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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Recently issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09 (“ASU 2023-09”), Income Taxes, which enhances the transparency of income tax disclosures by expanding annual disclosure requirements related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07 (“ASU 2023-07”), Segment Reporting, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 primarily enhances disclosures about significant segment expenses by requiring that a public entity disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss. This ASU also (i) requires that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, an amount for other segment items by reportable segment, and a description of its composition; (ii) requires that all annual disclosures are provided in the interim periods; (iii) clarifies that if the CODM uses more than one measure of profitability in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources, that one or more of those measures may be reported; (iv) requires disclosure of the title and position of the CODM and a description of how the reported measures are used by the CODM in assessing segment performance and in deciding how to allocate resources; (v) requires that an entity with a single segment provide all new required disclosures. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and requires retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments under ASU 2023-07 relate to financial disclosures and its adoption will not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company will adopt ASU 2023-07 for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2024 and for interim reporting periods thereafter.

 

a) Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the interim reporting rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Camber’s latest Annual Report filed with the SEC on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments (unless otherwise indicated), necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. 

 

b) Basis of Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect the consolidated financial results of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, Viking Energy Group, Inc. (“Viking”), Camber Permian LLC and CE Operating LLC, the wholly owned subsidiaries of Viking (Mid-Con Petroleum, LLC, Mid-Con Drilling, LLC, Mid-Con Development, LLC, and Petrodome Energy, LLC.), and Simson-Maxwell (a majority owned subsidiary of Viking).

 

In January 2022, Viking acquired a 51% ownership interest in Viking Ozone, and in February 2022, Viking acquired a 51% ownership interest in both Viking Sentinel and Viking Protection. These entities were formed to facilitate the monetization of acquired intellectual properties (see Note 8). These entities are variable interest entities in which the Company owns a controlling financial interest; consequently, these entities are also consolidated.

 

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

c) Foreign Currency

 

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations and cash flows of businesses conducted in foreign currency are translated using the average exchange rates throughout the period. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions have been insignificant.

d) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and timing of revenues and expenses, the reported amounts and classification of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the determination of the fair value of the Company’s various series of preferred stock, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, fair value of commodity derivatives, stock-based compensation, asset retirement obligations, and the determination of expected tax rates for future income tax recoveries.

 

The estimates of proved, probable and possible oil and gas reserves are used as significant inputs in determining the depletion of oil and gas properties and the impairment of proved and unproved oil and gas properties. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved, probable and possible reserves and in the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. Similarly, evaluations for impairment of proved and unproved oil and gas properties are subject to numerous uncertainties including, among others, estimates of future recoverable reserves and commodity price outlooks. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized.

 

e) Financial Instruments

 

Accounting Standards Codification, “ASC” Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurement” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. ASC Topic 820-10 defines fair value and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for deposits, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, accounts payable, derivative liabilities, amount due to director, and convertible notes each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their fair values because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

 

 

·

Level 1: inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

 

·

Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

 

·

Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs to measure fair value of assets and liabilities for which there is little, if any market activity at the measurement date, using reasonable inputs and assumptions based upon the best information at the time, to the extent that inputs are available without undue cost and effort.

 

As of March 31, 2024, the significant inputs to the Company’s derivative liability relative to the Company’s Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) were Level 3 inputs.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are classified below based on the three fair value hierarchy described above:

 

Description

 

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets for

Identical Assets

(Level 1)

 

 

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

Total Gains (Losses) (three months ended March 31, 2024)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability - Series C Preferred Stock

 

$-

 

 

$-

 

 

$4,077,500

 

 

$(22,117,007 )

 

f) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and highly liquid investment securities that have original maturities of three months or less. Accounts at banks in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000, while accounts at banks in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) up to CAD $100,000. The Company’s cash balances may at times exceed the FDIC or CDIC insured limits.

 

g) Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable for the Company’s oil and gas operations consist of purchaser receivables and joint interest billing receivables. The Company evaluates these accounts receivable for collectability and, when necessary, records allowances for expected credit losses. In establishing the required allowance, if any, management considers significant factors such as historical losses, current receivables ageing, the debtors’ current ability to pay its obligation to the Company and existing industry and economic data. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has not recorded an allowance for credit losses related to oil and gas.

 

The Company extends credit to its power generation customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral. Payment terms are generally 30 days. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at invoice amount less an allowance for expected credit losses. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for expected credit losses based upon management’s estimates that include a review of the history of past write-offs and collections and an analysis of current credit conditions. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had a reserve for expected credit losses on power generation accounts receivable of  $31,383 and $36,678, respectively. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable.

h) Inventory

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, and consist of parts, equipment and work in process. Work-in-process and finished goods included the cost of materials, direct labor and overhead. At the closing of each reporting period, the Company evaluates its inventory in order to adjust the inventory balance for obsolete and slow-moving items.

 

Inventory consisted of the following at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

 

 

March 31,

2024

 

 

December 31,

2023

 

Units and work in process

 

$7,514,005

 

 

$8,181,067

 

Parts

 

 

2,931,547

 

 

 

2,839,833

 

 

 

 

10,445,552

 

 

 

11,020,900

 

Reserve for obsolescence

 

 

(1,196,706 )

 

 

(1,224,931 )

 

 

$9,248,846

 

 

$9,795,969

 

 

i) Oil and Gas Properties

 

The Company used the full cost method of accounting for its investment in oil and natural gas properties. Under this method of accounting, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves, including directly related overhead costs, are capitalized. General and administrative costs related to production and general overhead are expensed as incurred.

 

All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves, were amortized on the unit of production method using estimates of proved reserves. Disposition of oil and gas properties were accounted for as a reduction of capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized unless such adjustment would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas, in which case the gain or loss is recognized in operations. Unproved properties and major development projects were not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicated that the properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment was included in loss from operations before income taxes.

 

j) Limitation on Capitalized Costs

 

Under the full-cost method of accounting, we are required, at the end of each reporting date, to perform a test to determine the limit on the book value of our oil and natural gas properties (the “Ceiling” test). If the capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties, net of accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the Ceiling, this excess or impairment is charged to expense. The expense may not be reversed in future periods, even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the Ceiling. The Ceiling is defined as the sum of:

 

 

(a)

the present value, discounted at 10 percent, and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions, of 1) estimated future gross revenues from proved reserves, which is computed using oil and natural gas prices determined as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month hedging arrangements pursuant to SAB 103, less 2) estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves, plus

 

 

 

 

(b)

the cost of properties not being amortized; plus

 

(c)

the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproven properties included in the costs being amortized, net of

 

 

 

 

(d)

the related tax effects related to the difference between the book and tax basis of our oil and natural gas properties.

 

k) Oil and Gas Reserves

 

Reserve engineering is a subjective process that is dependent upon the quality of available data and the interpretation thereof, including evaluations and extrapolations of well flow rates and reservoir pressure. Estimates by different engineers often vary, sometimes significantly. In addition, physical factors such as the results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate, as well as economic factors such as changes in product prices, may justify revision of such estimates. Because proved reserves are required to be estimated using recent prices of the evaluation, estimated reserve quantities can be significantly impacted by changes in product prices.

 

l) Accounting for Leases

 

The Company uses the right-of-use (“ROU”) model to account for leases where the Company is the lessee, which requires an entity to recognize a lease liability and ROU asset on the lease commencement date. A lease liability is measured equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments over the lease term and is discounted using the incremental borrowing rate, as the rate implicit in the Company’s leases is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Lease payments include payments made before the commencement date and any residual value guarantees, if applicable. When determining the lease term, the Company includes option periods that it is reasonably certain to exercise as failure to renew the lease would impose a significant economic detriment.

 

For operating leases, minimum lease payments or receipts, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized as rent expense where the Company is a lessee on a straight-line basis (“Straight-Line Rent”) over the applicable lease terms. The excess of the Straight-Line Rent over the minimum rents paid is included in the ROU asset where the Company is a lessee. Short-term lease cost for operating leases includes rental expense for leases with a term of less than 12 months.

 

The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance for the revised lease standard, which allowed Viking to carry forward the historical lease classification, retain the initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to the adoption of the standard and not reassess whether any contracts entered into prior to the adoption are leases. The Company also elected to account for lease and non-lease components in lease agreements as a single lease component in determining lease assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company elected not to recognize the right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of one year or less.

 

m) Business Combinations

 

The Company allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customer lists, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

n) Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually and will be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after completing the assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company will proceed to a quantitative test. The Company may also elect to perform a quantitative test instead of a qualitative test for any or all of our reporting units. The test compares the fair value of an entity’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This quantitative test requires various judgments and estimates. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using a market approach in combination with a discounted operating cash flow approach. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit.

 

o) Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets include amounts related to the Company’s license agreement with ESG Clean Energy, LLC, and its investments in Viking Ozone, Viking Protection and Viking Sentinel. Additionally, as part of the acquisition of Simson-Maxwell, Viking identified intangible assets consisting of Simson-Maxwell’s customer relationships and its brand. These intangible assets are described in detail in Note 8.

 

The intangible assets related to the ESG Clean Energy license and the Simson-Maxwell customer relationships are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 16 years (the remaining life of the related patents) and 10 years, respectively. The other intangible assets are not amortized.

 

The Company reviews these intangible assets, at least annually, for possible impairment when events or changes in circumstances that the assets carrying amount may not be recoverable. In evaluating the future benefit of its intangible assets, the Company estimates the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the intangible assets over the remaining estimated useful life. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.

 

p) Income (Loss) per Share

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share calculations are calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share give effect to all dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. In computing diluted earnings per share, the average stock price for the period is used to determine the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise price of the options and warrants. Purchases of treasury stock reduce the outstanding shares commencing on the date that the stock is purchased. Common stock equivalents are excluded from the calculation when a loss is incurred as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were approximately 15,878,576 and 26,164,368 common stock equivalents, respectively, that were omitted from the calculation of diluted income per share as they were anti-dilutive.

q) Revenue Recognition 

 

Oil and Gas Revenues

 

Sales of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) have been included in revenue when production is sold to a customer in fulfillment of performance obligations under the terms of agreed contracts. Performance obligations primarily comprise delivery of oil, gas, or NGLs at a delivery point, as negotiated within each contract. Each barrel of oil, million BTU (“MMBtu”) of natural gas, or other unit of measure is separately identifiable and represents a distinct performance obligation to which the transaction price is allocated. Performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time once control of the product has been transferred to the customer. The Company considers a variety of facts and circumstances in assessing the point of control transfer, including but not limited to: whether the purchaser can direct the use of the hydrocarbons, the transfer of significant risks and rewards, the Company’s right to payment, and transfer of legal title. In each case, the time between delivery and when payments are due is not significant. 

 

Power Generation Revenues

 

Through its 60.5% ownership in Simson-Maxwell, the Company manufactures and sells power generation products, services and custom energy solutions. Simson-Maxwell provides commercial and industrial clients with emergency power generation capabilities. Simson Maxwell’s derives its revenues as follows:

 

1.

Sale of power generation units. Simson-Maxwell manufactures and assembles power generation solutions. The solutions may consist of one or more units and are generally customized for each customer. Contracts are required to be executed for each customized solution. The contracts generally require customers to submit non-refundable progress payments for measurable milestones delineated in the contract. The Company considers the completed unit or units to be a single performance obligation for purposes of revenue recognition and recognizes revenue when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery to the customer. Sales, use, value add and other similar taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Progress payments are recognized as contract liabilities until the completed unit is delivered. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of the units, which is generally the price stated in the contract. The Company does not allow returns because of the customized nature of the units and does not offer discounts, rebates, or other promotional incentives or allowances to customers. Simson-Maxwell has elected to recognize the cost for freight activities when control of the product has transferred to the customer as an expense within cost of goods.

 

At the request of certain customers, the Company will warehouse inventory billed to the customer but not delivered. Unless all revenue recognition criteria have been met, the Company does not recognize revenue on these transactions until the customer takes possession of the product.

 

2.

Parts revenue- Simson-Maxwell sells spare parts and replacement parts to its customers. Simson-Maxwell is an authorized parts distributor for a number of national and international power generation manufacturers. The Company considers the purchase orders for parts, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts with the customers. For each contract, the Company considers the commitment to transfer products, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligations. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of product, which is generally the price stated in the contract specific for each item sold, adjusted for the value of expected returns. Sales, use, value add and other similar taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Simson-Maxwell has elected to recognize the cost for freight activities when control of the product has transferred to the customer as an expense within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Parts revenues are recognized at the point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery to the customer.

 

 

3.

Service and repairs- Simson-Maxwell offers service and repair of various types of power generation systems. Service and repairs are generally performed on customer owned equipment and billed based on labor hours incurred. Each repair is considered a performance obligation. As a result of control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Simson-Maxwell generally uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress for its service work because the customer controls the asset as it is being serviced. Most service and repairs are completed within one or two days.

The following table disaggregates Simson-Maxwell’s revenue by source for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Power generation units

 

$4,513,180

 

 

$1,150,343

 

Parts

 

 

1,018,940

 

 

 

1,307,952

 

Total units and parts

 

 

5,532,120

 

 

 

2,458,295

 

Service and repairs

 

 

2,693,781

 

 

 

4,540,697

 

 

 

$8,225,901

 

 

$6,998,992

 

 

r) Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities by using estimated tax rates for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities to the extent that we believe that these assets and/or liabilities are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that the Company would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

In assessing the realizability of its deferred tax assets, management evaluated whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets, will be realized. The realization of its deferred tax assets relates directly to the Company’s ability to generate taxable income. The valuation allowance is then adjusted accordingly.

 

s) Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company may issue stock options to employees and stock options or warrants to non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The cost of stock options and warrants issued to employees and non-employees is measured on the grant date based on the fair value. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The resulting amount is charged to expense on the straight-line basis over the period in which the Company expects to receive the benefit, which is generally the vesting period.

 

The fair value of stock options and warrants is determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option model requires management to make various estimates and assumptions, including expected term, expected volatility, risk-free rate, and dividend yield. The expected term represents the period of time that stock-based compensation awards granted are expected to be outstanding and is estimated based on considerations including the vesting period, contractual term and anticipated employee exercise patterns. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in relation to the contractual life of stock-based compensation instrument. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical patterns and future expectations for the Company dividends.

 

t) Impairment of Long-lived Assets 

 

The Company, at least annually, is required to review its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Whenever any such impairment exists, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

Assets are grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for their identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. The Company considers historical performance and future estimated results in its evaluation of potential impairment and then compares the carrying amount of the asset to the future estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. The estimation of fair value is generally determined by using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value. The Company estimates fair value of the assets based on certain assumptions such as budgets, internal projections, and other available information as considered necessary.

 

u) Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) primarily represent the estimated present value of the amount the Company will incur to plug, abandon and remediate oil and gas properties at the projected end of their productive lives, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Company determined its ARO by calculating the present value of estimated cash flows related to the obligation. The retirement obligation is recorded as a liability at its estimated present value as of the obligation’s inception, with an offsetting increase to proved properties.

 

The following table describes the changes in the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023: 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Asset retirement obligation – beginning

 

$1,042,900

 

 

$1,927,196

 

ARO recovered on disposal of membership interests

 

 

(78,394 )

 

 

-

 

Accretion expense

 

 

536

 

 

 

31,382

 

Asset retirement obligation – ending

 

$965,042

 

 

$1,958,578

 

 

v) Derivative Liabilities

 

Convertible Preferred Shares

 

The Series C Preferred Stock and the Company’s Series G Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series G Preferred Stock”) contain provisions that could result in modification of the conversion price that is based on a variable that is not an input to the fair value of a “fixed-for-fixed” option as defined under FASB ASC Topic No. 815 - 40, “Derivatives and Hedging”.

 

The Series C Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of common stock at a fixed $162.50 conversion rate. Upon conversion, the holder is entitled to dividends as if the shares had been held to maturity, which is referred to as the Conversion Premium. The conversion ratio is based on a volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) calculation based on the lowest stock price over the Measurement Period. The Measurement Period is 30 trading days (or 60 trading days if there is a Triggering Event) prior to the conversion date and 30 trading days (or 60 trading days if there is a Triggering Event) after the conversion date. The VWAP calculation is subject to adjustment if there is a Triggering Event and the Measurement Period is subject to adjustment in the event that the Company is in default of one or more Equity Conditions provided in the Certificate of Designation (“COD”). For example, the Measurement Period may be extended one day for every day the Company is not in compliance with one or more of the Equity Conditions. Trigger events are described in the designation of the Series C Preferred Stock, but include items which would typically be events of default under a debt security, including filing of reports late with the SEC.

At the conversion date, the number of shares due for the Conversion Premium is estimated based on the previous 30-day VWAP (or 60 trading days if there is a Triggering Event). If the VWAP calculation for the portion of the Measurement Period following the date of conversion is lower than the VWAP for the portion of the Measurement Period prior to the date of conversion, the holder will be issued additional shares of common stock, referred to as True-Up shares. If the VWAP calculation is higher, no True-Up shares are issued.

 

The Company has determined that the Series C Preferred Stock contains an embedded derivative liability relating to the Conversion Premium and, upon conversion, a derivative liability for the potential obligation to issue True-Up Shares relating to shares of Series C Preferred Stock that have been converted and the Measurement Period has not expired, if applicable.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability relating to the Conversion Premium for any outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock is equal to the cash required to settle the Conversion Premium. The fair value of the potential True-Up share obligation has been estimated using a binomial pricing mode and the lesser of the conversion price or the lowest closing price of the Company’s stock subsequent to the conversion date, and the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Series G Convertible Preferred stock is redeemable or convertible into a variable number of shares of common stock, at the option of the Company. The conversion rate is determined at the time of conversion using a VWAP calculation similar to the Series C Preferred Stock described above. As a result, the Series G Preferred Stock contains an embedded derivative that is required to be recorded at fair value. The Company has determined that the fair value of the embedded derivative is negligible due to the restrictions on conversion.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock or the Series G Preferred Stock have the meaning assigned to them in the Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Preferences, Powers, Rights and Limitations of Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock filed by the Company with the Secretary of State of Nevada on November 8, 2021, as amended on October 28, 2022 and again on February 21, 2024 (as amended, the “Series C COD”) or the Certificate of Designations of Preferences, Powers, Rights and Limitations of Series G Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock filed by the Company with the Secretary of State of Nevada on December 30, 2021 (the “Series G COD”), as applicable.

 

Convertible Debt

 

We review the terms of convertible debt issues to determine whether there are embedded derivative instruments, including embedded conversion options, which are required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately as derivative financial instruments. In circumstances where the host instrument contains more than one embedded derivative instrument, including the conversion option, that is required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument.

 

Bifurcated embedded derivatives are initially recorded at fair value and are then revalued at each reporting date with changes in the fair value reported as non-operating income or expense. When the equity or convertible debt instruments contain embedded derivative instruments that are to be bifurcated and accounted for as liabilities, the total proceeds received are first allocated to the fair value of all the bifurcated derivative instruments. The remaining proceeds, if any, are then allocated to the host instruments themselves, usually resulting in those instruments being recorded at a discount from their face value. The discount from the face value of the convertible debt, together with the stated interest on the instrument, is amortized over the life of the instrument through periodic charges to interest expense.

 

The Company has adopted a sequencing approach to allocating its authorized and unissued shares when the number of such shares is insufficient to satisfy all convertible instruments or option type contracts that may be settled in shares. Specifically, the Company allocates it authorized and unissued shares based on the inception date of each instrument, with shares allocated first to those instruments with the earliest inception dates. Instruments with later inception dates for which no shares remain to be allocated are reclassified to asset or liability.

w) Undistributed Revenues and Royalties

 

The Company records a liability for cash collected from oil and gas sales that have not been distributed. The amounts are distributed in accordance with the working interests of the respective owners.

 

x) Subsequent events

 

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events from March 31, 2024 through May 10, 2024, the filing date of the Original Report (see Note 17).