Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-38770
EPSILON ENERGY LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Alberta, Canada
98-1476367
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S Employer Identification No.)
16945 Northchase Drive, Suite 1610
Houston, Texas 77060
(281) 670-0002
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code and
telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, no par value
EPSN
NASDAQ Global Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 ⌧ No ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ◻
Accelerated filer ◻
Non-accelerated filer ⌧
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Yes ☐ No ⌧
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
As of November 10, 2022, there were 23,027,441 Common Shares outstanding.
Contents
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
4
PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
5
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
6
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
7
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
9
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
10
1.
Description of Business
2.
Basis of Preparation
Interim Financial Statements
Principles of Consolidation
Use of Estimates
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
3.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
11
4.
Property and Equipment
12
Property Impairment
5.
Revolving Line of Credit
6.
Shareholders’ Equity
13
7.
Revenue Recognition
17
8.
Income Taxes
19
9.
Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
10.
Net Income Per Share
20
11.
Operating Segments
21
12.
Risk Management Activities
24
Commodity Price Risks
Commodity Derivative Contracts
13.
Asset Retirement Obligations
26
14.
Fair Value Measurements
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
27
Overview
Business Strategy
Operational Highlights
Non-GAAP Financial Measures-Adjusted EBITDA
28
Net Operating Revenues
30
Operating Costs
31
Loss on Derivative Contracts
32
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Cash Flow
Credit Agreement
33
Repurchase Transactions
Derivative Transactions
34
Contractual Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Gathering System Revenue Risk
35
Interest Rate Risk
Derivative Contracts
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
36
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
37
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
38
SIGNATURES
Certain statements contained in this report constitute forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts constitute ‘‘forward looking information’’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated. Such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements are made only as of the date of this report. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to natural gas and oil production rates, commodity prices for crude oil or natural gas, supply and demand for natural gas and oil; the estimated quantity of natural gas and oil reserves, including reserve life; future development and production costs, and statements expressing general views about future operating results — are forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider carefully the statements under Item 1A. Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 is available on our website at www.epsilonenergyltd.com.
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
40,254,729
26,497,305
Accounts receivable
10,069,516
4,596,931
Fair value of derivatives
32,326
—
Other current assets
775,587
569,870
Total current assets
51,132,158
31,664,106
Non-current assets
Property and equipment:
Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method
Proved properties
147,196,218
138,032,413
Unproved properties
18,085,385
21,700,926
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment
(106,457,257)
(102,480,972)
Total oil and gas properties, net
58,824,346
57,252,367
Gathering system
42,617,954
42,475,086
(34,262,838)
(33,443,949)
Total gathering system, net
8,355,116
9,031,137
Land
637,764
Buildings and other property and equipment, net
295,446
309,102
Total property and equipment, net
68,112,672
67,230,370
Other assets:
Restricted cash
569,883
568,118
Total non-current assets
68,682,555
67,798,488
Total assets
119,814,713
99,462,594
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable trade
2,203,443
1,189,905
Gathering fees payable
1,020,921
963,546
Royalties payable
2,827,880
1,853,508
Income taxes payable
3,119,671
1,098,425
Accrued capital expenditures
398,026
1,016,830
Other accrued liabilities
1,001,792
1,098,127
239,824
Asset retirement obligations
85,207
Total current liabilities
10,571,733
7,545,372
Non-current liabilities
2,758,831
2,748,449
Deferred income taxes
10,345,297
9,905,440
Total non-current liabilities
13,104,128
12,653,889
Total liabilities
23,675,861
20,199,261
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Shareholders' equity
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized and 23,571,108 issued and 23,011,608 outstanding at September 30, 2022 and 24,202,218 issued and 23,668,203 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021
127,231,845
131,815,739
Treasury shares, 559,500 at September 30, 2022 and 534,015 at December 31, 2021
(3,326,880)
(2,423,007)
Additional paid-in capital
9,672,152
8,835,203
Accumulated deficit
(47,208,598)
(68,783,207)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
9,770,333
9,818,605
Total shareholders' equity
96,138,852
79,263,333
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Gas, oil, NGL, and condensate revenue
19,171,121
11,062,443
48,566,282
22,740,352
Gas gathering and compression revenue
2,072,806
2,038,616
6,180,747
5,891,868
Total revenue
21,243,927
13,101,059
54,747,029
28,632,220
Operating costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses
2,399,092
2,240,259
6,791,496
5,618,585
Gathering system operating expenses
225,809
138,887
556,515
503,381
Development geological and geophysical expenses
2,387
11,583
7,159
34,573
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion
1,706,030
1,846,911
4,898,988
5,175,865
Gain on sale of oil and gas properties
(221,642)
General and administrative expenses:
Stock based compensation expense
500,597
300,249
836,949
738,789
Other general and administrative expenses
2,015,272
1,461,703
4,651,547
4,837,164
Total operating costs and expenses
6,849,187
5,999,592
17,521,012
16,908,357
Operating income
14,394,740
7,101,467
37,226,017
11,723,863
Other income (expense):
Interest income
89,638
11,070
126,804
27,786
Interest expense
(17,501)
(16,962)
(33,565)
(66,380)
Loss on derivative contracts
(929,637)
(5,055,130)
(1,124,547)
(6,417,123)
Other (expense) income
(32,777)
(907)
(99,896)
756
Other income (expense), net
(890,277)
(5,061,929)
(1,131,204)
(6,454,961)
Net income before income tax expense
13,504,463
2,039,538
36,094,813
5,268,902
Income tax expense
3,896,010
643,072
10,097,484
1,621,894
NET INCOME
9,608,453
1,396,466
25,997,329
3,647,008
Currency translation adjustments
(34,524)
(15)
(48,272)
(1,256)
NET COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
9,573,929
1,396,451
25,949,057
3,645,751
Net income per share, basic
0.42
0.06
1.11
0.15
Net income per share, diluted
0.41
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic
23,011,729
23,564,288
23,419,666
23,757,895
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted
23,169,658
23,772,943
23,524,574
23,871,495
Accumulated
Other
Total
Common Shares Issued
Treasury Shares
Additional
Comprehensive
Shareholders'
Shares
Amount
paid-in Capital
Income
Deficit
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2022
24,202,218
(534,015)
Net income
5,805,888
Dividends
(1,483,027)
Stock-based compensation expenses
142,302
Exercise of stock options
38,750
209,312
Retirement of treasury shares
534,015
2,423,007
Other comprehensive income
5,402
Balance at March 31, 2022
23,706,953
129,602,044
8,977,505
9,824,007
(64,460,346)
83,943,210
10,582,988
(1,486,650)
194,050
72,500
399,475
Buyback of common shares
(697,100)
(4,554,822)
(423,000)
(2,907,999)
423,000
2,907,999
Other comprehensive loss
(19,150)
Balance at June 30, 2022
23,356,453
127,093,520
(274,100)
(1,646,823)
9,171,555
9,804,857
(55,364,008)
89,059,101
(1,453,043)
27,500
138,325
(285,400)
(1,680,057)
Vesting of shares of restricted stock
187,155
Balance at September 30, 2022
23,571,108
(559,500)
Balance at January 1, 2021
23,985,799
131,730,401
7,879,119
9,820,647
(80,410,724)
69,019,443
2,735,567
202,499
(123,200)
(492,479)
242
Balance at March 31, 2021
8,081,618
9,820,889
(77,675,157)
71,465,272
Net loss
(485,025)
236,041
(141,015)
(568,989)
(1,484)
Balance at June 30, 2021
(264,215)
(1,061,468)
8,317,659
9,819,405
(78,160,182)
70,645,816
(261,400)
(1,315,713)
20,834
Balance at September 30, 2021
24,006,633
(525,615)
(2,377,181)
8,617,908
9,819,391
(76,763,716)
71,026,803
8
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
1,124,547
6,417,123
Settlement paid on derivative contracts
(1,396,697)
(2,488,702)
Settlement of asset retirement obligation
(118,260)
Stock-based compensation expense
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
439,857
(651,606)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(5,472,585)
(3,558,519)
(205,717)
(6,920)
Accounts payable, royalties payable and other accrued liabilities
1,511,652
3,237,559
2,021,246
1,016,153
Net cash provided by operating activities
29,415,667
13,526,750
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to unproved oil and gas properties
(226,439)
(140,498)
Additions to proved oil and gas properties
(5,528,037)
(3,479,386)
Additions to gathering system properties
(129,985)
(199,801)
Additions to land, buildings and property and equipment
(13,258)
(5,745)
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties
200,000
Prepaid drilling costs
379
Net cash used in investing activities
(5,697,719)
(3,825,051)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(6,234,879)
747,112
(4,422,720)
Net cash used in financing activities
(9,910,487)
Effect of currency rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,257)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
13,759,189
7,323,261
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
27,065,423
13,836,771
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
40,824,612
21,160,032
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Income taxes paid
7,626,000
1,164,025
Interest paid
50,872
78,980
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in unproved properties accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(65,000)
Change in proved properties accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(194,391)
(18,150)
Change in gathering system accrued in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
12,882
16,225
Asset retirement obligation asset additions and adjustments
10,821
(29,853)
Epsilon Energy Ltd.
1. Description of Business
Epsilon Energy Ltd. (the “Company” or “Epsilon” or “we”) was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada on March 14, 2005. On October 24, 2007, the Company became a publicly traded entity trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) in Canada. On February 14, 2019, Epsilon’s registration statement on Form 10 was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and on February 19, 2019, the Company began trading in the United States on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “EPSN.” The Company is engaged in the acquisition, development, gathering and production of primarily natural gas reserves in the United States.
2. Basis of Preparation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the appropriate rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. All adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented have been included. The interim financial information and notes hereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year.
The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Epsilon Energy USA, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Epsilon Midstream, LLC, Dewey Energy GP, LLC, Dewey Energy Holdings, LLC, Epsilon Operating, LLC, and Altolisa Holdings, LLC. With regard to the gathering system, in which Epsilon owns an undivided interest in the asset, proportionate consolidation accounting is used. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates pertain to proved natural gas and oil reserves and related cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of natural gas and oil, and gathering system properties, asset retirement obligations, accrued natural gas and oil revenues and operating expenses, accrued gathering system revenues and operating expenses, as well as the valuation of commodity derivative instruments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company, an emerging growth company (“EGC”), has elected to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period provided for in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards which allows the Company to defer adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), codified as ASC 848 (“ASC 848”). This was followed by ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”), issued in January 2021. The purpose of ASC 848 is to provide optional guidance to ease the potential effects on financial reporting of the market-wide migration away from Interbank Offered Rates (“IBORs”) to alternative reference rates. ASC
848 applies only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference a reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The guidance may be applied upon issuance of ASC 848 through December 31, 2022. We do not expect a material impact from the adoption of this ASU.
In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which removes the thresholds that companies apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, receivables, and held-to-maturity debt securities. Under current U.S. GAAP, companies generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. The revised guidance will remove all recognition thresholds and will require companies to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the Company expects to collect over the instrument’s contractual life. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and must be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Epsilon will adopt ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023. We do not expect a material impact from the adoption of this ASU.
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability on their balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term of greater than 12 months. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which adds a transition option permitting entities to apply the provisions of the new standard at its adoption date instead of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements. Under this transition option, comparative reporting would not be required, and the provisions of the standard would be applied prospectively to leases in effect at the date of adoption.
The Company has determined its portfolio of leased assets and is completing its review of all related contracts to determine the impact the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize a right of use asset and lease liability for certain commitments related to office space that will be accounted for as an operating lease. To track these lease arrangements and facilitate compliance with this ASU, the Company is in the process of designing processes and internal controls.
The adoption of this ASU will increase asset and liability balances on the consolidated balance sheets due to the required recognition of a right of use asset and corresponding lease liabilities. The Company plans to elect the available package practical expedients provided in the standard and adopt Topic 842 as of January 1, 2022 at December 31, 2022 on its Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2022, using the optional transition method provided by ASU 2018-11 and continues to assess potential effects of the standard.
3. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Restricted cash consists of amounts deposited to back bonds or letters of credit for potential well liabilities. The Company presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2022 and December, 31 2021:
Restricted cash included in other assets
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows
4. Property and Equipment
The following table summarizes the Company’s property and equipment as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Epsilon uses the successful efforts method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas producing activities. Under this method, exploration costs, such as exploratory geological and geophysical costs, expiration of unproved leasehold, delay rentals and exploration overhead are expensed as incurred. All costs related to production, general corporate overhead and similar activities are also expensed as incurred. All property acquisition costs and development costs are capitalized when incurred.
Epsilon performs a quantitative impairment test quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group's carrying amount may not be recoverable, over proved properties using the published NYMEX forward prices, timing, methods and other assumptions consistent with historical periods. When indicators of impairment are present, GAAP requires that the Company first compares expected future undiscounted cash flows by asset group to their respective carrying values. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, a reduction of the carrying amount of the oil and natural gas properties to their estimated fair values is required, which is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques using significant assumptions including projected revenues, future commodity prices, and a market-specific weighted average cost of capital which are affected by expectations about future market and economic conditions. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, no impairment was required.
5. Revolving Line of Credit
The Company has a senior secured revolving credit facility (“Facility”) which includes a total commitment of up to $100 million. The current borrowing base is $14 million, which is subject to semi-annual redetermination. There are currently no borrowings under the Facility. If Epsilon decided to access the Facility, depending on the level of borrowing, the Company might need to increase its hedging activity. Borrowings from the Facility may be used for the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties, investments in cash flow generating assets complimentary to the production of oil and gas, and for letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. Upon each advance, interest is charged at the highest of a) rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin (2.75%-3.75% based on the percent of the line of credit utilized), b) the Prime Rate, or c) the sum of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%.
Effective April 6, 2021, the agreement was amended to extend the maturity date to March 1, 2024. In addition, the agreement was amended to include a Benchmark Replacement definition and transition plan to be used at such time when the LIBOR rate is discontinued.
On August 2, 2022, the borrowing base of $14 million was reaffirmed until the next periodic redetermination of the borrowing base.
The lender under the Credit Facility has a first priority security interest in the tangible and intangible assets, including the gathering system, of Epsilon Energy USA, Inc. to secure any outstanding amounts under the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must maintain the following covenants:
●Interest coverage ratio greater than 3 based on income adjusted for interest, taxes and non-cash amounts.
●Current ratio, adjusted for line of credit amounts used and available and non-cash amounts, greater than 1.
●Leverage ratio less than 3.0 based on income adjusted for interest, taxes and non-cash amounts.
The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2022 and expects to be in compliance with the financial covenants for the next 12 months.
An annual commitment fee of 0.50% is assessed and paid quarterly on the daily average unused borrowing base on the Credit Facility.
Balance at
Current
Interest Rate
Borrowing Base
3 mo.
Revolving line of credit
14,000,000
LIBOR + 3.25% (1)
6. Shareholders’ Equity
(a)Authorized shares
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares with no par value and an unlimited number of Preferred Shares with no par value.
(b)Purchases of Equity Shares
Normal Course Issuer Bid
Commencing on March 8, 2022, the Company conducted a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to repurchase our issued and outstanding common shares, when doing so was accretive to management’s estimates of intrinsic value per share. The NCIB ends on March 7, 2023. The Company uses discretionary cash to fund these repurchases. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon repurchased 285,400 common shares and 982,500 common shares, respectively, of the authorized 1,183,410 purchase amount and spent $1,680,057 and $6,234,879, respectively, under the NCIB. The repurchased stock had an average price of $6.32 per share (excluding commissions). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company cancelled zero and 423,000 common shares, respectively.
Commencing on January 1, 2021, Epsilon conducted a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to repurchase our issued and outstanding common shares, when doing so was accretive to management's estimates of intrinsic value per share. The NCIB ended on December 31, 2021. The Company used discretionary cash to fund these repurchases. During
the year ended December 31, 2021, Epsilon repurchased 534,015 common shares of the authorized 1,193,000 purchase amount and spent $2,423,007 under the NCIB. The repurchased stock had an average price of $4.51 per share (excluding commissions) and were subsequently cancelled during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Repurchases may be made at management’s discretion from time to time through the facilities of the NASDAQ Global Market. The price paid for the common shares will be, subject to applicable securities laws, the prevailing market price of such common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market at the time of such purchase. The Company intends to fund the purchase out of available cash and does not expect to incur debt to fund the share repurchase program. The shares are accounted for as treasury shares until such a time as they are cancelled.
The following table contains activity relating to our acquisition of equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Maximum number
of shares that
may yet be
Total number
Average price
purchased under
of shares
paid per
the plans or
purchased
share
programs
Beginning of normal-course issuer bid, March 8, 2022
1,183,410
March 2022 (1)
April 2022 (1)
23,700
6.63
May 2022 (1)
254,500
6.99
June 2022 (1)
418,900
6.21
July 2022 (1)
249,800
5.83
August 2022 (1)
33,200
6.09
September 2022 (1)
2,400
6.00
Total as of September 30, 2022
982,500
6.32
200,910
(c)Equity Incentive Plan
Epsilon’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on July 22, 2020 subject to approval by Epsilon’s shareholders at Epsilon’s 2020 Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders, which occurred on September 1, 2020 (the “Meeting”). Shareholders approved the 2020 Plan at the Meeting. Following Epsilon’s listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, the Board determined that it is in the best interest of the shareholders to approve a new incentive plan that is compliant with U.S. public company equity plan rules and practices that would replace Epsilon’s Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Option Plan (including its predecessors) and the Share Compensation Plan (collectively referred to as the “Predecessor Plans”). No further awards will be granted under the Predecessor Plans.
The 2020 Plan provides for incentive compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and stock units, performance shares and units, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards. Under the 2020 Plan, Epsilon will be authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 Common Shares. As of December 31, 2021, the Company granted, after the Compensation Committee approved the terms, target formulas, and peer group applicable to the performance incentive awards, 20,834 common shares and 48,000 time-based restricted shares to the CEO and the board of directors.
14
Restricted Stock Awards
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, 246,135 shares of Restricted Stock with a weighted average market price at the grant date of $6.22 were awarded to the Company’s board of directors and employees. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 48,000 common shares of Restricted Stock with a weighted average market price at the grant date of $5.04 were awarded to the Company’s board of directors. These shares vest over a three-year period, with one-third of the shares being issued per period on the anniversary of the award resolution. The vesting of the shares is contingent on the individuals’ continued employment or service. The Company determined the fair value of the granted Restricted Stock-based on the market price of the common shares of the Company on the date of grant.
The following table summarizes Restricted Stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and the year ended December 31, 2021:
Nine months ended
Year ended
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Number of
Weighted
Restricted
Average
Remaining Life
Outstanding
(years)
Balance non-vested Restricted Stock at beginning of period
166,002
1.38
290,070
1.60
Granted
246,135
1.91
48,000
3.00
Vested
(83,155)
(137,668)
Forfeited
(34,400)
Balance non-vested Restricted Stock at end of period
328,982
1.59
Stock compensation expense for the granted Restricted Stock is recognized over the vesting period. Stock compensation expense recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $366,763 and $608,735, respectively (for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, $127,834 and $402,247, respectively).
At September 30, 2022, the Company had unrecognized stock-based compensation related to these shares of $1,551,041 to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.62 years (at December 31, 2021: $696,833 over 1.11 years).
Performance Share Unit Awards (“PSU”)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, 104,000 PSUs vested and were issued. For the year ended December 31, 2021, a total of 62,501 common shares vested and were issued, of which 20,834 of the common shares were granted as a result of the Company exceeding its 2020 TSR performance target. The Company grants PSUs, which are paid in stock, to certain key employees. PSUs are based on a three-year performance period with performance being measured each year at December 31. The PSUs will vest on the last day of the performance period. The number of PSUs that will ultimately vest is based on two performance targets as follows:
15
The number of shares ultimately issued under these awards can range from zero to 200% of target award amounts at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
The PSUs are accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of the 50% for performance based on CFDAS Growth was determined as the market price of the common shares of the Company on the date of grant. Weighted average fair value of CFDAS PSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $3.41 per unit. The fair value of the 50% for performance based on TSR was determined on the grant date by the application of a Monte Carlo simulation model. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Compensation Committee did not approve the issuance of any new PSU’s.
The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the performance stock awards, to calculate the fair value of the awards. Expected volatilities in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the expected term for each annual performance period of the awards. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate measured over a term commensurate with the expected term for each annual performance period of the awards. The expected term is based on the time between the valuation date and the end of each annual performance period of the awards. The valuation model assumes dividends are immediately reinvested.
The following table summarizes PSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021:
Performance
Balance non-vested PSUs at beginning of period
151,500
0.75
193,167
(104,000)
(62,501)
Balance non-vested PSUs at end of period
47,500
0.67
Stock compensation expense for the granted PSUs is recognized over the vesting period. Stock compensation expense recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 related to PSUs was $133,834 and $228,214, respectively (for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, $172,415 and $336,542, respectively.
At September 30, 2022, the Company had unrecognized stock-based compensation related to these shares of $79,202 to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.75 years (at December 31, 2021: $310,790 over 1.01 years).
Stock Options
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had outstanding stock options covering 70,000 Common Shares at an overall average exercise price of $5.03 per Common Share to directors, officers, and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These 70,000 options have a weighted average expected remaining term of approximately 1.30 years.
16
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021:
Options
Exercise
Exercise price in US$
Price
Price (1)
Balance at beginning of period
218,750
5.28
245,000
5.27
Exercised
(138,750)
5.38
(16,250)
5.25
Expired/Forfeited
(10,000)
5.51
5.50
Balance at period-end
70,000
5.03
Exercisable at period-end
At September 30, 2022, using the Black Scholes model, the Company had unrecognized stock-based compensation, related to these options, of nil (at December 31, 2021: nil). The aggregate intrinsic value at September 30, 2022 was $90,300 (at December 31, 2021: nil).
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company awarded no stock options.
(d) Dividends
On February 25, 2022, May 26, 2022, and August 16, 2022, the Board declared quarterly dividends of $0.0625 per common share (annualized $0.25 per common share) totaling in aggregate an amount of approximately $4.4 million that has been paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
7. Revenue Recognition
Revenues are comprised primarily of sales of natural gas along with the revenue generated from the Company’s ownership interest in the Auburn gas gathering system in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Also included are natural gas, crude oil and NGL revenues from Oklahoma.
Overall, product sales revenue generally is recorded in the month when contractual delivery obligations are satisfied, which occurs when control is transferred to the Company’s customers at delivery based on contractual terms and conditions. In addition, gathering and compression revenue generally is recorded in the month when contractual service obligations are satisfied, which occurs as control of those services is transferred to the Company’s customers.
The following table details revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating revenue
Natural gas
17,893,822
9,511,357
44,581,254
20,950,378
Natural gas liquids
497,843
490,535
1,500,668
588,685
Oil and condensate
779,456
1,060,551
2,484,360
1,201,289
Gathering and compression fees
Total operating revenue
Product Sales Revenue
The Company enters into contracts with third party purchasers to sell its natural gas, oil, NGLs and condensate production. Under these product sales arrangements, the sale of each unit of product represents a distinct performance obligation. Product sales revenue is recognized at the point in time that control of the product transfers to the purchaser based on contractual terms which reflect prevailing commodity market prices. To the extent that marketing costs are incurred by the Company prior to the transfer of control of the product, those costs are included in lease operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Settlement statements for product sales, and the related cash consideration, are received from the purchaser within 30 days. As a result, the Company must estimate the amount of production delivered to the customer and the consideration that will ultimately be received for sale of the natural gas, oil, NGLs, or condensate. Estimated revenue due to the Company is recorded within the receivables line item on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until payment is received.
Gas Gathering and Compression Revenue
The Company also provides natural gas gathering and compression services through its ownership interest in the Auburn gas gathering system. For the provision of gas gathering and compression services, the Company collects its share of the gathering and compression fees per unit of gas serviced and recognizes gathering revenue over time using an output method based on units of gas gathered.
The settlement statement from the operator of the Auburn Gas Gathering System is received two months after transmission and compression has occurred. As a result, the Company must estimate the amount of production that was transmitted and compressed within the system. Estimated revenue due to the Company is recorded within the receivables line item on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until payment is received.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis once there is evidence that collection is not probable. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were no accounts for which collection was not probable.
The following table details accounts receivable as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Natural gas and oil sales
8,241,664
2,996,344
Joint interest billing
20,328
60,134
1,613,597
1,539,976
193,927
477
Total accounts receivable
18
8. Income Taxes
Income tax provisions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Current:
Federal
2,566,416
1,016,953
6,564,117
1,491,880
State
1,209,063
508,588
3,093,510
781,620
Total current income tax expense
3,775,479
1,525,541
9,657,627
2,273,500
Deferred:
98,367
(679,361)
353,980
(467,203)
22,164
(203,108)
85,877
(184,403)
Total deferred tax expense
120,531
(882,469)
The Company files federal income tax returns in the United States and Canada, and various returns in state and local jurisdictions.
The Company believes it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and to be taken on our tax returns and that the accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open years based on our assessment of various factors including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. The Company's tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2021. To the extent we utilize net operating losses generated in earlier years, such earlier years may also be subject to audit.
Our effective tax rate will typically differ from the statutory federal rate primarily as a result of state income taxes and the valuation allowance against the Canadian net operating loss. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was higher than the statutory federal rate as a result of the state income taxes, excess officer compensation, and the valuation allowance against the Canadian net operating loss.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company’s future minimum lease commitments as of September 30, 2022 are summarized in the following table:
Payments
46,833
2023
62,444
109,277
The Company enters into commitments for capital expenditures in advance of the expenditures being made. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had commitments of $0.4 million for capital expenditures.
On March 10, 2021, Epsilon filed a complaint against Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC (“Chesapeake”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton, Pennsylvania (“Middle District”). Epsilon claims that Chesapeake has breached a settlement agreement and several operating agreements (“JOAs”) to which Epsilon and Chesapeake are parties. Epsilon asserts that Chesapeake has failed to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts to develop resources in the Auburn Development, located in North-Central Pennsylvania, as required under both the settlement agreement and JOAs.
Epsilon requested a preliminary injunction but was unsuccessful in obtaining that injunction. Epsilon filed a motion to amend its original Complaint. Chesapeake opposed. The Court ruled in Epsilon’s favor and allowed Epsilon’s amendment. Chesapeake moved to dismiss the amended Complaint. The Court granted the motion to dismiss without prejudice to Epsilon’s right to file a new lawsuit based on new proposals made after the Court’s decision. Epsilon filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision, but the court denied the motion for reconsideration on January 18, 2022.
Epsilon filed a notice of appeal on February 15, 2022 challenging both the motion to dismiss and motion for reconsideration decisions. Chesapeake filed a cross-appeal on March 1, 2022. A briefing schedule was set and briefing closed October 14, 2022. A decision on the appeal is not expected until early to mid-2023.
Epsilon re-filed a complaint against Chesapeake in the Middle District on May 9, 2022. Epsilon generally asserts similar claims as in the previous suit, pursuing declaratory judgment claims regarding Chesapeake’s obligation to Epsilon to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts in the Auburn Development and regarding Chesapeake’s obstruction of Epsilon’s efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permitting process but not based on specific well proposals. Chesapeake filed a motion to stay pending a decision on the Third Circuit appeal, which was granted. The matter is stayed pending a decision from the Third Circuit.
10. Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the assumed issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities.
The net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:
Net income available to shareholders
In calculating the net income per share, basic and diluted, the following weighted-average shares were used:
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Dilutive stock options
15,914
14,725
Unvested time-based restricted shares
104,525
144,473
85,395
Unvested performance-based restricted shares
37,490
64,182
90,183
28,205
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
The Company excluded the following shares from the diluted EPS because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Anti-dilutive options
54,086
55,275
Anti-dilutive unvested time-based restricted shares
240,526
159,197
254,665
218,275
Anti-dilutive unvested performance-based restricted shares
22,445
87,318
30,347
123,295
Total Anti-dilutive shares
317,057
491,515
340,287
586,570
11. Operating Segments
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as executive management. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income (loss) as shown in the table below. Interest income and expense, and income taxes are managed separately on a group basis.
The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:
Segment activity as of, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Upstream
Gas Gathering
Corporate
Elimination
Consolidated
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022
7,290,507
(1,109,760)
Total operating revenue (1)
Operating costs
15,624,207
2,489,981
516,585
32,942,075
4,800,526
(516,585)
Other income (expense)
125,311
1,494
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts
(100,315)
419
(1,133,116)
1,913
31,808,959
(514,672)
Segment assets
108,223,413
10,813,847
777,453
Capital expenditures (2)
5,573,343
142,867
5,716,210
40,738,961
Lease right-of-use-asset
Other property and equipment
933,210
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021
7,088,836
(1,196,968)
14,905,645
2,754,927
444,753
7,834,707
4,333,909
(444,753)
2,273
(1,517)
(6,453,444)
1,381,263
(446,270)
84,089,117
12,029,451
73,611
96,192,179
3,542,479
216,026
3,758,505
35,109,368
21,627,561
9,266,971
955,650
22
Segment activity for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
For the three months ended September 30, 2022
2,447,669
(374,863)
6,175,538
869,833
178,679
12,995,583
1,577,836
(178,679)
88,145
(37,527)
4,750
(896,520)
6,244
12,099,063
(172,436)
Capital expenditures(2)
1,571,541
51,459
1,623,000
For the three months ended September 30, 2021
2,465,288
(426,672)
5,395,064
883,239
147,961
5,667,379
1,582,049
(147,961)
(5,061,022)
606,357
(148,868)
1,164,881
145,521
1,310,402
23
12. Commodity Risk Management Activities
Epsilon engages in price risk management activities from time to time. These activities are intended to manage Epsilon’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices for natural gas by securing derivative contracts for a portion of expected sales volumes.
Inherent in the Company’s hedging program, are certain business risks, including market risk and credit risk. Market risk is the risk that the price of natural gas and oil will change, either favorably or unfavorably, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is the risk of loss from nonperformance by the Company’s counterparty to a contract. Additionally, there is a risk that gas prices could fall to a level low enough to affect the volumes flowing through the gathering system.
The Company enters into certain commodity derivative instruments to mitigate commodity price risk associated with a portion of its future natural gas production and related cash flows. The natural gas revenues and cash flows are affected by changes in commodity product prices, which are volatile and cannot be accurately predicted. The objective for holding these commodity derivatives is to protect the operating revenues and cash flows related to a portion of the future natural gas sales from the risk of significant declines in commodity prices, which helps ensure the Company’s ability to fund the capital budget.
Epsilon has historically elected not to designate any of its financial commodity derivative contracts as accounting hedges and, accordingly, accounts for these financial commodity derivative contracts using the mark-to-market accounting method. Under this accounting method, changes in the fair value of outstanding financial instruments are recognized as gains or losses in the period of change and are recorded as loss (gain) on derivative contracts on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The related cash flow impact is reflected in cash flows from operating activities. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon recognized losses on commodity derivative contracts of $929,637 and $1,124,547, respectively. This amount included cash paid on settlements on these contracts of $21,410 and $1,396,697, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, Epsilon recognized losses on commodity derivative contracts of $5,055,130 and $6,417,123, respectively. This amount included cash paid on settlements on these contracts of $2,461,242 and $2,488,702, respectively.
Presented below is a summary of Epsilon’s natural gas commodity basis swap and two-way costless collar contracts as of September 30, 2022.
Fair Value
Volume
Ceiling
Floor
Basis
Derivative Type
(MMbtu)
Differential
Basis swap
305,000
(1.15)
(4,837)
Two-way costless collar
8.20
6.50
37,163
As of September 30, 2022, all of the Company’s economic derivative hedge positions were with large financial institutions, which are not known to the Company to be in default on their derivative positions. The Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent of non-performance by the counterparties in the derivative contracts discussed above; however, the Company does not anticipate non-performance by such counterparties. None of the Company’s derivative instruments contains credit-risk related contingent features. Derivatives are net on the balance sheet as they are subject to the right to offset the liabilities with the assets.
The following tables summarize the gross fair values of our derivative instruments, presenting the impact of offsetting the derivative assets and liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of the dates indicated below:
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
22,287
203,518
13,312
225,805
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
(27,124)
(166,355)
(253,136)
(193,478)
Net Fair Value of Derivatives
(239,824)
The following table presents the changes in the fair value of Epsilon’s commodity derivatives for the periods indicated:
Fair value of asset (liability), beginning of the period
940,553
(1,334,533)
Losses on derivative contracts included in earnings
Settlement of commodity derivative contracts
21,410
2,461,242
1,396,697
2,488,702
Fair value of asset (liability), end of the period
(3,928,421)
25
13. Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations were estimated by management based on Epsilon’s net ownership interest in all wells and the gathering system, estimated costs to reclaim and abandon such assets and the estimated timing of the costs to be incurred in future periods.
The following tables summarize the changes in asset retirement obligations for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended
Balance beginning of period
2,833,656
3,150,243
Liabilities acquired
9,840
7,009
Liabilities disposed of
(24,854)
(381,346)
Wells plugged and abandoned
(31,945)
Change in estimates
(8,299)
Accretion
58,449
97,994
Balance end of period
14. Fair Value Measurements
The methodologies used to determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities at September 30, 2022 were the same as those used at December 31, 2021.
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s revolving line of credit has a recorded value that approximates its fair value since its variable interest rate is tied to current market rates and the applicable margins represent market rates.
Commodity derivative instruments consist of two-way costless collar and basis swap contracts for natural gas. The Company’s derivative contracts are valued based on a marked to market approach. These assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the contract, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace, and are therefore designated as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The Company utilizes its counterparties’ valuations to assess the reasonableness of its own valuations.
The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of trends and significant changes in or results of operations and the financial condition of Epsilon Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries for the periods presented. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented in this report, including the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2022 and 2021 and for the three and nine months then ended together with accompanying notes, as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs, and expected performance. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contained in these forward- looking statements due to a number of factors. See “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Epsilon Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) is a North American onshore focused independent natural gas and oil company engaged in the acquisition, development, gathering and production of natural gas and oil reserves. Our areas of operations are the Marcellus shale section of the Appalachian basin in Pennsylvania and the NW Anadarko basin in Oklahoma. Our assets are in areas with established hydrocarbon resources with significant existing production. In Pennsylvania, we hold 4,597 net acres producing 25 MMcf/d. In Oklahoma, we hold 8,579 net acres producing 2.7 MMcfe/d.
In Pennsylvania, the Company owns a 35% interest in the 52 mile Auburn Gas Gathering System (“Auburn GGS") which is operated by a subsidiary of Williams Partners, LP.
Our common shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbol “EPSN.”
The Company is focused on high rate of return capital investments in onshore North American natural gas and oil basins. We are committed to disciplined capital allocation which should include shareholder returns in the form of dividends and share buybacks. We expect that our strong balance sheet and large liquidity position will allow us to opportunistically invest in both our existing project areas and potential new projects.
To date, our investments have been focused in our position in the prolific Marcellus unconventional reservoir in Pennsylvania (“PA”). Our PA assets are supported by our 35% ownership in the Auburn GGS. More recently, we have been active in our position in the NW Stack area of Oklahoma. We have a substantial remaining drillable location inventory within our existing leaseholds.
The Company also seeks to identify new opportunities in onshore North American natural gas and oil basins.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 Highlights
Marcellus Shale – Pennsylvania
●During the three months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s realized natural gas price was $7.34 per Mcf compared to $3.43 per Mcf over the same period in 2021, a 114% increase. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s realized natural gas price was $6.25 per Mcf compared to $2.65 per Mcf over the same period in 2021, a 136% increase.
●During the three months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s natural gas production was 2.3 Bcf compared to 2.6 Bcf during the same period in 2021, a 12% decrease. During the nine months ended September
30, 2022, Epsilon’s natural gas production was 6.7 Bcf compared to 7.5 Bcf during the same period in 2021, an 11% decrease. This decrease is due to natural decline in well production.
Anadarko, NW Stack Trend – Oklahoma
●During the three months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s realized price for all Oklahoma production was $9.42 per Mcfe compared to $6.17 per Mcfe over the same period in 2021, a 53% increase. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s realized price for all Oklahoma production was $8.82 per Mcfe compared to $4.55 per Mcfe over the same period in 2021, a 54% increase.
●Total production for the three months ended September 30, 2022 included natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil and condensate and was 0.25 Bcfe, as compared to 0.37 Bcfe during the same period in 2021, a 32% decrease. This decrease is due to natural decline in well production. Total production for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 included natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil and condensate and was 0.74 Bcfe, as compared to 0.50 Bcfe during the same period in 2021, a 48% increase. This increase is due to three new wells turned in line during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to one new well over the same period in 2021.
Epsilon defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before (1) net interest expense, (2) taxes, (3) depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense, (4) impairments of natural gas and oil properties, (5) non-cash stock compensation expense, (6) gain or loss on derivative contracts net of cash received or paid on settlement, and (7) other income. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance as determined under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity.
Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Epsilon has included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because its management believes that EBITDA provides useful information regarding its ability to service debt and to fund capital expenditures. It further provides investors a helpful measure for comparing operating performance on a normalized or recurring basis with the performance of other companies, without giving effect to certain non-cash expenses and other items. This provides management, investors and analysts with comparative information for evaluating the Company in relation to other natural gas and oil companies providing corresponding non-U.S. GAAP financial measures or that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, measures for financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The table below sets forth a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, which is the most directly comparable measure of financial performance calculated under U.S. GAAP and should be reviewed carefully.
Add Back:
Net interest expense
(72,137)
5,892
(93,239)
38,595
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion
Loss on derivative contracts net of cash received or paid on settlement
908,227
2,593,888
(272,150)
3,928,421
Foreign currency translation loss
(4,750)
907
(419)
1,517
Adjusted EBITDA
16,542,430
6,787,384
41,464,942
15,152,089
29
Results of Operations
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 revenues increased $26.1 million, or 91%, to $54.7 million from $28.6 million during the same period of 2021.
Revenue and volume statistics for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Three months ended
Revenues
Natural gas revenue
Volume (MMcf)
2,419
2,753
7,094
7,767
Avg. Price ($/Mcf)
7.40
3.46
6.28
2.70
Natural gas liquids revenue
Volume (MBO)
12.5
14.4
38.5
18.9
Avg. Price ($/Bbl)
39.91
34.02
38.96
31.13
Oil and condensate revenue
7.6
15.0
24.1
17.4
102.26
70.80
103.21
69.04
Gathering system revenue
Total Revenues
We earn gathering system revenue as a 35% owner of the Auburn Gas Gathering system. This revenue consists of fees paid by Anchor Shippers (parties listed in Anchor Shipper Gas Gathering Agreement for Northern Pennsylvania, including Epsilon Midstream, LLC) of the system to transport gas from the wellhead to the compression facility, and then to the delivery meter at the Tennessee Gas Pipeline. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, approximately 78% of the Auburn GGS revenues earned were gathering fees, while 22% were compression fees. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, approximately 79% of the Auburn GGS revenues earned were gathering fees, while 21% were compression fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, approximately 81% of the Auburn GGS revenues earned were gathering fees, while 19% were compression fees. Gathering revenues from third-party customers represented approximately 4.8% of total gathering revenues and third-party compression revenues represented 2.6% of total compression revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, approximately 81% of the Auburn GGS revenues earned were gathering fees, while 19% were compression fees. Gathering revenues from third-party customers represented approximately 2.4% of revenues and third-party compression revenues represented 2.2% of revenues. Revenues derived from Epsilon’s production which have been eliminated from gathering system revenues amounted to $0.37 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $0.43 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
Upstream natural gas revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $23.6 million, or 113%, over the same period in 2021. This was primarily a result of higher natural gas prices. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the average gas price increased by $3.58/Mcf, or 133%, over the same period in 2021. However, this revenue increase was partially offset by lower volumes being produced due to natural decline of the wells. Production for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 decreased by 673 Mcf, or 9%, over the same period in 2021. Upstream natural gas revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $8.4 million, or 88%, over the same period in 2021. This was also primarily a result of higher natural gas prices partially offset by lower volumes being produced due to natural decline of the wells. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the average gas price increased by $3.94/Mcf, or 114%, over the same period in 2021. Production for the three months ended September 30, 2022 decreased by 334 Mcf, or 12%, over the same period in 2021.
Upstream natural gas liquids revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $0.9 million, or 155%, over the same period in 2021. This was a result of increased production from new wells in Oklahoma in addition to higher prices. Natural gas liquids production for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by 19.6 MBO, or 104%, over the same period in 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the average price for natural gas
liquids increased by $7.83/Bbl, or 25%, over the same period in 2021. Upstream natural gas liquids revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $0.7 million, or 1%, over the same period in 2021. This was a result of higher prices offset by lower volumes being produced due to natural decline of the wells. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the average price for natural gas liquids increased by $5.89/Bbl, or 17%, over the same period in 2021. Natural gas liquids production for the three months ended September 30, 2022 decreased by 1.9 MBO, or 13% over the same period in 2021.
Upstream oil and condensate revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $1.3 million, or 107%, over the same period in 2021. This was a result of increased production from new wells in Oklahoma in addition to higher prices. Oil and condensate production for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by 6.7 MBO, or 38%, over the same period in 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the average price for oil and condensate increased by $34.17/Bbl, or 49%, over the same period in 2021. Upstream oil and condensate revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022 decreased by $0.3 million, or 27%, over the same period in 2021. This was a result of higher prices offset by decreased production from new wells in Oklahoma due to natural decline of the wells. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the average price for oil and condensate increased by $31.46/Bbl, or 44%, over the same period in 2021. Oil and condensate production for the three months ended September 30, 2022 decreased by 7.4 MBO, or 49% over the same period in 2021.
The Company’s share of gathering system revenue increased by $0.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, increasing by 5% over the same period in 2021. The Company’s share of gathering system revenue stayed constant for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. The Auburn GGS is subject to a cost of service model, whereby the Anchor Shippers dedicate acreage and reserves to the Auburn GGS. In exchange for this dedication, the owners of the Auburn system agree to a fixed rate of return on capital invested which cannot be exceeded. Therefore, rather than being subject to a fixed gathering rate, the Shippers are subject to a fluctuating gathering rate which is redetermined annually in order to produce the contractual return on capital to the Auburn GGS owners. The term of the model is fixed from 2012 to 2026. Each year, actual throughput, revenue, operating expenses and capital are captured in the model, and the remaining years are forecasted. The model then resolves a gathering rate that yields the contractual rate of return. All else being equal, to the extent that throughput is higher or capital is lower than the preceding year’s forecast, the gathering rate will decline.
The following table presents total cost and cost per unit of production (Mcfe), including ad valorem, severance, and production taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:
Lease operating costs
5,618,584
Gathering system operating costs
2,624,901
2,379,146
7,348,011
6,121,965
Upstream operating costs—Total $/Mcfe
0.93
0.76
0.91
0.70
Gathering system operating costs $/Mcf
0.07
0.05
0.09
Upstream operating costs consist of lease operating expenses necessary to extract natural gas and oil, including gathering and treating the natural gas and oil to ready it for sale.
Upstream operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased $1.2 million, or 21%, over the same period in 2021. Upstream operating costs for the three months ended September 30, 2022 increased $0.2 million, or 7%, over the same period in 2021. The increase in total cost was primarily due to rising prices for services leading to a $0.93/Mcfe and $0.91/Mcfe for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, or 24% and 29%, increase, respectively in the cost associated with operating the wells.
Gathering system operating costs consist primarily of rental payments for the natural gas fueled compression units. Other significant gathering system operating costs include chemicals (to prevent corrosion and to reduce water vapor in the gas stream), saltwater disposal, measurement equipment / calibration and general project management.
The gathering system total per unit operating costs reported include the effects of elimination entries to remove the gas gathering fees billed by the gas gathering system operator to Epsilon’s upstream operations, and the volume associated with those fees. The elimination entries amounted to $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively and $0.37 million and $0.43 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively (see Note 11, ‘‘Operating Segments,’’ of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
Gathering system costs (net of intercompany elimination) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased $0.05 million, or 11%, over the same period in 2021. Gathering system costs (net of intercompany elimination) for the three months ended March 31, 2022 increased $0.09 million, or 63%, over the same period in 2021.
The Company’s share of total gathering system costs increased $0.09 million, or 7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 over 2021. The Company’s share of total gathering system costs increased $0.05 million, or 12%, for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over 2021. This increase is primarily due to an increase in throughput volumes into the gathering system.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, Epsilon entered into NYMEX Henry Hub two-way costless collar and Tennessee basis swap derivative contracts for the purpose of hedging its physical natural gas sales revenue. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we paid net cash settlements of $21,410 and $1,396,697, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we paid net cash settlements of $2,461,242 and $2,488,702, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, realized losses on derivative contracts decreased as the Company had less volume hedged and the NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas Futures price settled close to the strike prices of the Henry Hub collars. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had no derivative contracts beyond December 31, 2022.
The primary source of cash for Epsilon during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was funds generated from operations. The primary uses of cash for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 were development of natural gas properties, the repurchase of shares of common stock, and the distribution of dividends. The primary uses of cash for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 were development of natural gas properties and the repurchase of shares of common stock.
At September 30, 2022, we had a working capital surplus of $40.6 million, an increase of $16.4 million over the $24.1 million surplus at December 31, 2021. The Company anticipates its current cash balance, cash flows from operations, and available sources of liquidity to be sufficient to meet its cash requirements for the next twelve months and beyond.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to 2021
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, $29.4 million was provided by the Company’s operating activities, compared to $13.5 million provided during the same period in 2021, a $15.9 million, and 117% increase. The increase was mainly due to increased cash from operations as a result of increased commodity prices, partially offset by the losses created on the hedges as they matured. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, $13.7 million was provided by the Company’s operating activities, compared to $5.5 million provided during the same period in 2021, a $8.2 million, and 149% increase. The increase was mainly due to increased cash from operations as a result of increased commodity prices.
The Company used $0.7 million and $5.7 million of cash for investing activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. This was spent primarily on leasehold and development costs targeting increasing production in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. The Company used $2.1 million and $3.8 million of cash for investing activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. This was spent primarily on leasehold and development costs targeting increasing production in Pennsylvania.
The Company used $3.6 million and $9.9 million of cash for financing activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. This was spent primarily on dividend payments and the repurchase of shares of common stock. The Company used $1.3 million and $2.4 million of cash for financing activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. This cash was spent on the repurchase of common shares of the Company.
In addition, the Company has a senior secured credit facility which includes a total commitment of up to $100 million. The current effective borrowing base is $14 million, which is subject to semi-annual redetermination. There are currently no borrowings under the facility. If Epsilon decides to access the facility, depending on the level of borrowing, the Company will need to increase its hedging activity. Borrowings from the Facility may be used for the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties, investments in cash flow generating assets complimentary to the production of oil and gas, and for letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. Upon each advance, interest is charged at the highest of a) rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin (3.25%-4.25% based on the percent of the line of credit utilized) with the minimum being 0.25%, b) the Prime Rate, or c) the sum of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%.
Effective April 6, 2021 the agreement was amended to extend the maturity date to March 1, 2024. In addition, the agreement was amended to include a Benchmark Replacement definition and transition plan to be used at such time when the LIBOR rate is discontinued.
The bank has a first priority security interest in the tangible and intangible assets of Epsilon Energy USA, Inc. to secure any outstanding amounts under the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must maintain the following covenants:
Epsilon was in compliance with the financial covenants of the agreement as of September 30, 2022 and expect to be in compliance for the next 12 months. We expect to remain in compliance as we currently have no borrowings under the facility and funded all operations for 2021 and all operations through September 30, 2022 out of operating cash flow and cash on hand, and expect to continue to do so through 2022.
Interest
Rate
3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%
Commencing on March 8, 2022, Epsilon conducted a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to repurchase our issued and outstanding common shares, when doing so was accretive to management's estimates of intrinsic value per share. The NCIB ends on March 7, 2023. The Company used discretionary cash to fund these repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Epsilon repurchased 982,500 common shares of the authorized 1,183,410 purchase amount and spent $6,234,879 under the NCIB. The repurchased stock had an average price of $6.32 per share (excluding
commissions). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company cancelled zero and 423,000 common shares, respectively.
Commencing on January 1, 2021, Epsilon conducted a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to repurchase our issued and outstanding common shares, when doing so was accretive to management's estimates of intrinsic value per share. The NCIB ended on December 31, 2021. The Company used discretionary cash to fund these repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Epsilon repurchased 525,615 common shares of the authorized 1,193,000 purchase amount and spent $2,377,181 under the NCIB. The repurchased stock had an average price of $4.51 per share (excluding commissions).
The Company has entered into hedging arrangements to reduce the impact of natural gas price volatility on operations. By reducing the price volatility from a significant portion of natural gas production, the potential effects of changing prices on operating cash flows have been mitigated, but not eliminated. While mitigating the negative effects of falling commodity prices, these derivative contracts also limit the benefits we might otherwise receive from increases in commodity prices.
At September 30, 2022, Epsilon’s outstanding natural gas commodity contracts consisted of the following:
Fair Value of Asset
610,000
The Company enters into commitments for capital expenditures in advance of the expenditures being made. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had short term commitments of $0.4 million for capital expenditures and long term commitments of $7.4 million for asset retirement obligations.
Based on current natural gas prices and anticipated levels of production, we believe that the estimated net cash generated from operations, together with cash on hand and amounts available under our credit agreement, will be adequate to meet liquidity needs for the next 12 months and beyond, including satisfying our financial obligations and funding our operating and development activities.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Our earnings and cash flow are significantly affected by changes in the market price of commodities. The prices of natural gas and oil can fluctuate widely and are influenced by numerous factors such as demand, production levels, world political and economic events, and the strength of the US dollar relative to other currencies. Should the price of natural gas and oil decline substantially, the value of our assets could fall dramatically, impacting our future operations and exploration and development activities, along with our gas gathering system revenues. In addition, our operations are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business, including interest rate and certain exposure as well as risks relating to changes in the general economic conditions in the United States.
The Auburn Gas Gathering System lies within the Marcellus Basin with historically high levels of recoverable reserves and low cost of production. We believe that a short-term low commodity price environment will not significantly impact the reserves produced and thus the revenue of our gas gathering system.
Market risk is estimated as the change in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point change in the interest rate on the outstanding balance under our credit agreement. The credit agreement allows us to fix the interest rate for all or a portion of the principal balance for a period up to three months. To the extent that the interest rate is fixed, interest rate changes affect the instrument’s fair market value but do not affect results of operations or cash flows. Conversely, for the portion of the credit agreement that has a floating interest rate, interest rate changes will not affect the fair market value but will affect future results of operations and cash flows.
At September 30, 2022 and 2021, the outstanding principal balance under the credit agreement was nil.
The Company’s financial results and condition depend on the prices received for natural gas production. Natural gas prices have fluctuated widely and are determined by economic and political factors. Supply and demand factors, including weather, general economic conditions, the ability to transport the gas to other regions, as well as conditions in other natural gas regions, impact prices. Epsilon has established a hedging strategy and may manage the risk associated with changes in commodity prices by entering into various derivative financial instrument agreements and physical contracts. Although these commodity price risk management activities could expose Epsilon to losses or gains, entering into these contracts helps to stabilize cash flows and support the Company’s capital spending program.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2022 at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting can also be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control
over financial reporting. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that of limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, the risk.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by Epsilon Energy Ltd.
The following table contains information about our acquisition of equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. —EXHIBITS
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
31.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 906 certification of Principal Executive Officer.
32.2
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 906 certification of Principal Financial Officer.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
Date: November 10, 2022
By:
/s/ J. Andrew Williamson
J. Andrew Williamson
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)