DENVER, CO — (Marketwire) — 02/08/13 — (NYSE MKT: ESTE) reported net income of $370,000, $0.22 per diluted share, on revenue of $2.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to net income of $1,152,000, $0.68 per diluted share, on revenue of $3.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. For the nine months ending December 2012, the Company reported net income of $1,126,000, $0.65 per diluted share, on revenue of $8.0 million compared to net income of $2,545,000, $1.49 per diluted share, on revenue of $8.9 million for the same period ended December 2011. Total revenue and net income decreased $1,032,000 (27%) and $782,000 (68%), respectively, from the comparable three month prior year period. These results were due to both decreases in oil and gas prices and oil and gas sales volumes in 2013 as compared to 2012. In addition, total revenue and net income declined as the result of the sale of a group of Colorado properties in the comparable prior year period that did not contribute to this quarter coupled with an uncharacteristic, one-time, positive revenue adjustment that occurred in the 3rd quarter of fiscal 2012. Other factors which contributed to our quarterly results are disclosed in the Company–s most recent Form 10-Q.
“The results for this quarter were predictable given the dynamics of our operational transition to a very active drilling program in our North Dakota Bakken project,” commented Ray Singleton, President of Earthstone. “Expected production increases from horizontal wells in North Dakota were masked by the absence of revenue and income from our Colorado wells. Nevertheless, the sale of the Colorado properties last year was instrumental in raising the cash to fund these ongoing Bakken efforts. Furthermore, production and revenues from our Bakken wells have been delayed following the shift to multiple well –pad drilling– in our North Dakota Bakken project. This strategy shift has significantly reduced costs, but has lengthened the time frame from the commencement of drilling to establishing production. Finally, declining oil prices relative to the fiscal 2012 quarter had a noticeable effect on revenue.”
Singleton continued, “Moving forward, we believe the anticipated production from our recent drilling program should begin to be realized in the current quarter and we anticipate further recognition in the quarter ending June 30, 2013. In addition we expect a new surge in drilling activity as our partners implement their calendar 2013 budgets. In an effort to achieve continued long-term growth, the Company continues to pursue its strategy of drilling non-operated, horizontal Bakken wells where we have built the foundation for production growth. We are excited, as the investments we made in growth projects in past years are expected to benefit the Company in the future.”
Earthstone Energy, Inc. is a growth-oriented independent oil and gas exploration and production company with primary operations in the Williston Basin and southern Texas. Earthstone is currently traded on NYSE MKT under the symbol ESTE. Information on Earthstone can be found at its web site: .
THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. Some statements contained in this release are forward-looking, and therefore involve uncertainties or risks that could cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “could,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend” or “continue,” or comparable words or phrases. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that Earthstone intends, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include comments regarding assumptions regarding production rates and growth, operating costs, reduction of operation costs, commodity prices, industry outlook, future drilling activities, acquisitions and industry opportunities. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include availability of rigs and services, price volatility of oil and gas, estimated production rates and adjustments to ownership percentages in addition to economic and political events affecting supply and demand for oil and gas, loss of customers for oil and gas production and government regulations. These and other factors are discussed in more detail in Earthstone Energy–s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company–s Annual Report on Form 10-K for March 31, 2012 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.