EQUUS ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER NET ASSET VALUE

Rhea-AI Summary

Equus Total Return, Inc. (NYSE: EQS) reports net assets of $47.1 million as of September 30, 2023, with a net asset value per share of $3.49, indicating an increase from the previous quarter. The increase in fair value of Morgan E&P, a wholly-owned subsidiary, was a significant contributor to the rise in the company's portfolio holdings. Morgan E&P acquired additional net acres in the Bakken/Three Forks formation, leading to an increase in reserves and net drilling locations. The subsidiary also commenced drilling two wells, with the fair value of Morgan's equity recorded at approximately $15.0 million as of September 30, 2023.

Positive

• Increase in net assets and net asset value per share
• Expansion of Morgan E&P's portfolio and drilling activities
• Third-party valuation firm support for fair value determination

Negative

• None.

Morgan E&P, LLC, Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Equus, Commences Drilling Two Wells

HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Equus Total Return, Inc. (NYSE: EQS) (“Equus” or the “Company”) reports net assets as of September 30, 2023, of $47.1 million. Net asset value per share increased to $3.49 as of September 30, 2023, from $2.96 as of June 30, 2023. Comparative data is summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts):  

As of the Quarter Ended	9/30/2023		6/30/2023		3/31/2023		12/31/2022		9/30/2022
Net assets	$47,128		$40,051		$34,106		$35,237		$36,230
Shares outstanding	13,518		13,518		13,518		13,518		13,518
Net assets per share	$3.49		$2.96		$2.52		$2.61		$2.68

The following was the principal contributor to the increase in fair value of the Company’s portfolio holdings in the third quarter of 2023:

Increase in Fair Value of Morgan E&P.   On May 22, 2023, Morgan E&P, LLC (“Morgan”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the acquisition of 4,747.52 net acres in the Bakken/Three Forks formation in the Williston Basin of North Dakota. During the third quarter of 2023, Morgan acquired an additional 1,150 net acres. In addition, Morgan’s reserves increased significantly during the quarter, and the number of net drilling locations also increased. Further, Morgan commenced the drilling of two wells. As of September 30, 2023, we recorded the fair value of Morgan’s equity at approximately $15.0 million. The fair value is based principally on our expectation of Morgan successfully completing its existing two wells and generating operating cash flow therefrom in the future.

The Company received advice and assistance from a third-party valuation firm to support its determination of the fair value of this investment.

About Equus

The Company is a business development company that trades as a closed-end fund on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EQS". Additional information on the Company may be obtained from the Company’s website at www.equuscap.com.

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding future circumstances. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements including, in particular, the performance of the Company, including our ability to achieve our expected financial and business objectives, and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Actual results, events, and performance may differ. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date hereof. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statements are material.

Contact:

Patricia Baronowski
Pristine Advisers, LLC
(631) 756-2486

FAQ

What is the net asset value per share of Equus as of September 30, 2023?

The net asset value per share of Equus as of September 30, 2023, is $3.49.

What contributed to the increase in fair value of Equus' portfolio holdings in the third quarter of 2023?

The principal contributor to the increase in fair value was the expansion and activities of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Morgan E&P.

What did Morgan E&P do to contribute to the rise in Equus' portfolio holdings?

Morgan E&P acquired additional net acres, increased reserves, and commenced drilling two wells, leading to the increase in the fair value of its equity.

How was the fair value of Morgan E&P's equity determined?

The fair value of Morgan E&P's equity was determined based on the expectation of successful completion of the two wells and future operating cash flow, with support from a third-party valuation firm.