune 100 and Fortune 200 companies. Since May of 2000 to present Mr. Bohsali has been CFO and a member of the Board of Directors of Dynamic Health Strategies, Inc. a data mining and reporting company, where he was responsible for the companys financing efforts. Mr. Bohsali received an MBA from The University of Houston, and a BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
ERIC WOLD, CFA - DIRECTOR
Eric Wold is a Managing Director, Equity Research at Merriman Curhan Ford & Co., where he is responsible for covering the Branded Consumer Sin Redefined sector. He joined the firm in March 2002. For 2006, Mr. Wold was ranked #1 in the nation by the Forbes/StarMine survey and #4 by The Wall Street Journals Best on the Street survey for the Restaurant industry. For 2004, Mr. Wold was ranked #2 in the nation by both The Wall Street Journals Best on the Street and the Forbes/StarMine surveys for the Restaurant industry. Prior to joining Merriman Curhan Ford & Co., Mr. Wold served as Director of Corporate Finance with NightFire Software, a privately-held telecommunications software company based in Oakland, California. In this capacity, he oversaw the company's corporate finance activities, including a Series D equity financing and multiple debt restructurings. From 1997 through 2000, Mr. Wold served as Vice President and Senior Research Analyst at First Security Van Kasper, where he was responsible for the Restaurant and Branded Consumer sectors. Prior to Van Kasper, Mr. Wold began his career on the buy-side with Research Analyst positions with both Polynous Capital Management (a hedge fund that he co- founded in 1996) and GT Global Financial Services. Mr. Wold received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1997 and a BS in Finance from the University of California at Berkeley.
RICK SCHMID DIRECTOR
A graduate of Colorado School of Mines, Rick Schmid has actively worked in many arenas in the Oil and Gas Industry. He has managed technical programming groups, geophysical processing companies, development groups and exploration and production companies for over 32 years. He brings with him technical expertise that can help guide and monitor the direction Lucas Energy will choose to take. Rick is a Certified Geophysicist in the State of Texas and a member of SEG, AAPG, HGS, & GSH. For the past 5 years, Mr. Schmid has been an independent geophysicist.
PETER K. GRUNEBAUM - DIRECTOR
Mr. Grunebaum is an independent investment banker with over 40 years of experience in the energy sector with a specialty in Exploration & Production. Previously he was the Managing Director of Fortrend International, an investment firm headquartered in New York, New York, a position he held from 1989 until the end of 2003. From 2003 to present Mr. Grunebaum has been an independent investment banker. Mr. Grunebaum is a graduate of Lehigh University, and in addition with being a board member of Lucas Energy, he is also on the Board of the Prepaid Legal Services, Inc. [NYSE:PPD] and Stonemor Partners LP. [NASDAQ: STON].
22
Item 10.
Executive Compensation
Due to the nature of the holding company structure, the Company does not currently have direct employment agreements. All relationships with personnel are presently under the subsidiary operating company, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., and the Company anticipates that it shall continue to engage and pay employees and executives through the operating subsidiary and not through the parent.
The Company has no pension, health, annuity, bonus, insurance, stock options, profit sharing or similar benefit plans; however, the Company intends to adopt such plans in the near future. There are presently no personal benefits available for directors, officers or employees of the Company.
On March 20, 2007, the Company has entered into employment agreements with James Cerna and William Sawyer (filed as exhibits 10.5 and 10.6, hereto). Mr. Cerna's agreement is for a period of 3 years and provides for payment of $175,000 annually in exchange for Mr. Cerna's services as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably guarantees the payment of two years of Mr. Cerna's base salary plus bonus (minimum 15%) in the event of a termination of Mr. Cerna's employment with the Company pursuant to Section 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) or 5(e) of the employment agreement.
Mr. Sawyer's agreement is also for a period of 3 years and provides for payment of $150,000 annually in exchange for Mr. Sawyer's services as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Sawyer's agreement also guarantees the payment of one year of Mr. Sawyer's base salary plus bonus (minimum 15%) in the event of a termination of Mr. Sawyer's employment with the Company pursuant to Section 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) or 5(e) of the employment agreement.
Other key personnel involved in the actual operations of the Company's interests are typically paid on a contract basis or as sub-contractors of vendors and service providing companies not owned directly by the Company. Such sub-contracting engagement and per job payments are commonplace in the Company's business. The Company will continue to pay such service providers and third party contractors for running its operations.
23
Item 11.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information, to the best of our knowledge as March 31, 2007, with respect to each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, each director and all directors and officers as a group.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.
Title of Class |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class |
Common | James J. Cerna Jr. Revocable Trust 520 S. El Camino Real,# 423 San Mateo, California 94402 | 3,377,210 |
11.34% |
Common | William A. Sawyer 3000 Richmond Ave #400 Houston, Texas 77098 | 1,063,497 |
3.57% |
Common | LGA, Inc. 377 S. Nevada St. Carson City, Nevada 89703 | 5,923,981 |
19.88% |
Common | Eric Wold 3000 Richmond Ave #400 Houston, Texas 77098 | 290,096 |
.97% |
Common | Rick Schmid 3000 Richmond Ave. #400 Houston, Texas 77098 | 51,959 |
.17% |
Common | Malek A. Bohsali 2413A Potomac Drive Houston, Texas 77057 | 25,000 |
.08% |
Common | Peter Grunebaum 3000 Richmond Ave #400 Houston, Texas 77098 | 154,247 |
.52% |
Common | ALL EXECUTTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AS A GROUP | 4,962,009 |
16.66% |
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
During the past two fiscal years, there have been no transactions between us and any officer, director, nominee for election as director, or any shareholder owning greater than five percent (5%) of our outstanding shares, nor any member of the above referenced individuals' immediate family, except as set forth below.
The James Cerna Revocable Trust, whose trustee is the Company's President and CEO, was party to the Share Exchange and Acquisition Agreement and has a direct material interest in the agreement commensurate with their present share ownership interest in the Company.
It is our policy that any future material transactions between us and members of management or their affiliates shall be on terms no less favorable than those available from unaffiliated third parties.
24
Item 13. Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description |
| 3.1 | Articles of Incorporation* |
| 3.2 | Bylaws* |
| 10.1 | Contract with SMC* |
| 10.2 | Consignment Agreement* |
| 10.3 | Stock Purchase Agreement between Lucas Energy, Inc. and The Delphic Oil Co., LLC, dated December 20, 2006* |
| 10.4 | Oil, Gas and Mineral Lease between Lucas Energy, Inc. and Griffin, filed of record on February 23, 2007* |
| 10.5 | Employment Agreement between Lucas Energy, Inc. and James J. Cerna, dated March 20, 2007 |
| 10.6 | Employment Agreement between Lucas Energy, Inc. and William A. Sawyer, dated March 20, 2007 |
| 31.1 |
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| 31.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| 32.1 | Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| 32.2 | Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* Incorporated by reference to previous filing with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Item 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services
We do not have an audit committee and as a result our entire board of directors performs the duties of an audit committee. Our board of directors will approve in advance the scope and cost of the engagement of an auditor before the auditor renders audit and non-audit services. As a result, we do not rely on pre-approval policies and procedures.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors, Malone & Bailey, PC and Moore & Associates, Chartered for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-KSB for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the review of quarterly financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB for the quarters ending June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2006 and 2005, were:
2007 | 2006 | |
Malone & Bailey PC | $35,000 | $ 0 |
Moore & Associates, Chartered | $11,000 | $6,000 |
Audit Related Fees
For the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no fees billed for assurance and related services by Malone & Bailey, PC or Moore & Associates relating to the performance of the audit of our financial statements which are not reported under the caption "Audit Fees" above.
25
Tax Fees
For the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, fees billed by Malone & Bailey, PC or Moore & Associates, Chartered, respectively, for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $-0- and $-0-, respectively.
We do not use the auditors for financial information system design and implementation. These services, which include designing or implementing a system that aggregates source data underlying the financial statements or generates information that is significant to our financial statements, are provided internally or by other service providers. We do not engage the auditors to provide compliance outsourcing services.
The board of directors has considered the nature and amount of fees billed by Malone & Bailey, PC and Moore & Associates, Chartered and believes that the provision of services for activities unrelated to the audit is compatible with maintaining Malone & Bailey, PCs and Moore & Associates' independence.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
BY: /S/ JAMES J. CERNA
James J. Cerna
President and C.E.O.
Dated: June 26 2007
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date |
|
/s/ JAMES J. CERNA James J. Cerna |
President, C.E.O. and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer) |
June 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ MALEK BOHSALI Malek Bohsali |
Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer |
June 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ WILLIAM SAWYER William Sawyer |
C.O.O. and Director |
June 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ERIC WOLD Eric Wold |
Director |
June 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ RICK SCHMID Rick Schmid |
Director |
June 26, 2007 |
|
/s/ PETER GRUNEBAUM Peter Grunebaum |
Director | June 26, 2007 |
26
LUCAS ENERGY INC.
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| F-2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
| F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity |
| F-6 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
| F-7 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
| F-8 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Lucas Energy, Inc.
Houston, Texas 77040
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Lucas Energy, Inc. as of March 31, 2007 and the related consolidated statement of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2007. 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 audit.
We conducted our audit 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 about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lucas Energy, Inc. as of March 31, 2007 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Malone & Bailey, PC
www.malone-bailey.com
Houston, Texas
June 26, 2007
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
MOORE & ASSOCIATES, CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS
PCAOB REGISTERED
To the Board of Directors
Lucas Energy, Inc
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Lucas Energy, Inc. as of March 31, 2006, and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the period from inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006. 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 standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lucas Energy, Inc as of March 31, 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Moore & Associates, Chartered
Moore & Associates Chartered
Las Vegas, Nevada
June 24, 2007
F-3
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
| March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Cash | $ 710,018 | $ 59,232 | |
| Oil and gas receivable | 131,485 | 30,222 | |
| Other current assets | 70,823 | 8,614 | |
| Total Current Assets | 912,326 | 98,068 | |
| OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES, full cost method | |||
| Properties subject to amortization | 9,623,745 | 570,012 | |
| Properties not subject to amortization | - | 61,255 | |
| Accumulated depletion | (166,204) | (38,815) | |
| Oil and Gas Properties, net | 9,457,541 | 592,452 | |
| OTHER ASSETS | |||
| Long-term deposits and bonds | 56,123 | 30,266 | |
| Total Other Assets | 56,123 | 30,266 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ 10,425,990 | $ 720,786 | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ 386,004 | $ 42,045 | |
| Income taxes payable | - | - | |
| Accrued interest payable | 52,766 | - | |
| Total Current Liabilities | 438,770 | 42,045 | |
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||
| Note payable | $ 2,300,000 | $ 125,000 | |
| Asset retirement obligation | 111,022 | - | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 132,185 | 4,845 | |
| Total Liabilities | 2,981,977 | 171,890 | |
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
| Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized of $0.001 par value, | |||
| no and 344,250 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | - | 344 | |
| Common stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized of $0.001 par value, | |||
| 29,792,429 and 19,200,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 29,792 | 19,200 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 7,029,777 | 467,036 | |
| Retained earnings | 384,444 | 62,316 | |
| Total Stockholders' Equity | 7,444,013 | 548,896 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ 10,425,990 | $ 720,786 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007 and
From Inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006
|
For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 |
|
From Inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006 |
|
| REVENUES | |||
| Oil and gas revenues | $ 1,296,084 | $ 302,500 | |
| Consulting income | 34,000 | - | |
| Total Revenues | 1,330,084 | 302,500 | |
| EXPENSES | |||
| Lease operating expenses | 313,004 | 132,798 | |
| Depreciation and depletion | 153,903 | 38,815 | |
| Professional fees | 35,119 | 24,181 | |
| General and administrative | 173,276 | 31,259 | |
| Total Expenses | 675,302 | 227,053 | |
| INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 654,782 | 75,447 | |
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) | |||
| Interest income | 17,297 | 11 | |
| Interest expense | (222,611) | (8,297) | |
| Total Other Expenses | (205,314) | (8,286) | |
| NET INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 449,468 | 67,161 | |
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 127,340 | 4,845 | |
| NET INCOME | $ 322,128 | $ 62,316 | |
| BASIC INCOME PER SHARE | $ 0.01 | $ 0.00 | |
| FULLY DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE | $ 0.01 | $ 0.00 | |
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | 27,984,165 | 19,200,000 | |
| FULLY DILUTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | 27,984,165 | 21,800,011 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
From Inception (April 6, 2005) to March 31, 2006 and
for the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2007
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock |
Additional Paid-In Capital |
Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||
| Balance at inception on April 6, 2005 | - | $ - | - | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - | ||||||
| Common shares issued for cash at $0.0044 per share | - | - | 12,480,000 | 12,480 | 42,520 | - | 55,000 | ||||||
| Common shares issued for cash at $0.033 per share | - | - | 6,720,000 | 6,720 | 218,310 | - | 225,030 | ||||||
| Preferred shares issued for cash at $0.60 per share | 325,000 | 325 | - | - | 194,675 | - | 195,000 | ||||||
| Preferred shares issued for services rendered at $0.60 per share | 19,250 | 19 | - | - | 11,531 | - | 11,550 | ||||||
| Net income for the period from inception through March 31, 2006 | - | - | - | - | - | 62,316 | 62,316 | ||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2006 | 344,250 | 344 | 19,200,000 | 19,200 | 467,036 | 62,316 | 548,896 | ||||||
| Recapitalization | - | - | 3,540,002 | 3,540 | (3,540) | - | - | ||||||
| Conversion of preferred stock | (344,250) | (344) | 2,600,011 | 2,600 | (2,256) | - | - | ||||||
| Common shares issued for cash at $0.50 per share | - | - | 1,980,000 | 1,980 | 988,020 | - | 990,000 | ||||||
| Stock issuance costs | - | - | - | - | (61,482) | - | (61,482) | ||||||
| Common stock issued for wells at $2.50 per share | - | - | 220,000 | 220 | 549,780 | - | 550,000 | ||||||
| Common stock issued for cash at $1.45 per share | - | - | 311,381 | 311 | 451,189 | - | 451,500 | ||||||
| Stock issuance costs | - | - | - | - | (8,160) | - | (8,160) | ||||||
| Common shares issued to wells at $2.65 per share | - | - | 1,600,000 | 1,600 | 4,238,400 | - | 4,240,000 | ||||||
| Common shares issued for cash at $1.45 per share | - | - | 323,104 | 323 | 468,177 | - | 468,500 | ||||||
| Common shares issued for services at $2.70 per share | - | - | 17,931 | 18 | 48,396 | - | 48,414 | ||||||
| Stock issuance costs | - | - | - | - | (105,783) | - | (105,783) | ||||||
| Net income for the year ended March 31, 2007 | - | - | - | - | - | 322,128 | 322,128 | ||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2007 | - | $ - | 29,792,429 | $ 29,792 | $ 7,029,777 | $ 384,444 | $ 7,444,013 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007 and
From Inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006
|
For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 |
From Inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2006 |
||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Net income | $ 322,128 | $ 62,316 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities: | |||
| Preferred stock issued for services | - | 11,550 | |
| Depreciation and depletion | 153,903 | 38,815 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||
| Increase in accounts receivable | (101,263) | (30,222) | |
| Increase in other current assets | (62,209) | (8,614) | |
| Increase in other assets | (25,857) | (30,266) | |
| Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | 524,064 | 46,890 | |
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 810,766 | 90,469 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties | 741,508 | 147,539 | |
| Purchase of oil and gas property and equipment | (4,859,477) | (778,806) | |
| Net Cash Used by Investing Activities | (4,117,969) | (631,267) | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Proceeds from the sale of common stock | 1,936,000 | 280,030 | |
| Proceeds from the sale of preferred stock | - | 195,000 | |
| Payment of stock offering costs | (153,011) | - | |
| Repayment of note payable | (125,000) | (150,000) | |
| Proceeds from note payable | 2,300,000 | 275,000 | |
| Net cash Provided by Financing Activities | 3,957,989 | 600,030 | |
| NET INCREASE IN CASH | 650,786 | 59,232 | |
| CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 59,232 | - | |
| CASH AT END OF PERIOD | $ 710,018 | $ 59,232 | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION | |||
| CASH PAID FOR: | |||
| Interest | $ 169,845 | $ - | |
| Income taxes | $ - | $ - | |
| NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Preferred stock issued for services | $ - | $ 11,550 | |
| Common stock issued to acquire oil and gas properties | $ 4,790,000 | $ - | |
| Asset retirement obligations incurred | $ 96,956 | $ - | |
| Conversion of preferred stock | $ 2,600 | $ - | |
| Recapitalization | $ 3,540 | $ - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
LUCAS ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2007
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY
Lucas Energy, Inc. (Lucas) was originally incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 6, 2005 for the purpose of acquiring and operating certain oil and gas leases in the state of Texas. Currently, Lucas operates forty-one separate oil and gas leases. The business is conducted through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., which was incorporated on April 6, 2005 in Nevada.
On May 19, 2006, Lucas Energy, Inc., formerly known as, Panorama Investments, Corp. (the "Company" or "Lucas Energy") entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company has acquired, through an exchange transaction, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of privately held, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., formerly known as Lucas Energy, Inc. ("Lucas Energy Resources"), from Lucas Energy Resources' shareholders. The transaction was completed on June 16, 2006. In conjunction with the transaction, Lucas Energy, Inc., has Amended its Articles of Incorporation to change the Company's name, has forward split its common stock on a 2.4 to 1 ratio, and has changed its trading symbol on the OTC-BB to "LUCE".
The terms of the Acquisition Agreement required that of all of the Lucas Energy Resources shareholders agree to exchange their shares, including preferred and common classes, for an aggregate of 21,800,011 (forward split adjusted) Lucas Energy common shares. 3,540,002 shares were retained by the shareholders of the predecessor company bringing the total outstanding shares to 25,340,013 upon close of the transaction.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Lucas's financials are based on a number of significant estimates, including oil and gas reserve quantities which are the basis for the calculation of depreciation, depletion and impairment of oil and gas properties, and timing and costs associated with its retirement obligations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and financial instruments which mature within three months of the date of purchase.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject Lucas to concentration of credit risk consist of cash. At March 31, 2007, Lucas had $543,943 in cash in excess of federally insured limits. Lucas maintains cash accounts only at large high quality financial institutions and Lucas believes the credit risk associated with cash is remote.
Lucas's receivables primarily consist of accounts receivable from oil and gas sales. Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Any allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's estimate of the amount of probable losses due to the inability to collect from customers. As of March 31, 2007, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded and none of
F-8
the accounts receivable have been collateralized.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As at March 31, 2007, the fair value of cash and accounts and advances payable, including amounts due to and from related parties, approximate carrying values because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method
Lucas uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells used to find proved reserves, and to drill and equip development wells including directly related overhead costs and related asset retirement costs are capitalized.
Under this method, all costs, including internal costs directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalizable as oil and gas property costs. Properties not subject to amortization consist of exploration and development costs which are evaluated on a property-by-property basis. Amortization of these unproved property costs begins when the properties become proved or their values become impaired. Lucas assesses the realizability
of unproved properties, if any, on at least an annual basis or when there has
been an indication that impairment in value may have occurred. Impairment of
unproved properties is assessed based on management's intention with regard to
future exploration and development of individually significant properties and
the ability of Lucas to obtain funds to finance such exploration and
development. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are
impaired, the amount of the impairment is added to the capitalized costs to be
amortized.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Lucas follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (SFAS No. 143). The fair value of an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. For Lucas, asset retirement obligations relate to the abandonment of oil and gas producing facilities. The amounts recognized are based upon numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement costs, future recoverable quantities of oil and gas, future inflation rates and the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.
Costs of oil and gas properties are amortized using the units of production method. Amortization expense calculated per equivalent physical unit of production amounted to $1.00 and $0.89 for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Under full cost accounting rules for each cost center, capitalized costs of proved properties, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, shall not exceed an amount (the "cost
F-9
ceiling") equal to the sum of (a) the present value of future net cash flows from estimated production of proved oil and gas reserves, based on current economic and operating condition, discounted at 10 percent, plus (b) the cost of properties not being amortized, plus (c) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of any unproved properties included in the costs being amortized, less (d) any income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the properties involved. If capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged as an impairment expense.
Revenue Recognition
Lucas recognizes oil and natural gas revenue under the sales method of accounting for its interests in producing wells as oil and natural gas is produced and sold from those wells. Oil and natural gas sold by Lucas is not significantly different from Lucass share of production.
Basic Income per Share of Common Stock
Basic and diluted net loss per share calculations are presented in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Statement 128 and are calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Common stock equivalents are excluded from the calculation when a loss is incurred as their effect would be anti-dilutive. The basic income per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding at the date of the financial statements.
| For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 | From Inception on April 6, 2005 to March 31, 2006 | ||
| Numerator: | |||
| Net Income | $ 322,218 | $ 62,316 | |
| Basic Income Per Share | $ 0.01 | $ 0.00 | |
| Denominator - weighted average shares | 27,984,165 | 19,200,000 | |
| Fully Diluted Income Per Share | $ 0.01 | $ 0.00 | |
| Denominator - fully diluted weighted average shares | 27,984,165 | 21,800,011 | |
Lucass shares of preferred stock were convertible to common stock on a one share for one share basis. Accordingly, the preferred shares are common stock equivalents for purposes of computing the fully diluted income per share.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The new FASB standard also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is a recognition process whereby the enterprise determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is a measurement process whereby a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial
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statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is permitted as long as the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period of adoption. The provisions of FIN 48 are to be applied to all tax positions upon initial adoption of this standard. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date may be recognized or continue to be recognized upon adoption of FIN 48. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 should be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the statement and have not yet determined the impact of such on our financial statements.
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, ("SFAS 157"). This new standard provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The FASB believes the standard also responds to investors' requests for expanded information about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The standard clarifies that for items that are not actively traded, such as certain kinds of derivatives, fair value should reflect the price in a transaction with a market participant, including an adjustment for risk, not just the company's mark-to-model value. SFAS 157 also requires expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using unobservable data. Under SFAS 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. In this standard, the FASB clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, for example, the reporting entity's own data. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged, provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for that fiscal year, including any financial statements for an interim period within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating this statement and have not yet determined the impact of such on our financial statements. We plan to adopt this statement when required at the start of our fiscal year beginning
April 1, 2007.
NOTE 3 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
Purchase of Griffin Lease
On February 24, 2007, Lucas completed the acquisition of the Griffin Lease. The Griffin Lease encompasses approximately 498 acres in the area of Gonzales, Texas. The acreage is in the G.W. Barnett Survey, A-110, Gonzales County, Texas and has 5 existing wells, 3 active and 2 plugged. All of the active wells are suitable for workover by Lucas. Lucas is analyzing the possibility of any further expansion or exploration of the lease, but has formed no opinion at this time with respect to further drilling. The acquisition price was a 20% overriding royalty given to the mineral rights owner.
Purchase of Delphic Oil Co., LLC
On December 20, 2006, Lucas entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with The Delphic Oil Co., LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company ("Delphic"). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Lucas agreed to purchase six oil wells located in Gonzales, Texas (the "Delphic Assets"). The Delphic Assets represent 4 leasehold properties with a total of 1172.29 acres. The Delphic Assets include six wells, four of which are operating and two additional wells which are currently shut-in and awaiting workover. The properties also contain additional acreage with offset drilling locations. The terms of the
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transaction included all assets of Delphic in exchange for 1.6 million shares of Lucas's restricted common stock, valued at $2.65 per share, or $4.24 million.
Purchase of Wilson Wells and Properties
On August 8, 2006, Lucas acquired leases, wells and equipment on nine oil properties in Texas. The oil leases were acquired from the Wilson Oil & Gas Company, in Texas for $2.75 million. Lucas Energy paid $2,200,000 in cash and 220,000 shares of Lucas's restricted common stock valued at $2.50 a share, or $550,000. Wilson Oil & Gas will retain a royalty interest averaging approximately 2% in the well production.
Disposition of Properties
During the period, Lucas sold two of its non-core assets. A $83,727 gain was realized through the sale of the Big Creek Dome and Bracero properties and was recorded as a reduction in oil and gas properties in accordance with the full cost method of accounting for the sale of oil and gas properties.
NOTE 4 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
In accordance with SFAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations Lucas records the fair value of a liability for asset retirement obligations (ARO) in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The present value of the estimated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Lucas accrues an abandonment liability associated with its oil and gas wells when those assets are placed in service. The ARO is recorded at its estimated fair value and accretion is recognized over time as the discounted liability is accreted to its expected settlement value. Fair value is determined by using the expected future cash outflows discounted at Lucas's credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. No market risk premium has been included in Lucas's calculation of the ARO balance. Lucas recorded $96,959 of asset retirement obligations in 2007 and $14,066 of accretion expense.
NOTE 5 NOTES PAYABLE
During the period ended September 30, 2006, Lucas entered into a Promissory Note in the amount of $2,300,000 with an original maturity date of February 3, 2008. On June 25, 2007, the maturity date was extended to February 3, 2009. The note bears interest at a rate of 14.5% per annum due quarterly. The note is held by private investors and is secured by the assets acquired from the Wilson Oil and Gas Company on August 8, 2006. Accrued interest on the note at March 31, 2007 totaled $52,766.
NOTE 6 COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY
On May 19, 2006, Lucas entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement"), pursuant to which Lucas acquired, through an exchange transaction, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of privately held, Lucas Energy Resources, Inc., formerly known as Lucas Energy, Inc. ("Lucas Energy Resources"), from Lucas Energy Resources' shareholders. The transaction was completed on June 16, 2006.
The terms of the Acquisition Agreement required that all the Lucas Energy Resources shareholders exchange their preferred and common shares, for an aggregate of 21,800,011 of Lucass common shares. The transaction required transfer of 2,640,000 outstanding "control" shares to Lucas Energy Resources' private shareholders and required the issuance of an additional 19,160,011 shares to Lucas Energy Resources' private shareholders, for a total new issuance relating to the transaction of 21,800,011 common shares. 3,540,002 shares were retained by the shareholders of the predecessor company bringing the total outstanding shares to 25,340,013 upon close of the transaction.
In April 2005, Lucas issued 12,480,000 shares of its common stock at $0.0044 per share for gross cash proceeds of $55,000.
In May 2005, Lucas issued 6,720,000 shares at $0.033 per share for gross cash proceeds of $225,030.
In May 2005, Lucas issued 19,250 shares of preferred stock for services rendered at $0.60 per share.
In December 2005, Lucas issued 325,000 shares of preferred stock at $0.60 per share for gross proceeds of $195,000 ($195,000 net proceeds).
In May 2006, Lucas completed a private placement of 1,980,000 shares of its common stock at $0.50 per share for gross cash proceeds of $990,000 ($928,518 net proceeds after offering costs).
In August 2006, Lucas issued 220,000 shares of its common stock valued at $2.50 per share for interests in 9 oil properties.
In December 2006, Lucas completed a private placement of 311,381 shares of its common stock at $1.45 per share for gross cash proceeds of $451,500 ($443,340 net proceeds after offering costs).
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In December 2006, Lucas issued 1,600,000 shares of its common stock valued at $2.65 per share, or $4.24 million, for interests in several oil properties.
In February 2007, Lucas completed a private placement of 341,035 shares of its common stock at $1.45 per share for gross cash proceeds of $494,500 ($388,717 net proceeds after offering costs).
NOTE 7 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lucas Energy, Inc. leases 1,500 square feet of office space in Houston, Texas that serves as its corporate office. The lease is at market rates and is month to month.
Total rent expense was $25,380 for the year ended March 31, 2007 and $5,240 for the year ended March 31, 2006.
As of March 31, 2007, Lucas had drilling commitments of $0 for drilling and completion of wells in progress.
NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES
Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and accrued tax liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
Components of tax expense are as follows:
| March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | ||
| Federal | |||
| Current | $ 114,337 | $ 4,845 | |
| Deferred | 13,003 | - | |
| State | - | - | |
| Income tax expense | $ 127,340 | $ 4,845 |
The income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to pretax income operations for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 due to the following:
| March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | ||
| Income tax expense at statutory rate of 34% | $ 152,819 | $ 10,074 | |
| Intangible drilling costs | (13,003) | - | |
| Excess of percentage depletion | |||
| over book depletion | (12,476) | (5,229) | |
| Income tax expense | $ 127,340 | $ 4,845 |
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Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for tax purposes. Significant components of the Companys consolidated deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||
| Intangible drilling costs | $ 13,003 | $ - | |
| Depletion expense | $ 119,182 | $ 4,845 | |
| Deferred tax assets: | None | None |
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES
(UNAUDITED)
(1) Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities:
|
At March 31, 2007 |
At March 31, 2006 |
||
| Proved oil and gas producing properties and related lease and well equipment | $ 9,623,745 | $ 631,267 | |
| Unproved oil and gas properties | - | - | |
| Accumulated depreciation and depletion | (166,204) | (38,815) | |
| Net Capitalized Costs | $ 9,457,541 | $ 592,452 | |
(2) Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities:
|
March 31, 2007 |
From Inception to March 31, 2006 |
||
| Acquisition of Properties | |||
| Proved | $ 8,076,683 | $ 713,602 | |
| Unproved | - | - | |
| Exploration Costs | - | - | |
| Development Costs | $ 1,542,783 | $ 65,204 |
All operations of Lucas are located in the United States.
(3) Results of Operations for Producing Activities:
|
For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 |
From Inception to March 31, 2006 |
||
| Sales | $ 1,296,084 | $ 302,500 | |
| Production costs | (313,004) | (132,798) | |
| Depreciation and depletion | (153,903) | (38,815) | |
| Income tax expense | (127,340) | (4,845) | |
| Results of operations for producing activities | |||
| (excluding corporate overhead and interest costs) | $ 701,837 | $ 126,042 | |
(4) Reserve Quantity Information
|
Oil BBL |
|
Gas MCF |
|
| Proved developed and undeveloped reserves inception on April 6, 2005 | - | - | |
| Revisions of previous estimates for improved recovery | - | - | |
| Purchases of minerals in place | 83,530 | - | |
| Extensions and discoveries | 21,983 | 52,792 | |
| Production | (5,940) | - | |
| Sales of minerals in place | - | - | |
| March 31, 2006 | 99,573 | 52,792 | |
| Revisions of previous estimates for improved recovery | 1,356,488 | (9,320) | |
| Purchases of minerals in place | 147,992 | - | |
| Extensions and discoveries | - | - | |
| Production | (21,513) | (1,942) | |
| Sales of minerals in place | - | - | |
| March 31, 2007 | 1,582,540 | 41,530 | |
Proved developed reserves:
Oil Gas
BBL CF .
March 31, 2006 99,573 52,792
March 31, 2007 1,582,540 41,530
During the period from inception on April 6, 2005 through March 31, 2007, Lucas had reserve studies and estimates prepared on its various properties. The difficulties and uncertainties involved in estimating proved oil and gas reserves makes comparisons between companies difficult. Estimation of reserve quantities is subject to wide fluctuations because it is dependent on judgmental interpretation of geological and geophysical data.
(5) Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
| March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | ||
| Future cash inflows | $104,664,080 | $ 6,205,374 | |
| Future production, development costs and income tax expense | (37,300,500) | (2,566,128) | |
| Future net cash flows | 67,363,580 | 3,639,246 | |
| Discounted for estimated timing of cash flows | (31,422,260) | (1,430,830) | |
| Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows | $35,941,320 | $ 2,208,416 | |
Future income taxes were determined by applying the statutory income tax rate to future pre-tax net cash flow relating to proved reserves.
The following schedule summarizes changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow relating to proved oil and gas reserves:
| For the Year Ended March 31, 2007 | From Inception to March 31, 2006 | ||
| Standardized measure, beginning of period | $2,208,416 | $ - | |
| Oil and gas sales, net of production costs | (1,024,628) | (169,702) | |
| Sales of mineral in place | (619,131) | (147,539) | |
| Purchases | 9,619,480 | 2,038,099 | |
| Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates | 25,767,183 | 487,558 | |
| Accretion of discount items | - | - | |
| Standardized measure, end of period | $35,941,320 | $ 2,208,416 | |
The above schedules relating to proved oil and gas reserves, standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows and changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows have their foundation in engineering estimates of future net revenues that are derived from proved reserves and prepared using the prevailing economic conditions. These reserve estimates are made from evaluations conducted by independent geologists, of such properties and will be periodically reviewed based upon updated geological and production data. Estimates of proved reserves are inherently imprecise. The above standardized measure does not include any restoration costs due to the fact Lucas does not own the land.
Subsequent development and production of Lucas's reserves will necessitate revising the present estimates. In addition, information provided in the above schedules does not provide definitive information as the results of any particular year but, rather, helps explain and demonstrate the impact of major factors affecting Lucas's oil and gas producing activities. Therefore, Lucas suggests that all of the aforementioned factors concerning assumptions and concepts should be taken into consideration when reviewing and analyzing this information.
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, James J. Cerna, Chief Executive Officer of Lucas Energy, Inc., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007, of Lucas Energy, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: June 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| /S/ JAMES J. CERNA |
|
| James J. Cerna |
|
| Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Malek Bohsali, Chief Financial Officer of Lucas Energy, Inc., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007, of Lucas Energy, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: June 26, 2007 |
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|
|
|
|
|
| /S/ MALEK BOHSALI |
|
| Malek Bohsali |
|
| Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Annual Report of Lucas Energy, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, James J. Cerna, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/S/ JAMES J. CERNA | ||
James J. Cerna | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
June 26, 2007 |
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Annual Report of Lucas Energy, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-KSB for the year ended March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Malek, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(3) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(4) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/S/ MALEK BOHSALI | ||
Malek Bohsali | ||
Chief Financial Officer | ||
June 26, 2007 |
Exhibit 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and among Lucas Energy, Inc. (LUCE) ("Company") and James J Cerna (the "Executive"), dated as of the 20th of March, 2007.
W T I N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the company (Lucas Energy Inc. LUCE) wishes to employ the Executive and wishes to continue to employ the Executive for the period provided for in this Agreement, and the Executive is willing to serve the employ of the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1.
Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agree to be employed with the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set herein.
2.
Term of Employment. The term of the Executive's employment under this Agreement (the "Employment Period") shall commence as of the date of this Agreement, and shall end on April 1, 2010 (the date which is 3 years from the date of this Agreement), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with Section 5.
3.
Titles and Responsibilities.
(a)
Titles. The Executive shall report and be responsible the Board of Directors of LUCE.
(b)
Responsibilities. Company hereby engages Executive to provide his exclusive services as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, Executive hereby accepts such engagement. Executive shall render all services usually and customary rendered by and required of executives similarly employed in the Oil and Gas industry. Executive shall report only the Board of Directors of LUCE.
(c)
Place of Performance. During the Employment Period, the Executive's office shall be located in San Mateo CA, except for required business travel consistent with the Executive's position. The Company shall provide the Executive with an office and other support reasonably appropriate to his duties.
(d)
Business Time. During the Employment Period, the Executive agrees to devote his full business time during normal business hours to the business and the affairs of the Company and use his best efforts to perform faithfully, diligently and completely the responsibilities assigned to him hereunder, to the extent necessary to discharge such responsibilities, except for (i) time spent serving corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees only if and to the extent not substantially interfering with the performance of such responsibilities, (ii) periods of vacation, disability and sick leave to which he is entitled, and (iii) reasonable activities having a charitable, educational or other public interest purpose.
4.
Compensation.
(a)
Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a minimum annual ("Base Salary") equal to $175,000, payable in accordance with the customary payroll as in effect from time to time for senior executives of the Company. The Board shall review the Executive's Base Salary for possible increases of such Base Salary in relationship to the goals and performance of the Company and prevailing competitive conditions annually and after the following events occur. (1) Takeover/merger and (2) Capital raise of over $5,000,000.
(b)
Stock Grant. None
(c)
Bonus : As voted by the board of directors. Bonus periods are based on calendar years with first period paid on 12/31/07.
(d)
Vacation. During Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled
to 2 weeks of vacation per year.
(e)
Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies and procedures of the company as applicable to its senior executives.
(f)
Other Executive Benefits. Without limiting the forgoing provisions of this Section 4, during the Employment Period the Executive shall be entitled to participate in or be covered under all compensation, bonus, pension, retirement, and welfare and fringe benefit plans, programs and policies of the Company applicable to senior executives of the company.
(g)
Stock Options. To the extent Executive receives stock options in the Company, the stock options will accelerate vesting in order to become fully vested upon Executive's termination of his employment for a Change of Control, upon termination of his employment for Good Reason, or upon termination of his employment by the Company Without Cause (as defined below.
5.
Termination.
(a)
Death or Disability. The Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for Disability by giving the Executive notice of its intention in accordance with Section 5(e) unless Executive returns to the performance of the essential functions of his employment within 30 days after receipt of such notice. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means any physical or mental condition that renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment for 90 consecutive days or for a total of 180 days in any 360 consecutive days.
(b)
Voluntary Termination after Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment at any time, after a Change in Control, (i) for any reason upon three months' written notice to the Company, or (ii) if termination is for Good Reason or on account of the Executive's serious illness, upon written notice pursuant to Section 5(e) but without any notice period. In the event of any termination pursuant to this Section 5(b), the executive shall have no further obligation to the Company under this Agreement, except as provided in Section 9.
(c)
Voluntary Resignation. Executive may voluntarily resign from his employment at any time upon three months written notice.
(d)
Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for Cause. For purposes of this agreement "Cause" means:
Executive's engaging in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company; failure to perform the services hereunder; violation of any written resolution adopted by the Company's Board of Directors or Executive Committee; or conviction by final judgment of a felony constituting fraud, theft, embezzlement or homicide.
(e)
Good Reason. The executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" means (i) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the Executive's position, title, status, authority, duties, powers, or functions on the date of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment to the Executive of any material duties which are not commensurate with or at least as prestigious as the Executive's duties and responsibilities as contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) a material breach by the Company of any of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the relocation of the Company's principle executive offices to a location outside San Francisco Bay Area; or (v) the failure by the Company to obtain an agreement, reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated by section 12(b). After a Change in Control, in addition to items (I) through (v), "Good Reason" shall include (vi) a determination by the Executive, in his sole discretion, during the 30-day period commencing 180 days following Change in Control he can no longer effectively perform his duties.
(f)
Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or Disability or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by a written notice (a "Notice of Termination") to the other party hereto given in accordance with section 13(d). A "Notice of Termination" shall set forth in reasonable detail the events giving rise to such termination.
(g)
Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Date of Termination" means (i) in the case of termination for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Executive shall have not returned to full-time performance of his duties during such 30 day period); (ii) in the case of termination for Cause, a date specified in the Notice of Termination (which shall not be less than 30 days nor more than 60 days from the date such Notice of Termination is given); (iii) in the case of any other termination for which a Notice of Termination is required, the date of receipt of such Notice of Termination or, if later, the date specified therein, as the case may be; and (iv) in all other cases, the actual date on which the Executive's employment terminates during the Employment Period.
(h)
Guarantee. The Company irrevocably guarantees the payment of two years of Executive's Base Salary plus bonus (minimum 15%) in the event of a termination of Executive's employment with the Company pursuant to Section 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) or 5(e) (the "Guaranteed Obligations"). The Company's guarantee shall cover any amendment or modification to this Agreement, unless such amendment specifically deletes this section. The Company hereby waives: any right to require Executive to pursue a remedy before proceeding against the Company (provided that Executive shall first provide the Company with 30 days written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure); (ii) subject to the preceding clause (i), demand, diligence, presentment and notices of protest, dishonor and nonpayment; and (iii) rights of subrogation or reimbursement.
6.
Non-competition.
(a)
Scope. In the case of the Executives termination of employment, including due to the expiration of the Employment Period, the Executive shall not, for one year following the Date of Termination, (a) divert any competitor of the Company in the business conducted by the Company (the Designated Industry) any active project of the Company; or (b) solicit or encourage any officer, Employee or consultant of the Company to leave their employ for employment by or with any competitor of the Company in the Designated Industry. If at any time the provisions of this Section 6 shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, by reason of being vague or unreasonable as to area, duration or scope of activity, this Section 6 shall be considered divisible and shall become and be immediately amended to apply only to such area, duration and scope of activity as shall be determined to be reasonable and enforceable by the court or other body having jurisdiction over the matter; and the Executive agrees that this Section 6 as so amended shall be valid and binding as though any invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included herein. Nothing in this section 6 shall prevent or restrict the Executive from engaging in any business or industry other than the Designated Industry in any capacity.
(b)
Irreparable Harm. The executive agrees that any remedy at law for any breach of this section 6 shall be inadequate and that the Company shall be entitled to adjunctive relief.
7.
Arbitration. If a dispute arises between the parties respecting the terms of this Agreement or Executives employment with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute with respect to the validity of this Agreement or this arbitration clause, such dispute shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration as follows. Any party may require that the dispute be submitted to binding arbitration, and in such event dispute shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. If a matter is submitted to arbitration, each of the parties shall choose one arbitrator. The arbitrators selected by the two parties shall choose a third arbitrator who shall act as chairman and shall be an attorney and a member of the panel of the American Arbitration Association. Each party shall agree to a speedy hearing upon the matter in dispute and the judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be California. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no discovery shall be permitted in the arbitration proceeding.
8.
Successors.
(a)
This agreement is personal to the Executive and, without written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall insure the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives legal representatives.
(b)
This agreement shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon Company and its successors. The Company shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, weather direct or indirect, by an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement.
9.
Miscellaneous.
(a) Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which the Executive has agreed.
(b) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of California, applied without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
(c)
Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
(d)
Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and delivered or mailed to the other party by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, addressed as follows:
Or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only when actually received by the addressee.
(e)
Sever ability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this agreement
(f)
Waiver. Waiver by any party hereto of any breach or default by any other party of any of the terms of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach or default, whether similar to or different from the breach or default waived.
(g)
Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to matters referred to herein, and no other agreement, verbal or otherwise, shall be binding as between the parties unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. All prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by this Agreement.
(h)
Survival. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
(i)
Captions and References. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. References in this Agreement to a section number are references to sections of the Agreement unless otherwise specified.
(j)
Consent to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in such state solely in respect of the interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or proceeding for the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement that it is not subject thereto; that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in said courts; that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by said courts that its property is exempt or immune from execution; that the suite, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum; or that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each of the parties agrees that service of process in any such action suite or proceeding shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it if given in the manner set fourth in Section 13(d).
(k)
Legal Fees. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by him in connection with the initial review of this Agreement. Such payments, which shall be made on an ongoing basis after the Executive submits an invoice or other reasonably appropriate documentation relating there to the company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf all as of the day and year first from above.
![[cernacontract001.jpg]](cernacontract001.jpg)
James J. Cerna Jr.
March 20, 2007
/s/ William Sawyer
William Sawyer
March 20, 2007
Exhibit 10.6
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and among Lucas Energy Inc. (LUCE) ("Company") and William A. Sawyer (the "Executive"), dated as of the 20th day of March , 2007.
W T I N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the company wishes to employ the Executive and wishes to continue to employ the Executive for the period provided for in this Agreement, and the Executive is willing to serve as employee of the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
1.
Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agree to be employed with the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set herein.
2.
Term of Employment. The term of the Executive's employment under this Agreement (the "Employment Period") shall commence as of the date of this Agreement, and shall end on April 1, 2010 (the date which is 3 years from the date of this Agreement), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with Section 5.
3.
Titles and Responsibilities.
(a) Titles. The Executive shall report and be responsible to the Chief Executive officer of the Company and the Board of Directors of LUCE.
(b)
Responsibilities. Company hereby engages Executive to provide his exclusive services as COO and Board Member. Pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, Executive hereby accepts such engagement. Executive shall render all services usually and customary rendered by and required of executives similarly employed in the Oil and Gas industry. Executive shall report only to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Board of Directors of LUCE.
(c)
Place of Performance. During the Employment Period, the Executive's office shall be located in Houston, TX, except for required business travel consistent with the Executive's position. The Company shall provide the Executive with an office and other support reasonably appropriate to his duties.
(d)
Business Time. During the Employment Period, the Executive agrees to devote his full business time during normal business hours to the business and the affairs of the Company and use his best efforts to perform faithfully, diligently and completely the responsibilities assigned to him hereunder, to the extent necessary to discharge such responsibilities, except for (I) time spent serving corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees only if and to the extent not substantially interfering with the performance of such responsibilities, (ii) periods of vacation, disability and sick leave to which he is entitled, and (iii) reasonable activities having a charitable, educational or other public interest purpose.
1.
Compensation.
(a)
Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a minimum annual ("Base Salary") equal to $150,000, payable in accordance with the customary payroll as in effect from time to time for senior executives of the Company. The Board shall review the Executive's Base Salary for possible increases of such Base Salary in relationship to the goals and performance of the Company and prevailing competitive conditions annually and after the following events occur. (1) public trading/merger and (2) Capital raise of over $5,000,000.
(b)
Stock Grant. None
(c)
Bonus : As voted by the board of directors.
Bonus periods are based on calendar years with first period paid on 12/31/07.
(d)
Vacation. During Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to 2 weeks of vacation per year.
(e)
Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies and procedures of the company as applicable to it's senior executives.
(f)
Other Executive Benefits. With out limiting the forgoing provisions of this Section 4, during the Employment Period the Executive shall be entitled to participate in or be covered under all compensation, bonus, pension, retirement, and welfare and fringe benefit plans, programs and policies of the Company applicable to senior executives of the company.
(g)
Stock Options. To the extent Executive receives stock options in the Company, the stock options will accelerate vesting in order to become fully vested upon Executive's termination of his employment for a Change of Control, upon termination of his employment for Good Reason, or upon termination of his employment by the Company Without Cause (as defined below.
5.
Termination.
(a)
Death or Disability. The Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for Disability by giving the Executive notice of its intention in accordance with Section 5(e) unless Executive returns to the performance of the essential functions of his employment within 30 days after receipt of such notice. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means any physical or mental condition that renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment for 90 consecutive days or for a total of 180 days in any 360 consecutive days.
(b)
Voluntary Termination after Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment at any time, after a Change in Control, (I) for any reason upon six months' written notice to the Company, or (ii) if termination is for Good Reason or on account of the Executive's serious illness, upon written notice pursuant to Section 5(e) but without any notice period. In the event of any termination pursuant to this Section 5(b), the executive shall have no further obligation to the Company under this Agreement, except as provided in Section 9.
(c)
Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for Cause. For purposes of this agreement "Cause" means:
Executive's engaging in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company; failure to perform the services hereunder; violation of any written resolution adopted by the Company's Board of Directors or Executive Committee; or conviction by final judgement of a felony constituting fraud, theft, embezzlement or homicide.
(d)
Good Reason. The executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" means (I) a material reduction in the nature or scope of the Executive's position, title, status, authority, duties, powers, or functions on the date of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment to the Executive of any material duties which are not commensurate with or at least as prestigious as the Executive's duties and responsibilities as contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) a material breach by the Company of any of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the relocation of the Company's principle executive offices to a location outside San Francisco Bay Area; or (v) the failure by the Company to obtain an agreement, reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated by section 12(b). After a Change in Control, in addition to items (I) through (v), "Good Reason" shall include (vi) a determination by the Executive, in his sole discretion, during the 30-day period commencing 180 days following Change in Control he can no longer effectively perform his duties.
(e)
Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or Disability or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by a written notice (a "Notice of Termination") to the other party hereto given in accordance with section 13(d). A "Notice of Termination" shall set forth in reasonable detail the events giving rise to such termination.
(f)
Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Date of Termination" means (I) in the case of termination for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Executive shall have not returned to full-time performance of his duties during such 30 day period); (ii) in the case of termination for Cause, a date specified in the Notice of Termination (which shall not be less than 30 days nor more than 60 days from the date such Notice of Termination is given); (iii) in the case of any other termination for which a Notice of Termination is required, the date of receipt of such Notice of Termination or, if later, the date specified therein, as the case may be; and (iv) in all other cases, the actual date on which the Executive's employment terminates during the Employment Period.
(g)
Guarantee. The Company irrevocably guarantees the payment of one year of Executive's Base Salary in the event of a termination of Executive's employment with the Company pursuant to Section 5(b), 5(d) or 5(e) (the "Guaranteed Obligations"). The Company's guarantee shall cover any amendment or modification to this Agreement, unless such amendment specifically deletes this section. The Company here by waives: any right to require Executive to pursue a remedy before proceeding against the Company (provided that Executive shall first provide the Company with 30 days written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure); (ii) subject to the preceding clause (i), demand, diligence, presentment and notices of protest, dishonor and nonpayment; and (iii) rights of subrogation or reimbursement.
6.
Noncom petition.
(a)
Scope. In the case of the Executives termination of employment, including due to the expiration of the Employment Period, the Executive shall not, for one year following the Date of Termination, (a) divert any competitor of the Company in the business conducted by the Company (the Designated Industry) any active project of the Company; or (b) solicit or encourage any officer, Employee or consultant of the Company to leave their employ for employment by or with any competitor of the Company in the Designated Industry. If at any time the provisions of this Section 6 shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, by reason of being vague or unreasonable as to area, duration or scope of activity, this Section 6 shall be considered divisible and shall become and be immediately amended to apply only to such area, duration and scope of activity as shall be determined to be reasonable and enforceable by the court or other body having jurisdiction over the matter; and the Executive agrees that this Section 6 as so amended shall be valid and binding as though any invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included herein. Nothing in this section 6 shall prevent or restrict the Executive from engaging in any business or industry other than the Designated Industry in any capacity.
(b)
Irreparable Harm. The executive agrees that any remedy at law for any breach of this section 6 shall be inadequate and that the Company shall be entitled to adjunctive relief.
7.
Arbitration. If a dispute arises between the parties respecting the terms of this Agreement or Executives employment with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute with respect to the validity of this Agreement or this arbitration clause, such dispute shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration as follows. Any party may require that the dispute be submitted to binding arbitration, and in such event dispute shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. If a matter is submitted to arbitration, each of the parties shall choose one arbitrator. The arbitrators selected by the two parties shall choose a third arbitrator who shall act as chairman and shall be an attorney and a member of the panel of the American Arbitration Association. Each party shall agree to a speedy hearing upon the matter in dispute and the judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be California. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no discovery shall be permitted in the arbitration proceeding.
8.
Successors.
(a)
This agreement is personal to the Executive and, without written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall insure the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives legal representatives.
(b)
This agreement shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon Company and its successors. The Company shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, weather direct or indirect, by an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement.
9.
Miscellaneous.
(a) Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid
net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which the Executive has agreed.
Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of California, applied without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
(c)
Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
(d)
Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and delivered or mailed to the other party by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, addressed as follows:
Or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only when actually received by the addressee.
(e)
Sever ability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this agreement
(f)
Waiver. Waiver by any party hereto of any breach or default by any other party of any of the terms of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach or default, whether similar to or different from the breach or default waived.
(g)
Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to matters referred to herein, and no other agreement, verbal or otherwise, shall be binding as between the parties unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. All prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by this Agreement.
(h)
Survival. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
(i)
Captions and References. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. References in this Agreement to a section number are references to sections of the Agreement unless otherwise specified.
(j)
Consent to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in such state solely in respect of the interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or proceeding for the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement that it is not subject thereto; that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in said courts; that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by said courts that its property is exempt or immune from execution; that the suite, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum; or that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each of the parties agrees that service of process in any such action suite or proceeding shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it if given in the manner set fourth in Section 13(d).
(k)
Legal Fees. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by him in connection with the initial review of this Agreement. Such payments, which shall be made on an ongoing basis after the Executive submits an invoice or other reasonably appropriate documentation relating there to the company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf all as of the day and year first from above.
![[sawyercontract001.jpg]](sawyercontract001.jpg)
James J. Cerna Jr.
March 20, 2007
/s/ WILLIAM A. SAWYER
William A. Sawyer