Citadel Exploration, Inc. - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION - Citadel Exploration, Inc.	ex32-2.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION - Citadel Exploration, Inc.	ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - Citadel Exploration, Inc.	ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - Citadel Exploration, Inc.	ex31-1.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 000-54639

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada		27-1550482
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

417 31st Street, Unit A

Newport Beach, California 92663

(Address of principal executive offices)

(949) 612-8040

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Copies of Communications to:

Rutan & Tucker

611 Anton Blvd, 14th Floor Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 641-3487

Fax (714) 546-9035

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Ruble 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding on November 14, 2014 was 30,914,000 shares.

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC.

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

Index to Report on Form 10-Q

		Page No.
	PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	16

Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures	16

	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	16

Item1A.	Risk Factors	17

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	18

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	18

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	18

Item 5.	Other Information	18

Item 6.	Exhibits	19

	Signature	20

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.


CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

	September 30,			December 31,
	2014			2013
ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash	$	16,596		$	402,649
Other receivable		1,209			40,660
Prepaid expenses		51,563			41,589
Product inventory		4,881			4,881
Total current assets		74,249			489,779

Deposits		4,900			4,000
Restricted cash		70,000			45,000
Oil and gas properties		1,927,987			1,373,363
Fixed asset, net		29,764			12,633

Total assets	$	2,106,900		$	1,924,775


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	380,733		$	435,332
Accrued interest payable		-			8,316
Notes payable, net		523,495			314,134
Total current liabilities		904,227			757,782

Asset retirement obligation		48,923			31,407

Total liabilities		953,150			789,189

Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized, 30,914,000 and 28,949,823 shares issued and outstanding
as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		30,914			28,950
Additional paid-in capital		4,588,974			3,332,982
Deficit accumulated during development stage		(3,466,139	)		(2,226,346	)
Total stockholders' equity		1,153,749			1,135,586

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,106,900		$	1,924,775

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)





					(Inception)
	For the three months		For the nine months		November 6, 2006
	ended		ended		to
	September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	2014	2013	2014	2013	2014

Revenue	$ -	$ -	$ 19	$ -	$ 9,242

Operating expenses:
Lease operating expense	30,223	7,949	59,474	7,949	144,809
Geological & geophysical	4,154	-	2,396	-	8,700
General and administrative	78,340	81,063	261,828	211,104	823,863
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	3,835	2,079	11,142	6,237	23,522
Professional fees	117,563	45,065	212,615	250,720	971,443
Executive compensation	127,456	136,624	638,931	355,755	1,345,115
Gain on sale of interest in oil & gas properties	-	-	-	-	(267,856)
Gain on settlement of accounts payable	-	-	-	-	(6,161)
Total operating expenses	361,572	272,780	1,186,386	831,765	3,043,435

Other expenses:
Gain - other	-	-	8,316	-	8,316
Gain - note payable settlement	-	-	33,545	-	33,545
Gain - debt extinguishment	75,573	-	75,573	-	75,573
Interest expense	(83,766)	(1,139)	(175,021)	(114,730)	(544,512)
Total other expenses	(10,193)	(1,139)	(59,587)	(114,730)	(429,078)

Net loss before provision for income taxes	(371,765)	(273,919)	(1,245,954)	(946,495)	(3,463,271)

Provision for income taxes	(2,333)	-	6,161	-	(2,868)

Net loss	$ (374,098)	$ (273,919)	$ (1,239,793)	$ (946,495)	$ (3,466,139)


Weighted average number of common shares	29,812,860	28,031,640	27,484,783	28,031,640
outstanding - basic

Net loss per share - basic	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

							(Inception)
	For the nine months						November 6, 2006
	ended						to
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(1,239,793	)	$	(946,495	)	$	(3,466,139	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		11,142			6,237			23,523
Amortization of prepaid stock compensation		-			-			80,000
Amortization of debt discount		147,103			84,517			458,183
Non cash interest expense		-			22,500			22,500
Gain on sale of interest in oil & gas properties		-			-			(267,856	)
Gain on settlement of accounts payable		-			-			(6,161	)
Gain other		(8,316	)		-			(8,316	)
Gain on settlement of note payable		(33,545	)		-			(33,545	)
Gain on debt extinguishment		73,573			-			73,573
Stock based compensation expense		376,990			112,495			676,978
Shares issued for consulting		246,775			116,000			411,205
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:								-
Decrease (increase) in other receivables		39,451			(50,199	)		(1,209	)
Decrease in prepaid expenses		63,857			19,967			87,444
Increase) in product inventory		-			(9,934	)		(4,881	)
Increase in deposits		(900	)		(3,150	)		(4,900	)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued payables		(47,099	)		205,516			423,942
Increase in accrued interest payable		-			(6,508	)		8,316

Net cash used in operating activities		(517,908	)		(449,054	)		(1,674,489	)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase oil and gas properties		(537,107	)		(866,710	)		(1,961,273	)
Proceeds from sale of interest in oil & gas properties		-			-			350,000
Website		-			-			(1,375	)
Purchase of fixed assets		(28,273	)		-			(51,845	)
Restricted cash		(25,000	)		(45,000	)		(70,000	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(590,380	)		(911,710	)		(1,734,493	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Member contributions		-			-			105,523
Member distribution		-			-			10,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of costs		271,346			1,410,711			2,307,771
Proceeds from notes payable		500,000			200,000			1,318,274
Repayments of notes payable		(49,111	)		(63,468	)		(315,991	)

Net cash provided by financing activities		722,235			1,547,243			3,425,578

NET CHANGE IN CASH		(386,053	)		186,479			16,598

CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR		402,649			112,580			-

CASH AT END OF PERIOD	$	16,596		$	299,059		$	16,596


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest paid	$	(4,969	)	$	-		$	(8,169	)
Income taxes paid	$	-		$	-		$	(3,200	)

NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Liabilities assumed with the acquisition of Citadel Exploration, LLC	$	-		$	-		$	29,265
Shares issued for prepaid stock compensation	$	-		$	-		$	80,000
Financing of insurance	$	70,268		$	34,891		$	150,137
Forgiveness of debt due to related party	$	-		$	-		$	50,953
Issuance of common stock for settlement of note payable and accrued interest	$	307,501		$	310,298		$	617,799
Asset retirement obligation	$	17,516		$	-		$	17,516
Accounts payable related to properties traded	$	97,491		$	-		$	97,491
Other receivables related to properties traded	$	22,507		$	-		$	22,507
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

The interim 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 make the information presented not misleading.

These statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation of the information contained therein. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 and notes thereto included in the Company’s 10-K annual report and all amendments. The Company follows the same accounting policies in the preparation of interim reports.

Results of operations for the interim period are not indicative of annual results.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Citadel Exploration, Inc. and Citadel Exploration, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Citadel Exploration, Inc. and Citadel Exploration, LLC will be collectively referred herein to as the “Company”.

Nature of operations

Currently, the Company is focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas resources in California. The Company has not yet found oil and gas resources in commercially exploitable quantities and is engaged in exploring land in an effort to discover them. The Company has been in the exploration stage since its formation and has not realized revenues from its planned principal 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 amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, due to shareholders/related parties and accounts and other payables approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments. It is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, price or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with maturity of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents.

Earnings per share

The Company follows ASC Topic 260 to account for the earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding. During periods when common stock equivalents, if any, are anti-dilutive they are not considered in the computation.

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Recent pronouncements

The Company has evaluated the recent accounting pronouncements through September 2014 and believes that none of them will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As noted above, the Company is in the exploration stage and, accordingly, has not yet generated revenues from operations. Since its inception, the Company has been engaged substantially in financing activities and developing its business plan and incurring startup costs and expenses. As a result, the Company incurred accumulated net losses from Inception (November 6, 2006) through the period ended September 30, 2014 of $3,466,139. In addition, the Company’s development activities since inception have been financially sustained through debt and equity financing.

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional capital from the sale of common stock and, ultimately, the achievement of significant operating revenues. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, or amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from this uncertainty.

NOTE 3 – OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

The costs capitalized in oil and gas properties as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

		2014				2013
Exploration		$	1,927,987			$	1,373,363

The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period of one year or less since completion of drilling as of September 30, 2014:

	2014			2013
Beginning balance at January 1,	$	1,373,363		$	159,833
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves		570,404			752,831
Reduction as a result of the Sojitz trade		(33,297	)		0
Asset retirement obligation		17,517			0
Ending balance at September 30,	$	1,927,987		$	912,664

CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Project Indian

On January 31, 2009, the Company entered into an oil, gas and mineral lease in San Benito County, California with an unrelated third party for the right to develop and operate the leased premises for an initial term of three years. The lease will continue as long as the Company continues actual drilling operations and continued development. The Company is obligated to pay royalties to the unrelated third party on oil and gas from all wells on the leased premises, and the royalty is a total of 20% of the market value. On February 1, 2012, the Company renegotiated this oil, gas and mineral lease for an additional minimum term of two years. The terms of the renegotiated lease are substantially the same as the original lease disclosed above. On February 1, 2013, the Company paid the final amount due to the mineral owner for this lease.

On February 22, 2012, the Company sold 40% of its interest in the property disclosed above in exchange for $350,000 to its joint venture partner. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of the partial interest totaling $267,856. Drilling commenced on this property in January 2014. Indian #1-15 was drilled and cased with Citadel paying 100% of the costs.

On May 5, 2014 the Company received its steam injection permit from DOGGR, and expects steam injection to begin in the month of May.

On July 11, 2014, the Company announced that it had ended its joint venture with Sojitz Energy Ventures. In connection with the termination of the joint venture the Company entered into an agreement with Sojitz to exchange working interests in various properties. Under the agreement the Company agreed to transfer its ownership interest in the Tejon project in exchange for Sojitzs' working interest in the Indian and Yowlumne projects. After the transfer the Company owns 100% of the working interest in project Indian and 80% of the working interest at Yowlumne. In addition to the transfer of working interests in the properties the Company and Sojitz agreed to settle certain amounts recorded as a receivable from Sojitz and a payable to Sojitz in the amounts of $22,507 and $97,451, respectively. In connection with this transaction the Company incurred legal cost and fees related to land leases totaling $41,687. As a result of the above exchange of assets, the Company recorded a net reduction of oil and gas properties in the amount of $33,297. This exchange of assets was accounted for as a nonmonetary exchange of assets in accordance with ASC 845.

On August 13, 2014 the Company announced that it had completed a successful steam cycle on the Indian #1-15. The cycle consisted of injected approximately 3,600 barrels of steam. The Company then allowed the well to soak for approximately 7 days. The well was then turned onto production. After recovering approximately 50% of the injected steam volume, the well began to produce oil. Oil production has gradually increased and produced in a range of 3-7 barrels per day. The oil produced has been tested and is 11.6 degrees API in nature, with lower viscosity than traditional heavy oil. This lower viscosity indicates that the oil is mobile at room temperature, which we believe improves the economics of this oil field.

On September 1, 2014 the Company was granted a three year lease extension at Project Indian. This will allow the Company the appropriate time to complete the required Environmental Impact Review (EIR) to take the field into development. The EIR is expected to take 12-18 months to complete.

Per ASC 932, these wells qualify as exploratory wells and review of the capitalized costs incurred to prove up reserves must to be evaluated in the period of one year after the completion of the drilling date.

Yowlumne

In May 2013, the Company entered into a one year lease for approximately 2,800 acres from AERA Energy, LLC. This acreage has been mapped using a combination of both 2D and 3D seismic, and is in close proximity to the Yowlumne oil field in Kern County, California. The Company is obligated to pay royalties to AERA Energy, LLC on oil and gas from all wells on the leased premises, and the royalty is a total of 20% of the market value. In August of 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to sell 75% of the interest in the Yowlumne lease, recouping approximately 85% of its cost, while retaining a 25% interest in the lease and operatorship. Additionally, as part of this transaction, the Company retained 100% interest in the Yowlumne #2-26 well, which was originally drilled in 2008. After performing a workover job on this well, it has produced approximately 120 barrels of oil which were sold in December 2013. As of year-end 2013, the well had produced approximately 50 barrels of oil which were stored in a tank and valued at net realizable value on the balance sheet as product inventory. On July 11, 2014, the Company announced that it had ended its joint venture with Sojitz Energy Ventures. In connection with the termination of the joint venture the Company entered into an agreement with Sojitz to exchange working interests in various properties. Under the agreement the Company agreed to transfer its ownership interest in the Tejon project in exchange for Sojitzs' working interest in the Indian and Yowlumne projects. After the transfer the Company owns 100% of the working interest in project Indian and 80% of the working interest at Yowlumne. In addition to the transfer of working interests in the properties the Company and Sojitz agreed to settle certain amounts recorded as a receivable from Sojitz and a payable to Sojitz in the amounts of $22,507 and $97,451, respectively. In connection with this transaction the Company incurred legal cost and fees related to land leases totaling $41,687. As a result of the above exchange of assets, the Company recorded a net reduction of oil and gas properties in the amount of $33,297. This exchange of assets was accounted for as a nonmonetary exchange of assets in accordance with ASC 845.

NOTE 4 – RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash consists of three Bonds totaling $70,000. The Bonds are required in the normal course of business in the oil and gas industry. The first two bonds totaling $45,000 were purchased in November 2013. The third bond purchased for $25,000 in May 2014 was required to move forward with work on the Indian Oil Development Project. The bonds will not be released until after the project has been completed, all the wells are properly abandoned, and the property has been restored to its original condition.

NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consists of the following at:

	2014			2013
Beginning balance at January 1,	$	1,373,363		$	159,833
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves		570,404			752,831
Reduction as a result of the Sojitz trade		(33,297	)		0
Asset retirement obligation		17,517			0
Ending balance at September 30,	$	1,927,987		$	912,664

	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Three notes payable to individuals, 10% interest, due January 1, 2014	$	-		$	300,000
Three notes payable to an entity for the financing of insurance premiums, unsecured; 14% interest, due December 2013; 14% interest, due February 2014; 11% interest, due August 2014		35,291			14,134
Two notes payable to individuals, 10% interest, originally due September 30, 2014, extended to October 30, 2014		500,000			-
Debt discount for 500,000 warrants issued with notes payable		(11,796	)		-
	$	523,495		$	314,134

Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was $83,766. Of that amount, $1,302, relates to notes payable and insurance financing, $70,282 is amortization of debt discount, and $12,182 relates to interest accrued on the bridge loans. Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was $1,139.

In March 2014, the Company closed on a $500,000 bridge loan from two individuals. These notes have a 180 day term and bear interest of 10%. Additionally the investors received 500,000 warrants to purchase the Company’s stock at $1.00 per share for a term of two years. These loans were extended 30 days, now due October 30, 2014, with new terms on the warrants of $0.34 per share for the same two year term. Due to the change in the terms of the warrants the Company recalculated the value of the warrants and recognized a gain on the extinguishment of $73,573. Because the terms are substantially different, the change in terms has been accounted for as a debt extinguishment under ASC 470.

NOTE 6 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of its $0.001 par value common stock.

In January 2014, the Company issued 205,085 shares of common stock for services rendered and prepaid expenses with a value of $114,338. Also in January 2014, the Company issued 1,477,275 shares of common stock at a price of $0.55 per share. This included the conversion of $300,000 in previously issued bridge loans plus accrued interest and new equity capital of $500,000. These shares were approved by the Company's board during the previous year, and as such were shown as issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

In August of 2014, investors owning warrants for the company’s stock, converted early at a reduced price. The first tranche of warrants equaled 500,000 shares at $0.55, which were reduced to $0.34 resulting in the issuance of 500,000 common stock shares for $170,000 or $0.34 per share. The second tranche of warrants equaled 100,000 warrants at $1.00 per share. These warrants were exchanged for the issuance of 300,000 shares at $0.34 for $102,000 in cash.

On August 7, 2014 the Company issued 400,000 shares of common stock at a price for $0.34 for legal, accounting and investor relation services.

NOTE 7 – STOCK OPTION PLAN

On September 1, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company ratified, approved, and adopted a Stock Option Plan for the Company allowing for the grant of up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock or stock options to acquire common shares. In the event an optionee ceases to be employed by or to provide services to the Company for reasons other than cause, any Stock Option that is vested and held by such optionee may be exercisable within up to thirty days after the effective date that his position ceases. No Stock Option granted under the Stock Option Plan is transferable. Any Stock Option held by an optionee at the time of his death may be exercised by his estate within six months of his death or such longer period as the Board of Directors may determine.

As approved by the Board of Directors, on September 4, 2012, the Company granted 4,000,000 stock options to two officers of the Company at $0.20 per share for terms of seven years. Of the total stock options, 1,000,000 vested immediately and the remaining vest equally over the next 3 years at the anniversary date of the employment agreements. The total fair value of these options at the date of grant was estimated to be $599,974 and was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected life of 7 years, a risk free interest rate of 1.01%, a dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 254%. During six months ended September 30, 2014, $112,495 was recorded as a stock based compensation expense.

On June 18, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved additional stock option grants. The Company has granted 800,000 stock options at $0.55 for a term of seven years, to four of the five members of the Board of Directors. These stock options vest immediately. The total fair value of these options at the date of grant was estimated to be $264,495 and was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected life of 7 years, a risk free interest rate of .45%, a dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 236%. This total amount was expensed in June 2014.

The following is a summary of the status of all of the Company’s stock options as of June 30, 2014 and changes during the period ended on that date:

	Number of Options		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Life (Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2013		4,000,000	$	0.20		4.93
Granted on June 18, 2014		800,000	$	0.55		6.72
Exercised		-	$	0.00		-
Cancelled		-	$	0.00		-
Outstanding at September 30, 2014		4,800,000	$	0.26		5.90
Exercisable at September 30, 2014		3,200,000	$	0.22		4.22

NOTE 8 – WARRANTS

On November 15, 2012, the Company granted 500,000 stock warrants to a lender at $0.55 per share for terms of two years. The total fair value of these warrant at the date of grant was estimated to be $217,330 and was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected life of 2 years, a risk free interest rate of 0.28%, a dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 302%. During year ended December 31, 2012, $132,813 was recorded amortization of debt discount and included in interest expense.

In September 2013, the Company closed on a $200,000 90-day bridge loan with two investors. The loans bear interest of 10%. Additionally each investor was granted 100,000 stock warrants to purchase stock at $1.00 per share for a period of one year valued at $56,283. An additional $100,000 note payable with the same terms and warrants which were valued at $37,467 was issued in October 2013.

In March 2014, the Company closed on a $500,000 180-day bridge loan with two investors. The loans bear interest of 10%. Additionally, the investors were granted a total of 500,000 stock warrants to purchase stock at $1.00 per share for a period of two years valued at $147,104. The total fair value of these warrant at the date of grant was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected life of 2 years, a risk free interest rate of 0.45%, a dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 333%. During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, $2,450 was recorded as amortization of debt discount and included in interest expense.

In September, the 500,000 warrants issued on November 15, 2012 and 100,000 warrants issued September 2013 were exercised early at a reduced price of $0.34 per share.

The following is a summary of the status of all of the Company’s stock warrants as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the period ended on that date:

	Number of Warrants			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Life (Years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2014		800,000		$	0.72		0.86
Granted		500,000		$	0.34		1.50
Exercised		(600,000	)	$	0.34		-
Cancelled		-		$	0.00		-
Outstanding at September 30, 2014		700,000		$	0.53		1.31
Exercisable at September 30, 2014		700,000		$	0.53		0.61

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

None.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements and involves risks and uncertainties that could materially affect expected results of operations, liquidity, cash flows, and business prospects. These statements include, among other things, statements regarding:

o	exploration risks such as drilling unsuccessful wells;

o	our ability to operate profitably;

o	our ability to efficiently and effectively finance our operations;

o	inability to achieve future sales levels or other operating results;

o	inability to raise additional financing for working capital;

o	inability to efficiently manage our operations;

o	inability to hire or retain sufficient qualified operating field personnel;

o	the inability of management to effectively implement our strategies and business plans;

o	the unavailability of funds for capital expenditures and/or general working capital;

o	deterioration in general or regional economic conditions;

o	the fact that our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we report our financial condition and results of operations, and they may require management to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain;

o	changes in U.S. GAAP or in the legal, regulatory and legislative environments in the markets in which we operate;

o	adverse state or federal legislation or regulation that increases the costs of compliance, or adverse findings by a regulator with respect to existing operations;

As well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects, and business strategies. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in particular, the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

References in the following discussion and throughout this quarterly report to “we”, “our”, “us”, “Citadel”, “the Company”, and similar terms refer to Citadel Exploration, Inc. and its subsidiary, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC. You can read these SEC filings and reports over the Internet at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.citadelexploration.com. You can also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the operations of the public reference facilities. We will provide a copy of our annual report to security holders, including audited financial statements, at no charge upon receipt to of a written request to us at Citadel Exploration, Inc., 417 31st Street, Unit A, Newport Beach, California 92663.

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

Overview

Citadel is an energy company engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties. Our properties are located in the Salinas and San Joaquin Basins of California. Subject to availability of capital, we strive to implement an accelerated development program utilizing capital resources, a regional operating focus, an experienced management and technical team, and enhanced recovery technologies to attempt to increase production and increase returns for our stockholders. Our corporate strategy is to build value in the Company through the acquisition of oil and gas leases with significant upside potential, successful exploration and exploitation and the efficient development of these assets.

Our revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas and our ability to find, develop and acquire oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable.

Our Operations

Our principal strategy is to focus on the acquisition of oil and natural gas mineral leases that have known hydrocarbons or are in close proximity to known hydrocarbons that have been underdeveloped. Once acquired, we strive to implement an accelerated development program utilizing capital resources, a regional operating focus, an experienced management and technical team, and enhanced recovery technologies to attempt to increase production and increase returns for our stockholders. Our oil and natural gas acquisition and development activities are currently focused in the State of California.

To date, the Yowlumne 2-26 well has recovered approximately 120 barrels of oil, which were sold to Kern Oil Refinery (“KOR”) in the fourth quarter of 2013, marking the Company’s first revenue. The well then experienced some mechanical issues, and the Company is currently working with its engineers on additional workover and stimulation plans. The Company expects to commence workover operations upon receiving its permit for such operations from the DOGGR. In 2014, the State of California passed Senate Bill #4 (“SB 4”) which required additional disclosures regarding fracturing (“fracking”), and/or well stimulation. The Company has submitted an updated permit application to comply with this new regulation.

Citadel has also started permitting two additional exploration wells on the Yowlumne acreage and expects to receive those drilling permits in the fourth quarter of 2014, with drilling to commence in the fourth quarter of 2014 or early 2015. Both of these exploration wells will be targeting the Stephens Sands at a depth of 12,000 to 14,000 feet. Citadel currently has an 80% working interest in these exploration prospects and is the operator.

Currently at Project Indian, we have drilled and completed our first well (Indian #1-15). On May 5, 2014 we received our permit from the DOGGR for steam injection at Project Indian. On July 11th, the Company announced it had ended its joint venture with Sojitz Energy Ventures at Project Indian. As part of the agreement, Citadel now owns 100% of the working interest at Project Indian. On August 13, 2014 the Company announced that it had completed a successful steam cycle on the Indian #1-15. The cycle consisted of injected approximately 3,600 barrels of steam. The Company then allowed the well to soak for approximately 7 days. The well was then turned onto production. After recovering approximately 50% of the injected steam volume, the well began to produce oil. Oil production has gradually increased and produced in a range of 3-7 barrels per day. The oil produced has been tested and is 11.6 degrees API in nature, with lower viscosity than traditional heavy oil. This lower viscosity indicates that the oil is mobile at room temperature, which we believe improves the economics of this oil field. On September 3, 2014 a judge from Monterey County Superior Court, issued a decision in favor of the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) against the County of San Benito. This ruling will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prior to further drilling at the Indian Oil Field. As such the Company is working diligently with its engineers on the full field development plan for Project Indian, which will require several hundred wells for full field development. We expect to begin the EIR process in the fourth quarter of 2014, and anticipate it will take all of 2015 to complete, with the goal of having an approved EIR in 2016.

On November 4, 2014 voters in San Benito County passed Measure J, an initiative that prevents the use of a non-exhaustive list of oil and gas production techniques including the use of steam injection. The initiative was passed by a count of 5,021 to 3,733. In advance of the initiative passing, the county preemptively passed an ordinance allowing for exemptions from the application of the Measure when the application of the Measure would result in a taking. A regulatory taking is a situation in which a government regulation limits the uses of private property to such a degree that the regulation effectively deprives the property owners of economically reasonable use or value of their property right to such an extent that it deprives them of utility or value of that property right, even though the regulation does not formally divest them of title to it. Accordingly, Citadel Exploration Inc. will provide the County of San Benito the ability to compensate the company for the diminished value at the Indian Oil Field based on the reasonable Unrisked Resource Potential the property would ultimately yield, or allow Citadel to proceed with full field development and steam injection under the exemption ordinance.

Going Concern

The financial statements included in this filing have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that contemplate the continuance of the Company as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, the Company is in the exploration stage and, accordingly, has not generated revenues from operations. As shown on the accompanying financial statements, the Company has incurred a net loss of $3,466,139 for the period from inception (November 6, 2006) to September 30, 2014. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The future of the Company is dependent upon its ability to obtain financing and upon future profitable operations from the development of its oil and gas business opportunities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013

During the Three month period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 we generated minimal revenue.

Operating expenses totaled $361,572 during the three month period ended September 30, 2014 which was an increase over the period ended September 30, 2013. Operating expenses consisted of general and administrative costs, amortization and depreciation, professional fees, and executive compensation. During the period ended September 30, 2013 the Company's operating expenses totaled $272,780.

Lease operating expenses increased from $7,949 to $30,223 from the three month period ended September 30, 2013 to the three month period ended September 30, 2014, due to the cyclic steam work at project Indian.

General and administrative fees decreased slightly from $81,063 to $78,340 from the three month period ended September 30, 2013 to the three month period ended September 30, 2014.

Professional fees increased from $45,065 to $117,563 from the three month period ended September 30, 2013 to the three month period ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to services provided to the Company for investor relations consulting, accounting, and legal.

Executive compensation decreased slightly from $136,624 to $127,456 from the three month period ended September 30, 2013 to the three month period ended September 30, 2014.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 we generated minimal revenue.

Operating expenses totaled $1,186,386 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 which was an increase over the period ended September 30, 2013. Operating expenses consisted of general and administrative costs, amortization and depreciation, professional fees, and executive compensation. During the period ended September 30, 2013 the Company's operating expenses totaled $831,765.

General and administrative fees increased from $211,104 to $261,828 from the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 to the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. This increase was primarily due to insurance, marketing and meals and entertainment expenses.

Professional fees decreased from $250,720 to $212,615 from the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 to the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to services provided to the Company for accounting, consulting and legal.

Executive compensation increased from $355,755 to $638,931 from the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 to the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to the fair value of the vested stock options and monthly salary as part of the employment agreements with two officers, and the value of the 800,000 stock options that were granted June 18, 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company established a capital budget for 2014 of approximately $2,000,000 for Project Indian, Yowlumne and additional lease acquisitions. We may revise our capital budget during the year as a result of acquisitions and/or drilling outcomes or significant changes in cash flows.

As of September 30, 2014, we had $74,249 of current assets, of this amount $16,596 was cash. The following table provides detailed information about the net cash flow for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 as presented in this quarterly report. To date, we have financed our operations through the issuance of stock and borrowings from related parties and an unrelated third party.

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(517,908	)	$	(449,054	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(590,380	)		(911,710	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		722,235			1,547,243
Net change in cash		(386,053	)		186,479
Cash, beginning of period		402,649			112,580
Cash, end of period	$	16,596		$	299,059

Operating activities

The net loss in the period was greater than the non-cash adjustments to reconcile the changes in the balance sheet and statement of operations, which is the reason cash used in operating activities was negative.

Investing activities

The net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of payment for drilling expenses on oil and gas properties of $590,380 on the Company’s properties.

Financing activities

The net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of cash provided from the issuance of two notes payable for $500,000, net of cash payments totaling $26,669, and from 600,000 warrants being exercised for the amount of $272,000.

As of September 30, 2014, we continue to use traditional and/or debt financing as well as through the issuance of stock to provide the capital we need to run our business.

Without cash flow from operations we will require additional cash resources, including the sale of equity or debt securities, to meet our planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the next 12 months. We will require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions, implementation of our strategy to successfully develop our Shallow Indian Oil Development Project, exploration drilling at the Yowlumne area and or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our own financial resources and then current cash-flows from operations are insufficient to satisfy our capital requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity securities will result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness will result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that could restrict our operations or modify our plans to grow the business. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, will limit our ability to expand our business operations and could harm our overall business prospects.

Our ability to obtain additional capital through additional equity and/or debt financing, and Joint Venture or Working Interest partnerships will also be important to our expansion plans. In the event we experience any significant problems assimilating acquired assets into our operations or cannot obtain the necessary capital to pursue our strategic plan, we may have to reduce the growth of our operations. This may materially impact our ability to increase revenue and develop our assets.

Contractual Obligations

An operating lease for rental office space was entered into beginning March 1, 2013 for two years at $2,150 per month. The original lease was amended to include additional space at a price of $1,100 per month for the same term.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of the date of this report, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Operation Plan

Our plan is to focus on the acquisition and drilling of prospective oil and natural gas mineral leases. Once we have tested a prospect as productive, subject to availability of capital, we will implement a development program with a regional operating focus in order to increase production and increase returns for our stockholders. Exploration, acquisition and development activities are currently focused in California. Depending on availability of capital, and other constraints, our goal is to increase stockholder value by finding and developing oil and natural gas reserves at costs that provide an attractive rate of return on our investments.

We expect to achieve these results by:

•

Investing capital in exploration and development drilling and in secondary and tertiary recovery of oil as well as natural gas;

•

Using the latest technologies available to the oil and natural gas industry in our operations;

•

Finding additional oil and natural gas reserves on the properties we acquire.

In addition to raising additional capital we plan to take on Joint Venture (JV) or Working Interest (WI) partners who may contribute to the capital costs of drilling and completion and then share in revenues derived from production. This economic strategy may allow us to utilize our own financial assets toward the growth of our leased acreage holdings, pursue the acquisition of strategic oil and gas producing properties or companies and generally expand our existing operations.

Because of our limited operating history we have yet to generate any revenues from the sale of oil or natural gas. Our activities have been limited to raising capital, negotiating WI agreements, becoming a publicly traded company and preliminary analysis of reserves and production capabilities from our exploratory test wells.

Our future financial results will depend primarily on: (i) the ability to continue to source and screen potential projects; (ii) the ability to discover commercial quantities of natural gas and oil; (iii) the market price for oil and natural gas; and (iv) the ability to fully implement our exploration and development program, which is dependent on the availability of capital resources. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in any of these respects, that the prices of oil and gas prevailing at the time of production will be at a level allowing for profitable production, or that we will be able to obtain additional funding to increase our currently limited capital resources.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

This item in not applicable as we are currently considered a smaller reporting company.

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer, Armen Nahabedian, and our Chief Financial Officer, Philip McPherson evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on that evaluation and assessment, Mr. Armen Nahabedian and Mr. Philip McPherson concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are not designed at a reasonable assurance level and are not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We received notice on July 10, 2013 that the Center for Biological Diversity (“CBD”) had filed a law suit against the County of San Benito regarding the approval of our drilling permits for our Project Indian. The Board of Supervisors of San Benito County voted 5-0 in favor of our application to drill 15 exploration wells on our Project Indian lease. We believe the actions taken by the CBD are unwarranted and will vigorously defend our property rights that have been granted to us via our lease agreement. On September 4, 2014 a judge from Monterey County Superior Court, issued a decision in favor of the CBD. This ruling will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prior to further drilling at the Indian Oil Field.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A. to Part I of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (filed April 14, 2014) to which reference is made herein.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Stock Issuances pursuant to Subscription Agreements

In December 2013, the Company approved the issuance of 918,183 common stock shares for $505,000 cash for payment to investors whose funds were received in December 2013. The shares were issued during January 2014.

In January 2014, the Company issued 205,085 common stock shares for cash for payment to investors for funds received in December 2013. Also in January 2014, the Company issued 1,477,275 shares at a price of $0.55 per share. This included the conversion of $300,000 in previously issued bridge loans plus accrued interest and new equity capital of $500,000. These shares were approved by the Company's board during the previous year, and such were shown as issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

We believe that the issuance and sale of the above securities were exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2), Regulation D and/or Regulation S. The securities were issued directly by us and did not involve a public offering or general solicitation. The recipient of the securities was afforded an opportunity for effective access to files and records of our company that contained the relevant information needed to make her investment decision, including our financial statements and 34 Act reports. We reasonably believed that the recipient, immediately prior to issuing the securities, had such knowledge and experience in our financial and business matters that she was capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment. The recipient had the opportunity to speak with our management on several occasions prior to her investment decision. There were no commissions paid on the issuance and sale of the shares.

Option Grants

Our option grants are described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (filed April 14, 2014) to which reference is made herein.

Subsequent Stock Issuances

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not repurchase any of our equity securities from the time of our inception on November 6, 2006 through the period ended September 30, 2014.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

2012 Stock Incentive Plan

On September 1, 2012, we adopted the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. We have reserved for issuance an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of common stock under our 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. To date 4,800,000 options and no shares of common stock have been granted under this plan.

Our employment agreements with executive officers are described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (filed April 14, 2014) to which reference is made herein.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.		Description
10.4		2012 Stock Incentive Plan

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1		Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2		Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

SIGNATURE

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

	CITADEL EXPLORATION, INC.


Date: November 14, 2014	By:	/S/ Armen Nahabedian
		Armen Nahabedian
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer and duly authorized signatory)

Citadel Exploration, Inc. - FORM 10-Q - November 14, 2014

Attached files

Citadel Exploration, Inc. Reports