New ERA Energy & Digital, Inc 10-Q for FY2025 Q1
New ERA Energy & Digital, Inc. (NUAI)
About this 10-Q
New ERA Energy & Digital, Inc filed this 10-Q on May 15, 2025, covering the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (FY2025 Q1).
Headline figures
Quarter ended March 31, 2025, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $326.46K
- down 0.8% from $329.21K a year earlier
- Net loss
- $3.32M
- compared with a net loss of $859.03K a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$0.24
- compared with -$0.13 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark one)
For the quarterly period ended
or
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of | | (IRS Employer |
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code) |
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Not Applicable |
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which |
| | The | ||
| | The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
Emerging growth company | | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes☐ No
As of May 12, 2025, the registrant had
NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| | Page |
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) | |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024 | 2 |
| Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 | 3 |
| 4 | |
| Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 | 5 |
| 6 | |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 31 | |
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NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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| March 31, 2025 |
| December 31, 2024 | ||
| | (Unaudited) | | | ||
ASSETS |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | | | $ | |
Accounts receivable, net | |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
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Restricted investments | | | | | | |
Total current assets | |
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Oil and natural gas properties, net (full cost) | |
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Property, plant and equipment, net | |
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Prepaid expenses – noncurrent | | | | | | |
Equity facility derivative asset | | | | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | | | $ | |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | |
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Current liabilities | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | |
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Accrued liabilities | |
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Excise taxes payable | | | | | | |
Withholding taxes payable | | | | | | |
Share issuance liability | | | — | | | |
Convertible note, net of discount | | | | | | |
Notes payable - current | | | | | | — |
Embedded derivative liability | |
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| — |
Due to related parties | |
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Other current liabilities | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | $ | | | $ | |
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Embedded derivative liability | | | — | | | |
Asset retirement obligation | | | | | | |
Notes payable – noncurrent | |
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Total liabilities | | $ | | | $ | |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15) | |
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Stockholders’ Deficit | |
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Preferred stock, $ | | $ | | $ | ||
Common stock, $ | |
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Treasury stock, | | | ( | | | ( |
Additional paid-in capital | |
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Accumulated deficit | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | | $ | ( | |
| ( |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | | $ | | | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2
NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
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| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Revenues, net |
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| $ | | | $ | | |
Total Revenues, net | |
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Costs and expenses | |
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Lease operating expenses | |
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Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion | |
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General and administrative expenses | |
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Total Costs and expenses | |
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Loss from operations | |
| ( | |
| ( |
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Other income (expenses) | |
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Change in fair value of derivative asset | | | ( | | | — |
Change in fair value of derivative liability | | | | | | — |
Interest income | |
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Interest expense | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Other, net | |
| — | |
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Total Other income (expenses), net | |
| ( | |
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| | | | | | |
Loss before provision for income taxes | |
| ( | |
| ( |
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Benefit for income taxes | | | — | | | |
Net loss | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
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Net loss per share – basic and diluted | |
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Basic and diluted | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
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Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic and diluted | |
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Basic and diluted | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
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| Total | |||||||||
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| Common Stock |
| Treasury Stock | | Paid-in |
| Accumulated |
| Stockholders’ | |||||||||
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| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Deficit |
| Deficit | |||||
Balance, January 1, 2025 |
| | | $ | |
| ( | | $ | ( | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
Sale of common stock |
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Common shares issued for services |
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Net loss |
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| — | |
| — | |
| ( | |
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Balance, March 31, 2025 |
| | | $ | |
| ( | | $ | ( | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
| | | | | | | | | Retained Earnings | | Total | |||
| | Common Stock | | Paid-in | | (Accumulated | | Stockholders’ | ||||||
| | Shares | | Amount | | Capital | | Deficit) | | Equity (Deficit) | ||||
Balance, January 1, 2024 |
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| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
Sale of common stock |
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| | — | |
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Net loss |
| — |
| | — | | | — |
| | ( | |
| ( |
Balance, March 31, 2024 |
| | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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| For the Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
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Net loss | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: | |
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Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion | |
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Change in fair value of derivative asset | | | | | | — |
Change in fair value of derivative liability | |
| ( | |
| — |
Deferred income tax benefit | |
| — | |
| ( |
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs | | | | | | — |
Accrued interest expense on note payable and other current liabilities | |
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Interest income on investments and notes receivable | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
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Accounts receivables | |
| ( | |
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Prepaid expenses and other assets | |
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| ( |
Accounts payable | |
| ( | |
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Accrued expenses | |
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| ( |
Due to related parties | |
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Other liabilities – current | |
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| ( |
Net cash used in operating activities | |
| ( | |
| ( |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |
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Investment in property, plant and equipment, net | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Investment in oil and natural gas properties | |
| — | |
| ( |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| ( | |
| ( |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |
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Issuance of common stock | |
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Proceeds from note payable | |
| — | |
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Proceeds from convertible note, net of transaction costs | | | | | | — |
Repayment on convertible notes | |
| ( | |
| — |
Debt issuance costs | | | ( | | | — |
Proceeds from related party | |
| — | |
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Net cash provided by financing activities | |
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Net Change in Cash and cash equivalents | |
| ( | |
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Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of period | |
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Cash and cash equivalents – End of period | | $ | | | $ | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | |
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Cash interest payments | | $ | | | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Organization and Nature of Operations
New Era Helium Inc. (the “Company”, “NEH”, “we,”, “us,” or “our”), formerly known as Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (“Roth V”), is a Nevada corporation. The Company was formed on February 6, 2023, through a Reorganization Agreement and Plan Share Exchange (the “Agreement”) with Solis Partners, LLC (“Solis Partners”) as described further in the paragraph below. The Company’s primary operations include the exploration, development, and production of helium, natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). The Company’s producing oil and gas assets and non-producing acreage are primarily located in Chaves County, New Mexico. The Company also owns overriding royalty interests located in Howard County, Texas.
On February 6, 2023, the Company entered into the Agreement with Solis Partners. Immediately prior to February 6, 2023, the Company was authorized to issue
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Solis Partners is a Texas limited liability company. Solis Partners owns and operates the Company’s producing oil and gas assets and non-producing acreage. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary NEH Midstream LLC (“NEH Midstream”) is a Texas limited liability company, formed August 4, 2023. NEH Midstream is the owner of the helium offtake and tolling agreements. NEH Midstream is in the process of constructing a natural gas processing facility in which NEH Midstream will be the owner and operator.
On December 6, 2024, the Company completed the business combination (the “Business Combination) contemplated by the Business Combination and Plan of Organization dated January 3, 2024 (the “Business Combination Agreement”) (as amended on June 5, 2024, August 8, 2024, September 11, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the “BCA”), by and among Roth CH Acquisition V Co. (“ROCL”), Roth CH V Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ROCL (“Merger Sub”), and NEH.
The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Under this method of accounting, although ROCL acquired the outstanding equity in NEH in the Business Combination, ROCL is treated as the “acquired company” and NEH was treated as the accounting acquirer for financial statement purposes. Accordingly, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of NEH issuing stock for the net assets of ROCL, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of ROCL are stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
Furthermore, the historical financial statements of NEH became the historical financial statements of the Company upon the consummation of the merger. As a result, the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report reflect (i) the historical operating results of NEH prior to the merger; (ii) the combined results of ROCL and NEH following the close of the merger; (iii) the assets and liabilities of NEH at their historical cost and (iv) NEH’s equity structure for all periods presented, as affected by the recapitalization presentation after completion of the merger. See Note 3 - Reverse Capitalization for further details of the merger.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments including normal recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the years presented. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).
6
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act, until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that it (i) is no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Risks and Uncertainties
As a producer of natural gas, NGLs and oil, and an anticipated future producer of helium, the Company’s revenue, profitability, and future growth are substantially dependent upon the prevailing and future prices for helium, natural gas, NGLs and oil, which are dependent upon numerous factors beyond its control such as economic, political, and regulatory developments and competition from other energy sources. The energy markets have historically been very volatile, and there can be no assurance that the prices for helium, natural gas, NGLs or oil will not be subject to wide fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in prices for helium, natural gas, NGLs and oil could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, the quantities of natural gas, helium, NGL and oil reserves that may be economically produced and the Company’s access to capital.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases of stock by publicly traded U.S. domestic corporations and certain U.S. domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax.
Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the Business Combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a Business Combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a Business Combination but issued within the same taxable year of a Business Combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a Business Combination and in the Company’s ability to complete a Business Combination.
In connection with the ROCL stockholders’ vote at the May 2023 Special Meeting, ROCL public stockholders exercised their right to redeem
7
During the second quarter of 2023, the IRS issued final regulations with respect to the timing and payment of the excise tax. Pursuant to those regulations, the Company would need to file a return and remit payment for any liability incurred during the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 on or before October 31, 2024.
The Company is currently evaluating its options with respect to payment of this obligation. If the Company is unable to pay its obligation in full, it will be subject to additional interest and penalties which are currently estimated at
Notice of Delisting
On March 4, 2025, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq (the “Notice”) which notified the Company that, for 30 consecutive business days, the Company’s market value of listed securities (“MVLS”) closed below the $50,000,000 MVLS threshold required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the “MVLS Rule”).
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), the Company has 180 calendar days, or until September 2, 2025 (the “MVLS Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the MVLS Rule. The Notice notes that, to regain compliance, the Company’s MVLS must close at or above $50,000,000 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during the MVLS Compliance Period. The Notice further notes that if the Company is unable to satisfy the MVLS requirement prior to such date, the Company may be eligible to transfer the listing of its securities to The Nasdaq Capital Market (provided that the Company then satisfies the requirements for continued listing on that market). If the Company does not regain compliance by the end of the MVLS Compliance Period, Nasdaq staff will provide written notice to the Company that its securities are subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may appeal any such delisting determination to a hearings panel. The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market.
The Company is actively monitoring the Company’s MVLS between now and September 2, 2025, and may, if appropriate, evaluate available options to resolve the deficiencies and regain compliance with the MVLS Rule. While the Company is exercising diligent efforts to maintain the listing of its securities on Nasdaq, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain or maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany transactions and balances.
Segments
ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products, services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews total assets and income (loss) from operation of the single reportable segment of the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management has determined that there is only
8
Functional and reporting currency
The functional and reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The Company recorded a net loss of $
Historically, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity have been cash received from oil, natural gas, and product sales, contributions from members, and borrowings.
Management’s assessment of the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern involves making a judgement, at a particular point in time, about inherently uncertain future outcomes of events or conditions.
Any judgment about the future is based on information available at the time at which the judgment is made. Subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgments that were reasonable at the time they were made. Management has taken into account the following:
| a. | The Company’s financial position; and |
| b. | The risks facing the Company that could impact liquidity and capital adequacy. |
The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the Company’s revenue growth rate, and the timing and extent of spending to support further sales and marketing efforts. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination on December 6, 2024, the Company and an institutional investor (the EPFA Investor”) entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the “EPFA”). Pursuant to the EPFA, the Company has the right to issue and sell to the EPFA Investor, and the EPFA Investor must purchase from the Company, up to an aggregate of $
The Company is making payments of principal and interest on the Convertible Notes and the Company’s general and administrative expenses through funds received from shares sold under the EFPA. The Company’s share price has significantly declined and as a result, management has concern about the Company’s ability to sell sufficient shares under the EFPA at high enough prices to produce cash flow to meet its obligations within the assessment period as necessary. The Company may need to raise additional financing thorough loans. The Company cannot provide any assurance that the new financing will be available to it on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, The Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. As a result, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”, Management has determined that the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through the twelve months following the issuance date of the March 31, 2025, consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
9
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgements and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, certain disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates affecting the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available information. The estimates and assumptions include but are not limited to inputs used to calculate asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) (Note 11), the estimate of proved natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids reserves and related present value estimates of future net cash flows therefrom (Note 6) and inputs used to calculate the value of the derivative asset and derivative liabilities (Note 16). These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgements. However, actual results from the resolution of such estimates and assumptions may vary from those used in the preparation of the financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company did
Restricted Investments
Restricted investments relates to Certificates of Deposit (“CDs”) held at West Texas National Bank. These CDs are used as collateral for operating and plugging bonds for the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, New Mexico State Land Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Receivables and Allowance for Expected Losses
The Company’s receivables result primarily from the sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs as well as billings to joint interest owners for properties in which the Company serves as the operator. Receivables from product sales are generally due within 30 to 60 days after the last day of each production month and do not bear any interest. Receivables associated with joint interest billings are regularly reviewed by Management for collectability, and they establish or adjust an allowance for expected losses as necessary. The Company determines its allowance for each type of receivable by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the debtor’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Management has determined that an allowance for expected losses was not required for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and the year ended December 31, 2024.
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| March 31, |
| December 31, | ||
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| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Oil, natural gas and NGL sales | | $ | | | $ | |
Joint interest accounts receivable |
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Other accounts receivable |
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Total Accounts receivable, net | | $ | | | $ | |
The beginning accounts receivable balance at January 1, 2024 was $
The Company did
Prepaid Expenses
The Company includes in prepaid expenses payments made in advance for goods or services for which the Company will receive a future benefit. Prepaid expenses are recorded at cost and are expensed over the period in which the benefit is realized.
10
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Betterments, renewals, and extraordinary repairs that materially extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized; other repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred. The Company includes in property, plant and equipment the processing plant under construction, computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements.
Depreciation and amortization expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which results in depreciation and amortization being incurred evenly over the life of an asset. Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service.
Management performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of the property and equipment for depreciation purposes. Management periodically reviews long-lived assets, other than oil and gas property, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.
The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its carrying amount. The Company recorded
Oil and Gas Properties
The Company follows the full cost accounting method to account for oil and natural gas properties, whereby costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized. Such costs include lease acquisition, geological and geophysical activities, rentals on nonproducing leases, drilling, completing and equipping of oil and gas wells, administrative costs directly attributable to those activities and asset retirement costs. Disposition of oil and gas properties are accounted for as a reduction of capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized unless such adjustment would significantly alter the relationship between capital costs and proved reserves of oil and gas, in which case the gain or loss is recognized to operations.
The capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, plus estimated future development costs relating to proved reserves and excluding unevaluated and unproved properties, are amortized as depletion expense using the units-of-production method based on estimated proved recoverable oil and gas reserves.
The costs associated with unevaluated and unproved properties, initially excluded from the amortization base, relate to unproved leasehold acreage, wells and production facilities in progress and wells pending determination of the existence of proved reserves, together with capitalized interest costs for these projects. Unproved leasehold costs are transferred to the amortization base with the costs of drilling the related well once a determination of the existence of proved reserves has been made or upon impairment of a lease. Costs associated with wells in progress and completed wells that have yet to be evaluated are transferred to the amortization base once a determination is made whether or not proved reserves can be assigned to the property. Costs of dry wells are transferred to the amortization base immediately upon determination that the well is unsuccessful.
Under full cost accounting rules for each cost center, capitalized costs of evaluated oil and gas properties, including asset retirement costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, may not exceed an amount (the “cost ceiling”) equal to the sum of (a) the present value of future net cash flows from estimated production of proved oil and gas reserves, based on current prices and operating conditions, discounted at ten percent (10%), plus (b) the cost of properties not being amortized, plus (c) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of any unproved properties included in the costs being amortized, less (d) any income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the properties involved. If capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged to operations. For purposes of the ceiling test calculation, current prices are defined as the un-weighted arithmetic average of the first day of the month price for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period. Prices are adjusted for basis or location differentials. Unless sales contracts specify otherwise, prices are held constant for the productive life of each well. Similarly, current costs are assumed to remain constant over the entire calculation period.
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Given the volatility of oil and gas prices, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves could change in the near term. If oil and gas prices decline in the future, even if only for a short period of time, it is possible that impairments of oil and gas properties could occur. In addition, it is reasonably possible that impairments could occur if costs are incurred in excess of any increases in the present value of future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves, or if properties are sold for proceeds less than the discounted present value of the related proved oil and gas reserves. The Company recorded
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
The Company’s payables and accrued liabilities result primarily from the operation of its oil and natural gas properties as well as the administration of the Company. For properties in which the Company is operator, the Company pays
|
| March 31, 2025 |
| December 31, 2024 | ||
Trade payable | | $ | | | $ | |
Suspense payable | |
| | |
| |
Total accounts payable | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Total accrued liabilities | | $ | | | $ | |
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are recorded in operating lease right-of-use asset, operating lease liability, current, and operating lease liability, long-term on the consolidated balance sheets.
Operating lease right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s lease does not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate used at adoption was
Asset retirement obligations
The Company records a liability for asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) associated with its oil and gas wells when the well has been completed. The ARO is recorded at its estimated fair value, measured by the expected future cash outflows required to satisfy the abandonment and restoration discounted at our credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. The corresponding cost is capitalized as an asset and included in the carrying amount of oil and gas properties and is depleted over the useful life of the properties. Subsequently, the ARO liability is accreted to its then-present value.
Inherent in the fair value calculation of an ARO are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement, and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental, and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the fair value of the existing ARO liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the oil and gas property balance. Settlements greater than or less than amounts accrued as ARO are recorded as a gain or loss upon settlement. This gain or loss is recorded to the oil and gas property balance.
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Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash in accounts with major financial institutions within the United States. The Company’s cash balances can, at times, exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk.
The Company is subject to credit risk resulting from the concentration of its oil, natural gas and NGL receivables with significant purchasers.
Revenue recognition
The Company records revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) which uses a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) which includes (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied.
Revenue from contracts with customers
The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product to a customer or the processor of the product. Revenue is measured based on the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those products.
Performance obligations and significant judgments
The Company sells oil and natural gas products in the United States through a single reportable segment. The Company enters into contracts that generally include oil, natural gas, helium, and associated liquids in variable quantities and priced based on a specific index related to the type of product.
The oil and natural gas are typically sold in an unprocessed state to processors and other third parties for processing and sale to customers. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when control of the oil or natural gas passes to the customer or processor, as applicable, discussed below.
The Company sells its oil to a single purchaser under a month-to-month purchase agreement at a price based on an index price from the purchaser. This agreement will continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter unless and until terminated by the Company or the purchaser with a
The Company sells its natural gas and NGLs to a single purchaser, who is also the processor, under a purchase agreement at a price based on an index price from the purchaser which expired on May 31, 2024. This agreement currently continues on a month-to-month basis unless and until terminated by the Company or the purchaser with a
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The Company will sell its helium to
The Company has no unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of each reporting period.
Management does not believe that significant judgments are required with respect to the determination of the transaction price, including any variable consideration identified. There is a low level of uncertainty due to the precision of measurement and use of index-based pricing adjusted for transportation and other related deductions, which are based on contractual or historical data. Additionally, any variable consideration identified is not constrained.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:
| ● | Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment; |
| ● | Level 2 — Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and |
| ● | Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. |
Convertible Note Payable
When the Company issues convertible debt, it first evaluates the balance sheet classification of the convertible instrument in its entirety to determine (1) whether the instrument should be classified as a liability under ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and (2) whether the conversion feature should be accounted for separately from the host instrument. A conversion feature of a convertible debt instrument would be separated from the convertible instrument and classified as a derivative liability if the conversion feature, were it a standalone instrument, meets the definition of a “derivative” in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. When a conversion feature meets the definition of an embedded derivative, it would be separated from the host instrument and classified as a derivative liability carried on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with any changes in its fair value recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 7 “Notes Payable” for further information.
Warrants
The Company determines the accounting classification of warrants it issues as either liability or equity classified by first assessing whether the warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (“ASC 480”), then in accordance with ASC 815-40 (“ASC 815”), Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. Under ASC 480, warrants are considered liability classified if the warrants are mandatorily redeemable, obligate the Company to settle the warrants or the underlying shares by paying cash or other assets, or warrants that must or may require settlement by issuing a variable number of shares. If warrants do not meet liability classification under ASC 480, the Company assesses the requirements under ASC 815, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. If the warrants do not require liability classification under ASC 815, and in order to conclude equity classification, the Company also assesses whether the warrants are indexed to its Common Stock and whether the warrants are classified as equity under ASC 815 or other applicable GAAP. After all relevant assessments, the Company
14
concludes whether the warrants are classified as liability or equity. Liability classified warrants require fair value accounting at issuance and subsequent to initial issuance with all changes in fair value after the issuance date recorded in the statements of operations. Equity classified warrants only require fair value accounting at issuance with no changes recognized subsequent to the issuance date.
Related parties
All material related-party transactions are approved by members of the Board of Directors not affiliated with the transactions. These Board members consider the details of each new, existing or proposed related party transaction, including the terms of the transaction, the business purpose of the transaction, and the benefits to the Company and the relevant related party. In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the following factors are considered: (1) if the terms are fair to the Company, (2) if there are business reasons to enter into the transaction, or (3) if the transaction would present an improper conflict of interest for any officer.
Income taxes
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the carrying amounts for income tax purposes and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The amount of deferred taxes on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date.
The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50 percent) that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of $
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. If all or a portion of the unrecognized tax benefit is sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, the tax benefit will be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability and will affect the Company’s effective tax rate in the period it is recognized.
The Company records any tax-related interest charges as interest expense and any tax-related penalties as other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations of which there have been none to date.
The Company is also subject to the Texas Margin Tax. The Company realized no Texas Margin Tax in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as we do not anticipate owing any Texas Margin Tax for the periods presented.
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires all stock-based payments to employees and non-employees, including grants of stock options, to be recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations based on their grant date fair values.
The Company periodically issues common stock and common stock options to consultants for various services. Costs of these transactions are measured at the fair value of the service received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of the common stock is measured at the earlier of (i) the date at which a firm commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached or (ii) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete.
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Loss Per Share
The Company accounts for net loss per share in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 260 - 10, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260 - 10"), which requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") on the face of the consolidated statement of operations for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. It excludes the dilutive effects of any potentially issuable common shares. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by including any potentially dilutive share issuances in the denominator. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, all potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would be anti - dilutive.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments address more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The ASU also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2024 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expense and information used to assess segment performance. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of the ASU did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosure (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires public business entities to disclose, in interim and annual reporting periods, additional information about certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance.
NOTE 3: RECAPITALIZATION
As discussed in Note 1, “Organization and Basis of Presentation,” on December 6, 2024, the Company completed the Business Combination contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement dated January 3, 2024, by and among ROCL, the Merger Sub, and NEH.
At the Closing, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and after giving effect to the redemption of shares of ROCL common stock:
| 1. | The total consideration paid at the Closing (the “Merger Consideration”) by ROCL to New Era Helium Corp. security holders was |
| 2. | Each share of Merger Sub common stock, par value $ |
Following the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, ROCL merged with and into Holdings, with Holdings as the surviving company of the Initial Merger. Following the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, Merger Sub merged with and into with New Era Helium Corp. as the surviving corporation of the Business
16
Combination, effective December 6, 2024. Thus, New Era Helium Corp. became a wholly owned subsidiary of ROCL. In connection with the Business Combination, Holdings changed its name to “New Era Helium Inc.”
Although ROCL was the legal acquirer of NEH in the merger, NEH is deemed to be the accounting acquirer, and the historical financial statements of NEH became the basis for the historical financial statements of the Company upon the closing of the merger. NEH was determined to be the accounting acquirer based on an evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:
| ● | NEH’s current shareholders have a majority of the voting power in the combined company; |
| ● | NEH’s existing stockholders have the ability to control decisions regarding election and removal of directors and officers of the combined company; |
| ● | NEH is the larger entity in terms of substantive operations and employee base; |
| ● | NEH comprises the ongoing operations of the combined company; |
| ● | NEH’s existing senior management is the senior management of the combined company. |
In accordance with the guidance applicable to these circumstances, the equity structure has been restated in all comparable periods up to December 6, 2024, to reflect the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, $
The number of shares of Common Stock issued immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination were:
ROCL common stock outstanding prior to the Business Combination |
| |
Less: Redemption of ROCL common stock |
| ( |
ROCL common stock |
| |
ROCL founder shares outstanding |
| |
ROCL private shares outstanding |
| |
Shares issued to advisors |
| |
Business combination shares |
| |
NEH shares |
| |
Common stock immediately after the Business Combination |
| |
The number of NEH shares was determined as follows:
| | | | NEH Shares |
| | | | after Conversion |
|
| NEH Shares |
| Ratio |
Common stock |
| |
| |
Public and private placement warrants
The
17
Redemption
Prior to the closing of the Business Combination, certain ROCL public stockholders exercised their right to redeem certain of their outstanding shares for cash, resulting in the redemption of
NOTE 4: PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
The following table presents the components of prepaid expenses and other current assets as of the dates indicated:
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, | ||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Retainer for workover rigs | | $ | | | $ | |
Legal Retainer | | | | | | — |
Prepaid insurance | | | | | | |
Prepaid interest | | | | | | — |
Prepaid annual Nasdaq fee |
| | |
| | — |
Prepaid expense |
| | |
| | |
Prepaid taxes | | | | | | |
Security deposit |
| | |
| | |
Other |
| | |
| | |
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets- current | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Retainer for workover rigs | | $ | | | $ | |
Total prepaid expenses-noncurrent | | $ | | | $ | |
18
NOTE 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The Company will record depreciation expense for the processing plant over its estimated useful life.
Depreciation for the processing plant will commence once the processing plant is placed into service. The Company records depreciation expense for computer equipment and furniture and fixtures over a life of
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, | ||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Processing plant under construction – cost | | $ | | | $ | |
Computer equipment – cost |
| | |
| | |
Field equipment – cost | | | | | | — |
Furniture and fixtures – cost |
| | |
| | |
Leasehold improvements – cost |
| | |
| | |
Total – cost |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | |
Processing plant under construction – accumulated depreciation |
| | — |
| | — |
Computer equipment – accumulated depreciation |
| | ( |
| | ( |
Field equipment – accumulated depreciation | | | ( | | | — |
Furniture and fixtures – accumulated depreciation |
| | ( |
| | ( |
Leasehold improvements – accumulated depreciation |
| | ( |
| | ( |
Total – accumulated depreciation |
| | ( |
| | ( |
| | | | | | |
Processing plant under construction – net |
| | |
| | |
Computer equipment – net |
| | |
| | |
Field equipment – net | | | | | | — |
Furniture and fixtures – net |
| | |
| | |
Leasehold improvements – net |
| | |
| | |
Total Property, plant and equipment, net | | $ | | | $ | |
The Company recorded depreciation expense in the amounts of $
NOTE 6. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, | ||
| | 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Evaluated oil and natural gas properties – cost | | $ | | | $ | |
Accumulated depletion and impairment |
| | ( |
| | ( |
Oil and natural gas properties, net | | $ | | | $ | |
The Company had
The Company recorded depletion expense in the amounts of $
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NOTE 7. NOTES PAYABLE
AirLife Note Payable
On August 25, 2023, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary NEH Midstream, LLC., entered into a Promissory Note (“AirLife Note”) with AirLife Gases USA Inc. (“AirLife”). Under the AirLife Note, NEH Midstream agreed to pay AirLife the principal sum of $
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, if the Purchase Agreement is terminated due to delay of the November 30, 2025 Commencement Date, succession of plant operations or early termination of the Purchase Agreement, the Company will be required to pay the total amount of remaining monthly installments of the AirLife Note within (5) days of the date of such termination. (See Note 14)
Loan and Equity Purchase Facility Agreement
On December 6, 2024, following the closing of the Business Combination, the Company and an institutional investor (the “EPFA Investor”) entered into an Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (the “EPFA”). Pursuant to the EPFA, the Company has the right to issue and sell to the EPFA Investor, and the EPFA Investor must purchase from the Company, up to an aggregate of $
The EFPA also provides for the issuance of
The proceeds from the Second Pre-Paid Advance Note and sale of Advance Shares are expected to be used by the Company first to pay the then monthly payment on any outstanding Notes and then the remainder would be utilized for working capital. Pursuant to the terms of the EPFA, the Company is required to hold a special meeting of stockholders no later than (90) calendar days following December 6, 2024 to seek approval of (i) the issuance of all of the shares of Common Stock that may be issuable pursuant to the Notes and the EPFA in compliance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq and (ii) an amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of capital stock of the Company to
The price per Advance Share will be determined by multiplying the market price by
20
While the Convertible Notes are outstanding, the Company cannot issue, sell, grant, or otherwise dispose of any securities, or enter into any agreement or arrangement to do so, at a price per security less than
Until the termination of the EPFA, the Company must maintain a minimum cash balance of $
The Company reviewed the EFPA and determined that it should be recognized at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of operations (See Note 16).
As an inducement to entering into the EPFA, a designee of the EPFA Investor received
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note
Each Convertible Note provides for a
On December 6, 2024, the Company drew the first prepaid advance of $
On January 16, 2025, following the effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, on December 30, 2024, the Company issued another Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “Subsequent Note”) to the Investor in an aggregate principal amount of $
The outstanding balance on the Convertible Note and the Subsequent Note, net of debt discount, as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $
Conversion Rights
Each Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock at the option of the Investor at an initial conversion price of $
21
The Company reviewed the conversion option and determined that the scope exception within ASC 815-10-15-74 (a) is met and the conversion option in not required to be bifurcated and accounted for as an embedded derivative under ASC 815.
Event of Default Conversion
From and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Holder may elect to convert the Note into shares of the Common Stock at the “Event of Default Conversion Price”, which is equal to the lower of the Conversion Price then in effect; and
The Company reviewed the Event of Default feature under ASC 815-15 and determined that the default interest feature is considered an embedded derivative that should be bifurcated from the host instrument requiring fair value accounting at issuance with all changes in fair value after the issuance date recorded in the consolidated statement of operations (See Note 16).
Limitations on Conversion
A Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Note to the extent that, after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder (together with its related parties) would beneficially own in excess of
Redemption Rights
At any time, the Company may redeem in cash all, or any portion, of the Note, in an amount equal to the outstanding principal balance being redeemed, plus a 10% premium in respect of such principal amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such principal amount.
Security Agreement
Also, on December 6, 2024, the Company, each of its subsidiaries (each, a “Grantor”), and the Investor, entered into a Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with respect to the Notes. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, each Grantor granted a security interest in such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to each type of property described in the Security Agreement, (collectively, the “Collateral”), including, but not limited to the Company’s Equipment, Inventory, Receivables, Related Contracts, Pledged Debt, Investment Property, Pledged Stock and Account Collateral. The Collateral secures and will secure all debts, obligations, liabilities, covenants and duties of every kind owed at any time to the Secured Parties by the Grantors under the Purchase Agreement, the Notes, the Guarantee and/or each other Transaction Document.
Subsidiary Guarantee
Also, on December 6, 2024, each of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) executed a guarantee agreement (the “Subsidiary Guarantee”), whereby each such Guarantor guaranteed to the EPFA Investor the prompt and full payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Company under and pursuant to the Security Agreement.
Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement
On February 21, 2025, the Company and the Investor entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (the “A&R EPFA”), which amends and restates the Existing EPFA in its entirety. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the A&R EPFA.
The A&R EPFA provides, among other things, that for so long as any amount remains outstanding under the Promissory Notes, if the Company submits an Advance Notice (as defined in the A&R EPFA), then the aggregate purchase price owed to the Company from such Advance Notice (the “Advance Proceeds”) shall be paid by the Investor to the Company and used by the Company in accordance with Section 7.15 of the A&R EPFA; provided, however, that any such Advance Notice that is submitted during any thirty (30) calendar day period preceding the date on which the Company is required to make a monthly payment pursuant to Sections 1(b) and 1(d) of the
22
Promissory Notes (each such payment, a “Note Payment”), then without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company may only submit such Advance Notice, if the Advance Proceeds are paid by the Investor by offsetting the amount of the Advance Proceeds against the full amount of the applicable Note Payment (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, then towards Payment Premiums (as defined in the Promissory Notes) (if applicable), and then towards outstanding principal), with any remaining Advance Proceeds to be paid by the Investor in cash to the Company and used by the Company in accordance with Section 7.15 of the A&R EPFA. Furthermore, if there is any default under the Promissory Notes, the Company may only submit an Advance Notice with the prior consent of the Investor.
Under the terms of the A&R EPFA, the price per Advance Share (as defined in the A&R EPFA) is set at the product obtained by multiplying the market price by
Pursuant to the terms of the A&R EPFA, the Floor Price is currently set at $
The table below summarizes the outstanding notes payable as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, including the effects of discounts and debt issuance costs:
|
| March 31, 2025 |
| December 31, 2024 | ||
Current |
| |
|
| |
|
Convertible note due 2026 | |
| | |
| |
Discounts, net (1) | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Debt issuance costs, net (2) | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Total, convertible note | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Airlife Note – principal | | | | | | — |
Airlife Note – accrued interest | | | | | | — |
Total, Airlife Note | | | | | | — |
Total notes payable – current | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
AirLife Note – principal | | $ | | | $ | |
AirLife Note – accrued interest | |
| | |
| |
Notes payable – noncurrent | | $ | | | $ | |
23
(1)Discounts as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, consisted of $
(2)Debt issuance costs as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, consisted of $
The table below presents the disaggregation of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:
|
| Three |
| Three | ||
| | Months Ended | | Months Ended | ||
| | March 31, | | March 31, | ||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Contractual interest expense | | $ | | | $ | |
Debt discount amortization | | | | | | — |
Debt issuance cost amortization | | | | | | — |
Total | | $ | | | $ | |
Long-term debt future maturities for five years and thereafter as of March 31, 2025:
|
| | |
| Convertible Note, |
| | | |
| | Note Payable | | net of discount | | Total | |||
2026 | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
2027 | |
| | |
| — | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 8. LEASE LIABILITIES
The Company currently occupies office space in Midland, Texas and Hermosa Beach, California under a month - to - month arrangement. The Company is reviewing its options regarding continued use of these office spaces and will continue to expense the cost to use these offices.
There are
NOTE 9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Balance outstanding of related parties:
Name of Party | | Receivable / Payable | | March 31, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | ||
Mike Rugen | | Payable (reimbursable business expenses) | | $ | | | $ | |
Will Gray | | Payable (reimbursable business expenses) | |
| | |
| — |
Total |
| Payable | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 10: OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
The following table presents the components of other current liabilities as of the dates indicated:
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, | ||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Royalty payable – ONRR | | $ | | | $ | |
Installment agreement – ONRR |
| | |
| | |
Total other current liabilities | | $ | | | $ | |
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NOTE 11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The Company has a number of oil and gas wells in production and will have AROs that will be settled once the wells are permanently removed from service. The primary obligations involve the removal and disposal of surface equipment, plugging and abandoning the wells and site restoration.
AROs associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets are recognized as liabilities with an increase to the carrying amounts of the related long-lived assets in the period incurred. The fair value of AROs is recognized at the date a new well is completed or the acquisition date of the working interest. The cost of the tangible asset, including the asset retirement cost, is depleted over the life of the asset. AROs are recorded at estimated fair value, measured by reference to the expected future cash outflows required to satisfy the retirement obligations discounted at the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. Accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liabilities are accreted to their expected settlement value. If estimated future costs of AROs change, an adjustment is recorded to both the ARO and the long-lived asset. Revisions to estimated AROs can result from changes in retirement cost estimates including revisions to estimated inflation rates, revisions to estimated discount rates and changes in the estimated timing of abandonment. The Company used the following inputs in its calculation of its asset retirement obligations.
|
| Three Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
|
| | March 31, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | |
Inflation rate | | % | % | ||
Discount factor |
| | % | | % |
Estimated asset life |
| years | years |
The following table shows the change in the Company’s ARO liability for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024:
Asset retirement obligations, December 31, 2024 |
| $ | |
Accretion expense | |
| |
Asset retirement obligations, March 31, 2025 | | $ | |
NOTE 12. EQUITY
Reorganization Agreement and Plan Share Exchange and Issuance of Shares
Preferred stock - The Company is authorized to issue
Common stock - The Company is authorized to issue
Share Issuances
The Company issued the following shares under the EPFA:
| ● |
| ● |
| ● |
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The Company also issued
Warrants – As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there are
Also, on December 6, 2024, the Company and an institutional investor (the “Warrant Investor”) entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Warrant Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Investor warrants to purchase up to $
The Company has analyzed the Public Warrants, Private Warrants, and ATW Warrants and determined they are considered to be freestanding instruments and do not exhibit any of the characteristics in ASC 480 and therefore are not classified as liabilities under ASC 480 or ASC 815.
NOTE 13. LOSS PER SHARE
The Company calculated net loss per share using the treasury stock method. The table below sets for the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the period presented below.
|
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||
| | March 31, | ||||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Net loss | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding |
| | |
| | |
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |
| | — |
| | — |
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |
| | |
| | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental Matters
The Company, as a lessee of oil and gas properties, is subject to various federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations relating to discharge of materials into, and protection of, the environment. These laws and regulations may, among other things, impose liability on the lessee under an oil and gas lease for the cost of pollution clean-up resulting from operations and subject the lessee to liability for pollution damages. In some instances, the Company may be directed to suspend or cease operations in the affected area. There can be no assurance, however, that current regulatory requirements will not change, or past noncompliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on the Company’s properties.
Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit and Promissory Note
On September 24, 2020, the Company entered into an irrevocable standby letter of credit (“LOC”) and a promissory note with West Texas National Bank in the amount of $
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On October 29, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment of the LOC a new promissory note, increasing the amount to $
Limited Liability Company Agreement
On January 21, 2025, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with SharonAI for the creation of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and joint venture of the Company and SharonAI (the “Joint Venture”). Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the purpose of the Joint Venture is to engage in (i) the purchase, building, and development of a site in Texas with an initial 250 MW gas-fired power plant and corresponding data center, and (ii) the operation of this site and (iii) any and all lawful activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Each of the Company and will contribute $
The Company made a $
The Company reviewed the LLC Agreement under ASC 323 - Equity Method and Joint Ventures and determined that the LLC Agreement meets the definition of a joint venture. The Company further reviewed the LLC Agreement under ASC 810 – Consolidation and determined that the LLC Agreement does not meet the definition of a variable interest entity since the joint venture does not have sufficient equity at risk. The Company will follow the equity method accounting to record the joint venture.
Contract for Sale and Purchase of Liquid Helium
On August 25, 2023, (the “Effective Date”) the Company entered into an agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with AirLife Gases USA Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company intends to transport a portion of its gaseous helium production to a helium liquefaction plant located in Keyes, Oklahoma (the “Tolling Facility”) and the Buyer desires to purchase a portion of the gaseous helium produced by the Company. The term of the Purchase Agreement commenced on the Effective Date and will expire on the tenth (10th anniversary) of the first day of the month in which the Company’s third-party tolling provider completes filling the first container with liquid helium for delivery to the Buyer at the Tolling Facility (the “Commencement Date”). If the Commencement Date has not occurred by November 30, 2025, for any reason, the Buyer has the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement.
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NOTE 15: REVENUES
The following table presents the revenue by type as of the dates indicated:
|
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||
| | March 31, | ||||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Natural gas | | $ | | | $ | |
Less gathering and processing |
| | ( |
| | ( |
Natural gas, net |
| | |
| | |
NGL |
| | |
| | |
Oil |
| | — |
| | |
Total Revenue, net | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company accounts for certain liabilities at fair value and classifies these liabilities with the fair value hierarchy. Our asset retirement obligation liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
Assets, liabilities, and expenses subject to fair value measurements are as follows:
March 31, 2025 |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
| Total | ||||
Asset: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity facility derivative asset | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liability: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ARO liabilities | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
Embedded derivative liability | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2024 | | Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
| Total | ||||
Asset: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity facility derivative asset | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ARO liabilities | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
Embedded derivative liability | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | |
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, prepaid and other current assets, due from related parties, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, due to related party, and other current liabilities, as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, approximate fair value, due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable approximates their fair value due to immaterial changes in market interest rates.
The equity facility derivative asset and the embedded derivative liability were valued using a Monte Carlo model.
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The following table provides quantitative information regarding Level 3 fair value measurements for the embedded derivative liability and equity facility asset at initial measurement at December 6, 2024 and at March 31, 2025.
|
| Equity Facility |
| Embedded |
| Embedded | | Equity Facility | | Embedded | | |||||
| | Derivative Asset | | Derivative Liability | | Derivative Liability | | Derivative Asset | | Derivative Liability | | |||||
|
| March 31, 2025 |
| March 31, 2025 |
| January 15, 2025 (Initial Measurement) |
| December 6, 2024 (Initial Measurement) |
| December 6, 2024 (Initial Measurement) | | |||||
Conversion price | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | | |
Share price | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | |
Volatility | |
| | % |
| | % | | | % | | | % | | | % |
Probability of default | |
| — | |
| | % | | | % | | — | | | | % |
Risk-free rate | |
| | % |
| | % | | | % | | | % | | | % |
Dividend yield | |
| — | |
| — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
The following table presents the changes in the fair value of Level 3 embedded derivative liabilities and equity facility derivative asset:
|
| Embedded |
| Equity | ||
| | Derivative | | Facility | ||
| | Liabilities | | Derivative Asset | ||
Fair value as of January 1, 2025 | | $ | | | $ | |
Initial fair value as of January 15, 2025 | | | | | | — |
| | ( | | | ( | |
Fair value as of March 31, 2025 | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 17. SEGMENTATION
ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products, services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer who reviews the assets, liabilities, operating results, and financial metrics for the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management has determined that there is only
The CODM assesses performance for the single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income or loss that also is reported on the statement of operations as net income or loss. The measure of segment assets and liabilities is reported on the balance sheet as total assets and total liabilities. When evaluating the Company’s performance and making key decisions regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in net income or loss, total assets and total liabilities, which include the following:
|
| March 31, |
| March 31, | ||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | | | $ | |
Property and equipment, net |
| | |
| | |
Oil and natural gas properties |
| | |
| | |
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
| | 2025 | | 2024 | ||
Revenue, net |
| $ | |
| $ | |
Lease operating expenses |
| | |
| | |
General and administrative expenses |
| | |
| | |
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NOTE 18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events have been evaluated through May 14, 2025, which represents the date the financial statements were available to be issued, and no events, other than disclosed below have occurred through that date that would impact the consolidated financial statements.
Share Issuances
During April 2025 and May 2025, the Company issued an aggregate of
Amendment to Equity Purchase Facility Agreement
On May 5, 2025, the Company and ATW AI Infrastructure LLC entered into the Second Amendment and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (this “Agreement”). This Agreement amends the Equity Purchase Facility Agreement dated December 6, 2024 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended and restated on February 21, 2025 (the “Existing Agreement”).
The Second A&R EPFA, among other things, removes the prohibition in the Existing EPFA from the Company selling Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance Notice at a sales price below the Floor Price then in effect; however, the Company is still required to obtain the Investor’s consent prior to issuing an Advance Notice where the sales price is lower than
Amendments to Promissory Notes
On May 5, 2024, the Company and the Investor entered into amendments to the Promissory Notes (the “Amended Notes”) which, among other things, provides that the Company may elect to defer the principal portion of the monthly payments that are due to the Investor in May 2025 June 2025 or July 2025 until on or before the Maturity Date of the respective Promissory Note in exchange for the payment of a deferral fee (the “Deferral Fee”) equal to
Departure of Chief Financial Officer
On April 22, 2025, Michael J. Rugen resigned as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with an effective date of May 31, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). Mr. Rugen’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement between him and the Company, the Board of Directors, or any committee of the Board of Directors of the Company on any matter.
On May 9, 2025, the Board of Directors approved Will Gray to serve as the interim Chief Financial Officer with an effective date of June 1, 2025.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report. The discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, particularly in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” to “ECD,” “we”, “us”, “our”, and the “Company” are intended to refer to (i) following the Business Combination (as defined below), the business and operations of New Era Helium, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, and (ii) prior to the Business Combination, New Era Helium, Inc. (the predecessor entity in existence prior to the consummation of the Business Combination) and its consolidated subsidiary.
Business Overview and Strategy
NEH is a corporation formed in Nevada on February 2, 2023. It is an exploration and production company whose primary operations include the exploration, development, and production of helium, natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids. The Company sources helium produced in association with natural gas reserves located in Chaves County, New Mexico. To date, we have not generated any revenue from the production of helium. Although hydrocarbons are currently the Company’s primary source of revenues, our business model is moving from a hydrocarbon focus to a helium-focused model and centers on providing helium to various parties in the supply chain, namely helium refiners, non- refiners, Tier 1 multinational distributors, and smaller Tier 2 gas companies. We currently own and operate 137,000 acres in Southeast New Mexico and have 85,498 MMcfe of proved hydrocarbon reserves and 166,430 MMcfe of probable hydrocarbon reserves. In addition, the Company has approximately 422 MMcf of net proved undeveloped helium reserves and 788 MMcf of net probable undeveloped helium reserves.
On February 6, 2023, the Company entered into the Agreement with Solis Partners. Immediately prior to February 6, 2023, the Company was authorized to issue 190 million shares of common stock with par value of $0.001 per share and 10 million shares of preferred stock with par value of $0.001 per share. Subject to the terms of the Agreement, all issued and outstanding member interests in Solis Partners was automatically converted and exchanged for 5 million shares of the Company’s common stock. Presently, we operate through two subsidiaries, (i) Solis Partners, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Solis Partners”), wholly owned by the Company and engaged in the oil and gas producing business, and (ii) NEH Midstream LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“NEH Midstream”) wholly owned by the Company which will own and operate the Pecos Slope Plant and gathering system located in Chaves County, New Mexico.
Merger with Roth CH Acquisition V Co.
On December 6, 2024, the Company completed the business combination (the “Business Combination) contemplated by the Business Combination and Plan of Organization dated January 3, 2024 (the “Business Combination Agreement”) (as amended on June 5, 2024, August 8, 2024, September 11, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the “BCA”), by and among Roth CH Acquisition V Co. (“ROCL”), Roth CH V Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ROCL (“Merger Sub”), and NEH.
At the Closing, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement and after giving effect to the redemption of shares of ROCL common stock:
| 1. | The total consideration paid at the Closing (the “Merger Consideration”) by ROCL to New Era Helium Corp. security holders was 8,916,625 shares of common stock of Holdings. |
| 2. | Each share of Merger Sub common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Merger Sub Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) was converted into one newly issued share of the Company’s common stock. |
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Following the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, ROCL merged with and into Holdings, with Holdings as the surviving company of the Initial Merger. Following the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, Merger Sub merged with and into with New Era Helium Corp. as the surviving corporation of the Business Combination, effective December 6, 2024. Thus, New Era Helium Corp. became a wholly owned subsidiary of ROCL. In connection with the Business Combination, Holdings changed its name to “New Era Helium Inc.”
Recent Developments
Limited Liability Company Agreement
On January 21, 2025, we entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with SharonAI for the creation of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and joint venture of the Company and SharonAI (the “Joint Venture”). Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the purpose of the Joint Venture is to engage in (i) the purchase, building, and development of a site in Texas with an initial 250 MW gas-fired power plant and corresponding data center, and (ii) the operation of this site and (iii) any and all lawful activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Each of the Company and SharonAI has contributed $75,000 to the Joint Venture and have a 50% membership interest in the Joint Venture, constituting the initial members of the Joint Venture. So long as a Member holds a membership interest in the Joint Venture, such Member may not withdraw or resign as a member prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Joint Venture, and any such withdrawal or resignation or attempted withdrawal or resignation will be null and void. Members are required to make additional capital contributions (each, an “Additional Capital Contribution”) as set forth in the LLC Agreement, and failure to make Additional Capital Contributions in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement entitle the non-defaulting Member to institute proceedings against the non-contributing Member (“Non-Contributing Member”), purchase such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest, or force a sale of such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest. No Member may transfer all or any portion of its membership interest without the written consent of the other Member unless such transfer is made pursuant to a Non-Contributing Member’s failure to make Additional Capital Contributions as set forth in the LLC Agreement. New Members of the Joint Venture may be admitted from time to time pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement. No real or personal property of the Joint Venture will be deemed to be owned by any of its Members individually and will be owned by, and title will be vested solely in, the Joint Venture. Each fiscal year, net income and net loss will be allocated amongst the Members pro rata in accordance with their membership interests in the Joint Venture. Distributions of the Joint Venture, following allowance for payment of Joint Venture obligations then due and payable, will be made to the members on at least a quarterly basis (unless the Board and members unanimously agree otherwise), pro rata in accordance with the Members’ percentage interests in the Joint Venture.
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note
On January 16, 2025 (the “Issuance Date”), following the effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, initially filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 30, 2024, and pursuant to the terms of the EPFA, we issued another Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “Subsequent Note”) to the Investor in an aggregate principal amount of $3.0 million for an aggregate purchase price of $2.79 million after giving effect to a 7% original issue discount. The Subsequent Note is for a term of 15 months from the Issuance Date. Commencing on the ninetieth (90th) day following the Issuance Date and continuing on the same day of each successive calendar month until the entire outstanding principal amount has been repaid, we are required to make monthly payments to the holder of the Subsequent Note (the “Holder”). Each monthly payment will be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) one twelfth (1/12) of the initial aggregate principal of the Subsequent Note and all other notes issued pursuant to the EPFA, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid under the Subsequent Note as of each payment date. Interest accrues on the outstanding principal balance hereof at an initial annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate will increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Subsequent Note).
Conversion Rights
Conversion at Option of Holder. The Subsequent Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at the option of the Investor at an initial conversion price of $10.00 per share (the “Conversion Price”). Subject to certain exceptions outlined in the Subsequent Note, including, but not limited to, equity issuances in connection with its equity incentive plan and certain strategic acquisitions, if the Company sells, enters into an agreement to sell, or grants any option to purchase, or sells, enters into an agreement to sell, or otherwise disposes of or issues (or announces any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any shares of Common Stock or any other securities that are at any time convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitle the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock, at an effective price per share less than the
32
Conversion Price of the Subsequent Note then in effect, the Conversion Price will be reduced to equal the effective price per share in such dilutive issuance. The Conversion Price is also subject to a downward adjustment if an Event of Default occurs. The Conversion Price is subject to an initial floor price (the “Floor Price”) of $0.7176 per share of Common Stock; however, beginning on July 15, 2025 and on the same day of every six (6) months thereafter (each, a “Floor Price Reset Date”), the Floor Price will be reduced to 20% of the average volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such trading day on the primary market of the Common Stock during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (the “VWAP”) during the five (5) trading days immediately prior to such Floor Price Reset Date. Additionally, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amount set forth in a written notice to the Holder, provided that any such reduction will be irrevocable and will not be subject to increase thereafter. The Company may prepay the Subsequent Note at its option, upon thirty (30) business days written notice, by paying a 10% redemption premium.
Redemption Rights
At any time, we may redeem in cash all, or any portion, of the Subsequent Note, in an amount equal to the outstanding principal balance being redeemed, plus a 10% premium in respect of such principal amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such principal amount.
Event of Default Conversion. From and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Holder may elect to convert the Subsequent Note into shares of the Common Stock at the “Event of Default Conversion Price,” which is equal to the lower of:
| ● | The Conversion Price then in effect; and |
| ● | 90% of the lowest VWAP of the Common Stock during the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date on which we received written notice of such conversion from such holder, subject to the Floor Price. |
Limitations on Conversion. A Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Subsequent Note to the extent that, after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder (together with its related parties) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (the “Maximum Percentage”) of shares of our Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. The Maximum Percentage may be raised or lowered to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, at the option of the Holder, except that any increase will only be effective upon 61 days’ prior written notice to the Company.
Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement
On February 21, 2025, we and the Investor entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (the “A&R EPFA”), which amends and restates the Existing EPFA in its entirety. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the A&R EPFA.
The A&R EPFA provides, among other things, that for so long as any amount remains outstanding under the Promissory Notes, if the Company submits an Advance Notice (as defined in the A&R EPFA), then the aggregate purchase price owed to the Company from such Advance Notice (the “Advance Proceeds”) shall be paid by the Investor to the Company and used by the Company in accordance with Section 7.15 of the A&R EPFA; provided, however, that any such Advance Notice that is submitted during any thirty (30) calendar day period preceding the date on which the Company is required to make a monthly payment pursuant to Sections 1(b) and 1(d) of the Promissory Notes (each such payment, a “Note Payment”), then without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company may only submit such Advance Notice, if the Advance Proceeds are paid by the Investor by offsetting the amount of the Advance Proceeds against the full amount of the applicable Note Payment (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, then towards Payment Premiums (as defined in the Promissory Notes) (if applicable), and then towards outstanding principal), with any remaining Advance Proceeds to be paid by the Investor in cash to the Company and used by the Company in accordance with Section 7.15 of the A&R EPFA. Furthermore, if there is any default under the Promissory Notes, the Company may only submit an Advance Notice with the prior consent of the Investor.
Under the terms of the A&R EPFA, the price per Advance Share (as defined in the A&R EPFA) is set at the product obtained by multiplying the market price by 95%. In the event of a Regular Purchase Pricing Period (as defined in the A&R EPFA), the Company may elect to set the minimum price per Advance Share (the “Minimum Acceptable Price”) for such Advance Notice, however, if no Minimum Acceptable Price is selected, the Minimum Acceptable Price will automatically be set at a price equal to the Floor Price (as defined in the A&R EPFA) then in effect multiplied by 105.3%. In the event of an Accelerated Purchase Pricing Period (as defined in the A&R EPFA), the Minimum Acceptable Price shall always equal the Floor Price then in effect multiplied by 105.3%. Each trading day during a Pricing Period (as defined in the A&R EPFA) that is an Excluded Day (as defined in the A&R EPFA), shall result in an
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automatic reduction to the number of Advance Shares set forth in such Advance Notice by (i) in the event of a Regular Purchase Pricing Period, one-third for each such Excluded Day, (ii) in the event of an Accelerated Purchase Pricing Period, (A) with respect to an Equity Condition Excluded Day (as defined in the A&R EPFA), 100% or (B) with respect to a MAP Excluded Day (as defined in the A&R EPFA), 16% for each MAP Event (as defined in the A&R EPFA) in the applicable Accelerated Purchase Pricing Period. The A&R EPFA also provides that in no event may the Purchase Price be lower than the Floor Price then in effect and the Company may not submit an Advance Notice, without the consent of the Investor, if the market price of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to submission is lower than 120% of the Floor Price then in effect.
Pursuant to the terms of the A&R EPFA, the Floor Price is currently set at $0.7176 per Common Share, which is equal to 20% of the average five-day VWAP of the Common Shares on January 15, 2025, which is the date the Company’s resale registration statement on Form S-1 was declared effective. The A&R EPFA further provides that, beginning on July 15, 2025 and on the same day of every six (6) months thereafter (each, a “Floor Price Reset Date”), the Floor Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to 20% of the average VWAP of the common stock during the five (5) trading days immediately prior to such Floor Price Reset Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, the Company may reduce the Floor Price then in effect to any amount set forth in a written notice to the Investor; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.
Second Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement
On May 5, 2025, the Company and the Investor entered into a Second Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Facility Agreement (the “Second A&R EPFA”), which amends and restates the A&R EPFA in its entirety. Capitalized terms used in this section and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Second A&R EPFA.
The Second A&R EPFA, among other things, removes the prohibition in the Existing EPFA from the Company selling Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance Notice at a sales price below the Floor Price then in effect; however, the Company is still required to obtain the Investor’s consent prior to issuing an Advance Notice where the sales price is lower than 120% of the Floor Price then in effect. The Second A&R EPFA also removed the concept of the Minimum Acceptable Price (as defined in the Existing EPFA) and includes other conforming and administrative changes.
Amendments to Promissory Notes
On May 5, 2024, the Company and the Investor entered into amendments to the Promissory Notes (the “Amended Notes”) which, among other things, provides that the Company may elect to defer the principal portion of the monthly payments that are due to the Investor in May 2025 June 2025 or July 2025 until on or before the Maturity Date of the respective Promissory Note in exchange for the payment of a deferral fee (the “Deferral Fee”) equal to 2.0% of the outstanding Principal on each of the Promissory Notes payable monthly until the deferred principal payments are paid in full. The Deferral Fee is payable 50% in cash and 50% as an addition to the outstanding Principal amount on the applicable payment date. If the Company elects to defer the principal portion of the monthly payments that are due to the Investor in May 2025 June 2025 or July 2025, it is still required to make a cash payment for all accrued and unpaid interest outstanding on the principal of the respective Promissory Notes on the applicable due date. The Amended Notes also provide that, if the Company elects to to defer the principal portion of the monthly payments that are due to the Holder in May 2025 June 2025 or July 2025, the Company’s failure to make the required interest payments for such months or to pay the Deferral Fee when due will constitute an Event of Default under the Promissory Notes.
Limited Liability Company Agreement
On January 21, 2025, we entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with SharonAI for the creation of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and joint venture of the Company and SharonAI (the “Joint Venture”). Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the purpose of the Joint Venture is to engage in (i) the purchase, building, and development of a site in Texas with an initial 250 MW gas-fired power plant and corresponding data center, and (ii) the operation of this site and (iii) any and all lawful activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Each of the Company and SharonAI will contribute $75,000 to the Joint Venture and have a 50% membership interest in the Joint Venture, constituting the initial members of the Joint Venture. So long as a Member holds a membership interest in the Joint Venture, such Member may not withdraw or resign as a member prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Joint Venture, and any such withdrawal or resignation or attempted withdrawal or resignation will be null and void. Members are required to make additional capital contributions (each, an “Additional Capital Contribution”) as set forth in the LLC Agreement, and failure to make Additional Capital
34
Contributions in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement entitle the non-defaulting Member to institute proceedings against the non-contributing Member (“Non-Contributing Member”), purchase such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest, or force a sale of such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest. No Member may transfer all or any portion of its membership interest without the written consent of the other Member unless such transfer is made pursuant to a Non-Contributing Member’s failure to make Additional Capital Contributions as set forth in the LLC Agreement. New Members of the Joint Venture may be admitted from time to time pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement. No real or personal property of the Joint Venture will be deemed to be owned by any of its Members individually and will be owned by, and title will be vested solely in, the Joint Venture. Each fiscal year, net income and net loss will be allocated amongst the Members pro rata in accordance with their membership interests in the Joint Venture. Distributions of the Joint Venture, following allowance for payment of Joint Venture obligations then due and payable, will be made to the members on at least a quarterly basis (unless the Board and members unanimously agree otherwise), pro rata in accordance with the Members’ percentage interests in the Joint Venture.
We paid the $75,000 contribution to the Joint Venture on April 16, 2025.
Letter of Intent
On February 27, 2025, we issued a press release announcing its intention, along with its joint venture partner, Sharon AI, Inc., to acquire a 200-Acre Site for 250MW Net-Zero AI Data Center in the Permian Basin.
Notice of Delisting
On March 4, 2025, we received a letter from Nasdaq (the “Notice”) which notified the Company that, for 30 consecutive business days, the Company’s market value of listed securities (“MVLS”) closed below the $50,000,000 MVLS threshold required for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the “MVLS Rule”).
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), the Company has 180 calendar days, or until September 2, 2025 (the “MVLS Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the MVLS Rule. The Notice notes that, to regain compliance, the Company’s MVLS must close at or above $50,000,000 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during the MVLS Compliance Period. The Notice further notes that if the Company is unable to satisfy the MVLS requirement prior to such date, the Company may be eligible to transfer the listing of its securities to The Nasdaq Capital Market (provided that the Company then satisfies the requirements for continued listing on that market). If the Company does not regain compliance by the end of the MVLS Compliance Period, Nasdaq staff will provide written notice to the Company that its securities are subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may appeal any such delisting determination to a hearings panel.
Departure of Chief Financial Officer
On April 22, 2025, Michael J. Rugen resigned as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with an effective date of May 31, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). Mr. Rugen’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement between him and the Company, the Board of Directors, or any committee of the Board of Directors of the Company on any matter.
Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations
We have set out below a discussion of the key factors that have affected our financial performance and that are expected to impact our performance going forward. These factors present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and in the section of this Report titled “Risk Factors”.Principal Components of Results of Operations
We operate our business within a single reportable segment, which is consistent with how our management reviews our business, makes investment and resource allocation decisions, and assesses operating performance. Management primarily reviews total assets and income (loss) from operations of the single reportable segment.
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Revenues, net
The Company sells its oil to a single purchaser on a monthly basis, pursuant to a purchase agreement (the “Oil Purchase Agreement”), at a price based on an index price from the purchaser. The Oil Purchase Agreement with continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter unless and until terminated by the Company or the purchaser with a 30-day advance notice. Oil that is produced from the Company’s wells is stored in tank batteries located on the Company’s lease. When the purchaser’s truck connects to the storage tank and oil enters the truck, control of the oil is transferred to the purchaser, the Company’s obligations are satisfied, and revenue is recognized.
We currently sell our natural gas and natural gas liquids to IACX Energy, Inc. (“IACX”), a processor, pursuant to that certain Marketing Agreement, at a price based on an index price from the purchaser, which expired on May 31, 2024. This agreement currently continues on a month-to-month basis unless and until terminated by the Company or the purchaser with a 30-day advance notice. IACX processes our gas for natural gas liquids and other usable components in its facilities. We receive value for our natural gas and any associated natural gas liquids as further defined as hydrocarbons pursuant to the Marketing Agreement. Although the company produces helium alongside its natural gas, IACX does not compensate us for our helium produced under our existing contract. To date, we have not generated any revenue from the production of helium.
Under our natural gas and natural gas liquid contracts with processors, when the unprocessed natural gas is delivered at the sales meter, control of the gas is transferred to the purchaser, the Company’s obligations are satisfied, and revenue is recognized. In the cases where the Company sells to a processor, management has determined that the processors are customers. The Company recognizes the revenue in these contracts based on the net proceeds received from the processor.
The Company will sell its helium to two purchasers, each purchasing 50% of the helium production under a 10-year contract. One of the contracts will commence upon delivery of gaseous helium production at the tailgate of the processing plant. The other contract will commence upon delivery of liquid helium from the Keyes Helium Company liquefaction plant located in Keyes, OK. For the gaseous helium sales contract, when the gaseous helium is loaded into the gaseous helium trailer, control of the helium is transferred to the purchaser. For the liquid helium sales contract, once the helium has been liquified and loaded into the liquid helium trailer, control of the helium is transferred to the purchaser, the Company’s obligations are satisfied, and revenue is recognized.
The Company has no unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of each reporting period.
Lease operating expenses
Lease operating expenses represent costs incurred in operations of producing properties and workover costs. The majority of these costs are comprised of labor costs, production taxes, compression, workover, and repair costs.
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion
The Company follows the full cost accounting method to account for oil and natural gas properties, whereby costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized. Such costs include lease acquisition, geological and geophysical activities, rentals on nonproducing leases, drilling, completing and equipping of oil and gas wells, administrative costs directly attributable to those activities and asset retirement costs. The Company records depletion expense for oil and natural gas properties on a units of production basis over the life of the full cost pool’s reserves. The Company records depreciation expense for computer equipment and furniture and fixtures over a useful life of five years. The Company records depreciation expense for leasehold improvement over a useful life of five to fifteen years. The Company will record depreciation expense for the processing plant over its estimated useful life. Depreciation on the processing plant will commence once the procession plant is put into service.
General and administrative costs
General and administrative costs primarily include costs incurred for overhead, consisting of payroll and benefits for the Company’s corporate staff, contractor and consulting costs, stock compensation expenses, accounting and legal costs, and office rent.
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Gain on sale of assets
Gain on sale of assets consists of gains recorded on significant sales of oil and natural gas properties. As a full cost company, disposition of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as a reduction of capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized unless such adjustment would significantly alter the relationship between capital costs and proved reserves of oil and gas, in which case the gain or loss is recognized to operations.
Other income and expense
Other income and expenses primarily include income and expenses associated with interest, gains or losses recorded on certain transactions, and fees charged by the Company to operate properties on behalf of a third party on a short term. Our interest income relates to interest earned on certificate of deposit associated with operating bonds. Our interest expenses are primarily associated with interest due on notes outstanding. Our other income and expense primarily consists of gains and losses recorded on certain transactions as well as operating fees charged by the Company.
Income taxes
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the carrying amounts for income tax purposes and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The amount of deferred taxes on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date.
The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not (likelihood of greater than 50 percent) that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company recorded a valuation allowance as of $3,384,508 and $2,487,466 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. If all or a portion of the unrecognized tax benefit is sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, the tax benefit will be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability and will affect the Company’s effective tax rate in the period it is recognized.
The Company records any tax-related interest charges as interest expense and any tax-related penalties as other expense in the consolidated statements of operations of which there have been none to date. The Company is also subject to Texas Margin Tax. The Company realized no Texas Margin Tax in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as we do not anticipate owing any Texas Margin Tax for the periods presented.
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires all stock-based payments to employees and non-employees including grants of stock options, to be recognized as expense in the statements of operations based on their grant date fair values. The Company periodically issues common stock and common stock options to consultants for various services. Costs of these transactions are measured at the fair value of the service received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of the common stock is measured at the earlier of (i) the date at which a firm commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached or (ii) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete.
Results of Operations
To provide readers with meaningful comparisons, the following analysis provides comparisons of the financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. We analyze and explain the differences between years in the specific line items of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
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The Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the years presented:
|
| For the three months ended | | | | | |
| ||||
| | March 31, | | Variance | | Variance |
| |||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| ($) |
| (%) |
| |||
Revenue, net: | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Oil, natural gas, and product sales, net | | $ | 326,455 | | $ | 329,211 | | $ | (2,756) | | (0.8) | % |
Total revenues, net | | | 326,455 |
| | 329,211 |
| | (2,756) |
| (0.8) | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Costs and expenses: | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Lease operating expenses | | | 260,480 |
| | 503,560 |
| | (243,080) |
| (48.3) | % |
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion | | | 198,409 |
| | 244,044 |
| | (45,635) |
| (18.7) | % |
General and administrative expenses | | | 1,936,654 |
| | 745,064 |
| | 1,191,590 |
| 159.9 | % |
Total costs and expenses | | | 2,395,543 |
| | 1,492,668 |
| | 902,875 |
| 60.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (2,069,088) |
| | (1,163,457) |
| | (905,631) |
| 77.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Change in fair value of derivative asset | | | (15,403) |
| | — |
| | (15,403) |
| (100.0) | % |
Change in fair value of derivative liability | | | 190,977 |
| | — |
| | 190,977 |
| 100.0 | % |
Interest income | | | 15,380 |
| | 16,594 |
| | (1,214) |
| (7.3) | % |
Interest expense | | | (1,442,122) |
| | (60,338) |
| | (1,381,784) |
| 2,290.1 | % |
Other, net | | | — |
| | 66,799 |
| | (66,799) |
| (100.0) | % |
Total other income (loss) | | | (1,251,168) |
| | 23,055 |
| | (1,274,223) |
| (5,526.9) | % |
Loss before income taxes | | | (3,320,256) |
| | (1,140,402) |
| | (2,179,854) |
| 191.1 | % |
Benefit for income taxes | | | — |
| | 281,370 |
| | (281,370) |
| (100.0) | % |
Net loss | | $ | (3,320,256) | | $ | (859,032) | | $ | (2,461,224) |
| 286.5 | % |
Net Revenue by Product Category
The following table summarizes the Company’s net audited consolidated revenues disaggregated by product category:
|
| Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||
| | March 31, | | |||||||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| Change |
| Change % | | |||
Natural Gas, net | | $ | 280,064 | | $ | 207,600 | | $ | 72,464 |
| 34.9 | % |
NGL | |
| 46,391 | |
| 66,049 | |
| (19,658) |
| (29.8) | % |
Oil | |
| — | |
| 55,562 | |
| (55,562) |
| (100.0) | % |
Total revenues, net | | $ | 326,455 | | $ | 329,211 | | $ | (2,756) |
| (0.8) | % |
Natural Gas represented 85.8 % of the revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 63.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and increased $72,464 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The primary drivers of the revenue increase for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was a $111,000 increase related to a $0.58 per mcf increase in gas prices net of processing and transportation, partially offset by a $39,000 decrease related to a 44 MMcf decrease in gas volumes.
NGLs represented 14.2% of the revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 20.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and decreased $19,658 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2024. The primary driver of the revenue decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was a $16,000 decrease related to a 248 Bbl decrease in NGL volumes, and a $4,000 decrease related to a $4.85 per bbl decrease in NGL prices.
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No revenue was generated from Oil for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 16.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and decreased $55,562 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2024. The primary driver of the revenue decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was the sale of the Company’s oil properties during 2024.
Operating Expenses
| | Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||
| | March 31, | | |||||||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| Change |
| Change % | | |||
Costs and expenses: |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Lease operating expenses | | $ | 260,480 | | $ | 503,560 | | $ | (243,080) |
| (48.3) | % |
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion | |
| 198,409 | |
| 244,044 | |
| (45,635) |
| (18.7) | % |
General and administrative expenses | |
| 1,936,654 | |
| 745,064 | |
| 1,191,590 |
| 159.9 | % |
Total costs and expenses | | $ | 2,395,543 | | $ | 1,492,668 | | $ | 902,875 |
| 60.5 | % |
The Company experienced an overall increase in operating expenses of $902,875 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, lease operating expenses decreased $243,080, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $272,000 decrease in workover and repair costs, and a $12,000 decrease related to properties sold in 2024, partially offset by a $60,000 increase related to amortization during 2025 of a standby retainer, consulting, and services agreement.
General and administrative expenses increased $1,191,590 during the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The primary drivers for the increase was $470,000 increase in public relations and marketing cost, a $241,000 increase in Directors and Officers Insurance Costs, a $157,000 increase in employee and consulting costs, a $125,000 in legal, accounting, and audit and review costs, and $64,000 related to board member compensation.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion expense decreased $45,635, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to a $50,000 decrease in depletion expense related to lower sales volumes and a decrease in the depletion rates, partially offset by a $14,000 increase in accretion expense associated with Asset Retirement Obligations.
Other (Expense)Income
| | Three Months Ended |
| |||||||||
| | March 31, | | |||||||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 |
| Change |
| Change % | | |||
Change in fair value of derivative asset | | $ | (15,403) | | $ | — |
| $ | (15,403) |
| (100.0) | % |
Change in fair value of derivative liability | |
| 190,977 | |
| — |
| | 190,977 |
| 100.0 | % |
Interest income | |
| 15,380 | |
| 16,594 |
| | (1,214) |
| (7.3) | % |
Interest expense | |
| (1,442,122) | |
| (60,338) |
| | (1,381,784) |
| 2,290.1 | % |
Other income (expense), net | | | — | | | 66,799 | | | (66,799) |
| (100.0) | % |
Total other income (loss) | | $ | (1,251,168) | | $ | 23,055 | | $ | (1,274,223) | | (5,526.9) | % |
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, interest income decreased $1,214, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to a $1,214 decrease related to interest earned on certificates of deposit.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, interest expense increased $1,381,784, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to $1,160,447 increase related to amortization of the debt discount and debt issuance costs, , and a $9,000 increase in interest expense related to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue and the State of New Mexico, and a $2,000 increase related to interest expense associated with the AirLife note, partially offset by a $15,000 decrease in interest expense related to the Beaufort Acquisitions note and a $5,000 decrease related to interest expense associated with the Bridge Financing Debentures. Both the Beaufort Acquisition note and the Bridge Financing Debentures were paid off in December 2024.
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For the three months ended March 31, 2025, other income (expense) increased $66,799 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to a $67,000 decrease in fees to operate properties charged to the purchaser of certain properties, previously owned by the Company, located in Chaves County, NM that were sold effective July 2023, and a $30,000 decrease due to a change in the fair value of derivatives.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, change in the fair value of the derivative asset increased $15,403, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, and change in fair value of derivative liabilities increased $190,977 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Uses and Availability of Funds
We measure our liquidity in a number of ways, including cash balances on hand, working capital, and operating cash flows.
We had a cash balance of $1,033,596 as of March 31, 2025. We also had a working capital deficit of $4,231,795 as of March 31, 2025.
Since our inception, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity have been cash flow from operations, contributions from members, and borrowings. The Company is in the process of securing a project financing arrangement to fund construction of a processing plant, the construction or acquisition of a gather system, and a production enhancement program that will consist of workovers, recompletions, new drilling, or acquisition of properties. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination on December 6, 2024, the Company and an institutional investor (the EPFA Investor”) entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the “EPFA”). Pursuant to the EPFA, the Company has the right to issue and sell to the EPFA Investor, and the EPFA Investor must purchase from the Company, up to an aggregate of $75 million (the “Commitment Amount”) in newly issued shares (the “Advance Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. The EFPA also provides for the issuance of two pre-paid advances in the aggregate amount of $10 million, the first pre-paid advance in the amount of $7 million, which was drawn by the Company on December 6, 2024, and the second pre-paid advance in the amount of $3 million, which was drawn by the Company on January 16, 2025, each of which is evidenced by a senior secured convertible promissory note (each, a “Convertible Note”), which is convertible into shares of common stock.
The Company is making payments of principal and interest on the Convertible Notes and the Company’s general and administrative expenses through funds received from shares sold under the EFPA. The Company’s share price has significantly declined and as a result, management has concern about the Company’s ability to sell sufficient shares under the EFPA at high enough prices to produce cash flow to meet its obligations within the assessment period as necessary. The Company may need to raise additional financing thorough loans. The Company cannot provide any assurance that the new financing will be available to it on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, The Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. As a result, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”, Management has determined management that the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through the twelve months following the issuance date of the March 31, 2025, financial statements. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Our primary operations include the exploration, development, and production of helium, natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). The Company’s producing oil and gas assets and non-producing acreage are primarily located in Chaves County, New Mexico. The Company also owns overriding royalty interests located in Howard County, Texas.
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Cash Flows
Cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the periods presented:
| | Three Months Ended | ||||
| | March 31, | ||||
|
| 2025 |
| 2024 | ||
Cash Provided By (Used In) |
| |
|
| |
|
Operating Activities | | $ | (2,830,194) | | $ | (319,464) |
Investing Activities | |
| (677,547) | |
| (229,996) |
Financing Activities | |
| 3,487,593 | |
| 556,528 |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | (20,148) | | $ | 7,068 |
Net cash used in operating activities
Operating activities used cash of $2,830,194 for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net loss of $3,320,256 was affected by depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion of $198,409, change in fair value of derivative asset of $15,403, and accrued interest on note payable and other liabilities of $42,515 and amortization of debt discount of $1,160,447, offset by change in fair value of derivative liability of $190,977 and interest income on investments and notes receivable of $15,380. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $720,355 of cash for operating activities.
Operating activities used cash of $319,464 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Net loss of $859,032 was affected by depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion of $244,044, accrued interest on note payable and other current liabilities of $43,094, offset by interest income on investments and notes receivable of $16,954 and deferred income tax benefit of $281,370. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $550,394 of cash for operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities
Investing activities used cash of $677,547 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, related to the purchase of property, plant and equipment.
Investing activities used cash of $229,996 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, related to the purchasing of property, plant and equipment and the purchase of oil and natural gas properties.
Net cash provided by financing activities
Financing activities provided cash of $3,487,593 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, related to proceeds from the convertible note of $2,790,000 and issuance of common stock of $2,198,443 offset by repayment on the convertible notes of $1,416,667 and debt issuance costs of $84,183.
Financing activities provided cash of $556,528 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, related to the proceeds from note payable of $494,528, proceeds from related party of $50,000 and the issuance of common stock of $12,000.
Indebtedness
As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $10,583,334 in outstanding loans and financing, excluding accounts payable and accrued interest. The following is a description of our material indebtedness.
These descriptions are only summaries and do not purport to describe all of the terms of the financing arrangements that may be important.
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The table below reflects the Company indebtedness as of March 31, 2025:
|
| Principal Amount |
| Maturity Date |
| Interest Rate |
| ||
Airlife Gases | | $ | 2,000,000 |
| | (1) |
| 8.0 | % |
ATW AI Infrastructure LLC (2) | | $ | 5,833,333 | | | March 6, 2026 | | 10.0 | % |
ATW AI Infrastructure LLC (3) | | $ | 2,750,000 | | | April 15, 2026 | | 10.0 | % |
Total | | $ | 10,583,333 | | | |
| | |
| (1) | The earlier of May 30, 2027 or 18 months after commencement date as defined the Purchase and Sale Agreement between NEH Midstream and AirLife dated August 25, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Company has accrued $ 260,338 of interest on this note. |
| (2) | The amounts noted in the above table for ATW AI Infrastructure LLC reflect principal payments made in February 2025 in the amount $1,166,667. |
| (3) | The amounts noted in the above table for ATW AI Infrastructure LLC reflect principal payments made in February 2025 in the amount $250,000. |
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2025:
|
| Less than 1 Year |
| 1‑3 Years |
| 3 – 5 Years |
| Total | ||||
Note Payable – Air Life (1) |
| $ | 444,444 | | $ | 1,555,556 | | $ | — | | $ | 2,000,000 |
Convertible notes - ATW |
| $ | 8,583,333 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 8,583,333 |
| (1) | Assumes monthly payments will begin in July 2025 and last payment made in December 2026. This note carries an annual interest rate of 8%. As of March 31, 2025, the Company has accrued $260,338 of interest on this note. |
Seasonality
We typically do not experience seasonality in our operations.
Related Party Transactions
The Company has related party transactions consisting of accounts payable as of March 31, 2025. These balances were related to reimbursement due for business-related travel expenses for the CEO and CFO.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosure (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires public business entities to disclose, in interim and annual reporting periods, additional information about certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements for inclusion in this Report in accordance with GAAP. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is a discussion of the Company’s most critical accounting estimates, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in the Company’s application of GAAP.
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Reserves.
The Company’s proved reserve information as of March 31, 2025 and 2024 was prepared by the Company’s independent petroleum engineers. Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which may substantially differ from future actual results, proved reserve estimates will be different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production after the date of an estimate may justify material revisions, positively or negatively, to the estimate of proved reserves. The Company’s estimates of proved reserves materially impact DD&A expense. If the estimates of proved reserves decline, the rate at which the Company records DD&A expense will increase, reducing future net income. Such a decline may result from lower commodity prices, which may make it uneconomical to drill for and produce higher cost fields. In addition, a decline in proved reserve estimates may impact the outcome of the Company’s ceiling test calculations of its proved properties for impairment.
Asset Retirement Obligations.
The Company has significant obligations to remove tangible equipment and facilities and to restore the land at the end of oil and natural gas production operations. The Company’s removal and restoration obligations are primarily associated with plugging and abandoning wells. Estimating the future restoration and removal costs is difficult and requires management to make estimates and judgments because most of the removal obligations are many years in the future and in some cases have vague descriptions of what constitutes removal. Asset removal technologies and costs are constantly changing, as are regulatory, political, environmental, safety and public relations considerations. Inherent in the present value calculation are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement amounts, credit-adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the present value of the existing asset retirement obligations, a corresponding adjustment is generally made to the crude oil and natural gas property balance.
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance.
The Company continually assesses both positive and negative evidence for recoverability of its deferred tax assets and based on projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences, the Company has established a valuation allowance of $3,384,508 for the three months ended March 31, 2025. There can be no assurance that facts and circumstances will not materially change and require the Company to revise this valuation allowance in a future period.
Stock-based Compensation.
The Company calculates the fair value of stock-based compensation using various valuation methods. The Company determination on the appropriate valuation method requires the use of estimates to derive the inputs necessary to determine fair value. Costs of these transactions are measured at the fair value of the service received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable.
Warrants
The Company determines the accounting classification of warrants it issues as either liability or equity classified by first assessing whether the warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (“ASC 480”), then in accordance with ASC 815-40 (“ASC 815”), Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. Under ASC 480, warrants are considered liability classified if the warrants are mandatorily redeemable, obligate the Company to settle the warrants or the underlying shares by paying cash or other assets, or warrants that must or may require settlement by issuing a variable number of shares. If warrants do not meet liability classification under ASC 480, the Company assesses the requirements under ASC 815, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. If the warrants do not require liability classification under ASC 815, and in order to conclude equity classification, the Company also assesses whether the warrants are indexed to its Common Stock and whether the warrants are classified as equity under ASC 815 or other applicable GAAP. After all relevant assessments, the Company concludes whether the warrants are classified as liability or equity. Liability classified warrants require fair value accounting at issuance and subsequent to initial issuance with all changes in fair value after the issuance date recorded in the statements of operations. Equity classified warrants only require fair value accounting at issuance with no changes recognized subsequent to the issuance date.
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Related parties
Management approves all material related-party transactions. Management considers the details of each new, existing or proposed related party transaction, including the terms of the transaction, the business purpose of the transaction, and the benefits to the Company and the relevant related party. In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the following factors are considered: (1) if the terms are fair to the Company, (2) if there are business reasons to enter into the transaction, or (3) if the transaction would present an improper conflict of interest for any officer.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:
| ● | Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment; |
| ● | Level 2 — Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and |
| ● | Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental Matters
The Company, as a lessee of oil and gas properties, is subject to various federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations relating to discharge of materials into, and protection of, the environment. These laws and regulations may, among other things, impose liability on the lessee under an oil and gas lease for the cost of pollution clean-up resulting from operations and subject the lessee to liability for pollution damages. In some instances, the Company may be directed to suspend or cease operations in the affected area. There can be no assurance, however, that current regulatory requirements will not change, or past noncompliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on the Company’s properties.
Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit and Promissory Note
On September 24, 2020, the Company entered into an irrevocable standby letter of credit (“LOC”) and a promissory note with West Texas National Bank in the amount of $25,000 with variable interest initially of 4.25% per annum and maturing on December 24, 2021. No amount was drawn down under this LOC up to the date it was amended on October 29, 2021.
On October 29, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment of the LOC a new promissory note, increasing the amount to $425,000 with variable interest initially of 4.25% per annum and maturing on September 29, 2025. On January 1, 2022, and March 29, 2022, the LOC was amended, and new promissory notes were executed increasing the amount to $650,000 and $920,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, no amount was drawn down under the LOC.
Limited Liability Company Agreement
On January 21, 2025, we entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with SharonAI for the creation of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and joint venture of the Company and SharonAI (the “Joint Venture”). Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the purpose of the Joint Venture is to engage in (i) the purchase, building, and development of a site in Texas with an initial 250 MW gas-fired power plant and corresponding data center, and (ii) the operation of this site and (iii) any and all lawful activities necessary or incidental thereto.
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Each of the Company and SharonAI will contribute $75,000 to the Joint Venture and have a 50% membership interest in the Joint Venture, constituting the initial members of the Joint Venture. So long as a Member holds a membership interest in the Joint Venture, such Member may not withdraw or resign as a member prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Joint Venture, and any such withdrawal or resignation or attempted withdrawal or resignation will be null and void. Members are required to make additional capital contributions (each, an “Additional Capital Contribution”) as set forth in the LLC Agreement, and failure to make Additional Capital Contributions in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement entitle the non-defaulting Member to institute proceedings against the non-contributing Member (“Non-Contributing Member”), purchase such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest, or force a sale of such Non-Contributing Member’s membership interest. No Member may transfer all or any portion of its membership interest without the written consent of the other Member unless such transfer is made pursuant to a Non-Contributing Member’s failure to make Additional Capital Contributions as set forth in the LLC Agreement. New Members of the Joint Venture may be admitted from time to time pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement. No real or personal property of the Joint Venture will be deemed to be owned by any of its Members individually and will be owned by, and title will be vested solely in, the Joint Venture. Each fiscal year, net income and net loss will be allocated amongst the Members pro rata in accordance with their membership interests in the Joint Venture. Distributions of the Joint Venture, following allowance for payment of Joint Venture obligations then due and payable, will be made to the members on at least a quarterly basis (unless the Board and members unanimously agree otherwise), pro rata in accordance with the Members’ percentage interests in the Joint Venture.
We paid the $75,000 contribution to the Joint Venture on April 16, 2025.
Subsequent Events
Share Issuances
During April 2025 and May 2025, the Company issued an aggregate of 630,251 shares under the EPFA and received net proceeds in the amount of $507,815.
Departure of Chief Financial Officer
On April 22, 2025, Michael J. Rugen resigned as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with an effective date of May 31, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). Mr. Rugen’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement between him and the Company, the Board of Directors, or any committee of the Board of Directors of the Company on any matter.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in effect as of March 31, 2025, the end of the period covered by this Report, using the Internal Control Integrated Framework (“ICIF”) by COSO. Management selected the ICIF framework for its evaluation as it is a control framework recognized by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board that is free from bias, permits reasonably consistent qualitative and quantitative measurement of our internal controls, is sufficiently complete so that relevant controls are not omitted and is relevant to an evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of management’s evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at a reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2025, or as of the date of the filing of this Report.
Our disclosure controls and procedures, including internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of March 31, 2025, or as of the date of filing of this Report, because Management did not adequately evaluate and test its controls and procedures. The Company recently closed the Business Combination on December 6, 2024 and started trading on December 9, 2024. Prior to the business combination transaction, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, we were not able to rely upon the disclosure controls and procedures that were in place as of March 31, 2025, or as of the date of this filing, and therefore have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
Implementation of Controls
During late 2023 and 2024, the Company initiated the process to develop and implement its internal controls over financial reporting. This included the documentation of processes and identification of existing controls and development of new controls. In addition, in order to address segregation of duties issues as a result of the Company’s limited accounting staff, the Company engaged a third party to assist in the monthly and quarterly accounting, a third party to assist in the evaluation of appropriate accounting treatment and disclosures related to complex transactions and new pronouncements, and a third party to assist in accounting for income taxes. The Company also plans to engage a third party to assist in the development, evaluation, testing and monitoring of its internal controls over financial reporting. As of March 31, 2025, or as of the date of this filing, the Company has received proposals from third parties to assist in its internal controls over financial reporting and is currently evaluating those proposals.
The process of designing and implementing effective internal controls is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company. The elements of our remediation plan can only be accomplished over time, and we can offer no assurance that these initiatives will ultimately have the intended effects.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are not party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings or subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. The outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurances that favorable outcomes will be obtained. In addition, regardless of the outcome, such proceedings or claims can have an adverse impact on us, which may be material because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources and other factors.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, future prospects, and the trading price of our Class A Common Stock. The risks and uncertainties described therein are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business.
You should carefully read and consider such risks, together with all of the other information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including the disclosures in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in our consolidated financial statements and related notes), and in the other documents that we file with the SEC.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
| (a) | During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, there were no unregistered sales of our securities that were not reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K. |
| (b) | Not applicable. |
| (c) | None. |
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
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Item 6. Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
No. |
| Description of Exhibit |
10.1 | | |
10.2 | | |
10.3 | | |
31.1* | | |
31.2* | | |
32.1* | | |
32.2* | | |
101.INS* | | Inline XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104* | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
*Filed herewith.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| NEW ERA HELIUM INC. | |
| | |
Date: May 14, 2025 | By: | /s/ E. Will Gray II |
| Name: | E. Will Gray |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
Date: May 14, 2025 | By: | /s/ Michael J. Rugen |
| Name: | Michael J. Rugen |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, E. Will Gray II, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of New Era Helium Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and |
| b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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 (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 14, 2025
/s/ E. Will Gray II | |
E. Will Gray, II | |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |
(Principal Executive Officer) | |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Michael J. Rugen, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of New Era Helium Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
| a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and |
| b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) 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 (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 14, 2025
/s/ Michael J. Rugen | |
Michael J. Rugen | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principal 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 Quarterly Report of New Era Helium Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, E. Will Gray II, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Dated: May 14, 2025
/s/ E. Will Gray II | |
E. Will Gray II | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
(Principal Executive Officer) | |
Exhibit 32.2
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 Quarterly Report of New Era Helium Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Michael J. Rugen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Dated: May 14, 2025
/s/ Michael J. Rugen | |
Michael J. Rugen | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principal Financial Officer) | |