Empire Petroleum Announces Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Empire Petroleum (EP) reports operational and financial results for Q4 and full year 2023, highlighting net sales volumes, net losses, proved reserves, and upcoming projects. The company posted a net loss of $4.8 million in Q4 and $12.5 million for the full year 2023. Despite higher expenses, Empire's year-end 2023 proved reserves were 9.1 MMBoe, with a standardized measure of $83.0 million. The company initiated technical work for production uplift opportunities in New Mexico and completed a $20 million equity raise. Looking ahead to 2024, Empire is focusing on the Starbuck Field EOR development project in North Dakota, evaluating flood performance optimization in New Mexico, and reviewing potential development opportunities in Texas. Management is optimistic about the future growth prospects and the significant potential of their asset base.

Positive

• Empire Petroleum reported a net loss of $4.8 million in Q4 2023 and $12.5 million for the full year 2023.
• Year-end 2023 proved reserves for Empire were 9.1 MMBoe, with a standardized measure of $83.0 million.
• The company completed a $20 million equity raise to support current operations and future growth.
• Empire initiated technical work for production uplift opportunities in New Mexico and plans to begin a pilot drilling program in 2024.
• In 2024, Empire aims to focus on the Starbuck Field EOR development project in North Dakota, flood performance optimization in New Mexico, and potential development opportunities in Texas.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Sector Financial Analyst

The operational and financial results released by Empire Petroleum point to a mixed performance. The net loss experienced in both Q4 and the full year of 2023, amounting to $4.8 million and $12.5 million respectively, is a significant metric for investors. These losses are attributed to higher expenses and lower sequential year-over-year pricing, which could be a concern for cost management and profitability going forward. However, the equity raise of $20 million is a positive indicator of investor confidence and provides the company with capital for future operations and growth initiatives.

From a reserves perspective, the year-end proved reserves of 9.1 MMBoe and a standardized measure of discounted reserves at $83.0 million reflect the company's underlying asset value. However, the decrease in reserves year over year, mainly due to lower SEC mandated prices, may raise questions about the valuation of these assets under fluctuating price conditions. Investors would be interested in the company's strategies to mitigate these valuation risks.

Oil & Gas Market Research Analyst

The outlook for 2024, with the focus on the Starbuck Field EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) development project, indicates a strategic move to increase production and reserves. The completion of the 3-D seismic shoot and processing, along with the anticipated impact on production in Q3 to Q4, suggests that Empire is investing in advanced technology to improve recovery rates and optimize reservoir performance. This could potentially increase the attractiveness of the company's assets in the competitive energy market.

Empire's activity in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States, also underscores the company's commitment to leveraging its asset base. The evaluation of flood performance optimization and new drill opportunities could lead to increased production efficiency and reserve additions, which are key drivers for growth in the sector.

Energy Industry Economist

Empire Petroleum's strategic initiatives, such as the pilot drilling program in New Mexico and the development opportunities in Texas, indicate a long-term growth orientation. The company's focus on EOR techniques and infrastructure development in the Williston Basin could enhance recovery rates and extend the life of the wells, potentially leading to more stable revenue streams in the future. However, the capital-intensive nature of these projects, along with the inherent volatility of oil prices, presents financial risks that need to be carefully managed.

The anticipated increase in reserve base lending could improve Empire's financial leverage, but it also increases exposure to debt-related risks. Investors should monitor the balance between leveraging for growth and maintaining financial stability, especially in an industry subject to price fluctuations and geopolitical influences.

~ Starbuck Drilling Program in North Dakota Continuing to Provide Encouraging Results ~

TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Empire Petroleum (NYSE American: EP) (“Empire” or the “Company”), an oil and gas company with producing assets in New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Louisiana today announced operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023, including year-end 2023 proved reserves.

KEY Q4 AND FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

• Produced fourth quarter 2023 net sales volumes of 2,011 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (64% oil, 16% natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and 20% natural gas;
  • Full year 2023 production was 2,099 Boe/d (64% oil, 18% NGLs, and 18% natural gas);
• Posted a net loss $4.8 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2023 and a net loss of $12.5 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for full year 2023;
  • Contributing to the results were higher expenses associated with an increase in LOE including workovers, DD&A, and G&A to include the additional cost to build out the professional team to support current operations and future growth, and lower sequential year over year pricing;
• Year-end 2023 proved reserves were 9.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”), and the standardized measure of SEC proved reserves discounted at 10% was $83.0 million; The decrease in reserves year over year is primarily due to a decrease in the SEC mandated prices used to value oil, natural gas and NGL reserves;
• Initiated technical work for production uplift opportunities on Empire’s New Mexico assets, including a pilot drilling program in New Mexico that is expected to begin later in 2024; and
• Completed a $20 million equity raise.

2024 OUTLOOK

• North Dakota, Williston Basin, Starbuck Field EOR development project: Six horizontal wells online, more under development in the Upper Charles formation and to be expanded in other development formations;
  • Currently, most of the horizontal laterals have been completed for the initial EOR development;
  • The first stage of injectors and infrastructure are to be completed in Q2;
  • The initial impact on production is anticipated in Q3 to Q4 and beyond;
  • The core data collected is currently being evaluated on the key new zones of potential development;
  • The completion of the 3-D seismic shoot and all 3-D processing anticipated in Q2; and
  • Further data analysis will provide the direction for future development activities by Q3
• New Mexico, Permian Basin: Further evaluating flood performance optimization and new drill opportunities in the Company’s three prolific waterflood units in Lea County, NM: EMSU, EMSU-B and AGU;
• Texas, Fort Trinidad Field and Empire’s other acreage nearby: under technical and economic review are potentially several development opportunities, with the goal of commencing later this year;
• Reserves:
  • Anticipate the Starbuck Field EOR development and other Company recompletions, workovers, and drilling to increase proved reserves during 2024; and
  • Anticipate increasing reserve base lending and adding to Empire’s capacity to further develop its assets.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Mike Morrisett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire, commented, “We are committed to executing on our targeted plan for developing our unique asset base. We see significant potential given our top-notch group of technical professionals led by the oversight of Phil Mulacek. Bottom line, we are looking at 2024 to be a real turning point for Empire. As always, I want to thank all our employees, consultants and vendors for their continued hard work and dedication.”

Phil Mulacek, Chairman of the Board, expanded, “As we discussed in our update last month, we continue to learn a substantial amount about the North Dakota field and reservoir, and continue to refine our EOR drilling and completion techniques. As always, our focus remains on driving excellent well economics within our North Dakota operations, and we have been pleased to see significant per well cost reduction with the most recent wells drilled, which drives better immediate and long-term economics. All this while we gather the core technical data to vastly improve Empire’s forward development activities in the EOR and other development structures.”

Mr. Mulacek concluded, “We are also excited about the development opportunities we see in our remaining attractive asset portfolio. This includes a near term focus on our New Mexico assets, including the potential to begin a pilot drilling program in New Mexico later this year. We look forward to keeping everyone apprised of our progress.”

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 2023

			Q4 2023			Q3 2023			% Change Q4 2023 vs. Q3 20232				Q4 2022			% Change Q4 2023 vs. Q4 20222
Net sales (Boe/d)				2,011			2,048			(2	%)			2,149			(6	%)
Net sales (Boe)				185,009			188,396			(2	%)			197,712			(6	%)
Realized price ($/Boe)			$	53.50		$	54.75			(2	%)		$	55.59			(4	%)
Product Revenue ($M)			$	9,898		$	10,315			(4	%)		$	10,991			(10	%)
Net income (loss) ($M)			$	(4,797)		$	(2,748)			(75	%)		$	(2,290)			(109	%)
Adjusted net income (loss) ($M)1			$	(5,753)		$	(1,462)			NM			$	(894)			NM
Adjusted EBITDA ($M)1			$	(2,917)		$	134			NM			$	1,308			NM

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 were 2,011 Boe/d, including 1,294 barrels of oil per day; 326 barrels of NGLs per day, and 2,346 thousand cubic feet per day (“Mcf/d”), or 391 Boe/d, of natural gas.

Empire reported $11.2 million of total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 versus $9.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. Contributing to the increase was a $1.3 million net gain on derivatives versus a derivatives net loss on derivatives of $1.2 million in the third quarter. Partially offsetting the change in derivatives gains was the decline in production and realized prices together with higher overall operating expenses further explained below.

__________________________

1Adjusted Net Income (Loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Information” section later in this release for more information, including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measure.

2NM: A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to change in signs, a zero-value denominator or a percent age change greater than 200.

Lease operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $8.0 million versus $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. Primarily driving the increase was the workover operations in North Dakota and New Mexico and more wells being brought online.

Production and ad valorem taxes for the fourth quarter of 2023 remained steady at $0.8 million.

General and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation expense, was $4.5 million, or $24.52 per Boe, in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus $2.6 million, or $13.70 per Boe, for the third quarter of 2023. Contributing to the increase was the hiring of additional professionals and staff to further support current operational needs as well as for the expected growth from Empire’s targeted capital development program.

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $0.3 million, which was slightly higher than $0.2 million for the third quarter.

Empire recorded a net loss- for the fourth quarter of $4.8 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, versus a net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023 and a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The Company posted an adjusted net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 of $5.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, versus an adjusted net loss of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023 and an adjusted net loss of $0.894 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to Adjusted EBITDA income of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2023 and Adjusted EBITDA income of $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.

CAPITAL SPENDING, BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

For the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company invested approximately $19 million and $27 million, respectively, in capital expenditures. Looking at full year 2023, this included approximately $2 million related to acquisitions. Non-acquisition spending of approximately $25 million primarily reflects the development of Empire’s North Dakota operations.

As of December 31, 2023, Empire had approximately $8 million in cash on hand and approximately $5.5 million available on its credit facility.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS FOR FULL YEAR 2023

			FY 2023				FY 2022				% Change FY 2023 vs. FY 20222
Net sales (Boe/d)				2,099				2,163				(3)	%
Net sales (Boe)				766,261				789,567				(3)	%
Realized price ($/Boe)			$	52.29			$	67.34				(22)	%
Product Revenue ($M)			$	40,072			$	53,172				(25)	%
Net income (loss) ($M)			$	(12,470)			$	7,084				NM
Adjusted net income (loss) ($M)1			$	(11,673)			$	12,265				NM
Adjusted EBITDA ($M)1			$	(2,384)			$	19,062				NM
1Adjusted Net Income (Loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Information” section later in this release for more information, including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measure.
2NM: A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to change in signs, a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.

Net sales for the full year of 2023 were 2,099 Boe/d, including 1,337 barrels of oil per day; 373 barrels of NGLs per day; and 2,340 Mcf/d, or 390 Boe/d, of natural gas.

Total revenues for 2023 decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to lower realized oil, natural gas and NGL prices and lower NGL volumes, partially offset by higher oil volumes in North Dakota.

Lease operating expense includes approximately $12.0 million of workover expense for 2023 as compared to approximately $7.9 million for 2022. Lease operating expense was higher in 2023 primarily due to higher workover activities.

Production taxes were lower for 2023 compared to 2022 because of the lower product revenues discussed above.

General and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation, was $12.0 million, or $15.71 per Boe, for full year 2023 versus $9.6 million, or $12.18 per Boe, for full year 2022.

Interest expense for full year 2023 was $1.0 million compared to $0.5 million for 2022. Cash-based interest expense increased as higher interest rates were partially offset by a lower outstanding balance under the Company’s credit facility.

Empire posted a net loss for full year 2023 of $12.5 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, versus net income of $7.1 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for full year 2022. The Company posted an adjusted net loss for full year 2023 of $11.7 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, versus adjusted net income of $12.3 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.4 million in 2023 versus Adjusted EBITDA income of $19.1 million in 2022.

YEAR-END 2023 PROVED RESERVES

The Company’s year-end 2023 SEC proved reserves were 9.1 MMBoe compared to 13.2 MMBoe at year-end 2022. The Company recorded 0.2 MMBoe for extensions, discoveries, and improved recovery, as well as 0.04 MMBoe for acquisitions.

Year-end 2023 SEC proved reserves were comprised of approximately 76% crude oil, 13% NGL’s, and 11% natural gas. At year end, 100% of 2023 proved reserves were classified as proved developed.

	Oil (MBbls)	Gas (MMcf)	NGL (MBbls)	MBOE
Balance, December 31, 2021	8,448	11,208	87	10,404
Acquisition of Reserves	650	205	61	745
Revisions	(350)	1,834	2,248	2,203
Extensions	561	566	27	682
Production	(483)	(876)	(161)	(790)
Balance, December 31, 2022	8,826	12,937	2,262	13,244
Acquisition of Reserves (a)	36	19	5	44
Revisions (b)	(1,625)	(5,998)	(960)	(3,585)
Extensions	175	-	-	175
Production	(488)	(854)	(136)	(766)
Balance, December 31, 2023	6,924	6,104	1,171	9,112

(a)	2023 acquisitions primarily relate to additional working interests in certain of the Company’s New Mexico properties. The 2022 acquisitions relate to small acquisition in Empire’s Rockies and New Mexico regions.
(b)	The revisions in 2023 are primarily related to decreases in prices.

The standardized measure of the Company’s reported SEC proved reserves, discounted at 10%, at year-end 2023 was $83.0 million. As of December 31 for each year:

	2023			2022
Future cash inflows	$	543,067,776		941,172,544
Future production costs		(350,439,800)		(509,154,924)
Future development costs		(42,475,160)		(55,901,780)
Future income tax expense		(25,201,886)		(90,724,632)
Future net cash flows		124,950,930		285,391,208
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows		(41,954,370)		(137,723,795)
Standardized measure	$	83,016,560		147,667,413

The 12-month average prices were adjusted to reflect applicable transportation and quality differentials on a well-by-well basis to arrive at realized sales prices used to estimate the properties' reserves. The prices for the properties' reserves were as follows:

	2023			2022
Oil (BBl)	$	75.65		$	91.14
Natural gas (MMBtu)	$	1.51		$	4.23
NGLs (BBL)	$	9.82		$	36.29

Changes in the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows at 10% per annum are as follows as of December 31 for each year:

			2023		2022
Beginning of year		$	147,667,413		93,852,093
Net change in prices and production costs			(71,619,375)		24,651,555
Net change in future development costs			3,314,220		(7,141,431)
Oil and gas net revenue			(6,256,366)		(21,418,327)
Extensions			4,684,473		11,037,719
Acquisition of reserves			526,848		12,043,912
Revisions of previous quantity estimates			(55,329,684)		46,871,217
Net change in taxes			33,317,731		(32,133,473)
Accretion of discount			19,542,907		10,939,619
Changes in timing and other			7,168,393		8,964,529
End of year		$	83,016,560		147,667,413

ABOUT EMPIRE PETROLEUM

Empire Petroleum Corporation is a publicly traded, Tulsa-based oil and gas company with current producing assets in New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Louisiana. Management is focused on organic growth and targeted acquisitions of proved developed assets with synergies with its existing portfolio of wells. More information about Empire can be found at www.empirepetroleumcorp.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, and include, without limitations, statements with respect to the Company’s estimates, strategy, and prospects. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and its other filings with the SEC. Readers and investors are cautioned that the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to acquire productive oil and/or gas properties or to successfully drill and complete oil and/or gas wells on such properties, general economic conditions both domestically and abroad, and other risks and uncertainties related to the conduct of business by the Company. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations, or otherwise.

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenue:
Oil Sales		$	9,106,041			$	9,492,127			$	9,731,245			$	36,684,494			$	44,978,554
Gas Sales			410,816				411,217				802,425				1,726,754				4,534,370
Natural Gas Liquids ("NGLs") Sales			381,497				411,624				457,504				1,660,256				3,659,451
Total Product Revenues			9,898,354				10,314,968				10,991,174				40,071,504				53,172,375
Other			15,705				17,050				30,552				70,480				102,429
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives			1,253,708				(1,185,921	)			(294,190	)			(65,693	)			(387,930	)
Total Revenue			11,167,767				9,146,097				10,727,536				40,076,291				52,886,874
Costs and Expenses:
Lease Operating Expense			7,956,264				7,050,054				6,602,984				28,625,481				23,584,039
Production and Ad Valorem Taxes			772,781				792,241				792,141				3,044,411				3,943,466
Depletion, Depreciation & Amortization			1,035,059				727,943				519,403				3,096,533				1,949,191
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation			478,881				470,505				348,799				1,756,022				1,357,906
Impairment			-				-				936,620				-				936,620
General and Administrative Expense:
General and Administrative			4,536,237				2,580,464				2,699,880				12,034,184				9,614,948
Stock-Based Compensation			855,514				158,792				1,043,718				3,144,751				2,716,541
Total General and Administrative Expense			5,391,751				2,739,256				3,743,598				15,178,935				12,331,489
Total Cost and Expenses			15,634,736				11,779,999				12,943,545				51,701,382				44,102,711
Operating Income (Loss)			(4,466,969	)			(2,633,902	)			(2,216,009	)			(11,625,091	)			8,784,162
Other Income and (Expense):
Interest Expense			(328,445	)			(249,796	)			(161,777	)			(1,000,427	)			(509,540	)
Other Income (Expense)			465				1,350				297,165				23,721				(981,595	)
Income (Loss) before Taxes			(4,794,949	)			(2,882,348	)			(2,080,621	)			(12,601,797	)			7,293,027
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit			(2,528	)			134,720				(208,898	)			132,192				(208,898	)
Net Income (Loss)		$	(4,797,477	)		$	(2,747,628	)		$	(2,289,519	)		$	(12,469,605	)		$	7,084,129
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share:
Basic		$	(0.20	)		$	(0.12	)		$	(0.10	)		$	(0.55	)		$	0.34
Diluted		$	(0.20	)		$	(0.12	)		$	(0.10	)		$	(0.55	)		$	0.30
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic			23,912,271				22,727,639				22,037,872				22,718,890				21,003,563
Diluted			23,912,271				22,727,639				22,037,872				22,718,890				23,387,646

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Operating Data
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended									Year Ended
		December 31,			September 30,			December 31,			December 31,
		2023			2023			2022			2023			2022
Net Sales Volumes:
Oil (Bbl)			119,022			120,177			121,592			487,869			482,818
Natural gas (Mcf)			215,855			195,908			221,818			854,274			875,647
Natural gas liquids (Bbl)			30,011			35,568			39,150			136,013			160,809
Total (Boe)			185,009			188,396			197,712			766,261			789,567
Average daily equivalent sales (Boe/d)			2,011			2,048			2,149			2,099			2,163
Average Price per Unit:
Oil ($/Bbl)		$	76.51		$	78.98		$	80.03		$	75.19		$	93.16
Natural gas ($/Mcf)		$	1.90		$	2.10		$	3.62		$	2.02		$	5.18
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)		$	12.71		$	11.57		$	11.69		$	12.21		$	22.76
Total ($/Boe)		$	53.50		$	54.75		$	55.59		$	52.29		$	67.34
Operating Costs and Expenses per Boe:
Lease operating expense		$	43.00		$	37.42		$	33.40		$	37.36		$	29.87
Production and ad valorem taxes		$	4.18		$	4.21		$	4.01		$	3.97		$	4.99
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion		$	8.18		$	6.36		$	4.39		$	6.33		$	4.19
General & administrative expense:
General & administrative expense		$	24.52		$	13.70		$	13.65		$	15.71		$	12.18
Stock-based compensation		$	4.62		$	0.84		$	5.28		$	4.10		$	3.44
Total general & administrative expense		$	29.14		$	14.54		$	18.93		$	19.81		$	15.62

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
		December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash		$	7,792,508			$	11,944,442
Accounts Receivable			8,354,636				7,780,239
Derivative Instruments			406,806				121,584
Inventory			1,433,454				1,840,274
Prepaids			757,500				1,048,434
Total Current Assets			18,744,904				22,734,973
Property and Equipment:
Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Successful Efforts			93,509,803				63,986,339
Less: Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Impairment			(22,996,805	)			(20,116,696	)
Total Oil and Gas Properties, Net			70,512,998				43,869,643
Other Property and Equipment, Net			1,883,211				1,441,529
Total Property and Equipment, Net			72,396,209				45,311,172
Sinking Fund			-				2,779,000
Other Noncurrent Assets			1,474,503				719,930
TOTAL ASSETS		$	92,615,616			$	71,545,075
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable		$	16,437,219			$	5,843,366
Accrued Expenses			7,075,302				9,461,010
Current Portion of Lease Liability			432,822				256,975
Current Portion of Note Payable - Related Party			1,060,004				-
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt			44,225				2,059,309
Total Current Liabilities			25,049,572				17,620,660
Long-Term Debt			4,596,775				4,063,115
Term Note Payable - Related Party			-				1,076,987
Long-Term Lease Liability			544,382				547,692
Asset Retirement Obligations			27,468,427				25,000,740
Total Liabilities			57,659,156				48,309,194
Stockholders' Equity:
Series A Preferred Stock - $.001 Par Value, 10,000,000 Shares Authorized, 6 and 6 Shares Issued and Outstanding, Respectively			-				-
Common Stock - $.001 Par Value, 190,000,000 Shares Authorized, 25,503,530 and 22,093,503 Shares Issued and Outstanding, Respectively			85,025				81,615
Additional Paid-in-Capital			99,490,253				75,303,479
Accumulated Deficit			(64,618,818	)			(52,149,213	)
Total Stockholders' Equity			34,956,460				23,235,881
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	92,615,616			$	71,545,075

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)		$	(4,797,477	)		$	(2,747,628	)		$	(2,289,519	)		$	(12,469,605	)		$	7,084,129
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash
Provided By Operating Activities:
Stock Compensation and Issuances			855,513				158,792				1,043,929				3,144,750				2,716,752
Amortization of Right of Use Assets			135,733				124,171				128,613				423,689				263,847
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization			1,035,059				727,943				519,403				3,096,533				1,949,191
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation			478,881				470,505				348,799				1,756,022				1,357,906
(Gain) Loss on Derivatives			(1,253,708	)			1,185,921				294,190				65,693				387,930
Settlement on or Purchases of Derivative Instruments			(266,653	)			(45,855	)			(15,461	)			(353,695	)			(260,266	)
Impairment			-				-				936,620				-				936,620
Loss on XTO Final Settlement			-				-				-				-				1,448,363
PIE-Related Expense			-				-				-				-				1,399,030
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable			(1,128,490	)			467,151				(2,116,239	)			(2,700,528	)			(1,812,230	)
Inventory, Oil in Tanks			131,230				(26,255	)			(234,917	)			(160,827	)			(802,394	)
Prepaids, Current			(165,768	)			202,867				(323,950	)			745,648				(369,312	)
Accounts Payable			556,917				1,892,377				2,991,255				751,355				526,682
Accrued Expenses			649,185				(89,808	)			2,136,000				(3,082,928	)			3,616,826
Other Long Term Assets and Liabilities			(160,691	)			(292,782	)			(270,107	)			(1,103,607	)			(387,292	)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities			(3,930,269	)			2,027,399				3,148,616				(9,887,500	)			18,055,782
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Oil and Natural Gas Properties			-				(1,424,419	)			(497,613	)			(2,094,419	)			(2,702,613	)
Additions to Oil and Natural Gas Properties			(8,950,338	)			(2,468,688	)			(8,658,811	)			(14,546,873	)			(10,161,711	)
Purchase of Other Fixed Assets			(173,337	)			(26,478	)			(3,442	)			(352,851	)			(311,229	)
Cash Paid for Right of Use Assets			(124,485	)			(223,606	)			(133,690	)			(552,196	)			(268,934	)
Sinking Fund Deposit			-				-				2,671,000				2,779,000				2,031,000
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities			(9,248,160	)			(4,143,191	)			(6,622,556	)			(14,767,339	)			(11,413,487	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Debt Issued			4,492,484				10,000,000				-				14,492,484				-
Principal Payments of Debt			(4,517,576	)			(644,224	)			(315,673	)			(6,450,774	)			(1,699,840	)
Proceeds from Option and Warrant Exercises			9,961,195				2,500,000				212				12,461,195				3,390,115
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities			9,936,103				11,855,776				(315,461	)			20,502,905				1,690,275
Net Change in Cash			(3,242,326	)			9,739,984				(3,789,401	)			(4,151,934	)			8,332,570
Cash - Beginning of Period			11,034,834				1,294,850				15,733,843				11,944,442				3,611,871
Cash - End of Period		$	7,792,508			$	11,034,834			$	11,944,442			$	7,792,508			$	11,944,441
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid for Interest														$	650,637			$	473,205

Empire Petroleum Corporation
Non-GAAP Information

Certain financial information included in Empire’s financial results are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include “Adjusted Net Income (Loss)”, “EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDA”. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies. Adjusted Net Income (Loss) is presented because the timing and amount of these items cannot be reasonably estimated and affect the comparability of operating results from period to period, and current periods to prior periods.

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Net Income (Loss)		$	(4,797,477	)		$	(2,747,628	)		$	(2,289,519	)		$	(12,469,605	)		$	7,084,129
Adjusted for:
(Gain) loss on derivatives			(1,253,708	)			1,185,921				294,190				65,693				387,930
Settlement on or purchases of derivative instruments			(266,653	)			(45,855	)			(15,449	)			(353,695	)			(260,266	)
CEO severance (including employer taxes)			-				-				-				374,820				-
COO severance (including employer taxes)			-				145,319				-				145,319				-
Write-off of JDA note receivable			-				-				-				-				1,399,030
XTO final settlement			-				-				-				-				1,448,363
Impairment			-				-				936,620				-				936,620
Settlement and fees related to Texas sales tax audit			-				-				180,040				-				1,269,358
Professional fees for potential financing transactions			564,588				-				-				564,588				-
Adjusted Net Income (Loss)		$	(5,753,250	)		$	(1,462,243	)		$	(894,118	)		$	(11,672,880	)		$	12,265,164
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding			23,912,271				22,727,639				22,037,872				22,718,890				23,387,646
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Share		$	(0.24	)		$	(0.06	)		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.51	)		$	0.52

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus net interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”), accretion, amortization of right of use assets and other items. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand Empire’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

	Three Months Ended												Year Ended
	December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Net Income (Loss)	$	(4,797,477	)		$	(2,747,628	)		$	(2,289,519	)		$	(12,469,605	)		$	7,084,128
Add Back:
Interest expense		328,445				249,796				161,777				1,000,427				509,540
DD&A		1,035,059				727,943				519,403				3,096,533				1,949,191
Accretion		478,881				470,505				348,799				1,756,022				1,357,906
Impairment		-				-				936,620				-				936,620
Amortization of right of use assets		135,733				124,171				128,613				423,689				263,847
Income taxes		2,528				(134,720	)			-				(132,192	)			-
EBITDA	$	(2,816,831	)		$	(1,309,933	)		$	(194,307	)		$	(6,325,126	)		$	12,101,232
Adjustments:
Stock based Compensation		855,514				158,792				1,043,929				3,144,751				2,716,758
(Gain) loss on derivatives		(1,253,708	)			1,185,921				294,190				65,693				387,930
Settlement on or purchases of derivative instruments		(266,653	)			(45,855	)			(15,449	)			(353,695	)			(260,266	)
CEO severance (including employer taxes)		-				-				-				374,820				-
COO severance (including employer taxes)		-				145,319				-				145,319				-
Write-off of JDA note receivable		-				-				-				-				1,399,030
XTO final settlement		-				-				-				-				1,448,363
Settlement and fees related to Texas sales tax audit		-				-				180,040				-				1,269,358
Professional fees for potential financing transactions		564,588				-				-				564,588				-
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(2,917,090	)		$	134,244			$	1,308,403			$	(2,383,650	)		$	19,062,405

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240330866148/en/

Empire Petroleum Corporation

Mike Morrisett, President & CEO

539-444-8002

info@empirepetrocorp.com

Investor Relations

Al Petrie Advisors

Wes Harris, Partner

281-740-1334

wes@alpetrie.com

Source: Empire Petroleum Corporation

FAQ

What were Empire Petroleum's net sales volumes for Q4 2023?

Empire Petroleum reported net sales volumes of 2,011 Boe/d for Q4 2023.

What was the net loss for Empire Petroleum in Q4 2023?

Empire Petroleum incurred a net loss of $4.8 million in Q4 2023.

What were the year-end 2023 proved reserves for Empire Petroleum?

Empire Petroleum's year-end 2023 proved reserves were 9.1 MMBoe.

What equity raise did Empire Petroleum complete?

Empire Petroleum completed a $20 million equity raise.

What projects is Empire Petroleum focusing on in 2024?

In 2024, Empire Petroleum is focusing on the Starbuck Field EOR development project in North Dakota, flood performance optimization in New Mexico, and potential development opportunities in Texas.