Epsilon Energy Ltd.: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

Summary

Epsilon Energy Ltd. (the “Company” or “Epsilon” or “we”) was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada on March 14, 2005, pursuant to the ABCA. The Company is extra-provincially registered in Ontario pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Epsilon is a North American on-shore focused independent natural gas and oil company engaged in the acquisition, development, gathering and production of natural gas and oil reserves. On February 14, 2019, Epsilon’s registration statement on Form 10 was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and on February 19, 2019, we began trading in the United States on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “EPSN.”

At December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s total estimated net proved reserves were 65,916 million cubic feet of natural gas reserves, 383,174 barrels of NGL reserves, and 341,286 barrels of oil and other liquids. Epsilon holds leasehold rights to approximately 84,684 gross (15,463 net) acres, excluding the Texas acreage acquired in February 2024. The Company has natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and in the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma.

We conduct operations in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiaries Epsilon Energy USA Inc., an Ohio corporation, or Epsilon Energy USA; Epsilon Midstream, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company, or Epsilon Midstream; Epsilon Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; Dewey Energy GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; Dewey Energy Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and Altolisa Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Substantially all the production from our Pennsylvania acreage (4,807 net) is dedicated to the Auburn Gas Gathering System, or the Auburn GGS, located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania for a 15-year term expiring in 2026 under an operating agreement whereby the Auburn GGS owners receive a fixed percentage rate of return on the total capital invested in the construction and maintenance of the system. We own a 35% interest in the Auburn GGS which is operated by a subsidiary of Williams Partners, LP. In 2023, we paid $2.5 million (after elimination) to the Auburn GGS to gather and treat our 7.9 Bcf of natural gas production in Pennsylvania ($2.8 million after elimination was paid to the Auburn GGS to gather and treat our 9.0 Bcf in 2022), including the fees paid to our subsidiary, Epsilon Midstream.

Our principal executive office is located at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1250, Houston, Texas 77002, and our telephone number at that address is (281) 670-0002. Our registered office in Alberta, Canada is located at 14505 Bannister Road SE, Suite 300, Calgary, AB, Canada T2X 3J3.

Business highlights of 2023

Operational Highlights

Marcellus Shale—Pennsylvania

• During the year ended December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s realized natural gas price was $1.74 per Mcf, excluding the impact of hedges, a 71% decrease from $5.96 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
• Total year ended December 31, 2023, natural gas sales were 7.9 Bcf, as compared to 9.0 Bcf during 2022.
• Gathered and delivered 66.2 Bcf gross (23.2 Bcf net to Epsilon’s interest) during the year, or 181 MMcf/d through the Auburn GGS.
• We participated in the drilling of 7 gross (0.74 net) and completion of 2 gross (0.02 net) Marcellus wells in 2023. The completed wells went into production in January 2023.
• At year end, the Company had 1 gross (0.01 net) well being drilled and 6 gross (0.73 net) wells waiting on completion.

Permian Basin—New Mexico and Texas

• During the year ended December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s realized price for all Permian Basin production was

$52.49 per BOE, excluding the impact of hedges.

• Total sales for 2023 including oil, natural gas, and other liquids was 75.7 MBOE.
• In 2023, the Company acquired 12,373 gross (3,093 net) of undeveloped leasehold acres in Ector County, Texas.
• In 2023, the Company participated in the drilling and completion of 4 gross (0.7 net) wells. These wells went into production in April 2023 (1 – New Mexico), May 2023 (1 – New Mexico) and October 2023 (2 – Texas).

Anadarko, NW STACK Trend—Oklahoma

• During the year ended December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s realized price for all Oklahoma production was $5.35 per Mcfe, excluding the impact of hedges, a 38% decrease from $8.68 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
• Total sales for 2023 including natural gas, oil, and other liquids was 0.60 Bcfe, as compared to 0.93 Bcfe during 2022.
• In 2023, the Company participated in the completion of 1 gross (0.11 net) well. The well went into production in May 2023.

Properties

Wells

As of December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s 84,684 gross (15,463 net) acres are all located in the United States and include 362 gross (37.47 net) wells.

Acreage

As of December 31, 2023, our leasehold inventory consisted of the following acreage amounts, rounded to the nearest acre:

(1) “Gross” means one-hundred percent of the working interest ownership in each leasehold tract of land.

(2) “Net” means the Company’s fractional working interest share in each leasehold tract of land on which productive wells have been drilled.

(3) “Net Undeveloped” means the Company’s fractional working interest share in each leasehold tract of land where productive wells have yet to be drilled. All of Epsilon’s Oklahoma undeveloped properties are deep rights acreage which is held by production of developed properties.

Business Segments

Our operations are conducted by three operating segments for which information is provided in our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The three segments are as follows:

Upstream: Activities include acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves on properties within the United States.

Gathering System: We partner with two other companies to operate a natural gas gathering system.

Corporate: Activities include our corporate and governance functions.

For information about our segment’s revenues, profits and losses, total assets, and total liabilities, see Note 14 “Operating Segments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Oil and Natural Gas Production and Revenues and Gathering System Revenues

A summary of our net oil and natural gas production, average oil and natural gas prices and related revenues and our gathering system revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, follows:

Gathering System Operations

Epsilon Energy USA is the 100% owner of Epsilon Midstream, which owns a 35% undivided interest in the Auburn GGS, located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, with partners Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC (43.875%) and Equinor Pipelines, LLC (21.125%). The Anchor Shippers, consisting of Epsilon Energy USA, Equinor USA Onshore Properties, Inc., and Chesapeake Energy Corporation, dedicated approximately 18,000 mineral acres to the Auburn GGS for an initial term of 15 years under an operating agreement whereby the Auburn GGS owners receive a fixed percentage rate of return on the total capital invested in the construction of the system.

During 2023, the gathering rate of the Auburn GGS was determined by a cost of service model whereby the Anchor Shippers dedicate acreage and reserves to the gas gathering system in exchange for the Auburn GGS owners agreeing to an 18% contractual rate of return on invested capital. The term of this arrangement is 15 years commencing January 1, 2012 and expiring December 31, 2026. Each year, the Auburn GGS historical and forecast throughput, revenue, operating expenses and capital expenditures are entered into the cost of service model. The model then computes the new gathering rate that will yield the contractual rate of return to the Auburn GGS owners. In January 2027, the Auburn GGS will transition to a fixed gathering rate.

Revenues from the Auburn GGS are earned primarily from the Anchor Shippers. Revenues are also earned from third-party customers of the system to transport gas from the wellhead to the compression facility, and then to the delivery meter at Tennessee Gas Pipeline. The relative mix of Anchor Shipper gas and third-party gas is critical to the revenue and earnings of the Auburn GGS because the third-party gathering rate is only 25% of the Anchor Shipper rate. Third-party shippers must pay the gathering rate of the originating gathering system plus 25% of the Auburn GGS gathering rate. The purpose of the reduced rate is to attract additional volumes that require delivery to Tennessee Gas Pipeline when there is spare capacity at the Auburn compression facility, or the “Auburn CF”. Throughput at the Auburn CF has declined from 100.1 Bcf in 2018 to 66.2 Bcf in 2023, a decrease of 34%. However, Anchor Shipper gas as a percentage of total throughput has increased from 57% in 2018 to 74% in 2023. As a result of this shift toward a higher percentage of Anchor Shipper gas, as well as higher gathering rates charged, revenues for the gathering system have only declined 2% from 2018 to 2023.

The Auburn GGS consists of approximately 44 miles of gathering pipelines, a small auxiliary compression facility and a main compression facility with three dehydration units and three Caterpillar 3612 compression units. At inception, the capacity of the Auburn CF was approximately 330,000 Mcf per day at a design suction pressure of 800 psig. The design suction pressure was subsequently reduced to 550 psig in June 2020 at the request of the Anchor Shippers. This request served to minimize throughput decline during a period of low pricing in which the drilling of new wells was undesirable. Operating at the lower design suction pressure also has the benefit of reducing hydrate occurrences in the system which can pose an operational hazard. The current system capacity of the Auburn CF at this lower design pressure is approximately 220,000 Mcf per day. The facility capacity could be increased again, if required, by either adding compression units or increasing the design suction pressure.

The Auburn CF delivers processed natural gas into the Tennessee Gas Pipeline at the Shoemaker Dehy receipt meter. The Auburn GGS is connected with the adjacent Rome GGS, which allows for the receipt of additional natural gas to maximize utilization of the Auburn CF and Tennessee Gas Pipeline meter capacity.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Auburn GGS delivered 66.2 Bcf and 66.3 Bcf respectively, of natural gas, or 181 and 182 MMcf per day.

Gathering system revenues derived from Epsilon’s production, which have been eliminated from total gathering system revenues (“elimination entry”), amounted to $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Proved Reserves

Per our reserve report prepared by independent petroleum consultants, DeGolyer and MacNaughton, our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2023, are summarized in the table below. See Risk Factors for information relating to the uncertainties surrounding these reserve categories.

Revisions to previous estimates for total proved undeveloped reserves for 2023 include additions of 14,867 MMcfe related to changes to the previously adopted development plan and reductions of 8,265 MMcfe related to commodity pricing. Transfers to proved developed relates to the development of one well in Oklahoma.

We did not engage in any exploration capital spending in 2023 or 2022. Our development capital spending to convert proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves for the periods indicated is as follows:

• In 2023 in Pennsylvania, we drilled 7 gross (0.74 net) wells and completed 2 gross (0.02 net) wells. (Net development capital $2.5 million). The two wells turned online in January 2023.
• In 2022 in Pennsylvania, we drilled 5 gross (0.05 net) wells and completed 4 gross (0.21 net) wells. (Net development capital $2.5 million). Reserves of 5.4 Bcf for the 1 well with proved undeveloped reserves were reclassified as proved developed producing as this well was turned online in August 2022. Additionally, 2 gross (0.02 net) wells were drilled in 2022, but not completed (development capital $0.1 million). They were completed and turned online in January 2023.
• In 2023 in Oklahoma, we completed 1 gross (0.11 net) well. (Net development capital $0.7 million). The

well turned online in May 2023.

• In 2022 in Oklahoma, we drilled 2 gross (0.26 net) wells and completed 3 gross (0.7 net) wells. (Net development capital $5.4 million). Reserves of 2.9 Bcfe for the 3 wells were reclassified as proved developed producing as these wells were turned online at various times beginning in March 2022 and going through October 2022. One gross (0.11 net) well was drilled in 2022, but not completed. It was completed in May 2023.

Internal Controls Over Reserves Estimation Process and Qualifications of Technical Persons with Oversight for the Company’s Overall Reserve Estimation Process

Our policies regarding internal controls over reserve estimates require reserves to be prepared by an independent engineering firm under the supervision of our Chief Operating Officer, and to be in compliance with generally accepted geologic, petroleum engineering and evaluation principles and definitions and guidelines established by the SEC. The corporate staff interacts with our internal petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals in each of our operating areas and with operating, accounting and marketing employees to obtain the necessary data for the reserves estimation process. We provide our engineering firm with property interests, production, capital budgets, current operating costs, current production prices and other information. This information is reviewed by our Chief Operating Officer to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data prior to submission to our independent engineering firm. Reserves are reviewed and approved internally by our Chief Operating Officer on a semi-annual basis. Our Chief Operating Officer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and received a Master’s Degree of Business Administration. He has over 30 years of experience in upstream exploration and production, and has managed all phases of drilling, completions, production and field operations.

The reserve information in this report is based on estimates prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, our independent petroleum consultants. Estimates of reserves were prepared by the use of appropriate geologic, petroleum engineering, and evaluation principles and techniques that are in accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4-10(a) (1)-(32) of Regulation S-X of the SEC and with practices generally recognized by the petroleum industry as presented in the publication of the Society of Petroleum Engineers entitled “Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information (revised June 2019) Approved by the SPE Board on 25 June 2019” and in Monograph 3 and Monograph 4 published by the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers. The method or combination of methods used in the analysis of each reservoir was tempered by experience with similar reservoirs, stage of development, quality and completeness of basic data, and production history.

For the evaluation of unconventional reservoirs, a performance-based methodology integrating the appropriate geology and petroleum engineering data was utilized for this report. Performance-based methodology primarily includes (1) production diagnostics, (2) decline-curve analysis, and (3) model-based analysis (if necessary, based on availability of data). Production diagnostics include data quality control, identification of flow regimes, and characteristic well performance behavior. These analyses were performed for all well groupings (or type-curve areas).

The person responsible for preparing the reserve report, Dilhan Ilk, is a Registered Professional Engineer (No.139334) in the State of Texas and a Senior Vice President of the firm. Mr. Ilk graduated from Texas A&M University with a Doctor in Philosophy degree in Petroleum Engineering, is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and has in excess of 13 years of experience in oil and gas reservoir studies and reserves evaluations.

Marketing and Major Customers

Natural gas marketing is competitive in northeast Pennsylvania because of the limited interstate transportation capacity and ample natural gas supply. We do not currently own any firm transportation on interstate pipelines that would enable us to diversify our natural gas sales to downstream locations. As a result, all of our Pennsylvania gas sales occur in Zone 4 of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline at the Shoemaker Dehy meter, which is the receipt point from the Auburn CF.

Epsilon uses a third-party service, ARM Energy Management LLC (“ARM”) for its natural gas marketing. In this capacity, ARM is responsible for carrying out marketing activities such as submission of nominations, receipt of payments, and submission of invoices.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold natural gas through ARM to 33 unique customers. Direct Energy Business Marketing, LLC and EQT Energy, LLC each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold natural gas through ARM to 26 unique customers. Direct Energy Business Marketing, LLC and SWN Energy Services Company, LLC each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue.

Geographic Locations of Operations

Approximately 77% and 88% of our revenue during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, was derived from natural gas production and gathering system revenues in the state of Pennsylvania. As a result of prolonged weak pricing in Zone 4 of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline and, therefore, a reduced pace of development, Epsilon’s management is striving to allocate capital to additional upstream opportunities outside of the Marcellus Shale. More specifically, the Company has allocated capital to the Permian Basin through its investments in New Mexico and Texas. Epsilon’s management expects to continue to seek opportunities outside of the Marcellus Shale in order to provide the Company the flexibility to respond to market conditions by allocating capital across multiple basins and commodities.

As a result of the geographic concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the effect of regional supply and demand factors, delays or interruptions of production from wells in this area caused by governmental regulation, processing or transportation capacity constraints, market limitations, weather events or interruption of the processing or transportation of crude oil or natural gas.

Competition

It is not uncommon in the oil and natural gas industry to experience shortages of drilling and completion rigs, equipment, pipe, services, and personnel, which can cause both delays in development drilling activities and significant cost increases. We are exposed to the risk of industry competition for drilling rigs, completion rigs and availability of related equipment and services, among other goods and services required in our business.

Our Status as an Emerging Growth Company

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the “JOBS Act”. Certain specified reduced reporting and other regulatory requirements are available to public companies that are emerging growth companies. These provisions include:

• an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002 (provided that this exemption will continue for such time as we are a “non-accelerated filer”);
• an exemption from the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards until they would apply to private companies;
• an exemption from compliance with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about our audit and our financial statements; and
• reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements.

We have elected to take advantage of the exemption from the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards until they would apply to private companies.

We will continue to be an emerging growth company not later than December 31, 2024.

Employees

As of December 31, 2023, we had ten full-time employees (including executive officers) in Houston, Texas. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement or represented by a union.

The foundation of our Company is our employees and our success begins with a values-driven culture and commitment to developing a skilled, agile, diverse and engaged workforce where every employee understands that they can and do make a difference. Advancing a safe, ethical, inclusive and diverse culture creates an environment that attracts and retains the high-performing workforce needed to successfully execute our strategy.

We continue to foster a culture that embraces inclusion and diversity and encourages collaboration. Our core values include inclusion and diversity, and we believe in equity and the value and voice of every employee.

Legal Proceedings

On March 10, 2021, Epsilon filed a complaint against Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC (“Chesapeake”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton, Pennsylvania (“Middle District”). Epsilon claimed that Chesapeake had breached a settlement agreement and several operating agreements (“JOAs”) to which Epsilon and Chesapeake are parties. Epsilon asserted that Chesapeake had failed to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts to develop resources in the Auburn Development, located in North-Central Pennsylvania, as required under both the settlement agreement and JOAs.

Epsilon requested a preliminary injunction but was unsuccessful in obtaining that injunction. Epsilon filed a motion to amend its original Complaint. Chesapeake opposed. The Court ruled in Epsilon’s favor and allowed Epsilon’s amendment. Chesapeake moved to dismiss the amended Complaint. The Court granted the motion to dismiss on a narrow issue without prejudice to Epsilon’s right to file a new lawsuit based on new proposals made after the Court’s decision. Epsilon filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision, but the court denied the motion for reconsideration on January 18, 2022.

Epsilon filed a notice of appeal on February 15, 2022 challenging the District Court's rulings in the case. Following the Third Circuit's ruling to remand the case back to District court, Epsilon sought and was granted a dismissal of the case without prejudice in September 2023.

Regulation

Environmental Regulation

Epsilon is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the handling, management, disposal and discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of human health, safety and the environment. Numerous governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, issue regulations to implement and enforce such laws, which often require difficult and costly compliance measures that carry substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties or that may result in injunctive relief for failure to comply. These laws and regulations may:

• require the acquisition of various permits before drilling commences;
• restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of various substances, including water and waste, that can be released into the environment;
• limit or prohibit activities on lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; and
• require remedial measures to mitigate pollution from former and ongoing operations, such as requirements to close pits and plug abandoned wells.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations increases Epsilon’s overall cost of business, but has not had, to date, a material adverse effect on Epsilon’s operations, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, it is not anticipated, based on current laws and regulations, that Epsilon will be required in the near future to expend amounts (whether for environmental control facilities or otherwise) that are material in relation to its total exploration and development expenditure program in order to comply with such laws and regulations. However, given that such laws and regulations are subject to change, Epsilon is unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance or the ultimate effect on Epsilon’s operations, financial condition and results of operations.

Climate Change

There is consensus in the international scientific community that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”) in the atmosphere will produce changes to global, as well as local, climate. Scientists project that increased concentrations of GHGs will cause more frequent, and more powerful storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If such effects were to occur, our development and production operations, as well as operations of our third party providers and customers, could be adversely affected. To date, we have not developed a comprehensive plan to address potential impacts of climate change on our operations and there can be no assurance that any such impacts would not have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Attempts to address GHGs, as well as climate change more generally, have taken the form of local, state, national and international proposals. Broadly speaking, examples include cap-and-trade programs, carbon tax proposals, GHG reporting and tracking programs, and regulations that directly limit GHGs from certain sources.

In the United States, federal proposals are rooted in the EPA’s “endangerment finding,” that was upheld by the Supreme Court. Simply, EPA has concluded that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs present an endangerment to public health and the environment. For example, the EPA adopted regulations that require Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) construction under Title V operating permit reviews for GHG emissions from certain large stationary sources that constitute major sources of emissions. Facilities required to obtain PSD permits for their GHG emissions also will be required to meet “best available control technology” standards.

Rules requiring the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from designated sources in the United States on an annual basis, including, oil and natural gas production facilities and processing, transmission, storage and distribution facilities, which include certain of our operations, have been adopted. The EPA has expanded the GHG reporting requirements to all segments of the oil and natural gas industry, including gathering and boosting facilities.

Federal agencies also have begun directly regulating emissions of methane from natural gas operations. In 2016, the EPA published New Source Performance Standards (“NSPS”), known as Subpart OOOOa, that require certain facilities to reduce methane gas and volatile organic compound emissions. EPA published amendments to those regulations effective September 15, 2020. However, on January 20, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order directing EPA to consider suspending, revising or rescinding the September 15, 2020 amendments and also to consider proposing new regulations governing methane and volatile organic compound emissions from existing oil and gas sector operations.

In November 2016, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) published a final rule to reduce methane emissions by regulating venting, flaring, and leaking from oil and natural gas operations on public lands. A federal district court vacated much of that rule in October 2020 and that decision is now subject to an appeal.

Internationally, in April 2016, the United States joined other countries in entering into a non-binding agreement in France for nations to limit their GHG emissions through country-determined reduction goals every five years beginning in 2020 (the “Paris Agreement”). Although the Trump Administration subsequently announced plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, on January 20, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order providing that he was accepting the Paris Agreement on behalf of the United States.

In addition, recent activism directed at shifting funding away from companies with energy-related assets could result in limitations on certain sources of funding for the energy sector. Ultimately, this could make it more difficult to secure funding for exploration and production or midstream activities.

Epsilon is unable to predict the timing, scope and effect of any currently proposed or future, laws, regulations or treaties regarding climate change and GHG emissions. Any limits on GHG emissions, however, could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas that production operators produce, some of whom are our customers, which could thereby reduce demand for our gas gathering services. We are currently unable to calculate or predict the direct and indirect costs of GHG or climate change related laws, regulations and treaties, and accordingly, we cannot assure you that any such efforts will not have a material impact on our operations, financial condition and results.

Hydraulic Fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of hydrocarbons. The process involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. The process is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions. However, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority over certain hydraulic fracturing practices and has finalized a study of the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing activities. In 2014, the EPA issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 requesting comments related to disclosure for hydraulic fracturing chemicals. The Department of the Interior had released final regulations governing hydraulic fracturing on federal and Native American oil and natural gas leases which require lessees to file for approval of well stimulation work before commencement of operations and require well operators to disclose the trade names and purposes of additives used in the fracturing fluids. However, in December 2017, the Bureau of Land Management published a final rule rescinding the March 26, 2015 rule (“BLM 2015 Rule”), entitled “Natural gas and oil; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands.” The primary purposes of the BLM 2015 Rule were to ensure that wells were constructed so as to protect water supplies, to ensure environmentally responsible management of fluids displaced by fracturing, and to provide public disclosure of chemicals used in fracturing operations. The net effect of the December 2017 rule making is to return the affected sections of the Code of Federal Regulations to the language that existed before the BLM’s 2015 Rule. In addition, legislation has from time to time been introduced, but not adopted, in Congress to provide for additional federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and to require additional disclosure of the chemicals used in the fracturing process. In addition, some states have adopted, and other states are considering adopting, regulations that could restrict hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances.

Epsilon is unable to predict the timing, scope and effect of any currently proposed or future laws or regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing in the United States, but there can be no assurance that the direct and indirect costs of such laws and regulations (if enacted) would not materially and adversely affect Epsilon’s operations, financial condition and results of operations.

Gathering System Regulation

Regulation of gathering facilities may affect certain aspects of Epsilon’s business and the market for Epsilon’s services. Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce have been regulated by agencies of the U.S. federal government, primarily the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or the FERC. The FERC regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates, terms and conditions of service, which affects the marketing of natural gas produced by Epsilon, as well as the revenues received for sales of Epsilon’s natural gas.

The transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce is regulated primarily under the Natural Gas Act, or the NGA, and by regulations and orders promulgated under the NGA by the FERC. In certain limited circumstances, intrastate transportation, gathering, and wholesale sales of natural gas may also be affected directly or indirectly by laws enacted by the U.S. Congress and by FERC regulations.

Market for Our Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Market Information. Commencing on February 19, 2019, the common shares of the Company trade on the NASDAQ Global Market with the ticker symbol ‘‘EPSN.’’ The last reported sales price of our common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market on March 19, 2024 was $5.01 per share.

Shareholders. We had approximately 975 shareholders of record as of March 1, 2024.

Dividends. Epsilon made aggregate quarterly distributions of $5.6 million ($0.25 per share) during the year ended December 31, 2023. The dividend is well supported and the Company intends to maintain it going forward.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Incentive Plans.

The following tables set out the number of common shares available to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options issued and the changes to the options outstanding for the year pursuant to our equity compensation plans and the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options for the periods indicated:

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had no warrants or other common share-related rights outstanding.

At December 31, 2023, under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) (See Note 7, “Shareholders’ Equity” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), we are authorized to issue 2,000,000 common shares to employees and directors of the Company. As of that date, we had 1,042,511 common shares granted under the 2020 Plan. No more shares are authorized to be issued under our predecessor plan.

The following table sets out the number of time restricted common shares available to be issued upon vesting over the next three years and the changes during the year pursuant to our share compensation plans and the weighted average market price at date of issue for outstanding shares for the periods indicated:

The following table sets out the number of performance-based common shares available to be issued upon vesting over the next three years and the changes during the year pursuant to our share compensation plans and the weighted average market price at date of issue for outstanding shares for the periods indicated:

Recent Developments

On January 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 248,700 shares at $4.82 per share (excluding commissions) under the existing share repurchase plan.

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information and risks included in, or incorporated by reference into this report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, before making any financial decisions relating to Epsilon.

Risks Related to Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Our business is dependent on oil and natural gas prices, and any fluctuations or decreases in such prices could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Revenues, profitability, liquidity, ability to access capital and future growth prospects are highly dependent on the prices received for oil and natural gas. The prices of these commodities are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile, and this volatility may continue in the future. The volatility of the energy markets generally makes it extremely difficult to predict future oil and natural gas price movements. Also, prices for oil and prices for natural gas do not necessarily move in tandem. Declines in oil or natural gas prices would not only reduce revenue but could also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that can be economically produced and therefore potentially lower natural gas and oil reserve quantities. If the oil and natural gas industry continues to experience low prices, we may, among other things, be unable to meet all our financial obligations or make planned expenditures.

Substantial and extended declines in oil and natural gas prices may result in impairments of proved natural gas and oil properties or undeveloped acreage and may materially and adversely affect our future business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, liquidity or ability to finance planned capital expenditures. To the extent commodity prices received from production are insufficient to fund planned capital expenditures, spending will be required to be reduced, assets could be sold or funds may be borrowed to fund any such shortfall.

Our long-term commercial success depends on our ability to find, acquire, develop and commercially produce oil and natural gas reserves, the failure of which could result in under-use of capital and in losses.

Oil and natural gas operations involve many risks that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Our long-term commercial success depends on our ability to find, acquire, develop and commercially produce oil and natural gas reserves. Without the continual addition of new reserves, any existing reserves that we may have at any particular time and the production from those reserves will decline over time as those reserves are exploited. A future increase in our reserves will depend not only on our ability to explore and develop any properties we may have from time to time, but also on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects. We cannot assure you that we will be able to locate and continue to locate satisfactory properties for acquisition or participation. Moreover, if we do identify such acquisitions or participations, we may determine that current markets, terms of acquisition and participation or pricing conditions make such acquisitions or participations uneconomic. We cannot assure you that we will discover or acquire further commercial quantities of oil and natural gas.

Future oil and natural gas exploration may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. Completion of a well does not ensure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could greatly increase the cost of operations, and various field operating conditions may adversely affect the production from successful wells. These conditions include delays in obtaining governmental approvals or consents, shut-ins of connected wells resulting from extreme weather conditions, insufficient storage or transportation capacity or other geological and mechanical conditions. While diligent well supervision and effective maintenance operations can contribute to maximizing production rates over time, production delays and declines from normal field operating conditions cannot be eliminated and can be expected to adversely affect revenue and cash flow levels to varying degrees.

Oil and natural gas exploration, development and production operations are subject to all the risks and hazards typically associated with such operations, including hazards such as fire, explosion, blowouts, cratering, sour gas releases and spills, each of which could result in substantial damage to oil and natural gas wells, production facilities, other property and the environment or in personal injury. In accordance with industry practice, we are not fully insured against all of these risks, nor are all such risks insurable. Although we maintain liability insurance in an amount that we consider consistent with industry practice, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits, in which event we could incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations, and the loss of the ability to use hydraulic fracturing (see risk factor regarding government legislation). Losses resulting from the occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Our reserve estimates may be inaccurate, and future net cash flows as well as our ability to replace any reserves are uncertain.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil and natural gas reserves and cash flows to be derived therefrom, including many factors beyond our control. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth herein represents estimates only. In general, estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves and the future net cash flows therefrom are based upon a number of variable factors and assumptions such as historical oil and natural gas prices, production levels, capital expenditures, operating and development costs, the effects of regulation, the accuracy and reliability of the underlying engineering and geologic data, and the availability of funds; all of which may vary from actual results. For those reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves attributable to any particular group of properties, classification of such reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net revenues expected therefrom and prepared by different engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary. Our actual production, revenues, taxes and development and operating expenditures with respect to our reserves will vary from estimates thereof and such variations could be material.

In accordance with applicable securities laws, the technical report on our oil and natural gas reserves prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent petroleum consultants, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, or the DeGolyer Reserve Report, used SEC guideline prices and cost estimates in calculating net cash flows from oil and natural gas reserve quantities included within the report. Actual future net revenue will be affected by other factors such as actual commodity prices, production levels, supply and demand for oil and natural gas, curtailments or increases in consumption by oil and natural gas purchasers, changes in governmental regulation or taxation and the impact of inflation on costs. Actual production and revenues derived therefrom will vary from the estimates contained in the DeGolyer Reserve Report, and such variations could be material. The DeGolyer Reserve Report is based in part on the assumed success of activities that we intend to undertake in future years. The oil and natural gas reserves and estimated cash flows to be derived therefrom contained in the DeGolyer Reserve Report will be reduced to the extent that such activities do not achieve the level of success assumed in the DeGolyer Reserve Report.

Our future oil and natural gas reserves, production, and derived cash flows are highly dependent on our successfully acquiring or discovering and developing new reserves. Without the continual addition of new reserves, any of our existing reserves and their production will decline as such reserves are exploited. A future increase in our reserves will depend not only on our ability to develop any properties we may have from time to time, but also on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects. There can be no assurance that our future exploration and development efforts will result in the discovery and development of additional commercial accumulations of oil and natural gas.

Risks Related to Stage of Development, Structure and Capital Resources

If there is a sustained economic downturn or recession in the United States or globally, natural gas and oil prices may fall and may become and remain depressed for a long period of time, which may adversely affect our results of operations. We may be unable to obtain additional capital required to implement our business plan, which could restrict our ability to grow.

Operations could also be adversely affected by general economic downturns or limitations on spending. An economic downturn and uncertainty may have a negative impact on our business. During 2023 and 2022, there was tremendous volatility in prices and available financing for oil and gas projects. There can be no assurance that we will be able to access capital markets to provide funding for future operations that would require additional capital beyond our current existing available capital on terms acceptable to us.

Substantial capital, which may not be available to us in the future, is required to replace and grow reserves.

We anticipate making capital expenditures for the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves in the future. If our revenues or reserves decline, we may have limited ability to expend the capital necessary to undertake or complete future drilling programs. There can be no assurance that debt or equity financing or cash generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet these requirements, or for other corporate purposes. If debt or equity financing is available, there is no assurance that it will be on terms acceptable to us. Moreover, future activities may require us to alter our capitalization significantly. Additional capital raised through the issuance of common shares or other securities convertible into common shares may result in a change of control of us and dilution to shareholders. Our inability to access sufficient capital for our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our cash flow from our reserves may not be sufficient to fund our ongoing activities at all times. From time to time, we may require additional financing in order to carry out our oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration and development activities. Failure to obtain such financing on a timely basis could cause us to forfeit our interest in certain properties, miss certain acquisition opportunities, or reduce or terminate our operations. If our revenues from our reserves decrease as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices or otherwise, it will affect our ability to expend the necessary capital to replace our reserves or to maintain our production. If our cash flow from operations is not sufficient to satisfy our capital expenditure requirements, there can be no assurance that additional debt, equity financing or the proceeds from the sale of a portion or all of our interest in one or more projects will be available to meet these requirements or available on terms acceptable to us.

The borrowing base under our credit facility may be reduced in light of commodity price declines, which could limit us in the future.

Lower commodity volumes and prices may reduce the amount of our borrowing base under our credit agreement, which is determined at the discretion of our lenders based on the collateral value of our proved reserves that have been mortgaged to the lenders, and is subject to twice yearly redeterminations, as well as special redeterminations described in the credit agreement. Upon a redetermination, if borrowings in excess of the revised borrowing capacity were outstanding, we could be forced to immediately repay a portion of the debt outstanding under our credit agreement. In addition, we may be unable to access the equity or debt capital markets to meet our obligations, including any such debt repayment obligations.

The terms of our revolving credit facility may restrict our operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.

The contract that governs our revolving credit facility contains covenants that impose operating and financial restrictions on us and may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on our ability, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, to incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, and enter into or refrain from entering into hedging contracts.

In addition, the restrictive covenants in our revolving credit facility require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may be unable to meet them.

A breach of the covenants or restrictions under the contract that governs our revolving credit facility could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. Such a default may allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt. In the event our lenders accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness.

Depending on forces outside our control, we may need to allocate our available capital in ways that we did not anticipate.

Because of the volatile nature of the oil and natural gas industry, we regularly review our budgets in light of past results and future opportunities that may become available to us. In addition, our ability to carry out operations may depend upon the decisions of other working interest owners in our properties. Accordingly, while we anticipate that we will have the ability to spend the funds available to us, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be prudent.

We may issue debt to acquire assets or for working capital.

From time to time, we may enter into transactions to acquire assets or shares of other companies. These transactions may be financed partially or wholly with debt, which may increase our debt levels. Depending on future exploration and development plans, we may require additional equity and/or debt financing that may not be available or, if available, may not be available on favorable terms. Neither our articles of incorporation nor our by-laws limit the amount of indebtedness that we may incur. The level of our indebtedness, from time to time, could impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future on a timely basis to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise.

Our potential lenders will likely require security over substantially all of our assets. If we become unable to pay our debt service charges or otherwise commit an event of default, such as bankruptcy, these lenders may foreclose on or sell our properties. The proceeds of any such sale would be applied to satisfy amounts owed to our lenders and other creditors, and only the remainder, if any, would be available to us.

Future equity transactions could result in dilution to existing stockholders.

We may make future acquisitions or enter into financing or other transactions involving the issuance of securities, which may be dilutive to existing security holders.

Competition in the natural gas and oil industry is intense, which may hinder our ability, and the ability of our third-party operating partners, to contract for drilling equipment, and we may not be able to control the scheduling and activities of contracted drilling equipment.

Oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are dependent on the availability of drilling and related equipment in the particular areas where such activities will be conducted. Demand for such limited equipment or access restrictions may affect the availability of such equipment to us and our third-party operating partners and may delay exploration and development activities. Past industry conditions have led to periods of extreme shortages of drilling equipment in certain areas of the United States. On the oil and natural gas properties that we do not operate, we will be dependent on such operators for the timing of activities related to such properties and may be largely unable to direct or control the activities of the operators.

Results of our drilling are uncertain, and we may not be able to generate high returns.

Our operations involve utilizing the latest drilling and completion techniques in order to maximize cumulative recoveries and generate high returns. If drilling results are less than anticipated or we are unable to execute our drilling program because of capital constraints, lease expirations, access to gathering systems and limited takeaway capacity or otherwise, or if crude oil and natural gas prices decline, the return on our investment in these areas may not be as attractive as anticipated. Further, less than anticipated results in developments could incur material write-downs of our oil and natural gas properties and the value of undeveloped acreage could decline in the future.

Extensive government legislation and regulatory initiatives could increase costs and impose burdensome operating restrictions that may cause operational delays.

Hydraulic fracturing, which involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into deep rock formations to stimulate oil or natural gas production, is often used in the completion of unconventional oil and natural gas wells. Currently, hydraulic fracturing is primarily regulated in the United States at the state level, which generally focuses on regulation of well design, pressure testing, and other operating practices.

However, some states and local jurisdictions across the United States, such as the State of New York, have begun adopting more restrictive regulation. Some members of the U.S. Congress and the EPA are studying environmental contamination related to hydraulic fracturing and the impact of fracturing on public health. In March 2015, the U.S. Congress introduced legislation to regulate hydraulic fracturing and require disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process, and may implement more stringent regulations in the future. Additionally, some states, such as the State of New York, have adopted, and others are considering, regulations that could restrict hydraulic fracturing. The ultimate status of such regulation is currently unknown. Any federal or state legislative or regulatory changes with respect to hydraulic fracturing could cause us to incur substantial compliance costs or result in operational delays, and the consequences of any failure to comply by us or our third-party operating partners could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our corporate structure could result in incremental tax burden in certain circumstances.

Epsilon Energy Ltd. is an Alberta company. Epsilon Energy USA Inc. (Ohio corporation) may be a U.S. real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it is determined, at any time, that the fair market value of its assets that consist of “United States real property interests,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and applicable Treasury regulations, constitute at least 50% of the combined fair market value of our real property interests and other business assets. If Epsilon Energy USA Inc. were a USRPHC, then Epsilon Energy Ltd.’s investment in Epsilon Energy USA Inc. would be a United States Real Property Interest (USRPI) for US federal tax purposes. As a result, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, or “FIRPTA,” would require Epsilon Energy Ltd. to pay U.S. federal income tax at the corporate income tax rates on capital gain distributions made by Epsilon Energy USA Inc. to Epsilon Energy Ltd. Distributions made out of earnings and profits are not expected to be subject to the FIRPTA tax but would be subject to U.S. withholding tax.

Our operations are currently geographically concentrated and therefore subject to regional economic, regulatory and capacity risks.

Approximately 77% and 88% of our revenue during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, was derived from natural gas production and gathering system revenues in the state of Pennsylvania. As a result of prolonged weak pricing in Zone 4 of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline and, therefore, a reduced pace of development, Epsilon’s management is striving to allocate capital to additional upstream opportunities outside of the Marcellus Shale. More specifically, the Company has allocated capital to the Permian Basin through its investments in New Mexico and Texas. Epsilon’s management expects to continue to seek opportunities outside of the Marcellus Shale in order to provide the Company the flexibility to respond to market conditions by allocating capital across multiple basins and commodities.

As a result of this geographic concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the effect of regional supply and demand factors, delays or interruptions of production from wells in this area caused by governmental regulation, processing or transportation capacity constraints, market limitations, weather events or interruption of the processing or transportation of crude oil or natural gas.

Delays in business operations may reduce cash flows and subject us to credit risks.

In addition to the usual delays in payments by purchasers of oil and natural gas to us or to the operators, and the delays by operators in remitting payment to us, payments from these parties may be delayed by restrictions imposed by lenders, accounting delays, delays in the sale or delivery of products, delays in the connection of wells to a gathering system, adjustment for prior periods, or recovery by the operator of expenses incurred in the operation of the properties. In addition, the transition of one operator to another as the result of an operator being bought or sold could cause additional operational delays beyond our control. Any of these delays could reduce the amount of cash flow available for our business in a given period and expose us to additional third-party credit risks.

We depend on the successful acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties to develop any future reserves and grow production and revenue in the future, and assessments of our assets may be subject to uncertainty.

Acquisitions of oil and natural gas companies and oil and natural gas assets are typically based on engineering and economic assessments made by independent engineers and our own assessments. These assessments will include a series of assumptions regarding such factors as recoverability and marketability of oil and natural gas, future prices of oil and natural gas and operating costs, future capital expenditures and royalties and other government levies which will be imposed over the producing life of the reserves. Many of these factors are subject to change and are beyond our control. In particular, the prices of, and markets for, oil and natural gas products may change from those anticipated at the time of making such assessment. In addition, all such assessments involve a measure of geologic and engineering uncertainty which could result in lower production and reserves than anticipated. Initial assessments of acquisitions may be based on analysis by our internal engineers or reports by a firm of independent engineers that are not the same as the firm that we use for our year-end reserve evaluations. Because each of these firms may have different evaluation methods and approaches, these initial assessments may differ significantly from the assessments of the firm that we use.

We depend on third-party operators and our key personnel, and competition for experienced technical personnel may negatively affect our operations.

Approximately 99% of our oil and natural gas properties are operated by third-party operators. As such, we will be dependent on such operators for the timing of activities related to such properties and will largely be unable to direct or control the activities of the operators. The objectives and strategy of those operators may not always be consistent with ours, and we have a limited ability to exercise influence over, and control the risks associated with, operations of these properties. The failure of an operator of our wells to adequately perform operations, an operator’s breach of the applicable agreements or an operator’s failure to act in ways that are in our best interests could reduce our production and revenues from our assets or could increase costs or create liability for the operator’s failure to properly maintain the well and facilities and to adhere to applicable safety and environmental standards.

In addition to the operator, our success will depend in large measure on certain key personnel. The loss of the services of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on us. We do not have key-person insurance in effect for management. The contributions of these individuals to our immediate operations are likely to be of central importance. In addition, the competition for qualified personnel in the oil and natural gas industry is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to attract and retain all personnel necessary for the development and operation of our business. Certain of our directors are also directors of other companies and as such may, in certain circumstances, have a conflict of interest requiring them to abstain from certain decisions. Conflicts, if any, will be subject to the procedures and remedies of the Conflicts Committee of our board of directors.

Our leasehold interests are subject to termination or expiration under certain conditions.

Our properties are held in the form of leases and working interests in leases, collectively referred to as “leasehold interests.” If we or our joint venture partner fails to meet the specific requirement(s) of a particular leasehold interest, the leasehold interest may terminate or expire. There can be no assurance that any of the obligations required to maintain each leasehold interest will be met. The termination or expiration of a particular leasehold interest may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may incur losses as a result of title deficiencies.

Although title reviews will be done according to industry standards before the purchase of most oil and natural gas-producing properties or the commencement of drilling wells, such reviews do not guarantee or certify that an unforeseen defect in the chain of title will not arise to defeat our claim, which could result in a reduction in our ownership interest or of the revenue that we receive.

We may be exposed to third-party credit risk, and defaults by third parties could adversely affect us.

We are or may be exposed to third-party credit risk through our contractual arrangements with current or future joint venture partners, marketers of our petroleum and natural gas production, derivative counterparties and other parties. In the event such entities fail to meet their contractual obligations to us, such failures could have a material adverse effect on us and our cash flow from operations.

We may not be insured against all of the operating risks to which we are exposed.

Our involvement in the exploration for and development of oil and natural gas properties may result in our becoming subject to liability for pollution, blow outs, property damage, personal injury or other hazards. Although before drilling we plan to obtain insurance in accordance with industry standards to address certain of these risks, such insurance may not be available, be price-prohibitive, or contain limitations on liability that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities. In addition, such risks may not in all circumstances be insurable, or, in certain circumstances, we may elect not to obtain insurance to deal with specific risks because of the high premiums associated with such insurance or other reasons. The payment of such uninsured liabilities would reduce the funds available to us. The occurrence of a significant event that we are not fully insured against, or the insolvency of the insurer of such event, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and our results of operations.

Risks Related to Commodity Prices, Hedging and Marketing

Natural gas and oil prices fluctuate widely, and low prices for an extended period would likely have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our revenues, profitability and future growth and the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of oil and natural gas. Our ability to borrow and to obtain additional capital on attractive terms is also substantially dependent upon oil and natural gas prices. Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond our control. These factors include economic conditions in the United States, the Middle East and elsewhere in the world; the actions of OPEC; governmental regulation; political stability in the Middle East and elsewhere; the foreign supply of oil and natural gas; the price of foreign imports; and the availability of alternative fuel sources. Any substantial and extended decline in the price of oil and natural gas would have an adverse effect on the carrying value of our proved reserves, borrowing capacity, revenues, profitability and cash flows from operations. There can be no assurance that recent commodity prices can be sustained over the life of our operations. There is substantial risk that commodity prices may decline in the future, although it is not possible to predict the time or extent of such decline.

Volatile oil and natural gas prices make it difficult to estimate the value of producing properties for acquisition and often cause disruption in the market for oil and natural gas producing properties, as buyers and sellers have difficulty agreeing on such value. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for and project the return on acquisitions and development and exploitation projects.

In addition, bank borrowings that may be available to us are in part determined by our borrowing base. A sustained material decline in prices from historical average prices could reduce our borrowing base, thereby reducing the bank credit available to us, which could require that a portion, or all, of our bank debt be repaid.

Hedging transactions may limit our potential gains or cause us to lose money.

From time to time, we may enter into agreements to receive fixed prices on our oil and natural gas production to offset the risk of revenue losses if commodity prices decline; however, if commodity prices increase beyond the levels set in such agreements, we will not benefit from such increases.

We are exposed to risks of loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties to our hedging arrangements. Some of our counterparties may be highly leveraged and subject to their own operating and regulatory risks. Despite our analysis, we may experience financial losses in our dealings with these and other parties with whom we enter into transactions as a normal part of our business activities. Any nonpayment or nonperformance by our counterparties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Additionally, we may, due to circumstances beyond our control, be put in a position of over-hedging. If this occurs, our revenue could be adversely affected due to the necessity of buying gas at the current market rate in order to fulfill hedging sales obligations.

Market conditions or operation impediments may hinder our access to natural gas and oil markets or delay our production.

The marketability and price of oil and natural gas that we may produce, acquire or discover will be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. Our ability to market our natural gas may depend upon our ability to acquire space on pipelines that deliver crude oil and natural gas to commercial markets. This risk is somewhat mitigated by our 35% ownership of a gathering system in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. We may also be affected by extensive government regulation relating to price, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production, and many other aspects of the oil and natural gas business.

Investor sentiment towards climate change, fossil fuels, and sustainability could adversely affect our business and our share price.

There have been efforts in recent years aimed at the investment community, including investment advisors, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, universities and other groups, to promote the divestment of shares of energy companies, as well as to pressure lenders and other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities with energy companies. If these efforts are successful, our stock price and our ability to access capital markets may be negatively impacted.

Members of the investment community are also increasing their focus on sustainability practices, including practices related to GHGs and climate change, in the energy industry. As a result, we may face increasing pressure regarding our sustainability disclosures and practices. Additionally, members of the investment community may screen companies such as ours for sustainability performance before investing in our shares.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can have a material adverse effect on the cost, manner and feasibility of doing business.

Oil and natural gas operations (exploration, production, pricing, marketing and transportation) are subject to extensive controls and regulations imposed by various levels of government that may be amended from time to time. Our operations may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration and development at our projects. It is not expected that any of these controls or regulations will affect our operations in a manner materially different than they would affect other oil and natural gas companies of similar size.

Environmental and health and safety risks may adversely affect our business.

All phases of the oil and natural gas business present environmental risks and hazards and are subject to environmental regulation pursuant to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations. Environmental legislation provides for, among other things, restrictions and prohibitions on spills and releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with oil and natural gas operations. The legislation also requires that wells and facility sites be operated, maintained, abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures and a breach may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, some of which may be material. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. The discharge of oil, natural gas or other pollutants into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to governments and third parties and may require us to incur costs to remedy such discharge. Although we believe that we are in material compliance with current applicable environmental regulations, we cannot assure you that environmental laws will not result in a curtailment of production or a material increase in the costs of production, development or exploration activities or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

We must also conduct our operations in accordance with various laws and regulations concerning occupational safety and health. Currently, we do not foresee expending material amounts to comply with these occupational safety and health laws and regulations. However, since such laws and regulations are frequently changed, we are unable to predict the future effect of these laws and regulations.

Risks Related to Cybersecurity

We may be subject to interruptions or failures in our information technology systems.

We rely on sophisticated information technology systems and infrastructure to support our business, including process control technology. Any of these systems are susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, usage errors by employees, computer viruses, cyberattacks or other security breaches or similar events. The failure of any of our information technology systems may cause disruptions in our operations, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks. A cyber incident could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

We depend on information technology systems that we manage, and others that are managed by third-party service and equipment providers, to conduct our day-to-day operations, including critical systems, and these systems are subject to risks associated with cyber incidents or attacks, especially originating from countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as broadly reported in the media. Our technology systems and networks, and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners, may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches. A cyber incident could negatively impact the Company in a number of ways, including but not limited to: (i) remediation costs, such as liability for stolen assets or information and repairs of system damage; (ii) increased cybersecurity protection costs, which may include the costs of making organizational changes, deploying additional personnel and protection technologies, training employees, and engaging third-party experts and consultants; (iii) lost revenue resulting from downtime, operational disruptions, the unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack; (iv) litigation and legal risks, including regulatory actions by state and federal governmental authorities and non-U.S. authorities and related investigation costs; (v) increased insurance premiums; (vi) reputational damage that adversely affects customer or investor confidence; (vii) the loss, theft, corruption or unauthorized release of intellectual property, proprietary information, customer and vendor data or other critical data and (viii) damage to the Company’s competitiveness, stock price, and long-term stockholder value. Certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period of time. As the sophistication of cyber incidents continues to evolve, we will likely be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. Our insurance coverage for cyberattacks may not be sufficient to cover all the losses we may experience as a result of such cyberattacks.

Risks Related to Internal Controls

For as long as we are an “emerging growth company,” we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to some other public companies.

As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. We will cease being an emerging growth company not later than December 31, 2024.

For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we will not be required to:

• have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (provided that this exemption will continue to apply for so long as we are a “non-accelerated filer”);
• comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis);
• submit certain executive compensation matters to shareholder approval (requiring a non-binding shareholder vote to approve golden parachute arrangements in connection with mergers and certain other business combinations, and advisory votes on executive compensation pursuant to the “say on frequency” and “say on pay” provisions under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; and
• include detailed compensation discussion and analysis in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and instead may provide a reduced level of disclosure concerning executive compensation.

In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period, which allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to public companies that comply with new or revised accounting standards.

Because of these exemptions, some investors may find our common shares less attractive, which may result in a less active trading market for our common shares, and our shares price may be more volatile.

If we fail to establish and maintain proper disclosure or internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements and supplemental information or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.

As we grow, we may be subject to growth-related risks including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to train and manage our employee base.

We must maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures. We must also maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting or, at the appropriate time, our independent auditors will be unwilling or unable to provide us with an unqualified report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, once we become subject to those requirements. If we fail to maintain effective controls, investors may lose confidence in our operating results, the price of our common shares could decline and we may be subject to litigation or regulatory enforcement actions.

Risks Related to Gathering System

Because of the natural decline in production from existing wells, our success depends on the Anchor Shippers’ economically developing the remaining Marcellus Shale reserves.

Our natural gas gathering system is dependent upon the level of production from natural gas wells, from which production will naturally decline over time. In order to maintain or increase throughput levels on our gathering system and compression facility, we must continually develop reserves within the Auburn GGS boundary or obtain new supplies external to the Auburn GGS boundary. Developing reserves within the system boundary is the priority as external natural gas volumes have a contractual gathering rate that is 25% of the Anchor Shipper rate. The primary factors affecting our ability to obtain new supplies of natural gas is the level of successful drilling activity from the Anchor Shippers, of which Epsilon is one, as well as our ability to compete for volumes from successful new wells drilled by third parties proximate to our system. If we are not able to obtain new supplies of natural gas to replace the natural decline in volumes from existing wells, throughput on our pipelines and the utilization rates of our compression facility would decline, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Although gross throughput at the Auburn CF has declined from 2018-2023, the share of Anchor Shipper gas has increased.

The gathering rate on the Auburn GGS is subject to a cost-of-service model which could result in a non-competitive gathering rate and reduced throughput.

The gathering rate charged by the Auburn GGS is determined by a cost-of-service model whereby the Anchor Shippers in the system, of which Epsilon is one, dedicate acreage and reserves to the gas gathering system in exchange for the Auburn GGS owners agreeing to a contractual rate of return on invested capital. The term of this arrangement is 15 years commencing in 2012 and expiring in 2026 with an 18% rate of return. Each year, the Auburn GGS historical and forecast throughput, revenue, operating expenses and capital expenditures are entered into the cost-of-service model. The model then computes the new gathering rate that will yield the contractual rate of return to the Auburn GGS owners. In January 2027, the Auburn GGS will transition to a fixed gathering rate.

Under the cost-of-service model, if total throughput on the system is lower than forecasted in the prior year, the gathering rate will increase. The 2022 model forecasts 276 Bcf throughput from 2022-2026 (approximately 69% of current capacity at the 550 psig design suction pressure) which resulted in a $0.40 gathering rate. If the gathering rate on the Auburn GGS increases, it could result in reduced or deferred development in the Auburn GGS. In one unlikely scenario, if no further development activity beyond work in progress occurs in the Auburn GGS, forecast throughput from 2022-2026 is expected to decline to 205 Bcf (approximately 52% of current capacity at the 550 psig design suction pressure) resulting in a still acceptable $0.62 gathering rate. Although the Anchor Shippers have dedicated their reserves to the Auburn GGS, they are under no obligation to develop the reserves.

Because of the large supply of gas, and limited availability of transportation out of the Marcellus Shale area, our gas is subject to a price differential.

Differential is an energy industry term that refers to the discount or premium received for the sale of a petroleum product at a specific location relative to a nationally recognized sales hub. In the Marcellus Shale, natural gas is significantly discounted to Henry Hub pricing and the size of the differential can be volatile. Many factors influence the size and duration of differentials including local supply / demand imbalances, seasonal fluctuations in demand, transportation availability and cost, as well as the regulatory environment as it pertains to constructing new transportation pipelines. In Northeast Pennsylvania, negative differentials have persisted for many years due to rapid increases in supply as a result of advances in well completion techniques. Despite substantial increases in local demand for natural gas coupled with pipeline expansions, optimizations, and new pipelines that have been brought into service, the natural gas differential in Northeast Pennsylvania remains significant. There is no guarantee that future demand or pipeline transportation projects will eliminate this differential, and it will therefore remain a significant risk to demand for transportation service on the Auburn GGS, and therefore Epsilon’s revenues and cash flows.

We compete with other operators in our gas gathering energy businesses.

Although the Anchor Shippers have dedicated their acreage and reserves to the Auburn GGS, the Auburn GGS may not be chosen by other producers in these areas to gather and compress the natural gas extracted. We compete with other companies, including co-owners of the Auburn GGS who operate other systems, for any such production from non-Anchor Shippers on the basis of many factors, including but not limited to geographic proximity to the production, costs of connection, available capacity, rates and access to markets. Competition in natural gas gathering is based in large part on existing assets, reputation, efficiency, system reliability, gathering system capacity and pricing arrangements. Our key competitors in the natural gas gathering business include independent gas gatherers and major integrated energy companies. Alternate gathering facilities are available to non-Anchor Shippers we serve, and those producers may also elect to construct proprietary gas gathering systems. A significant increase in competition in the gas gathering industry could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Several of our assets that have been in service for many years may require significant expenditures to maintain them. As a result, our maintenance or repair costs may increase in the future.

Our gathering lines and compression facility are generally long-lived assets, and many of such assets have been in service for many years. The age and condition of our assets could result in increased maintenance or repair expenditures in the future. Any significant increase in these expenditures could adversely affect our gathering rate and competitive position.

We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties, and our credit risk management will not be able to completely eliminate such risk.

We are subject to the risk of loss resulting from nonpayment and/or nonperformance by our customers and counterparties in the ordinary course of our business. Generally, our customers are rated investment grade, are otherwise considered creditworthy, or may be required to make prepayments or provide security to satisfy credit concerns. However, our credit procedures and policies cannot completely eliminate customer and counterparty credit risk. Our customers and counterparties include natural gas producers whose creditworthiness may be suddenly and disparately impacted by, among other factors, commodity price volatility, deteriorating energy market conditions, and public and regulatory opposition to energy producing activities. In a low commodity price environment certain of our customers could be negatively impacted, causing them significant economic stress including, in some cases, to file for bankruptcy protection or to renegotiate contracts. To the extent one or more of our key customers commences bankruptcy proceedings, our contracts with the customers may be subject to rejection under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or may be renegotiated. Further, during any such bankruptcy proceeding, prior to assumption, rejection or renegotiation of such contracts, the bankruptcy court may temporarily authorize the payment of value for our services less than contractually required, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. If we fail to adequately assess the creditworthiness of existing or future customers and counterparties or otherwise do not take or are unable to take sufficient mitigating actions, including obtaining sufficient collateral, deterioration in their creditworthiness, and any resulting increase in nonpayment and/or nonperformance by them could cause us to write down or write off accounts receivable. Such write-downs or write-offs could negatively affect our operating results in the periods in which they occur, and, if significant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Prices for natural gas in Northeast Pennsylvania are volatile and are subject to significant discounts from pricing at Henry Hub. This discount and volatility has and could continue to adversely affect our financial results, cash flows, access to capital and ability to maintain our existing businesses.

Our revenues, operating results, and future rate of growth depend primarily upon the price of natural gas in Northeast Pennsylvania which is currently volatile and significantly discounted to natural gas at Henry Hub due to insufficient interstate pipeline capacity out of the region. This volatility and discount has adversely impacted reserve development in the past, and could do so again in the future. A slowing pace of or complete halt to the development of Anchor Shipper reserves will impact our financial results, cash flows, and access to capital.

The financial condition of our natural gas gathering businesses is dependent on the continued availability of natural gas supplies and demand for those supplies in the markets we serve.

Our ability to expand our natural gas gathering business primarily depends on the level of drilling and production by the Anchor Shippers. Production from existing wells with access to our gathering systems will naturally decline over time. The amount of natural gas reserves underlying these existing wells may also be less than anticipated, and the rate at which production from these reserves declines may be greater than anticipated. We do not obtain independent evaluations of the third-party natural gas reserves flowing into our systems and compression facilities. Demand for our services is dependent on the demand for gas in the markets we serve. Alternative fuel sources such as electricity, coal, fuel oils, or nuclear energy could reduce demand for natural gas in our markets and have an adverse effect on our business. A failure to obtain access to sufficient natural gas supplies or a reduction in demand for our services in the markets we serve could result in impairments of our assets and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions.

There are operational risks associated with gathering and compression of natural gas, including:

• Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, extreme weather conditions and other natural disasters;
• Aging infrastructure and mechanical problems;
• Damages to pipelines and pipeline blockages or other pipeline interruptions;
• Uncontrolled releases of natural gas, brine, or industrial chemicals;
• Operator error;
• Damage caused by third-party activity, such as operation of construction equipment;
• Pollution and other environmental risks;
• Fires, explosions, craterings, and blowouts; and
• Terrorist attacks on our facilities or those of other energy companies.

Any of these risks could result in loss of human life, personal injuries, significant damage to property, environmental pollution, impairment of our operations and substantial financial losses to us. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses, and only at levels we believe to be appropriate. The location of certain segments of our facilities in or near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase the level of damages resulting from these risks. In spite of our precautions, an event such as those described above could cause considerable harm to people or property and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, particularly if the event is not fully covered by insurance. Accidents or other operating risks could further result in loss of service available to our customers.

Risk Management and Strategy

The Company considers cybersecurity risks as part of our overall risk management process. The management team works closely with our IT consultants and IT auditors to ensure potential risks are mitigated within our systems.

The Company engages a third-party IT consulting firm and conducts an annual IT audit to test our risk management processes.

The Company, together with our IT consultants and auditors, has processes that thoroughly vet third-party service providers, continuously monitoring to ensure compliance with our cybersecurity standards.

The Company has not encountered cybersecurity threats that have materially impacted our business or operations.

Governance

The Company’s Board of Directors is aware of the impact of potential cybersecurity threats and stays in close contact with management in case a threat is identified.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is the primary governing body that is tasked with the evaluation and confirmation of the Company’s cybersecurity threat mitigation processes. More specifically, they review the Company’s annual IT audits and discuss any potential threats in quarterly meetings.

The Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Controller, and Director – Finance are all involved in communications with our IT consultants and auditors. The Chief Financial Officer notifies the Audit Committee and Chief Executive Officer of any cybersecurity threats.

On March 10, 2021, Epsilon filed a complaint against Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC (“Chesapeake”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton, Pennsylvania (“Middle District”). Epsilon claimed that Chesapeake had breached a settlement agreement and several operating agreements (“JOAs”) to which Epsilon and Chesapeake are parties. Epsilon asserted that Chesapeake had failed to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts to develop resources in the Auburn Development, located in North-Central Pennsylvania, as required under both the settlement agreement and JOAs.

Epsilon requested a preliminary injunction but was unsuccessful in obtaining that injunction. Epsilon filed a motion to amend its original Complaint. Chesapeake opposed. The Court ruled in Epsilon’s favor and allowed Epsilon’s amendment. Chesapeake moved to dismiss the amended Complaint. The Court granted the motion to dismiss on a narrow issue without prejudice to Epsilon’s right to file a new lawsuit based on new proposals made after the Court’s decision. Epsilon filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision, but the court denied the motion for reconsideration on January 18, 2022.

Epsilon filed a notice of appeal on February 15, 2022 challenging the District Court's rulings in the case. Following the Third Circuit's ruling to remand the case back to District court, Epsilon sought and was granted a dismissal of the case without prejudice in September 2023.

The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of trends and significant changes in our results of operations and the financial condition of Epsilon Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries for the periods presented. This section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended together with accompanying notes.

Overview

Epsilon Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) is a North American onshore focused independent natural gas and oil company engaged in the acquisition, development, gathering and production of natural gas and oil reserves. Our areas of operations are the Marcellus Shale section of the Appalachian Basin in Pennsylvania, the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, and the NW Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma.

At December 31, 2023 our total estimated net proved reserves were 65,916 MMcf of natural gas reserves, 383,174 Bbls of NGL reserves, and 341,286 Bbls of oil and condensate, and we held leasehold rights to approximately 84,684 gross (15,463 net) acres. We have natural gas production from our non-operated wells in Pennsylvania, and natural gas, oil and other liquids production from our non-operated wells in the Permian Basin and Oklahoma.

We are committed to disciplined capital allocation which could include shareholder returns in the form of dividends and/or share buybacks. We plan to maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity position to allow us to opportunistically invest in both our existing project areas and potential new projects.

Historically, our investments have been focused on our position in the prolific Marcellus unconventional reservoir in Pennsylvania (“PA”). Our PA assets are supported by our 35% ownership in the Auburn GGS. We have a substantial remaining drillable location inventory within our existing leasehold.

On May 9, 2023, Epsilon acquired a 10% interest in two wellbores located in Eddy County, New Mexico from a private operator. The wells are currently in production. Total capital expenditure (net to Epsilon) was $2.2 million.

On May 16, 2023, Epsilon acquired a 25% working interest in 1,297 gross acres on the Central Basin Platform in Ector County, Texas from a private operator. The Company participated in the drilling and completion of 2 gross (0.5 net) wells which were put on production in October 2023. Total capital expenditures (net to Epsilon) to date are $9.3 million, including leasehold and drilling and completion costs.

On June 20, 2023, Epsilon acquired a 25% working interest in 11,067 gross acres on the Central Basin Platform in Ector County, Texas from a private operator. Total leasehold capital expenditures (net to Epsilon) to date are $6.2 million.

We continue to evaluate new opportunities in numerous onshore North American natural gas and oil basins.

During 2023, we realized net income of $7.9 million as compared to net income of $35.4 million for 2022.

At December 31, 2023, our total estimated net proved developed reserves were 50,681 MMcfe, a decrease of 37% from December 31, 2022. The decrease is mainly attributable to revisions to previous estimates related to commodity pricing.

At December 31, 2023, our total estimated net proved reserves were 70,262 MMcfe, a 25% decrease from December 31, 2022. The primarily price-related decrease in our total proved developed reserves was partially offset by increases in proved undeveloped reserves in PA from wells currently in progress. As a non-operating working interest owner, we often do not have direct control or visibility over the pace of investment in our assets by the operator. We must have confirmation from the operator on near-term development to designate an undeveloped well location as proved.

Our standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $33.0 million and $145.8 million, respectively. This measure of discounted future net cash flows does not include any estimate for future cash flows generated by our gathering system assets.

Results of Operations

The following review of operations for the periods presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

Revenues

During the year ended December 31, 2023, revenues decreased $39.3 million, or 56%, to $30.7 million from $70.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to lower realized natural gas prices in PA (down 71%), partially offset by new oil revenues from the Permian Basin.

Revenue and volume statistics for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Upstream natural gas revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $42.1 million, or 74%, from 2022. A decrease of $35.1 million was due to lower realized natural gas prices and a reduction of $7.0 million was due to lower produced volumes due to natural decline of the wells.

Upstream natural gas liquids revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $0.7 million, or 43% from 2022. A decrease of $0.5 million was due to lower natural gas liquids prices and a reduction of $0.2 million was due to lower produced volumes.

Upstream oil and condensate revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $1.9 million, or 59% over 2022. An increase of $3.3 million was due to increased production from new wells in the Permian Basin offset by a reduction of $1.4 million due to lower oil prices.

Gathering system revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $1.7 million, or 21% over 2022. This was the result of anchor shipper volumes, which pay the full gathering rate, increasing from 69% to 78% of total throughput in addition to a one-time compressor fee adjustment as a result of the operator’s internal audit of the gathering system. Revenues derived from transporting and compressing our production, which have been eliminated from gathering system revenues, amounted to $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Operating Costs

The following table presents total cost and cost per unit of production (Mcfe), including ad valorem, severance, and production taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Operating costs include the effects of elimination entries to remove the gathering fees paid to Epsilon’s ownership in the gathering system.

Upstream operating costs consist of lease operating expenses necessary to extract natural gas and oil, including gathering and treating the natural gas and oil to ready it for sale. For the year ended December 31, 2023, upstream operating costs decreased by $0.7 million, or 10.1% from the same period in 2022. Operating costs in 2022 were higher due to higher produced volumes and extraordinary plugging and abandonment costs related to atypical wellbore conditions in two older vintage wells in Pennsylvania, which is not representative of the other wells.

Gathering system operating costs consist primarily of rental payments for the natural gas fueled compression units and overhead fees due to the system’s operator. For the year ended December 31, 2023, gathering system operating costs increased by $0.2 million, or 7.5% from the same period in 2022.

Depletion, Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion (DD&A)

Natural gas and oil and gathering system assets are depleted and depreciated using the units of production method aggregating properties on a field basis. For leasehold acquisition costs and the cost to acquire proved and unproved properties, the reserve base used to calculate depreciation and depletion is total proved reserves. For natural gas and oil development and gathering system costs, the reserve base used to calculate depletion and depreciation is proved developed reserves. A reserve report is prepared as of December 31, each year.

Depreciation expense includes amounts pertaining to our office furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements and computer hardware. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from 3 to 7 years. Also included in depreciation expense is an amount pertaining to buildings owned by the Company. Depreciation for the buildings is calculated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 30 years.

Accretion expense is related to the asset retirement costs.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, DD&A expense increased by $1.2 million, or 19%, compared to the same period in 2022. This increase was a result of the lower reserves causing an increased depletion rate in addition to four new producing wells in the Permian Basin.

Loss (gain) on Sale of Assets

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had a loss on sale of assets of $1.4 million, compared to a gain of $0.2 million in 2022 due to the assets sold in 2023 having a larger net book value than the asset sold in 2022. Epsilon sold two Oklahoma assets in April 2023 and one Oklahoma asset in April 2022.

General and Administrative (“G&A”)

G&A expenses consist of general corporate expenses such as compensation, legal, accounting and professional fees, consulting services, travel and other related corporate costs such as stock options granted and restricted shares of stock granted and the related non-cash compensation.

G&A expenses were generally consistent compared to the same period in 2022, decreasing by $0.03 million, or 0%.

Interest Income

During the year ended December 31, 2023, interest income increased by $1.2 million, or 269%, from the same period in 2022. This increase was primarily due to the utilization of additional financial instruments with higher prevailing interest rates in 2023.

Interest Expense

Interest expense relates to the interest and commitment fees paid on the revolving line of credit.

Interest expense increased by $0.03 million, or 58%, during the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2022. The increase is due to the front-end fees on our new credit facility put in place during 2023.

Net gain (loss) on commodity contracts

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had NYMEX Henry Hub (“HH”) Natural Gas Futures swaps and Tennessee Gas Pipeline Zone 4 basis swap derivative contracts for the purpose of hedging a portion of its physical natural gas sales revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had NYMEX HH two-way collars and Tennessee Gas Pipeline Zone 4 basis swap derivative contracts for the same hedging purpose. The amounts recorded represent the fair value changes on our derivative instruments during the year. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received net cash settlements of $3,251,890. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid net cash settlements of $1,225,837.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding NYMEX HH swaps totaling 1.07 Bcf with a strike price of $5.212 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 1.07 Bcf with a strike price of ($1.25) to hedge a portion of expected volumes for the contract period of April 2023 to October 2023.

In September 2023, the Company added NYMEX HH swaps totaling 0.38 Bcf with a strike price of $3.315 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 0.38 Bcf with a strike price of ($0.73) to hedge a portion of the expected volumes for the contract period of November 2023 to March 2024. The Company also added NYMEX HH swaps totaling 1.07 Bcf with a strike price of $3.1975 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 1.07 Bcf with a strike price of ($1.145) to hedge a portion of the expected volumes for the contract period of April 2024 to October 2024.

In October 2023, the Company added NYMEX HH swaps totaling 0.38 Bcf with a strike price of $3.455 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 0.38 Bcf with a strike price of ($0.81) to hedge a portion of the expected volumes for the contract period of November 2023 to March 2024. The Company also added NYMEX HH swaps totaling 0.535 Bcf with a strike price of $3.29 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 0.535 Bcf with a strike price of ($1.20) to hedge a portion of the expected volumes for the contract period of April 2024 to October 2024.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding NYMEX HH swaps totaling 1.905 Bcf with a weighted average strike price of $3.25 and Tennessee Z4 basis swaps totaling 1.905 Bcf with a weighted average strike price of ($1.10) to hedge a portion of expected volumes for the contract period of January 2024 to October 2024.

Income Tax Expense

During the year ended December 31, 2023, income tax expense decreased by $9.0 million, or 74%, from the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in taxable income as a result of lower realized commodity prices.

Net Income Compared to Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before (1) net interest expense, (2) taxes, (3) depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense, (4) impairments of natural gas and oil properties, (5) non-cash stock compensation expense, (6) gain or loss on sale of assets, (7) gain or loss on derivative contracts net of cash received or paid on settlement, and (8) other income. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance as determined under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity.

Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We have included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because its management believes that EBITDA provides useful information regarding our ability to service debt and to fund capital expenditures. It further provides investors a helpful measure for comparing operating performance on a "normalized" or recurring basis with the performance of other companies, without giving effect to certain non-cash expenses and other items. This provides management, investors and analysts with comparative information for evaluating us in relation to other natural gas and oil companies providing corresponding non-U.S. GAAP financial measures or that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, measures for financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The table above sets forth a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, which is the most directly comparable measure of financial performance calculated under U.S. GAAP and should be reviewed carefully.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Cash Flow

The primary source of cash during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was funds generated from operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023 the primary uses of cash were the acquisition and development of upstream properties, investment in U.S. Treasury bills, the repurchase of shares of common stock, and the distribution of dividends. For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash was primarily used for the development of upstream properties, the repurchase of common stock, and the distribution of dividends.

At December 31, 2023, we had a working capital surplus of $33.2 million, a decrease of $16.0 million from the $49.2 million surplus at December 31, 2022. The surplus decreased from December 31, 2022 due to lower cash and short term investment balances. We anticipate that our current cash balance, short term investments, available borrowings, and cash flows from operations to be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022

During the year ended December 31, 2023, $17.5 million was provided by our operating activities, compared to $38.0 million in 2022, a $20.5 million, or 54%, decrease. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in realized prices resulting in decreased revenue.

The company used $37.7 million for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $7.9 million in 2022, a $29.8 million, or 379%, increase. The Company made a $17.9 million investment in U.S. Treasury bills and $19.8 million in capital investment in the upstream properties.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, $11.7 million of cash used for financing activity was primarily related to the repurchase of our common shares and the payment of quarterly dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2022, $12.0 million of cash used for financing activity was primarily related to the repurchase of our common shares and the payment of quarterly dividends. This was offset by $0.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Credit Agreement

The Company closed a senior secured reserve based revolving credit facility on June 28, 2023 with Frost Bank as issuing bank and sole lender. The new facility replaced the Company’s previous facility. The initial commitment and borrowing base is $35 million (redetermined as of December 6, 2023), supported by the Company’s upstream assets in Pennsylvania and subject to semi-annual redeterminations with a maturity date of the earlier of June 28, 2027. Interest will be charged at the Daily Simple SOFR rate plus a margin of 3.25%. The facility is secured by the assets of the Company’s Epsilon Energy USA subsidiary (Borrower). There are currently no borrowings under the facility.

Under the terms of the facility, the Company must adhere to the following financial covenants:

• Current ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 (current assets / current liabilities)
• Leverage ratio of less than 2.5 to 1.0 (total debt / income adjusted for interest, taxes and non-cash amounts)

Additionally, if the leverage ratio is greater than 1.0 to 1.0, or the borrowing base utilization is greater than 50%, the Company is required to hedge 50% of the anticipated production from PDP reserves for a rolling 24 month period.

Repurchase Transactions

On March 9, 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to 2,292,644 common shares, representing 10% of our outstanding common shares, for an aggregate purchase price of not more than US $15.0 million. The program is pursuant to a normal course issuer bid and will be conducted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The program commenced on March 27, 2023, and will end on March 26, 2024, unless the maximum amount of common shares is purchased before then or Epsilon provides earlier notice of termination. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 968,149 common shares and spent $4,940,295 at an average price of $5.08 per share (excluding commissions) under the new plan.

The previous share repurchase program commenced on March 8, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased 982,500 common shares of the maximum of 1,183,410 authorized for repurchase and spent $6,234,879 under the plan. The repurchased stock had an average price of $6.32 per share (excluding commissions) and was subsequently retired during the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2023, we repurchased and retired 190,700 common shares and spent $1,115,306 at an average price of $5.82 per share (excluding commissions) before the plan terminated on March 7, 2023.

In 2023, the Company repurchased 1,158,849 shares and spent $6,055,601 at an average price of $5.20 per share (excluding commissions) under the two consecutive repurchase programs.

On March 19, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to 2,191,320 common shares, representing 10% of the current outstanding common shares of Epsilon, for an aggregate purchase price of not more than US $12.0 million. The program is pursuant to a normal course issuer bid and will be conducted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The program will commence on March 27, 2024 and end on March 26, 2025, unless the maximum amount of common shares is purchased before then or Epsilon provides earlier notice of termination.

Derivative Transactions

The Company has entered into hedging arrangements to reduce the impact of natural gas price volatility on operations. By removing the price volatility from a significant portion of natural gas production, the potential effects of changing prices on operating cash flows have been mitigated, but not eliminated. While mitigating the negative effects of falling commodity prices, these derivative contracts also limit the benefits we might otherwise receive from increases in commodity prices.

At December 31, 2023, Epsilon’s outstanding natural gas commodity swap contracts consisted of the following:

Contractual Obligations

We enter into commitments for capital expenditures in advance of the expenditures being made. At a given point in time, it is estimated that we have committed to capital expenditures equal to approximately one quarter of our capital budget by means of giving the necessary authorizations to the asset operator to incur the expenditures in a future period. As of December 31, 2023, our commitments for capital expenditures were nil.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and SEC rules which require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. We identify certain accounting policies as critical based on, among other things, their impact on the portrayal of our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and the degree of difficulty, subjectivity and complexity in their application. Critical accounting estimates cover accounting matters that are inherently uncertain because the future resolution of such matters is unknown. Management routinely discusses the development, selection and disclosure of each of the critical accounting estimates. Described below are the most significant accounting policies we apply in preparing our consolidated financial statements. We also describe the most significant estimates and assumptions we make in applying these policies.

Proved Natural Gas and Oil Reserves

Our engineers estimate proved natural gas and oil reserves in accordance with SEC regulations, which directly impact financial accounting estimates, including depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairments of proved properties and related assets. Proved reserves represent estimated quantities of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas that geological and engineering data demonstrate, with reasonable certainty, to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under economic and operating conditions existing at the time the estimates were made. The process of estimating quantities of proved natural gas and oil reserves is complex, requiring significant subjective decisions in the evaluation of all available geological, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. There are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of such data, as well as the projection of future rates of production and timing of development expenditures. Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas and oil that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, engineering and geological interpretation, and judgment. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that ultimately, the reserves will be produced, nor can there be assurance that the proved undeveloped reserves will be developed within the period anticipated. The data for a given reservoir may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. Consequently, material revisions (upward or downward) to existing reserve estimates may occur from time to time. We cannot predict the types of reserve revisions that will be required in future periods. For related discussion, see the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Supplemental Information to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Impairments

The carrying value of unproved and proved oil and natural gas properties and gathering system assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amounts for those assets may not be recoverable. Such indicators include changes in our business plans, changes in commodity prices leading to unprofitable performance, and, for natural gas and oil properties, significant downward revisions of estimated proved reserve quantities or significant increases in the estimated development costs.

We compare expected undiscounted future cash flows at a depreciation, depletion and amortization group level to the carrying value of the asset. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows, based on our estimates of (and assumptions regarding) future oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, development expenditures, anticipated production from proved reserves and other relevant data, are lower than the carrying value of the asset, the carrying value is reduced to fair value. Fair value is generally calculated using the “Income Approach” based on estimated discounted net cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows require significant judgment, and the assumptions used in preparing such estimates are inherently uncertain. In addition, such assumptions and estimates are reasonably likely to change in the future. Significant inputs used to determine the fair values of proved properties include estimates of: (i) reserves; (ii) future operating and development costs; (iii) future commodity prices and (iv) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate.

We evaluate impairment of proved natural gas and oil properties on an area basis. On this basis, certain fields may be impaired because they are not expected to recover their entire carrying value from future net cash flows. The basis for future depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion will take into account the reduction in the value of the asset as a result of any accumulated impairment losses. Unproved natural gas and oil properties are assessed periodically for impairment based on remaining lease terms, drilling results, reservoir performance, future plans to develop acreage, and other relevant factors.

When circumstances indicate that the gathering system properties may be impaired, Epsilon compares expected undiscounted future cash flows related to the gathering system to the unamortized capitalized cost of the asset. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows are lower than the unamortized capitalized cost, the capitalized cost is reduced to fair value. Fair value is generally calculated using the Income Approach, which considers estimated discounted future cash flows.

Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”)

We recognize asset retirement obligations under ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. ASC 410 requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. For our upstream properties, these obligations consist of estimated future costs associated with the plugging and abandonment of natural gas and oil wells, removal of equipment and facilities from leased acreage and land restoration in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws. For our gathering system, these obligations consist of estimated future costs associated with the removal of equipment and facilities from leased acreage and land restoration in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws. The discounted fair value of an ARO liability is required to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred, with the associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the natural gas and oil or gathering system asset. The initial recognition of an ARO fair value requires that management make numerous assumptions regarding such factors as the amounts and timing of settlements; the credit-adjusted risk-free discount rate; and the inflation rate. In periods subsequent to the initial measurement of an ARO, period-to-period changes are recognized in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. Increases in the ARO liability due to the passage of time impact net income as accretion expense. The related capitalized cost, including revisions thereto, is charged to expense through DD&A over the life of the natural gas and oil property or gathering system asset.

Income Taxes

Tax regulations and legislation in the U.S. and Canada are subject to change and differing interpretations requiring judgment. We compute income taxes using the asset-and-liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, as well as loss and tax credit carryforwards. Changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in income in the period such changes are enacted.

We establish a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider all positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, the existence of cumulative losses, estimates of future operating income, and the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Income tax filings are subject to audits and re-assessments. Changes in facts, circumstances, and interpretations of the standards may result in a material increase or decrease in our provision for income taxes.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our earnings and cash flow are significantly affected by changes in the market price of commodities. The prices of oil and natural gas can fluctuate widely and are influenced by numerous factors such as demand, production levels, and world political and economic events and the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Should the price of oil or natural gas decline substantially, the value of our assets could fall dramatically, impacting our future options and exploration and development activities, along with our gas gathering system revenues. In addition, our operations are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business, including interest rate and certain exposure as well as risks relating to changes in the general economic conditions in the United States.

Gathering System Revenue Risk

The Auburn Gas Gathering System lies within the Marcellus Shale with historically high levels of recoverable reserves and low cost of production. We believe that a short-term low commodity price environment will not significantly impact the reserves produced and thus the revenue of our gas gathering system.

Derivative Contracts

The Company’s financial results and condition depend on the prices received for natural gas production. Natural gas prices have fluctuated widely and are determined by economic and political factors. Supply and demand factors, including weather, general economic conditions, the ability to transport the gas to other regions, as well as conditions in other natural gas regions, impact prices. Epsilon has established a hedging strategy and may manage the risk associated with changes in commodity prices by entering into various derivative financial instrument agreements and physical contracts. Although these commodity price risk management activities could expose the Company to losses or gains, entering into these contracts helps to stabilize cash flows and support the Company’s capital spending program.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Epsilon as such term is defined in the Exchange Act. Our internal control structure is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are properly executed and recorded. The internal control structure includes, among other things, established policies and procedures, the selection and training of qualified personnel as well as management oversight.

With the participation of our management, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “2013 Framework)”. Based upon our evaluation under the 2013 Framework, we have concluded that as of December 31, 2023 our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by Epsilon’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit Epsilon to provide only management's report in this Annual Report. We were not required to have, nor have we, engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the rules of the Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.