Evolution Petroleum Corporation press release

Evolution Petroleum Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2022 Results, Declares Increased Quarterly Cash Dividend for First Quarter Fiscal 2023, and Announces $25 Million Share Repurchase Program

2022-09-13

NYSE - New York Stock Exchange · Oil · Natural Gas · Natural Gas Liquids · United States · Corporate Finance

-- Strong Cash Flow Generation Supports Increased Quarterly Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Program --

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 13, 2022 / Evolution Petroleum (NYSE American:EPM) ("Evolution" or the "Company") today announced financial and operating results for its fiscal 2022 fourth quarter (the "current quarter") and full year ended June 30, 2022. Evolution also declared an increased quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share for the fiscal 2023 first quarter, announced a $25 million share repurchase program, and provided its expected capital spending outlook for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

Key Highlights

Increased production in the current quarter by 34% over the third quarter ended March 31, 2022 (the "prior quarter") to an average of 7,451 net barrels of oil equivalent per day ("BOEPD"); Produced 5,953 BOEPD in fiscal year 2022, up 145% from fiscal year 2021; Natural gas sales contributed 44% of revenues during current quarter;

Increased fiscal year-end 2022 proved reserves by 55% to 36.2 million barrels of oil equivalent ("MMBOE"); Replaced more than 550% of fiscal 2022 production;

Increased revenue 64% over prior quarter to $42.0 million, increased net income 161% to $14.9 million, and increased earnings per share 159% to $0.44 per diluted share; Generated $108.9 million in revenue in fiscal year 2022, up 233% from fiscal 2021, and net income of $32.6 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $16.4 million, or $0.50 loss per diluted share in fiscal 2021;

Increased Adjusted EBITDA(1)by 76% over the prior quarter to $21.7 million; Reported fiscal year 2022 Adjusted EBITDA of $52.8 million, an increase of 550% from the prior fiscal year;

Announced a $25 million share repurchase program to be funded from operating cash flow; Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per common share payable September 30, 2022, a 20% increase over the $0.10 per common share dividend paid in the current quarter; During the current quarter, closed the Jonah Field Acquisition, adding 42.8 Bcfe of proved natural gas and gas liquids reserves; Made $15.8 million of debt payments during the current quarter.

1. Adjusted EBITDA is Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization and is a non-GAAP financial measure; see "Non-GAAP Information" section later in this release for more information including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Kelly Loyd, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Fiscal 2022 was an exceptional year for Evolution. On the strength of two completed, accretive acquisitions and disciplined capital management, we enter fiscal 2023 with a much larger and diversified asset base, a balance sheet that remains very conservative with minimal net debt, and a strategic plan which continues to focus on maximizing total shareholder returns. We are pleased to report that we were able to make these accomplishments without any dilution or material increase in corporate overhead. During fiscal 2022 and the current quarter there were substantial increases in production, revenue, net income, and Adjusted EBITDA. We maintained our commitment to rapidly reduce the debt we incurred with recent acquisitions by paying down our credit facility by $16 million during the quarter and anticipate fully retiring remaining debt within the next few months. Fiscal 2022 was highlighted by the continued outstanding execution by our dedicated workforce and the payment of almost $12 million in cash dividends to our shareholders. We will continue to support our shareholders through this focused initiative with an increased quarterly dividend as well as our newly announced share repurchase program."

Mr. Loyd concluded, "We have a positive outlook for fiscal 2023, supported by our diverse portfolio of oil and natural gas properties located in key onshore regions of the United States. Our decision to diversify our product mix into natural gas was timely as natural gas prices have risen dramatically since those acquisitions and natural gas revenues grew to 44% of our fiscal fourth quarter revenue. Our two most recent and immediately accretive and strategic transactions are symbolic of how we look to grow our business over the long-term. Importantly, these transactions also expanded our geographic footprint and generated significant new cash flow while expanding our optionality for reinvesting cash flow to maintain and grow our asset base. We remain committed to profitably growing Evolution with an unwavering focus on creating and distributing value to our shareholders."

Cash Dividend on Common Stock

On September 12, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock, which will be paid on September 30, 2022 to common stockholders of record on September 21, 2022. This will be the 36thconsecutive quarterly cash dividend on the common stock, which has been paid since the quarter ended December 31, 2013. To date, the Company has paid over $86 million, or $2.61 per share, back to stockholders in common stock dividends. Maintaining and ultimately growing the common stock dividend remains a Company priority.

Share Repurchase Program

On September 8, 2022 the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase of up to $25 million of its common stock through December 31, 2024. The Company intends to fund repurchases from working capital and cash provided by operating activities. As the Company continues to focus on its goal of maximizing total shareholder return, the Board of Directors along with the management team believe that a share repurchase program is complimentary to the existing dividend policy and is a tax efficient means to further improve shareholder return, particularly during periods of higher commodity prices when production acquisitions can be less attractive. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The timing, as well as the number and value of shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including management's assessment of the intrinsic value of the Company's shares, the market price of the Company's common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. The value of shares authorized for repurchase by the Company's Board of Directors does not require the Company to repurchase such shares or guarantee that such shares will be repurchased, and the program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

Financial and Operational Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2022

| | | Current Quarter | | | Current Quarter % Change From | | | Prior Quarter | | | Current Quarter % Change From | | | Year-Ago Quarter | | | | | | | | Average BOEPD | | | 7,451 | | | | 34 | % | | | 5,578 | | | | 70 | % | | | 4,374 | | | Revenues ($M) | | $ | 42,020 | | | | 64 | % | | $ | 25,689 | | | | 207 | % | | $ | 13,703 | | | Net Income ($M) | | $ | 14,872 | | | | 161 | % | | $ | 5,706 | | | | 571 | % | | $ | 2,216 | | | Adjusted Net Income(1)($M) | | $ | 15,113 | | | | 97 | % | | $ | 7,669 | | | | 582 | % | | $ | 2,216 | | | Adjusted EBITDA(2)($M) | | $ | 21,669 | | | | 76 | % | | $ | 12,340 | | | | 365 | % | | $ | 4,664 | |

1. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure, see "Non-GAAP Information" section later in this release for more information including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures. 2. Adjusted EBITDA is Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization and is a non-GAAP financial measure; see "Non-GAAP Information" section later in this release for more information including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Total production for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 was 7,451 net BOEPD, including 1,890 barrels per day ("BOPD") of oil, 1,142 BOEPD of natural gas liquids ("NGLs") and 26,516 thousand cubic feet per day ("MCFPD"), or 4,419 BOEPD, of natural gas.

Driving the increase in oil production from 1,811 BOPD in the prior quarter was the closing of the Jonah Field Acquisition on April 1, 2022. Partially offsetting the overall increase was natural decline in the Delhi Field, as well as extended downtime at Evolution's Williston Basin properties in April 2022 due to severe winter weather. Net natural gas production increased 67% from 15,878 MCFPD in the prior quarter due to the Jonah Field Acquisition. NGL production increased from 1,121 BOEPD in the prior quarter due to the Jonah Field Acquisition. The overall increase was partially offset by extended downtime at Delhi's NGL plant in April 2022 due to turbine issues.

Evolution reported $42.0 million of total revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which was a 64% increase from the prior quarter. Oil revenue grew to $18.4 million from the prior quarter due to a 6% increase in sales volumes and a 17% increase in realized commodity price. Natural gas revenue increased three-fold to $18.5 million from the prior quarter primarily due to the Jonah Field Acquisition and an 80% increase in realized commodity pricing. NGL revenue increased to $5.2 million due to the Jonah Field Acquisition, which was partially offset by decreased volumes at Delhi due to downtime at the NGL plant in April 2022. The average realized price per BOE increased 21% to $61.98 per BOE compared to $51.17 per BOE in the prior quarter. This increase was primarily due to an increase in realized crude oil and natural prices.

Lease operating costs increased to $17.3 million from $12.1 million in the prior quarter. Primarily contributing to the increase was the Jonah Field Acquisition and increased charges in the Barnett Shale for water hauling, chemicals, repairs, maintenance, and production taxes.

Depletion, depreciation, and amortization ("DD&A") expense increased to $3.6 million from $1.7 million for the prior quarter primarily due to an increase in the depletion rate and increase in production. On a per BOE basis, the Company's depletion rate increased to $4.97 from $3.19 in the prior quarter primarily due to an increase in the depletable base from the recent Williston Basin and Jonah Field Acquisitions.

The Company's general and administrative ("G&A") expenses were $1.6 million for the current quarter compared to $1.5 million in the prior quarter, an increase of approximately $42,000. The current quarter included $0.7 million in transaction costs and severance payments and a $1.2 million reduction in non-cash stock-based compensation related to the forfeiture of unvested shares in connection with severance.

Net income for the current quarter was $14.9 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $5.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the prior quarter. The overall increase in net income was substantially attributable to the Jonah Field Acquisition and higher revenues attributable to increased commodity prices. Adjusted net income, excluding selected items (see "Non-GAAP Information" section later in this release for a reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP metric), was $15.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $7.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the prior quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 76% to $21.7 million for the current quarter from $12.3 million in the prior quarter. On a per BOE basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased from $24.58 per BOE in the prior quarter to $31.96 per BOE for the current quarter.

Financial and Operational Results for Fiscal Year 2022

| | | Current Year | | | Current Year % Change From | | | Prior Year | | | | | | Average BOEPD | | | 5,953 | | | | 145 | % | | | 2,430 | | | Revenues ($M) | | $ | 108,926 | | | | 233 | % | | $ | 32,702 | | | Net Income ($M) | | $ | 32,628 | | | | NM | | | $ | (16,438 | ) | | Adjusted EBITDA(1)($M) | | $ | 52,772 | | | | 550 | % | | $ | 8,119 | |

1. Adjusted EBITDA is Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization and is a non-GAAP financial measure; see "Non-GAAP Information" section later in this release for more information including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Total revenues increased 233% to $108.9 million from $32.7 million in fiscal year 2021. The increase was primarily due to a 145% increase in average daily equivalent production from 2,430 net BOEPD to 5,953 net BOEPD due the acquisitions of the Jonah Field, Williston Basin, and Barnett Shale properties. The average realized price (excluding the impact of derivative contracts) per barrel of oil equivalent increased 36% to $50.13 per BOE from $36.87 per BOE in the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to a 79% increase in realized crude oil prices to $85.11 per barrel from $47.59 per barrel in fiscal year 2021.

Lease operating costs increased to $48.7 million from $16.6 million in fiscal 2021. Primarily driving the increase were the acquisitions of the Jonah Field, Williston Basin, and Barnett Shale properties. Also contributing to the increase was CO2costs at Delhi that were $4.6 million higher due to a 68% increase in purchased CO2 volumes combined with a 51% increase in CO2costs per Mcf, which was driven by a 79% increase in the average realized oil price. The increase in purchased CO2volumes was associated with higher nominations and less downtime of the CO2purchase pipeline. Under the Company's contract with the Delhi Field operator, purchased CO2is priced at 1% of the realized oil price in the field per Mcf, plus sales taxes and transportation costs as per contract terms.

DD&A expense increased 56% to $8.1 million from $5.2 million in fiscal year 2021 primarily due to an increase in production. Depletion expense was $3.46 per BOE versus $5.53 per BOE in the prior fiscal year. The integration of the properties in the Jonah Field, Williston Basin, and Barnett Shale together with the ceiling test impairments during the fiscal year 2021 contributed to the overall lower depletion rate per BOE for fiscal year 2022.

General and administrative expenses were flat at $6.8 million for both fiscal years, with the $1.1 million collective increase in costs associated with additional personnel, severance payments, professional fees for accounting services and business development offset by a reduction in non-cash stock-based compensation related to the forfeiture of unvested shares in connection with severance.

Net income was $32.6 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $16.4 million, or $0.50 loss per diluted share, in fiscal year 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA increased almost 5.5 times to $52.8 million from $8.1 million in the prior fiscal year. On a per BOE basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased to $24.29 per BOE from $9.15 per BOE for the fiscal year 2021.

Operations Update

Net production at Delhi in the current quarter was 102.1 MBOE, a 9% decrease from 112.5 MBOE in the prior quarter. Contributing to the sequential decrease was a reduction of 36% in NGL production primarily due to extended downtime at the NGL plant in April 2022 related to turbine issues. Oil production was lower than the prior quarter due to natural decline. The average oil price per barrel realized by Evolution at the Delhi Field during the current quarter was $109.92 compared to $94.76 during the prior quarter, an increase of 16%. The average realized NGL price per barrel was $53.49 compared to $54.83 during the prior quarter.

Hamilton Dome oil production volumes increased slightly to 37.4 MBOE in the current quarter from 37.3 MBOE in the prior quarter primarily due to the increase in overall days in the current quarter. The average oil price per barrel realized by Evolution at Hamilton Dome during the current quarter was $98.82 compared to $81.84 during the prior quarter, an increase of 21%. Production from the field is transported by pipeline to customers and is priced on the Western Canadian Select ("WCS") index, which generally trades at a discount to West Texas Intermediate ("WTI"), although Evolution receives a bonus to the WCS index.

Net production of the Barnett Shale properties was 303.9 MBOE for the current quarter compared to 307.4 MBOE in the prior quarter, a decrease of 1%. The average natural gas price per Mcf realized by Evolution at Barnett Shale during the current quarter was $7.56 compared to $4.25 during the prior quarter, an increase of 78%.

Net production of the Williston Basin properties was 44.4 MBOE for the current quarter, including 35.3 MBOE of oil, compared to 43.5 MBOE in the prior quarter, an increase of 2%. The average oil price per barrel realized by Evolution at the Williston Basin during the current quarter was $108.01 compared to $93.32 during the prior quarter, an increase of 16%.

As previously discussed, the Company closed on the Jonah Field Acquisition on April 1, 2022. Net production of the Jonah Field properties was 189.0 MBOE in the current quarter, including 1.0 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") of natural gas, or 88% natural gas. The average natural gas price realized by Evolution at Jonah Field was $7.80 in the current quarter.

Balance Sheet, Capital Spending and Liquidity

At June 30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents totaled $8.3 million and working capital was $6.1 million. Evolution had $21.3 million of debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility and total liquidity was $37.0 million. Since year-end, Evolution has paid down another $9.0 million under its revolving credit facility and as of August 31, 2022, the Company has $12.3 million outstanding. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company fully funded operations, development capital expenditures and cash dividends, as well as paid down $15.8 million of debt, through cash generated from operations and its working capital position. Evolution expects to manage near-future development activities for its properties with cash flows from operating activities, existing working capital and to a limited extent, borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

For the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, Evolution paid $11.8 million in common stock dividends and incurred $2.6 million in development capital expenditures. For fiscal 2023, the Company currently expects development capital expenditures collectively across its portfolio of properties to range between $6.5 million to $9.5 million. These estimates are inclusive of the Delhi Central Facility upgrades, expected workovers at Hamilton Dome, the Barnett Shale, and the Jonah Field, as well as low risk development projects in the Williston Basin, but do not yet include Pronghorn and Three Forks development drilling, subject to industry commodity pricing and other considerations.

Conference Call

As previously announced, Evolution Petroleum will host a conference call on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (1:00 p.m. Central) to discuss results. To access the call, please dial 1-888-506-0062 (Toll-free United States and Canada) or 1-973-528-0011 (Toll International). The access code for the call is 155958. To listen live via webcast, click the link https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2188/46419or go to the Company's website at www.evolutionpetroleum.com. An audio replay will be available on Evolution's website following the call. An audio replay will also be available two hours after the end of the conference call through December 13, 2022 and will be accessible by dialing 877-481-4010 (Toll free United States & Canada); 919-882-2331 (International) with the replay pin number of 46419.

About Evolution Petroleum

Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total returns to its shareholders through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the United States. The Company's long-term goal is to maximize total shareholder return from a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties built through acquisition and through selective development, production enhancement, and other exploitation efforts on its oil and natural gas properties. Properties include non-operated interests in the Delhi Holt-Bryant Unit in the Delhi Field in Northeast Louisiana, a CO2enhanced oil recovery project; non-operated interests in the Hamilton Dome Field located in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, a secondary recovery field utilizing water injection wells to pressurize the reservoir; non-operated interests in the Barnett Shale located in North Texas, a natural gas producing shale reservoir; non-operated interests in the Williston Basin in North Dakota, a producing oil and natural gas reservoir; non-operated interests in the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming; and small overriding royalty interests in four onshore Texas wells. Additional information, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, is available on its website at http://www.evolutionpetroleum.com.