Contact
539.444.8002
info@empirepetrocorp.com

Corporate Headquarters
2200 S. Utica Place, Suite 150
Tulsa, OK 74114

Corporate Office
25025 I-45, Suite 400
The Woodlands, TX 77380

© Copyright 2024 Empire Petroleum Corp.

TULSA, Okla. – 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 reported 2024 third quarter results and progress on its North Dakota development program.

THIRD QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Delivered Q3-2024 net production volumes of 2,460 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) including 1,573 barrels of oil per day (“Bbl/d”)

    • Boe/d is comprised of 64% oil, 17% natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), and 19% natural gas;

  • Completed the first stage of Enhanced Oil Recovery (“EOR”) activities for Empire’s Starbuck Drilling Program (“Starbuck”) in North Dakota, successfully converting three wells into injectors;

    • In Q3-2024, Empire began preparations for filing a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) in connection with a technology it developed in relation to hydrocarbon vaporization with the official application submitted in Q4-2024;

  • Established the record date for a $10.0 million subscription rights offering (“Rights Offering”) at $5.05 per share, which provides shareholders a chance to increase their equity stake in the Company;

    • Net proceeds of the Rights Offering will be used for previous, current and future drilling activity in North Dakota and New Mexico, workovers and recompletions in Texas, land and lease purchases, and the completion of the initial stage of EOR facilities in the Starbuck field;

    • The Rights Offering was successfully completed and oversubscribed in Q4-2024, reflecting strong shareholder confidence and strengthening Empire’s financial position as the Company advances key initiatives and operational goals;

  • Expanded Empire’s technical focus to its Texas region, implementing advanced strategies and technologies designed to maximize production efficiency and enhance resource recovery to drive long-term growth; and

  • Reported Q3-2024 total product revenue of $10.9 million, a net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share and an adjusted net loss of $3.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share.

2025 OUTLOOK

“In recent months, Empire has been focused on its capital expenditures program, while simultaneously advancing its projects and infrastructure development in North Dakota,” said Phil Mulacek, Chairman of the Board of Empire. “We are incredibly proud of the progress made in Starbuck and the completion of the horizontal drilling, filing of a key patent, and securing the injection permits are significant milestones that highlight our team’s dedication to driving innovation and achieving operational excellence.”

Mike Morrisett, President and CEO, added, “We expect the EOR injections in Starbuck to achieve our goals, reflecting Empire’s dedication to efficiency and continuous growth. Additionally, the potential developments in Texas offer significant opportunities, and we are focused on expanding our operations by leveraging our historical knowledge and expertise in all areas.”

North Dakota – Williston Basin:

  • Empire completed its initial 13-well drilling program in the Starbuck field in Q3-2024, with the three injection wells expected to be instrumental in increasing production;

  • The production decline in Q3-2024 resulted from two field optimization efforts, including: 1) the conversion of three producing wells into injectors to support long-term production growth, and 2) the temporary shut in of three producing wells near drilling activity, while drilling the horizontal wells;

    • The strategic shift temporarily reduced output, but positions the Company to achieve production gains through future EOR activities, as the injection wells begin to stimulate reservoir performance;

  • Empire is conducting a thorough analysis of The Company’s other fields in North Dakota to determine which sites may be well-suited for EOR processes and technologies;

  • During Q4-2024, the Company is working on standard commissioning operations on the EOR equipment before the EOR can reach steady state, which is expected in Q1-2025;

  • In Q4-2024, Empire officially submitted its patent application to the USPTO;

    • The patent application is directed to a novel method for superheating water or other fluids prior to injection into a well, which will significantly improve the effectiveness of the EOR injection operations;

  • The Company is exploring further growth opportunities through the deployment of 2D and 3D seismic activities;

    • By integrating seismic data with EOR methods, Empire is positioning itself to unlock greater resource potential, guiding future development plans and maximizing long-term asset value;

  • The second stage of the EOR program and infrastructure remains on track to be completed in 2025-2026; and

    • New horizontal laterals will be completed for Starbuck and the other fields Empire operates in North Dakota.

New Mexico – Permian Basin:

  • Empire continues the legal and regulatory actions against third-parties trespassing on the New Mexico water floods;

    • From May 2021 through September 2024, Empire estimates gross costs in excess of approximately $25.0-$30.0 million have been, and continue to be, incurred, which may be directly related to the legal and regulatory actions discussed above; and

    • Empire remains committed to actively pursuing all regulatory and legal avenues, as the Company believes the potential upside is between 300 million BOE to 1.5 billion BOE with primary, secondary and tertiary (CO2) recovery.

THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS

Q3-24

Q2-24

% Change2

Q3-24 vs. Q2-24

Q3-23

% Change2

Q3-24 vs. Q3-23

Net equivalent sales (Boe/d)

2,460

2,638

-7%

2,048

20%

Net oil sales (Bbls/d)

1,573

1,761

-11%

1,306

20%

Realized price ($/Boe)

$48.12

$53.26

-10%

$54.75

-12%

Product Revenue ($M)

$10,892

$12,788

-15%

$10,315

6%

Net Loss ($M)

($3,640)

($4,390)

17%

($2,748)

-32%

Adjusted Net Loss ($M)1

($3,829)

($2,905)

-32%

($1,462)

-162%

Adjusted EBITDA ($M)1

($56)

$1,727

NM

$134

NM

_________________________

1 Adjusted net 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.

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

Net sales volumes for Q3-2024 were 2,460 Boe/d, including 1,573 barrels of oil per day; 425 barrels of NGLs per day, and 2,774 thousand cubic feet per day (“Mcf/d”) or 462 Boe/d of natural gas. Year-over-year net oil sales volumes increase of approximately 20% primarily due to new wells completed in North Dakota as well as the acquisition of additional working interest in New Mexico.

Empire reported Q3-2024 total product revenue of $10.9 million versus $10.3 million in Q3-2023. Contributing to the increase was higher oil, natural gas and NGL sales volumes, substantially offset by lower realized oil and natural gas prices.

Q3-2024 lease operating expenses decreased to $6.7 million versus $7.1 million for Q3-2023, primarily due to increased production partially offset by lower workover expense of $1.4 million for Q3-2024 compared to $3.2 million for Q3-2023. Higher workover expense in 2023 was primarily related to work performed on wells in New Mexico to enhance and maintain production. These costs are part of the damages Empire will seek to recover under litigation.

Production and ad valorem taxes for Q3-2024 were $1.0 million versus $0.8 million in Q3-2023, as a result of higher product revenues.

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion (“DD&A”) for Q3-2024 was $3.1 million versus $1.2 million for Q3-2023. The increase in DD&A reflects higher production, the acquisition of additional working interest and the impact of the capitalized costs associated with new drilling activity in North Dakota.

General and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation expense, were $3.6 million, or $16.06 per Boe in Q2-2024 versus $2.6 million, or $13.70 per Boe in Q2-2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to an increase in salary and benefits associated with an increase in employee headcount to support New Mexico litigation and expanded operations.

Interest expense for Q3-2024 was $0.2 million compared to $0.2 million for Q3-2023, a slight decrease as result of lower cash interest expense from lower debt balances in Q3-2024 compared to Q3-2023.

Empire recorded a Q3-2024 net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, versus a Q3-2023 net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased to ($0.1) million for Q3-2024 compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $0.1 million in Q3-2023.

CAPITAL SPENDING, BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Empire invested approximately $38.3 million in capital expenditures, primarily related to the continued drilling and completions activity in North Dakota.

As of September 30, 2024, Empire had approximately $3.1 million in cash on hand and approximately $0.2 million available on its credit facility.

Empire received gross proceeds of $10.0 million at $5.05 per share following the close of the Rights Offering in November 2024.

UPDATED PRESENTATION

An updated Company presentation will be posted to the Company’s website under the Investor Relations section.

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, uncertainties associated with legal and regulatory matters, 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 Nine Months Ended
September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue:
Oil Sales

$

10,341,280

$

12,287,272

$

9,492,127

$

32,070,516

$

27,578,453

Gas Sales

8,547

(115,833

)

411,217

269,844

1,315,938

NGL Sales

541,755

617,029

411,624

1,574,995

1,278,759

Total Product Revenues

10,891,582

12,788,468

10,314,968

33,915,355

30,173,150

Other

15,269

11,227

17,050

36,582

54,775

Loss on Commodity Derivatives

470,717

(1,453

)

(1,185,921

)

(388,886

)

(1,319,401

)

Total Revenue

11,377,568

12,798,242

9,146,097

33,563,051

28,908,524

Costs and Expenses:
Lease Operating Expense

6,733,611

7,542,685

7,050,054

21,663,719

20,669,217

Production and Ad Valorem Taxes

984,075

1,065,718

792,241

2,883,240

2,271,630

Depletion, Depreciation & Amortization

2,596,360

2,676,981

727,943

6,763,471

2,061,474

Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation

509,131

492,449

470,505

1,486,929

1,277,141

General and Administrative Expense:
General and Administrative

3,635,917

2,354,080

2,580,464

8,869,034

7,497,947

Stock-Based Compensation

335,077

591,635

158,792

1,636,714

2,289,237

Total General and Administrative Expense

3,970,994

2,945,715

2,739,256

10,505,748

9,787,184

Total Cost and Expenses

14,794,171

14,723,548

11,779,999

43,303,107

36,066,646

Operating Loss

(3,416,603

)

(1,925,306

)

(2,633,902

)

(9,740,056

)

(7,158,122

)

Other Income and (Expense):
Interest Expense

(196,306

)

(735,220

)

(249,796

)

(1,246,575

)

(671,982

)

Other Income (Expense)

(26,705

)

(1,729,245

)

1,350

(1,017,950

)

23,256

Loss before Taxes

(3,639,614

)

(4,389,771

)

(2,882,348

)

(12,004,581

)

(7,806,848

)

Income Tax Benefit

134,720

134,720

Net Loss

(3,639,614

)

(4,389,771

)

(2,747,628

)

(12,004,581

)

(7,672,128

)

Net Loss per Common Share:
Basic

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.41

)

$

(0.34

)

Diluted

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.15

)

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.41

)

$

(0.34

)

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic

31,619,333

29,839,853

22,727,639

29,055,331

22,320,207

Diluted

31,619,333

29,839,853

22,727,639

29,055,331

22,320,207

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Operating Data
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Sales Volumes:
Oil (Bbl)

144,674

160,283

120,177

435,717

368,847

Natural gas (Mcf)

255,195

241,242

195,908

708,258

638,419

Natural gas liquids (Bbl)

39,137

39,612

35,568

113,534

106,002

Total (Boe)

226,344

240,102

188,396

667,294

581,252

Average daily equivalent sales (Boe/d)

2,460

2,638

2,048

2,435

2,129

Average Price per Unit:
Oil ($/Bbl)

$

71.48

$

76.66

$

78.98

$

73.60

$

74.77

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

$

0.03

$

(0.48

)

$

2.10

$

0.38

$

2.06

Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)

$

13.84

$

15.58

$

11.57

$

13.87

$

12.06

Total ($/Boe)

$

48.12

$

53.26

$

54.75

$

50.83

$

51.91

Operating Costs and Expenses per Boe:
Lease operating expense

$

29.75

$

31.41

$

37.42

$

32.47

$

35.56

Production and ad valorem taxes

$

4.35

$

4.44

$

4.21

$

4.32

$

3.91

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

$

13.72

$

13.20

$

6.36

$

12.36

$

5.74

General & administrative expense:
General & administrative expense

$

16.06

$

9.80

$

13.70

$

13.29

$

12.90

Stock-based compensation

$

1.48

$

2.46

$

0.84

$

2.45

$

3.94

Total general & administrative expense

$

17.54

$

12.27

$

14.54

$

15.74

$

16.84

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, December 31,

2024

2023

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash

$

3,149,716

$

7,792,508

Accounts Receivable

6,505,741

8,354,636

Derivative Instruments

406,806

Inventory

1,499,206

1,433,454

Prepaids

576,340

757,500

Total Current Assets

11,731,003

18,744,904

Property and Equipment:
Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Successful Efforts

136,391,055

93,509,803

Less: Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Impairment

(29,561,539

)

(22,996,805

)

Total Oil and Gas Properties, Net

106,829,516

70,512,998

Other Property and Equipment, Net

1,436,491

1,883,211

Total Property and Equipment, Net

108,266,007

72,396,209

Other Noncurrent Assets

1,245,519

1,474,503

TOTAL ASSETS

$

121,242,529

$

92,615,616

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable

$

18,238,400

$

16,437,219

Accrued Expenses

8,146,457

7,075,302

Current Portion of Lease Liability

415,850

432,822

Current Portion of Note Payable – Related Party

1,060,004

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

193,178

44,225

Total Current Liabilities

26,993,885

25,049,572

Long-Term Debt

8,512,020

4,596,775

Long-Term Lease Liability

238,674

544,382

Asset Retirement Obligations

28,968,173

27,468,427

Total Liabilities

64,712,752

57,659,156

Stockholders’ Equity:
Series A Preferred Stock – $0.001 Par Value, 10,000,000 Shares Authorized, 6 and 6 Shares Issued and Outstanding, Respectively

Common Stock – $0.001 Par Value, 190,000,000 Shares Authorized, 31,656,934 and 25,503,530 Shares Issued and Outstanding, Respectively

91,179

85,025

Additional Paid-in-Capital

133,061,997

99,490,253

Accumulated Deficit

(76,623,399

)

(64,618,818

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

56,529,777

34,956,460

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

121,242,529

$

92,615,616

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30,

June 30,

September 30, September 30, September 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Loss

$

(3,639,614

)

$

(4,389,771

)

$

(2,747,628

)

$

(12,004,581

)

$

(7,672,128

)

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash
Provided By Operating Activities:
Stock Compensation and Issuances

335,077

591,635

158,792

1,636,714

2,289,237

Amortization of Right of Use Assets

135,735

135,734

124,171

407,202

287,956

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

2,596,360

2,676,981

727,943

6,763,471

2,061,474

Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation

509,131

492,449

470,505

1,486,929

1,277,141

(Gain) Loss on Commodity Derivatives

(470,717

)

1,453

1,185,921

388,886

1,319,401

Settlement on or Purchases of Derivative Instruments

281,530

(252,630

)

(45,855

)

18,200

(87,042

)

(Gain) Loss on Financial Derivatives

1,736,000

998,000

Amortization of Debt Discount on Convertible Notes

500,382

500,382

(Gain) Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

26,705

(16,611

)

10,094

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable

2,277,310

(1,694,690

)

467,151

1,647,249

(1,572,038

)

Inventory, Oil in Tanks

(48,011

)

346,147

(26,255

)

(65,752

)

(292,057

)

Prepaids, Current

211,733

462,599

202,867

671,934

911,416

Accounts Payable

10,419,209

(2,484,238

)

1,892,377

12,273,995

194,438

Accrued Expenses

41,175

668,416

(89,808

)

1,070,875

(3,732,113

)

Other Long Term Assets and Liabilities

135,172

(574,966

)

(292,782

)

(886,224

)

(942,916

)

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities

12,810,795

(1,801,110

)

2,027,399

14,917,374

(5,957,231

)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Oil and Natural Gas Properties

(1,424,419

)

(2,094,419

)

Additions to Oil and Natural Gas Properties

(18,615,643

)

(13,202,315

)

(2,468,688

)

(48,758,831

)

(5,596,535

)

Purchase of Other Fixed Assets

(19,590

)

(88,868

)

(26,478

)

(139,481

)

(179,514

)

Cash Paid for Right of Use Assets

(125,236

)

(125,237

)

(223,606

)

(375,711

)

(427,711

)

Sinking Fund Deposit

2,779,000

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities

(18,760,469

)

(13,416,420

)

(4,143,191

)

(49,274,023

)

(5,519,179

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Credit Facility

3,950,000

Proceeds from Bridge Loans from Related Parties

10,000,000

10,000,000

Proceeds from Warrant Exercises

2,500,000

2,500,000

Proceeds from Promissory Note

5,000,000

Proceeds from Rights offering (net of transaction costs)

20,511,529

20,511,529

Principal Payments of Debt

(158,383

)

(156,594

)

(644,224

)

(376,575

)

(1,933,198

)

Net Proceeds from Warrants Exercises

628,903

628,903

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities

(158,383

)

20,983,838

11,855,776

29,713,857

10,566,802

Net Change in Cash

(6,108,057

)

5,766,308

9,739,984

(4,642,792

)

(909,608

)

Cash – Beginning of Period

9,257,773

3,491,465

1,294,850

7,792,508

11,944,442

Cash – End of Period

$

3,149,716

$

9,257,773

$

11,034,834

$

3,149,716

$

11,034,834

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 Nine Months Ended
September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Loss

$

(3,639,614

)

$

(4,389,771

)

$

(2,747,628

)

$

(12,004,581

)

$

(7,672,128

)

Adjusted for:
(Gain) loss on commodity derivatives

(470,717

)

1,453

1,185,921

388,886

1,319,401

Settlement on or purchases of derivative instruments

281,530

(252,630

)

(45,855

)

18,200

(87,042

)

Loss on financial derivatives

1,736,000

998,000

CEO severance (including employer taxes)

374,820

COO severance (including employer taxes)

145,319

145,319

Adjusted Net Loss

$

(3,828,801

)

$

(2,904,948

)

$

(1,462,243

)

$

(10,599,495

)

$

(5,919,630

)

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

31,619,333

29,839,853

22,727,639

29,055,331

22,320,207

Adjusted Net Loss Per Share

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.10

)

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.36

)

$

(0.27

)

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 Nine Months Ended
September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Loss

$

(3,639,614

)

$

(4,389,771

)

$

(2,747,628

)

$

(12,004,581

)

$

(7,672,128

)

Add Back:
Interest expense

196,306

735,220

249,796

1,246,575

671,982

DD&A

2,596,360

2,676,981

727,943

6,763,471

2,061,474

Accretion

509,131

492,449

470,505

1,486,929

1,277,141

Amortization of right of use assets

135,735

135,734

124,171

407,202

287,956

Income taxes

(134,720

)

(134,720

)

EBITDA

$

(202,082

)

$

(349,387

)

$

(1,309,933

)

$

(2,100,404

)

$

(3,508,295

)

Adjustments:
Stock based Compensation

335,077

591,635

158,792

1,636,714

2,289,237

(Gain) loss on commodity derivatives

(470,717

)

1,453

1,185,921

388,886

1,319,401

Settlement on or purchases of derivative instruments

281,530

(252,630

)

(45,855

)

18,200

(87,042

)

(Gain) Loss on financial derivatives

1,736,000

998,000

CEO severance (including employer taxes)

374,820

COO severance (including employer taxes)

145,319

145,319

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(56,192

)

$

1,727,071

$

134,244

$

941,396

$

533,440

Mike Morrisett

President & CEO

539-444-8002

Info@empirepetrocorp.com

Kali Carter

Communications & Investor Relations Manager

918-995-5046

IR@empirepetrocorp.com