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Empire Petroleum (NYSE: EP) posts Q1 2026 net loss of $6.6M

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(High)
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8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Empire Petroleum Corporation reported weaker first-quarter 2026 results, with lower volumes but a stronger balance sheet. Total product revenues were $7.7 million, down from $9.0 million in Q1 2025, as net equivalent sales fell to 1,880 Boe/d from 2,049 Boe/d. Realized price per Boe was $45.41 versus $48.76 a year earlier.

The company posted a net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with a $4.2 million net loss, or $0.12 per share, in Q1 2025. Adjusted net loss was $3.5 million and adjusted EBITDA was negative $0.7 million, slightly worse than the prior-year quarter.

Lease operating expenses fell to $5.2 million from $5.8 million, and DD&A and accretion also declined year over year, reflecting prior impairments and lower production. Empire completed a Rights Offering in March 2026 that raised about $10.0 million of gross proceeds, ending the quarter with $8.8 million in cash and $2.7 million of availability on its credit facility. Stockholders’ equity improved to $3.7 million from a deficit of $4.6 million at year-end 2025.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

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Insights

Empire’s Q1 shows softer production and losses, but liquidity and equity improve after a rights offering.

Empire Petroleum generated Q1 2026 total product revenues of $7.7M, down 15% year over year as net sales volumes declined to 1,880 Boe/d. Lower production in North Dakota and New Mexico and weaker commodity prices drove the revenue pressure.

Despite a Q1 net loss of $6.6M and adjusted EBITDA of -$0.7M, operating costs showed some discipline: lease operating expense fell to $5.2M and DD&A and accretion dropped versus Q1 2025. The absence of the large $51.3M impairment recorded in Q4 2025 also reduced reported losses sequentially.

Liquidity strengthened meaningfully after a $10.0M Rights Offering in March 2026, lifting cash to $8.8M and helping turn a stockholders’ deficit into $3.7M of equity. Actual impact on future performance will depend on execution of the Texas gas development and other field programs highlighted in the operational update.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Total product revenues $7.7M Q1 2026 product revenue versus $9.0M in Q1 2025
Net loss $6.642M Q1 2026 net loss, or $0.18 per diluted share
Adjusted EBITDA -$0.73M Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA compared with -$0.55M in Q1 2025
Net sales volumes 1,880 Boe/d Average daily equivalent sales in Q1 2026
Realized price per Boe $45.41/Boe Average realized price in Q1 2026
Cash balance $8.785M Cash as of March 31, 2026 after Rights Offering
Stockholders’ equity $3.689M Equity at March 31, 2026 versus $(4.606)M at Dec. 31, 2025
Total assets $77.995M Total assets as of March 31, 2026
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA was ($0.7) million for Q1-2026 compared to Adjusted EBITDA of ($0.6) million in Q1-2025."
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
Rights Offering financial
"Empire successfully completed a Rights Offering in March 2026, which raised approximately $10.0 million of gross proceeds"
A rights offering is a way for a company to raise additional money by giving existing shareholders the opportunity to buy more shares at a discounted price before they are offered to the public. It’s similar to a special sale where current owners get the first chance to buy extra items at a lower cost, allowing them to increase their investment if they choose. This process matters to investors because it can affect the value of their holdings and their ability to buy new shares at favorable terms.
thermal recovery technology technical
"In North Dakota, continued application of our thermal recovery technology is improving our understanding of how heat can be applied more effectively"
asset retirement obligations financial
"Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligations | | | 535 | | | | 545 | | | | 526 |"
Asset retirement obligations are a company’s recorded promise to pay for dismantling, cleaning up, or restoring property when a long-lived asset is retired — for example decommissioning a plant or removing equipment. Companies estimate the future cleanup cost today and book it as a liability (and add the cost to the asset), so it affects the balance sheet, reported profits over time, and future cash needs; investors watch it like a planned bill that can reduce cash available for returns.
Impairment of Oil and Natural Gas Properties financial
"Impairment of Oil and Natural Gas Properties | | | — | | | | 51,289 | | | | — |"
commodity derivatives financial
"Loss on Commodity Derivatives | | | (2,591 | ) | | | — | | | | — |"
Commodity derivatives are financial contracts whose value is tied to the price of a physical raw material—such as oil, gold, wheat or copper—and they let parties lock in or bet on future prices without necessarily owning the actual goods. For investors, they matter because they offer ways to protect profits from wild price swings (like locking the price of fuel ahead of a trip) or to gain exposure and potential returns through leverage, but they also carry higher risk and require close attention to market supply, demand and storage factors.
Total product revenues $7.7M -15% vs Q1 2025
Net loss $6.6M +57% vs Q1 2025; -89% vs Q4 2025
Adjusted EBITDA -$0.7M 81% better vs Q4 2025; -32% vs Q1 2025
Net sales volumes 1,880 Boe/d -8% vs Q1 2025
false 0000887396 0000887396 2026-05-15 2026-05-15 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

_________________

 

FORM 8-K

_________________

Current Report

Pursuant To Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported):

 

 

MAY 15, 2026

_______________________________

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________

 

Delaware 001-16653 73-1238709
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)

 

2200 S. Utica Place, Suite 150, Tulsa, Oklahoma   74114

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)       (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (539)444-8002

 

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock $0.001 par value

EP

NYSE American

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

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. ☐

 

 

Item 2.02.Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 15, 2026, Empire Petroleum Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the first quarter 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.

 

This information is being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9.01.Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)Exhibits.
   
The following exhibits are filed or furnished herewith.

Exhibit

Number

 

 

Description

99 Press Release of Empire Petroleum Corporation dated May 15, 2026.

 

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

  

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

 

 

 

 
Date:    May 15, 2026 By:  /s/ Michael R. Morrisett  
 

Michael R. Morrisett

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

EXHIBIT 99

 

 

 

A flag on top of a tower

Description automatically generated

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR
FIRST QUARTER 2026 AND PROVIDES OPERATIONAL UPDAT
E

 

TULSA, OK – (MAY 15, 2026) – Empire Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EP) ("Empire" or the "Company"), an oil and gas company with current producing assets in New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Louisiana, today announced financial results for first quarter 2026 and an update on current operations.

 

FIRST QUARTER 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

oReported Q1-2026 net production volumes of 1,880 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) including 1,248 barrels of oil per day (“Bbl/d”);
Boe/d is comprised of 66% oil, 10% natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), and 24% natural gas;
Production during the quarter was impacted by operational issues in North Dakota and New Mexico, as well as weather-related Force Majeure disruptions in Texas, with volumes expected to recover in Q2-2026;

oIn Q1-2026, Empire continued advancement of its Texas natural gas development program, with activity focused on reactivation, recompletion, and related field work to restore baseline production and improve overall field deliverability;
Texas natural gas operations began contributing production during the quarter, with aggregate field volumes reflecting early output as wells returned to service;
To date, three wells were successfully reactivated, with five additional wells in progress, and early results increasing net volumes on the reactivated wells by approximately 45% compared to Q4-2025, reflecting growth from initial restart levels and volumes continuing to trend upward;
Field infrastructure was materially advanced ahead of volumes, including an increase of more than 500% in field compression capacity, removing prior constraints that prevented increases in production, and expanding operating capacity to approximately 3 million cubic feet per day (“MMcfd”), positioning the system to accommodate incremental production growth;
Texas capital deployment remained disciplined, with approximately $1.7 million of actual spend versus $2.4 million estimated for the period, while progressing reactivations, recompletions, and facilities initiatives across the asset base;

oDuring Q1-2026, Empire focused on thermal recovery operations and infrastructure initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, and heat-utilization efficiency in the Starbuck Drilling Program (“Starbuck”);
The Company recently completed compressor relocation activities at a steam unit, improving operational safety and supporting more effective heat utilization;
Empire initiated a preventive chemical treatment program designed to mitigate scale formation and support sustained injection performance;
Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to its proprietary superheated steam generation and injection technology, supporting Empire’s ongoing thermal recovery initiatives and long-term development strategy in North Dakota, and enabling evaluation of broader applicability across its assets in the Williston Basin;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

oIn Q1-2026, Empire advanced its participation in a Louisiana oil and natural gas development program, with activities focused on project integration, pre-drill planning, operational coordination, and data review associated with the first three-well program, allowing the Company to build familiarity with field operations and subsurface characteristics across the agreed development area;
Following quarter-end, participation terms were amended to reflect Empire’s full involvement across the three-well program, with participation anticipated to be funded through a combination of equity consideration and proportionate cost sharing;

 

oIn March 2026, Empire completed a subscription rights offering (“Rights Offering”) that generated approximately $10.0 million in gross proceeds, before transaction costs;
The Company received subscriptions for more than 100% of the securities available in the Rights Offering and accordingly, stockholders received their basic subscription privilege. Because there were not enough securities to satisfy all oversubscriptions, remaining securities were allocated pro-rata among oversubscribing stockholders;
As disclosed in previous filings, Energy Evolution Master Fund, Ltd., the Company’s largest shareholder, participated in the Rights Offering, fully subscribing to the securities corresponding to their subscription rights, and exercising their over-subscription rights to purchase their pro-rata share of the underlying securities related to the Rights Offering that remain oversubscribed;
Phil E. Mulacek, Chairman of the Board of Empire, also participated;

 

oDuring Q1-2026, the Company entered into and settled a $3.0 million convertible note held by Phil Mulacek, ahead of its May 2026 maturity, through the issuance of 1,003,344 shares of Empire common stock, further strengthening its capital structure;
Subsequent to year-end 2025, approximately $5.0 million of Empire’s debt was satisfied and $3.0 million of equity was added through various transactions;

oReported Q1-2026 total product revenue of $7.7 million, a net loss of $6.6 million, or ($0.18) per diluted share;
Adjusted EBITDA of ($0.7) million for Q1-2026, compared to ($0.6) million in Q1-2025;
Results for the quarter were primarily influenced by lower overall production volumes and lower realized prices across all commodities compared to Q1-2025.

 

 

2026 OUTLOOK

“Global energy markets continue to be shaped by tight supply responses, growing demand for dependable gas supply, and the increasing value of assets with repeatable development potential,” said Phil Mulacek, Chairman of the Board of Empire. “In Texas, our efforts have focused on infrastructure readiness, where we increased field compression over 500%, allowing for selective in-field development. The increase in compression de-bottlenecked the choke points in our production capacity and advanced our Texas development to take advantage of the higher oil prices and be ready for stronger gas sales. We’re making steady progress across existing zones, and we believe we are getting closer to key evaluation points in deeper production intervals, including portions of the consolidated Cotton Valley-Bossier and Western Haynesville intervals. In North Dakota, continued application of our thermal recovery technology is improving our understanding of how heat can be applied more effectively across the asset, and we are re-working wells to increase oil production. Field results across Empire’s portfolio are helping to inform how we approach the opportunities over time, guided by geologic, operational, and vastly stronger market factors.”

 

Mike Morrisett, President & CEO, added, “The first quarter was about moving work forward across our portfolio and carrying that momentum into initial production contributions in Texas, supported by improved infrastructure and system capacity, while also taking steps to strengthen Empire’s financial and operational position and flexibility. In Louisiana, our election to participate across the three-well program expands our exposure while allowing us to assess field-level performance and inform future development decisions. Across all assets, we’re working through projects in sequence by restoring oil production, improving reliability, and building operating history that supports growing cash flow contribution over time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas – East Texas Basin & Louisiana

oIn Q2-2026, Empire expects Texas gas volumes to increase as additional reactivated wells are tied in and low-pressure booster compression units are installed, supporting throughput increases toward approximately 9 MMcfd;
The Company plans to continue sequencing reactivations and recompletions through the remainder of 2026, leveraging existing wellbores to re-enter and drill deeper into stacked pay zones to drive capital-efficient production growth, with the first drilling rig expected to be on site in June 2026;
As infrastructure improvements reduce constraints, Empire is advancing evaluation of deeper intervals, including the consolidated Cotton Valley-Bossier and Western Haynesville, integrating subsurface insights with operating performance to inform future development planning;
oEmpire continues to progress development activities in Louisiana across participation in a three-well program, with completion and evaluation activity planned to establish production characteristics and inform potential follow-on development;
The Company views the Louisiana program as an additional source of material production and reserve growth, structured with defined capital exposure and executed through a measured development process;
The three wells are expected to be drilled and cased by the end of Q2-2026, with a full technical update to be released following drilling, logging, and casing of the wells, followed by completion and tie-in of the wells to sales;

 

North Dakota – Williston Basin

oEmpire continues to work on steam unit performance enhancements, including improved insulation and burner repositioning initiatives scheduled to begin in May 2026, aimed at strengthening heat retention, combustion efficiency, and long-term operating stability;
The Company recently progressed advancement of mid-term water management and treatment initiatives, including continued development of Water Treatment Plant upgrades and completion enhancements to improve water-injection quality and reduce scaling and maintenance risks;
Continued application of Empire’s second-generation thermal recovery approach has contributed to improved operational visibility and facility performance in the field, providing greater clarity around operating results and potential future development opportunities;
The Company is focused on collaborating with research and regulatory partners, supporting technology upgrades and longer-term thermal recovery development initiatives;

 

New Mexico – Permian Basin

oOn September 12, 2025, the New Mexico Conservation Commission (“Commission” or the “OCC”) issued Order No. R-24004 (the “Order”) regarding the Company’s rights to the Residual Oil Zone (“ROZ”) in the Eunice Monument South Unit’s (“EMSU”) Unitized Interval. The Commission unanimously affirmed the existence of a ROZ in the Grayburg and San Andres formations within the EMSU and confirmed Empire’s exclusive rights to produce the ROZ under the 1984 Commission Order;
Based on these findings, the Commission:
oDenied Goodnight Midnight Permian, LLC’s (“Goodnight”) applications to drill five new saltwater disposal (“SWD”) wells within the boundaries of the EMSU;
oDenied Goodnight’s application to increase injection volumes in an existing SWD well;
oSuspended Goodnight’s four SWD wells located within the EMSU boundaries to provide Empire the opportunity to establish the CO2 EOR pilot project;
On December 17, 2025, the Commission issued its “Amended Order Denying Goodnight’s Applications & Partially Granting/Partially Denying Empire’s Applications” (“Order R-24004-A”) reiterating and clarifying matters from its Order, but leaving implementation of the Order’s suspension to the discretion of the Oil Conservation Division (“OCD”);
On January 15, 2026, the OCD issued a letter with “Implementation of OCC Orders 24004 and 24004-A” providing deadlines for Empire’s CO2 EOR pilot project and the suspension of Goodnight’s four SWD wells located within the EMSU boundaries;
Both Empire and Goodnight have appealed the Order and Order R-24004-A;
On March 24, 2026, Empire requested the OCC require OCD to modify the implementation, with a hearing occurring on May 13, 2026, and a decision from the OCC will be forthcoming;
Empire is proceeding on motions to revoke the existing permits granted to the remaining three SWD Companies disposing wastewater in the EMSU and Arrowhead Grayburg Unit Unitized Interval, while concurrently advancing litigation for trespass and damages;
oThe Company expects final resolution of this matter to result in a meaningful reduction in operating expenses and contribute to improved financial performance in New Mexico going forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST QUARTER 2026 FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS

 

  Q1-26 Q4-25 % Change
Q1-26 vs. Q4-25
Q1-25 % Change
Q1-26 vs. Q1-25
           
Net equivalent sales (Boe/d) 1,880 2,161 -13% 2,049 -8%
Net oil sales (Bbls/d) 1,248 1,359 -8% 1,329 -6%
Realized price ($/Boe) $45.41 $35.46 28% $48.76 -7%
Product Revenue ($M) $7,684 $7,049 9% $8,992 -15%
Net Loss ($M) ($6,642) ($58,953) 89% ($4,221) -57%
Adjusted Net Loss ($M)1 ($3,470) ($8,146) 57% ($4,253) 18%
Adjusted EBITDA ($M)1 ($730) ($3,794) 81% ($553) -32%

____________________

[1] Adjusted net loss 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.

 

Net sales volumes for Q1-2026 were 1,880 Boe/d, including 1,248 barrels of oil per day; 196 barrels of NGLs per day, and 2,617 thousand cubic feet per day (“Mcf/d”) or 436 Boe/d of natural gas. Oil sales volumes for Q1-2026 slightly decreased compared Q1-2025 primarily due to natural decline and operational challenges in North Dakota and New Mexico.

 

Empire reported Q1-2026 total product revenue of $7.7 million versus $9.0 million in Q1-2025. The decrease is primarily due to a lower overall production in North Dakota and New Mexico and lower realized prices across all commodities.

 

Lease operating expenses in Q1-2026 decreased to $5.2 million versus $5.8 million for Q1-2025, primarily due to lower production and efforts by the Company to reduce overall operating costs. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in workover expense period over period. Workover expenses were approximately of $0.6 million in Q1-2026 compared to $0.4 million for Q1-2025. Higher workover expense in Q1-2026 was primarily in Texas due to Empire’s gas development program.

 

Production and ad valorem taxes for Q1-2026 were $0.5 million versus $0.7 million in Q1-2025, as a result of decreased product revenues.

 

Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization (“DD&A”) and Accretion for Q1-2026 was $2.0 million versus $2.8 million for Q1-2025. The decrease in DD&A is primarily due to the impact of impairments in the fourth quarter of 2025 and lower production volumes period over period, partially offset by the additional interests acquired in New Mexico in Q1-2026. Accretion increased slightly due to the additional interest acquired in New Mexico.

 

General and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation expense, was $2.9 million, or $17.00 per Boe in Q1-2026 versus $3.2 million, or $17.34 per Boe in Q1-2025. The slight decrease in expenses was primarily due to a decrease in employee costs due to lower headcount in Q1-2026.

 

Total interest expense for Q1-2026 compared to Q1-2025 resulted in a slight increase due to a higher outstanding balance under the Company’s credit facility and additional equipment and vehicle notes. Additionally, the Company’s non-cash based interest expense was higher in 2026 due to the remaining unamortized discount related to the convertible promissory note issued on September 24, 2025, being fully amortized upon full repayment during the quarter.

 

Empire recorded a net loss of $6.6 million in Q1-2026, or ($0.18) per diluted share, versus a Q1-2025 net loss of $4.2 million, or ($0.12) per diluted share.

 

Adjusted EBITDA was ($0.7) million for Q1-2026 compared to Adjusted EBITDA of ($0.6) million in Q1-2025.


 

 


 

CAPITAL SPENDING, BALANCE SHEET & LIQUIDITY

For Q1-2026, Empire incurred approximately $1.9 million of total additions to oil and natural gas properties, which is primarily from the Company’s gas development program in Texas.

Empire successfully completed a Rights Offering in March 2026, which raised approximately $10.0 million of gross proceeds, before transaction costs.

 

As of March 31, 2026, Empire had approximately $8.8 million in cash on hand, primarily from the Rights Offering completed in March 2026, and approximately $2.7 million available on its credit facility.

 

 

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, 2025, 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, future commodity prices, 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, including inflation, tariffs and interest rates, 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.

 

 

 

CONTACTS

 

Empire Petroleum Corporation

Mike Morrisett

President & CEO

539-444-8002

Info@empirepetrocorp.com

Kali Carter

Communications & Investor Relations Manager

918-995-5046

IR@empirepetrocorp.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

           

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025   2025 
Revenue:            
Oil Sales  $7,302   $6,804   $8,049 
Gas Sales   185    (67)   548 
Natural Gas Liquids Sales   197    312    395 
Total Product Revenues   7,684    7,049    8,992 
Other   10    10    10 
Loss on Derivatives   (2,591)        
Total Revenue   5,103    7,059    9,002 
                
Costs and Expenses:               
Lease Operating Expense   5,160    7,335    5,766 
Production and Ad Valorem Taxes   507    619    712 
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization   1,417    2,999    2,226 
Impairment       51,289     
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligation   535    545    526 
General and Administrative:               
General and Administrative   2,876    3,011    3,197 
Stock-Based Compensation   189    168    531 
Total General and Administrative   3,065    3,179    3,728 
                
Total Cost and Expenses   10,684    65,966    12,958 
                
Operating Loss   (5,581)   (58,907)   (3,956)
                
Other Income and (Expense):               
Interest Expense   (480)   (529)   (296)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt   (659)        
Other Income (Expense)   78    483    31 
                
Loss Before Taxes   (6,642)   (58,953)   (4,221)
                
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)            
                
Net Loss  $(6,642)  $(58,953)  $(4,221)
                
Net Loss per Common Share:               
Basic  $(0.18)  $(1.71)  $(0.12)
Diluted  $(0.18)  $(1.71)  $(0.12)
                
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:               
Basic   36,003,701    34,501,251    33,821,203 
Diluted   36,003,701    34,501,251    33,821,203 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Condensed Operating Data

(Unaudited)

               

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025   2025 
             
Net Sales Volumes:               
Oil (Bbl)   112,317    125,059    119,635 
Natural gas (Mcf)   235,517    215,921    199,868 
Natural gas liquids (Bbl)   17,628    37,743    31,453 
Total (Boe)   169,197    198,788    184,400 
                
Average daily equivalent sales (Boe/d)   1,880    2,161    2,049 
                
Average Price per Unit:               
Oil ($/Bbl)  $65.01   $54.41   $67.28 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)  $0.79   $(0.31)  $2.74 
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)  $11.18   $8.27   $12.56 
Total ($/Boe)  $45.41   $35.46   $48.76 
                
Operating Costs and Expenses per Boe:               
Lease operating expense  $30.51   $36.90   $31.27 
Production and ad valorem taxes  $3.00   $3.11   $3.86 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion  $11.54   $17.83   $14.92 
                
General and administrative expense (excluding stock-based compensation)  $17.00   $15.15   $17.34 
Stock-based compensation  $1.12   $0.85   $2.88 
Total general and administrative expense  $18.12   $16.00   $20.22 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

   

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025   2025 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:               
Net Loss  $(6,642)  $(58,953)  $(4,221)
                
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash               
(Used In) Provided By Operating Activities:               
Stock-Based Compensation   189    168    531 
Amortization of Right-of-Use Assets   119    111    121 
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization   1,417    2,999    2,226 
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligations   535    545    526 
Impairment of Oil and Natural Gas Properties       51,289     
Loss on Commodity Derivatives   2,591         
Net Settlements on Derivative Instruments            
Gain on Financial Derivative   (78)   (484)    
Amortization of Debt Discount on Convertible Notes   115    29     
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs       113     
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt   659         
Loss (Gain) on Sale of Other Fixed Assets       2    (32)
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:               
Accounts Receivable   (815)   546    279 
Inventory, Oil in Tanks   (192)   (44)   (199)
Prepaids, Current   50    (71)   94 
Accounts Payable   1,209    1,012    1,676 
Accrued Expenses   63    (192)   599 
Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities   (190)   179    13 
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Operating Activities   (970)   (2,751)   1,613 
                
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:               
Capital Expenditures - Oil and Natural Gas Properties   (1,170)   (1,130)   (2,680)
Disposal of Other Fixed Assets       2    49 
Purchase of Other Fixed Assets   (13)   (1)   (18)
Cash Paid for Right-of-Use Assets   (109)   (100)   (113)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities   (1,292)   (1,229)   (2,762)
                
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:               
Payments on Credit Facility   (1,000)        
Proceeds from Promissory Notes - Related Party   3,000         
Payments on Promissory Note - Related Party   (2,000)        
Principal Payments of Debt   (90)   (210)   (21)
Proceeds from Rights Offering, net of transaction costs   9,948         
Proceeds from Stock Issuance and Warrant Exercises       778     
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities   9,858    568    (21)
                
Net Change in Cash   7,596    (3,412)   (1,170)
                
Cash - Beginning of Period   1,189    4,601    2,251 
                
Cash - End of Period  $8,785   $1,189   $1,081 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2026   2025 
ASSETS          
Cash  $8,785   $1,189 
Accounts Receivable   5,955    5,122 
Inventory   1,452    1,262 
Prepaids   1,109    607 
Total Current Assets   17,301    8,180 
           
Property and Equipment:          
Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Successful Efforts   152,621    148,238 
Less:   Accumulated Depletion, Amortization and Impairment   (94,747)   (93,425)
Total Oil and Gas Properties, Net   57,874    54,813 
Other Property and Equipment, Net   1,821    1,486 
Total Property and Equipment, Net   59,695    56,299 
           
Other Noncurrent Assets   999    1,394 
           
Total Assets  $77,995   $65,873 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current Liabilities:          
Accounts Payable  $12,735   $10,799 
Accrued Expenses   12,679    12,616 
Commodity Derivative Instruments   2,591     
Current Portion of Lease Liability   307    286 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt   954    641 
Total Current Liabilities   29,266    24,342 
           
Long-Term Debt   13,899    14,415 
Long-Term Note Payable - Related Party, net       1,023 
Long-Term Lease Liability   105    12 
Financial Derivative Instrument       281 
Asset Retirement Obligations   31,036    30,406 
Total Liabilities   74,306    70,479 
          
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, 39,776,304 and 34,855,815 Shares Issued and Outstanding, Respectively   99    94 
Additional Paid-in-Capital   163,123    148,191 
Accumulated Deficit   (159,533)   (152,891)
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)   3,689    (4,606)
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $77,995   $65,873 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 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.

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025   2025 
   (in thousands, except share and per share data) 
             
Net Loss  $(6,642)  $(58,953)  $(4,221)
                
Adjusted for:               
Loss (gain) on commodity derivatives   2,591         
Loss (gain) on financial derivative   (78)   (484)    
Loss (gain) on sale of other fixed assets       2    (32)
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt   659         
Net Settlements on Derivative Instruments            
Impairment       51,289     
Adjusted Net Loss  $(3,470)  $(8,146)  $(4,253)
                
Diluted Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding   36,003,701    34,501,251    33,821,203 
Adjusted Net Loss Per Common Share  $(0.10)  $(0.24)  $(0.13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net loss plus net interest expense, DD&A, accretion, amortization of right of use assets, income tax provision (benefit), and other adjustments. 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 (loss), 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.

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   December 31,   March 31, 
   2026   2025   2025 
   (in thousands) 
             
Net Loss  $(6,642)  $(58,953)  $(4,221)
                
Add Back:               
Interest expense   480    529    296 
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization   1,417    2,999    2,226 
Impairment       51,289     
Accretion   535    545    526 
Amortization of right-of-use assets   119    111    121 
EBITDA  $(4,091)  $(3,480)  $(1,052)
                
Adjustments:               
Stock-based compensation   189    168    531 
Net Settlements on Derivative Instruments            
Loss (gain) on commodity derivatives   2,591         
Loss (gain) on financial derivative   (78)   (484)    
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt   659         
Loss (gain) on sale of other fixed assets       2    (32)
                
Adjusted EBITDA  $(730)  $(3,794)  $(553)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

How did Empire Petroleum (EP) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Empire Petroleum reported lower revenue and a wider net loss in Q1 2026. Total product revenues were $7.7 million versus $9.0 million a year earlier, and net loss was $6.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with a $4.2 million loss, or $0.12 per share.

What were Empire Petroleum’s (EP) production volumes and realized prices in Q1 2026?

Empire’s Q1 2026 net sales averaged 1,880 Boe/d at $45.41 per Boe. Volumes were down from 2,049 Boe/d in Q1 2025, with 1,248 barrels of oil per day, 196 barrels of NGLs per day, and 2,617 Mcf/d of natural gas contributing to the mix.

What was Empire Petroleum’s (EP) adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2026?

Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was negative $0.7 million. This compares with negative $0.6 million in Q1 2025 and negative $3.8 million in Q4 2025, reflecting ongoing operating losses but a significant sequential improvement after prior impairments and cost actions.

How did Empire Petroleum (EP) strengthen its liquidity in Q1 2026?

Empire strengthened liquidity mainly through a March 2026 Rights Offering. The offering raised about $10.0 million of gross proceeds, lifting cash to $8.8 million at March 31, 2026, with an additional $2.7 million available on its credit facility for future operational needs.

What does Empire Petroleum’s (EP) balance sheet look like after Q1 2026?

At March 31, 2026, Empire reported total assets of $78.0 million. Total liabilities were $74.3 million, including $13.9 million of long-term debt and $31.0 million of asset retirement obligations, resulting in positive stockholders’ equity of $3.7 million, versus a deficit at year-end 2025.

How did Empire Petroleum’s (EP) operating costs change in Q1 2026?

Operating costs showed mixed trends in Q1 2026. Lease operating expense declined to $5.2 million from $5.8 million a year earlier, while workover expenses increased to about $0.6 million from $0.4 million, mainly tied to the Texas gas development program.

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