HOWARD ENERGY, INC. 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN

Age/service weighted plan where allocations are based on age service or age and service; or new comparability or similar plan where allocations are based on participant classifications consisting entirely or predominantly of highly compensated employees or the plan provides an additional allocation rate on compensation above a specified threshold that exceeds the permitted disparity limits of Code section 401(l).

Profit-sharing plan.

This plan or any part of it is intended to meet the conditions of 29 CFR 2550.404c-1 (shifting investment responsibility to participants).

Participants have the opportunity to direct the investment of all of the assets allocated to their individual accounts regardless of whether 29 CFR 2550.404c-1 is intended to be met.

Cash or deferred arrangement described in Code section 401(k) that is part of a qualified defined contribution plan under which employees may elect to defer part of their compensation or receive these amounts in cash.

Total or partial participant-directed account plan where plan uses a default investment account for participants who fail to direct assets in their account.

A master prototype or volume submitter plan that is the subject of a favorable opinion or advisory letter from the IRS.