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Wilton Resources Inc. — Management Reports 2024
Nov 28, 2024
46436_rns_2024-11-28_31d11d6d-e411-46fa-82de-bdb209b7af8f.pdf
Management Reports
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WILTON RESOURCES INC.
Management Discussion and Analysis
For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") of Wilton Resources Inc. ("Wilton" or the "Company") should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed financial statements of the Company for three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, together with the notes thereto (the "Financial Statements"). Amounts herein are expressed in Canadian dollars except where indicated otherwise. The Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and do not include all information required for full annual financial statements. The most recent audited financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and all comparative information herein have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").
This MD&A, as well as the Financial Statement and additional information regarding the Company are available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
This MD&A is dated November 28, 2024 and was prepared by management of the Company. The board of directors of the Company approved this MD&A on November 28, 2024.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "prospect", "future", "possible", "can", "speculative", "perhaps" and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this MD&A should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this MD&A. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws.
Forward looking information and statements are included throughout this MD&A and include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to the following:
- the Company's ability to continue as a going concern;
- the potential impacts of access to capital conditions;
- the Company's pursuit to acquire oil and natural gas properties in various international locations, including in the Middle East and Africa;
- the Company's liquidity and capital resources;
- the nature of the risks faced by the Company; and
The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this MD&A:
- general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally, including reduced availability of debt and equity financing generally;
- industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of oil, NGL and natural gas;
- governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry, including environmental regulation;
- fluctuation in foreign exchange or interest rates;
- liabilities inherent in oil and natural gas operations;
- geological, technical, drilling and processing problems and other difficulties in producing reserves;
- uncertainties associated with estimating oil and natural gas reserves;
- incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions;
- unanticipated operating events which can reduce production or cause production to be shut in or delayed;
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- failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, when required;
- stock market volatility and market valuations;
- availability of financing on acceptable terms;
- competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped land and skilled personnel;
- competition for and inability to retain drilling rigs and other services;
- rights to surface access;
- the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities;
- general business and market conditions; and
- changes in commodity prices
These factors should not be considered exhaustive. Statements in respect of "reserves" are by their nature forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.
Forward-looking statements or information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this document and other documents filed by the Company, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: future exchange rates; energy markets and the price of oil and natural gas; general economic conditions, commodity and financial markets; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development or exploration; the ability to acquire oil and natural gas properties in various international locations, including in the Middle East and Africa; current technology; cash flow; commodity prices; production rates; effects of regulation and environmental and tax laws; future operating costs and the Company's ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
The above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information has been provided in this MD&A in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on the Company's future operations and prospects. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Hackamore Capital Corp. was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta on August 15, 2007 and changed its name to Wilton Resources Inc. on October 27, 2008. On July 24, 2009, the Company completed its initial public offering by way of a capital pool company prospectus. The Company was listed as a capital pool company as defined in Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") on August 5, 2009. On October 28, 2011, Wilton completed its qualifying transaction by the acquisition of a certain oil and gas interests.
The Financial Statements of the Company comprise accounts of the Company. Wilton is currently an oil and gas exploration and development company, with a property in Canada, however, the Company is pursuing oil and gas opportunities in various international locations including the Middle East and Africa.
The common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") are listed for trading on the TSXV with the trading symbol WIL.
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GOING CONCERN
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had working capital of $1,035,378 (December 31, 2023 – working capital deficit of $577,040). In order to settle its existing liabilities and continue operations, including its ongoing oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration and development activities, Wilton will require additional financing. Failure to obtain such financing on a timely basis could cause Wilton to forfeit its interest in its properties, to miss acquisition opportunities and/or to reduce or terminate its operations. There can be no assurance that debt or equity financing will be available or for an amount sufficient to meet the Company’s needs and intentions, or, if debt or equity financing is available, that it will be on terms acceptable to Wilton. Moreover, future activities may require Wilton to alter its capitalization significantly. The inability of Wilton to access sufficient capital for its operations could have a material adverse effect on Wilton’s financial condition, results of operations or prospects. These conditions create a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
CORPORATE UPDATES
On January 3, 2024, 100,000 stock options expired unexercised.
On January 12, 2024, the Company granted 100,000 stock options to purchase Common Shares of the Company to certain a consultant of the Company. The options vest on the date of issuance and are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant at an exercise price of $0.52 per share.
On February 15, 2024, the Company closed a private placement for an aggregate of 556,403 units of the Company at a purchase price of $0.55 per unit for gross proceeds of $306,022. Each unit sold pursuant to the private placement consisted of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant. Each purchase warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase an additional Common Share for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.65 per Common Share.
On May 23, 2024, the Company closed a private placement for an aggregate of 833,333 units of the Company at a purchase price of $0.60 per unit for gross proceeds of $500,000. Each unit sold pursuant to the private placement consisted of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant. Each purchase warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase an additional Common Share for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.70 per Common Share. The Company paid a finder’s fee to Haywood Securities Inc. consisting of a cash payment equal to 7.0% of the aggregate proceeds raised from the sale of units to subscribers introduced to the Company by Haywood and 7.0% of the aggregate units issued to the subscribers introduced to the Company by Haywood in non-transferable finder warrants, being 36,155 finder’s warrants. Each finder warrant is exercisable and will entitle the holder to acquire one common share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.70.
On May 28, 2024, the Company closed a private placement for an aggregate of 2,791,767 units of the Company at a purchase price of $0.73 per unit for gross aggregate proceeds of $2,037,989.83. Each unit consisted of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase an additional Common Share for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.91 per Common Share. The Company paid a finder’s fee to Haywood Securities Inc. consisting of a cash payment equal to 7.0% of the aggregate proceeds raised from the sale of units to subscribers introduced to the Company by Haywood and 7.0% of the aggregate units issued to the subscribers introduced to the Company by Haywood in non-transferable finder warrants, being 126,780 finder warrants. Each finder warrant is exercisable and will entitle the holder to acquire one common share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.91.
On June 4, 2024, the Company granted 560,000 stock options to purchase Common Shares of the Company to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The options vest on the date of issuance and are exercisable for a period of five year from the date of grant at an exercise price of $0.95 per share. The fair value of the options was $0.69.
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On June 18, 2024, 423,480 stock options were exercised in exchange for 423,480 Common Shares of the Company for total proceeds of $139,748.
On July 2, 2024, 400,000 Common Shares were issued in relation to the common share purchase warrants that were exercised in June 2024 and had an expiry date of June 29, 2024.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On November 14, 2024, the Company granted 498,000 stock options to purchase Common Shares of the Company to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The options vest on the date of issuance and are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant at an exercise price of $0.62 per share.
Summary Financial Information
| For the period ended | Three months ended September 30, 2024 | Three months ended September 30, 2023 | Nine months ended September 30, 2024 | Nine months ended September 30, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $ 2,886 | $ 3,453 | $ 8,057 | $ 9,378 |
| Cash used in operations | (399,210) | (337,119) | (1,325,886) | (1,015,755) |
| Cash from financing activities | (59,990) | 267,968 | 2,788,848 | 1,524,159 |
| Net Loss | 366,981 | 710,435 | 1,599,335 | 1,166,427 |
| Loss per share - basic and diluted | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| As at | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | |
| Total assets | $ 2,224,385 | $ 1,023,791 | $ 560,433 | |
| Current assets | 1,620,866 | 601,048 | 200,449 | |
| Current liabilities | 585,488 | 628,410 | 1,124,871 | |
| Working capital (deficiency) | 1,035,378 | 27,362 | (924,426) | |
| Total non-current financial liabilities | 2,865 | 48,905 | 50,468 | |
| Common shares outstanding | 73,314,829 | 68,309,846 | 65,195,262 |
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table summarizes the Company’s quarterly financial results:
| Three months ended, | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | December 31 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Revenue | ||||||||
| Petroleum and natural gas sales | $ 2,886 | $ 3,453 | $ 2,945 | $ 3,043 | $ 2,226 | $ 2,882 | $ 2,924 | $ 3,048 |
| Less: | ||||||||
| Royalty | 252 | 266 | 140 | 134 | 74 | 125 | 215 | 240 |
| 2,634 | 3,187 | 2,805 | 2,909 | 2,152 | 2,757 | 2,709 | 2,808 | |
| Expenses | ||||||||
| Production | 791 | 4,179 | 882 | 860 | 969 | 1,413 | 749 | 999 |
| Professional fees | 33,599 | 37,553 | 51,816 | 42,839 | 26,387 | 46,270 | 99,769 | 128,359 |
| Officer & consulting costs | 233,984 | 206,965 | 244,057 | 194,264 | 198,322 | 198,295 | 194,651 | 129,037 |
| Office & administrative | 87,256 | 65,265 | 95,828 | 96,856 | 76,009 | 52,343 | 83,706 | 53,950 |
| Meals & travel | 13,354 | 9,185 | 65,424 | 53,802 | 55,343 | 20,068 | 69,993 | 78,721 |
| Accretion and change in estimate of decommissioning obligation | 21 | 384 | 21 | 384 | 21 | 384 | (1,169) | (2,715) |
| Share based compensation | - | 389,502 | 383,616 | - | 37,464 | 402,414 | 38,926 | - |
| Depletion | 610 | 589 | 612 | 505 | 540 | 461 | 485 | 883 |
| 369,615 | 713,622 | 842,256 | 389,510 | 395,055 | 721,648 | 487,110 | 389,234 | |
| Other income | - | - | - | 649,500 | - | - | - | - |
| Loss on Asset Retirement Obligation | - | - | - | - | - | - | (26,463) | - |
| Net Income (Loss) for the period | $ (366,981) | $ (710,435) | $ (839,451) | $ 262,899 | $ (392,903) | $ (718,891) | $ (510,864) | $ (386,426) |
| Loss per share – basic and diluted | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.00 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Third Quarter 2024 vs Third Quarter 2023
- Revenue decreased to $2,886 (2023 - $3,453) as a result of lower production.
- Royalties were $252 (2023 - $266) which is consistent with the prior year.
- Professional fees decreased to $33,599 (2023 - $37,553) as a result of decreased legal fees related to the proposed acquisition of assets.
- Officer and consulting were $233,984 (2023 - $206,965) as a result of increased officer and consulting fees paid to third party consultants related to the proposed acquisition of assets.
- Production costs decreased to $791 compared to $4,179 in 2023 as a result of the shut-in of one of the wells.
- Share based compensation was $nil compared to $389,502 in 2023 as a result of no options being issued to directors, officers and consultants.
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DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS
The Company’s business development plan is focused upon acquiring international oil and natural gas interests.
Wilton’s revenue for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 were $2,886 and $8,057 (2023 - $3,453 and $9,378). The Company earned revenue from production during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 from the Company’s working interest in a well near Highvale, Alberta. Royalty costs for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 were $252 and $466 (2023 - $266 and $525) and production costs for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 were $791 and $2,642 (2023 - $4,179 and $6,452). The Company is dedicating resources, including third party consultants, to identify and evaluate potential international oil and natural gas property acquisitions.
General and administrative expenses decreased during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 over the prior comparative periods principally due to the net effect of the following:
- Travel and meals increased to $13,354 and $134,121 (2023 - $9,185 and $83,055) primarily as a result of increased travel to identify and evaluate potential international oil and natural gas property acquisitions;
- Professional fees decreased to $33,599 and $111,802 (2023 - $37,553 and $126,662 primarily as a result of decreased legal fees as a result of legal fees related the proposed acquisition of assets;
- Office and administrative fees were $87,256 and $259,093 (2023 - $65,265 and $214,464) primarily as a result of increased office expenses;
- Officer and Consulting Costs were $233,984 and $676,363 (2023 - $206,965 and $599,524) as a result of increased consulting costs on proposed transactions.
- Stock-based compensation costs were $nil and $421,080 (2023 - $389,502 and $791,916) as a result of less stock options being issued.
The Company earned $2,886 and $8,057 (2023 - $3,453 and $9,378) in revenue from production during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 from the Company’s working interest in a well near Highvale, Alberta.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company is exposed to liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.
As previously highlighted under the Going Concern section of this MD&A, significant doubt may exist about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As at September 30, 2024, the Company had working capital of $1,035,378 including cash of $1,585,013 compared with a working capital deficit of $577,040 including cash of $122,051 at December 31, 2023. The Company continues to experience negative operating cash flow as a result of limited revenue from its Canadian oil and natural gas assets, coupled with the Company’s ongoing expenses related to its international oil and natural gas business development activities. The Company anticipates a negative operating cash flow will continue until such time as international oil and natural gas assets are acquired or developed.
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In order to satisfy its existing liabilities and maintain further operations and to carry out its ongoing oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration and development activities, Wilton will require additional financing. The amount of capital required cannot be quantified until additional transactions are identified and completed. Failure to obtain such financing on a timely basis could cause Wilton to forfeit its interest in its property, to miss certain acquisition opportunities and/or to reduce or terminate its operations. Upon any resumption of production, any decrease of Wilton’s revenues from its reserves as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices or otherwise will affect Wilton’s ability to expend the necessary capital to replace its reserves or to maintain its production. There can be no assurance that debt or equity financing, or cash generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet these requirements or for other corporate purposes or, if debt or equity financing is available, that it will be on terms acceptable to Wilton. Moreover, future activities may require Wilton to alter its capitalization significantly. The inability of Wilton to access sufficient capital for its operations could have a material adverse effect on Wilton’s financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Unfavorable global economic conditions, unfavorable global oil market conditions, scarce credit, volatile capital markets may exacerbate Wilton’s liquidity risk.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company is not a party to any off balance sheet arrangements or transactions.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Rick Anderson, Chief Executive Officer and a Director, whereby the Company pays Mr. Anderson for office rental. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded $12,000 and $36,000 as an expense for office rental (2023 - $12,000 and $36,000).
At September 30, 2024, Mr. Anderson owed the Company $571,788 (December 31, 2023 - $420,707). The September 30, 2024 amount represents an advance on operating expenses that will be drawn down as incurred on behalf of Wilton in addition to expenses reimbursed by the Company and repayment.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES & CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management is required to make judgments, assumptions and estimates in the application of IFRS that may have a significant impact on the financial results of the Company. Details outlining the Company’s accounting policies are contained in the notes to the Financial Statements.
The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of such Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis and bases them on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING SECURITIES INFORMATION
(a) Preferred Shares
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series, none of which are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.
(b) Common Shares
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without nominal or par value.
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to dividends, if and when declared by the board of directors, to one vote per share at meetings of the shareholders of the Company and, upon dissolution, to share equally in such assets of the Company as are distributable to the holders of Common Shares.
Issued share capital
The Company had 73,314,829 Common Shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024.
| Number of Common Shares | Number of Stock Options | Number of Warrants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | 68,309,846 | 6,687,846 | 1,704,897 |
| Shares issued | 4,181,503 | - | - |
| Warrants issued | - | - | 4,344,438 |
| Warrants exercised | 400,000 | - | (400,000) |
| Warrants expired | - | - | (250,000) |
| Options issued | - | 660,000 | - |
| Options exercised | 423,480 | (423,480) | - |
| Options expired/cancelled | - | (100,000) | - |
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | 73,314,829 | 6,824,366 | 5,399,355 |
Stock Options
During the period ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued 660,000 stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company (2023 – 700,000).
Stock options issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024, were as follows:
| Exercise Price | Number Outstanding | Number Exercisable | Issue Date | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.50 | 900,000 | 900,000 | January 6, 2020 | January 6, 2025 |
| $0.52 | 1,078,366 | 1,078,366 | February 26, 2021 | February 26, 2026 |
| $0.50 | 2,018,000 | 2,018,000 | November 1, 2021 | November 1, 2026 |
| $0.66 | 150,000 | 150,000 | December 1, 2021 | December 1, 2026 |
| $0.54 | 280,000 | 280,000 | August 30, 2022 | August 30, 2027 |
| $0.80 | 700,000 | 700,000 | January 20, 2023 | January 20, 2028 |
| $0.74 | 838,000 | 838,000 | August 2, 2023 | August 2, 2028 |
| $0.29 | 200,000 | 200,000 | November 2, 2023 | November 2, 2028 |
| $0.52 | 100,000 | 100,000 | January 12, 2024 | January 12, 2029 |
| $0.95 | 560,000 | 560,000 | June 4, 2024 | June 4, 2029 |
| 6,824,366 | 6,824,366 |
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As of September 30, 2024, the weighted-average life of the options outstanding was 2.42 years.
Warrants
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had the following warrants outstanding and exercisable:
| Exercise price | Number outstanding | Expiration date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.00 | 1,027,667 | January 19, 2025 | |
| $1.00 | (1) | 18,690 | January 19, 2025 |
| $2.00 | (1) | 8,540 | January 19, 2025 |
| $0.65 | 556,403 | February 15, 2025 | |
| $0.70 | 833,333 | May 23, 2025 | |
| $0.70 | (1) | 36,155 | May 23, 2025 |
| $0.91 | 2,791,767 | May 28, 2025 | |
| $0.91 | (1) | 126,780 | May 28, 2025 |
| 5,399,335 |
Note (1): These warrants were issued to agents as finder's warrants.
As of September 30, 2024, the weighted average life remaining of the warrants outstanding was 0.55 years.
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company had 73,314,830 Common Shares, 7,322,366 stock options and 5,399,355 share purchase warrants issued and outstanding. See "Subsequent Events" for greater detail on these amounts.
CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate information systems, procedures and controls to ensure that information used internally and disclosed externally is complete, reliable and timely. Management is also responsible for the design and evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting to provide sufficient knowledge to support the representations made in this MD&A and in the financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Management of the Corporation has filed the Venture Issuer Basic Certificate with the filings for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
In contrast to the certificate required under National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings ("NI 52-109"), the venture issuer basic certificate does not include representations relating to the establishment and maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P") and internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR"), as defined in NI 52-109. In particular, the certifying officers filing certificates for venture issuers are not making any representations relating to the establishment and maintenance of:
(a) controls and other procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation, and
(b) a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's generally accepted accounting principles.
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The issuer's certifying officers are responsible for ensuring that processes are in place to provide them with sufficient knowledge to support the representations they are making in their certificates.
Investors should be aware that inherent limitations on the ability of certifying officers of a venture issuer to design and implement DC&P and ICFR as defined in NI 52-109 on a cost-effective basis may result in additional risks to the quality, reliability, transparency, and timeliness of interim and annual filings and other reports provided under securities legislation.
BUSINESS RISKS
Readers are cautioned that the following is a summary only of certain risk factors and is not exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and must be read in conjunction with the additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results that are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca).
The Company's access to capital will impact its ability to complete exploration and development activities, acquire international concessions and to ultimately achieve profitable operations. The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the payment of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern, it may be unable to realize the carrying value of its assets and to meet its liabilities as they become due. The Financial Statements do not reflect the adjustments or reclassification of assets and liabilities which would be necessary if the Company were unable to continue its operations.
Oil and natural gas exploration involves a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. These include the uncertainty of finding new reserves, the volatility of commodity prices, operational risks, the cost of capital available to fund exploration and development programs, regulatory issues and taxation, and the requirements of new environmental laws and regulations.
There is no assurance that expenditures made on future exploration by Wilton will result in new discoveries of oil or natural gas in commercial quantities. Without the continual addition of new reserves, any existing reserves that Wilton may have at any particular time and the production there from will decline over time as such existing reserves are depleted. It is difficult to project the costs of implementing an exploratory drilling program due to the inherent uncertainties of drilling in unknown formations, the costs associated with encountering various drilling conditions such as over pressured zones and tools lost in the hole, and changes in drilling plans and locations as a result of prior exploratory wells or additional seismic data and interpretations thereof.
The long-term commercial success of Wilton depends on its ability to find, acquire, develop and commercially produce oil and natural gas reserves. No assurance can be given that Wilton will be able to continue to locate satisfactory properties for acquisition or participation. Moreover, if such acquisitions or participations are identified, Wilton may determine that current markets, terms of acquisition and participation or pricing conditions make such acquisitions or participations uneconomic.
Future oil and natural gas exploration may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. Completion of a well does not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could greatly increase the cost of operations, and various field operating conditions may adversely affect the production from successful wells. These conditions include delays in obtaining governmental approvals or consents, shut-ins of connected wells resulting from extreme weather conditions, insufficient storage or transportation capacity or other geological and mechanical conditions. While diligent well supervision and effective maintenance operations can contribute to maximizing production rates over time, production delays and declines from normal field operating conditions cannot be eliminated and can be expected to adversely affect revenue and cash flow levels to varying degrees.
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Oil and natural gas operations are subject to the risks of exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blowouts, cratering, sour gas releases, fires and spills. Losses resulting from the occurrence of any of these risks could have a materially adverse effect on Wilton and its future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Oil and natural gas are commodities whose prices are determined based on world demand, supply and other factors, including geopolitical events, all of which are beyond the control of the Company. Oil prices are expected to remain volatile and may decline in the near future as a result of global excess supply due to the increased growth of shale oil production in the United States, declines in global demand for exported crude oil commodities, and recent decisions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in respect of member countries' production of oil, among other factors. These recent fluctuations have had a material impact on the oil and natural gas industry.
The Company may elect not to produce from certain wells at lower prices in the future. All these factors could result in a material decrease in the Company's future net production revenue, causing a reduction in its oil and gas exploration, development and acquisition activities.
In addition, bank borrowings available to the Company in the future, if any, will be in part determined by the borrowing base of the Company. A sustained material decline in prices from prior relatively higher average prices could reduce the Company's future borrowing base, therefore reducing the bank credit available to the Company.
Volatility in oil and natural gas prices makes it difficult to estimate the value of producing properties for acquisitions and often cause disruption in the market for oil and natural gas producing properties, as buyers and sellers may have difficulty agreeing on the value of such properties. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for and project the return on acquisitions and development and exploitation projects.
The marketability and price of oil and natural gas which may be acquired or discovered by Wilton will be affected by numerous factors beyond its control. Wilton will be affected by the differential between the price paid by refiners for light quality oil and the grades of oil produced by Wilton. The ability of Wilton to market its oil and natural gas may depend upon its ability to acquire capacity on pipelines which deliver oil and natural gas to commercial markets. Wilton will also likely be affected by deliverability uncertainties related to the proximity of its reserves to pipelines and processing facilities and related to operational problems with such pipelines and facilities and extensive government regulation relating to price, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production, the export of oil and natural gas and many other aspects of the oil and natural gas business.
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The Company manages these risks by contracting competent professional staff, following sound operating practices and the prudent issuance of equity to fund capital expenditures so that debt does not become a burden. Extensive geological, geophysical, engineering and environmental analyses are performed before committing to the exploration of new prospects. These analyses are used to ensure a suitable balance between risk and reward. The Company conducts its operations in a manner consistent with environmental regulations as stipulated in applicable local legislation. The Company is committed to meeting its responsibilities to protect the environment wherever it may operate and anticipates making increased capital and operating expenditures as a result of the increasingly stringent laws relating to the protection of the environment. Wilton's operations are subject to the risks normally associated with the oil and natural gas industry. The Company is committed to respecting the safety of its personnel, the environment and the communities where it has operations.
The Company is presently pursuing direct investments in international oil and natural gas projects, often competing with companies that possess greater financial and other resources. There is no assurance that oil and natural gas concessions will be granted to the Company in foreign jurisdictions where the Company is making applications, nor is there assurance that any resulting exploration or development efforts will be successful. If the Company is successful in obtaining exploration prospects in foreign jurisdictions, additional capital will be required to execute the exploration and development programs.
If these international investments are successful, the Company will be exposed to the laws governing the petroleum industry with respect to matters such as taxation, environmental compliance, and other regulatory and political factors as well as shifts in the politics and labor unrest, any of which could adversely affect the Company and its exploration and production activities. The Company's business, results of operations, financial condition, and the trading price of its Common Shares could be materially adversely affected by any of the foregoing risks and by other risks, including risks related to development of petroleum properties, third party transportation, disruption to export pipelines due to vandalism, political and community unrest, oil prices, title matters, reclamation costs, oil price volatility, competition, additional funding requirements, destruction or expropriation of assets, changes to agreements with co-venturers governing commercial terms of the venture including allocation of tax burdens amongst the co-venturers, insurance, currency fluctuations, conflicts of interest, and share trading volatility. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial condition of the Company.
The Company is subject to anti-corruption legislation including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and other similar acts (collectively "Anti-Corruption Legislation"), which prohibit the Company or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents acting on its behalf from paying, offering to pay or authorizing the payment of anything of value to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party or political candidate in an attempt to obtain or retain business or to otherwise influence a person working in an office capacity. The Company's international activities create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by its employees, consultants or agents, even though they may not always be subject to its control. The Company strictly prohibits these practices by its employees and agents.
However, the Company's existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and its employees, consultants and agents may engage in conduct for which the Company may be held responsible. Any failure by the Company to adopt appropriate compliance procedures and to ensure that its employees and agents comply with Anti-Corruption Legislation and applicable laws and regulations in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial penalties or restrictions on its ability to conduct its business, which may have a material adverse impact on the Company or its share price.
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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company recognizes financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivatives, on the statements of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contract. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or when the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are removed from the Financial Statements when the liability is extinguished either through settlement of or release from the obligation of the underlying liability.
Financial assets, financial liabilities and derivatives are measured at fair value on initial recognition. Measurement in subsequent periods depends on the financial instrument’s classification, as described below.
Amortized cost
A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if the objective of the business model is to hold the financial asset for the collection of the cash flows, and all contractual cash flows represent only principal and interest on that principal. All financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method except for liabilities which meet the definition of a derivative and liabilities incurred for the purposes of selling or repurchasing in the short-term, if they are held for trading.
Fair value through other comprehensive income
A financial asset shall be measured at FVTOCI if the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are Solely Payment of Principal and Interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Fair value through profit or loss
All financial assets that do not meet the definition of being measured at amortized cost or FVTOCI are measured at FVTPL, which includes all derivative financial assets. A financial liability is classified as measured at FVTPL if it is held-for-trading, a derivative, or designated as FVTPL on initial recognition. For financial assets and liabilities, the Company may make an irrevocable election to designate an asset at FVTPL. If the election is made it is irrevocable, meaning that asset, liability, or group of financial instruments must be recorded at FVTPL until that asset, liability or group of financial instruments are derecognized.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported on the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
The fair value of cash, accounts receivable, due from related party, accounts payable, and deferred share capital contributions approximates the carrying value. The main financial risks affecting the Company are as follows:
Concentration risk
A majority of the Company’s cash is held by one major Canadian banking institution. Deposits held with this bank may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and bear minimal risk.
Liquidity risk
The Company may need to obtain additional sources of cash resources to execute future exploration programs and believes that it has access to sufficient capital through potential external equity sources to meet projected expenditures.
Credit risk
The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and accounts receivable. The credit risk on cash is limited because the majority of cash of the Company is deposited with banks with high credit ratings.
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The Company’s accounts receivable relates to amounts owing from petroleum and natural gas sales and GST receivables which are from the Canadian government and is subject to credit risk that would be considered normal in the environment.
The Company estimates the recoverability of the balance of due from related party based on uncertain future events and assumptions.
Commodity price risk
The Company’s operations and financial results may be affected by fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates.
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