Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

or

 

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to ______________

 

Commission File Number 000-53952

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

27-2345075

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

110 North 5th Street, Suite 410, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Issuer’s telephone Number: (952) 426-1241

 

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.

Yes [ X ] No [__]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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).

Yes [X] No [__]

 

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 [___]
Non-accelerated filer [___]   Smaller reporting company [_X_]
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 [_X_]

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock ANFC OTCQB

 

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 12, 2020 was 1,600,424.

 

 

 

     

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019 1
    Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 2
    Unaudited Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 3
    Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 4
    Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 17
ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 22
ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 23
       
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION  
ITEM 1.   Legal Proceedings 24
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS 24
ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 24
ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 25
ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 25
ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION 25
ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS 25
    SIGNATURES 26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  i  

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
ASSETS   (Unaudited)         
                 
Current assets:                
Cash   $ 52,097     $ 108,756  
Receivable from Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.           505  
Prepaid expenses     38,604       47,151  
Total current assets     90,701       156,412  
                 
Property and equipment:                
Property and equipment     134,202       134,202  
Less accumulated depreciation     (128,074 )     (127,803 )
Total property and equipment, net     6,128       6,399  
                 
Investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.     4,216,235       6,982,300  
                 
Total assets   $ 4,313,064     $ 7,145,111  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
                 
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 81,368     $ 35,727  
Accrued expenses     35,040       14,220  
Deferred compensation     843,247       1,396,460  
Notes payable, net of $251,205 of debt discounts at March 31, 2020     13,795        
Total current liabilities     973,450       1,446,407  
                 
Long term liabilities            
                 
Total liabilities     973,450       1,446,407  
                 
Commitments and contingencies            
                 
Stockholders' equity:                
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding            
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 1,600,424 shares issued and outstanding     1,600       1,600  
Additional paid-in capital     37,340,992       37,054,503  
Accumulated deficit     (34,002,978 )     (31,357,399 )
Total stockholders' equity     3,339,614       5,698,704  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 4,313,064     $ 7,145,111  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    For the Three Months
    Ended March 31,
    2020     2019  
             
Management fee income   $     $ 30,000  
Total revenues           30,000  
                 
Operating expenses:                
General and administrative expenses:                
Salaries and benefits     219,724       318,110  
Stock-based compensation     21,489       27,931  
Professional services     84,984       27,708  
Other general and administrative expenses     91,150       56,558  
Total general and administrative expenses     417,347       430,307  
Depreciation and amortization     271       443  
Total operating expenses     417,618       430,750  
                 
Net operating loss     (417,618 )     (400,750 )
                 
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense, including $13,795 of warrants issued as a debt discount     (15,109 )      
Other income           51  
Loss on investments     (2,212,852 )      
Total other income (expense)     (2,227,961 )     51  
                 
Net loss before provision for income taxes     (2,645,579 )     (400,699 )
Provision for income taxes            
Net income from continuing operations, net of tax     (2,645,579 )     (400,699 )
Net income from discontinued operations           332,411  
Net loss before non-controlling interest     (2,645,579 )     (68,288 )
Less net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest           (602,049 )
Net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.   $ (2,645,579 )   $ (670,337 )
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic     1,600,424       1,600,424  
Weighted average common shares outstanding - fully diluted     1,600,424       1,600,424  
                 
Net income per common share - basic   $ (1.65 )   $ (0.42 )
Net income per common share - fully diluted   $ (1.65 )   $ (0.42 )

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

                Additional           Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity  
Balance, December 31, 2018     1,600,424     $ 1,600     $ 36,953,977     $ (35,487,902 )   $ 1,467,675  
Common stock options granted for services to employees and directors                 27,931             27,931  
Net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.                       (670,337 )     (670,337 )
Balance, March 31, 2019     1,600,424     $ 1,600     $ 36,981,908     $ (36,158,239 )   $ 825,269  

 

 

                Additional           Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity  
Balance, December 31, 2019     1,600,424     $ 1,600     $ 37,054,503     $ (31,357,399 )   $ 5,698,704  
Common stock options granted for services to employees and directors                 21,489             21,489  
Common stock warrants granted to employees and directors for personal guaranty on debt                 265,000             265,000  
Net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.                       (2,645,579 )     (2,645,579 )
Balance, March 31, 2020     1,600,424     $ 1,600     $ 37,340,992     $ (34,002,978 )   $ 3,339,614  

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months  
    Ended March 31,  
    2020     2019  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                
Net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.   $ (2,645,579 )   $ (670,337 )
Net income from discontinued operations           (332,411 )
Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest           602,049  
Adjustments to reconcile net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     271       443  
Loss on investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.    

2,212,852

       
Amortization of stock options     21,489       27,931  
Amortization of stock warrants issued as a debt discount     13,795        
Decrease (increase) in current assets:                
Accounts receivable           (64 )
Accounts receivable, related party     505        
Prepaid expenses     8,547       2,284  
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:                
Accounts payable     45,641       (39 )
Accrued expenses     20,820       18,680  
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations     (321,659 )     (351,464 )
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations           (390,335 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (321,659 )     (741,799 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Purchase of property and equipment           (809 )
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations           (809 )
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations           95,633  
Net cash provided by investing activities           94,824  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
Proceeds received from notes payable     387,100        
Repayments on notes payable     (122,100 )      
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations     265,000        
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations            
Net cash provided by financing activities     265,000        
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (56,659 )     (646,975 )
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD     108,756       1,503,500  
CASH AT END OF PERIOD   $ 52,097     $ 856,525  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:                
Interest paid   $     $  
Income taxes paid   $     $  
                 
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Value of debt discounts attributable to warrants   $ 265,000     $  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization and Nature of Business

 

Effective April 2, 2012, Ante5, Inc. changed its corporate name to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc., and continues to be quoted on the OTCQB under the trading symbol “ANFC”. Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. (formerly Ante5, Inc.) (the “Company” and “BROG”) became an independent company in April 2010. We became a publicly traded company when our shares began trading on July 1, 2010. From October 2010 through August 2019, we had been engaged in the business of acquiring oil and gas leases and participating in the drilling of wells in the Bakken and Three Forks trends in North Dakota and Montana and /or managing similar assets for third parties.

 

On September 26, 2017, the Company finalized an equity raise utilizing a rights offering and backstop agreement, raising net proceeds of $5,051,675 and issuing 1,439,400 shares. The proceeds were used to sponsor a special purpose acquisition company, discussed below, with the remainder for general corporate purposes.

 

On October 10, 2017, the Company’s sponsored special purpose acquisition company, Black Ridge Acquisition Corp. (“BRAC”), completed an IPO raising $138,000,000 of gross proceeds (including proceeds from the exercise of an over-allotment option by the underwriters on October 18, 2017). In addition, the Company purchased 445,000 BRAC units at $10.00 per unit in a private placement transaction for a total contribution of $4,450,000 in order to fulfill its obligations in sponsoring BRAC, a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. BRAC’s efforts to identify a prospective target business were not limited to a particular industry or geographic region. Following the IPO and over-allotment, BROG owned 22% of the outstanding common stock of BRAC and managed BRAC’s operations via a management services agreement.

 

On December 19, 2018, BRAC entered into a business combination agreement and the business combination closed on August 9, 2019.

 

Following the close of the business combination the Company commenced a strategic review to identify, review and explore alternatives for the Company, including a merger, acquisition, or a business combination. The Company currently owns 2,685,500 shares of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AESE), the surviving entity after BRAC’s business combination (“Sponsor Shares”). 537,100 of the Sponsor Shares are subject to distribution rights to officers and directors under the 2018 Management Incentive Plan dated March 6, 2018. The Company is evaluating plans for the remaining Sponsor Shares which could include a distribution of some or all of the Sponsor Share proceeds after expiration of the lock-up agreement on August 9, 2020, presuming that as of such date AESE has repaid or converted amounts it owes pursuant to the bridge financing Note Purchase Agreement and Notes dated as of October 11, 2018 and May 17, 2019.

 

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The interim condensed financial statements included herein, presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles and stated in US dollars, have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to not make the information presented misleading.

 

These statements reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation of the information contained therein. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. It is suggested that these interim condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, which were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. The Company follows the same accounting policies in the preparation of interim reports.

 

 

 

  5  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Reclassifications

In the prior year, the income, expense and cash flows from Black Ridge Acquisition Corp. (“BRAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary formed on October 10, 2017, which was consolidated as a variable interest entity through August 9, 2019, the date that BRAC completed a business combination with Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. (“AESE”), were consolidated and have been retrospectively classified as discontinued operations.

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Environmental Liabilities

The Company was formerly a direct owner of assets in the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas companies are subject, by their nature, to environmental hazard and clean-up costs. At this time, management knows of no substantial losses from environmental accidents or events which would have a material effect on the Company.

 

Cash in Excess of FDIC Limits

The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Accounts are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $250,000 and $500,000, respectively, under current regulations. The Company didn’t have any cash in excess of FDIC and SIPC insured limits at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered. The Company provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which it does not consider realization of such assets to be more likely than not.

 

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share

The basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss adjusted on an “as if converted” basis, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potential dilutive securities. For the periods presented, potential dilutive securities had an anti-dilutive effect and were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Under FASB ASC 820-10-05, the Financial Accounting Standards Board establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement reaffirms that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements as reflected herein. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses reported on the balance sheets are estimated by management to approximate fair value primarily due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The Company had no items that required fair value measurement on a recurring basis.

 

 

 

  6  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment to determine if current circumstances and market conditions indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Depreciation expense was $271 and $443 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognized management fee income as services were provided.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 Stock Compensation (ASC 718) and Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees pursuant to ASC 2018-07 (ASC 2018-07). All transactions in which the consideration provided in exchange for the purchase of goods or services consists of the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date of the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the counterparty’s performance is complete or the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached because of sufficiently large disincentives for nonperformance. Stock-based compensation was $21,489 and $27,931 consisting entirely of expenses related to common stock options issued for services of $21,489 and $27,931 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, using the Black-Scholes options pricing model and an effective term of 6 to 6.5 years based on the weighted average of the vesting periods and the stated term of the option grants and the discount rate on 5 to 7 year U.S. Treasury securities at the grant date. In addition, $13,795 of expenses related to the amortization of warrants issued in consideration of personal guarantees provided for debt financing for the three months ended March 31, 2020, using the Black-Scholes options pricing model and an effective term of 5 years based on the weighted average of the vesting periods and the stated term of the warrant grants and the discount rate on 5 year U.S. Treasury securities at the grant date were recognized as interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

Uncertain Tax Positions

In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), 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 capable of withstanding examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. These standards prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. These standards also provide guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

 

Various taxing authorities may periodically audit the Company’s income tax returns. These audits include questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income to various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposures connected with these various tax filing positions, including state and local taxes, the Company records allowances for probable exposures. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which an allowance has been established, is audited and fully resolved. Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. has not yet undergone an examination by any taxing authorities.

 

The assessment of the Company’s tax position relies on the judgment of management to estimate the exposures associated with the Company’s various filing positions.

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed below, management believes there have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our financial statements, from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. The amendments in ASU 2018-10 provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on certain aspects of the previously issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”) and have the same effective and transition requirements as ASU 2016-02. Upon the effective date, ASU 2018-10 will supersede the current lease guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. Concurrently, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2018-10 is effective for private companies and emerging growth public companies for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is required to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative periods presented in the financial statements. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, and the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s combined financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Note 3 – Going Concern

 

As shown in the accompanying financial statements, as of March 31, 2020, the Company had a cash balance of $52,097, and total working capital of negative $882,749. The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations resulting in an accumulated deficit of $34,002,978, and as of March 31, 2020, the Company’s cash on hand may not be sufficient to sustain operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is currently seeking additional sources of capital to fund short term operations. The Company, however, is dependent upon its ability to secure equity and/or debt financing and there are no assurances that the Company will be successful; therefore, without sufficient financing it would be unlikely for the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of any uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements also do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, or amounts and classifications of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

 

 

 

  8  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 4 – Related Party

 

On March 1, 2018, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company approved and adopted the Black Ridge Gas, Inc. 2018 Management Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the form of 2018 Management Incentive Plan Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”).

 

In connection with the approval of the Plan and Award Agreement, the Board approved the issuance of awards (the “Awards”) to certain individuals including officers and directors (the “Grantees”), representing a percentage of the shares of BRAC held by the Company as of the date of closing of a business combination for the acquisition of a target business as described in the BRAC prospectus dated October 4, 2017, as follows:

 

    Percentage of BRAC Shares Owned by the  
Name   Company Granted to the Grantee  
Bradley Berman     1.6%  
Lyle Berman     1.6%  
Benjamin Oehler     1.6%  
Joe Lahti     1.6%  
Kenneth DeCubellis     4.0%  
Michael Eisele     2.8%  
James Moe     2.1%  

 

As of March 31, 2020, and following the AESE merger on August 9, 2019, the Company owned 2,685,500 shares of AESE common stock. As a result, 537,100 shares of AESE common stock (the “AESE Shares”) are committed to employees and directors of the Company. Employees and directors are required to remain in their positions for a one-year period, with certain exceptions, to receive the granted shares. The AESE Shares had a fair market value of $843,247 on March 31, 2020. The Company recognized the $1,396,460 of compensation expense related to the Plan during the year ended December 31, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized a gain of $553,213 related to the reduction in the value of the shares to be paid to employees on August 9, 2020, which was offset against the Company’s loss on the investment in AESE shares due to changes in the AESE market price between December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020. Subsequent adjustments will be required each quarter to adjust the deferred compensation liability until the shares can be transferred to the employees.

 

Note 5 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Under FASB ASC 820-10-5, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The standard outlines a valuation framework and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and the related disclosures. Under GAAP, certain assets and liabilities must be measured at fair value, and FASB ASC 820-10-50 details the disclosures that are required for items measured at fair value.

 

The Company has cash and cash equivalents and a revolving credit facility that must be measured under the fair value standard. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. The three levels are as follows:

 

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

 

 

  9  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The following schedule summarizes the valuation of financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis in the balances sheet as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

    Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2020  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets                  
Cash   $ 52,097     $     $  
Investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.     4,216,235              
Total assets     4,268,332              
                         
Liabilities                        
Notes payable, net of $251,205 of debt discounts at March 31, 2020           (13,795 )      
Total liabilities           (13,795 )      
    $ 4,268,332     $ (13,795 )   $  

 

    Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets                  
Cash   $ 108,756     $     $  
Investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.     6,982,300              
Total assets     7,091,056              
                         
Liabilities                        
None                  
Total liabilities                  
    $ 7,091,056     $     $  

 

There were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

Note 6 – Prepaid Expenses

 

Prepaid expenses consist of the following:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Prepaid insurance costs   $ 12,779     $ 21,090  
Prepaid employee benefits     8,492       11,587  
Prepaid office and other costs     17,333       14,474  
Total prepaid expenses   $ 38,604     $ 47,151  

 

 

 

  10  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 7 – Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, consisted of the following:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Property and equipment   $ 134,202     $ 134,202  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (128,074 )     (127,803 )
Total property and equipment, net   $ 6,128     $ 6,399  

 

The Company recognized depreciation expense of $271 and $443 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Note 8 – Investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.

 

Following the close of BRAC’s merger, the Company retained 2,685,500 shares of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: AESE) common stock with a value, based on the closing stock of $4.45 on the merger, of $11,950,475. As noted in Note 4 - Related Party Transactions, 20% or 537,100, of the shares are committed to be released to employees one year from the date of the merger, or on August 19, 2020. Therefore, the Company recorded a deferred compensation liability of $843,247 to recognize the commitment to employees as of March 31, 2020.

 

As of March 31, 2020, the market value of the Company’s investment in AESE’s common stock was $4,216,235, based on the closing stock price of $1.57 per share. Thus, we recognized a loss of $2,766,065, as offset by a gain of $553,213 pursuant to the change in the market value of the stock committed to employees and directors, resulting in a net loss of $2,212,852 as of March 31, 2020. The balance in deferred compensation is also adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the market value of the AESE common stock commitment.

 

On January 2, 2020, the Company deposited 500,000 shares of its holdings of AESE pursuant to its brokerage account agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC. These shares were subsequently used as collateral the $700,000 promissory note, described below, pursuant to a commercial pledge and security agreement, dated March 10, 2020. On February 10, 2020, an additional 66,000 of AESE shares were deposited into this brokerage account. Under this standard brokerage agreement, the Company will be able to borrow funds secured by the value of the AESE shares pursuant to a standard margin account arrangement. The current value of the deposited AESE shares is $933,900 based on a closing price of $1.65 as of May 5, 2020.

 

 

 

  11  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 9 – Notes Payable

 

Notes payable consists of the following at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
             
On November 25, 2019, the Company entered into a credit account agreement (“Margin Account”) with RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBC”). The Margin Account enables the Company to borrow against the Company’s AESE shares that are held in an account with RBC. The advances received on margin bear interest at rates of between 1.00% and 2.75% over the Base Lending Rate, depending on the average outstanding debit balance. The Base Lending Rate is internally determined by RBC using Broker Call, Prime Rate as determined by commercial banks utilized by RBC CM, Fed Funds, RBC CM’s cost of funds, and other commercially recognized rates of interest. The margin loans are collateralized by the underlying AESE shares. A total of $122,100 was borrowed on the Margin Account over various dates between January 29, 2020 and March 6, 2020. The outstanding balance was repaid in full on, or about, March 12, 2020 out of the proceeds of the loan from Cadence Bank, described below.   $     $  
                 
On March 12, 2020, the Company entered into a business loan agreement with Cadence Bank, N.A. (“Cadence”), as lender encompassing a $700,000 Promissory Note issued to Cadence (the “Note”), a Security Agreement by the Company in favor of Cadence and limited commercial guarantees by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, who is one in the same, and members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Guarantors”) (collectively, the “Cadence Loan”). The Note bears interest at a rate of 0.50 percentage points over the prime rate, as published in the Wall Street Journal, payable monthly, and is due on March 9, 2021. The Note may be repaid at any time without penalty. The Note is secured by all of the Company’s rights, title and interests in and to 500,000 shares of the common stock of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: AESE) currently owned by the Company and held in the Company’s brokerage account with RBC Capital Markets, LLC. On March 26, 2020, the Company subsequently entered into a separate letter agreement with the Guarantors (the “Letter Agreement”), which provides that if the Company defaults or fails to make any payment due under the Cadence Loan and the Guarantors are required to make payment to Cadence pursuant to the Guarantees, then the Company agrees to issue additional equity interests or rights to Guarantors reflecting ninety-five percent (95%) of the outstanding equity of the Company at the time of such default to participating Guarantors who have made the payments to Cadence. All equity issuances will be subject to any third party or shareholder approvals required at the time of issuance.     265,000        
                 
Total notes payable     265,000        
Less unamortized derivative discounts:     251,205        
Notes payable     13,795        
Less: current maturities     13,795        
Notes payable, less current maturities   $     $  

 

 

 

  12  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

The Company recorded total discounts of $265,000, consisting of debt discounts on warrants granted to four officers and directors for warrants issued in consideration of personal guarantees provided for debt financing incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The discounts are being amortized to stock-based compensation expense over the term of the note using the straight-line method, which closely approximates the effective interest method. The Company recorded $13,795 of stock-based compensation expense pursuant to the amortization of note discounts during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

The Company recognized $15,109 of interest expense, consisting of $1,314 of interest and $13,795 of stock-based warrant expense pursuant to the amortization of the debt discount on the business loans during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

Note 10 – Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

Reverse Stock Split

On February 21, 2020, the Company effected a 1-for-300 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”). No fractional shares were issued. Instead, the Company issued the following to any stockholder who otherwise would have received a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split:

 

  · Stockholders owning 300 or more shares of Common Stock received (1) one share of Common Stock for every 300 shares owned and (2) cash in lieu of fractional shares upon the surrender of such stockholder’s shares;
  · Stockholders owning between 25 and 300 shares of Common Stock had their ownership of shares of Common Stock rounded up to one share; and
  · Stockholders owning fewer than 25 shares of Common Stock received cash in lieu of fractional shares upon the surrender of such stockholders’ shares and no longer own shares of Common Stock.

 

Any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares were based on the volume weighted average of the closing sales prices of the Company’s Common Stock on the OTCQB operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (the “OTCQB”) during regular trading hours for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date, which was $0.018 per share prior to the effects of the reverse stock split.

 

The Company was authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock prior to the Reverse Stock Split, which remains unaffected. The Reverse Stock Split did not have any effect on the stated par value of the common stock, or the Company’s authorized preferred stock. Unless otherwise stated, all share and per share information in this Interim Report has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Preferred Stock

The Company has 20,000,000 authorized shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. No shares have been issued to date.

 

Common Stock

The Company has 500,000,000 authorized shares of $0.001 par value common stock. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, a total of 1,600,424 shares of common stock have been issued.

  

 

 

  13  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 11 – Options

 

The 2020 Equity Plan was approved by written consent of a majority of shareholders of record as of November 12, 2019 and adopted by the Board on December 5, 2019, as provided in the definitive information statement filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10, 2020 (the “DEF 14C”). The description of the 2020 Equity Plan is qualified in its entirety by the text of the 2020 Equity Plan, a copy of which was attached as Annex C to the DEF 14C.

 

Outstanding Options

Options to purchase an aggregate total of 274,204 shares of common stock at a weighted average strike price of $16.41, exercisable over a weighted average life of nine years were outstanding as of March 31, 2020.

 

Options Granted

On February 26, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors granted an aggregate amount of 240,000 stock options pursuant to the 2020 Equity Plan to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock to several officers, directors, and employees at an exercise price of $5.41 per share, which represents the closing price of the Company’s shares on the OTCQB marketplace on February 20, 2020. The officers and directors receiving grants and the amounts of such grants were as follows:

 

    Stock Option  
Name and Title   Shares Granted  
Ken DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer     60,377  
Michael Eisele, Chief Operating Officer     42,264  
Bradley Berman, Chairman of the Board and Director     24,151  
Joseph Lahti, Director     24,151  
Benjamin Oehler, Director     24,151  
Lyle Berman, Director     24,151  
Total:     199,245  

 

All of the stock options granted under the 2020 Equity Plan presented in the table above will vest in five equal installments, commencing one year from the date of grant on February 26, 2021, and continuing for the next four anniversaries thereof until fully vested.

 

No options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

The Company recognized a total of $21,489, and $27,931 of compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to common stock options issued to Employees and Directors that are being amortized over the implied service term, or vesting period, of the options. The remaining unamortized balance of these options is $889,412 as of March 31, 2020.

 

Options Exercised

No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Options Forfeited

No options were forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2020. A total of 125,000 options expired and were forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

 

 

  14  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 12 – Warrants

 

Outstanding Warrants

Warrants to purchase an aggregate total of 1,300 shares of common stock at a $3.00 strike price, exercisable until September 22, 2022 were outstanding as of March 31, 2020.

 

Warrants Granted

In consideration for four officers and director’s willingness to serve as guarantors of the Cadence Loan, the Company issued warrants to each of the Guarantors (the “Guarantor Warrants”) for the purchase of the Company’s common stock on March 12, 2020. The Guarantor Warrants entitle each Guarantor to purchase 26,250 shares of the Company's common stock (the “Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The Guarantor Warrants expire on March 12, 2030. No warrants were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The officers and directors receiving grants and the amounts of such grants were as follows:

 

    Stock Warrant  
Name and Title   Shares Granted  
Ken DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer     26,250  
Bradley Berman, Chairman of the Board and Director     26,250  
Lyle Berman, Director     26,250  
Benjamin Oehler, Director     26,250  
Total:     105,000  

 

Warrants Exercised

No warrants were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Note 13 – Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which provides for an asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on anticipated future tax consequences, using currently enacted tax laws, attributed to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts calculated for income tax purposes.

 

Losses incurred during the period from April 9, 2011 (inception) to March 31, 2020 could be used to offset future tax liabilities. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of March 31, 2020, net deferred tax assets were $6,770,453, with no deferred tax liability, primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance of approximately $6,770,453 was applied to the net deferred tax assets. Therefore, BROG has no tax expense for 2020 to date.

 

In accordance with FASB ASC 740, the Company has evaluated its tax positions and determined there are no significant uncertain tax positions as of any date on, or before March 31, 2020.

 

 

 

  15  

 

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 14 – Commitments

 

The Company from time to time may be involved in various inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to matters arising in the normal course of business. The Company is not aware of any inquiries or administrative proceedings and is not currently a defendant in any material litigation and is not aware of any threatened litigation that could have a material effect on the Company.

 

The Company periodically maintains cash balances at banks in excess of federally insured amounts. The extent of loss, if any, to be sustained as a result of any future failure of a bank or other financial institution is not subject to estimation at this time.

 

Note 15 – Subsequent Events

 

The Company evaluates events that have occurred after the balance sheet date through the date these financial statements were issued.

 

On April 24, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Kensington Bank (“Kensington”), as lender (the “Loan Agreement”) encompassing a $112,925 Promissory Note issued to Kensington (the “PPP Note”) pursuant to the Payroll Protection Program established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which provides loans to qualifying businesses and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The PPP Note bears interest at 1.00% per annum, payable monthly beginning November 24, 2020, and is due on April 24, 2022. The PPP Note may be repaid at any time without penalty.

 

Under the Payroll Protection Program, the Company will be eligible for loan forgiveness up to the full amount of the PPP Note and any accrued interest. The forgiveness amount will be equal to the amount that the Company spends during the 8-week period beginning April 24, 2020 on payroll costs, payment of rent on any leases in force prior to February15, 2020 and payment on any utility for which service began before February 15, 2020. The maximum amount of loan forgiveness for non-payroll expenses is 25% of the amount of the PPP Note. No assurance is provided that the Company will obtain forgiveness under the PPP Note in whole or in part.

 

The PPP Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, or provisions of the promissory note. The occurrence of an event of default may result in a claim for the immediate repayment of all amounts outstanding under such PPP Note, collection of all amounts owing from the Company, filing suit and obtaining judgment against the Company.

 

 

 

  16  

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

Cautionary Statements

 

We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect our company and to take advantage of the “safe harbor” protection for forward-looking statements that applicable federal securities law affords.

 

From time to time, our management or persons acting on our behalf may make forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential security holders about our company. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations and industry conditions are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items making assumptions regarding actual or potential future sales, market size, collaborations, trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include the following:

 

· failure to identify acquire or invest in alternatives for the Company that generate shareholder value, including a merger, acquisition, or a business combination in connection with our Board’s evaluation of strategic options;
· the effect of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic on our efforts to identify, review and explore strategic alternatives and our ability to obtain funding through various financing transactions or arrangements;
· volatility or decline of our stock price;
· low trading volume and illiquidity of our common stock, and possible application of the SEC’s penny stock rules;
· potential fluctuation in quarterly results;
· our failure to collect payments owed to us;
· material defaults on monetary obligations owed us, resulting in unexpected losses;
· inadequate capital of our clients to acquire working interests in oil and gas prospects and to participate in the drilling and production of oil and other hydrocarbons;
· inability to maintain adequate liquidity to meet our financial obligations;
· unavailability of oil and gas prospects to acquire for our clients;
· failure to acquire or grow new business ourselves
· litigation, disputes and legal claims involving outside parties; and
· risks related to our ability to be traded on the OTCQB and meeting trading requirements

 

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results in these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

 

 

 

  17  

 

 

Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this report, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.

 

Overview and Outlook

 

Effective April 2, 2012, we changed our name to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. Our common stock is still quoted on the OTCQB under the trading symbol “ANFC.”

 

As the sponsor and manager of Black Ridge Acquisition Corp. (“BRAC”) beginning in May of 2017, the Company was focused on identifying and closing a business combination for BRAC, which closed on August 9, 2019. Upon BRAC (renamed Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. following the merger or “AESE”, and hereafter named as such following the merger) completing its business combination, we continued to provide additional management services to BRAC until December 31, 2019.

 

Following the close of the Merger, the Company commenced a strategic review to identify, review and explore alternatives for the Company, including a merger, acquisition, or a business combination. The Company currently owns 2,685,500 Sponsor Shares. Of those shares, 537,100 of the Sponsor Shares are subject to distribution rights to officers and directors under the 2018 Management Incentive Plan dated March 6, 2018. Black Ridge is evaluating plans for the remaining Sponsor Shares which could include a distribution of some or all of the Sponsor Share proceeds after expiration of the lock-up agreement on August 9, 2020, presuming that as of such date AESE has repaid or converted amounts it owes pursuant to the bridge financing Note Purchase Agreement and Notes dated as of October 11, 2018 and May 17, 2019.

 

Going Concern Uncertainty

 

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had a cash balance of $52,097, and total working capital of negative $882,749. The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations resulting in an accumulated deficit of $34,002,978, and as of March 31, 2020, the Company’s cash on hand may not be sufficient to sustain operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is currently seeking additional sources of capital to fund short term operations. The Company, however, is dependent upon its ability to secure equity and/or debt financing and there are no assurances that the Company will be successful; therefore, without sufficient financing it would be unlikely for the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

We continue to pursue sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint venturing of projects, equity or debt financing or other means. We may not be successful in identifying suitable funding transactions in a sufficient time period or at all, and we may not obtain the capital we require by other means. If we do not succeed in raising additional capital, our resources may not be sufficient to fund our business.

 

The report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that accompanies its audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of the going concern uncertainty.

 

 

 

  18  

 

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

The following table summarizes selected items from the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

    Three Months Ended    
    March 31,   Increase /
    2020   2019   (Decrease)
             
Management fee income   $     $ 30,000     $ (30,000 )
Total revenues:           30,000       (30,000 )
                         
Operating expenses:                        
General and administrative expenses:                        
Salaries and benefits     219,724       318,110       (98,386 )
Stock-based compensation     21,489       27,931       (6,442 )
Professional services     84,984       27,708       57,276  
Other general and administrative expenses     91,150       56,558       34,592  
Total general and administrative expenses     417,347       430,307       (12,960 )
Depreciation and amortization     271       443       (172 )
Total operating expenses     417,618       430,750       (13,132 )
                         
Net operating loss     (417,618 )     (400,750 )     16,868  
                         
Other income (expense)                        
Interest expense, including $13,795 of warrants issued as a debt discount     (15,109 )           15,109  
Other income           51       (51 )
Loss on investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.     (2,212,852 )           2,212,852  
Total other income (expense)     (2,227,961 )     51       (2,228,012 )
                         
Net loss from continuing operations, net of tax     (2,645,579 )     (400,699 )     2,244,880  
                         
Provision for income taxes                  
                         
Net profit from continuing operations, net of tax     (2,645,579 )     (400,699 )     2,244,880  
Net income from discontinued operations           332,411       (332,411 )
Net loss before non-controlling interest     (2,645,579 )     (68,288 )     2,577,291  
Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest           (602,049 )     (602,049 )
                         
Net loss attributable to Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.   $ (2,645,579 )   $ (670,337 )   $ 1,975,242  

 

 

 

 

  19  

 

 

Management fee revenue

 

The Company didn’t earn any management fees from its management agreement with BRAC during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $30,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease is attributable to the termination of the agreement subsequent to the merger between BRAC and AESE on August 9, 2019.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

Salaries and benefits

 

Salaries and benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $219,724 compared to $318,110 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of 98,386, or 31%. The decrease in salaries and benefits was primarily due to a headcount decrease and decreased health benefit costs.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $21,489 compared to $27,931 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $6,442 or 23%. Included in the expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020, was $16,685 of expense related to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, and $4,804 related to the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. Amortization of stock options decreased as a significant group of options became fully amortized at the end of 2019.

 

Professional services

 

General and administrative expenses related to professional services were $84,984 for the 2020 period compared to $27,708 for the 2019 period, an increase of $57,276 or 207%. The increase was primarily due to accounting services provided by an outside consultant and legal costs associated with the reverse stock split, stock option agreements and Cadence loan agreement.

 

Other general and administrative expenses

 

Other general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $91,150 compared to $56,558 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $34,592, or 61%. The increase is primarily attributable to increased stock services expense related to the reverse stock split.

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $271, compared to $443 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of $172, or 39%. The decrease is attributable to certain equipment becoming fully amortized.

 

Other income (expense)

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2020, other expense was $2,227,961, consisting of $1,314 of interest expense derived from the business loans the Company received from Cadence Bank, N.A and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, and $13,795 of expense related to the amortization of warrants issued in consideration of personal guarantees provided for debt financing, along with a net loss on investments in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. of $2,212,852, compared to $51 of other income, consisting entirely of other income related to a refund received during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

 

 

  20  

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

The Company had no income tax expense in the 2020 or 2019 periods, as the Company continues to reserve against any deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realization of any benefit.

 

Net profit (loss) from discontinued operations

 

Net income from discontinued operations relates to the income and expenses of BRAC during the periods prior to deconsolidation. Net income from discontinued operations of $332,411 during the three months ended March 31, 2019, consisting primarily of $811,335 of interest income on investments in the trust account for the benefit of potential redeeming shareholders and a gain of $4,733 on investments, as offset by $223,726 of general and administrative expenses, $73,352 of professional fees and $186,579 of income taxes.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following table summarizes our total current assets, liabilities and working capital at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Current Assets   $ 90,701     $ 156,412  
                 
Current Liabilities   $ 973,450     $ 1,446,407  
                 
Working Capital   $ (882,749 )   $ (1,289,995 )

 

As of March 31, 2020, we had negative working capital of $882,749. Liabilities of $843,247 related to the 2018 Management Incentive Plan are included in current liabilities as of March 31, 2020, which will be settled in common stock from the Company’s Investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc., a long-term asset.

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2020     2019  
Net cash used in operating activities   $ (321,659 )   $ (741,799 )
Net cash provided by investing activities           94,824  
Net cash provided by financing activities     265,000        
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   $ (56,659 )   $ (646,975 )

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $321,659 and $741,799 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, a period over period decrease of $420,140. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $390,335 in net losses in discontinued operations of BRAC. Changes in working capital from continuing operating activities resulted in a decrease in cash of $56,659 in the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to a decrease in cash of $646,975 for the same period in the previous year.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities were $-0- and $94,824 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In the period ended March 31, 2019, virtually all the cash was provided from discontinued operations and was the result of transfers and withdrawals from the Trust Account.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $265,000 and $-0- for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All of the 2020 activity was the result of net proceeds from notes payable.

 

  21  

 

 

Satisfaction of our cash obligations for the next 12 months

 

As of March 31, 2020, our balance of cash was $52,097 and we had total working capital of negative $882,749. We expect to incur significant costs related to a potential business combination which will put a strain on our cash resources. Our plan for satisfying our cash requirements for the next twelve months is through cash on hand and additional financing in the form of equity or debt as needed. On March 12, 2020, the Company received a business loan from Cadence Bank, N.A. via a $700,000 Promissory Note, of which the Company drew down $265,000, a Security Agreement by the Company and limited commercial guarantees by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Guarantors”). The Note bears interest at a rate of 0.500 percentage points over the prime rate, currently 4.25% per annum, payable monthly, is due on March 9, 2021 and is secured by all of the Company’s rights, title and interests in and to 500,000 shares of the common stock of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: AESE) currently owned by the Company and held in the Company’s brokerage account with RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements required us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results and experiences may differ materially from these estimates.

 

Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the footnotes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, and Note 2 of the footnotes to the financial statements provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

 

 

 

 

 

  22  
 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

On May 15, 2020, we filed a Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2019 and a Form 10-Q/A for the period ended September 30, 2019 and a Form 10-Q/A for the period ended September 30, 2019 to restate our previously reported financial information to correct the presentation of unrealized losses on our investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. in accordance with Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 – Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10). Specifically, unrealized losses that were originally separately presented as other comprehensive income should have been included in our net loss.

 

We evaluated our investment in AESE shares of common stock by determining the fair market value of the shares, using the closing traded price as traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The fair market value was then measured against the carrying value, as reported for the prior period, resulting in a gain or loss, which had previously been recognized in other comprehensive income, as unrealized. The adoption of ASU 2016-01, changed the presentation of the gain or loss on equity securities from other comprehensive income to ordinary income, as presented in our restated Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings. Following our conclusion to restate our financial statements, we initiated a comprehensive review of all our determinations and documentation related to accounting for our investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc., as well as related processes and procedures.

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Our management, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, who is one in the same, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2020. As part of such evaluation, management considered the matters discussed below relating to internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2020, as a result of the identified material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, the nature of which is summarized below.

 

We did not have effective controls to provide reasonable assurance as to the appropriate selection and implementation of accounting methods with respect to presentation of unrealized gains (losses) on our investment in Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc. We lacked adequate technical expertise to ensure the proper application, at inception and on an ongoing basis, of the criteria for reporting investments in equity securities pursuant to ASU 2016-01. This material weakness resulted in our restatement of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, and for the interim period ending September 30, 2019.

 

To remediate the material weakness described above and enhance our internal control over financial reporting, subsequent to the filing of this Form 10-Q, management will implement the following changes:

 

  Improve training, education and understanding of requirements for all relevant personnel.

 

  Quarterly consultation with a third-party independent expert.

 

  Enhanced reviews whenever there is a change in accounting or significant operational activities.

 

Management believes that these measures, when fully implemented, will mitigate the material weakness described above. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and management will continue to monitor the implementation of these remedial measures and the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures on an ongoing basis.

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

 

 

 

 

 

  23  

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

Other than routine legal proceedings incident to our business, there are no material legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our property is subject.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

The outbreak of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has negatively impacted and could continue to negatively impact the global economy. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt or otherwise negatively impact global credit markets, our operations and our efforts to identify, review and explore alternatives for the Company, including a merger, acquisition, or a business combination.

 

The significant outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis, which has negatively impacted and could continue to negatively impact the global economy. In addition, the global and regional impact of the outbreak, including official or unofficial quarantines and governmental restrictions on activities taken in response to such event, could have a negative impact on our operations and our ability to identify, review and explore alternatives for the Company. More broadly, the outbreak could potentially lead to an economic downturn that could limit the potential opportunities available to us via merger, acquisition or business combination.

 

The COVID-19 outbreak could disrupt or otherwise negatively impact credit and equity markets, which could adversely affect the availability and cost of capital. Such impacts could limit our ability to obtain additional funding through various financing transactions or arrangements, including joint venturing of projects, equity or debt financing or other means.

 

A pandemic typically results in social distancing, travel bans and quarantines, and this may limit access to our management, support staff, professional advisors and our independent auditors. These factors, in turn, may not only impact our operations, financial condition and our overall ability to react timely to mitigate the impact of this event. Also, it may hamper our efforts to comply with our filing obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The extent and potential short and long term impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business will depend on future developments, including the duration, severity and spread of the virus, actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and the impact on the financial markets, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. These and other potential impacts of an epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis, such as COVID-19, could therefore materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

Except as set forth below or previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K, we had no unregistered sales of equity securities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.

 

On February 21, 2020, the Company effected a 1-for-300 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”). No fractional shares were issued. Instead, the Company issued the following to any stockholder who otherwise would have received a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split:

 

  · Stockholders owning 300 or more shares of Common Stock received (1) one share of Common Stock for every 300 shares owned and (2) cash in lieu of fractional shares upon the surrender of such stockholder’s shares;
  · Stockholders owning between 25 and 300 shares of Common Stock had their ownership of shares of Common Stock rounded up to one share; and
  · Stockholders owning fewer than 25 shares of Common Stock received cash in lieu of fractional shares upon the surrender of such stockholders’ shares and will no longer own shares of Common Stock.

 

Any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares were based on the volume weighted average of the closing sales prices of the Company’s Common Stock on the OTCQB operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (the “OTCQB”) during regular trading hours for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date, which was $0.018 per share prior to the effects of the reverse stock split.

 

  24  

 

 

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibit   Description
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. on December 12, 2012)
3.2   Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. on December 12, 2012)
10.1*   Business Loan Agreement dated March 10, 2020, between Cadence Bank, N.A. and Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
10.2*   Promissory Note dated March 10, 2020, between Cadence Bank, N.A. and Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
10.3*   Commercial Pledge and Security Agreement dated March 10, 2020, between Cadence Bank, N.A. and Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
10.4*   Form of Commercial Guaranty dated March 10, 2020, between Cadence Bank, N.A. and Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
31.1*   Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
32.1*   Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*   XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL*   XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*   XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*   XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*   XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

*Filed herewith

 

 

 

  25  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.
     
Dated: May 15, 2020 By: /s/ Kenneth DeCubellis                          
    Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
     
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  26  

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

CADENCE

BANK

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Principal

$700,000.00

Loan Date

03-10-2020

Maturity

03-09-2021

Loan No

22118079

Call / Coll

AS

Account Officer A05 Initials
References in the boxes above are or Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing ""'" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

 

 

Borrower Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
110 North 5th Street, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Lender CADENCE BANK, N.A.
Private Bkg TX Hou Wms Tower
2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3400
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-4000

 

 

 

THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated March 10, 2020, is made and executed between Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. ("Borrower") and CADENCE BANK, N.A. ("Lender") on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans or other financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. Borrower understands and agrees that: (A) in granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's representations, warranties, and agreements as set forth in this Agreement; (B) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (C) all such Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of March 10, 2020, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower's Loans in favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, and other fees and charges, or until such time as the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.

 

LINE OF CREDIT. The Indebtedness includes a revolving line of credit.

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial Advance and each subsequent Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.

 

Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (1) the Note: (2) Security Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral; (3) financing statements and all other documents perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (4) evidence of insurance as required below; (5) guaranties; (6) together with all such Related Documents as Lender may require for the Loan; all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and Lender's counsel.

 

Borrower's Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the Related Documents. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such other resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel, may require.

 

Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Document.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 2

 

 

Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.

 

No Event of Default. There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any Related Document.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists:

 

Organization. Borrower is a corporation for profit which is, and at all times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Nevada. Borrower is duly authorized to transact business in all other states in which Borrower is doing business, having obtained all necessary filings, governmental licenses and approvals for each state in which Borrower is doing business. Specifically, Borrower is, and at all times shall be, duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the business in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower maintains an office at 110 North 5th Street, Suite 410, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, the principal office is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will notify Lender prior to any change in the location of Borrower's state of organization or any change in Borrower's name. Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve arid to keep in full force arid effect its existence, rights arid privileges, arid shall comply with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to Borrower and Borrower's business activities.

 

Assumed Business Names. Borrower has filed or recorded all documents or filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a complete list of all assumed business names under which Borrower does business: None.

 

Authorization. Borrower's execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of (a) Borrower's articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or (b) any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to Borrower's properties.

 

Financial Information. Each of Borrower's financial statements supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.

 

Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when delivered will constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

 

Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used or filed a financing statement under any other name for at least the last five (5) years.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 3

 

 

Hazardous Substances. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (1) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the Collateral, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the Collateral. (2) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Collateral by any prior owners or occupants of any of the Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters. (3) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from any of the Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws. Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the Collateral with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (2) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a hazardous waste or substance on the Collateral. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify and defend, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination, expiration or satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.

 

Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.

 

Taxes. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all of Borrower's tax returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.

 

Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.

 

Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if any), and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as well as upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:

 

Notices of Claims and Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (1) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (2) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any Guarantor.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 4

 

 

Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.

 

Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with such financial statements and other related information at such frequencies and in such detail as Lender may reasonably request.

 

Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements, as Lender may request from time to time.

 

Additional Requirements.

 

* Brokerage Statements. As soon as available, but in no event later than 15 days after the end of each fiscal semi-annual period, a current Brokerage Statement.

 

* Maximum LTV of 75% - The Borrower will be allowed to fund the lesser of (i) 75% of the value of the investment account, or (ii) the $700,000 commitment. In the event the Borrower funds above 75%, the Borrower will have 15 days to either pay down the line or increase the value of the collateral, to bring the facility back into compliance. Covenant compliance certificate due within 30 days of month/quarter end (add if any financial covenants are on the deal).

 

Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, and coverages reasonably acceptable to Lender and by insurance companies authorized to transact business in Texas. BORROWER MAY FURNISH THE INSURANCE REQUIRED BY THIS AGREEMENT WHETHER THROUGH EXISTING POLICIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY BORROWER OR THROUGH EQUIVALENT COVERAGE FROM ANY INSURANCE COMPANY AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN TEXAS. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such lender's loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.

 

Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.

 

Guaranties. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed guaranties of the Loans in favor of Lender, executed by the guarantors named below, on Lender's forms, and in the amounts and under the conditions set forth in those guaranties.

 

Names of Guarantors Amounts
Kenneth DeCubellis $262,500.00
Lyle Berman $262,500.00
Bradley Berman $262,500.00
Benjamin Oehler $262,500.00

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 5

 

 

Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements.

 

Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in writing.

 

Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (1) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (2) Borrower shall have established on Borrower's books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with GAAP.

 

Performance. Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower and Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any agreement.

 

Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner.

 

Environmental Studies. Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower's expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any facility owned, leased or used by Borrower.

 

Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower's properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender's interest.

 

Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 6

 

 

Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects with any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources.

 

Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security Interests.

 

LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Borrower's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related Documents, Lender on Borrower's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such expenditures paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the Note rate from the date paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's maturity.

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender:

 

Indebtedness and Liens. (1) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (2) sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets (except as allowed as Permitted Liens), or (3) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.

 

Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (2) cease operations, liquidate, merge or restructure as a legal entity (whether by division or otherwise), consolidate with or acquire any other entity, change its name, convert to another type of entity or redomesticate, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) pay any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of Borrower's stock, or purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 7

 

 

Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (1) Loan, invest in or advance money or assets to any other person, enterprise or entity, (2) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or entity, or (3) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the ordinary course of business.

 

Agreements. Enter into any agreement containing any provisions which would be violated or breached by the performance of Borrower's obligations under this Agreement or in connection herewith.

 

CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (A) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any Guarantor has with Lender; (B) Borrower or any Guarantor dies, becomes incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; or (D) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender.

 

DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

 

Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the Loan.

 

Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.

 

Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's or any Grantor's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.

 

False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.

 

Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.

 

Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.

 

Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the Loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

 

Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 8

 

 

Change in Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower.

 

Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Loan is impaired.

 

EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make further Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of art Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement:

 

Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

 

Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.

 

Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Consent to Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy Borrower may have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrowers obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loan. Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have against Lender.

 

 

 

   

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 9

 

 

Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of Texas.

 

Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, and if the transaction evidenced by this Agreement occurred in Harris County, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Harris County, State of Texas.

 

No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Borrower's or any Grantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

 

Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Borrower's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers.

 

Payment of Interest and Fees. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any provision of any Related Document, Borrower does not agree or intend to pay, and Lender does not agree or intend to charge, collect, take, reserve or receive (collectively referred to herein as "charge or collect"), any amount in the nature of interest or in the nature of a fee for the Loan which would in any way or event (including demand, prepayment, or acceleration) cause Lender to contract for, charge or collect more for the Loan than the maximum Lender would be permitted to charge or collect by any applicable federal or Texas state law. Any such excess interest or unauthorized fee will, instead of anything stated to the contrary, be applied first to reduce the unpaid principal balance of the Loan, and when the principal has been paid in full, be refunded to Borrower.

 

Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower's subsidiaries and affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any of Borrower's subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements by or on behalf of Borrower contained in this Agreement or any Related Documents shall bind Borrower's successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign Borrower's rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 10

 

 

Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations, warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees that regardless of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.

 

Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

 

Waive Jury. All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any party against any other party.

 

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of this Agreement:

 

Advance. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to be made, to Borrower or on Borrower's behalf on a line of credit or multiple advance basis under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan Agreement from time to time.

 

Borrower. The word "Borrower" means Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns.

 

Collateral. The word "Collateral" means all property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

 

Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("SARA"), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, or common law, and shall also include pollutants, contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, petroleum and petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals.

 

 

 

     
 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 11

 

 

Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.

 

GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Grantor. The word "Grantor" means each and all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.

 

Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation party of any or all of the Loan.

 

Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.

 

Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.

 

Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Borrower is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents.

 

Lender. The word "Lender" means CADENCE BANK, N.A., its successors and assigns.

 

Loan. The word "Loan" means any and all loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to time.

 

Note. The word "Note" means the Note dated March 10, 2020 and executed by Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. in the principal amount of $700,000.00, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the note or credit agreement.

 

Permitted Liens. The words "Permitted Liens" mean (1) liens and security interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (2) liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being contested in good faith; (3) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (4) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (5) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing; and (6) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the net value of Borrower's assets.

 

Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan.

 

 

 

     

 

 

BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 12

 

 

Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.

 

Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean, without limitation, any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

 

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS DATED MARCH 10, 2020.

 

BORROWER:

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Kenneth DeCubellis
Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive/Interim Chief
Financial Officer/Secretary of Black Ridge Oil & Gas,
Inc.

 

LENDER:

 

CADENCE BANK, N.A.

 

By: ____________________
Authorized Signer

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

CADENCE

BANK

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Principal

$700,000.00

Loan Date

03-10-2020

Maturity

03-09-2021

Loan No

22118079

Call / Coll

AS

Account Officer A05 Initials
References in the boxes above are or Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing ""'" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

 

Borrower Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
110 North 5th Street, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Lender CADENCE BANK, N.A.
Private Bkg TX Hou Wms Tower
2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3400
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-4000

 

 

 

PROMISE TO PAY. Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. ("Borrower") promises to pay to CADENCE BANK, N.A. ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Seven Hundred Thousand & 00/100 Dollars ($700,000.00) or so much as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid outstanding principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from the date of each advance until repayment of each advance or maturity, whichever occurs first.

 

CHOICE OF USURY CEILING AND INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note has been implemented under the "Quarterly Ceiling" as referred to in Section 303.006 of the Texas Finance Code.

 

PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on March 9, 2021. In addition, Borrower will pay regular monthly payments of all accrued unpaid interest due as of each payment date, beginning April 10, 2020, with all subsequent interest payments to be due on the same day of each month after that. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any accrued unpaid interest; then to principal; and then to any late charges. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Note, Lender will not charge interest on any undisbursed loan proceeds. No scheduled payment, whether of principal or interest or both, will be due unless sufficient loan funds have been disbursed by the scheduled payment date to justify the payment.

 

VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the Prime Rate as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal (the "Index"). The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Lender may designate a substitute index after notifying Borrower. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each day the index rate changes. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index currently is 4.250% per annum. Interest prior to maturity on the unpaid principal balance of this Note will be calculated as described in the "INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD" paragraph using a rate of 0.500 percentage points over the Index, adjusted if necessary for any minimum and maximum rate limitations described below, resulting in an initial rate of 4.750% per annum based on a year of 360 days. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be less than 4.250% per annum or more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. For purposes of this Note, the "maximum rate allowed by applicable law" means the greater of (A) the maximum rate of interest permitted under federal or other law applicable to the indebtedness evidenced by this Note, or (B) the "Quarterly Ceiling" as referred to in Section 303.006 of the Texas Finance Code.

 

 

 

     

 

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 2

 

INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD. Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding, unless such calculation would result in a usurious rate, in which case interest shall be calculated on a per diem basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be. All interest payable under this Note is computed using this method. This calculation method results in a higher effective interest rate than the numeric interest rate stated in this Note.

 

PREPAYMENT. Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Prepayment in full shall consist of payment of the remaining unpaid principal balance together with all accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts, costs and expenses for which Borrower is responsible under this Note or any other agreement with Lender pertaining to this loan, and in no event will Borrower ever be required to pay any unearned interest. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments of accrued unpaid interest. Rather, early payments will reduce the principal balance due. Borrower agrees not to send Lender payments marked "paid in full", "without recourse", or similar language. If Borrower sends such a payment, Lender may accept it without losing any of Lender's rights under this Note, and Borrower will remain obligated to pay any further amount owed to Lender. All written communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that indicates that the payment constitutes "payment in full" of the amount owed or that is tendered with other conditions or limitations or as full satisfaction of a disputed amount must be mailed or delivered to: CADENCE BANK, N.A., 3500 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 600 Birmingham, AL 35243.

 

LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 15 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the unpaid portion of the regularly scheduled payment.

 

POST MATURITY RATE. The Post Maturity Rate on this Note is the lesser of (A) the maximum rate allowed by law or (B) the interest rate under this Note. Borrower will pay interest on all sums due after final maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, at that rate.

 

DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note.

 

Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under this Note.

 

Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Note or in any of the related documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.

 

Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the related documents.

 

False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Note or the related documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.

 

Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrowers existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.

 

 

 

     

 

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 3

 

 

Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrowers accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

 

Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any guaranty of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note.

 

Change In Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower.

 

Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of this Note is impaired.

 

LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire indebtedness, including the unpaid principal balance under this Note, all accrued unpaid interest, and all other amounts, costs and expenses for which Borrower is responsible under this Note or any other agreement with Lender pertaining to this loan, immediately due, without notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount.

 

ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Lender may hire an attorney to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay, and Borrower will pay Lenders reasonable attorneys' fees. Borrower also will pay Lender all other amounts Lender actually incurs as court costs, lawful fees for filing, recording, releasing to any public office any instrument securing this Note; the reasonable cost actually expended for repossessing, storing, preparing for sale, and selling any security; and fees for noting a lien on or transferring a certificate of title to any motor vehicle offered as security for this Note, or premiums or identifiable charges received in connection with the sale of authorized insurance.

 

JURY WAIVER. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Borrower against the other.

 

GOVERNING LAW. This Note will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Note has been accepted by Lender in the State of Texas.

 

CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, and if the transaction evidenced by this Note occurred in Harris County, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Harris County, State of Texas.

 

COLLATERAL. Borrower acknowledges this Note is secured by the following collateral described in the security instrument listed herein:

 

(A) a Commercial Pledge Agreement dated March 10, 2020 made and executed between Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. and Lender on collateral described as securities or investment property.

 

LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under this Note, as well as directions for payment from Borrower's accounts, may be requested orally or in writing by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (A) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (B) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs. This revolving line of credit shall not be subject to Ch. 346 of the Texas Finance Code.

 

 

 

     

 

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 4

 

 

SUCCESSOR INTERESTS. The terms of this Note shall be binding upon Borrower, and upon Borrower's heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns.

 

NOTIFY US OF INACCURATE INFORMATION WE REPORT TO CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES. Borrower may notify Lender if Lender reports any inaccurate information about Borrower's account(s) to a consumer reporting agency. Borrower's written notice describing the specific inaccuracy(ies) should be sent to Lender at the following address: CADENCE BANK, N.A. 3500 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 600 Birmingham, AL 35243.

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will not affect the rest of the Note. Borrower does not agree or intend to pay, and Lender does not agree or intend to contract for, charge, collect, take, reserve or receive (collectively referred to herein as "charge or collect"), any amount in the nature of interest or in the nature of a fee for this loan, which would in any way or event (including demand, prepayment, or acceleration) cause Lender to charge or collect more for this loan than the maximum Lender would be permitted to charge or collect by federal law or the law of the State of Texas (as applicable). Any such excess interest or unauthorized fee shall, instead of anything stated to the contrary, be applied first to reduce the principal balance of this loan, and when the principal has been paid in full, be refunded to Borrower. The right to accelerate maturity of sums due under this Note does not include the right to accelerate any interest which has not otherwise accrued on the date of such acceleration, and Lender does not intend to charge or collect any unearned interest in the event of acceleration. All sums paid or agreed to be paid to Lender for the use, forbearance or detention of sums due hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of the loan evidenced by this Note until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of the loan evidenced hereby does not exceed the applicable usury ceiling. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate the maturity of this Note, and notice of acceleration of the maturity of this Note. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. The obligations under this Note are joint and several.

 

PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE.

 

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THIS PROMISSORY NOTE.

 

BORROWER:

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Kenneth DeBubellis
Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive/Interim Chief
Financial Officer/Secretary of Black Ridge Oil & Gas,
Inc.

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Principal

$700,000.00

Loan Date

03-10-2020

Maturity

03-09-2021

Loan No

22118079

Call / Coll

AS

Account Officer A05 Initials
References in the boxes above are or Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing ""'" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

 

Borrower Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
110 North 5th Street, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Lender CADENCE BANK, N.A.
Private Bkg TX Hou Wms Tower
2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3400
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-4000

 

 

 

THIS COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT dated March 10, 2020, is made and executed between Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. ("Grantor" and CADENCE BANK, N.A. ("Lender").

 

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. For valuable consideration, Grantor grants to Lender a security interest in the Collateral to secure the Indebtedness and agrees that Lender shall have the rights stated in this Agreement with respect to the Collateral, in addition to all other rights which Lender may have by law.

 

COLLATERAL DESCRIPTION. The word "Collateral" as used in this Agreement means Grantor's present and future rights, title and interest in and to the following described investment property, together with any and all present and future additions thereto, substitutions therefor, and replacements thereof, together with any and all present and future certificates and/or instruments evidencing any stock and further together with all Brokerage Accounts, all books and records relating to the Collateral in any form, and all Income and Proceeds as described herein:

 

Account# 7G7-14468

500,000 Shares of Allied Esports Entertainment Inc. Stock, Cusip No. AESE

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL. Grantor represents and warrants to Lender that:

 

Ownership. Grantor is the lawful owner of the Collateral free and clear of all security interests, liens, encumbrances and claims of others except as disclosed to and accepted by Lender in writing prior to execution of this Agreement.

 

Right to Pledge. Grantor has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to pledge the Collateral.

 

Authority; Binding Effect. Grantor has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant a security interest in the Collateral to Lender. This Agreement is binding upon Grantor as well as Grantor's successors and assigns, and is legally enforceable in accordance with its terms. The foregoing representations and warranties, and all other representations and warranties contained in this Agreement are and shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as this Agreement is terminated or cancelled as provided herein.

 

No Further Assignment. Grantor has not, and shall not, sell, assign, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of Grantor's rights in the Collateral except as provided in this Agreement.

 

No Defaults. There are no defaults existing under the Collateral, and there are no offsets or counterclaims to the same. Grantor will strictly and promptly perform each of the terms, conditions, covenants and agreements, if any, contained in the Collateral which are to be performed by Grantor.

 

No Violation. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not violate any law or agreement governing Grantor or to which Grantor is a party, and its certificate or articles of incorporation and bylaws do not prohibit any term or condition of this Agreement.

 

Financing Statements. Grantor authorizes Lender to file a UCC financing statement, or alternatively, a copy of this Agreement to perfect Lender's security interest. At Lender's request, Grantor additionally agrees to sign all other documents that are necessary to perfect, protect, and continue Lender's security interest in the Property. Grantor will pay all filing fees, title transfer fees, and other fees and costs involved unless prohibited by law or unless Lender is required by law to pay such fees and costs. Grantor irrevocably appoints Lender to execute documents necessary to transfer title if there is a default. Lender may file a copy of this Agreement as a financing statement.

 

LENDER'S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL. Lender may hold the Collateral until all Indebtedness has been paid and satisfied. Thereafter Lender may deliver the Collateral to Grantor or to any other owner of the Collateral. Lender shall have the following rights in addition to all other rights Lender may have by law:

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 2

 

Maintenance and Protection of Collateral. Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, take such steps as it deems necessary or desirable to protect, maintain, insure, store, or care for the Collateral, including paying of any liens or claims against the Collateral. This may include such things as hiring other people, such as attorneys, appraisers or other experts. Lender may charge Grantor for any cost incurred in so doing. When applicable law provides more than one method of perfection of Lender's security interest, Lender may choose the method(s) to be used. If the Collateral consists of stock, bonds or other investment property for which no certificate has been issued, Grantor agrees, at Lender's request, either to request issuance of an appropriate certificate or to give instructions on Lender's forms to the issuer, transfer agent, mutual fund company, or broker, as the case may be, to record on its books or records Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Grantor also agrees to execute any additional documents. including but not limited to. a control agreement. necessary to perfect Lender's security interest as Lender may desire.

 

Income and Proceeds from the Collateral. Lender may receive all Income and Proceeds and add it to the Collateral. Grantor agrees to deliver to Lender immediately upon receipt, in the exact form received and without commingling with other property, all Income and Proceeds from the Collateral which may be received by, paid, or delivered to Grantor or for Grantor's account, whether as an addition to, in discharge of, in substitution of, or in exchange for any of the Collateral.

 

Application of Cash. At Lender's option, Lender may apply any cash, whether included in the Collateral or received as Income and Proceeds or through liquidation, sale, or retirement, of the Collateral, to the satisfaction of the Indebtedness or such portion thereof as Lender shall choose, whether or not matured.

 

Transactions with Others. Lender may (1) extend time for payment or other performance, (2) grant a renewal or change in terms or conditions, or (3) compromise, compound or release any obligation, with any one or more Obligors, endorsers, or Guarantors of the Lender deems advisable, without obtaining the prior written consent of Grantor, and no such act or failure to act shall affect Lender's rights against Grantor or the Collateral.

 

All Collateral Secures Indebtedness. All Collateral shall be security for the Indebtedness, whether the Collateral is located at one or more offices or branches of Lender. This will be the case whether or not the office or branch where Grantor obtained Grantor's loan knows about the Collateral or relies upon the Collateral as security.

 

Collection of Collateral. Lender at Lender's option may, but need not, collect the Income and Proceeds directly from the Obligors. Grantor authorizes and directs the Obligors, if Lender decides to collect the Income and Proceeds, to pay and deliver to Lender all Income and Proceeds from the Collateral and to accept Lender's receipt for the payments.

 

Power of Attorney. Grantor irrevocably appoints Lender as Grantor's attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, (a) to demand, collect, receive, receipt for, sue and recover all Income and Proceeds and other sums of money and other property which may now or hereafter become due, owing or payable from the Obligors in accordance with the terms of the Collateral; (b) to execute, sign and endorse any and all instruments, receipts, checks, drafts and warrants issued in payment for the Collateral; (c) to settle or compromise any and all claims arising under the Collateral, and in the place and stead of Grantor, execute and deliver Grantor's release and acquittance for Grantor; (d) to file any claim or claims or to take any action or institute or take part in any proceedings, either in Lender's own name or in the name of Grantor, or otherwise, which in the discretion of Lender may seem to be necessary or advisable; and (e) to execute in Grantor's name and to deliver to the Obligors on Grantor's behalf, at the time and in the manner specified by the Collateral, any necessary instruments or documents.

 

Perfection of Security Interest. Upon Lender's request, Grantor will deliver to Lender any and all of the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral. When applicable law provides more than one method of perfection of Lender's security interest, Lender may choose the method(s) to be used. Upon Lender's request, Grantor will sign and deliver any writings necessary to perfect Lender's security interest. If any of the Collateral consists of securities for which no certificate has been issued, Grantor agrees, at Lender's option, either to request issuance of an appropriate certificate or to execute appropriate instructions on Lender's forms instructing the issuer, transfer agent, mutual fund company, or broker, as the case may be, to record on its books or records, by book-entry or otherwise, Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Grantor hereby appoints Lender as Grantor's irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents necessary to perfect, amend, or to continue the security interest granted in this Agreement or to demand termination of filings of other secured parties. This is a continuing Security Agreement and will continue in effect even though all or any part of the Indebtedness is paid in full and even though for a period of time Grantor may not be indebted to Lender.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 3

 

 

LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Grantor fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Grantor's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Grantor is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related Documents, Lender on Grantor's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on the Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving the Collateral. All such expenditures paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the Note rate from the date paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Grantor. All such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Mote's maturity. The Agreement also will secure payment of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon Default.

 

LIMITATIONS ON OBLIGATIONS OF LENDER. Lender shall use ordinary reasonable care in the physical preservation and custody of the Collateral in Lender's possession, but shall have no other obligation to protect the Collateral or its value. In particular, but without limitation, Lender shall have no responsibility for (A) any depreciation in value of the Collateral or for the collection or protection of any Income and Proceeds from the Collateral, (B) preservation of rights against parties to the Collateral or against third persons, (C) ascertaining any maturities, calls, conversions, exchanges, offers, tenders, or similar matters relating to any of the Collateral, or (D) informing Grantor about any of the above, whether or not Lender has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters. Except as provided above, Lender shall have no liability for depreciation or deterioration of the Collateral.

 

DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

 

Payment Default. Grantor fails to make any payment when due under the Indebtedness.

 

Other Defaults. Grantor fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Grantor.

 

Default in Favor of Third Parties. Any guarantor or Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of any guarantor's or Grantor's property or ability to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.

 

False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Grantor or on Grantor's behalf under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.

 

Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.

 

Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Grantor's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Grantor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Grantor's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Grantor.

 

Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Grantor or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the Indebtedness. This includes a garnishment of any of Grantor's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Grantor as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 4

 

 

Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

 

Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Grantor's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired.

 

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. If an Event of Default occurs under this Agreement, at any time thereafter, Lender may exercise any one or more of the following rights and remedies:

 

Accelerate Indebtedness. Declare all Indebtedness, including any prepayment penalty which Grantor would be required to pay, immediately due and payable, without notice of any kind to Grantor.

 

Collect the Collateral. Collect any of the Collateral and, at Lender's option and to the extent permitted by applicable law, retain possession of the Collateral while suing on the Indebtedness.

 

Sell the Collateral. Sell the Collateral, at Lender's discretion, as a unit or in parcels, at one or more public or private sales. Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, Lender shall give or mail to Grantor, and other persons as required by law, notice at least ten (10) days in advance of the time and place of any public sale, or of the time after which any private sale may be made. However, no notice need be provided to any person who, after an Event of Default occurs, enters into and authenticates an agreement waiving that person's right to notification of sale. Grantor agrees that any requirement of reasonable notice as to Grantor is satisfied if Lender mails notice by ordinary mail addressed to Grantor at the last address Grantor has given Lender in writing. If a public sale is held, there shall be sufficient compliance with all requirements of notice to the public by a single publication in any newspaper of general circulation in the county where the Collateral is located, setting forth the time and place of sale and a brief description of the property to be sold. Lender may be a purchaser at any public sale.

 

Sell Securities. Sell any securities included in the Collateral in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state securities laws. If, because of restrictions under such laws, Lender is unable, or believes Lender is unable, to sell the securities in an open market transaction, Grantor agrees that Lender will have no obligation to delay sale until the securities can be registered. Then Lender may make a private sale to one or more persons or to a restricted group of persons, even though such sale may result in a price that is less favorable than might be obtained in an open market transaction. Such a sale will be considered commercially reasonable. If any securities held as Collateral are "restricted securities" as defined in the Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (such as Regulation D or Rule 144) or the rules of state securities departments under state "Blue Sky" laws, or if Grantor or any other owner of the Collateral is an affiliate of the issuer of the securities, Grantor agrees that neither Grantor, nor any member of Grantor's family, nor any other person signing this Agreement will sell or dispose of any securities of such issuer without obtaining Lender's prior written consent.

 

Rights and Remedies with Respect to Investment Property, Financial Assets and Related Collateral. In addition to other rights and remedies granted under this Agreement and under applicable law, Lender may exercise any or all of the following rights and remedies: (1) register with any issuer or broker or other securities intermediary any of the Collateral consisting of investment property or financial assets (collectively herein, "investment property") in Lender's sole name or in the name of Lender's broker, agent or nominee; (2) cause any issuer, broker or other securities intermediary to deliver to Lender any of the Collateral consisting of securities, or investment property capable of being delivered; (3) enter into a control agreement or power of attorney with any issuer or securities intermediary with respect to any Collateral consisting of investment property, on such terms as Lender may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion, including without limitation, an agreement granting to Lender any of the rights provided hereunder without further notice to or consent by Grantor; (4) execute any such control agreement on Grantor's behalf and in Grantor's name, and hereby irrevocably appoints Lender as agent and attorney-in-fact, coupled with an interest, for the purpose of executing such control agreement on Grantor's behalf; (5) exercise any and all rights of Lender under any such control agreement or power of attorney; (6) exercise any voting, conversion, registration, purchase, option, or other rights with respect to any Collateral; (7) collect, with or without legal action, and issue receipts concerning any notes, checks, drafts, remittances or distributions that are paid or payable with respect to any Collateral consisting of investment property. Any control agreement entered with respect to any investment property shall contain the following provisions, at Lender's discretion. Lender shall be authorized to instruct the issuer, broker or other securities intermediary to take or to refrain from taking such actions with respect to the investment property as Lender may instruct, without further notice to or consent by Grantor. Such actions may include without limitation the issuance of entitlement orders, account instructions, general trading or buy or sell orders, transfer and redemption orders, and stop loss orders. Lender shall be further entitled to instruct the issuer, broker or securities intermediary to sell or to liquidate any investment property, or to pay the cash surrender or account termination value with respect to any and all investment property, and to deliver all such payments and liquidation proceeds to Lender. Any such control agreement shall contain such authorizations as are necessary to place Lender in "control" of such investment collateral, as contemplated under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, and shall fully authorize Lender to issue "entitlement orders" concerning the transfer, redemption, liquidation or disposition of investment collateral, in conformance with the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 5

 

 

Foreclosure. Maintain a judicial suit for foreclosure and sale of the Collateral.

 

Transfer Title. Effect transfer of title upon sale of all or part of the Collateral. For this purpose, Grantor irrevocably appoints Lender as Grantor's attorney-in-fact to execute endorsements, assignments and instruments in the name of Grantor and each of them (if more than one) as shall be necessary or reasonable.

 

Other Rights and Remedies. Have and exercise any or all of the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, at law, in equity, or otherwise.

 

Application of Proceeds. Apply any cash which is part of the Collateral, or which is received from the collection or sale of the Collateral, to reimbursement of any expenses, including any costs for registration of securities, commissions incurred in connection with a sale, Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, whether or not there is a lawsuit and including any fees on appeal, incurred by Lender in connection with the collection and sale of such Collateral and to the payment of the Indebtedness of Grantor to Lender, with any excess funds to be paid to Grantor as the interests of Grantor may appear. Grantor agrees, to the extent permitted by law, to pay any deficiency after application of the proceeds of the Collateral to the Indebtedness.

 

Election of Remedies. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies, whether evidenced by this Agreement, the Related Documents, or by any other writing, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Grantor under this Agreement, after Grantor's failure to perform, shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and exercise its remedies.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement:

 

Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

 

Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Grantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Grantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Grantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.

 

Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Governing Law. With respect to procedural matters related to the perfection and enforcement of Lender's rights against the Collateral, this Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Minnesota. In all other respects, this Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. However, if there ever is a question about whether any provision of this Agreement is valid or enforceable, the provision that is questioned will be governed by whichever state or federal law would find the provision to be valid and enforceable. The loan transaction that is evidenced by the Note and this Agreement has been applied for, considered, approved and made, and all necessary loan documents have been accepted by Lender in the State of Texas.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 6

 

 

Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, and if the transaction evidenced by this Agreement occurred in Harris County, Grantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Harris County, State of Texas.

 

No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Grantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

 

Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Grantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Grantor's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Grantor, any notice given by Lender to any Grantor is deemed to be notice given to all Grantors.

 

Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

Successors and Assigns. Subject to any limitations stated in this Agreement on transfer of Grantor's interest, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns. If ownership of the Collateral becomes vested in a person other than Grantor, Lender, without notice to Grantor, may deal with Grantor's successors with reference to this Agreement and the Indebtedness by way of forbearance or extension without releasing Grantor from the obligations of this Agreement or liability under the Indebtedness.

 

Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.

 

Waive Jury. All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any party against any other party.

 

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code:

 

Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Commercial Pledge and Security Agreement, as this Commercial Pledge and Security Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Commercial Pledge and Security Agreement from time to time.

 

Borrower. The word "Borrower" means Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns.

 

 

  2  

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 7

 

 

Brokerage Accounts. The words "Brokerage Accounts" mean any securities accounts or commodity accounts included in the Collateral at any time, together with all credit balances and money credited to the account, all investment property carried in the account, and, except as otherwise agreed by Lender in writing, all other securities accounts and commodity accounts Grantor maintains with the same broker.

 

Collateral. The word "Collateral" means all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to all the Collateral as described in the Collateral Description section of this Agreement.

 

Default. The word "Default" means the Default set forth in this Agreement in the section titled "Default".

 

Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.

 

Grantor. The word "Grantor" means Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc..

 

Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation party of any or all of the Indebtedness.

 

Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.

 

Income and Proceeds. The words "Income and Proceeds" mean all present and future income, proceeds, earnings, increases, and substitutions from or for the Collateral of every kind and nature, including without limitation all payments, interest, profits, distributions, benefits, rights, options, warrants, dividends, stock dividends, stock splits, stock rights, regulatory dividends, subscriptions, monies, claims for money due and to become due, proceeds of any insurance on the Collateral, shares of stock of different par value or no par value issued in substitution or exchange for shares included in the Collateral, and all other property Grantor is entitled to receive on account of such Collateral, including accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, investment property, and general intangibles.

 

Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Grantor is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents.

 

Lender. The word "Lender" means CADENCE BANK, N.A., its successors and assigns.

 

Note. The word "Note" means the Note dated March 10, 2020 and executed by Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. in the principal amount of $700,000.00, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the note or credit agreement.

 

Obligor. The word "Obligor" means without limitation any and all persons obligated to pay money or to perform some other act under the Collateral.

 

Property. The word "Property" means all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to all the Property as described in the "Collateral Description" section of this Agreement.

 

Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

 

 

 

   

 

 

COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 8

 

 

GRANTOR HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS COMMERCIAL PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED MARCH 10, 2020.

 

GRANTOR:

 

BLACK RIDGE OIL & GAS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Kenneth DeCubellis
Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive/Interim Chief
Financial Officer/Secretary of Black Ridge Oil & Gas,
Inc.

 

LENDER:

 

CADENCE BANK, N.A.

 

By:
Authorized Signer

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

 

Principal

$700,000.00

Loan Date

03-10-2020

Maturity

03-09-2021

Loan No

22118079

Call / Coll

AS

Account Officer A05 Initials
References in the boxes above are or Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing ""'" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

 

Borrower Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc.
110 North 5th Street, Suite 410
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Lender CADENCE BANK, N.A.
Private Bkg TX Hou Wms Tower
2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3400
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-4000
       
Guarantor: Bradley Berman
19455 Cedarhurst Street
Wayzata, MN 55391
   

 

 

 

CONTINUING GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE. For good and valuable consideration, Guarantor absolutely and unconditionally guarantees full and punctual payment and satisfaction of Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, and the performance and discharge of all Borrower's obligations under the Note and the Related Documents. This is a guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection, so Lender can enforce this Guaranty against Guarantor even when Lender has not exhausted Lender's remedies against anyone else obligated to pay the Indebtedness or against any collateral securing the Indebtedness, this Guaranty or any other guaranty of the Indebtedness. Guarantor will make any payments to Lender or its order, on demand, in legal tender of the United States of America, in same-day funds, without set-off or deduction or counterclaim, and will otherwise perform Borrower's obligations under the Note and Related Documents. Under this Guaranty, Guarantor's obligations are continuing.

 

INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" as used in this Guaranty means all of the principal amount outstanding from time to time and at any one or more times, accrued unpaid interest thereon and all collection costs and legal expenses related thereto permitted by law, Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from any and all debts, liabilities and obligations of every nature or form, now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, that Borrower individually or collectively or interchangeably with others, owes or will owe Lender. "Indebtedness" includes, without limitation, loans, advances, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness, lease obligations, liabilities and obligations under any interest rate protection agreements or foreign currency exchange agreements or commodity price protection agreements, other obligations, and liabilities of Borrower, and any present or future judgments against Borrower, future advances, loans or transactions that renew, extend, modify, refinance, consolidate or substitute these debts, liabilities and obligations whether: voluntarily or involuntarily incurred; due or to become due by their terms or acceleration; absolute or contingent; liquidated or unliquidated; determined or undetermined; direct or indirect; primary or secondary in nature or arising from a guaranty or surety; secured or unsecured; joint or several or joint and several; evidenced by a negotiable or non-negotiable instrument or writing; originated by Lender or another or others; barred or unenforceable against Borrower for any reason whatsoever; for any transactions that may be voidable for any reason (such as infancy, insanity, ultra vires or otherwise); and originated then reduced or extinguished and then afterwards increased or reinstated.

 

If Lender presently holds one or more guaranties, or hereafter receives additional guaranties from Guarantor, Lender's rights under all guaranties shall be cumulative. This Guaranty shall not (unless specifically provided below to the contrary) affect or invalidate any such other guaranties. Guarantor's liability will be Guarantor's aggregate liability under the terms of this Guaranty and any such other unterminated guaranties.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 2

 

GUARANTOR'S SHARE OF THE INDEBTEDNESS. The words "Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness" as used in this Guaranty mean an amount not to exceed Two Hundred Sixty-two Thousand Five Hundred & 00/100 Dollars ($262,500.00) of the principal amount of the Indebtedness that is outstanding from time to time and at any one or more times. "Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness" also includes all accrued unpaid interest on the Indebtedness and all collection costs, expenses and Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees whether or not there is a lawsuit, and if there is a lawsuit, any fees and costs for trial and appeals paid or incurred by Lender for the collection of the Indebtedness, the realization on any collateral securing the Indebtedness or any guaranty of the Indebtedness (including this Guaranty), or the enforcement of this Guaranty.

 

Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness will only be reduced by sums actually paid by Guarantor under this Guaranty, but will not be reduced by sums from any other source including, but not limited to, sums realized from any collateral securing the Indebtedness or this Guaranty, or payments by anyone other than Guarantor, or reductions by operation of law, judicial order or equitable principles. Lender has the sole and absolute discretion to determine how sums shall be applied among guaranties of the Indebtedness.

 

The above limitation on liability is not a restriction on the amount of the Note of Borrower to Lender either in the aggregate or at any one time.

 

CONTINUING GUARANTY. THIS IS A "CONTINUING GUARANTY" UNDER WHICH GUARANTOR AGREES TO GUARANTEE THE FULL AND PUNCTUAL PAYMENT, PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION OF THE GUARANTOR'S SHARE OF THE INDEBTEDNESS OF BORROWER TO LENDER, NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING OR ACQUIRED, ON A CONTINUING BASIS. ACCORDINGLY, ANY PAYMENTS MADE ON THE INDEBTEDNESS WILL NOT DISCHARGE OR DIMINISH GUARANTOR'S OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITY UNDER THIS GUARANTY FOR ANY REMAINING AND SUCCEEDING INDEBTEDNESS EVEN WHEN ALL OR PART OF THE OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS MAY BE A ZERO BALANCE FROM TIME TO TIME.

 

DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all the Indebtedness incurred or contracted before receipt by Lender of any notice of revocation shall have been fully and finally paid and satisfied and all of Guarantor's other obligations under this Guaranty shall have been performed in full. If Guarantor elects to revoke this Guaranty, Guarantor may only do so in writing. Guarantor's written notice of revocation must be mailed to Lender, by certified mail, at Lender's address listed above or such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Written revocation of this Guaranty will apply only to new Indebtedness created after actual receipt by Lender of Guarantor's written revocation and Lender's written acknowledgment of receipt. For this purpose and without limitation, the term "new Indebtedness" does not include the Indebtedness which at the time of notice of revocation is contingent, unliquidated, undetermined or not due and which later becomes absolute, liquidated, determined or due. For this purpose and without limitation, "new Indebtedness" does not include all or part of the Indebtedness that is: incurred by Borrower prior to revocation; incurred under a commitment that became binding before revocation; any renewals, extensions, substitutions, and modifications of the Indebtedness. This Guaranty shall bind Guarantor's estate as to the Indebtedness created both before and after Guarantor's death or incapacity, regardless of Lender's actual notice of Guarantor's death. Subject to the foregoing, Guarantor's executor or administrator or other legal representative may terminate this Guaranty in the same manner in which Guarantor might have terminated it and with the same effect. Release of any other guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of the Indebtedness shall not affect the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty. A revocation Lender receives from any one or more Guarantors shall not affect the liability of any remaining Guarantors under this Guaranty. It is anticipated that fluctuations may occur in the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness covered by this Guaranty, and Guarantor specifically acknowledges and agrees that reductions in the amount of the Indebtedness, even to zero dollars ($0.00), shall not constitute a termination of this Guaranty. This Guaranty is binding upon Guarantor and Guarantor's heirs, successors and assigns so long as any of the Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness remains unpaid and even though the Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness may from time to time be zero dollars ($0.00).

 

GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, either before or after any revocation hereof, without notice or demand and without lessening or otherwise affecting Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty, from time to time: (A) prior to revocation as set forth above, to make one or more additional secured or unsecured loans to Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or otherwise to extend additional credit to Borrower; (B) to alter, compromise, renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for payment or other terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness, including increases and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness; extensions may be repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term; (C) to take and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty or the Indebtedness, and exchange, enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to perfect, and release any such security, with or without the substitution of new collateral; (D) to release, substitute, agree not to sue, or deal with any one or more of Borrower's sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or in any manner Lender may choose; (E) to determine how, when and what application of payments and credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (F) to apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, including without limitation, any nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling security agreement or deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine; (G) to sell, transfer, assign or grant participations in all or any part of the Indebtedness; and (H) to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in part.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 3

 

 

GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to Lender that (A) no representations or agreements of any kind have been made to Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way the terms of this Guaranty; (B) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request and not at the request of Lender; (C) Guarantor has full power, right and authority to enter into this Guaranty; (D) the provisions of this Guaranty do not conflict with or result in a default under any agreement or other instrument binding upon Guarantor and do not result in a violation of any law, regulation, court decree or order applicable to Guarantor; (E) Guarantor has not and will not, without the prior written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber, hypothecate, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Guarantor's assets, or any interest therein; (F) upon Lender's request, Guarantor will provide to Lender financial and credit information in form acceptable to Lender, and all such financial information which currently has been, and all future financial information which will be provided to Lender is and will be true and correct in all material respects and fairly present Guarantor's financial condition as of the dates the financial information is provided; (G) no material adverse change has occurred in Guarantor's financial condition since the date of the most recent financial statements provided to Lender and no event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Guarantor's financial condition; (H) no litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Guarantor is pending or threatened; (I) Lender has made no representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of Borrower; and (J) Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from Borrower on a continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial condition. Guarantor agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any facts, events, or circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks under this Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that, absent a request for information, Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any information or documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship with Borrower.

 

GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives any right to require Lender (A) to continue lending money or to extend other credit to Borrower; (B) to make any presentment, protest, demand, or notice of any kind, including notice of any nonpayment of the Indebtedness or of any nonpayment related to any collateral, or notice of any action or nonaction on the part of Borrower, Lender, any surety, endorser, or other guarantor in connection with the Indebtedness or in connection with the creation of new or additional loans or obligations; (C) to resort for payment or to proceed directly or at once against any person, including Borrower or any other guarantor; (D)  to proceed directly against or exhaust any collateral held by Lender from Borrower, any other guarantor, or any other person; (E) to give notice of the terms, time, and place of any public or private sale of personal property security held by Lender from Borrower or to comply with any other applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code; (F) to pursue any other remedy within Lender's power; or (G) to commit any act or omission of any kind, or at any time, with respect to any matter whatsoever.

 

Guarantor waives all rights of Guarantor under Chapter 43 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses based on suretyship or impairment of collateral including, but not limited to, any rights or defenses arising by reason of (A) any "one action" or "anti-deficiency" law or any other law which may prevent Lender from bringing any action, including a claim for deficiency, against Guarantor, before or after Lender's commencement or completion of any foreclosure action, either judicially or by exercise of a power of sale; (B) any election of remedies by Lender which destroys or otherwise adversely affects Guarantor's subrogation rights or Guarantor's rights to proceed against Borrower for reimbursement, including without limitation, any loss of rights Guarantor may suffer by reason of any law limiting, qualifying, or discharging the Indebtedness; (C) any disability or other defense of Borrower, of any other guarantor, or of any other person, or by reason of the cessation of Borrower's liability from any cause whatsoever, other than payment in full in legal tender, of the Indebtedness; (D) any right to claim discharge of the Indebtedness on the basis of unjustified impairment of any collateral for the Indebtedness; (E)  any statute of limitations, if at any time any action or suit brought by Lender against Guarantor is commenced, there is outstanding Indebtedness which is not barred by any applicable statute of limitations; or (F) any defenses given to guarantors at law or in equity other than actual payment and performance of the Indebtedness. If payment is made by Borrower, whether voluntarily or otherwise, or by any third party, on the Indebtedness and thereafter Lender is forced to remit the amount of that payment to Borrower's trustee in bankruptcy or to any similar person under any federal or state bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, the Indebtedness shall be considered unpaid for the purpose of the enforcement of this Guaranty.

 

Guarantor further waives and agrees not to assert or claim at any time any deductions to the amount guaranteed under this Guaranty for any claim of setoff, counterclaim, counter demand, recoupment or similar right, whether such claim, demand or right may be asserted by the Borrower, the Guarantor, or both.

 

GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees that each of the waivers set forth above is made with Guarantor's full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that, under the circumstances, the waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy or law. If any such waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by law or public policy.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 4

 

 

RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Guarantor's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Guarantor holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Guarantor may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Guarantor authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to hold these funds if there is a default, and Lender may apply the funds in these accounts to pay what Guarantor owes under the terms of this Guaranty.

 

SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBTS TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the Indebtedness, whether now existing or hereafter created, shall be superior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness. Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower; provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender. Guarantor agrees, and Lender is hereby authorized, in the name of Guarantor, from time to time to file financing statements and continuation statements and to execute documents and to take such other actions as Lender deems necessary or appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its rights under this Guaranty.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Guaranty:

 

Amendments. This Guaranty, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Guaranty. No alteration of or amendment to this Guaranty shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

 

Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Guaranty. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty, and Guarantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Guarantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.

 

Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Guaranty.

 

Governing Law. This Guaranty will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflicts of law provisions.

 

Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, and if the transaction evidenced by this Guaranty occurred in Harris County, Guarantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Harris County, State of Texas.

 

Integration. Guarantor further agrees that Guarantor has read and fully understands the terms of this Guaranty; Guarantor has had the opportunity to be advised by Guarantor's attorney with respect to this Guaranty; the Guaranty fully reflects Guarantor's intentions and parol evidence is not required to interpret the terms of this Guaranty. Guarantor hereby indemnifies and holds Lender harmless from all losses, claims, damages, and costs (including Lender's attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by Lender as a result of any breach by Guarantor of the warranties, representations and agreements of this paragraph.

 

 

 

     

 

 

COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

Loan No: 22118079 (Continued) Page 5

 

 

Interpretation. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or Guarantor, then all words used in this Guaranty in the singular shall be deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and construction so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named in this Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one Guarantor, the words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one or more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and "Lender" include the heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each of them. If a court finds that any provision of this Guaranty is not valid or should not be enforced, that fact by itself will not mean that the rest of this Guaranty will not be valid or enforced. Therefore, a court will enforce the rest of the provisions of this Guaranty even if a provision of this Guaranty may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. If any one or more of Borrower or Guarantor are corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or similar entities, it is not necessary for Lender to inquire into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor or of the officers, directors, partners, managers, or other agents acting or purporting to act on their behalf, and any indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed under this Guaranty.

 

Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Guaranty shall be given in writing, and, except for revocation notices by Guarantor, shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Guaranty. All revocation notices by Guarantor shall be in writing and shall be effective upon delivery to Lender as provided in the section of this Guaranty entitled "DURATION OF GUARANTY." Any party may change its address for notices under this Guaranty by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Guarantor's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Guarantor, any notice given by Lender to any Guarantor is deemed to be notice given to all Guarantors.

 

No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Guaranty, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

 

Successors and Assigns. Subject to any limitations stated in this Guaranty on transfer of Guarantor's interest, this Guaranty shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns.

 

Waive Jury. Lender and Guarantor hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Guarantor against the other.

 

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Guaranty. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Guaranty shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code:

 

Borrower. The word "Borrower" means Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns.

 

Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means everyone signing this Guaranty, including without limitation Bradley Berman, and in each case, any signer's successors and assigns.

 

Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness. The words "Guarantor's Share of the Indebtedness" mean Guarantor's indebtedness to Lender as more particularly described in this Guaranty.

 

Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means this guaranty from Guarantor to Lender.

 

Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means Borrower's indebtedness to Lender as more particularly described in this Guaranty.

 

Lender. The word "Lender" means CADENCE BANK, N.A., its successors and assigns.

 

Note. The word "Note" means the promissory note dated March 10, 2020, in the original principal amount of $700,000.00 from Borrower to Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the promissory note or agreement.

 

Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

 

EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY". NO FORMAL ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY IS DATED MARCH 10, 2020.

 

GUARANTOR:

 

_________________ 

Bradley Berman

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Kenneth DeCubellis, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Black Ridge Oil & Gas, 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)) 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 our 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;

 

  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 our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  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.

 

  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 small business issuer’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: May 15, 2020

 

/s/ Kenneth DeCubellis                      

Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Interim 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 Black Ridge Oil & Gas, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2020 (the “Report”) I, Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 USC Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge and belief:

 

  (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 15, 2020 

 

/s/ Kenneth DeCubellis                                    

Kenneth DeCubellis, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.