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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 _____________________________ FORM 10-KSB ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-131275 ZION OIL & GAS, INC. (Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 20-0065053 6510 Abrams Rd., Suite 300
(State or other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
Dallas, TX
75231
(214) 221-4610
Securities registered under Section 12 (b) of the Exchange Act:
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
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American Stock Exchange (Name of each exchange on which registered) |
Securities registered under Section 12 (g) of the Exchange Act: None
Check whether the issuer is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No __
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 Issuer'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. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes __ No [X]
The Issuer's revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 were $0. The Issuer had 9,682,815 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 5, 2007. The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Issuer, computed by reference to the closing price of such common stock on the American Stock Exchange on April 13, 2007, was $44,665,545.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information called for in Items 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 in Part III will be contained in the issuers definitive proxy statement which the issuer intends to file within 120 days after the issuer's fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and such information is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, certain exhibits have been specifically incorporated by reference herein as noted in Item 13 under Part III hereof.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes__ No X
2006 ANNUAL REPORT (SEC FORM 10-KSB)
INDEX
Securities and Exchange Commission
Item Number and Description
PART I
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Item 1 |
Description of Business |
3 |
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Item 2 |
Description of Property |
16 |
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Item 3 |
Legal Proceedings |
17 |
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Item 4 |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
17 |
PART II
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Item 5 |
Market for the Company's Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Small Business Issuer Purchases of Securities |
18 |
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Item 6 |
Management's Discussion and Plan of Operation |
20 |
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Item 7 |
Financial Statements |
23 |
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Item 8 |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
24 |
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Item 8A |
Controls and Procedures |
24 |
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Item 8B |
Other Information |
25 |
PART III
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Item 9 |
Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act |
25 |
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Item 10 |
Executive Compensation |
25 |
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Item 11 |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and |
25 |
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Item 12 |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence |
25 |
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Item 13 |
Exhibits |
26 |
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Item 14 |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
27 |
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB (herein, "Annual Report") regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this Annual Report, the words "may", "should", "could", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "expect," "project" and similar expressions (or the negatives thereof) are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this Annual Report are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, int entions or expectations will be achieved. We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations in the discussion of risk factors in the "Description of Business" section, the "Management's Discussion and Plan of Operations" section and elsewhere in this Annual Report. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report to "Zion," "we", "us", "our" or "ours" refer to Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
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PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General
We explore for oil and gas in Israel. Our principal assets are petroleum rights issued by the Ministry of National Infrastructures of the State of Israel, specifically an exploration license currently covering 397,000 Israeli dunam (approximately 98,100 acres), entitled License No. 298/Ma'anit-Joseph. We also held a preliminary permit with priority rights covering 490,000 dunam (approximately 121,100 acres) and entitled Preliminary Permit No. 186/Asher, abutting on and immediately to the north and west of the Ma'anit-Joseph License. On January 31, 2007, with the termination of the Asher Permit and in accordance with its terms, we submitted an application for an exploration license covering approximately 322,000 dunam (approximately 81,000 acres), all but 3,000 acres of which were subject to the Asher Permit. The application is currently under review by the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner. We have named the project to explore the areas under our license and any surrounding areas for which we have or obtain petroleum rights the "Joseph Project."
We hold 100% of the working interest in our license and the application for issuance of the license for areas previously subject of the Asher Permit, which means we are responsible for 100% of the costs of exploration and, if established, production. Our net revenue interest is 87.5%, which means we would receive 87.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of oil and gas from license and permit areas upon their conversion to production leases, if there is any commercial production. The 12.5% we would not receive is a royalty reserved by the State of Israel. No royalty would be payable to any landowner with respect to production from our license or permit areas as the State of Israel owns all the mineral rights. In the event commercial production is established, we will be setting aside a royalty interest (or equivalent net operating profits interest) of 6% (after payout of our exploration costs through the first discovery well) for charitable contributions. In addition, our key employ ee incentive plan will receive a royalty interest (or equivalent net operating profits interest) of up to 1.5% (after payout of our drilling costs on a well-by-well basis). (A "royalty interest" is calculated on the basis of 100% of the gross oil and gas produced and saved from a well or the gross revenues from the sale of that production before any deduction of finding or production costs and without deduction of payments made to other royalty interests. A "net operating profits interest" is a contractual right to receive a portion of the revenue stream from the production less the costs attributable to royalty interests and certain defined operating costs.) This means our effective net revenue interest may be as low as 80%.
Our corporate offices are located at 6510 Abrams Road, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75231 and our telephone number is (214) 221-4610. Our website address is www.zionoil.com. Our office in Israel is located at 15 Bareket St., Caesarea Industrial Park, 38900 Israel, and the telephone number is +972 (4) 623-1425.
The Joseph Project
Background. In 1983, during a visit to Israel, John M. Brown (our Founder and Chairman) became inspired and dedicated to finding oil and gas in Israel, and he started the process that led to the Joseph Project. During the next sixteen years he made several trips each year to Israel, hired oil and gas consultants in Israel and Texas, met with Israeli government officials, made direct investments with local exploration companies, and assisted Israeli exploration companies in raising money for oil and gas exploration in Israel. This activity led Mr. Brown to form Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. in April 2000 in order to receive the award of a small onshore petroleum license from the Israeli government. Mr. Brown and 25 different persons who had assisted him during the sixteen-year period started Zion with an initial cash contribution of $2,400 for which they received 2,400,000 shares of common stock at the price of 1/10 of one cent per share. Upon its formation, Mr. Brown and the others cont ributed to Zion all of the technical, economic, legal and financial data they had accumulated over the years relating to oil and gas exploration in Israel. For accounting purposes, no monetary value was attached to the data and we are unable to provide you with any estimate of its cost of acquisition or current market or replacement value, if any. Zion was originally incorporated on April 6, 2000 in Florida. On July 9, 2003, we were reincorporated in Delaware.
Upon the award of our first petroleum right (License No. 298/Ma'anit, which is referred to as the "Ma'anit License") in May 2000, the Israeli government gave us access to most of its data with respect to previous exploration in the area, including geologic reports, seismic records and profiles, drilling reports, well files, gravity surveys, geochemical surveys and regional maps. We also gathered information concerning prior and ongoing geological, geophysical and drilling activity relevant to our planned activities from a variety of publicly accessible sources. The second map below in this Item 1 shows the outline of our current Ma'anit-Joseph License and the areas previously subject of the Asher Permit for which we have applied for a new license. It also shows the location of the approximately 500 kilometers of seismic lines and relative locations of eight mid-range (to 7,500 feet) and deep (to 21,000 feet) wells in our immediate area, data and
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information concerning which we have acquired and analyzed. The Israeli government itself conducted most of the seismic surveys during the 1970's and 1980's in order to provide data to encourage oil companies to invest in exploratory drilling. Private and public Israeli, American and international companies conducted additional seismic survey and drilled most of the eight wells in the period since 1980.
The areas subject of our Ma'anit-Joseph License and Asher Permit are contiguous areas in a similar geologic environment. They are located on a continuous regional high associated with the basement to a Paleozoic Age structure (approximately 280 million years old) that runs parallel to the current coast of Israel onshore from just off of Haifa to south of Tel Aviv. The regional high is evidenced by a magnetic anomaly extending through both the Ma'anit-Joseph License and Asher Permit. This structure and other geologic elements common to both areas, including particularly the Triassic Age (approximately 200 million years ago) Ma'anit structure that extends from the Ma'anit-Joseph License area into the Asher Permit area, lend themselves to an integrated exploratory program (and, if successful, may lend themselves to an integrated development program) which is the subject of the Joseph Project.
The Joseph Project -The Ma'anit-Joseph License and Asher Permit Areas and Rights - Geological and Geophysical Activities
a. The Ma'anit-Joseph License
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4
b. The Asher Permit
5
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The Joseph Project - Drilling Operations and Results
On December 29, 2004, we signed a drilling contract with Lapidoth Israel Oil Prospectors Corp., Inc. (the "contractor") for the reentry and drilling of the Ma'anit #1 well on the Ma'anit-Joseph License to a depth of between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. The contractor commenced mobilization of the rig to the site in mid-March 2005. On April 10, 2005, the Ma'anit #1 well was reentered and operations to deepen the well to the Triassic formation commenced. On July 14, 2005 we reached our total depth of 15,482 feet and then commenced an attempt to complete the well. The completion attempt was temporarily abandoned on November 4, 2005 and the rig released.
We have what appears to be a discovery of both oil and gas in a number of different zones, over a 2,100-foot interval between 12,500 and 14,600 feet deep. This has been determined through different indicators, including (but not limited to):
We first encountered Triassic Age sediments at a depth of 3,302 meters (10,833 feet) according to our consulting paleontologist. This was considerably higher (sooner) than the expected depth of approximately 3,850 meters (12,600 feet). By being approximately 550 meters (1,750 feet) higher than expected, we saw a unique opportunity and decided to deepen the well to see if we could drill below the bottom of the Triassic and explore Permian age formations. While still in the Lower Triassic between 4,560 meters to 4,700 meters we encountered very difficult drilling conditions and drill pipe failures. We decided to stop drilling at 4,719 meters (15,482 feet), still 100 meters or so above the projected Permian formation, rather than risk a total loss of the well.
6
Initially, we tested the two lowest zones in the well (of Scythian Age in the Lower Triassic) and found apparent oil on top of water in the upper zone at 4,611 meters (15,128 feet) and formation water in the lower zone at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). Due to the small thickness of the oil zone (six feet), its depth, and the proximity to water, we abandoned that zone and plugged the well with cement back to 4,453 meters (14,610 feet). We then swab tested through drill pipe three zones of Anisian Age (a formation in the middle Triassic) between 4,342 and 4,448 meters (14,245 and 14,593 feet) with encouraging but inconclusive results. During the swab testing, we recovered very heavy salt water identical to that recovered from the Scythian. Realizing that it could take considerable time and expense to get the water out, we moved up to the Carnian (a higher formation in the Triassic) to attempt to establish production. The combination of increased drilling penetration rate (drilling breaks), gas shows, analysis of rock cuttings and wireline log analysis in the Carnian indicated possible productivity in six separate zones aggregating 250 feet of thickness. A temporary cast iron bridge plug was set in the casing between the Anisian and Carnian and the six zones between 3,828 and 4,028 meters (12,559 and 13,215 feet) were perforated for commingled production testing.
We swab tested the six perforated zones through tubing. Rather than the expected gas, we received the same water as we had seen in the lower zones. A review of the log analysis was of no help in identifying the source of the water. With the aid of our independent petroleum consultants, Forrest A. Garb & Associates, Inc. ("FGA"), we deduced that the water was coming out of the numerous layers of volcanics. It now appears that this deduction was correct, as after many cementing operations and several weeks of work, we shut off much of the water.
Our next step was to perforate what appears on the electric logs as a good hydrocarbon reservoir a 30-meter zone from 3,903 to 3,933 meters in the Carnian. Once again we were surprised by the presence of water. This time the water was different from the heavy water seen previously. It appeared that the water was coming from the perforated formation. An analysis of the water revealed a different resistivity than that used in the log analysis, the result being that the interval was water bearing rather than hydrocarbon bearing.
Using the information from the new water samples we obtained, we had our consulting engineers recalculate the well logs using new parameters. The overall effect of recalculating the logs was to marginally reduce the amount of apparently available oil and gas.
Knowing that water from the volcanic zones is a problem, we returned downhole to the Anisian, where we saw oil during drilling and in one swab test, and attempted to complete in the zone between 4,344 to 4,353 meters. From an analysis of the logs relating to that zone made with assistance of our consulting geologists and engineers, it appears that that zone should have the potential of commercial amounts of oil and gas. The decision to return to that zone was made because: (1) the cost of returning was roughly the same as the cost of plugging off the currently perforated Carnian zone and testing a new Carnian zone; and (2) oil was the more likely primary hydrocarbon from the Anisian and more immediately saleable. After performing numerous remedial operations to eliminate the water incursion, on October 3, 2005, we swabbed and then reverse circulated the well for 90 minutes. During most of that time there was a 6 to 10 foot gas flare with occasional larger flares and we recovered completi on water, drilling mud, spent acid water and cement fines, but no apparent formation or volcanics water. We then shut the well in for most of the month of October and put the rig on standby at that time. In early November 2005, we swab tested the zone between 4,344 and 4,353 meters deep and initially recovered gas prior to a break down of the cement seal when water again intruded into the bore. We released the rig on November 10, 2005 and have since evaluated the data and planned further completion operations.
On December 10, 2006, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with the contractor for the performance of remedial workover, completion and testing services on the Ma'anit #1 in accordance with the procedures developed by us since the release of the drilling rig in November 2005. On March 15, 2007, pursuant to the memorandum of understanding, we entered into a services agreement with the contractor pursuant to which remedial workover, completion and testing services on the Ma'anit #1 well are to commence on April 11, 2007, but no later than April 15, 2007, in accordance with the requirements of the license work program. The rig arrived on location on April 6, 2007 and is being rigged up in contemplation of the renewal of operations.
7
Competition and Markets
The oil and gas exploration industry in Israel currently consists of approximately eleven exploration companies or consortia. These are primarily relatively small local or foreign companies with limited financial resources, except for two consortia consisting of local Israeli and foreign participants which have substantial financial resources. Of the eleven groups, three (including the two more financially substantial consortia) are engaged primarily in off-shore activities which is not an area in which we are currently active or interested. Of the participants in on-shore activities, only two companies other than Zion are active in the northern half of Israel in which our activities are concentrated. We are aware of no oil and gas exploration companies who are at present actively considering potential activities in the areas subject of the Ma'anit-Joseph License and Asher Permit, except for one which has indicated to us possible interest in participating as a minority joint venture partne r with us in a planned well. Primarily for geopolitical reasons, Israel (particularly on-shore) has not been an area of interest for international integrated or large or mid-size independent oil and gas exploration companies. However, given the limited availability in Israel of oil field service companies, equipment and personnel, in periods of increased exploration interest and activity as at present, there is considerable competition for available equipment and services. In this market Zion has no particular advantage and, when competing for rig availability, is limited by the availability of necessary funding and permits. We attempt to enhance our position in this market by developing and maintaining good professional relations with local oil field service providers and a high level of credibility in making and meeting commercial commitments.
As an exploration company, we do not yet have oil and gas reserves to market. The discussion of markets for oil and gas in Israel is set forth below to present the economic environment within which we would have to operate should our exploratory drilling be successful.
If any of our exploratory wells are commercially productive, we would install oil and gas separation facilities and storage tanks. Initially, oil from the license area would be transported by truck to the oil refinery located near Haifa, a distance of approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). Under the terms of the Petroleum Law, we may be required by the Minister of National Infrastructures to offer first refusal for any oil and gas discovered to Israeli domestic purchasers at market prices. Our long-range plans include laying a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) oil pipeline to join an existing crude oil transfer line between the refinery in Haifa and the refinery in Ashdod, Israel. If we discover gas, we would sell initially to a local manufacturing plant located approximately 200 meters from the Ma'anit # 1 location. Long-range plans include connecting the separation facility to a countrywide gas transportation line, now in the planning and construction stages. We believe that any liquid hydro carbons discovered in Israel would be sold at prices commonly received in the Mediterranean basin. Those prices, net to the wellhead, are expected to approximate Israeli market prices, plus or minus allowances for quality.
At the present time, Israel can absorb any discovery of oil, condensate or gas liquids. Israel's total energy and petrochemicals consumption of liquid hydrocarbons in 2005 is estimated by Israeli government sources to have been the equivalent of 82 million barrels of oil, 15% of which is for electric power generation. This leaves approximately 70 million barrels per year of demand for liquid hydrocarbons if all the electric power generation needs are met by coal and offshore gas fields. Even a giant oil field discovery (of which there can be no assurance) with a project life of almost 50 years, would not result in maximum production in any single year in excess of 70 million barrels. At this time there is almost no competition for locally produced oil. Only one oil field is currently producing in Israel and it is near the end of its economic life with daily production of about 30 barrels of oil.
The current Israeli market for natural gas is in its infancy. There is now only a limited, but growing, market in several regions of the country. The government is encouraging the power and industrial sectors to convert to gas energy and, jointly with the private sector, is developing a natural gas pipeline infrastructure intended to connect the newly discovered offshore gas fields and Egyptian sources to the potential market in Israel. We believe that the electrical generating sector (which is building combined cycle, gas-fired generating units), together with the industrial, commercial and future residential sectors when developed, should be able to absorb any gas discovery within a reasonable period.
Israel's Petroleum Law
Our business in Israel is subject to regulation by the State of Israel pursuant to the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952. The administration and implementation of the Petroleum Law is vested in the Minister of National Infrastructures, the Petroleum Commissioner and an advisory council (the "Petroleum Council"). The following discussion includes brief statements of certain provisions of the Petroleum Law as currently in effect.
Petroleum resources are owned by the State of Israel, regardless of whether they are located on state lands or the offshore continental shelf. No person is allowed to explore for or produce petroleum without being granted a specific right under the Petroleum Law. The law provides for three types of rights, two relevant to the exploration stage and the third for production.
Preliminary permit. The "preliminary permit" allows a prospector to conduct preliminary investigations, such as field geology, airborne magnetometer surveys and seismic data acquisition, but does not allow test drilling. It may be granted for a period not to exceed 18 months. The holder of a preliminary permit is entitled to request a priority right on the permit area, which, if granted, prevents an award of petroleum rights on the permit area to any other party. There are no restrictions as to size of the permit area or to the number of permits that may be held by one prospector. However, Israeli policy is to award an area no larger than that for which the applicant has a reasonable plan of operation and has shown evidence of the necessary financial resources to execute the plan.
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License. The next level of petroleum right is the "license", bestowing an exclusive right for further exploration work and requiring the drilling of one or more test wells. The initial term of a license is up to three years and it may be extended for up to an additional four years. A license area may not exceed 400,000 dunam (approximately 98,800 acres). One dunam is equal to 1000 square meters (approximately .24711 of an acre). No one entity may hold more than twelve licenses or hold more than a total of four million dunam in aggregate license area.
Production lease. Upon discovery of petroleum in commercial quantities, a licensee has a statutory "right" to receive a production "lease." The initial lease term is 30 years, extendable up to a maximum period of 50 years. A lease confers upon the lessee the exclusive right to explore for and produce petroleum in the lease area and requires the lessee to produce petroleum in commercial quantities (or pursue test or development drilling). The lessee is entitled to transport and market the petroleum produced, subject, however, to the right of the Government to require the lessee to supply local needs first, at market price.
Petroleum Rights Fees. The holders of preliminary permits, licenses and leases are required to pay fees to the government of Israel to maintain the rights. The fees vary according to the nature of the right, the size and location (on-shore or off-shore) of the right, acreage subject of the right and, in the case of a license, the period during which the license has been maintained. The fees range from New Israeli Shekels (NIS) 60.12 (approx. US$14.47 at the Bank of Israel representative rate on March 30, 2007) per 1,000 dunam (approx. 247.11 acres) per year for a permit to NIS 910.82 (approx. US$ 219.21) per 1,000 dunam per year for a lease (except for 50,000 dunam around each producing well).
Requirements and entitlements of holders of petroleum rights. The holder of a petroleum right (permit, license or lease) is required to conduct its operations in accordance with a work program set as part of the petroleum right, with due diligence and in accordance with the accepted practice in the petroleum industry. The holder is required to submit progress and final reports; provided, however, the information disclosed in such reports remains confidential for as long as the holder owns a petroleum right on the area concerned.
If the holders of a petroleum right do not comply with the license's or the permit's work program, the Petroleum Commissioner may issue a notice requiring that the holder cure the default within 60 days of the giving of the notice, together with a warning that failure to comply within the 60-day cure period may entail cancellation of the right. If the petroleum right is cancelled following such notice, the holder of the right may, within 30 days of the date of notice of the Commissioner's decision, appeal such cancellation to the Minister of National Infrastructures. No petroleum right shall be cancelled until the Minister has ruled on the appeal.
The holder of a license or lease on which there is a producing well is required to pay a royalty to the government of 12.5% of production. The government may elect to take the royalty in kind, or take payment in cash for its share of production as we sell the oil and gas.
The grant of a petroleum right does not automatically entitle its holder to enter upon the land to which the right applies or to carry out exploration and production work thereon. Entry requires the consent of the private or public holders of the surface rights and of other public regulatory bodies (e.g. planning and building authorities, Nature Reserves Authority, municipal and security authorities, etc.). The holder of a petroleum right may request the Government to acquire, on its behalf, land needed for petroleum purposes. The petroleum right holder is required to obtain all other necessary approvals.
Petroleum Taxation
Our activities in Israel will be subject to taxation both in Israel and in the United States. Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, we will be entitled to claim either a deduction or a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli income taxes paid or incurred on our Israeli source oil and gas income. As a general rule, Zion anticipates it will be more advantageous for it to claim a credit rather than a deduction for applicable Israeli income taxes on its United States tax return. A tax treaty exists between the United States and Israel that would provide opportunity to use the tax credit.
Exploration and development expenses. Under current Israeli tax laws, exploration and development expenses incurred by a holder of a petroleum right can, at the option of such holder, either be expensed in the year incurred or capitalized and expensed (or amortized) over a period of years. Most of our expenses to date have been treated for Israeli income tax purposes as accumulated revenue expenses.
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Depletion allowances. Under current Israeli tax laws, the holder of an interest in a petroleum license or lease is allowed a deduction for income tax purposes on account of the depletion of the petroleum reserve relating to such interest. This may be by way of percentage depletion or cost depletion, whichever is greater. Percentage depletion is at the rate of 27.5% of the gross income, but subject to a limit of 50% of the net income attributed to the relevant petroleum license or lease in that tax year. Cost depletion is the amount calculated by dividing the "adjusted cost" of the petroleum interest, being the cost less accrued depletion allowances to date, at the beginning of the tax year, by the number of units remaining in the estimated petroleum reservoir at the beginning of such year, and multiplying this sum by the number of units of petroleum produced from the interest and saved during the tax year.
Corporate tax. Under current Israeli tax laws, whether a company is registered in Israel or is a foreign company operating in Israel through a branch, it is subject to Israeli Companies Tax on its taxable income (including capital gains) from Israeli sources at a flat rate of 31% in 2006 and 29% in 2007, which rate is scheduled to further reduce annually thereafter to a minimum rate of 25% by 2010.
Import duties. Insofar as similar items are not available in Israel, the Petroleum Law provides that the owner of a petroleum right may import into Israel, free of customs, purchase taxes and other import duties, all machinery, equipment, installations, fuel, structures, transport facilities, etc. (apart from consumer goods and private cars and similar vehicles) that are required for the petroleum exploration and production purposes.
Exploration Expenditures
In the course of 2005 and 2006, we estimate that we have spent the following amounts in exploration expenses, all of which in connection with the Joseph Project.
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2006 |
2005 |
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Ma'anit-Joseph License |
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Geological &, Geophysical Operations |
$ 81,047 |
$ 54,157 |
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Exploratory Drilling Operations |
$ 494,868 |
$ 6,187,977 |
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Asher Permit |
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Geological & Geophysical Operations |
$ 227,196 |
$ 54,157 |
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Total |
$ 803,111 |
$ 6,296,291 |
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Environmental Legislation and Costs
There is no environmental legislation in Israel directed specifically to onshore petroleum exploration activities other than the requirement to adequately plug a well upon its abandonment. Conduct of petroleum exploration and drilling activities in compliance with "good oil field practices" will as a general matter meet the requirements of Israeli law regarding petroleum exploration activities. We intend to conduct all activities in compliance with "good oil field practices" and our proposed budgets and authorizations for expenditures have been and will be prepared on such basis. In the circumstances, no additional costs have been budgeted for the specific purpose of complying with environmental laws. To date we have not plugged any wells drilled by us. We estimate that any well we plug and abandon in the future will yield a salvage value of the recovered pipe in excess of the costs of plugging and abandonment.
Political Climate
Between October 2000 and the summer of 2004, there was a significant increase in violence primarily in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and negotiations between Israel and Palestinian representatives ceased for a period of over thirty months. Negotiations recommenced in June 2003 with the internationally sponsored "Road Map" plan, to which there is significant opposition from extremists on both sides. With the death of the former chairman of the Palestinian Authority in November 2004, violence subsided and Israel effectively completed a disengagement process in the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria. Violence further diminished with the building by Israel of the security fence between centers of Israeli and Palestinian populations. The chances for this renewed peace process cannot be predicted. This uncertainty was heightened with the election in early 2006 of a majority of Hamas Party candidates to the Palestinian Authority parliament and the establishment of a Hamas-led government in the Palestinian Authority. In late June 2006, following a terrorist attack from Gaza on an Israeli army outpost in Israel and the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier, Israel commenced military action in Gaza. In July 2006, following the launching of rocket attacks on Israeli BORDER=0 villages and the killing and kidnapping of several Israeli
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soldiers on patrol in Israel by the Lebanese-based Hezbollah terrorist organization, Israel commenced military action aimed at returning the kidnapped soldiers and removing the Hezbollah threat from Israel's northern border. Following international diplomatic efforts and a United Nations Security Council resolution, a cease-fire was implemented in Lebanon in August 2006. In February 2007, pursuant to an arrangement sponsored by Saudi Arabia, the rival Palestinian Hamas and Fatah parties agreed to a plan (the "Mecca Agreement") pursuant to which the Hamas government resigned and has been replaced by a multi-party coalition government to be formed. Among the purposes of the agreement are the reduction of tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and the reduction of international pressure on and isolation of the Palestinian Authority. In the context of the Mecca Agreement, diplomatic attempts toward a cease-fire in Gaza are continuing, as are attempts to restart the political dia logue.
Employees
We currently employ twelve employees and four consultants, four of whom (out of the sixteen total) are on a part-time basis. During the next twelve months, we may hire more full-time employees and some of our consultants will change over to full-time employee status. We also expect to hire several consultants for specific short-term services. None of our current employees is subject to any collective bargaining agreements and there have been no strikes.
Charitable Trusts
If we are successful in finding commercial quantities of oil and gas in Israel, we intend to donate a portion of our revenues from production of oil and gas to charities in Israel, the United States and elsewhere in the world. The donations will be made through entities we intend to establish. These entities have not been as yet fully defined. For purposes of this discussion, we call them charitable trusts, but they may be tax-exempt corporations, foundations, associations or some other form of charitable entity. The exact form of the charitable trusts, the domicile of the charitable trust for contributions outside Israel, and the exact form of the royalty or equivalent net operating profits interests to be donated have not yet been determined. Those forms will depend to an extent upon advice of tax counsel and the outcome of negotiations with the Israeli Income Tax Authority. Independent of the form of organization and the form of interest donated, our board of directors has establis hed the following parameters for the charitable trusts:
We plan to establish these charitable trusts as soon as sufficient funds are available to establish the trusts without derogating from our ability to efficiently comply with our commitments under our petroleum rights in Israel. Our board will set specific guidelines for the determination of the type and nature of the charities to which the trusts may contribute and parameters, if and to the extent deemed appropriate by our board, for the amounts available for contribution to any individual charity or type of charity. Decisions concerning the specific charitable beneficiaries and the amounts to be donated will be made by the boards of the trusts, which shall be independent of the company as set forth above, in accordance with their organizational documents and procedures and the laws of their jurisdictions of establishment.
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Our shareholders, in a resolution passed at the 2002 Annual Meeting, approved the concept in principle, as well as the specific sources of interest to be donated to the trusts. Specifically, the shareholders resolution gave the board the authority to transfer to each charitable trust a (i) 3% royalty interest, (ii) a net operating profits interest economically equivalent to a 3% royalty interest, or (iii) substantially equivalent interests.
We have elected to donate the 3% royalty interests and not the other interests, subject to any legal and tax restrictions under Israeli law as may be in effect at the time of the transfer of the interest. If, due to increased tax liability, we elect not to donate the royalty interest but rather donate a substitute interest (such as a net operating profits interest) then the amount of the substitute interest would be calculated and specified such that it would have the same economic value to the charitable trust as would a 3% royalty interest.
These charitable trusts are to be new, separate and independent of any charitable organization supported by (or affiliated with) any of our officers or directors (a "Related Charitable Organization"). Nothing in the charters, organizational documents or bylaws of our charitable trusts will prohibit any Related Charitable Organization from applying for a grant or other financial support from one of the Zion charitable trusts. However, any member of the governing body or committee recommending allocation of grants of one of the charitable trusts who is affiliated with a Related Charitable Organization applying for such financial aid will be precluded from voting on the grant.
We are subject to the following significant risk factors:
We are an exploration stage company with no current source of income and, consequently, our financial condition has been unsound in the past and might again be so in the future.
We were incorporated in April 2000 and are still an exploration stage company. Our operations are subject to all of the risks inherent in establishing a new business enterprise. Our potential for success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with a new business, especially the oil and gas exploration business. We cannot warrant or provide any assurance that our business objectives will be accomplished. All of our audited financial statements since inception have contained a statement by the auditors that raise substantial doubt about us being able to continue as a "going concern" unless we are able to raise additional capital.
If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may be unable to execute our business plan.
Our planned work program is expensive. We expect to have sufficient funds for our activities through March 31, 2008. Following that we plan to drill an appraisal well (tentatively designated the Ma'anit-Rehoboth well) to the Triassic on the Ma'anit prospect. If we are unable to raise at least $3,000,000 net proceeds during the period April 2007 through March 2008 in a combination of equity offerings and loans or we are unable to attract additional participants in the Joseph Project, we may not be able to complete our plans to drill the planned appraisal well which could cost as much as $6.6 million for a dry hole and $8.5 million for a completed producer, assuming there are no drilling or completion problems.
Even if the Ma'anit #1 and/or the Ma'anit-Rehoboth appraisal well we plan to drill is completed as a commercial well, we may have to seek additional forms of financing, including the sale (if possible) of a portion of our license rights, in order to meet our obligations to drill additional wells to develop the Ma'anit prospect and our plans to drill additional wells to test additional prospects (including a deep test to the Permian in the Ma'anit-Rehoboth well) on our Ma'anit-Joseph license and any license which may be granted, if granted, pursuant to our application for the Asher-Menashe License.
Any additional financing could cause your relative interest in our assets and potential earnings to be significantly diluted. Even if we have exploration success, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenues to offset the cost of dry holes and general and administrative expenses.
We have no proved reserves or current production and we may never have any.
We do not have any proved reserves or current production of oil or gas. We cannot assure you that any wells will be completed or produce oil or gas in commercially profitable quantities.
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We have a history of losses and we could remain unprofitable for a long time.
We incurred net losses of $2,509,870 for the year ended December 31, 2006, $1,604,714 for the year ended December 31, 2005. Our accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2006 was $7,340,246. We cannot assure that we will ever be profitable.
We have significant cash commitments for executive compensation, thus reducing the amounts of money available for exploratory drilling.
Under existing compensation agreements we are committed to pay our executive officers an aggregate of between $800,000 and $850,000 annually. As of December 31, 2006, these and other officers have voluntarily committed to defer payment of $1,053,202 of unpaid compensation that accrued through December 31, 2006, as well as a portion of their post-January 1, 2007 compensation to at least July 1, 2008, subject to partial earlier payment in certain circumstances. There is no assurance that such deferral will continue in the future. If we do not have a discovery of oil or gas, a sizable portion of our capital resources, including the amounts raised in the future, may be used for executive compensation, reducing the amounts available for exploratory drilling.
Oil and gas exploration is an inherently risky business.
Exploratory drilling involves enormous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive natural gas or oil reservoirs will be discovered. Even when properly used and interpreted, seismic data analysis and other computer simulation techniques are only tools used to assist geoscientists in trying to identify subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators. They do not allow the interpreter to know conclusively if hydrocarbons are present or economically available. The risk analysis techniques we use in evaluating potential drilling sites rely on subjective judgments of our personnel and consultants.
Political risks may inhibit our ability to raise capital.
Our operations are concentrated in Israel and could be directly affected by political, economic and military conditions in Israel. Efforts to secure a lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors and Palestinian residents have been underway since Israel became a country in 1948 and the future of these peace efforts is still uncertain.
Kibbutz Ma'anit (where we have drilled our first well) is in an area adjacent to Israeli Arab villages where anti-Israeli rioting broke out in late 2000. Any future armed conflict (including the renewal of the recent conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah terrorist organization based in Lebanon and the expansion of that conflict into the areas in which we are operating or into central Israel), political instability or continued violence in the region could have a negative effect on our operations and business conditions in Israel, as well as our ability to raise additional capital necessary for completion of our exploration program.
Economic risks may inhibit our ability to raise additional capital.
Economically, our operations in Israel may be subject to:
Consequently, our operations may be substantially affected by local economic factors beyond our control, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance.
Legal risks could negatively affect the value of Zion.
Legally, our operations in Israel may be subject to:
During the period 2002-2004, several proposals were submitted by Israeli government authorities to amend various provisions of the Petroleum Law and the related fiscal regime. While none of these proposals was adopted and none is currently pending, if they had been adopted and applied to outstanding petroleum rights, they might have resulted in increasing our costs of exploration and production. Further, in the event of a legal dispute in Israel, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Israeli courts or we may not be successful in subjecting persons who are not United States residents to the jurisdiction of courts in the United States, either of which could adversely affect the outcome of a dispute.
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Our petroleum rights (including licenses and permits) could be canceled or terminated, and we would not be able to successfully execute our business plan.
Any license or other petroleum right we hold or may be granted is granted for fixed periods and requires compliance with a work program detailed in the license or other petroleum right. If we do not fulfill the relevant work program due to inadequate funding or for any other reason, the Israeli government may terminate the license or any other petroleum right before its scheduled expiration date.
There are limitations on the transfer of interests in our petroleum rights, which could impair our ability to raise additional funds to execute our business plan.
The Israeli government has the right to approve any transfer of rights and interests in any license or other petroleum right we hold or may be granted and any mortgage of any license or other petroleum rights to borrow money. If we attempt to raise additional funds through borrowings or joint ventures with other companies and are unable to obtain required approvals from the government, the value of your investment could be significantly diluted or even lost.
Our dependence on the limited contractors, equipment and professional services available in Israel will result in increased costs and possibly material delays in our work schedule.
In Israel, as of the date of this annual report, there is only one drilling contractor, one provider of seismic services and one provider of logging services. The drilling contractor has only one drilling rig in Israel capable of drilling to our target depth. Consequently, due to the lack of competitive resources, costs for our operations may be more expensive than costs for similar operations in other parts of the world. We are also more likely to incur delays in our drilling schedule and be subject to a greater risk of failure in meeting our required work schedule. Similarly, some of the oil field personnel we need to undertake our planned operations are not necessarily available in Israel or available on short notice for work in Israel, a situation that may result in increased costs and delays in the work schedule.
Our dependence on Israeli local licenses and permits may require more funds than we have budgeted and may cause delays in our work schedule.
We are subject to a number of Israeli local licenses and permits. Some of these are issued by the Israeli security forces, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Israeli Water Commission, the Israel Lands Authority, the holders of the surface rights in the lands on which we intend to conduct drilling operations, including Kibbutz Ma'anit, and local and regional Planning Commissions. If we are unable to obtain some or all of these permits or the time required to obtain them is longer than anticipated, we may have to alter or delay our planned work schedule, which would increase our costs and may also result in increased operating risks.
Voting control is concentrated in management, which effectively limits your shareholder voting rights.
The management of Zion, including John Brown who holds proxies from a total of 39 other shareholders, controls more than 50% of the voting shares of Zion. The ability of management to exercise significant control over us may discourage, delay or prevent a takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in his or her best interest and that might result in a shareholder receiving a premium for his or her common stock. Also, management may have the ability to:
Cash dividends will not be paid to shareholders for the foreseeable future.
You may receive little or no cash or stock dividends on your shares of common stock. The board of directors has not directed the payment of any dividends, does not anticipate paying dividends on the shares for the foreseeable future and intends to retain any future earnings to the extent necessary to develop and expand our business. Payment of cash dividends, if any, will depend, among other factors, on our earnings, capital requirements, and the general operating and financial condition, and will be subject to legal limitations on the payment of dividends out of paid-in capital.
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If compliance with environmental regulations is more expensive than anticipated, it could adversely impact the profitability of our business.
If we are successful in finding commercial quantities of oil and gas, our operations would be subject to laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment, which can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of our doing business. Many Israeli laws and regulations require permits for the operation of various facilities, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification and renewal. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations could subject us to fines, injunctions or both. Risks of substantial costs and liabilities related to environmental compliance issues are inherent in oil and gas operations. It is possible that other developments, such as stricter environmental laws and regulations, and claims for damages to property or persons resulting from oil and gas exploration and production, would result in substantial costs and liabil ities. This could also cause our insurance premiums to be significantly greater than anticipated.
Fluctuation in oil and gas prices could adversely affect our financial condition.
If we are successful in finding commercial quantities of oil and gas, our revenues, operating results, financial condition and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital will depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Declines in oil and gas prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results. Lower oil and gas prices also may reduce the amount of oil and gas that we could produce economically. Historically, oil and gas prices and markets have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile, making it impossible to predict with any certainty the future prices of oil and gas.
The loss of key personnel could adversely impact our business.
We are highly dependent on the services of Glen Perry and other key personnel. The loss of certain of our key employees could have a material adverse impact on the development of our business. We currently do not maintain key employee insurance policies on these employees.
Earnings will be diluted due to charitable contributions and key employee incentive plan.
We are committed to donating in the form of a royalty interest or equivalent net operating profits interest of 6% of our gross sales revenues, if any, (after payout of exploration costs through the first discovery well) to two charitable trusts. In addition, we will be allocating 1.5% royalty interest or equivalent net operating profits interest (after payout of drilling costs on a well-by-well basis) to a key employee incentive plan designed as a bonus compensation over and above our required executive compensation payments. This means that the total royalty burden on our property (including the government royalty of 12.5%) will be up to 20%. As our expenses increase with respect to the amount of sales, these donations and allocation could significantly dilute future earnings and, thus, depress the price of the common stock.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
Oil and Gas Interests
The table below sets forth our working interests in the Joseph Project petroleum rights in Israel, the total acreage of each petroleum right and the expiration date of the rights as of December 31, 2006.
|
Type of Right |
Name |
Area (Acres) |
Working Interest |
Expiration Date |
|
License |
Ma'anit-Joseph |
98,100 |
100% (1) |
April 30, 2007 (2) (3) |
|
Permit |
Asher |
121,100 |
100% (1) |
January 31, 2007 (4) |
(1) All of the rights are subject to a 12.5% royalty interest due to the government of Israel under the Petroleum Law. Zion has also committed to donating the equivalent of a 6% (after payment of our exploration costs through the first discovery well) royalty interest (or equivalent net operating profits interest) to two charitable trusts. In addition, Zion will be allocating a 1.5% (after payout of drilling costs on a well-by-well basis) royalty interest (or equivalent net operating profits interest) to a key employee incentive plan.
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(2) Provided that on April 30, 2007, Zion is engaged in work-over and completion operations on the Ma'anit #1 well or has commenced the drilling of a new well, the rights under the license shall be maintained through the completion of such operations and for such additional period as required to analyze the results of such operations.
(3) Declaration of a commercial discovery during the license term, as may in certain circumstances be extended for two years to drill an appraisal well, will entitle Zion to receive a 30-year lease (extendable on certain conditions for an additional 20 years) subject to compliance with a field development works program and production.
(4) On January 31, 2007, in accordance with the permit's terms, Zion filed a Final Report and Prospect Identification together with an application for a petroleum exploration license pursuant to Zion's priority rights under the permit. The application related to the area of approximately 81,000 acres, of which 78,000 acres were subject of the permit and 3,000 abutted on the permit acreage to the north. If our application is granted, the license would be for a primary term of up to three years, extendable for additional periods of up to a total of seven years.
Drilling Activity
In 2005, Zion reentered and deepened the Ma'anit #1 well bore to a depth of 4,740 meters (15,482 feet). On November 4, 2005, Zion temporarily abandoned its attempt to complete the Ma'anit #1. Remedial work-over, completion and testing activities are scheduled to recommence in April 2007.
Zion owns a 100% working interest in the Ma'anit #1 well, subject to such royalty interests as are set forth at note (1) to the Oil and Gas Interests table above.
Surface Rights
The surface rights to the drill site from which we drilled the Ma'anit #1 are held under long-term lease by Kibbutz Ma'anit. The rights are owned by the State of Israel and administered by the Israel Lands Authority. Permission necessary to reenter and use the drillsite to conduct petroleum operations has been granted to Zion by the Kibbutz in consideration for a monthly fee of $350. Permission of the Israel Lands Authority for the use of the surface rights is also required, which permission the Authority must grant under the Petroleum Law. The Haifa regional office of the Authority that has jurisdiction over the lands on which the Ma'anit #1 drill site is located has informed us that it has approved the grant of permission and forwarded the matter to the national office of the Authority for final confirmation.
Office Properties
We lease approximately 3,600 square feet of office space in Dallas under a lease which expires on October 31, 2008. The monthly rental cost is $4,262.
We lease approximately 4,000 square feet of office space in Caesarea Industrial Park, Israel through July 31, 2007, subject to our right to extend the lease on the same terms for an additional six month period through January 31, 2008. The monthly rental cost is $2,800.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not party to any legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Our annual meeting of shareholders was convened on November 16, 2006, at which holders of approximately 74% of the shares eligible to vote were present either in person or by proxy. The only item on the agenda for the meeting was the election of Class I directors.
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Election of Class I Directors.
Each of Messrs. John M. Brown, James A. Barron, Forrest A. Garb and Robert E. Render was re-elected to serve a three- year term as a Class I Directors of the company. The votes cast for the election of each of the nominees follow:
Nominee |
For |
Against (or Withheld) |
Abstained |
John M. Brown |
5,937,426 |
0 |
6,250 |
James A. Barron |
5,924,426 |
500 |
18,750 |
Forrest A. Garb |
5,924,426 |
500 |
18,750 |
Robert E. Render |
5,924,426 |
500 |
18,750 |
In addition to the above directors, the following continued to serve as directors of the company following the 2006 annual meeting: Glen H. Perry, Philip Mandelker, Kent S. Siegel, Richard Rinberg, Eugene A. Soltero, Paul Oroian and Yehezkel Druckman. (On March 28, 2007, Mr. Soltero resigned as a director of the company; he was replaced by Mr. William H. Avery on March 29, 2007.)
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY's COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF SECURITIES
Market for the Common Stock
On January 25, 2006, we filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 333-131275) for the registration of 2,672,000 shares of our common stock (as amended, the "Registration Statement"). The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on September 26, 2006.
Following the initial closing of the offering which was subject of the Registration Statement, our common stock was listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange commencing January 3, 2007, under the ticker symbol ZN. The range of closing prices below covers the period commencing January 3, 2007 and terminating March31, 2007:
|
High |
Low: |
|
$14.05 |
$7.05 |
Holders
As of April 5, 2007 there were approximately 2676 holders of record of our common stock. In addition, as of April 5, 2007, there were 10 record holders of options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never paid dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future. Whether dividends will be paid in the future will be in the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on various factors, including our earnings and financial condition and other factors our board of directors considers relevant. We currently intend to retain earnings to develop and expand our business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of April 5, 2007.(4)
17
|
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: |
170,000 |
$5 |
830,000 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders: |
85,000 |
$5 |
0 |
|
- Service Warrants (2) |
10,000 |
$5 |
0 |
|
- Underwriter's Warrants (3) |
36,260 |
$8.75 |
18,820(4) |
|
TOTAL |
301,260 |
$5.45 |
848,820 |
(1) In October 2005, warrants to purchase 85,000 common shares of our stock at $5.00 per share were issued to four directors and former directors for services rendered to Zion as directors during the period 2003-2005. These warrants are exercisable at any time between July 1, 2007 (as may be deferred by the company for up to six months) and December 31, 2008.
(2) In October 2005, a warrant to purchase 10,000 common shares of our stock at $5.00 per share was authorized for issuance to a financial institution for financial consulting services rendered. The warrant is exercisable at any time between July 1, 2007 (as may be deferred by the company for up to six months) and December 31, 2008.
(3) Pursuant to our Fifth Amended and Restated Underwriting Agreement, dated August 9, 2005, as amended, entered into with Network 1 Financial Securities, Inc. (the "Underwriter") in connection with our public offering which is subject of the Registration Statement (the "public offering"), Zion undertook to issue to the Underwriter and licensed securities brokers retained by the Underwriter warrants ("Underwriter's Warrants") to purchase up to 3% of the shares sold by them at a price of $8.75 per share. The Underwriter's Warrants are exercisable for a period beginning six months after the final closing of the public offering and have an expiration date of September 26, 2009.
(4) Based on the assumption that the maximum number of shares are sold in the public offering and that the Underwriter and its placement agents are entitled to receive Underwriter's Warrants in connection with all shares sold in the offering between April 6, 2007 and through the final closing of the offering.
Sales and Other Disposition of Registered Securities - Use of Proceeds
On September 25, 2006, we filed Amendment #6 to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 originally filed with the SEC on January 25, 2006 (Registration No. 333-131275) (the "Amended Registration Statement"). The Amended Registration Statement provided for the registration of 2,672,200 shares of Zion's common stock as follows: (i) 2,000,000 shares of Zion's common stock to be offered to the public on a "best efforts minimum/maximum" basis at $7.00 per share pursuant to a prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement (the "Public Offering" and the "Public Offering Shares"); (ii) 521,200 shares of Zion common stock underlying outstanding warrants of Zion with an expiration date of December 31, 2006 (the "Registered Warrant Shares"); and (iii) 150,000 shares of Zion common stock held by four executive officers of Zion (the "gifting officers") to be gifted by them to specific individuals and entities from time to time prior to the termination of the Public Offering (the "Registered Gift Shares").
The Public Offering and Use of Proceeds.
The Public Offering was and continues to be underwritten on a "best efforts minimum/maximum" basis by Network 1 Financial Securities, Inc. ("Underwriter"). By its terms, no shares could be sold pursuant to the Public Offering until we received and accepted subscriptions and payment for a minimum of 350,000 shares of our common stock ($2,450,000) (the "Minimum Offering"). On December 29, 2006, following receipt and acceptance of subscriptions and payment for a number of shares in excess of the Minimum Offering, we scheduled an initial closing of the Public Offering which took place on December 29, 2006 (the "initial closing"). In the initial closing, we issued instructions to our transfer agent to issue 436,907 shares of common stock in consideration of $3,058,349 of which $2,870,679 was cash and $187,670 was debt conversion.
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In accordance with its terms, the Public Offering remained open following the initial closing and continues to remain open. During the period since the initial closing and through April 5, 2007, we have conducted an additional five closings in which we have issued a total of 935,813 shares of common stock in consideration of $6,550,691, of which $6,527,192 was cash and $23,499 was debt conversion (such additional closings, "subsequent closings"). The final closing of the Public Offering ("final closing") has been set for the earlier of (a) May 25, 2007 or (b) the completion of a cement log survey in the Ma'anit #1 well, to determine the quality of the cement bond between the well casing and the surrounding formations, unless subscriptions for the maximum offering of 2,000,000 shares have been received and accepted prior thereto or the offering is otherwise earlier terminated by us.
From the effective date of the Registration Statement and through December 31, 2006, we incurred for our account in connection with the issuance and distribution the Public Offering Shares expenses as follows:
|
Underwriting Commissions |
$162,260 |
|
|
Expenses Paid to Underwriter |
81,130 |
|
|
Other expenses as follows: |
||
|
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
110,926 |
|
|
Legal Fees and Expenses |
58,787 |
|
|
Printing Fees and Advertising |
137,481 |
|
|
Listing Fees (including SEC filing fees) |
82,548 |
|
|
Transfer and Escrow Agent Fees |
11,993 |
|
|
Other Expenses |
35,955 |
|
|
TOTAL EXPENSES |
$681,080 |
|
None of the above payments was made to any officer or director of Zion or to any person owning 10% or more of any class of Zion's securities.
The net offering proceeds to Zion from the initial closing on December 29, 2006 after deduction of the total expenses set forth above was $2,377,269 (the "net initial closing offering proceeds").
With the exception of $187,670 of the net initial closing offering proceeds used for repayment of indebtedness to persons (including $130,670 to officers and directors) who subscribed for shares in the public offering in exchange for reduction of debt, all net initial closing offering proceeds were deposited in our bank accounts in the United States and Israel. The use of these proceeds as well as the net proceeds of the subsequent closings of the public offering will be reported in our periodic reports to be filed with the SEC.
Registered Warrant Shares.
From the effective date of the Registration Statement and through December 31, 2006, warrants to purchase 273,807 shares of our common stock were exercised in consideration of $1,293,285 (of which $1,016,115 was in cash and $277,170 in exchange for debt owed to certain of our officers, directors and shareholders). All of the shares issued were Registered Warrant Shares. On December 31, 2006, warrants to exercise 247,393 Registered Warrant Shares expired unexercised.
Registered Gift Shares.
On December 29, 2006, the gifting officers gave instructions to our transfer agent to distribute the Registered Gift Shares.
Issuer Repurchases
We did not make any repurchases of our equity securities during the quarter ending December 31, 2005.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Introduction
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying financial statements and the notes to those financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. SOME OF OUR discussion IS forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. fOR INFORMATION REGARDING Factors that could HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, REFER TO RISK FACTORS UNDER THE "DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS" SECTION ABOVE.
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Overview
We are engaged in oil and natural gas exploration upon approximately 219,000 acres of preliminary permit and license areas in the State of Israel. Under the work program for our Ma'anit-Joseph license, we must reenter our Ma'anit #1 well and commence workover and completion operations by April 15, 2007. We have entered into a well services agreement with our drilling contractor to commence no later than that date. On January 31, 2007, in compliance with the conditions of our Asher Permit, we submitted a Final Report and Prospect Identification to the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner, together with an application for the grant of a petroleum exploration license on approximately 81,000 acres, 78,000 of which had been subject to our permit. The application is currently under review and consideration by the Petroleum Commissioner.
During the six years and nine months between our formation and December 31, 2006, we have received net proceeds from the issuance of our equity securities of $16,959,588 and have invested in unproved oil and gas properties $8,495,611 in order to satisfy our work commitments under our agreements with the State of Israel. As of December 31, 2006, our officers and key employees have deferred a substantial portion of their salaries and other compensation due through July 2008.They have all exchanged portions of the deferred compensation from time to time for our equity securities, which (with four exceptions relating to employee stock options) were priced at the same price as concurrent sales of our equity securities.
On January 25, 2006, we filed a Registration Statement with the SEC in connection with a public offering of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock at $7 a share with a minimum closing requirement of $2,450,000 (350,000 shares). Also registered in the offering were 521,200 shares underlying those of our outstanding warrants which had a final exercise date of December 31, 2006, and a total exercise price of $2,511,000. Our Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on September 26, 2006. On December 29, 2006, we completed our initial closing of the offering in which we gave instructions to our transfer agent to issue 436,907 shares of common stock in consideration of $3,058,349. Since December 29, 2006 and through April 5, 2007, we have completed five additional closings in the offering in which we have issued a total of 935,813 shares of common stock in consideration of $6,550,691. The offering remains open and a final closing has been scheduled for the earlier of (a) May 25, 20 07 or (b) the completion of a cement survey in the Ma'anit #1 well to determine the quality of the cement bond between the well casing and the surrounding formations, unless subscriptions for the maximum offering of 2,000,000 shares have been received and accepted prior thereto or otherwise earlier terminated by us.
Between the effective date of the Registration Statement and December 31, 2006, warrants to purchase 273,807 shares of our common stock in consideration of $1,293,285 were exercised. These shares were registered in our Registration Statement. Warrants to purchase the remaining 247,393 of the warrant shares registered in our Registration Statement expired unexercised.
Commencing January 3, 2007, our common stock has been listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange.
Plan of Operations
Over the coming period through March 31, 2008, we intend to pursue the following plan of operations:
1. Reenter, complete and test our Ma'anit #1 well at a budgeted cost of $900,000 of which, as of March 31, 2007, we have already paid our drilling contractor $400,000.
2. Conduct geological and geophysical activities (including the acquisition of at least 20 kilometers of new seismic lines, assuming that our application for the issuance of an exploration license - tentatively denominated the "Asher-Menashe License" - for the areas subject of our Asher Permit is granted) on the Asher-Menashe License area at an estimated cost of $400,000.
3. Commence preparations for the drilling of an appraisal well (tentatively denominated the "Ma'anit-Rehoboth well") on the Ma'anit prospect to confirm the zones in the Triassic which we have drilled in the Ma'anit #1 and, if possible, explore zones in the Permian including preparation of the location and ordering of long lead term items at an estimated cost of $1,450,000.
20
4. If the testing and completion activities on the Ma'anit #1 well indicate the presence of commercially producible gas or oil, run production casing and attempt to make the well into a commercial producer at an estimated cost of $200,000.
At any time during the period, we might enter into negotiations to sell a portion of the Joseph Project (and our petroleum rights and prospect data) in order to spread our risk, conserve our capital and raise additional funds necessary to drill the planned Ma'anit-Rehoboth well on the Ma'anit prospect and obtain co-owners with technical capability and local knowledge to supplement our efforts. There is no assurance that we will be able to attract any parties to join us. We cannot predict the terms and conditions upon which a joint venture agreement (if any) might be reached with one or more other oil and gas companies as the terms would be dependent upon the results of our testing and completion activities on the Ma'anit #1 well, the technical data that has been and will be developed and the commercial and exploratory value of our holdings, as perceived by us and the professional advisers of potential partners, as well as general industry conditions at the time.
Following our planned completion activities on the Ma'anit #1, if the results are positive, we plan to use the information from those activities to raise additional money to enable us to drill the Ma'anit-Rehoboth well to the Permian and to drill additional wells. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in such endeavors.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) was $2,183,069 at December 31, 2006 and $499,094 at December 31, 2005. The increase in working capital is due to the successful completion of the initial closing of the Public Offering and the exercise of warrants with an expiration date of December 31, 2006.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,847,409 and $7,333,744 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of which the substantial majority was from the sale of equity securities, net of equity sales costs. Net cash used in investing activities was $815,239 and $6,336,062 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, virtually all of which was used for capitalized exploration costs on the license.
On December 31, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $3,370,524.
As discussed above, since December 31, 2006, we have completed additional closings of our public offering in which we closed the sale of equity securities in the amount of $6,550,691. On March 31, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $6,982,278.
We believe that the funds currently available, together with funds reasonably expected to be raised in the remaining closings of the offering will enable us to meet our needs in carrying out our Plan of Operations described above through to March 31, 2008.
Results of Operations
We have no revenue generating operations as we are still an exploration stage company. Drilling operations on the Ma'anit #1 commenced on April 10, 2005 and the rig was released seven months later. Completion activities on the Ma'anit #1 well are scheduled to recommence in April 2007. Almost all of our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2006, is attributable to general and administrative expenses. Such expenses totaled $2,457,472, consisting of $874,970 for legal and professional costs, $1,107,992 for salaries, most of which is deferred compensation of our directors, officers and key employees, and other costs in the amount of $474,510.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Forward-Looking Statements
The preceding discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB. Certain statements made in this discussion are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may materially differ from actual results.
21
Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology and include, without limitation, statements regarding:
Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform such statements to actual results
Critical Accounting Policies
We have identified the accounting principles which we believe are most critical to the reported financial status by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex of subjective decisions or assessment.
We follow the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.
The Company's oil and gas property represents an investment in an unproved property and a major development project on that property. These costs are excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense as a reserve base has not yet been established. An impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.
We record an investment impairment charge when we believe an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investment that may not be reflected in an investment's current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.
Although our properties are in Israel and our principal operations are also expected to be there, we report all our transactions in United States dollars. Certain of the dollar amounts in the financial statements may represent the dollar equivalent of other currencies, including the New Israeli Shekel ("NIS"), and may not be exchangeable for dollars.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event that we were to determine that it would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase net income in the period such determination was made.
22
We do not participate in, nor have we created, any off-balance sheet special purpose entities or other off-balance sheet financing. In addition, we do not enter into any derivative financial instruments.
We record a liability for asset retirement obligation at fair value in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long live assets.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS 157 - Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157)
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" (SFAS No. 157). SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The changes to the current practice resulting from the application of SFAS 157 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its balance sheet or statement of operations.
SFAS 159 - Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159)
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits all entities the option to measure most financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates and to report related unrealized gains and losses in earnings. The fair value option will generally be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is generally an irrevocable election. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
The Company is evaluating which eligible financial instruments, if any, it will elect to account for at fair value under SFAS 159 and the related impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
FIN 48 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48)
In June 2006, FASB issued Interpretation 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (FIN 48). This interpretation 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 derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 (January 1, 2007 for the Company). Any adjustments required upon the adoption of this interpretation must be recorded directly to retained earnings in the year of adoption and reported as a change in accounting principle.
The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material effect on its balance sheet or statement of operations.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements required by this item are included beginning at page F-1 below.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that Zion files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of December 31, 2006, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2006.
23
In June 2006, during the completion of the audit for 2005, our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer and our audit committee concluded that, due to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we needed to restate certain of our financial statements to correct errors in the application of accounting principles with respect to the accounting for equity instruments issued to employees and non-employees (i) for services rendered, and (ii) in consideration for debt issuances and modifications, for the period from inception (April 2000) until December 31, 2005. As a result, we restated our previously audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004, our previously unaudited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 and our financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (both of which unaudited financial statements were filed in a Form SB-2/A dated May 24, 2006).
We believe that the material weaknesses related to the issues described above have been remedied as a result of procedures implemented following the period that ended on June 30, 2006, including: (i) direct participation of our new chief financial officer in the preparation of work papers for our annual audit; and (ii) initiation by our new chief financial officer of new policies and procedures governing the financial close and reporting process.
During the last quarter of 2006, we also commenced procedures in the planning and scoping, documenting and gap analysis to aim at effectively assimilating the provisions of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, allowing the Company to comply with the provisions of the law in the long term and enhance controls and procedures. In documenting and gap analysis, we are being assisted by KPMG.
Other than the changes reported above, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting for the period ended December 31, 2006.
ITEM 8B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
The information called for by Items 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 will be contained in our definitive proxy statement which we intend to file within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year on December 31, 2006 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, CONTROL PERSONS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Index
|
Exhibit Number |
Description |
|
3.1 |
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
24
|
3.2* |
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. |
|
9.1 |
Stockholders' and Voting Agreement (with John M. Brown), filed as Exhibit 9.1 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
9.2 |
Stockholders' and Voting Agreement (with Ralph DeVore), filed as Exhibit 9.2 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
9.3 |
Rinberg - Brown Voting Agreement, filed as Exhibit 9.4 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
10.1* |
Ma'anit-Joseph License, as supplemented |
|
10.2 | Asher Preliminary Permit, as amended |
10.3 |
Memorandum Workover and Completion Services Agreement, dated March 15, 2007, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and Lapidoth - Israel Oil Prospectors Corp., Inc. relating to performance of remedial workover, completion and testing services on the Ma'anit #1 well, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Zion's Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
10.4 |
Amended and Restated Underwriting Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
10.5 |
Executive Employment and Retention Agreements (Management Agreements) |
|
(i) Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and John M. Brown, filed as Exhibit 10.4(i) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(ii) Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and Eugene A. Soltero, filed as Exhibit 10.4(ii) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(iii) Letter Amendment dated as of October 1, 2004 between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and Eugene A. Soltero, filed as Exhibit 10.4(iii) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(iv) Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and Glen H. Perry, filed as Exhibit 10.4(iv) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(v) Retention Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and Philip Mandelker, filed as Exhibit 10.4(v) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(vi) Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2005, between Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. and David Patir, filed as Exhibit 10.4(vi) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
(vii) Retention and Management Services Agreement dated as of November 1, 2005, between Zion Oil & Gas and Richard Rinberg, filed as Exhibit 10.4(vii) to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
|
10.6 |
Resignation and Settlement Agreement, dated March 28, 2007, between Zion Oil & Gas and Eugene A. Soltero, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Zion's Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference |
|
10.7 |
2005 Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
14.1 |
Code of Ethics, filed as Exhibit 14.1 to Zion's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
24.1* |
Power of Attorney |
|
31.1* |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
31.2* |
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
32.1* |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only) |
*
Filed herewithITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
25
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. 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.
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
||||
|
By: /s/ Richard J. Rinberg |
By: /s/ David Patir |
|||
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
* |
Chairman of the Board |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
John M. Brown |
|||||
* |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Richard J. Rinberg |
|||||
* |
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Glen H. Perry |
|||||
* |
General Counsel, Secretary and Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Philip Mandelker |
|||||
* |
Vice President, Treasurer and Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
William H. Avery |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Robert Render |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Yehezkel Druckman |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Forrest A. Garb |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Paul Oroian |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
Kent S. Siegel |
|||||
* |
Director |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
|
James (Andy) Barron |
|||||
|
* |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
April 16, 2007 |
|||
David Patir |
|||||
* By: /s/ Richard Rinberg
Richard J. Rinberg, Attorney-in-Fact
26
ZION OIL & GAS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2006 and 2005
AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2006 and 2005.................................F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2004.................................................F-3
Balance Sheets ..................................................................................................................................F-4
Statements of Operations ...................................................................................................................F-5
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity..................................................................................F-6
Statements of Cash Flows ...............................................................................................................F-12
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................................................................F-14 to F-31
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (a development stage company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 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. The cumulative statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the period April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2006 include amounts for the period from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000 and for each of the years in the four year period ending December 31, 2004 which were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for the period April 6, 2000 through Decembe r 31, 2004 is based solely on the report of other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (a development stage company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the period April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company is in its development stage and has no operating revenue, limited capital resources and a loss from operations, all of which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/
Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
A Member of KPMG International
Tel Aviv, Israel
April 11, 2007
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2004
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
We have audited the cumulative amounts from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2004 included in the statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (a development stage company). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these cumulative 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 the audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the cumulative amounts since inception to December 31, 2004 referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. since inception to December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As described in the first paragraph in Note 1B to the 2006 financial statements, the financials statements for all periods from inception (April 6, 2000) until December 31, 2004 were previously restated.
The cumulative amounts referred to above have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company is in its development stage and has insignificant operating revenue. In addition, the Company has limited capital resources and has initiated a new phase of activity, all of which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also discussed in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/
Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P.
Dallas, Texas
April 15, 2005, except for the first
Paragraph in Note 1B as to
which the date is July 26, 2006
F-3
|
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. |
|||||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||||||
|
Balance Sheets |
|||||||||
|
December 31, |
December 31, |
||||||||
|
ASSETS |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
|
Current assets |
|||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ 3,370,524 |
$ 1,141,029 |
|||||||
|
Inventories |
149,801 |
149,801 |
|||||||
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
20,868 |
25,396 |
|||||||
|
Deferred offering costs |
- |
126,030 |
|||||||
|
Deferred financing costs |
- |
19,695 |
|||||||
|
Refundable value-added tax |
9,733 |
29,401 |
|||||||
|
Total current assets |
3,550,926 |
1,491,352 |
|||||||
|
Unproved oil and gas properties, full cost method |
8,495,611 |
7,692,500 |
|||||||
|
Property and equipment |
|||||||||
|
Net of accumulated depreciation of $21,664 and $5,843 |
45,159 |
48,852 |
|||||||
|
Other assets |
|||||||||
|
Assets held for severance benefits |
12,038 |
6,544 |
|||||||
|
Total assets |
$ 12,103,734 |
$ 9,239,248 |
|||||||
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||||||
|
Current liabilities |
|||||||||
|
Notes payable to related parties |
$ 107,000 |
$ 81,000 |
|||||||
|
Accounts payable |
260,969 |
619,257 |
|||||||
|
Accrued liabilities |
999,888 |
292,001 |
|||||||
|
Total current liabilities |
1,367,857 |
992,258 |
|||||||
|
Notes payable to related parties less current maturities |
- |
31,000 |
|||||||
|
Provision for severance pay |
63,333 |
48,318 |
|||||||
|
Deferred officers compensation |
1,053,202 |
929,007 |
|||||||
|
Stockholders' equity |
|||||||||
|
Common stock, par value $.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; |
|||||||||
|
8,747,002 and 7,705,288 shares issued and outstanding |
87,470 |
77,053 |
|||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital |
16,872,118 |
11,991,988 |
|||||||
|
Deficit accumulated in development stage |
(7,340,246) |
(4,830,376) |
|||||||
|
Total stockholders' equity |
9,619,342 |
7,238,665 |
|||||||
|
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |
$ 12,103,734 |
$ 9,239,248 |
|||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|||||||||
F-4
|
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. |
||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
||||||
|
Statements of Operations |
||||||
|
Period from |
||||||
|
For the year ended December 31, |
April 6, 2000 (inception) |
|||||
|
2006 |
2005 |
to December 31, 2006 |
||||
|
Revenues |
$ - |
$ - |
$ - |
|||
|
General and administrative expenses |
||||||
|
Legal and professional |
874,970 |
489,185 |
2,869,765 |
|||
|
Salaries |
1,107,992 |
804,963 |
2,570,010 |
|||
|
Other |
474,510 |
246,305 |
1,182,657 |
|||
|
Total general and administrative expenses |
2,457,472 |
1,540,453 |
6,622,432 |
|||
|
Loss from operations |
(2,457,472) |
(1,540,153) |
(6,622,432) |
|||
|
Other income (expense) |
||||||
|
Termination of initial public offering |
- |
- |
(507,380) |
|||
|
Interest expense, net |
(52,398) |
(64,261) |
(210,434) |
|||
|
Loss before income taxes |
(2,509,870) |
(1,604,714) |
(7,340,246) |
|||
|
Income taxes |
- |
- |
- |
|||
|
Net loss |
$ (2,509,870) |
$ (1, 604,714) |
$ (7,340,246) |
|||
|
Net loss per share of common stock- Basic and diluted |
$ (0.32) |
$ (0.24) |
$ (1.62) |
|||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding- Basic and diluted |
7,941,811 |
6,798,392 |
4,524,441 |
|||
|
|
|
|||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
||||||
F-5
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
||||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
||||||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
||||||||
|
Deficit |
||||||||
|
Accumulated |
||||||||
|
Additional |
in |
|||||||
|
Preferred Stock |
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
|||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
||
|
Balances, April 6, 2000 |
- |
$ - |
- |
$ - |
$ - |
$ - |
$ - |
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Issued for cash ($0.001 per share) |
- |
- |
2,400,000 |
240 |
2,160 |
- |
2,400 |
|
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
||||||||
|
offering ($1 per share) |
- |
- |
100,000 |
10 |
99,990 |
- |
100,000 |
|
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(24,090) |
- |
(24,090) |
|
|
Waived interest on conversion of debt |
- |
- |
- |
- |
233 |
- |
233 |
|
|
Value of warrants granted to employees |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1,840 |
- |
1,840 |
|
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(5,597) |
(5,597) |
|
|
Balances, December 31, 2000 |
- |
- |
2,500,000 |
250 |
80,133 |
(5,597) |
74,786 |
|
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
||||||||
|
offering which closed in January 2001 |
||||||||
|
($1 per share) |
- |
- |
135,000 |
13 |
134,987 |
- |
135,000 |
|
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
||||||||
|
offering which closed in September 2001 |
||||||||
|
($1 per share) |
- |
- |
125,000 |
12 |
124,988 |
- |
125,000 |
|
|
Payment of accounts payable through |
||||||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
- |
- |
40,000 |
4 |
39,996 |
- |
40,000 |
|
|
Payment of note payable through |
||||||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
- |
- |
25,000 |
3 |
24,997 |
- |
25,000 |
|
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
||||||||
|
offering which closed in November 2001 |
||||||||
|
($1 per share) |
- |
- |
175,000 |
18 |
174,982 |
- |
175,000 |
|
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(85,461) |
- |
(85,461) |
|
|
Waived interest on conversion of debt |
- |
- |
- |
- |
843 |
- |
843 |
|
|
Value of warrants granted to employees |
- |
- |
- |
- |
37,503 |
- |
37,503 |
|
|
Value of warrants granted to directors |
||||||||
|
and consultants |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3,128 |
- |
3,128 |
|
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(206,707) |
(206,707) |
|
|
Balances, December 31, 2001 |
- |
- |
3,000,000 |
300 |
536,096 |
(212,304) |
324,092 |
|
|
(Continued on following page) |
||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
||||||||
F-6
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
|||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||||
|
(Continued) |
|||||||
|
Deficit |
|||||||
|
Accumulated |
|||||||
|
Additional |
in |
||||||
|
Preferred Stock |
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
|
|
Change in par value of common shares |
|||||||
|
from $0.0001 per share to $0.01 per share |
- |
- |
- |
29,700 |
(29,700) |
- |
- |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in |
|||||||
|
a private offering which closed in |
|||||||
|
January 2002 ($1 per share) |
- |
- |
20,000 |
200 |
19,800 |
- |
20,000 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in |
|||||||
|
a private offering which closed in |
|||||||
|
November 2002 ($10 per share) |
25,400 |
254 |
21,500 |
215 |
253,531 |
- |
254,000 |
|
Payment of accounts payable through |
|||||||
|
issuance of preferred shares and warrants |
12,700 |
127 |
- |
- |
126,873 |
- |
127,000 |
|
Payment of accounts payable through |
|||||||
|
issuance of common shares and warrants |
- |
- |
111,000 |
1,110 |
131,390 |
- |
132,500 |
|
Payment of note payable through |
|||||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
5,000 |
50 |
- |
- |
49,950 |
- |
50,000 |
|
Payment of accounts payable to |
|||||||
|
employee through issuance of shares |
|||||||
|
upon exercise of warrants |
- |
- |
400,000 |
4,000 |
76,000 |
- |
80,000 |
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(159,449) |
- |
(159,449) |
|
Waived interest on conversion of debt |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,963 |
- |
2,963 |
|
Deferred financing costs on debt |
|||||||
|
conversions/modifications |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20,800 |
- |
20,800 |
|
Value of warrants granted to employees |
- |
- |
- |
- |
537 |
- |
537 |
|
Value of warrants granted to |
|||||||
|
directors and consultants |
- |
- |
- |
- |
12,998 |
- |
12,998 |
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(403,114) |
(403,114) |
|
Balances, December 31, 2002 |
43,100 |
431 |
3,552,500 |
35,525 |
1,041,789 |
(615,418) |
462,327 |
|
(Continued on following page) |
|||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|||||||
F-7
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
|||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||||
|
(Continued) |
|||||||
|
Deficit |
|||||||
|
Accumulated |
|||||||
|
Additional |
in |
||||||
|
Preferred Stock |
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
||||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
|
|
Issuance of shares in connection |
|||||||
|
with executive employment |
- |
- |
50,000 |
500 |
49,500 |
- |
50,000 |
|
Issuance of shares on warrants exercise |
- |
- |
165,000 |
1,650 |
31,350 |
- |
33,000 |
|
Issuance of dividend shares to |
|||||||
|
record holders as of December 31, 2002 |
4,310 |
43 |
- |
- |
(43) |
- |
- |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in |
|||||||
|
a private offering which closed in |
|||||||
|
February 2003 ($10 per share) |
|||||||
|
for cash consideration |
10,500 |
105 |
- |
- |
104,895 |
- |
105,000 |
|
for reduction of accounts payable |
4,554 |
46 |
- |
- |
45,494 |
- |
45,540 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants as |
|||||||
|
compensation for extension of |
|||||||
|
$100,000 line of credit |
1,000 |
10 |
- |
- |
9,990 |
- |
10,000 |
|
Payment of account payable through |
|||||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
100 |
1 |
- |
- |
999 |
- |
1,000 |
|
Conversion of preferred shares to common |
|||||||
|
shares in reincorporation merger |
(63,564) |
(636) |
762,768 |
7,628 |
(6,992) |
- |
- |
|
Issuance of shares in a private offering |
|||||||
|
which closed in July 2003 ($3 per share) |
|||||||
|
for cash consideration |
- |
- |
33,000 |
330 |
98,670 |
- |
99,000 |
|
for reduction of accounts payable |
- |
- |
3,000 |
30 |
8,970 |
- |
9,000 |
|
Issuance of shares upon |
|||||||
|
exercise of options and warrants: |
|||||||
|
for cash consideration |
- |
- |
25,000 |
250 |
24,750 |
- |
25,000 |
|
for reduction of accounts payable |
- |
- |
124,083 |
1,241 |
142,217 |
- |
143,458 |
|
Issuance of shares upon |
|||||||
|
exercise of warrants for cash consideration |
- |
- |
63,500 |
635 |
82,115 |
- |
82,750 |
|
Payment of account payable through |
|||||||
|
issuance of shares |
- |
- |
80,000 |
800 |
139,200 |
- |
140,000 |
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(58,484) |
- |
(58,484) |
|
Value of warrants granted to employees |
- |
- |
- |
- |
47,008 |
- |
47,008 |
|
Deferred financing costs on debt |
|||||||
|
conversions/modifications |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(9,812) |
- |
(9,812) |
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(873,310) |
(873,310) |
|
Balances, December 31, 2003 |
- |
- |
4,858,851 |
48,589 |
1,751,616 |
(1,488,728) |
311,477 |
|
(Continued on following page) |
|||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|||||||
F-8
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
|||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||
|
(Continued) |
|||||
|
Deficit |
|||||
|
Accumulated |
|||||
|
Additional |
in |
||||
|
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
|||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
|
|
Issuance of shares on warrants exercise |
122,500 |
1,225 |
182,525 |
- |
183,750 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in |
|||||
|
a private offering |
251,250 |
2,512 |
1,002,488 |
- |
1,005,000 |
|
Payment of officer salaries through |
|||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
46,250 |
463 |
184,537 |
- |
185,000 |
|
Payment of accounts payable to officers and |
|||||
|
consultants upon exercise of warrants |
80,186 |
802 |
98,644 |
- |
99,446 |
|
Payment of director honorariums through |
|||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
11,250 |
112 |
44,888 |
- |
45,000 |
|
Payment of account payable through |
|||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
12,500 |
125 |
49,875 |
- |
50,000 |
|
Payment of bridge loan through |
|||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
125,000 |
1,250 |
498,750 |
- |
500,000 |
|
Payment of bridge loan interest and commitment |
|||||
|
fee through issuance of shares and warrants |
7,500 |
75 |
29,925 |
- |
30,000 |
|
Payment of bridge loan finders fee through |
|||||
|
issuance of shares and warrants |
2,500 |
25 |
7,475 |
- |
7,500 |
|
Payment of service bonus through issuance |
|||||
|
of shares and warrants |
20,000 |
200 |
19,800 |
- |
20,000 |
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
(59,000) |
- |
(59,000) |
|
Value of warrants granted to employees |
- |
- |
40,625 |
- |
40,625 |
|
Deferred financing costs on debt |
|||||
|
conversions/modifications |
- |
- |
30,383 |
- |
30,383 |
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
(1,736,934) |
(1,736,934) |
|
Balances, December 31, 2004 |
5,537,787 |
55,378 |
3,882,531 |
(3,225,662) |
712,247 |
|
(Continued on following page) |
|||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements |
|||||
F-9
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
|||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||
|
(Continued) |
|||||
|
Deficit |
|||||
|
Accumulated |
|||||
|
Additional |
in |
||||
|
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
|||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
|
|
Issuance of shares on warrants exercise: |
|||||
|
493,167 |
4,932 |
872,319 |
- |
877,251 |
|
|
for payment of deferred officer salaries |
17,334 |
173 |
20,827 |
- |
21,000 |
|
for exchange of shares of common stock |
120,000 |
1,200 |
(1,200) |
- |
- |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
|||||
|
offering that closed in March 2005: |
|||||
|
for cash |
518,750 |
5,188 |
2,069,812 |
- |
2,075,000 |
|
for payment of deferred officer salaries |
10,000 |
100 |
39,900 |
- |
40,000 |
|
for payment of accounts payable |
6,250 |
62 |
24,938 |
- |
25,000 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
|||||
|
offering that closed in June 2005: |
|||||
|
for cash |
259,000 |
2,590 |
1,292,410 |
- |
1,295,000 |
|
for payment of directors honoraria |
14,000 |
140 |
69,860 |
- |
70,000 |
|
for payment of accounts payable |
3,000 |
30 |
14,970 |
- |
15,000 |
|
Issuance of shares in a private |
|||||
|
offering that closed in October 2005: |
|||||
|
for cash |
584,000 |
5,840 |
2,914,160 |
- |
2,920,000 |
|
for payment of deferred officer salaries |
40,000 |
400 |
199,600 |
- |
200,000 |
|
for payment of accounts payable |
22,000 |
220 |
109,780 |
- |
110,000 |
|
Issuance of shares in a private |
|||||
|
offering that closed in December 2005 |
80,000 |
800 |
439,200 |
- |
440,000 |
|
Shares to be issued for services |
|||||
|
provided by a director |
- |
- |
41,666 |
- |
41,666 |
|
Value of warrants and options granted to |
|||||
|
employees |
- |
- |
215,845 |
- |
215,845 |
|
Value of warrants granted to |
|||||
|
directors and consultants |
- |
- |
16,500 |
- |
16,500 |
|
Deferred financing costs on debt |
|||||
|
conversions/modifications |
- |
- |
43,968 |
- |
43,968 |
|
Costs associated with the issuance of shares |
- |
- |
(275,098) |
- |
(275,098) |
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
(1,604,714) |
(1,604,714) |
|
Balances, December 31, 2005 |
7,705,288 |
$77,053 |
$11,991,988 |
($4,830,376) |
$7,238,665 |
|
(Continued on following page) |
|||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements |
|||||
F-10
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
|||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
|||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||
|
(Continued) |
|||||
|
Deficit |
|||||
|
Accumulated |
|||||
|
Additional |
in |
||||
|
Common Stock |
Paid-in |
Development |
|||
|
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
Stage |
Total |
|
|
Issuance of shares on warrants exercised: |
|||||
|
For cash |
253,314 |
2,533 |
1,151,082 |
- |
1,153,615 |
|
For debt |
59,993 |
600 |
276,570 |
- |
277,170 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in private |
|||||
|
offering closings in First Quarter 2006: |
|||||
|
For cash |
66,000 |
660 |
362,340 |
- |
363,000 |
|
For payment of accounts payable |
2,500 |
25 |
13,725 |
- |
13,750 |
|
Shares issued for services |
|||||
|
Provided by director |
200,000 |
2,000 |
248,000 |
- |
250,000 |
|
Issuance of shares and warrants in a private |
|||||
|
offering that closed in September 2006 |
|||||
|
For cash |
23,000 |
230 |
126,270 |
- |
126,500 |
|
Value of options granted to employees |
- |
- |
161,960 |
- |
161,960 |
|
Value of warrants granted to underwriter |
- |
- |
20,283 |
- |
20,283 |
|
Value of shares gifted to directors, |
|||||
|
employees and service providers |
- |
- |
147,000 |
- |
147,000 |
|
Costs associated with the issuance |
|||||
|
of shares |
- |
- |
(681,080) |
- |
(681,080) |
|
Funds received from public offering for |
|||||
|
Subscription shares: |
|||||
|
For cash |
410,097 |
4,101 |
2,866,578 |
- |
2,870,679 |
|
For debt |
26,810 |
268 |
187,402 |
- |
187,670 |
|
Net loss |
- |
- |
- |
(2,509,870) |
(2,509,870) |
|
Balances, December 31, 2006 |
8,747,002 |
$87,470 |
$16,872,118 |
($7,340,246) |
$9,619,342 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements |
|||||
F-11
|
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. |
||||||||||||||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Statements of Cash Flows |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Period from |
||||||||||||||||||
|
April 6, 2000 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
For the year ended December 31 |
(inception) to |
|||||||||||||||||
|
2006 |
2005 |
December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Net Loss |
$ (2,509,870) |
$ (1,604,714) |
$ (7,340,246) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in |
||||||||||||||||||
|
operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation |
15,821 |
5,358 |
21,664 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Officer, director and other fees, paid via common stock |
1,044,083 |
605,011 |
2,222,179 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Interest paid through issuance of common stock |
- |
- |
17,500 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Write-off of costs associated with public offering |
- |
- |
507,380 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Change in assets and liabilities, net: |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Increase in inventories |
- |
(149,801) |
(149,801) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
4,528 |
(7,112) |
(20,868) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Decrease (Increase) in deferred offering costs |
126,030 |
(126,030) |
- |
|||||||||||||||
|
Refundable value-added-tax |
19,668 |
(15,365) |
(9,733) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Severance pay , net |
9,521 |
10,457 |
51,295 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Accounts payable |
(344,538) |
(240,145) |
865,937 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Accrued liabilities |
707,887 |
268,272 |
999,888 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Increase in deferred officer's compensation |
124,195 |
929,007 |
1,053,202 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
(802,675) |
(325,062) |
(1,781,603) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Acquisition of property and equipment |
(12,128) |
(39,771) |
(66,823) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Investment in oil and gas properties |
(803,111) |
(6,296,291) |
(8,494,340) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
(815,239) |
(6,336,062) |
(8,561,163) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred financing costs on debt conversions/modifications |
19,695 |
33,591 |
89,378 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Loan proceeds-related party |
- |
- |
258,620 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Loan principal repayments-related party |
(5,000) |
(32,000) |
(114,160) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Loan proceeds - other |
- |
- |
500,000 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of stock |
4,513,794 |
7,607,251 |
14,422,945 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Financing costs of issuing stock |
(681,080) |
(275,098) |
(1,443,493) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
3,847,409 |
7,333,744 |
13,713,290 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Net increase in cash |
2,229,495 |
672,620 |
3,370,524 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Cash - beginning of period |
1,141,029 |
468,409 |
- |
|||||||||||||||
|
Cash - end of period |
$ 3,370,524 |
$ 1,141,029 |
$ 3,370,524 |
|||||||||||||||
|
(Continued on following page) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. |
||||||||||||||||||
F-12
|
ZION OIL & GAS, INC. |
||||||||||||||||||
|
(A Development Stage Company) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Period from |
||||||||||||||||||
|
April 6, 2000 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
For the year ended December 31, |
(inception) to |
|||||||||||||||||
|
2006 |
2005 |
December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||||||||
|
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash paid for interest |
$ 16,484 |
$ 4,326 |
$ 56,961 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||
|
Non-cash operating and financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Payment of accounts payable through |
||||||||||||||||||
|
issuance of preferred and common stock |
13,750 |
150,000 |
950,218 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Payment of note payable through issuance |
||||||||||||||||||
|
of common stock |
- |
- |
575,000 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Payment of accounts payable through |
||||||||||||||||||
|
issuance of note payable |
- |
- |
34,678 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Financing costs paid through issuance of |
||||||||||||||||||
|
common stock |
- |
- |
25,000 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Increase in accounts payable for financing costs |
- |
- |
381,549 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Waived interest on debt conversions |
- |
- |
4,039 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Shares issued for debt conversion |
187,670 |
- |
187,670 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Shares issued for services provided by officer |
250,000 |
41,666 |
291,665 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Value of warrants and options granted to employees |
161,960 |
215,845 |
505,318 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Value of warrants granted to directors and |
||||||||||||||||||
|
consultants |
- |
16,500 |
32,626 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Value of warrants granted to underwriters |
20,283 |
- |
20,283 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Value of shares gifted to directors, employees |
||||||||||||||||||
|
and service providers |
147,000 |
- |
147,000 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Deferred financing costs |
19,695 |
33,591 |
85,339 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Value of warrants granted to underwriter |
20,283 |
- |
20,283 |
|||||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements |
||||||||||||||||||
F-13
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of Operations
Effective July 9, 2003, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Florida corporation ("Zion Florida") was merged into its wholly owned Delaware subsidiary, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (the Company), the purpose of which was solely to reincorporate from Florida to Delaware in anticipation of a public offering. Upon the reincorporation, all the outstanding shares of common stock in Zion Florida were converted into common stock of the Company on a one-to-one basis and all the outstanding shares of preferred stock in Zion Florida were converted into common stock of the Company at the ratio of twelve shares of common for each share of preferred stock. All of the outstanding warrants and options of Zion Florida were converted into equivalent warrants and options of the Company.
The Company holds a petroleum exploration license on approximately 98,100 acres of unproved properties in north-central Israel called the "Ma'anit-Joseph License", issued to the Company by the State of Israel. The term on the license expires April 30, 2007 and it contained a commitment to drill or reenter a well on or before April 30, 2005.
On April 10, 2005, the Company commenced the reentry and deepening of the Ma'anit #1. On July 19, 2005, the well reached a depth of 15,509 feet and testing and completion began thereafter. During drilling and completion operations, the well had numerous significant oil and gas shows in different zones. Completion operations on the Ma'anit #1 well were temporarily suspended and the drilling rig released in November, 2005. On March 15, 2006, the terms of the license were amended to provide that the Company commence the drilling of a new well to a depth of at least 4,400 meters or reenter the Ma'anit #1 well on or before March 1, 2007 (extended on March 7, 2007 to April 15, 2007). On December 10, 2006, the Company signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding with its drilling contractor pursuant to which the Company undertook to commence workover and completion operations on the Ma'anit #1 well by March 21, 2007, subject to deferral in certain circumstances, using a smaller and less expensive completion rig. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding was submitted to the Petroleum Commissioner and was found to be in compliance with the Company's work program obligations. On January 3, 2007, in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Company paid $150,000 plus VAT to the drilling contractor on account of mobilization and demobilization costs. On February 13, 2007, the Petroleum Commissioner confirmed that, if the Company recommenced operations on the Ma'anit #1 well or commenced a new well in accordance with the work program, the Company's rights under the Ma'anit-Joseph License would be maintained through the completion of the operations and for such additional period as required for the completion of the analysis of the results of the well. On March 15, 2007, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Company entered into a Workover and Completion Services Agreement with its drilling contractor prov iding, inter alia, for the commencement of operations on the Ma'anit #1 well on April 11, 2007, but no later than April 15, 2007. On March 19, 2007, the Company made an on account payment to the drilling contractor in the amount of $250,000 plus VAT in accordance with the terms of the Workover and Completion Services Agreement.
Declaration of a commercial discovery on the Ma'anit-Joseph License prior to the end of the license term as extended, will entitle the Company to receive a 30-year lease (extendable on certain conditions for an additional 20 years) subject to compliance with a field development work program and production. In other circumstances, the Company may be entitled to an extension of the term of the license by two years to drill an appraisal well.
Effective August 1, 2005, the Company received formal notification and documentation from the Minister of National Infrastructures and the Petroleum Commissioner granting the Company's application for a Preliminary Permit with Priority Rights for an area covering approximately 121,100 acres abutting on and immediately to the north of the Ma'anit-Joseph License. The permit was designated the "Asher Permit" and covered lands on Israel's coastal plain and Mt. Carmel range. The Asher Permit was for an 18-month period which terminated on January 31, 2007 and was subject to a work program (as amended) with an estimated total cost of $265,000, which required the Company to perform certain geological and geophysical work. Upon completion of the Asher Permit work program in accordance with its terms, on January 31, 2007, together with the submission of the Company's Final Report and Prospect Identification, the Company filed an application with the Petroleum Commissioner for a petroleum exploratio n license, tentatively denominated the Asher-Menashe License, on approximately 81,000 acres. The acreage subject of the application includes primarily acreage (approximately 78,000
F-14
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)
Nature of Operations (continued)
acres) that was subject to the Asher Permit as reduced in accordance with the Petroleum Law, together with a small addition of acreage (approximately 3,000 acres) abutting to the north of the lands subject of the Asher Permit. The Company's application is subject to review and approval of the Petroleum Commissioner in consultation with the statutory Petroleum Council. The Company does not know when the Commissioner and the Council will consider the application. Under the terms of the Asher Permit, the Company's license application has priority rights for the grant of an exploration license, subject to the fulfillment of the requirements of the Petroleum Law. A license if granted would be for a primary term of up to three years, extendable for additional periods of up to a total of seven years.
Operations in Israel are conducted through a branch office. The Ma'anit-Joseph License, Asher Permit and application for the Asher-Menashe License are held directly in the name of the Company. At present it is expected that all future income will be derived from Israeli operations.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements for all periods from inception (April 6, 2000) until December 31, 2005 were previously restated to reflect additional expenses related to stock warrants issued to employees and non-employees during the above mentioned period and compensation cost with respect to equity awards provided with new debt issuances and/or debt modification.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Since the Company is in the development stage, it has limited capital resources, no revenue, and a loss from operations. The appropriateness of using the going concern basis is dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain additional financing or equity capital to finance its current operations and, ultimately, to achieve profitable operations. Management is of the opinion that the equity funds raised by the Company in its current Public Offering (see C below) will be sufficient to finance its operations at least until mid-2008.
Management Presentation and Liquidity
On February 17, 2004, a registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission was declared effective to offer 7,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to the public. The minimum offering requirement of $6,500,000 was not subscribed by the offering termination date of August 30, 2004. As a result, no securities were sold to the public, all escrow subscription funds that had been received pursuant to the offering were sent back to the subscribers by the escrow agent, and the Company removed from registration the 7,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Between September 2004 and through December 2006, the Company raised capital through debt and private offerings and the exercise of outstanding warrants. During 2006, $1,934,035 were raised in private equity financings and warrant exercises. On January 25, 2006 the Company filed a registration statement for a public offering on a "best efforts" basis (the "Public Offering") of between 350,000 and 2,000,000 shares of common stock at $7.00 per share with a minimum offering requirement of $2,450,000 (350,000 shares) and a maximum of $14,000,000 (2,000,000 shares). The registration statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2006. On December 29, 2006, the Company completed the first closing of its Public Offering in which it accepted subscriptions in the amount of $3,058,349 in consideration of the issuance of 436,907 shares of common stock. Subsequent to the balance sheet date and through April 5, 2007, the Company completed additional closings in which it accepted additional subscriptions for 935,813 shares of its common stock in the amount of $6,550,691 bringing the total amount raised in the Public Offering to $9,609,040. The Public Offering remains open to a date not later than May 25, 2007 subject to prior termination by the Company. Management intends to use the proceeds of the Public Offering and from additional equity and/or debt sales and poss ible sales of participating interests in its petroleum properties, as may be pursued and completed from time to time in the future, to explore for and develop oil and gas reserves in Israel. The Company believes that these actions will enable the Company to carry out its business plan and to achieve profitable operations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and changes in financial position have been included.
F-15
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Financial Statements in United States Dollars
The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company are conducted is the United States dollar ("dollar"). Therefore, the dollar has been determined to be the Company's functional currency. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been translated into dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52 "Foreign Currency Translation" (SFAS No. 52).
Transactions in foreign currency (primarily in New Israeli Shekels - "NIS") are recorded at the exchange rate as of the transaction date except for activities relating to balance sheet items which are recorded at the appropriate exchange rate of the corresponding balance sheet item. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated on the basis of the representative rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are stated at historical exchange rates. All exchange gains and losses from remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statement of operations as they arise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company maintains its cash balance at two banks with one bank located in the United States and one bank located in Israel. For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories include equipment and materials to be used in future drilling and completion operations and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the weighted average method.
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company follows the full-cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Accordingly, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized.
All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is included in income from continuing operations before income taxes and the adjusted carrying amount of the unproved properties is amortized on the unit-of-production method.
The Company's oil and gas property represents an investment in an unproved property and a major development project on that property. These costs are excluded from the amortized cost pool until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. All costs excluded are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is charged to expense as a reserve base has not yet been established. An impairment requiring a charge to expense may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishing drilling rights or other information.
Abandonment of properties are accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 no unproved property was found to be impaired. The net capitalized costs are subject to a "ceiling test" which limits such costs to the aggregate of the estimated present value of future net revenues from proved reserves discounted at ten percent based on current economic and operating conditions, plus the lower of cost or fair market value of unproved properties. The recoverability of amounts capitalized for oil and
gas properties is dependent upon the identification of economically recoverable reserves, together with obtaining the necessary financing to exploit such reserves and the achievement of profitable operations.F-16
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Oil and Gas Properties (Continued)
The Company's present operations, as disclosed in Note 1A above, are dependent on: (1) One petroleum exploration license in respect of which one well requiring further evaluation has been drilled and the planning of a second well is under way. The license is subject to the provisions of regulations under of and the Petroleum Law and currently is due to expire on April 30, 2007. On February 13, 2007, the Company received confirmation from the Petroleum Commissioner that, subject to the Company complying with the agreed work program, the Company's rights under the license would be maintained through the completion of the operations and for such additional period as required to complete the analysis of the results of the well (See Note 1); and (2) One application for a petroleum exploration license submitted upon the completion of the required work program of a preliminary permit with priority rights held by the Company. The application identifies a drilling prospect and proposes a work prog ram leading up to and including the drilling of an exploratory test well. The application is under consideration of the Petroleum Commissioner in accordance with provisions of the Petroleum Law. Until such time as the Petroleum Commissioner issues his final determination with respect to the license application, the Company's rights in lands subject of preliminary permit as to which the license application is submitted are maintained. (See Note 1). The Company has no economically recoverable reserves and limited amortization base. Unproved oil and gas properties consist of capitalized exploration costs of $803,111, $6,296,291 and $8,495,611 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and from inception (April 6, 2000) to December 31, 2006, respectively. (See Note 4).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment other than oil and gas property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three to fourteen years. Depreciation charged to expense amounted to $15,821, $5,358 and $21,664 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and for the period April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2006, respectively.
Costs Associated With Public and Private Offerings
Costs associated with each specific private or public offering are accumulated until either the closing of the offering or its abandonment. If the offering is abandoned, the costs are expensed in the period the offering is abandoned. If the offering is completed and funds are raised, the accumulated costs are recorded as a reduction to the paid-in capital attributable to the offering. Financing costs not attributable to any specific offering are charged to expense as incurred. Costs associated with public and private offering charged to additional paid in capital amounted to $681,080, $275,098 and $1,342,662 for the year ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and for the period April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2006, respectively.
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, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
F-17
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Environmental Costs
Liabilities for expenditures are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Company management believes that no costs are presently probable and thus no provision has been made.
Net Loss per Share Data
Basic and diluted net loss per common share is presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share". Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share as the inclusion of 296,215 and 668,200 common stock equivalents in 2006 and 2005, respectively, would be anti-dilutive.
Stock Based Compensation
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company applied the fair-value based method of accounting for all of its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("Statement 123").
The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to employees and directors prior to July 15, 2003, the date of the Company's first filing of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, was estimated on the date of grant using the minimum-value method as permitted for private entities under Statement No. 123.
The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to employees and directors subsequent to July 15, 2003, is measured according to the Black Scholes option-pricing model and recognized over the requisite service period.
As of January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payments" ("SFAS 123R") using the modified prospective method, which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards based upon the fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. Under this method, the Company has recognized compensation cost for awards granted beginning January 1, 2006, based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing method.
The value of stock options, as noted, is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period of the entire award, net of estimated forfeitures. On adoption of the modified prospective method in adopting SFAS 123R, the Company did not need to adjust the corresponding amounts included in these financial statements.
The adoption of SFAS 123R has had no effect on the Company's balance sheet or results of operations.
Adoption of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
SFAS 151 - Inventory Costs, an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin ("ARB") No. 43: In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4" ("SFAS 151"). The amendments made by SFAS 151 clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials (spoilage) should be recognized as current-period charges and require the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The guidance is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005.
The adoption of SFAS 151 did not have a material effect on the Company's balance sheet or results of operations.
F-18
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Adoption of Recently Issued Accounting Standards (continued)
SFAS 158 - Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits: In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits" ("SFAS 158"). In accordance with SFAS No. 158, effective December 31, 2006, the Company must record the funded status of each of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans on its balance sheet with the corresponding offset, net of taxes, recorded in Accumulated Other Changes in Equity from Nonowner Sources within Stockholders' Equity.
The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material effect on its balance sheet or statement of operations.
SAB 108 - Quantification of Financial Statement Misstatements: In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 ("SAB 108") regarding the Quantification of financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires a "dual approach" for quantifications of errors using both a method that focuses on the income statement impact, including the cumulative effect of prior years' misstatements, and a method that focuses on the period-end balance sheet. SAB No. 108 is effective as for years ending after November 30, 2006. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
SFAS 157 - Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157): In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS 157"). SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.The changes to current practice resulting from the application of SFAS 157 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years.
The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its balance sheet or statement of operations.
SFAS 159 - Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159) : In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 permits all entities the option to measure most financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates and to report related unrealized gains and losses in earnings. The fair value option will generally be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is generally an irrevocable election. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
The Company is evaluating which eligible financial instruments, if any, it will elect to account for at fair value under SFAS 159 and the related impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
FIN 48 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: In June 2006, FASB issued Interpretation 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"). This interpretation 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 derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 (January 1, 2007 for the Company). Any adjustments required upon the adoption of this interpretation must be recorded directly to retained earnings in the year of adoption and reported as a change in accounting principle.
The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material effect on its balance sheet or statement of operations.
F-19
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. PROVISION FOR SEVERANCE PAY
Israeli law generally requires payment of severance pay upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The following principal plans relate to the employees in Israel:
4. UNPROVED OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES FULL COST METHOD
Comprised as follows:
|
As of December 31, |
||
|
2006 |
2005 |
|
|
Excluded from amortization base: |
||
|
Drilling operations, completion costs and other related costs |
$ 6,800,915 |
$ 6,642,101 |
|
Capitalized salary costs |
682,692 |
512,109 |
|
Legal costs and license fees |
732,166 |
284,186 |
|
Other costs |
279,838 |
254,104 |
|
$ 8,495,611 |
$ 7,692,500 |
|
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Authorized, issued and outstanding shares
|
Authorized |
||||
|
December 31 |
December 31 |
|||
|
2006 |
2005 |
|||
|
Number of shares |
||||
USD 0.01 par value per ordinary share |
20,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
F-20
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued)
Authorized, issued and outstanding shares (continued)
The Company's shares (USD 0.01 par value each) are traded in the United States on the over the counter market and are listed on the American Stock Exchange.
For details of the issued share capital see Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.
Private Placement Offerings
During 2000, John Brown purchased 2,400,000 shares at the then current par value ($0.001 per share) on his behalf and on behalf of 25 other founding shareholders. Between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004, the Company raised $3,125,540 in private placements from the sale (adjusted for the reincorporation merger on July 9, 2003) of 1,830,298 shares of common stock and: (i) warrants with an original expiration date of December 31, 2004 to purchase 275,833 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share; (ii) warrants with an original expiration date of December 31, 2004 to purchase 411,770 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share; and (iii) warrants with an original expiration date of December 31, 2006 to purchase 181,500 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share. The December 31, 2004 warrant expiration date was extended to January 31, 2005 by which date the warrants were exercised.
Between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2005, the Company raised $2,140,000 through the sale of 535,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 214,000 shares of the Company's common stock in a private placement offering. The warrants designated as "E warrants" were exercisable at $5.00 per share through December 31, 2006. Between April 22 and June 10, 2005, the Company raised $1,380,000 through the sale of 276,000 shares of common stock and 55,200 E Warrants. Between June 20, 2005 and October 24, 2005, the Company raised $3,230,000 through the sale of 646,000 shares of common stock.
Private Placement Offerings (continued)
During December 2005, the Company raised $440,000 from the sale of 80,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock at $5.50 per share at any time from July 1, 2007 (as may be deferred by the Company for up to six months) through December 31, 2008 such warrants being designated as "G" warrants.
During 2006, the Company (i) raised $489,500 from the sale of 89,000 shares of common stock and 7,125 G warrants; (ii) issued 62,493 shares of common stock for $290,920 in services; (iii) issued 175,357 shares of common stock for $876,785 upon the exercise of E warrants; (iv) issued 35,000 shares of common stock for $105,000 upon the exercise of $3.00 warrants; and (v) issued 42,957 shares of common stock for $171,830 upon the exercise of "D" warrants. (See Note 5).
Initial Public Offering
On December 29, 2006, the Company completed its first closing of the Public Offering in which it accepted subscriptions in the amount of $3,058,349 in consideration of the planned issuance of 436,907 shares of common stock. Subsequent to the balance sheet date and through April 5, 2007, the Company completed additional closings in which it accepted additional subscriptions for 935,813 shares of its common stock in the amount of $6,550,691 bringing the total amount raised in the Public Offering through April 5, 2007 to $9,609,040. The Public Offering remains open to a date not later than May 25, 2007, subject to prior termination by the Company.
2005 Stock Option Plan
During 2005, a stock option plan (the "Plan") was adopted by the Company, pursuant to which 1,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants. The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or one or more committees appointed by the board (the "Administrator").
F-21
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
2005 Stock Option Plan (continued)
The Plan contemplates the issuance of stock options by the Company both as a private company and as a publicly traded company and is available to residents of the United States, the State of Israel and other jurisdictions as determined by the Administrator. Awards of stock options under the Plan are made pursuant to an agreement between the Company and each grantee. The agreement will, among other provisions, specify the number of shares subject to the option, intended tax qualifications, the exercise price, any vesting provisions and the term of the stock option grant, all of which are determined on behalf of the Company by the Administrator. The Plan will remain in effect for a term of ten years unless terminated or extended according to its provisions.
On July 5, 2006, award agreements under the 2005 Stock Option Plan were entered into as follows: (a) with two directors each for the purchase of 25,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share (50,000 shares in the aggregate) through December 31, 2008 at a value of $58,647 in the aggregate (the rights to these options vested on the date the award agreement was signed, and the options may not be exercised prior to July 1, 2007, subject to deferral by the Company for a period of up to six months); (b) with one employee for the purchase of 80,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share through December 31, 2010 (these options will vest in three equal tranches of 26,667 shares each on January 1, 2007, on January 1, 2008 and on January 1, 2009 at a value of $193,600 that will be charged according to the vesting periods, and the options may not be exercised prior to July 1, 2007, subject to deferral by the Company for a period of up to six months); and (c) with one employee for the purchase of 40,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share through December 31, 2010 (these options will vest in four equal tranches of four vesting periods of 10,000 shares each, on the date, on October 1, 2006, on October 1, 2007 and of October 1, 2008 at a value of $96,800 that will be charged according to the vesting period, and the options may not be exercised prior to July 1, 2007, subject to deferral by the Company for a period of up to six months). Although award agreements with respect to these options were signed in July 2006: (a) their issuance was authorized and their terms, including their exercise price, were fixed by resolution of the board of directors taken on October 27, 2005; (b) the commencement of the service period for the options preceded the date the award agreements were actually signed; and (c) the value of the options were initially accounted for during December 2005. Compensation expense was recorded during December 2005 based on the fair value of the options at that time. This expense w as adjusted at each subsequent period end to reflect the fair value of the options at period end.
Fair Value of Warrants and Options
The Company has reserved 296,215 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2006 for the exercise of warrants and options to employees and non-employees. These warrants and options have been excluded from earnings per share calculations because they are anti dilutive at December 31, 2006. These warrants and options could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future years. The warrants and options exercise prices and expiration dates are as follows:
|
Exercise Price |
Number |
Expiration |
|||
|
Per Share ($) |
of Shares |
Date |
|||
|
To non-employees |
|||||
|
5.00 |
10,000 |
December 31, 2008 |
|||
|
8.75 |
11,590 |
September 26, 2009 |
|||
|
To employees and directors |
|||||
|
5.00 |
135,000 |
December 31, 2008 |
|||
|
5.00 |
120,000 |
December 31, 2010 |
|||
|
To investors |
|||||
|
5.50 |
19,625 |
December 31, 2008 |
|||
|
296,215 |
|||||
F-22
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Fair Value of Warrants and Options (continued)
The warrant and option transactions since April 6, 2000 (inception) are shown in the table below:
|
Number |
Weighted Average |
||
|
of Shares |
Exercise Price ($) |
||
|
Granted from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2004 to: |
|||
|
Employees, officers and directors |
1,460,936 |
1.10 |
|
|
Private placement investors and others |
816,667 |
2.06 |
|
|
Expired/Canceled |
(300,000) |
1.00 |
|
|
Exercised |
(1,000,269) |
0.67 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2004 |
977,334 |
2.37 |
|
|
Granted to: |
|||
|
Employees, officers and directors as part compensation |
120,000 |
4.79 |
|
|
Private placement investors |
281,700 |
5.02 |
|
|
Expired/Canceled |
(40,333) |
1.39 |
|
|
Exercised |
(670,501) |
1.58 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2005 |
668,200 |
4.78 |
|
|
Granted to: |
|||
|
Employees, non-employees, officers and directors as part compensation |
181,590 |
5.24 |
|
|
Private placement investors and others |
7,125 |
5.50 |
|
|
Expired |
(247,393) |
4.92 |
|
|
Exercised |
(313,307) |
4.57 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2006 |
296,215 |
5.18 |
|
|
Exercisable, December 31, 2006 |
- |
- |
The following table summarizes information about stock warrants and options outstanding as of December 31, 2006:
|
Shares underlying outstanding |
Shares underlying outstanding |
||||||
|
Weighted |
Weighted |
||||||
|
average |
Weighted |
average |
Weighted |
||||
|
Range of |
remaining |
average |
Range of |
remaining |
average |
||
|
exercise |
Number |
contractual |
exercise |
exercise |
Number |
contractual |
exercise |
|
price ($) |
outstanding |
life (years) |
price ($) |
price ($) |
outstanding |
life (years) |
price ($) |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
5.00 |
191,667 |
2.13 |
5.00 |
|
5.00 |
73,333 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
5.50 |
19,625 |
2.00 |
5.50 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
8.75 |
11.590 |
3.00 |
8.75 |
|
5.00 |
73,333 |
5.00 |
5.00 - 8.75 |
222,882 |
5.24 |
||
F-23
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Fair Value of Warrants and Options (continued)
Granted to employees
The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to employees and directors during the year, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:
|
Period from April 6, |
|||
|
2000 (inception) to |
|||
|
2006 |
2005 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date ($) |
5.50 |
4.00 - 5.50 |
3.00 - 5.50 |
|
Dividend yields |
- |
- |
- |
|
Expected volatility |
40% |
24.4% - 40.0% |
28.2% - 40.0% |
|
Risk-free interest rates |
5.15% |
4.42% - 5.15% |
2.1% - 5.15% |
|
Expected lives |
4.49 |
1.74 - 5 years |
1.74 - 5 years |
|
Average grant date fair market value |
2.43 |
0.77 |
0.76-2.43 |
Granted to non-employees
The following table sets forth information about the weighted-average fair value of warrants granted to non-employees during the year, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants:
|
Period from April 6, |
|||
|
2000 (inception) to |
|||
|
2006 |
2005 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
Weighted-average fair value of underlying stock at grant date ($) |
8.75 |
5.00 |
1.00 - 8.75 |
|
Dividend yields |
- |
- |
- |
|
Expected volatility |
40% |
40.0% |
32.2% - 99.8% |
|
Risk-free interest rates |
5.50% |
4.42% |
2.8% - 5.50% |
|
Expected lives |
3 years |
3.17 years |
0.56 - 3.17 years |
|
Average grant date fair market value |
1.75 |
1.27 |
0.68 - 1.75 |
The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options.
The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of the options granted to employees and directors during the first nine months of 2006 is calculated based on the Simplified Method as allowed under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107), giving consideration to the contractual term of the options and their vesting schedules. The expected life of the option granted to non-employees equals their contractual term.
Due to the lack of sufficient history of the Company's stock volatility, the Company estimates its own expected stock volatility based on the historic volatility for other oil exploration companies.
F-24
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Compensation Costs for Warrant and Option Issuances
The compensation cost of warrant and option issuances recognized for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and from April 6, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2006 amounted to $182,243, $232,345 and $558,227, respectively.
As of December 31, 2006, there was $94,743 of unrecognized compensation cost, related to nonvested stock options granted under the Company's various stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized as follows:
|
For the year ended December 31, 2007 |
$ 67,959 |
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2008 |
26,784 |
|
|
$ 94,743 |
Warrant Descriptions
Through the balance sheet date and subsequently (see Note 10) the Company issued nine different series of warrants to employees, non-employees and investors. The price and the expiration dates are as follows:
|
Period of Grant |
Price ($) |
Expiration Date |
|
|
A Warrants |
January 2001 - December 2001 |
1.00 |
January 31, 2005 |
|
B Warrants |
November 2001 - February 2003 |
1.50 |
January 31, 2005 |
|
C Warrants |
July 2003 - March 2004 |
3.00 |
December 31, 2005 |
|
$3.00 Warrants |
June 2004 - August 2004 |
3.00 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
D Warrants |
September 2004 - April 2005 |
4.00 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
E Warrants |
September 2004 - June 2005 |
5.00 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
F and FF Warrants |
October 2005 |
5.00 |
December 31, 2008 |
|
G Warrants |
December 2005 - January 2006 |
5.50 |
December 31, 2008 |
|
H Warrants |
December 2006 - April 2007 |
8.75 |
September 26, 2009 |
Other than price and date details, all of the warrants were issued on the same conditions, except that the F, FF and G Warrants may not be exercised before July 1, 2007, which date may be extended by the Company for up to six months and H warrants may not be exercised before six months following the final closing date of the Initial Public Offering. (See Note 5).
Gift Shares
As part of the initial public offering 150,000 shares of common stock held by four executive officers were registered and given by the officers to individuals and entities. 21,000 of the gift shares were given to directors, employees and service providers. The related cost of $147 thousand has been charged to the statement of operations and credited as additional paid in capital.
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are payables to officers and directors of the Company totaling $498,334 and $139,853 respectively for salaries and fees. In respect of the amount of $1,053,202 included as deferred officers compensation as at December 31, 2006, such officers have committed to defer payments of these sums until at least July 1, 2008, subject to partial earlier payment in certain circumstances.
F-25
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
Cimarron Resources, Inc.
Notes payable to related parties includes $32,000 under a loan facility with Cimarron Resources, Inc. (Cimarron) a company owned by the former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Cimarron obtained the monies to lend to the Company through a loan facility with Bank One. The note accrues interest at Bank One's Prime Rate (8.25% at December 31, 2006) plus 2.5%. The terms of Cimarron's loan facility to Zion are a 100 month term loan repayable monthly commencing December 1, 2003 in $500 increments, with Cimarron having the option commencing January 15, 2005 to call the loan in whole or in $5,000 increments on 30 days notice which call option was subsequently deferred until July 31, 2007. Subsequent to the balance sheet date the loan was repaid in full.
Rappaport Loan
Notes payable to related parties include a $75,000 note payable under a line of credit loan agreement with a shareholder of the Company. Pursuant to agreement of the parties until amended on July 31, 2006 as noted below, any outstanding balance was able to be converted at the election of the lender to shares of common stock in increments of $5,000 at $4.00 per share. Through July 31, 2006, outstanding balances accrued interest at 10% per annum. At the direction of the shareholder, a commitment fee of $10,000 in the aggregate was paid to two children of the shareholder in the form of 12,000 shares of common stock (in the aggregate) and warrants to purchase 5,000 shares (in the aggregate) of the Company's common stock. On July 31, 2006, the Rappaport loan was further extended to a date 15 days following the initial closing of a public offering. In connection with this extension the shareholder and the Company agreed to increase the interest rate on the facility to 12% per annum and to c ancel the option to convert monies outstanding under the facility to equity securities. Subsequent to the balance sheet date the loan was repaid in full.
Robert E. Render
Mr. Render provided consulting services to the Company totaling $37,500 ($7,500 and $30,000 during the years ended 2004 and 2005, respectively). During the eight months ended August 31, 2006, Mr. Render provided $20,000 of consulting services to the Company. Mr. Render has not provided any consulting services to the Company since September 1, 2006.
Richard J. Rinberg
In connection with arranging $300,000 in loans to the Company in February 2004, prior to his becoming a director in the Company, Mr. Richard J. Rinberg received a $7,500 fee paid in 2,500 shares of common stock.
In October 2005 Mr. Richard J. Rinberg was elected President of the Company and effective November 1, 2005, entered into a two year Retention and Management Agreement with the Company (the "Retention Agreement"). Pursuant to the Retention Agreement, Mr. Rinberg was awarded 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company valued at $500,000 as compensation for his services during the two year period beginning November 1, 2005, subject to restrictions and vesting requirements. The company received a valuation from an independent appraisal firm supporting this valuation. The Rinberg shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $0.01 per share if Mr. Rinberg leaves his position with the Company prior to October 31, 2007, such repurchase rights being pro-rated over the 24-month period beginning November 1, 2005. In May 2006, the Company issued the referenced 200,000 shares of common stock to a trust company for the benefit of Richard Rinberg.
Other issuances
In respect of issuances to John Brown (related party) see Note 5.
F-26
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7. INCOME TAXES
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are presented below.
|
As of December 31, |
||||
|
2006 |
2005 |
|||
Deferred tax assets: |
|||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
$ 4,323,492 |
$ 3,280,961 |
|
Other |
17,946 |
15,075 |
|
Total gross deferred tax assets |
4,341,438 |
3,296,036 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|||
Property and equipment |
(2,913) |
(2,913) |
|
Unproved oil & gas properties |
(2,123,903) |
(1,923,085) |
|
Total gross deferred liabilities |
(2,126,816) |
(1,925,998) |
|
Less valuation allowance |
(2,214,622) |
(1,024,396) |
|
Net deferred tax assets |
$ - |
$ - |
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and tax carryforwards are utilizable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax asset, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $15,621 thousand prior to the expiration of some of the net operating loss carryforwards between 2020 and 2025. The Company has had no taxable income since inception. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are dedu ctible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deductible differences and tax carryforwards.
At December 31, 2006, the Company has available federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $5,625 thousand to reduce future U.S. taxable income. These amounts expire from 2020 to 2025. The Company's ability to benefit from the current and prior year net operating loss carryforwards could be limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382 as a result of prior ownership changes. An ownership change occurs when the ownership percentage of 5% or greater stockholders changes by more than 50% over a three year period. The Company is in the process of evaluating whether or not there has been an ownership change and if such change create any potential impact on the future utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards.
Income earned from activities in Israel is subject to regular Israeli tax rates. For Israeli tax purposes, exploration costs on unproved properties are expensed. Losses can be carried forward indefinitely, linked to the increase in the Israeli Consumer Price Index. At December 31, 2006, the Company has available net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $9,996 thousand to reduce future Israeli taxable income.
F-27
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Reconciliation between the theoretical tax on pre-tax reported income (loss) and the tax expense:
|
For the year ended December 31, |
||||
|
2006 |
2005 |
|||
U.S. pre-tax loss as reported |
$ (2,055,265) |
$ (1,327,368) |
Israeli pre tax loss as reported |
(454,605) |
(277,346) |
U.S. and Israeli pre-tax loss as reported |
$(2,509,870) |
$(1,604,714) |
U.S. statutory tax rate |
34% |
34% |
Theoretical tax on above amount per tax rate |
||
applicable to the company |
$ (853,356) |
$ (545,603) |
Increase (decrease) in tax liability resulting from: |
||
Change in tax rates |
- |
4,756 |
Permanent differences |
175,819 |
114,887 |
Foreign tax rate differential |
146,584 |
31,402 |
Change in valuation allowance |
844,584 |
345,642 |
Other differences* |
(313,631) |
48,916 |
Tax expenses per statement of income |
$ - |
$ - |
* Including differences between the definition of capital and non-monetary assets for tax purposes.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental Matters
The Company is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production and may become subject to certain liabilities as they relate to environmental cleanup of well sites or other environmental restoration procedures as they relate to the drilling of oil and gas wells or the operation thereof. Although environmental assessments are conducted on all purchased properties, in the Company's acquisition of existing or previously drilled well bores, the Company may not be aware of what environmental safeguards were taken at the time such wells were drilled or during such time the wells were operated.
Should it be determined that a liability exists with respect to any environmental clean up or restoration, the liability to cure such a violation could fall upon the Company. No claim has been made, nor is the Company aware of any contingent demands relating thereto. Liabilities for expenditures are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Royalty Commitments
The Company is obligated, according to the Israeli Petroleum Law, 5712-1952 (the "Petroleum Law"), to pay royalties to the Government of Israel on the gross production of oil and gas from the oil and gas properties of the Company located in Israel (except those reserves serving to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities). The royalty rate stated in the Petroleum Law is 12.5% of the produced reserves. At December 31, 2006, the Company did not have any outstanding obligation in respect to royalty payments, since it is at the "exploration stage" and, to this date, no proved reserves have been found.
F-28
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
Long Term Incentive Plan
The Company has initiated the establishment of a long-term management incentive plan for key employees whereby a 1.5% overriding royalty or equivalent interest in the Ma'anit-Joseph License and such other oil and gas exploration and development rights as may in the future be acquired by the Company shall be assigned to key employees.
Charitable Trusts
The Company has initiated the establishment of two charitable trusts based in Israel and in the United States for the purpose of supporting charitable projects and other charities in Israel and the United States. A 3% overriding royalty or equivalent interest in the Ma'anit-Joseph License and such other oil and gas exploration and development rights as may in the future be acquired by the Company shall be assigned to each charitable organization (6% overriding interest in the aggregate).
Surface Rights of Drilling Operations
The surface rights to the drill site from which the Company drilled the Ma'anit#1 are held under long-term lease by Kibbutz Ma'anit. The rights are owned by the State of Israel and administered by the Israel Lands authority. Permission necessary to reenter and use the drillsite to conduct petroleum operations has been granted to Zion by the Kibbutz in consideration for a monthly fee of $350. Permission of the Israel Lands Authority for the use of the surface rights is also required, which permission the authority must grant under the Petroleum Law. The Haifa Regional office of the Authority which has jurisdiction over the lands on which the Ma'anit #1 drill site is located has informed the Company that it has approved the grant of permission and forwarded the matter to the national office of the Authority for final confirmation.
Payment to Executives and Deferral of Compensation
Under existing compensation agreements the Company is committed to pay its executive officers amounts of between $800,000 and $850,000 on an annual basis. All of these officers have agreed to defer a portion of their pay through July 1, 2008.
Underwriting Agreement
Pursuant to an underwriting agreement, the Company agreed to pay to Network 1 Financial Securities, Inc., the underwriter of the Company's Public Offering (the "Underwriter"), a 24-month financial advisory and investment banking fee for an aggregate amount of $60,000 payable in full upon the closing of the Public Offering in a minimum aggregate amount of $4,000,000. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, this fee was paid in full.
In addition, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriter is to receive warrants ("H" warrants) to purchase a number of shares of the Company's common stock in an amount equal to 3% of the number of shares of common stock sold in the Public Offering by it and other placement agents appointed by it pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement at a price of $8.75 per share (or 125% of the offering price). The H warrants are exercisable beginning six months after the final closing of the Public Offering and expire on September 26, 2009. Pursuant to this undertaking during 2006, the Company issued 11,590 H Warrants (see Note 5) to purchase shares at a price of $8.75 of the Company's common stock. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Company issued an additional 24,670 H warrants to the Underwriter (See also Note 10).
Lease Commitments
The Company leases approximately 3,600 square feet of office space in Dallas under a lease which expires on October 31, 2008. The monthly rent is $4,104, $4,262 and $4,262 for each of the twelve-month periods ending October 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively, less any sublease payments received. Until mid-July 2006 approximately 800 square feet (and access to the common areas) were subleased month-to-month for payments of $920 per month.
F-29
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
Lease Commitments (continued)
During July 2005, the Company entered into a rental agreement for office premises in the industrial area of Caesarea, Israel. The rental was for a six-month period commencing August 1, 2005 with two additional three-month option periods at a monthly rental cost of $2,800. The Company subsequently extended the rental agreement through the end of July 31, 2007 with an option to further extend the agreement through January 31, 2008. The monthly rental costs during these extended periods continue at $2,800.
The future minimum lease payments are as follows:
|
2007 |
$ 84,744 |
|
2008 |
45,420 |
|
$ 130,164 |
9. LOAN TRANSACTIONS
During 2004, the Company entered into loan agreements with four entities, pursuant to which the Company borrowed $500,000. Of the loans, $300,000 was due on or before the 30th day following the initial closing of the then open initial public offering or February 28, 2005, whichever occurred first (the "$300,000 Loans") and $200,000 (the "$200,000 Loans") were due in 2009. The loans bore interest at 10% and in connection with the loans, the Company granted to the $300,000 lenders warrants to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $3.00 per share through December 31, 2005 and granted to the $200,000 lender warrants to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $3.00 per share through December 31, 2006. In connection with the placement of the $300,000 Loans, the Company paid a finder's fee in the amount of 2,500 shares of restricted common stock valued at $7,500. On September 30, 2004, the four lenders forgave their loans in full in consideration for&nb sp;shares of common stock of the company and warrants in a private placement that closed on that date, on the same terms as subscribers for cash in the private placement. The warrants to purchase 30,000 shares were exercised prior to their December 31, 2005 expiration date.
During 2006, the Company obtained $119,500 in bridge loans from individuals. These loans were converted into shares of common stock of the Company in the initial closing of the Company's Public Offering on December 29, 2006 at the initial public offering price of $7 per share.
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(1) Following the balance sheet date and through April 5, 2007, the Company (i) completed an additional five closings in the Public Offering in which it accepted additional subscriptions in the amount of $6,550,691 in consideration of the issuance of 935,813 shares of common stock bringing the total amount raised in the Public Offering through April 5, 2007 to $9,609,040 in consideration of the issuance of a total 1,372,720 shares of common stock; and (ii) issued 24,670 H warrants to the Underwriter at a price of $8.75 per share (or 125% of the offering price) exercisable commencing six months after the final closing of the Public Offering and expiring on September 26, 2009. (See also Note 8).
(2) On March 15, 2007, the company entered into a Workover and Completion Services Agreement with its drilling contractor. The agreement provides for the commencement of remedial workover, completion and testing operations on the Company's Ma'anit #1 well on April 11, 2007, but no later than April 15, 2007 on a day-rate basis at the rate of $750 per hour per operating day. Subsequent to the balance sheet date and in accordance with the agreement the Company paid $400,000 plus VAT to the drilling contractor on account of mobilization and demobilization and services of the drilling rig. (See also Note 1).
F-30
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
(3) The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Director Mr. Eugene Soltero resigned from his position effective March 28, 2007. Under the terms of the resignation agreement the Company paid Eugene Soltero the amount of $400,000 for all amounts due (including deferred amounts due prior to this agreement) under his employment agreement. Of this amount a total of $351,500 has been included as part of current liabilities to reflect service from inception to December 31, 2006.
F-31
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
ZION OIL & GAS, INC.
INDEX
ARTICLE I OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office and Agent
Section 2. Other Offices
Section 1. Place of Meeting
Section 2. Annual Meetings
Section 3. Special Meetings
Section 4. Notice of Meetings
Section 5. Quorum
Section 6. Absence of Quorum; Adjournments
Section 7. Order of Business
Section 8. List of Stockholders
Section 9. Voting
Section 10. Action Without a Meeting
Section 11. Notice of Stockholder Business
Section 1. General Powers
Section 2. Number, Qualifications and Election
Section 3. Notification of Nominations
Section 4. Quorum and Manner of Acting
Section 5. Place of Meeting
Section 6. Annual Meetings
Section 7. Regular Meetings
Section 8. Special Meetings
Section 9. Notice of Meetings
Section 10. Participation in Meeting by Means of Communication Equipment
Section 11. Action Without a Meeting
Section 12. Resignations; Removal
Section 13. Vacancies
Section 14. Compensation
Section 15. Interested Directors
Section 16. Presumption of Assent
Section 1. Executive Committee
Section 2. Other Committees
Section 3. Term 12
Section 4. Resignation
Section 5. Authority
Section 6. Alternate Members of Committees
Section 7. Regular Meetings
Section 8. Special Meetings
Section 9. Quorum; Majority Vote
Section 10. Minutes
Section 11. Compensation
Section 12. Responsibility
Section 1. Number, Term of Office
Section 2. Removal
Section 3. Resignation
Section 4. Vacancies
Section 5. Chairman of the Board
Section 5A. Chief Executive Officer
Section 6. President
Section 7. Vice Presidents
Section 8. Treasurer
Section 9. Secretary
Section 10. Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries
Section 11. Additional Titles
Section 12. Delegation of Authority
Section 1. General
Section 2. Insurance
Section 1. Certificates for Shares
Section 2. Transfer of Shares
Section 3. Address of Stockholders
Section 4. Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates
Section 5. Regulations
Section 6. Fixing Record Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record
Section 1. Method
Section 2. Waiver
Section 1. Dividends
Section 2. Books and Records
Section 3. Execution of Documents
Section 4. Deposits
Section 5. Checks
Section 6. Proxies in Respect of Stock or Other Securities of Other Corporations
Section 7. Seal
Section 8. Fiscal Year
Section 9. Amendments
Section 10. Invalid Provisions
Section 11. Headings
Section 12. References
Section 13. Contracts
Section 14. Facsimile Signatures
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
ZION OIL & GAS, INC.
These bylaws (the "Bylaws") are subject to, and governed by, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation ("Certificate of Incorporation") of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"). In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the mandatory provisions of the DGCL or the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, such provisions of the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation, as the case may be, will be controlling.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office and Agent. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, and the registered agent in charge thereof shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation may be changed from time to time by the appropriate filing by the Corporation in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may also have an office or offices, and keep the books and records of the Corporation, except as may otherwise be required by law, at such other place or places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation ("Board of Directors" or "Board") may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the stock-holders shall be held at the principal executive offices of the Corporation or at such other places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may from time to time be fixed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. The annual meetings of stock-holders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held on such date and at such time and place as may from time to time be established by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.
Section 3. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the stockholders may be called and held as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4 or by law, written notice of each meeting of the stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be given, either by personal delivery or by mail, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of the meeting; provided, however, if the meeting is called for the purpose of acting on an agreement of merger or consolidation involving the Corporation or for the purpose of authorizing the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation, the notice of the meeting shall be given at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder's address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, unless such stockholder shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices to such stockholder be mailed to some other address, in which case it shall be directed to such stockholder at such other address. If notice is mailed at least thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting, it may be done by a class of United States mail other than first class. Each such notice shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall waive notice thereof as provided in Section 2 of Article VIII of these Bylaws. Notice of adjournment of a meeting of stockholders need not be given if the time and place to which it is adjourned are announced at such meeting, unless the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days or, after adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting.
Whenever notice is required to be given by these Bylaws or by law to any stockholder to whom (i) notice of two (2) consecutive annual meetings of the stockholders, and all notices of meetings or the notice of the taking of action by written consent without a meeting to such person during the period between such two (2) consecutive annual meetings, or (ii) all, and at least two (2), payments (if sent by first class mail) of dividends or interest on securities during a twelve-month period, have been mailed addressed to such person at such person's address as shown on the records of the Corporation and have been returned undeliverable, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to such person shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. If any such person shall deliver to the Corporation a written notice setting forth such person's then current address, the re quirement that notice be given to such person shall be reinstated.
Section 5. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock of each class entitled to be voted at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the stockholders. For purposes of the foregoing, two (2) or more classes or series of stock shall be considered a single class if the holders thereof are entitled to vote together as a single class at the meeting. The stockholders present or represented at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. Shares of the Corporation's own capital stock belonging on the record date for the meeting to the Corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares en titled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, shall neither be entitled to vote nor be counted for quorum purposes; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation to vote stock, including, but not limited to, its own stock, held by it in a fiduciary capacity.
Section 6. Absence of Quorum; Adjournments. In the absence of a quorum, the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to be voted at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at the adjourned meeting of the time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting (unless the Board of Directors, after such adjournment, fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting), until a quorum shall be present, in person or by proxy. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called; provided, however, if the adjournment is for more than thi rty (30) days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting.
Section 7. Order of Business. At each meeting of the stockholders, the Chairman of the Board, or in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, in that order, shall act as chairman. The order of business at each such meeting shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts and things as are necessary or desirable for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, the establishment of procedures for the maintenance of order and safety, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments on the affairs of the Corporation, restrictions on entry to such meeting after the time prescribed for the commencement thereof and the opening and closing of the voting polls.
Section 8. List of Stockholders. At least ten (10) days before each meeting of stockholders, the Secretary or other officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in such stockholder's name. Such list shall be produced and kept available at the times and places required by law.
Section 9. Voting. Except as otherwise provided by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder of record shall be entitled at each meeting of the stockholders to one (1) vote for each share of stock which has voting power upon the matter in question, registered in such stockholder's name on the books of the Corporation:
Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by a proxy signed by such stockholder or such stockholder's attorney-in-fact or by any other means which constitutes a valid grant of a proxy under the DGCL. Any such proxy relating to a meeting of stockholders shall be delivered to the secretary of such meeting at or prior to the time designated for holding such meeting but, in any event, not later than the time designated in the order of business for so delivering such proxies. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by fili ng an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or another duly executed proxy bearing a later date than the original proxy with the Secretary of the Corporation.
At each meeting of the stockholders, all corporate actions, other than the election of directors, to be taken by vote of the stockholders (except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws) shall be authorized by a majority of the outstanding shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote thereon, present in person or represented by proxy; provided, however, that (except as otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation) the Board of Directors may require a larger vote upon any election or question. Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of the directors.
Unless required by law or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any matter, including the election of directors, need not be by written ballot. In the case of a vote by written ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by such stockholder's proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.
Section 10. Inspectors. Except as otherwise provided by law, either the Board of Directors or, in the absence of a designation of inspectors by the Board, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders may, in its or such person's discretion, appoint one or more inspectors to act at any meeting of stockholders. The inspectors or judges, if any, shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots and consents, determine the results, do such other acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders, and perform such other duties as may be specified by the Board or the chairman of the meeting. On request of the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors or judges, if any, shall make a report in writing of any challenge, questi on or matter determined by them, and execute a certificate of any fact found by them. Inspectors and judges need not be stockholders. No director or nominee for the office of director shall be appointed as such an inspector or judge.
Section 11. Action Without a Meeting. After the first time the Corporation has more than sixty (60) stockholders, any action required by law to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders, may not be effected by consent in writing in lieu of a meeting by such stockholders. Prior to such time, any such action may be effected by written consent of the number of stockholders who would be required to consent to such action under the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or applicable law.
Section 12. Notice of Stockholder Business. At a meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before a meeting, business or a proposal must (a) be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the persons calling the meeting as herein provided, (b) otherwise be properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (c) otherwise (i) be properly requested to be brought before the meeting by a stockholder of record entitled to vote in the election of directors generally, and (ii) constitute a proper subject to be brought before such meeting.
For business or a proposal to be properly brought before a meeting of stockholders, any stockholder who intends to bring any matter (other than the election of directors) before a meeting of stockholders and is entitled to vote on such matter must deliver written notice of such stockholder's intent to bring such matter before the meeting of stockholders, either by personal delivery or by United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation. Such notice must be received by the Secretary: (i) with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days in advance of such meeting; and (ii) with respect to any special meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the a nnual meeting of stockholders is given or made to the stockholders, to be timely, notice of a proposal delivered by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting of stockholders was mailed or such public disclosure was made to the stockholders.
A stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting of stockholders (a) a brief description of the business or proposal desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (b) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business and any other stockholders known to be supporting the proposal, (c) the class or classes of stock and number of shares of such class or classes of stock which are beneficially owned by the proposing stockholder on the date of the stockholder notice, and (d) any material interest of the proposing stockholder in such business.
No business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12. The Board of Directors may reject any stockholder proposal submitted for consideration at a meeting of stockholders which is not made in accordance with the terms of this Section 12 or which is not a proper subject for stockholder action in accordance with provisions of applicable law. Alternatively, if the Board of Directors fails to consider the validity of any such stockholder proposal, the presiding officer of a meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that (i) the business proposed to be brought before the meeting is not a proper subject therefor and/or (ii) such business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions hereof, and if he should so determine, he shall declare to the meeting that (i) the business proposed to be brought before the meeting is not a proper subject therefor and/or (ii) such business was not properly brought before the meeting and (iii) that such business shall not be transacted. The Board of Directors or, as the case may be, the presiding officer of the meeting shall have absolute authority to decide questions of compliance with the foregoing procedures and the Board of Directors' or, as the case may be, the presiding officer's ruling thereon shall be final and conclusive. This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the annual meeting of stockholders of reports of officers, directors and committees of the Board of Directors, but, in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein provided.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
Section 2. Number, Qualifications and Election. The exact number of directors that shall constitute the whole Board shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the number so fixed shall not be less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11); and provided further that no decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation or citizens or residents of the United States.
The Board of Directors is specifically authorized to divide the Board into three (3) classes, as authorized by the DGCL and the Certificate of Incorporation, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the whole Board permits. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the Class whose term then expires shall be elected for a full term of three (3) years to succeed the directors of such Class so that the term of office of the directors of one Class shall expire in each year.
In any election of directors, the persons receiving a plurality of the votes cast, up to the number of directors to be elected in such election, shall be deemed elected. The stockholders of the Corporation are expressly prohibited from cumulating their votes in any election of directors of the Corporation. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.
Section 3. Notification of Nominations. Except for directors elected pursuant to the provisions of Section 13 of this Article III, only individuals nominated for election to the Board of Directors pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 may be elected to and may serve upon the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally. Subject to the foregoing, only a stockholder of record entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may nominate one (1) or more persons for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders and only if written notice of such stockholder's intent to make such nomination or nominations has been given, either by personal delivery or by United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretar y of the Corporation and has been received by the Secretary: (i) with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days in advance of such meeting; and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting of stockholders is given or made to stockholders, to be timely, notice of a nomination delivered by such stockholder must be received by the Secretary not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting of stockholders was mailed or such public disclosure was made to the stockholders.
Each such notice shall set forth:
To be effective, each notice of intent to make a nomination given hereunder shall be accompanied by the written consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if elected.
At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary the information required by this Section 3 to be set forth in a stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.
The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions hereof and, if he should so determine, he shall declare to the meeting that such nomination was not properly brought before the meeting and shall not be considered. The chairman of a meeting of stockholders shall have absolute authority to decide questions of compliance with the foregoing procedures and such chairman's ruling thereon shall be final and conclusive.
Section 4. Quorum and Manner of Acting. Except as otherwise provided by law or in Article IV of these Bylaws, (i) a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board and (ii) the vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board unless the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws require a vote of a greater number. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time and place. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called may be transacted.
Section 5. Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors may hold its meetings at such place or places within or without the State of Delaware as the Board may from time to time determine or as shall be specified or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.
Section 6. Annual Meetings. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held for the purpose of organization and the transaction of any other business, without notice, immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders, and at the same place, unless such time or place shall be changed by the Board.
Section 7. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as the Board shall establish from time to time by resolution. If any day fixed for a regular meeting shall be a legal holiday under the laws of the place where the meeting is to be held, the meeting that would otherwise be held on that day shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding business day.
Section 8. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the CEO, and shall be called by the Secretary upon the written request of any two (2) or more directors.
Section 9. Notice of Meetings. Notice of annual and regular meetings of the Board of Directors or of any adjourned meeting thereof need not be given. Notice of each special meeting of the Board shall be mailed to each director, addressed to such director at such director's residence or usual place of business, not later than the third (3rd) day before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or shall be sent to such director at such place by facsimile or other electronic transmission, or be given personally or by telephone, not later than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting is to be held, but notice need not be given to any director who shall waive notice thereof as provided in Section 2 of Article VIII of these Bylaws. Every such notice shall state the time and place, but need not state the purpose, of the meeting.
Section 10. Participation in Meeting by Means of Communication Equipment. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in any meeting of the Board or of any such committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 11. Action Without a Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee of the Board of Directors, may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the directors or all the committee members, as the case may be, entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a vote of such directors or committee members, as the case may be, and may be stated as such in any certificate or document filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or in any certificate delivered to any person. Such consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be.
Section 12. Resignations; Removal. Any director of the Corporation may at any time resign by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time be not specified, upon delivery thereof; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. A director may be removed from office only for cause (as set forth below) upon the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the Voting Stock (as defined in Article Tenth of the Certificate of Incorporation) voting together as a single class, with the vote to be at a special meeting of stockholders called expressly for that purpose. For purposes hereof, "cause" for removal shall exist only if the dir ector whose removal is proposed (i) has been convicted of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and such conviction is no longer subject to direct appeal; or (ii) has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable for gross negligence or misconduct in the performance of the duties of such director to the Corporation in connection with a matter of substantial importance to the Corporation, and such adjudication has become final and non-appealable; or (iii) has missed six (6) consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors.
Section 13. Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, vacancies on the Board of Directors and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election of the Class for which such directors shall have been chosen, and until their successors are duly elected and shall qualify, unless sooner displaced. If there are no directors in office then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by the statutes.
Section 14. Compensation. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, paid to directors for attendance at regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity or receiving compensation therefor.
Section 15. Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because such person's or persons' votes are counted for such purpose, if: (i) the material facts as to such person's relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes o f a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to such person's relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.
Section 16. Presumption of Assent. A director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board or a committee thereof when corporate action is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken, unless he objects at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon his arrival, to holding the meeting or transacting specific business at the meeting, or he votes against or abstains from the action taken.
ARTICLE IV
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate annually two (2) or more of its members to constitute members or alternate members of an Executive Committee, which Committee shall have and may exercise, between meetings of the Board, all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, including, if such Committee is so empowered and authorized by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, the power and authority to declare a dividend and to authorize the issuance of stock, and may authorize the seal (if one is adopted) of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it, except that the Executive Committee shall have no power or authority to:
The Board shall have the power at any time to change the membership of the Executive Committee, to fill all vacancies in it and to discharge it, either with or without cause. For purposes of this Article IV, all references to "committee" or "committees" shall include the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate from among its members one or more other committees, each of which shall, except as otherwise prescribed by law, have such authority of the Board as may be specified in the resolution of the Board designating such committee. A majority of all members of such committee may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board shall otherwise provide. The Board shall have the power at any time to change the membership of, to fill all vacancies in and to discharge any such committee, either with or without cause.
Section 3. Term. Each committee member shall serve as such until the earliest of (i) the expiration of his term as director, (ii) his resignation as a committee member or as a director, or (iii) his removal as a committee member or as a director.
Section 4. Resignation. Any committee member may at any time resign by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of delivery of such notice or at any later date specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 5. Authority. Each committee, to the extent expressly provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation except to the extent expressly restricted by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws. Each committee may adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of law, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws for the conduct of its meetings as such committee deems proper.
Section 6. Alternate Members of Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee. Any such alternate member may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. If no alternate committee members have been so appointed to a committee or each such alternate committee member is absent or disqualified, the member or members of such committee present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
Section 7. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place, if any, as may be designated from time to time by the committee and communicated to all members thereof.
Section 8. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee may be held whenever called by any committee member. The committee member calling any special meeting shall cause notice of such special meeting, including therein the time and place, if any, of such special meeting, to be given to each committee member at least two (2) days before such special meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of any committee need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of any special meeting. Notice need not be given to any member who shall waive notice thereof as provided in Section 2 of Article VIII of these Bylaws. Any special meeting of the Executive Committee or any other committee of the Board shall be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given if all the members thereof shall be present thereat.
Section 9. Quorum; Majority Vote. At meetings of any committee, a majority of the number of members designated by the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present in person or by means of remote communication at a meeting of any committee, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present. The act of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be the act of a committee, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws.
Section 10. Minutes. Each committee shall cause minutes of its proceedings to be prepared and shall report the same to the Board of Directors upon the request of the Board of Directors. The minutes of the proceedings of each committee shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation for placement in the minute books of the Corporation.
Section 11. Compensation. Committee members may, by resolution of the Board of Directors, be allowed a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending any committee meetings or a stated salary.
Section 12. Responsibility. The designation of any committee and the delegation of authority to it shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors or any director of any responsibility imposed upon it or such director by law.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number, Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, one or more Vice Presidents as may be determined from time to time by the Board (and in the case of each such Vice President, with such descriptive title, if any, including that of Executive or Senior Vice President, as the Board shall deem appropriate), a Treasurer, a Secretary and such other officers or agents with such titles and such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, each to have such authority, functions or duties as in these Bylaws provided or as the Board may from time to time determine, and each to hold office for such term as may be prescribed by the Board and until such person's successor shall have been elected and shall qualify, or until such person's death or resignation, or until such person's removal in the ma nner hereinafter provided. The Chairman of the Board shall be elected from among the directors. One person may hold the offices and perform the duties of any two (2) or more of said officers; provided, however, that no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers. The Board may from time to time authorize any officer to appoint and remove any such other officers and agents and to prescribe their powers and duties.
Section 2. Removal. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors at any meeting thereof, or, except in the case of any officer elected by the Board, by any committee or superior officer upon whom such power may be conferred by the Board.
Section 3. Resignation. Any officer may at any time resign by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of delivery of such notice or at any later date specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal or any other cause may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for election to such office.
Section 5. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall, if present, preside at meetings of the stockholders, meetings of the Board and meetings of the Executive Committee. The Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties as the Board or the Executive Committee may from time to time determine. The Chairman of the Board may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board or any committee thereof empowered to authorize the same.
Section 5A. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the officer of the Corporation chiefly responsible for corporate policy making and the general supervision and direction of the Corporation's business. The Chief Executive Officer shall, if present and in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, preside at meetings of the stockholders, meetings of the Board and meetings of the Executive Committee. The Chief Executive Officer may serve also as the Chairman of the Board or the President. The Chief Executive Officer may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board or any committee thereof empowered to authorize the same.
Section 6. President. The President shall, if present and in the absence of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, preside at meetings of the stockholders, meetings of the Board and meetings of the Executive Committee. The President shall counsel with and advise the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer and perform such other duties as the Board, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time determine. The President may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board or any committee thereof empowered to authorize the same.
Section 7. Vice Presidents. Each Vice President shall have such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors. Any Vice President may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board or any committee thereof empowered to authorize the same. Any Vice President may also be designated a Senior or Executive Vice President.
Section 8. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall perform all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the Treasurer by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Board of Directors. The Board may require the Treasurer to give security for the faithful performance of such person's duties. The duties of the Treasurer may also be performed by any Assistant Treasurer.
Section 9. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to act as secretary at all meetings of the Board of Directors, of the Executive Committee and of the stockholders and to record the proceedings of such meetings in a book or books kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall see that all notices required to be given by the Corporation are duly given and served; the Secretary shall be custodian of the seal of the Corporation (if one is adopted) and shall affix the seal or cause it to be affixed to all certificates of stock of the Corporation (unless the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as hereinafter provided) and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; the Secretary shall have charge of the stock ledger books and also of the other books, records and papers of the Corporation and shall see that the reports, statements and other do cuments required by law are properly kept and filed; and the Secretary shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such person by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors. The duties of the Secretary may also be served by any Assistant Secretary.
Section 10. Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. If elected, the Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, of by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer as respects Assistant Treasurers, or the Board of Directors. The Board may require any Assistant Treasurer to give security for the faithful performance of such person's duties.
Section 11. Additional Titles. In addition to titles as designated in Section 5 through Section 10 of this Article V, the Board of Directors may designate particular officers of the Corporation to have other or additional titles indicative on their managerial responsibilities within the Corporation. The officer of the Corporation charged with the supervision and management of the daily operations of the Corporation may, in addition to his or her other titles, be designated the "Chief Operating Officer." The officer of the Corporation chiefly responsible for the finances, securities and accounting systems of the Corporation may, in addition to his or her other title or titles, be designated the "Chief Financial Officer." The Board of Directors may give officers of the Corporation such other additional titles and designations as it shall deem appropriate.
Section 12. Delegation of Authority. In the case of any absence of any officer of the Corporation or for any other reason that the Board of Directors may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate some or all of the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, employee or agent for whatever period of time seems desirable, providing that a majority of the entire Board concurs therewith.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. General. Each person who at any time shall serve or shall have served as a Director or officer of the Corporation, or any person who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be entitled to (a) indemnification and (b) the advancement of expenses incurred by such person from the Corporation as, and to the fullest extent, provided for under Article Ninth of the Certificate of Incorporation and permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL or any successor statutory provision, as from time to time amended. The Corporation may indemnify any other person, to the same extent and subject to the same limitations specified in the immediately preceding sentence, by reason of the fact that such other person is or was an employee or agent of the Corpor ation or, at the request of the Corporation, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The foregoing right of indemnification and advancement of expenses provided shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors of the Corporation or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. All rights to indemnification under this Article VI shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and the director, officer, employee or agent who served in such capacity at any time while this Article VI, Article Ninth of the Certificate of Incorporation and other relevant provisions of the DGCL and other applicable law, if any, are in effect. Any repeal or modification hereof or thereof shall not affect any rights or obligat ions then existing. Without limiting the provisions of this Article VI, the Corporation is authorized from time to time, without further action by the stockholders of the Corporation, to enter into agreements with any director or officer of the Corporation providing such rights of indemnification as the Corporation may deem appropriate, up to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any agreement entered into by the Corporation with a director may be authorized by the other directors, and such authorization shall not be invalid on the basis that similar agreements may have been or may thereafter be entered into with other directors.
Section 2. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or, at the request of the Corporation, a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have had the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the applicable provisions of this Article VI, Article Ninth of the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 1. Certificates For Shares. Certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation, whenever authorized by the Board of Directors, shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board. The certificates representing shares of stock shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation, and sealed with the seal of the Corporation (if one has been adopted), which may be by a facsimile thereof. Any or all such signatures may be facsimiles. Although any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate ceases to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent or registrar were still such at the date of issue. The certificates shall be consecutively numbered and shall be entered in the books of the Corporation as they are issued and shall exhibit the holder's name and the number of shares. To avoid any doubt, shares of stock of the Corporation need not be represented by certificates, but may be uncertificated and reflected by book entry only.
The stock ledger and blank share certificates shall be kept by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or a transfer agent or by a registrar or by any other officer or agent designated by the Board.
Section 3. Address of Stockholders. Each stockholder shall designate to the Secretary or transfer agent of the Corporation an address at which notices of meetings and all other corporate notices may be served or mailed to such person and, if any stockholder shall fail to designate such address, corporate notices may be served upon such person by mail directed to such person at such person's post office address, if any, as the same appears on the stock record books of the Corporation or at such person's last known post office address.
Section 4. Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates. The holder of any share of stock of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the certificate therefor. The Corporation may issue to such holder a new certificate or certificates for shares, upon the surrender of the mutilated certificate or, in the case of loss, theft or destruction of the certificate, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate or certificates representing shares to be lost or destroyed. The Board of Directors, or a committee designated thereby, may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such person's legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as it may direct to indemnify the Corpor ation and said transfer agents and registrars against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.
Section 5. Regulations. The Board of Directors may make such additional rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue and transfer of certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation and may make such rules and take such action as it may deem expedient concerning the issue of certificates in lieu of certificates claimed to have been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated.
Section 6. Fixing Record Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action.
If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
ARTICLE VIII
NOTICE
Section 1. Method. Whenever by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any committee member, director, or stockholder and no provision is made as to how such notice shall be given, personal notice shall not be required and any such notice may be given (a) in writing, by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such committee member, director, or stockholder at his, her or its address as it appears on the books or (in the case of a stockholder) the stock transfer records of the Corporation, or (b) by any other method permitted by law (including but not limited to overnight courier service, telegram, or electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL). Any notice required or permitted to be given by mail shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time when the same is deposited in the United States mail as aforesaid. Any notice r equired or permitted to be given by overnight courier service shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time delivered to such service with all charges prepaid and addressed as aforesaid. Any notice required or permitted to be given by telegram, telex, or telefax shall be deemed to be delivered and given at the time transmitted with all charges prepaid and addressed as aforesaid. Any notice required or permitted to be given by electronic transmission shall be deemed to be delivered and given according to Section 232 of the DGCL.
Section 2. Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder, director, or committee member of the Corporation by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or waiver by electronic transmission by such person, whether given before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a stockholder, director, or committee member at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of such meeting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Dividends. Subject to provisions of law and the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of stock of the Corporation. Such declaration and payment shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Books and Records. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account, shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders and Board of Directors and shall keep at its registered office or principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names and addresses of all stockholders and the number and class of the shares held by each.
Section 3. Execution of Documents. The Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Financial Officer, any Executive Vice President and any other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation designated by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof shall have power to execute and deliver deeds, contracts, mortgages, bonds, debentures, notes, checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money and other documents for and in the name of the Corporation and the Board or any committee thereof may authorize such officers, employees and agents to delegate such power (including authority to redelegate) by written instrument to other officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Such delegation may be by resolution or otherwise and the authority granted shall be general or confined to specific matters, all as the Board or such committee may determine. In the absence of such designation refer red to in the first sentence of this Section 3, the officers of the Corporation shall have such power so referred to, to the extent incident to the normal performance of their duties.
Section 4. Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation or otherwise as the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or any officer of the Corporation to whom power in that respect shall have been delegated by the Board or any such committee shall select.
Section 5. Checks. All checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money out of the funds of the Corporation, and all notes or other evidence of indebtedness of the Corporation, shall be signed on behalf of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof. In the absence of such resolution referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, the officers of the Corporation shall have such power so referred to, to the extent incident to the normal performance of their duties.
Section 6. Proxies in Respect of Stock or Other Securities of Other Corporations. The Board of Directors or any committee thereof shall designate the officers of the Corporation who shall have authority from time to time to appoint an agent or agents of the Corporation to exercise in the name and on behalf of the Corporation the powers and rights that the Corporation may have as the holder of stock or other securities or interests in any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and to vote or consent in respect of such stock, securities or interests; such designated officers may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of exercising such powers and rights; and such designated officers may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, such written proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as they may deem nec essary or proper in order that the Corporation may exercise its said powers and rights. In the absence of such designation referred to in the first sentence of this Section 4, the officers of the Corporation shall have such power so referred to, to the extent incident to the normal performance of their duties.
Section 7. Seal. The Board of Directors may provide a corporate seal, which, if adopted, shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may approve and adopt. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.
Section 8. Fiscal Year. The twelve-month period ending at midnight on December 31 in each year shall be the fiscal year of the Corporation.
Section 9. Amendments. The Board of Directors may, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then serving, make, adopt, alter, amend, and repeal from time to time these Bylaws and make from time to time new Bylaws of the Corporation (subject to the right of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon to adopt, alter, amend, and repeal Bylaws made by the Board of Directors or to make new Bylaws); provided, however, that the stockholders of the Corporation may adopt, alter, amend, or repeal Bylaws made by the Board of Directors or make new Bylaws solely upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the Voting Stock (as defined in Article Tenth of the Certificate of Incorporation) voting together as a single classvoting .
Section 10. Invalid Provisions. If any part of these Bylaws shall be held invalid or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, so far as it is possible and reasonable, shall remain valid and operative.
Section 11. Headings. The headings used in these Bylaws have been inserted for administrative convenience only and do not constitute matter to be construed in interpretation.
Section 12. References. Whenever herein the singular number is used, the same shall include the plural where appropriate, and words of any gender should include each other gender where appropriate.
Section 13. Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any person or persons, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to enter into or execute and deliver any and all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other obligations or instruments, and such authority may be general or confined in specific instances.
Section 14. Facsimile Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
The undersigned Assistant Secretary of the Corporation hereby certifies that the forgoing Bylaws were adopted by consent of the directors of the Corporation as of the 30th day of June, 2003, and amended and restated as of September 28, 2004, October 28, 2005 and January 24, 2007 by approval of the directors of the Corporation.
s/William H. Avery
Assistant Secretary
EXHIBIT 10.1
MA'ANIT-JOSEPH LICENSE
The pages which follow are free translations from the Hebrew of the documents setting forth the granting of License No. 298 / "Ma'anit-Joseph":
Document A: Original License 298 "Ma'anit" granted on May, 2000.
Document B: Cover letter dated January 1, 2003 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs changing the name to "Ma'anit-Joseph" and extending the term of the license.
Document C: Notice dated January 1, 2003 from the Minister of National Infrastructures officially changing the boundaries of the License.
Document D: Official notice and annex dated January 1, 2003 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs with the new boundaries.
Document E: Extension letter from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs setting the new dates by which a drilling contract is to be signed (July 1, 2004) and the first well is to begin (October 1, 2004).
Document F: Extension letter dated October 17, 2004 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs setting the new dates by which a drilling contract is to be signed (November 10, 2004) and funds have to be available to drill the first well is to begin (March 1, 2005).
Document G: Extension letter dated April 10, 2005 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs setting the new termination date of the license at April 30, 2007.
Document H: Notice dated August 1, 2005 from the Minister of National Infrastructures officially changing the boundaries of the License.
Document I: Official annex dated August 1, 2005 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs with the new boundaries.
Document J: Letter dated October 4, 2006 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs approving the revision in work program.
Document K: Letter dated February 13, 2007 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs confirming maintenance of the License during operations.
Document L: Letter dated March 7, 2007 from the Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs deferring date for commencement of operations to April 15, 2007.
(Document A)
STATE OF ISRAEL
LICENSE
License No. 298 / "Ma'anit"
This License is granted to-Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. - 100%
This License is granted--with respect to the area described in the first Annex
This License is granted-subject to the provisions of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952, and the Regulations issued pursuant thereto, and to the special conditions detailed in the Secon Annex. The first and Second Annex are an integral part of this License.
Granted in Jerusalem, on-26 Nissan, 5770 May 1, 2000.
s/Dr. Yehezkel Drukman
Dr, Yehezkel Drukman
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
This License was registered in the Petroleum Registry on 26 Nissan, 5770 May 1, 2000.
STATE OF ISRAEL
License No. 298 / "Ma'anit"
F I R S T A N N E X
Description of the Area
From N.Z. 148.0/212.0 thence East
To N.Z. 158.0/212.0 thence North-East
To N.Z. 162.0/216.0 thence East
To N.Z. 169.1/216.0 thence South-West along the green line
To N.Z. 155.7/204.0 thence West
To N.Z. 148.0/204.0 thence North and back.
To N.Z. 148.0/212.0
(The coordinates are based on the Israeli Grid.)
Total area is 115,200 Dunam (115.2 square kilometers)
The area of the License is defined by the N.Z. grid points stated above. In the event of a discrepancy between maps submitted by the Licensee and the above description, the N.Z. grid points control.
Granted in Jerusalem on
26 Nissan 5760
1st May 2000
s/Dr. Yehezkel Drukman
Dr. Yehezkel Drukman
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
STATE OF ISRAEL
License No. 298 / "Ma'anit"
S E C O N D A N N E X
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
During the period of the License, the Licensee shall conduct the following work program:
No originl geophysical materials, magnetic tapes etc. shall be taken out of the country, rather copies only.
Granted in Jerusalem on
26 Nissan 5760
1st May 2000
s/Dr. Yehezkel Drukman
Dr. Yehezkel Drukman
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
(Document B)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Petroleum Unit
27 Tevet 5763
1 January 2003
Neft 483-2002
To
Mr. Elisha Roih
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
Ya'acov Meridor 23/11
Tel Aviv - 69411
Dear Sirs,
Re: Extension of Term of License 298/"Ma'anit - Joseph"
Pursuant to Section 65 of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952, please take notice that I have extended the term of License 298/"Ma-anit" to 21 Nissan 5765 (30 April 2005).
Please note also that at your Company's request, I have changed the name of the License to "Ma'anit-Joseph".
In the extended term, the Company shall implement the following work program:
1. The prospects that were prepared in the context of the Ma'anit License and Joseph Preliminary Permit shall be ranked and the first prospect to be drilled shall be chosen.
2. Not later than July 1, 2004, the Licensee shall commence a well to a depth of at least 4,000 meters.
3. Not later than April 1, 2004, the Licensee shall sign a contract with a drilling contractor for drilling the well. A copy shall be presented to Petroleum Commission.
Very truly yours,
/s/---
Dr. Yehezkel Druckman
Commission of Petroleum Affairs
(Document C)
MINISTER OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Notice in the Matter of Change in
Boundaries of a Petroleum License
pursuant of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952
I hereby give notice that, in accordance with my authority pursuant to section 49 of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952, and following consultation with the Petroleum Commission, on 27 Tevet 5763 (1 January 2003), I amended the boundaries of License 298/"Ma'anit" such that its new boundaries on the New Israeli grid are as follows:
|
From |
N.Z. |
187.200/687.000 |
thence North |
|
To |
N.Z. |
187.000/698.000 |
thence North-East along the Mediterranean Sea coast |
|
To |
N.Z. |
188.500/704.000 |
thence North-East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
194.400/711.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
204.000/711.000 |
thence North-East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
208.000/712.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
210.000/712.000 |
thence North East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
213.000/715.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
218.000/715.000 |
thence South-West along the Green Line |
|
To |
N.Z. |
207.400/707.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
203.000/704.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
200.000/687.000 |
thence West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
197.000/687.000 |
thence South |
|
To |
N.Z. |
197.000/686.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
194.000/684.000 |
thence North-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
181.200/687.000 |
thence West and back |
|
To |
N.Z. |
187.200/687.000 |
|
Total approximately 387,700 dunam.
|
/s/- Ephraim Eitam Minister of National Infrastructures |
27 Tevet 5763
1st January 2003
(Document D)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Notice in the Matter of Extension of Term of
a Petroleum Right under the
Petroleum Law, 5712-1952
____________
In accordance with section 65 of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952, I give notice that I have extended the term of License 298/"Ma'anit" through 21 Nissan 5765 (30 April 2005).
At the request of the Company, I have changed the name of the License to "Ma'anit - Joseph".
/s/ ----
Yehezkel Druckman
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
27 Tevet 5763
1 January 2003
STATE OF ISRAEL
License No. 298/"Ma'anit - Joseph"
(following amendment of boundaries)
FIRST ANNEX
Description of the Area
|
From |
N.Z. |
187.200/687.000 |
thence North |
|
To |
N.Z. |
187.000/698.000 |
thence North-East along the Mediterranean Sea coast |
|
To |
N.Z. |
188.500/704.000 |
thence North-East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
194.400/711.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
204.000/711.000 |
thence North-East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
208.000/712.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
210.000/712.000 |
thence North-East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
213.000/715.000 |
thence East |
|
To |
N.Z. |
218.000/715.000 |
thence South-West along the Green Line |
|
To |
N.Z. |
207.400/707.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
203.000/704.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
200.000/687.000 |
thence West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
197.000/687.000 |
thence South |
|
To |
N.Z. |
197.000/686.000 |
thence South-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
194.000/684.000 |
thence North-West |
|
To |
N.Z. |
181.200/687.000 |
thence West and back |
|
To |
N.Z. |
187.200/687.000 |
|
Total area of 387,700 Dunam (387.7km2).
The coordinates are based on the New Israeli Grid.
The area of the License is defined by the N.Z. grid points stated above. In the event of a discrepancy between maps submitted by the Licensee and the above description, the N.Z. grid points control.
Granted in Jerusalem on
27 Tevet 57631st January 2003
|
/s/- Dr. Yehezkel Druckman Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs |
(Document E)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Petroleum Unit
16 Shevat 5764
8 February 2004
Neft 36-2004
To:
Mr. Philip Mandelker, Adv.
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
Adam Law Offices
3 Daniel Frisch St.
Tel-Aviv 64731
Dear Mr. Mandelker,
Re: License 298 / "Ma'anit - Joseph"
In light of your February 3, 2004 letter in which you detailed the bureaucratic delays being experienced in approval of the public issuance of the Company's shares, I defer the implementation of the work program by three months.
Accordingly, your client will be required to present to the Petroleum Commissioner a contract with a drilling contractor no later than July 1, 2004 and commence the drilling of a well to Triassic formations no later than October 1, 2004.
Very truly yours,
s/Dr. Yehezkel Druckman
cc: Mr. Elisha Roih
(Document F)
S T A T E O F I S R A E L
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Petroleum Unit
2 Heshvan 5765
17 October 2004
Petroleum 2004 - 242
Mr. Glen Perry
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
Yair Stern St.
Herzelia 46412
Dear Sir,
Re: Petroleum Exploration License 298/Ma'anit-Joseph
Further to your request, I shall extend the term of the referenced license issued to Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (hereinafter - "Zion") through 30 April 2006 on the fulfillment of all the following conditions:
1. No later than 10 November 2004, Zion shall sign a contract with a drilling contractor for the drilling of a well to at least 4,000 meters (the Mohilla structure) (hereinafter - the "Well");
2. Not later than 1 March 2005, Zion shall prove to my satisfaction one of the following:
(a) that Zion has on deposit in its account an amount which, together with amounts previously paid on account of the Well, will be sufficient to cover the costs of drilling the Well and conducting the customary tests (the expected cost of the Well as fixed in the AFE for these purposes) (hereinafter - the "Drilling Funds"); or
(b) if Zion has submitted an application to transfer a portion of its rights in the License or in the Well to a third party, that there is in the accounts of Zion and the third party collectively an amount equal to the Drilling Funds.
For the purposes of clause 2, the term "in the account" includes a deposit in a bank or a securities account, a bank guarantee, letter of credit or other form satisfactory to me.
You have informed me that you intend to use the drilling rig that prior to use by you will be serving Givot Olam. If this drilling rig will be released a sufficient time prior to the end of the License's current term (being 30 April 2005), I shall amend the schedule of the work program so that you shall be required to commence the Well by the later of (1) 45 (forty five) days following the release of the drilling rig by Givot Olam and the confirmation of the owner of the rig (Lapidoth) that it is available for your use or (2) 1 March 2004.
Very truly yours,
/s/ -
Dr. Ya'acov Mimran
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
cc. Dr. Avi Honigstein, Deputy Petroleum Commissioner
Ilana Levine, Adv.
(Document G)
S T A T E O F I S R A E L
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Petroleum Unit
1 Nissan 5765
10 April 2005
Petroleum 2005-96
Mr. E. Roih
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
Yair Stern St.
Herzelia 46412
Dear Sir,
Re: Extension of Term of License 298/"Ma'anit-Joseph"
Your letter of 7 April 2005
Further to your request in the above-referenced letter, I hereby extend the term of License 298/"Ma'anit-Joseph" for an additional two years, i.e. through 30 April 2007.
During the period of the extension the company shall deepen the Ma'anit #1 well at least to the Mohilla formation and will perform the required tests. Not later than 4 months after the completion of the drilling, the company shall present a plan satisfactory to the Commissioner for the continuation of exploration in the License area.
Very truly yours,
/s/ -
Dr. Ya'acov Mimran
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
(Document H)
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
1 August 2005
25 Tamuz 5765
Petroleum 2005-190
Mr. Elisha Roih
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.
9 Yair Stern St.
Herzelia 46412
Dear Sir,
Re: Addition of Lands under License 298/ "Ma'anit - Joseph"
Pursuant to the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952
Please be informed that pursuant to the authority vested in me under Section 49 of the Petroleum Law, 5712-1952, and following consultation with the Petroleum Commission in accordance with the said law, I approved, on 25 Tamuz 5765 (August 1, 2005), the addition of lands under License 298/ "Ma'anit - Joseph". The new boundaries of the License will be:
From Map point 188.5/704.0 thence North East
To Map point 194.4/711.0 thence East
To Map point 204.0/711.0 thence North East
To Map point 208.0/712.0 thence East
To Map point 210.0/712.0 thence North East
To Map point 213.0/715.0 thence East
To Map point 218.0/715.0 thence North West along the
international border
To Map point 207.4/707.0 thence North West along the
international border
To Map point 203.0/704.0 thence North West along the
international border
To Map point 200.0/687.0 thence East
To Map point 200.5/687.0 thence South West
To Map point 200.0/685.0 thence West
To Map point 198.5/685.0 thence South West
To Map point 194.0/684.0 thence North West
To Map point 181.2/687.0 thence West
To Map point 187.2/687.0 thence North West
To Map point 187.2/698.0 thence North East along to
coast line and back
To Map point 188.5/705.0
Total area is approximately 397,000 Dunam
Sincerely,
/s/ (-)
Binyamin Ben Eliezer,
Minister of National Infrastructure
(Document I)
STATE OF ISRAEL
Petroleum Law, 5712 - 1952
License No. 298/"Ma'anit-Joseph" (after change in lands)
F I R S T A N N E X
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA:
From Map point 188.5/704.0 thence North East
To Map point 194.4/711.0 thence East
To Map point 204.0/711.0 thence North East
To Map point 208.0/712.0 thence East
To Map point 210.0/712.0 thence North East
To Map point 213.0/715.0 thence East
To Map point 218.0/715.0 thence North West along the
International border
To Map point 207.4/707.0 thence North West along the
International border
To Map point 203.0/704.0 thence North West along the
International border
To Map point 200.0/687.0 thence East
To Map point 200.5/687.0 thence South West
To Map point 200.0/687.0 thence West
To Map point 198.5/685.0 thence South West
To Map point 194.0/684.0 thence North West
To Map point 181.2/687.0 thence West
To Map point 187.2/687.0 thence North West
To Map point 187.2/698.0 thence North East along to
coast line and back
To Map point 188.5/705.0
Total area is approximately 397,000 Dunam (397.0 km2)
The coordinates are based on the new Israeli Grid/
The lands subject of the License are defined by the Map points set forth above only. It is specifically declared hereby in the event of a discrepancy between the maps submitted by the Licensee and the above description, the Map points shall control.
Granted in Jerusalem, on 25 Tamuz 5765
1 August 2205
/s/ (-)
Dr. Yaacov Mimran
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
(DOCUMENT J)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
NATURAL RESOURCES LICENSING ADMINISTRATION
Petroleum Unit
12 Tishrei 5767
4 October 2006
Pet 2006-248
Mr. Glen Perry
Zion Oil and Gas, Inc.
15 Bareket St., Industrial Park
Caesarea 38900
Dear Sir,
Re: License 298/
Your letter of 28.09.06
In response to your request in the referenced letter, I hereby approve changes in the work program as follows:
1. Notification to the Petroleum Commissioner on the election between two options: - drilling of a new well to a depth of 4,400 meters or reentry of the Ma
2. Entry into a contract with a drilling contractor for the elected option
- by February 1, 2007.3. Commencement of the new well or the reentry of the Ma
'anit 1A - by March 1, 2007.
With wishes for the New Year,
/s/ -----
Dr. Ya
'acov MimranPetroleum Commissioner
(DOCUMENT K)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Natural Resources Licensing Authority
Petroleum Unit
25 Shevat 5767
13 February 2007
Petroleum 2007-51
Mr. Philip Mandelker, Adv.
Adam Law Offices
Daniel Frisch St. 3
Tel-Aviv 64731
Dear Sir,
Re: License 298/"Ma'anit-Joseph" - Request of Israel Lands Authority
Regarding your letter of Feb. 12, 2007
The term of the referenced License is set to expire on April 30, 2007. In this connection, at your request, I hereby confirm that, if Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. commences operations on the Ma'anit well or a new well in the License area in accordance with the terms of an authorized work program - Zion's rights under the License will be maintained. The rights will be maintained through the completion of the operations in the field and for such additional time as required for completion of the analysis of the results of the well as prescribed by the undersigned.
Yours truly,
/s/ ________
Dr. Ya'acov Mimran
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
(DOCUMENT L)
STATE OF ISRAEL
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Natural Resources Licensing Authority
Petroleum Unit
17 Adar 5767
7 March 2007
Petroleum 1007-75
Mr. Glen Perry, Executive Vice President
Zion Oil & Gas
15 Bareket St.
Industrial Park
Caesarea 38900
Dear Sir,
Re: Revision of Work Program for License 298/Ma'anit-Joseph
Regarding your letter of March 5, 2007
In light of your referenced request, I hereby postpone the date for reentry into the Ma'anit #1 well for completion operations to April 15, 2007.
Yours truly,
/s/ ________
Dr. Ya'acov Mimran
Commissioner of Petroleum Affairs
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), has prepared and proposes to file an Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, on Form 10-KSB for the Corporation's fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the "Report"); and
WHEREAS, the Report and the Corporation's financial statements included therein have been reviewed and their issuance been approved by the Corporation's Audit Committee and Board of Directors of the Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Board of Directors of the Corporation have authorized the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to sign the Report on behalf of the Corporation;
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Rinberg and Philip Mandelker, acting severally, as attorney for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, and in each of the undersigned's offices and capacities as an officer and/or a director of the Corporation, to execute and file the Report in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and thereafter to execute and file any amended Report or supplement thereto as may be necessary or required to be filed, hereby giving and granting to said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and purposes, as the undersigned might or could do if personally present at the doing thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney may or shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, by virtue hereof. This instrument may be execute d in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 16th day of April 2007.
|
* |
* |
* |
|
John M. Brown Chairman and Founder, Director |
Glen H. Perry President and Chief Operating Officer, Director |
Philip Mandelker General Counsel, Secretary Director, |
|
* |
* |
* |
|
William H. Avery Vice President and Treasurer, Director |
James A. Barron Director |
Kent S. Siegel Director |
|
* |
* |
* |
|
Robert Render Director |
Paul Oroian Director |
Yehezkel Druckman Director |
|
* |
* |
* |
|
Forrest A. Garb Director |
Richard J. Rinberg Chief Executive Officer, Director |
David Patir Senior Vice President andChief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
I, Richard J. Rinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (the "Registrant");
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 Registrant's other certifying officer 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:
5. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors:
Date: April 16, 2007
/s/ Richard J. Rinberg
Richard J. Rinberg, Chief Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
I, David Patir, Chief Financial Officer of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (the "Registrant");
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 Registrant's other certifying officer 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:
5. The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors:
Date: April 16, 2007
/s/ David Patir
David Patir, Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Zion Oil and Gas, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006 (the "Report"), I, Richard J. Rinberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and I, David Patir, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Richard J. Rinberg
Richard J. Rinberg
Chief Executive Officer
April 16, 2007
/s/ David Patir
David Patir
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
April 16, 2007
This certification accompanies this Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
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