UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

þQUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2012 June 30, 2013

oTRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number: 0-7914
 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
84-0592823
(State of Incorporation or Organization)
 
84-0592823
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
633 17th Street, Suite 1900,2320, Denver, Colorado
80202-3619
(Address of principal executive office)
 
80202-3619
(Zip Code)
 
(303) 296-3076
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes þ   No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 
Large accelerated fileroAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filero Smaller reporting company o þ(Do
 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting companyþ
 
Check whether the issuer is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  
Yes o No þ

Shares of common stock outstanding on February 8,August 12, 2013: 1,720,7121,732,250
 


 
 

 
EARTHSTONE ENERGY, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
   
Item 1.Financial Statements 4
   
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: 
          December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2012201345
   
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: 
          Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011(Unaudited)(Unaudited)67
   
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: 
          NineThree Months Ended December 31,June 30, 2013 and 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)78
   
     Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: 
          December 31, 2012June 30, 201389
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1213
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2019
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2019
   
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2120
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors2120
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2120
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities2220
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures2220
   
Item 5.Other Information2220
   
Item 6.Exhibits2221
   
 
Signatures2322

 
2

 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Current Report on Form 10-Q, including information incorporated herein by reference, contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs, assumptions and information currently available to management.  The use of any statements containing the words "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect," "predict," "plan," "should," "likely," "may," "will," "continue" or similar expressions are intended to identify such statements.  All statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that we anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.  Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things:

●  our strategies, either existing or anticipated;
●  our future financial position, including anticipated liquidity; 
●  our ability to satisfy obligations from cash generated from operations;
●  amounts and nature of future capital expenditures, including future share repurchases;
●  acquisitions and other business opportunities;
●  operating costs and other expenses, including asset retirement obligation expenses;
●  wells expected to be drilled, other anticipated exploration efforts and associated expenses;
●  estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves, deferred tax assets, and depletion rates;
●  our ability to meet additional acreage, seismic and/or drilling cost requirements;
●  other estimates and assumptions we use in our accounting policies.
 
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, among others, such things as:

●  loss of senior management or technical personnel;
●  oil and natural gas prices and production costs;
●  our ability to replace oil and natural gas reserves, including changes in reserve estimates resulting from expected oil and gas prices, production rates, tax rates and production costs;
●  Ourour ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants related to our Credit Facility may be affected by events beyond our control, including market prices for our oil and gas.  Any future inability to comply with these covenants, unless waived by the Bank, could adversely affect our liquidity by rendering us unable to borrow further under the Credit Facility.
●  exploitation, development, production and exploration results, including mechanical failure;
●  the estimated costs of asset retirement obligations, including whether or not those retirement costs, in whole or in part, are ever actually incurred in the future;
●  the potential unavailability of drilling rigs and other field equipment and services;
●  the existence of unanticipated liabilities relating to existing properties or those acquired in the future, including environmental liabilities;
●  factors affecting the nature and timing of our capital expenditures, including the availability of service contractors and equipment;
●  the willingness and ability of third parties to honor their contractual commitments;
●  permitting issues;
●  the nature, extent and duration of workovers;
●  the impact and costs related to compliance with or changes in laws governing our operations;
●  acquisitions and other business opportunities (or the lack thereof) that may be pursued by us;
●  competition for properties and the effect of such competition on the price of those properties;
●  economic, market or business conditions, including any change in interest rates or inflation;
●  the lack of available capital and financing;
●  risk factors consistent with comparable companies within our industry, especially companies  with similar market capitalization and/or employee census; and
●  weather and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

3

Furthermore, forward-looking statements are made based on our current assessment available at the time. Subsequently obtained information concerning the merits of any property, as well as changes in estimated exploration and development costs and ownership interest, may result in revisions to our expectations and intentions and, thus, we may alter our plans regarding any exploration and development activities.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, those expectations may prove to be incorrect.  As with comparable companies within our industry, there are numerous factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.  All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.  Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

 
34

 
 
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEMItem 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Page 1 of 2
  December 31,  March 31, 
  2012  2012 
  (Unaudited)    
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
     Cash and cash equivalents $2,157,000  $6,778,000 
     Accounts receivable:        
          Oil and gas sales  2,988,000   2,389,000 
          Joint interest and other receivables        
                 net of allowance of ($38,000) and ($60,000), respectively  195,000   90,000 
     Other current assets  785,000   749,000 
         
Total current assets  6,125,000   10,006,000 
         
Oil and gas properties, full cost method:        
     Proved properties  48,166,000   37,112,000 
     Unproved properties  2,908,000   4,409,000 
     Accumulated depletion and impairment  (27,062,000)  (25,778,000)
         
Net oil and gas properties  24,012,000   15,743,000 
         
Support equipment and other non-current assets        
      net of accumulated depreciation of ($402,000) and ($383,000), respectively  529,000   457,000 
         
Total non-current assets  24,541,000   16,200,000 
         
Total assets $30,666,000  $26,206,000 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
4Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Page 1 of 2
 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Page 2 of 2
  December 31,  March 31, 
  2012  2012 
  (Unaudited)    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
     Accounts payable $1,280,000  $824,000 
     Accrued liabilities  3,199,000   2,610,000 
         
Total current liabilities  4,479,000   3,434,000 
         
Long-term liabilities:        
     Long term debt  2,000,000   - 
     Deferred tax liability  2,892,000   2,731,000 
     Asset retirement obligation, less current portion  1,688,000   1,693,000 
         
Total long-term liabilities  6,580,000   4,424,000 
         
Total liabilities  11,059,000   7,858,000 
         
Shareholders’ Equity:        
     Preferred shares, $0.001 par value, 600,000 authorized  -   - 
          and none issued or outstanding
     Common shares, $0.001 par value, 6,400,000 shares authorized and  18,000   18,000 
          1,802,000 and 1,788,000 shares issued, respectively
     Additional paid-in capital  23,241,000   23,108,000 
     Treasury stock, at cost, 82,000 shares  (457,000)  (457,000)
     Accumulated deficit  (3,195,000)  (4,321,000)
         
Total shareholders’ equity  19,607,000   18,348,000 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $30,666,000  $26,206,000 
  June 30,  March 31, 
  2013  2013 
  (Unaudited)    
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
     Cash and cash equivalents $2,202,000  $2,180,000 
     Accounts receivable:        
          Oil and gas sales  2,833,000   3,055,000 
          Joint interest and other receivables        
                  net of allowance of ($38,000) at June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013  131,000   328,000 
     Other current assets  780,000   814,000 
         
Total current assets  5,946,000   6,377,000 
         
Oil and gas properties, full cost method:        
     Proved properties  58,374,000   53,265,000 
     Unproved properties  1,687,000   2,156,000 
     Accumulated depletion and impairment  (28,488,000)  (27,729,000)
         
Net oil and gas properties  31,573,000   27,692,000 
         
Support equipment and other non-current assets        
      net of accumulated depreciation of ($442,000) and ($416,000), respectively  729,000   611,000 
         
Total non-current assets  32,302,000   28,303,000 
         
Total assets $38,248,000  $34,680,000 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
5

 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  December 31,  December 31, 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
Revenues:       
     Oil and gas sales $2,752,000  $3,830,000  $7,672,000  $8,815,000 
     Well service and water-disposal revenue  82,000   36,000   318,000   121,000 
                 
Total revenues  2,834,000   3,866,000   7,990,000   8,936,000 
                 
Expenses:                
     Oil and gas production  866,000   983,000   2,523,000   2,610,000 
     Production tax  239,000   350,000   697,000   688,000 
     Well service and water-disposal  18,000   -   60,000   - 
     Depletion and depreciation  577,000   363,000   1,332,000   788,000 
     Accretion of asset retirement obligation  43,000   43,000   130,000   125,000 
     General and administrative  669,000   473,000   1,977,000   1,422,000 
                 
Total expenses  2,412,000   2,212,000   6,719,000   5,633,000 
                 
Income from operations  422,000   1,654,000   1,271,000   3,303,000 
                 
Other income (expense):         
     Interest and other income  51,000   1,000   59,000   68,000 
     Interest and other expenses  (2,000)  -   (3,000)  (3,000)
                 
Total other income  49,000   1,000   56,000   65,000 
                 
Income before income tax  471,000   1,655,000   1,327,000   3,368,000 
                 
Current income tax expense  14,000   34,000   40,000   129,000 
Deferred income tax expense
  87,000   469,000   161,000   694,000 
                 
Total income tax expense  101,000   503,000   201,000   823,000 
                 
Net income $370,000  $1,152,000  $1,126,000  $2,545,000 
                 
Per share amounts:         
     Basic $0.22  $0.68  $0.65  $1.49 
     Diluted $0.22  $0.68  $0.65  $1.49 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
     Basic  1,720,712   1,706,588   1,720,712   1,710,035 
     Diluted  1,720,712   1,706,588   1,720,712   1,710,035 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Page 2 of 2
  June 30,  March 31, 
  2013  2013 
  (Unaudited)    
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
     Accounts payable $2,099,000  $1,631,000 
     Accrued liabilities  5,129,000   3,971,000 
         
Total current liabilities  7,228,000   5,602,000 
         
Long-term liabilities:        
     Long-term debt  5,000,000   4,000,000 
     Deferred tax liability  3,110,000   2,971,000 
     Asset retirement obligation, less current portion  1,872,000   1,809,000 
         
Total long-term liabilities  9,982,000   8,780,000 
         
Total liabilities  17,210,000   14,382,000 
         
Shareholders’ equity:        
     Preferred shares, $0.001 par value, 600,000 authorized  -   - 
          and none issued or outstanding        
     Common shares, $0.001 par value, 6,400,000 shares authorized and  18,000   18,000 
                1,814,000 and 1,802,000 shares issued, respectively        
     Additional paid-in capital  23,325,000   23,278,000 
     Treasury stock, at cost, 82,000 shares  (457,000)  (457,000)
     Accumulated deficit  (1,848,000)  (2,541,000)
         
Total shareholders’ equity  21,038,000   20,298,000 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $38,248,000  $34,680,000 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
6

 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended 
  December 31, 
  2012  2011 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
     Net income $1,126,000  $2,545,000 
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        
           Depletion and depreciation  1,332,000   788,000 
           Deferred income tax expense  161,000   694,000 
           Accretion of asset retirement obligation  130,000   125,000 
           Share-based compensation  133,000   66,000 
     Change in:        
           Accounts receivable, net  (704,000)  (938,000)
           Other current assets  (148,000)  62,000 
           Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities  (48,000)  (258,000)
         
Net cash provided by operating activities  1,982,000   3,084,000 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
     Oil and gas properties  (8,483,000)  (4,663,000)
     Purchases of support equipment and other non-current assets  (90,000)  (96,000)
         
Net cash (used in) investing activities  (8,573,000)  (4,759,000)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
     Borrowings on long term debt  2,000,000   - 
     Deferred financing fees  (30,000)  - 
     Purchase of treasury shares  -   (84,000)
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  1,970,000   (84,000)
         
Cash and cash equivalents:        
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (4,621,000)  (1,759,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year  6,778,000   4,051,000 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,157,000  $2,292,000 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
     Cash paid for interest $3,000  $- 
     Cash paid for income tax $341,000  $1,000 
Non-cash:        
     Increase in oil and gas property due to asset retirement obligation $35,000  $10,000 
     Accrued capital expenditures $923,000  $957,000 
     Prepaid capital expenditures $112,000  $46,000 
  Three Months Ended 
  June 30, 
  2013  2012 
Revenues:      
     Oil and gas sales $3,582,000  $2,220,000 
     Well service and water-disposal revenue  13,000   127,000 
         
Total revenues  3,595,000   2,347,000 
         
Expenses:        
     Oil and gas production  835,000   834,000 
     Production tax  309,000   196,000 
     Well service and water-disposal  37,000   23,000 
     Depletion and depreciation  786,000   294,000 
     Accretion of asset retirement obligation  49,000   43,000 
     General and administrative  693,000   681,000 
         
Total expenses  2,709,000   2,071,000 
         
Income from operations  886,000   276,000 
         
Other income (expense):        
     Interest and other income  8,000   2,000 
     Interest and other expenses  (33,000)  - 
         
Total other income (expense)  (25,000)  2,000 
         
Income before income tax  861,000   278,000 
         
Current income tax expense  27,000   12,000 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)  141,000   (4,000)
         
Total income tax expense  168,000   8,000 
         
Net income $693,000  $270,000 
         
Per share amounts:        
     Basic $0.40  $0.16 
     Diluted $0.40  $0.16 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
     Basic  1,732,250   1,720,712 
     Diluted  1,732,250   1,720,712 
 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
7

 
 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended 
  June 30, 
  2013  2012 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
     Net income $693,000  $270,000 
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by        
        operating activities:        
           Depletion and depreciation  786,000   294,000 
           Deferred income tax expense  141,000   (4,000)
           Accretion of asset retirement obligation  49,000   43,000 
           Share-based compensation  47,000   60,000 
           Amortization of deferred financing costs  3,000   - 
     Change in:        
        Accounts receivable, net  419,000   441,000 
        Other current assets  34,000   (772,000)
        Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities  716,000   (374,000)
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  2,888,000   (42,000)
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
     Oil and gas properties  (3,718,000)  (2,122,000)
     Purchases of support equipment and other non-current assets  (144,000)  (28,000)
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (3,862,000)  (2,150,000)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
     Borrowings on long-term debt  1,000,000   - 
     Deferred financing fees  (4,000)  - 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  996,000   - 
         
Cash and cash equivalents:        
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  22,000   (2,192,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year  2,180,000   6,778,000 
         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,202,000  $4,586,000 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
     Cash paid for interest $31,000  $- 
     Cash paid for income tax $-  $70,000 
Non-cash:        
     Increase in oil and gas property due to asset retirement obligation $19,000  $14,000 
     Accrued capital expenditures $903,000  $267,000 
     Prepaid capital expenditures $-  $345,000 
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012
1.Basis of Presentation
The accompanying interim financial statements of Earthstone Energy, Inc. (formerly Basic Earth Science Systems, Inc.) are unaudited.  However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes any applicable adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial and operational results for the interim period according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
At the directive of the Securities and Exchange Commission to use “plain English” in public filings, the Company will use such terms as “we,” “our,” “us” or “the Company” in place of Earthstone Energy, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary.  When such terms are used in this manner throughout the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, they are in reference only to the corporation, Earthstone Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and are not used in reference to the Board of Directors, corporate officers, management, or any individual employee or group of employees.
The financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  We believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading and suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the previous fiscal year-end.
Further, the results of operations for the three months and nine months covered by this report, are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the year.
Fair Value Measurements.  The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables and accrued liabilities, all of which are considered to be representative of their fair market value, due to the short-term and highly liquid nature of these instruments.
Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates and assumptions concern matters that are inherently uncertain.  Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period it is determined to be necessary.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  This ASU requires the Company to disclose both net and gross information about assets and liabilities that have been offset, if any, and the related arrangements.  The disclosures under this new guidance are required to be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented.  The Company is required to implement this guidance effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
2.Other Assets
  12/31/12  03/31/12 
  (Unaudited)    
Drilling and completion cost prepayments $264,000  $230,000 
Lease and well equipment inventory  323,000   412,000 
Prepaid insurance premiums  33,000   73,000 
Prepaid income tax  132,000   - 
Other current assets  33,000   34,000 
         
Total other current assets $785,000  $749,000 
 
 
8

 
 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2013
3.1. Basis of PresentationAccrued Liabilities
The accompanying interim financial statements of Earthstone Energy, Inc. (formerly Basic Earth Science Systems, Inc.) are unaudited.  However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes any applicable adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial and operational results for the interim period according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
At the directive of the Securities and Exchange Commission to use “plain English” in public filings, the Company will use such terms as “we,” “our,” “us” or “the Company” in place of Earthstone Energy, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary.  When such terms are used in this manner throughout the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, they are in reference only to the corporation, Earthstone Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and are not used in reference to the Board of Directors, corporate officers, management, or any individual employee or group of employees.
The financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  We believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading and suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the previous fiscal year-end.
Further, the results of operations for the three months covered by this report, are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.
Fair Value Measurements.  The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables and accrued liabilities, all of which are considered to be representative of their fair market value, due to the short-term and highly liquid nature of these instruments. The carrying value of the Company’s Credit Facility approximates its fair value, interest rates are variable based on prevailing market rates.
Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates and assumptions concern matters that are inherently uncertain.  Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period it is determined to be necessary.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  This ASU requires the Company to disclose both net and gross information about assets and liabilities that have been offset. The disclosures under this new guidance are required to be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented.  The Company was required to implement this guidance effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The adoption of ASU 2011-11 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
2. Other Assets
 
  12/31/12  03/31/12 
  (Unaudited)    
Accrued operations payable $2,176,000  $1,472,000 
Accrued compensation  341,000   445,000 
Accrued income tax payable and other  263,000   393,000 
Revenue and production taxes payable  116,000   167,000 
Short term asset retirement obligation  303,000   133,000 
         
Total accrued liabilities $3,199,000  $2,610,000 
  06/30/13  03/31/13 
  (Unaudited)    
Lease and well equipment inventory $371,000  $371,000 
Drilling and completion cost prepayments  208,000   210,000 
Prepaid income tax  82,000   112,000 
Other current assets  60,000   33,000 
Prepaid issuance premiums  59,000   88,000 
         
Total other current assets $780,000  $814,000 
 
4.Oil and Gas Properties
  12/31/12  03/31/12 
  (Unaudited)     
Proved properties $48,166,000  $37,112,000 
Unproved properties  2,908,000   4,409,000 
Less accumulated depletion and impairment  (27,062,000)  (25,778,000)
         
Total accrued liabilities $24,012,000  $15,743,000 
As of December 31, 2012, the Company has recorded $48,166,000 as proved property costs. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had recorded $37,112,000 as proved property costs. Additions of $11,054,000 recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2012 include $9,372,000 primarily related to intangible drilling costs and tangible completion costs in North Dakota. In addition, $1,682,000 in costs were transferred from unproved to proved properties.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company has recorded $2,908,000 as unproved property costs. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had recorded $4,409,000 as unproved property costs. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded additional unproved property costs of $181,000 and transferred $1,682,000 in costs from unproved to proved properties.
5.Long Term Debt
On December 21, 2012, the Company entered into a $25 million senior secured revolving bank credit facility (the "Credit Facility") the Bank of Oklahoma (the "Bank"). The initial borrowing base on the Credit Facility is $6 million. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is December 21, 2017. The Credit Facility is secured by mortgages on certain Company properties and an assignment of all the proceeds from severed and extracted hydrocarbons from the properties described in the mortgages. Until further notice, the Bank has suspended their right to receive the proceeds directly.
The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on indebtedness and dividends, and requirements with respect to working capital and interest coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2012, the Company is in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Facility.
Payments of interest are due quarterly in arrears at prime plus 0.75% to 1.75% or LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75%, depending on the Company's level of borrowing and election at the date of borrowing. Commitment fees on the unused amounts of the Credit Facility are due quarterly at rates from 0.35% to 0.50% on the unused amounts of the Credit Facility. At closing, the Company paid a borrowing base fee of $30,000, or 0.5%, on the $6 million borrowing base. These costs have been recorded as deferred financing costs and will be amortized over the term of the note. Additional borrowing base fees may be payable upon future increases in the borrowing base, if any. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had an outstanding balance under the Credit Facility of $2 million.
 
9

 
 
6.3. Accrued LiabilitiesIncome Tax
 
The provision for income tax is comprised of:
  Three Months Ended December 31,  Nine Months Ended December 31, 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Current:          
     Federal $13,000  $29,000  $36,000  $114,000 
     State  1,000   5,000   4,000   15,000 
 Total current income tax  14,000   34,000   40,000   129,000 
                 
Deferred:                
     Federal  80,000   438,000   149,000   648,000 
     State  7,000   31,000   12,000   46,000 
Total deferred income tax  87,000   469,000   161,000   694,000 
                 
Income tax expense $101,000  $503,000  $201,000  $823,000 
  06/30/13  03/31/13 
  (Unaudited)    
Accrued operations payable $3,862,000  $2,933,000 
Accrued compensation  539,000   429,000 
Accrued income tax payable and other  319,000   213,000 
Short-term asset retirement obligation  301,000   296,000 
Revenue and production taxes payable  108,000   100,000 
         
Total accrued liabilities $5,129,000  $3,971,000 
 
A reconciliation between the income tax provision at the statutory rate on income tax and the income tax provision for the three months and nine months ended is as follows:
4. Oil and Gas Properties
 
  06/30/13  03/31/13 
  (Unaudited)    
Proved properties $58,374,000  $53,265,000 
Unproved properties  1,687,000   2,156,000 
Less accumulated depletion and impairment  (28,488,000)  (27,729,000)
         
Total oil and gas properties $31,573,000  $27,692,000 
  Three Months Ended December 31,  Nine Months Ended December 31, 
  2012  2011  2012  2011 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Federal tax at statutory rate $160,000  $562,000  $451,000  $1,145,000 
State taxes, net of federal benefit  5,000   27,000   12,000   55,000 
Excess percentage depletion  (89,000)  (163,000)  (296,000)  (371,000)
Other adjustments, net  25,000   77,000   34,000   (6,000)
                 
Income tax expense $101,000  $503,000  $201,000  $823,000 
Effective rate expressed as a percentage                
of income before income tax  21.4%  30.4%  15.2%  24.4%
 
The overall effective tax rate expressed as a percentage of book income before income tax for the current three month period, as compared to the same period in the prior year, was lower due to nonrecurring adjustments recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2011. These adjustments were not necessary during the three months ended December 31, 2012.
As of June 30, 2013, the Company has recorded $58,374,000 as proved property costs.  As of March 31, 2013, the Company had recorded $53,265,000 as proved property costs.  Additions of $4,640,000 have been recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2013, included in these additions are $4,613,000 related to intangible drilling and completion costs and tangible drilling and completion costs. Of the total additions recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2013, 92% relate to our work in North Dakota.
As of June 30, 2013, the Company has recorded $1,687,000 as unproved property costs. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had recorded $2,156,000 as unproved property costs. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded additional unproved property costs of $138,000 related to wells in progress and $77,000 related to additional investments in unproved properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, $389,000 in well costs and $286,000 in costs related to acreage were transferred from unevaluated to depletable properties, in addition, there were leased acreage expirations of $9,000.
5. Long-Term Debt
During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the Company drew $1 million on the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2013, the Company had an outstanding balance under the Credit Facility of $5 million. As of June 30, 2013, we were not in compliance with the current ratio covenant as defined by the Credit Facility. In July 2013, a semiannual redetermination of the borrowing base was completed by the lender, subject to the satisfaction of increased collateral requirements being provided to the lender. The Company is in the process of providing the required documentation. The redetermination will result in an increase in the borrowing base from $6 million to $12 million. The increase in the borrowing base will result in the covenant violation being mitigated. The lender has not presented a notice of default related to this covenant violation to the Company. As of June 30, 2013 we were in compliance with all other covenants contained in the Credit Facility.
 
 
10

 
6. Income Tax
The provision for income tax is comprised of:
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2013  2012 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Current:      
     Federal  20,000  $11,000 
     State  7,000   1,000 
 Total current income tax  27,000   12,000 
         
Deferred:        
     Federal  133,000   (4,000)
     State  8,000   - 
Total deferred income tax  141,000   (4,000)
         
Income tax expense  168,000  $8,000 
A reconciliation between the income tax provision at the statutory rate on income tax and the income tax provision for the three months ended is as follows:
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2013  2012 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Federal tax at statutory rate $292,000  $94,000 
State taxes, net of federal benefit  9,000   - 
Excess percentage depletion  (135,000)  (93,000)
Other adjustments, net  2,000   7,000 
         
Income tax expense $168,000  $8,000 
Effective rate expressed as a percentage        
of income before income tax  19.5%  3%
The overall effective tax rate expressed as a percentage of book income before income tax for the current three month period, as compared to the same period in the prior year, was higher due to a higher pre-tax income compared to the comparable prior period, coupled with a change in excess percentage depletion.  For the current three month period, pre-tax income was $861,000 compared to $278,000 for the prior period.
11

 
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of:
 
 December 31,  March 31,  June 30,  March 31, 
 2012  2012  2013  2013 
 (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)    
Deferred tax assets:            
Statutory depletion carry-forward $1,367,000  $1,232,000  $1,572,000  $1,467,000 
Asset retirement obligation  730,000   669,000 
Other accruals  103,000   88,000   122,000   131,000 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  14,000   22,000   14,000   14,000 
                
Gross deferred tax assets  2,214,000   2,011,000   1,708,000   1,612,000 
                
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Depletion, depreciation and intangible drilling costs  (5,106,000)  (4,742,000)  (4,818,000)  (4,583,000)
                
Gross deferred tax liabilities  (5,106,000)  (4,742,000)  (4,818,000)  (4,583,000)
                
Deferred tax liabilities, net $(2,892,000) $(2,731,000) $(3,110,000) $(2,971,000)
 
Projections of future income taxes and their timing require significant estimates with respect to future operating results.  Accordingly, deferred taxes may change significantly as more information and data is gathered with respect to such events as changes in commodity prices, their effect on the estimate of oil and gas reserves and the depletion of these long-lived reserves.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and income tax from multiple state jurisdictions.
The Company’s federal income tax returns for the prior three tax years of filings and state income tax returns for the prior four years of tax filings are still subject to examination by tax authorities.
 
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and income tax from multiple state jurisdictions.
The Company's tax returns for the prior four tax years of filings are still subject to examination by tax authorities.
 
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012,2013, as well as the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes and other information appearing in Item 1 of this report.

The preparation of the Company’sour unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes including matters arising during the normal course of business.  We apply our best judgment, our knowledge of existing facts and circumstances and our knowledge of actions that we may undertake in the future in determining the estimates that will affect our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis using our historical experience, as well as other factors we believe appropriate under the circumstances, such as current economic conditions, and adjust or revise our estimates as circumstances change.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results may differ from these estimates.

As used in this report, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Earthstone Energy, Inc. and its subsidiary collectively.

As an oil and natural gas producer, our revenue, cash flow from operations, other income and profitability, reserve values, access to capital and future rate of growth are influenced by the prevailing prices of crude oil and natural gas.  Changes in commodity prices affect, both positively and negatively, our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results.  Changes in commodity prices may influence, both positively and negatively, the amount of crude oil and natural gas that we choose to produce.  Prevailing prices for such commodities fluctuate in response to changes in supply and demand and a variety of additional factors beyond our control, such as global, political and economic conditions.  Inherently, the prices received for crude oil and natural gas production are unpredictable, and such volatility is expected.  Most of our production is sold at market prices.  Obviously, if the commodity indexes fluctuate, the price that we receive for our production will fluctuate.  Therefore, the amount of revenue that we realize, as well as our estimates of future revenues, is to a large extent determined by factors beyond our control.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Outlook.  Our primary source of funding is the net cash flow from the sale of our oil and natural gas production.  The profitability and cash flow generated by our operations in any particular accounting period will be directly related to: (a) the volume of oil and gas produced and sold, (b) the average realized prices for oil and gas sold, and (c) lifting costs.  At the current price of oil, we believe the cash generated from operations, along with existing cash balances and available line of credit, should enable us to meet our existing and normal recurring obligations during the next year and beyond.

On December 21, 2012, we entered into a $25 million senior secured revolving bank Credit Facility with the Bank of Oklahoma which is intended to provide an additional source of funds to pay our share of drilling and completion costs incurred on wells drilled and completed in the Williston Basin. The initial borrowing base on the Credit Facility is $6 million and, as of December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, we had an outstanding balance of $2$5 million. Among other provisions, the Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on indebtedness and dividends, and requirements with respect to working capital and interest coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, we were not in compliance with the current ratio covenant as defined by the Credit Facility. In July 2013, a semiannual redetermination of the borrowing base was completed by the lender, subject to the satisfaction of increased collateral requirements being provided to the lender. The Company is in the process of providing the required documentation. The redetermination will result in an increase in the borrowing base from $6 million to $12 million. The increase in the borrowing base will result in the covenant violation being mitigated. The lender has not presented a notice of default related to this covenant violation to the Company. As of June 30, 2013 we were in compliance with all of the financialother covenants undercontained in the Credit Facility. Our ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants may be affected by events and other factors beyond our control, including market prices for our oil and gas.gas and the rate at which the operators of projects in which we participate drill. Any future inability to comply with these covenants, unless waived by the Bank, could adversely affect our liquidity by rendering us unable to borrow further under the Credit Facility. For further information concerning the Credit Facility and its terms, see our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2013 and footnote 5 to our unaudited financials set forth herein.2013.
 
 
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Overview of our Capital Structure.  We recognize the importance of developing our capital resource base in order to pursue our objectives.  However, subsequent to our last public offering in 1980, debt financing has been the sole source of external funding.  In addition to our routine production-related costs, general and administrative expenses and, when necessary, debt repayment requirements, we require capital to fund our exploratory and development drilling efforts and the acquisition of additional properties as well as the enhancement of heldexisting and newly acquired properties.

We have received numerous inquiries regarding the possibility of funding our efforts through equity contributions.  Given strong cash flows, we have thus far declined these overtures.  Our primary concern in this area is the dilution of our existing shareholders.  However, going forward, given that one of the key components of our growth strategy is to expand our oil and natural gas reserve base through drilling and/or acquisitions, if we were presented with a significant opportunity and available cash and bank debt financing were insufficient, it is possible we would consider alternative formsmeans of obtaining additional financing.

Hedging.  During the three months ended December 31,June 30, 2013 and 2012, and 2011, we did not participate in any hedging activities, nor did we have any open futures or option contracts. 

Working Capital. At December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, we had a working capital surplusdeficit of $1,646,000$1,282,000 (a current ratio of 1.37:0.82:1) compared to a working capital surplus at March 31, 20122013 of $6,572,000$775,000 (a current ratio of 2.91:1.14:1).  The decrease in current ratio is primarily a result of the use of cashaccounts payable and accrued operations payable for the development and exploration of oil and gas properties coupled with a decrease in cash provided by operations as discussed further below.and ongoing oil and gas operations.

Cash Flow. Cash provided by operating activities was $1,982,000$2,888,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to $3,084,000cash used in operating activities $42,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  Changes in operating cash relate primarily to the declineincrease in net income adjusted for non-cash expenses for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 compared to the same period ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  The fluctuation in deferred income tax expense, the increase in depletion primarily related to the increase in the oil and gas property balance, the timing and payment of accounts payable, accrued and accruedother liabilities, especially pertaining to capital expenditure outlays, in addition to the timing and collection of accounts receivable and the application of prepaid balances were also factors in deriving net cash flows from operations.

Overall, net cash used in investing activities increased for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, to $8,573,000$3,862,000 from $4,759,000$2,150,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  This was the result of an increase in the number of wells drilled and completed during the current period compared to the same period in the prior year, in addition to spending on the acquisitions of oil and gas property, as explained in “Capital Expenditures” below.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,970,000$996,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 related to $2 million in borrowing on a bank credit facility net of related financing fees of $30,000 paid in cash.  Netour Credit Facility.  No cash was provided by or used in financing activities was $84,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2011 related to the purchase of treasury shares.June 30, 2012.

Capital Expenditures

The amounts presented herein are presented on an accrual basis, and as such may not be consistent with the amounts presented on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows under investing activities for expenditures on oil and gas property, which are presented on a cash basis.
13


During the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, we spent $9,553,000$4,640,000 on various projects.  This compares to $5,427,000$2,748,000 for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  During the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, capital expenditures were comprised of the drilling and completioncompletions of our wells producing as of period end ($5,141,000 or 54%(24%), the drilling of 16 wells to be completed as of fiscalcalendar year end ($3,811,000 or 40%(72%), and acquiring leasehold expenditures ($304,000 or 3%acreage (4%).  The remaining costs ($297,000 or 3%majority (92%) of capital expenditures were primarily related to recompleting existing wellsspent in the Williston basin.  The remainder was spent in other areas on property improvements and miscellaneous costs.  These costs were funded primarily with internally generated cash flow and cash on hand.leasehold acreage.
 
14

We are continually evaluating drilling and acquisition opportunities for possible participation.  Typically, at any one time, several opportunities are in various stages of evaluation.  Our policy is to not disclose the specifics of a project or prospect, nor to speculate on such ventures, until such time as those various opportunities are finalized and undertaken.  We caution that the absence of news and/or press releases should not be interpreted as a lack of development or activity.

Divestitures/Abandonments

We neither sold nor plugged any wells during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2012.June 30, 2013.

Impact of Inflation and Pricing

Inflation has not had a material impact on the Companyus in recent years because of the relatively low rates of inflation in the United States.  However, the oil and natural gas industry can be cyclical and the demand for production places pressure on the economic stability and pricing within the industry.  Typically, as prices for oil and natural gas increase, associated costs rise.  Conversely, cost declines are likely to lag and may not adjust downward in proportion to declining prices.  Changes in prices impact our revenues, estimates of reserves, assessments of any impairment of oil and natural gas properties, as well as values of properties being acquired or sold.  Price changes have the potential to affect our ability to raise capital, borrow money, and retain personnel.  While we do not presently expect business costs to materially rise, higher prices for oil and natural gas could result in increases in the costs of materials, services and personnel.

Reserves

During the nine months ended December 31, 2012, proved reserves in barrels of oil equivalent (“BOE”) increased 42% from 1,335,000 at March 31, 2012 to 1,895,000 at December 31, 2012.  The reserve balance reflects the favorable impact of newly developed reserves offset by the natural decline curve for existing wells.

Other Commitments

We do not have any other commitments beyond our office lease and software maintenance contracts.
 
 
1415

 
 
Results of Operations

The following provides selected financial information and averages for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 and 2011.
2012.
 
 Three Months Ended 
  
Three Months Ended
December 31,
  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
  June 30, 
  2012  2011  2012  2011  2013  2012 
Revenue                 
Oil $2,589,000 $3,409,000  $7,263,000 $7,781,000  $3,380,000  $2,128,000 
Gas  163,000  421,000   409,000  1,034,000   202,000   92,000 
Total revenue 1
 2,752,000  3,830,000   7,672,000 8,815,000   3,582,000   2,220,000 
                    
Total production expense 2
  1,105,000  1,333,000   3,220,000  3,292,000   1,144,000   1,030,000 
                    
Gross profit $1,647,000 $2,497,000  $4,452,000 $5,523,000  $2,438,000  $1,190,000 
                    
Depletion expense $559,000 $350,000  $1,284,000 $752,000  $760,000  $279,000 
                    
Sales volume                    
Oil (Bbls) 31,549  38,809   89,717 86,427   36,967   26,999 
Gas (Mcfs) 3
 26,542  63,281   71,926 140,943   28,223   14,566 
                    
Average sales price 4
                    
Oil (per Bbl) $82.06 $87.84  $80.95 $90.03  $91.43  $78.82 
Gas (per Mcf) $6.14 $6.65  $5.69 $7.34  $7.16  $6.32 
                    
Average per BOE 5
                    
Production expense 3, 4
 $30.72 $27.01  $31.66 $29.95  $27.45  $35.00 
Gross profit 4
 $45.78 $50.59  $43.77 $50.25  $58.51  $40.44 
Depletion expense 4
 $15.54 $7.09  $12.62 $6.84  $18.24  $9.48 
 
1 
Amount does not include water service and disposal revenue.  For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, this revenue amount is net of $82,000 and $318,000, respectively,$13,000 in well service and water disposal revenue, which would otherwise total $2,834,000 and $7,990,000, respectively,$3,595,000 in revenue, compared to $36,000 and $121,000$127,000 in the respective periods ended December 31, 2011,June 30, 2012 to total $3,866,000 and $8,936,000$2,347,000 for the comparable three and nine month periodsperiod ended December 31, 2011.
June 30, 2012.
2 
Overall lifting cost (oil and gas production costs, including production taxes and the cost of workovers)
3 
Estimates of volumes are inherent in reported volumes to coincide with revenue accruals as a result of the timing of sales information reporting by third party operators.
4 
Averages calculated based upon non-rounded figures
figures.
5 Per equivalent barrel (6 thousand cubic feet, “Mcf”, of gas is equivalent to 1 barrel, “Bbl”, of oil)
 
15


Three months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 compared to three months ended December 31, 2011June 30, 2012

Overview.  Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, was $370,000$693,000 compared to net income of $1,152,000$270,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  The decreaseincrease in net income resulted from the declineincrease in oil and gas production volumes and prices coupled with a decrease in gas sales revenue as described in “Revenues” and “Volumes and Prices” below and an increase in expenses for the current three month period.below.

Revenues.  Oil sales revenue decreased $820,000 (24%increased $1,252,000 (59%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 to $2,589,000$3,380,000 from $3,409,000$2,128,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011,June 30, 2012, due to the decreaseincrease in reported production and a lowerhigher realized price per barrel as described in “Volumes and Prices” below.

Gas sales revenue decreased $258,000 (61%increased $110,000 (120%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011,edned June 30, 2012, as a result of having divested the Company’s working and/or override interestsincrease in 38 gas wellsreported production and a higher realized price per Mcf as described in Weld County, Colorado in January of this year."Volume and Prices"
 below.

16

Volumes and Prices.  Oil sales volumes declinedincreased by 19%37% for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  In addition, the average price per barrel declinedincreased by 7%16% for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  The declineincrease in oil sales volumes for the three months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011June 30, 2012 was primarily the result of the recording of significant amounts of true-upsan increase in production from prior quarters at December 31, 2011. These true-ups, totaling 4,918 barrels of oil, resultednewly producing wells, offset partially by declines in theexisting wells.

Gas sales volumes reportedincreased by 94% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 being higher than the normal volumes that would have been reported for the quarter, thereby resulting in the apparent decline in volumes reported when comparing the three months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.

The divestiture ofJune 30, 2012.  In addition, the Company’s working and/or override interests in 38 wells in Weld County, Colorado since the comparable prior year period ended December 31, 2011, resulted in the decline in our reported natural gas production.  As of December 31, 2012, we hold interests in 3 gas wells.  The 8% drop in average price per Mcf increased by 13% for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the respective periodthree months ended June 30, 2012.  The increase in gas sales volumes for the prior year had only a minor impact relativethree months ended June 30, 2013 when compared to the divestiturethree months ended June 30, 2012 was the result of the aforementioned properties.an increase in production from newly producing wells, offset partially by declines in existing wells.

Production Expense.  Production expense is comprised of the following items:

 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2012  2011  2013  2012 
           
Lease operating costs $654,000 $601,000  $697,000  $658,000 
Workover costs  186,000 304,000   116,000   171,000 
Production taxes      239,000 350,000   309,000   196,000 
Transportation and other costs         26,000  78,000   22,000   5,000 
             
Total production expense $1,105,000 $1,333,000  $1,144,000  $1,030,000 

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Oil and gas production expense decreased $228,000 (17%increased $114,000 (11%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, as compared to the expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2011,June 30, 2012, primarily due to a decrease in workover costs and a reductionan increase in production tax expense related to the reducedincreased production volume.

Routine lease operating expense (“LOE”), consisting of field personnel, fuel/power, chemicals, disposal, transportation and other costs, per BOE was $18.90$17.25 for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to $13.76$22.53 for the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  While the total dollars spent on routine lease operating expense was virtually8% higher between the same for each of thesecomparable periods, the costs are being divided over fewermore BOE in the three months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013 resulting in a higherlower cost per BOE.

As a percent of oil and gas sales revenue, routine LOE was 25%20% for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to 18%31% for the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  This increasedecrease in cost in proportion to revenue was due to a combination of the decreaseincrease in oil and gas prices, production volume, the increase inand the number of producing wells and increasingbetween the comparable periods, coupled with a lower percentage increase in LOE costs on previously producing horizontal Bakken wells.between the comparable periods.

Workover operations, which generally consist of downhole repairs on a producing well, are conducted to restore or increase production and are generally random in nature.  Therefore, workovers account for unpredictable fluctuations in oil and gas expense from period to period.  The number of wells on which workover costs are expended varies as does the extent of workover operations.  Workover expenses decreased $118,000 (39%$55,000 (32%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the respective period ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  Consequently, workover costs in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20132014 decreased to $5.17$2.78 per BOE from $6.16$5.81 per BOE in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2012.2013.

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Production taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2012, decreased 32%June 30, 2013 increased 58% over the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  As a percent of oil and gas sales revenue, production taxes remained the same between the two periods at 9%.  Because production tax rates vary from state to state our average production tax rate will vary depending on the quantities produced from each area and the production tax rates in effect for those jurisdictions.

While overall lifting costs (oil and gas production costs, including production taxes as well as workovers) decreasedincreased during the current quarter in relation to the comparable period in the prior year, those costs are spread over smallerlarger reported volumes, per BOE, for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011,June 30, 2012, causing the costs per BOE to increasedecrease from $27.01$35.00 to $30.72.$27.45.

Other Expenses.
Depletion and depreciation increased $214,000 (59%$492,000 (167%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  The increase in expense was a result of the addition of capital costs for newly drilled wells transferred into the pool of depletable property costs, offset partially byas well as an increase in total reserves andcosts related to future development of proved undeveloped wells, offset by a slight decrease in the depletion rate due to a smaller volume of BOE production to total reserves during the current quarter.

General and Administrative (“G&A”) expense increased $196,000 (41%$12,000 (2%) for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, over the expense for the three months ended December 31, 2011.  This riseJune 30, 2012.  While G&A expense increased slightly during the current quarter in relation to the comparable period in the prior year, those costs is comprised primarily of compensation-related expenses for additional employees, contract labor and consultants.

The escalation in G&A costs resulted in a 94% increase in expenseare spread over larger reported volumes, per BOE, from $9.58 for the three months ended December 31, 2011,June 30, 2013, compared to $18.60 for the three months ended December 31, 2012.June 30, 2012, causing the costs per BOE to decrease from $23.14 to $16.63.

Income Tax.For the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, we recorded income tax expense of $101,000,$168,000, as compared to $503,000$8,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011.June 30, 2012.  Our effective income tax rate was 21.4%19.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2012.June 30, 2013.  The overall effective tax rate expressed as a percentage of book income before income tax for the three months ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, as compared to the same period in 2011,2012, was lowerhigher due primarily to nonrecurring adjustmentsa higher pre-tax income compared to the comparable prior period coupled with a change in excess percentage depletion.  For the three months ended December 31, 2011.  These adjustments were not necessary during the three months ended December 31, 2012.  
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Nine months ended December 31, 2012June 30, 2013, pre-tax income was $861,000 compared to nine  months ended December 31, 2011

Overview.  Net income$278,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, was $1,126,000 compared to net income of $2,545,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease in net income resulted from the decline in oil prices and volumes coupled with a decrease in gas sales revenue as described in “Revenues” and “Volumes and Prices” below and an increase in expenses for the three monthprior period.

Revenues.  Oil sales revenue declined $518,000 (7%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, from $7,781,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 to $7,263,000 for the current period, due to a 10% lower realized price per barrel, partially offset by a 4% increase in production volume as described in “Volumes and Prices” below.

Gas sales revenue decreased $625,000 (60%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2011, as a result of having divested the Company’s working and/or override interests in 38 gas wells in Weld County, Colorado in January of 2012.

Volumes and Prices.  Oil sales volumes rose by 4% for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2011.  The average price per barrel declined by 10% for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2011.  The rise in oil sales volumes for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 was the result of the net contribution from newly producing horizontal Bakken wells in North Dakota drilled this year versus steep declines in production on previously producing horizontal Bakken wells since the comparable period in the prior year.

The divestiture of the Company’s working and/or override interests in 38 wells in Weld County, Colorado since the comparable prior year period ended December 31, 2011, resulted in the decline in our reported natural gas production.  As of December 31, 2012, we hold interests in 3 gas wells.  The 22% drop in average price per Mcf for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the respective period in the prior year had only a minor impact relative to the divestiture of the aforementioned properties.

Production Expense.  Production expense is comprised of the following items:
  
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   2012   2011 
         
Lease operating costs $1,903,000  $1,678,000 
Workover costs  573,000   665,000 
Production taxes       697,000   688,000 
Transportation and other costs  47,000   261,000 
         
Total production expense $3,220,000  $3,292,000 

Oil and gas production expense decreased $72,000 (2%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, over the expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, largely due to the reduction in transportation costs (associated with divested Colorado properties) and a reduction in workover costs, partially offset by increases in lease operating costs due to the increase in the number of producing wells.
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Routine lease operating expense (“LOE”), consisting of field personnel, fuel/power, chemicals, disposal and other costs, per BOE was $19.17 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to $17.64 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011.  Increases in lease operating costs were partially offset by reductions in transportation costs and total production expense in the nine months ended December 31, 2012. The slight increase in routine lease operating expense was allocated over a smaller production volume than in the nine months ended December 31, 2011 resulting in the increase in cost per BOE.

As a percent of oil and gas sales revenue, routine LOE was 25% for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 22% for the nine months ended December 31, 2011.
Workover operations, which generally consist of downhole repairs on a producing well, are conducted to restore or increase production and are generally random in nature. Therefore, workovers account for unpredictable fluctuations in oil and gas expense from period to period. The number of wells on which workover costs are expended varies as does the extent of workover operations. Workover expenses decreased $92,000 (14%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the respective period ended December 31, 2011 resulting in a decrease in workover costs per BOE in the nine months ended December 31, 2012 to $5.63 from $6.05 per BOE in the nine months ended December 31, 2011.
Production taxes for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, increased 1% over the nine months ended December 31, 2011. As a percent of oil and gas sales revenue, production taxes rose from 8% to 9% for the respective prior year nine month period. Because production tax rates vary from state to state our average production tax rate will vary depending on the quantities produced from each area and the production tax rates in effect for those jurisdictions.
While overall lifting costs (oil and gas production costs, including production taxes as well as workovers) decreased slightly during the current period, those costs are spread over smaller reported volumes per BOE, for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2011, causing the cost per BOE to increase from $29.95 to $31.66.
Other Expenses.
Depletion and depreciation increased $544,000 (69%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2011. The increase in expense was a result of the addition of capital costs for newly drilled wells transferred into the pool of depletable property costs offset partially by an increase in total reserves and the smaller volume of BOE production during the current nine months.
General and Administrative expense increased $555,000 (39%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, over the expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2011. This rise in costs is comprised primarily of compensation-related expenses for additional employees, contact labor and consultants, which account for $492,000 of the increase. Public company expenses and state franchise taxes were up $39,000 and $35,000, respectively, for the nine month period.
The escalation in G&A costs resulted in the 50% increase in expense per BOE from $12.94 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, to $19.44 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012.
Income Tax. For the nine months ended December 31, 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $201,000, as compared to $823,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011. Our effective income tax rate was 15.2% for the nine months ended December 31, 2012. The overall effective tax rate expressed as a percentage of book income before income tax for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, was lower due primarily to lower pre-tax income and increased capital expenditures in the current period compared to the same period in the prior year.
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
As a “smaller reporting company,” we are not required to provide this information.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, the phrase “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012.June 30, 2013.  This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

As a “smaller reporting company,” we are not required to provide this information.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

Not applicable.

Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The following summarizes monthly share repurchase activity for the thirdfirst quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013:2014:

  
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased¹
  
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
  Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan¹  Maximum Shares that May Yet be Purchased under the Plan¹ 
                 
OctoberApril 1, 20122013October 31, 2012April 30, 2013  -  $-   -   103,284 
May 1, 2013 – May 31, 2013$   
November 1, 2012 – November 30, 2012-$--   103,284 
DecemberJune 1, 20122013December 31, 2012June 30, 2013  -  $-   -   103,284 
Total  -       -     

¹
On October 22, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share buyback program for the Company to repurchase up to 50,000 pre-split shares of its common stock for a period of up to 18 months.  The program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the Company may terminate the repurchase program at any time.  On November 13, 2009, the Board of Directors increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase to 150,000 pre-split shares.  On February 10, 2010, the Board extended the termination date of the program from April 22, 2010 to October 22, 2011.  On November 7, 2011, the Board further extended the termination date of the program from October 22, 2011 to October 22, 2013. During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, no shares were repurchased under the share buyback program and 103,284 shares (11,067 post-split shares) remain available for future repurchase.

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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit No. Document
   
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Ray Singleton, President and Chief Executive Officer).
   
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Paul D. Maniscalco, Interim Chief Financial Officer).
   
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Ray Singleton, President and Chief Executive Officer).
   
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Paul D. Maniscalco, Interim Chief Financial Officer).
   
101 The following materials from the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2012,June 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
 

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report is signed by the following authorized persons on behalf of Earthstone Energy, Inc.

 
EARTHSTONE ENERGY, INC.
 
    
Date: February 8,August 12, 2013
By:By: /s/ Ray Singleton 
  Ray Singleton  
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  
    
 By:/s/ Paul D. Maniscalco 
  Paul D. Maniscalco 
  Interim Chief Financial Officer  
 
 
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