| Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the associated notes thereto of this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or SEC).
As used below, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “Genie,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Genie Energy Ltd., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that contain the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” and similar words and phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in any forward-looking statement. In addition to the factors specifically noted in the forward-looking statements, other important factors, risks and uncertainties that could result in those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A to Part I “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this report and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth in this report and the other information set forth from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19)
During the first quarter 2020, the world and the United States experienced the unprecedented impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not experience significant impacts to our financial results or operational activities due to COVID-19. Our consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, increased by $17.4 million equivalent to 20.1%. However, restrictions put in place on certain activities are having an impact on our operations, including our customer acquisition activities.
We anticipate that COVID-19 will have a mixed impact on our business operations and financial results. In the short term, with our predominantly residential customers spending more time at home, we expect to benefit from an increase in per meter electricity consumption. Additionally, with door to door meter acquisition suspended, meter acquisition expense and customer churn are decreasing. Balancing this positive impact, restrictions on certain sales activities will likely slow customer acquisition for the duration of the pandemic and we may experience net meter attrition as a result.
We did not experience any significant changes in our workforce composition and were able to implement our business continuity plans with no significant impact to our ability to maintain our operations. We continue to maintain strong physical and cybersecurity measures in order to both serve our operational needs with a remote workforce to ensure that we provide services to our customers. We face challenges due to the need to operate with a remote workforce and are addressing those challenges so as to minimize the impact on our ability to operate.
Through the date of this filing, our balance sheet remains strong - we continue to have sufficient liquidity and we expect to continue to fund our operations through our operating cash flows.
There are many uncertainties regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are closely monitoring those impacts of on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact our customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, and business partners. We are currently unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position and operating results due to the complexities of the impacts and numerous uncertainties that are beyond the Company's control. We expect to continue to assess the evolving impact of COVID-19 on its business and assets and intends to make adjustments to its responses accordingly.
Overview
We are comprised of Genie Retail Energy ("GRE"), Genie Retail Energy International ("GRE International"), Genie Energy Services ("GES") and Genie Oil & Gas ("GOGAS").
GRE owns and operates retail energy providers ("REPs"), including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square Energy ("TSE"), Southern Federal and Mirabito Natural Gas. GRE's REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas primarily to residential and small business customers, with the majority of the customers in the Eastern United States.
GRE International holds the Company's 73.0% interest in its joint venture that serves retail customers in the United Kingdom ("U.K."), its wholly-owned venture in Japan, its 92.5% controlling interest in Lumo Energia Ojy ("Lumo"), a REP serving residential customers in Finland, and 100% of Lumo Energi AB, which was formed in 2019 to serve retail customers in Sweden.
GES holds Diversegy, a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers throughout U.S. and our 60.0% controlling interest in Prism. Prism is a solar solutions company that is engaged in U.S. based manufacturing of solar panels, solar installation design and solar energy project management.
We also operate (and own 97.0% of the equity of) GOGAS, an oil and gas exploration company and owns a minority interest in a contracted drilling services company ("Atid 613"). GOGAS’ four exploration projects are inactive. GOGAS holds 86.1% interest in Afek Oil and Gas ("Afek"), an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. GOGAS also holds a 37.5% interest in a contracted drilling services company in Israel ("Atid 613").
As part of our ongoing business development efforts, we seek out new opportunities, which may include complementary operations or businesses that reflect horizontal or vertical expansion from our current operations. Some of these potential opportunities are considered briefly and others are examined in further depth. In particular, we seek out acquisitions to expand the geographic scope and size of our REP businesses.
Genie Retail Energy
GRE operates REPs that resell electricity and/or natural gas to residential and small business customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. GRE’s revenues represented approximately 90.9% and 97.9% of our consolidated revenues in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
Seasonality and Weather
The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s REPs' revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters or summers have the opposite effects. Unseasonable temperatures in other periods may also impact demand levels. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 46.9% and 50.3% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 31.8% and 29.5% of GRE’s electricity revenues for the 2020 and 2019, respectively, were generated in the third quarters of those years. GRE's REP's revenues and operating income are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated financial results for the full year.
Purchase of Receivables
Utility companies offer purchase of receivable, or POR, programs in most of the service territories in which we operate. GRE’s REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in POR programs for a majority of their receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase those REPs’ receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to those REPs. GRE’s REPs’ primary credit risk is therefore nonpayment by the utility companies. In both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 the associated cost was approximately 1.2% of GRE's revenue. At March 31, 2020, 88.7% of GRE’s net accounts receivables were under a POR program.
Class Action Lawsuits
Although GRE endeavors to maintain best sales and marketing practices, such practices have been the subject of certain class action lawsuits.
On October 5, 2018, two named plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint against IDT Energy alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227 et seq. in connection with its telemarketing practices. IDT Energy denies the allegations in the complaint, which it believes to be meritless and is vigorously defending this action. On October 31, 2019 the court granted IDT Energy’s motion to bifurcate individual from class claims to expedite discovery and dispositive motions related to the named plaintiffs. On January 9, 2020, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion for summary judgment to dismiss one of the named plaintiffs for lack of personal jurisdiction. Based upon the Company’s assessment of this matter, a loss based on the merits is not considered probable, nor is the amount of loss, if any, estimable as of March 31, 2020.
On February 18, 2020, named Plaintiff Danelle Davis filed a putative class action complaint against Residents Energy and GRE in United States District of New Jersey alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C § 227 et seq. IDT energy denies allegations in the complaint which it to be meritless and plans to vigorously defend this action. Based upon the Company's preliminary assessment of this matter, a loss is not considered probably, nor is the amount of loss, nor is the amount of loss if any, estimable.
See Notes 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference.
Agency and Regulatory Proceedings
From time to time, the Company responds to inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes. The Company cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions or whether the Company and the regulatory parties will enter into settlements before a formal claim is made. See Notes 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference, for further detail on agency and regulatory proceedings.
New York Public Service Commission Proceedings
In December 2017, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York.On December 12, 2019, following the completion of post-hearing briefings in the proceedings, the PSC issued an order adopting changes to the New York retail energy market, effective August 10, 2020 (“2020 Order”). The 2020 Order limits the types of services energy retailer marketers may offer new customers or renewals, in terms of pricing for non-renewable commodities, and renewable product offerings. Although the Company is working to ensure that its products and services are fully compatible with the 2020 Order, such compliance may adversely impact customer acquisition and renewal revenue and profitability. The Company is evaluating its options, both by itself and in tandem with other industry participants, to challenge or petition for additional clarity and changes to the 2020 Order. There is insufficient basis to deem any loss probable or to assess the amount of any possible loss based on the changes instituted by the 2020 Order. As of March 31, 2020, New York represented 22.3% of GRE’s total meters served and 16.8% of the total residential customer equivalents (“RCEs”) of GRE’s customer base. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, New York gross revenues were $17.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively.
An RCE represents a natural gas customer with annual consumption of 100 mmbtu or an electricity customer with annual consumption of 10 MWh. Because different customers have different rates of energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profile of a given retail customer base.
State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
On September 19, 2018, the State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) commenced an investigation into Town Square following customer complaints of allegedly misleading and deceptive sales practices on the part of Town Square. The Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel has joined in the investigation. Although Town Square denies any basis for those complaints and any wrongdoing on its part, it is cooperating with the investigation and responding to subpoenas for discovery. As of March 31, 2020, Town Square’s Connecticut customer base represented 12.4% of GRE’s total meters served and 13.9% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, Town Square’s gross revenues from sales in Connecticut were $7.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, no claims or demands have been made against Town Square by either agency, and there is insufficient basis to deem the loss probable or to the assess the amount of any possible loss.
State of Illinois Office of the Attorney General
In response to complaints that IDT Energy enrolled consumers without their express consent and misrepresented the amount of savings those consumers would receive, the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Illinois (“IL AG”) has been investigating the marketing practices of IDT Energy and has alleged violations of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, 815 ILCS 505/1 et seq. and the Illinois Telephone Solicitations Act, 815 ILCS 413/1 et seq. Shortly thereafter, the Illinois Commerce Commission ("IL ICC") commenced a similar investigation. Although IDT Energy denies any wrongdoing in connection with those allegations, the parties (including the IL ICC) settled the matter pursuant to a court approved consent decree that includes restitution payments in the amount of $3.0 million, temporary suspension of all marking activities directed at new customers through December 1, 2020, and implementation of various compliance and reporting procedures.
In third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a liability of $3.0 million recorded as a reduction of electricity revenues in the consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2020, Illinois represented 4.1% of GRE’s total meters served and 2.0% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, IDT Energy’s gross revenues from sales in Illinois were $1.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Critical accounting policies are those that require application of management’s most subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Our critical accounting policies include those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies, see our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 19—Recently Issued Accounting Standards, to the current period’s consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
We evaluate the performance of our operating business segments based primarily on income (loss) from operations. Accordingly, the income and expense line items below income (loss) from operations are only included in our discussion of the consolidated results of operations.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Genie Retail Energy Segment
|
| Three months ended March 31,
| | Change
|
|
(amounts in thousands) |
| 2020 | | | 2019 | | | $ | | | % | |
Revenues: |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Electricity |
| $ | 63,075 | | | $ | 57,811 | | | $ | 5,264 | | | | 9.1 | % |
Natural gas |
| | 16,070 | | | | 18,706 | | | | (2,636 | ) | | | (14.1 | ) |
Total revenues |
| | 79,145 | | | | 76,517 | | | | 2,628 | | | | 3.4 | |
Cost of revenues |
| | 51,542 | | | | 51,839 | | | | (297 | ) | | | (0.6) | |
Gross profit |
| | 27,603 | | | | 24,678 | | | | 2,925 | | | | 11.9 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
| | 14,585 | | | | 11,175 | | | | 3,410 | | | | 30.5 | |
Income from operations |
| $ | 13,018 | | | $ | 13,503 | | | $ | (485 | ) | | | ((3.6) | )% |
Revenues. Electricity revenues increased in three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increase is due to increase in electricity consumption partially offset by decrease in the average rate per kilowatt hour sold in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs' customers increased 16.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in electricity consumption reflected an increase in average number of meters served which increased by 18.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The average rate per kilowatt hour sold decreased 6.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The average consumption per meter slightly decreased by 1.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
GRE’s natural gas revenues decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Natural gas consumption by GRE’s REPs’ customers decreased 9.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 reflecting a 15.6% decrease in average consumption per meter in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 partially offset by an increase of 7.1% in average meters served in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
The customer base for GRE’s REPs as measured by meters served consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2020 |
|
| December 31, 2019 | | | September 30, 2019 | | | June 30, 2019 | | | March 31, 2019 | |
Meters at end of quarter: | |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Electricity customers | | 313 |
|
| | 297 | | | | 314 | | | | 307 | | | | 277 | |
Natural gas customers | | 71 |
|
| | 73 | | | | 74 | | | | 71 | | | | 67 | |
Total meters | | 384 |
|
| | 370 | | | | 388 | | | | 378 | | | | 344 | |
Gross meter acquisitions in three months ended March 31, 2020, were 69,000 compared to 85,000 for the same period in 2019. Gross meter acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2019 includes the impact of a municipal aggregation deal in New Jersey which added approximately 35,000 meters.
Meters served increased by 14,000 or 3.8% from December 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020. In the three months ended March 31, 2020, average monthly churn decreased to 4.7% compared to 5.3% for same period in 2019. The reduction in churn reflects the impact of a shift in our customer mix related to channel, product and geography.
The average rates of annualized energy consumption, as measured by RCEs, are presented in the chart below. An RCE represents a natural gas customer with annual consumption of 100 mmbtu or an electricity customer with annual consumption of 10 MWh. Because different customers have different rates of energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profile of a given retail customer base.
(in thousands) | | March 31, 2020 |
|
| December 31, 2019 | | | September 30, 2019 | | | June 30, 2019 | | | March 31, 2019 | |
RCEs at end of quarter: | |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Electricity customers | | 272 |
|
| | 248 | | | | 266 | | | | 259 | | | | 243 | |
Natural gas customers | | 58 |
|
| | 61 | | | | 61 | | | | 59 | | | | 57 | |
Total RCEs | | 330 |
|
| | 309 | | | | 327 | | | | 318 | | | | 300 | |
RCEs increased 10.0% at March 31, 2020 compared to March 31, 2019 primarily due to our recent focus on adding high quality and high consumption meters.
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin Percentage. GRE’s cost of revenues and gross margin percentage were as follows:
| | Three months ended March 31,
| | Change
|
(amounts in thousands) | | 2020
| | 2019
| | $
| | %
|
Cost of revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electricity | | $ | 43,072 | | | $ | 40,600 | | | $ | 2,472 | | | | 6.1 | % |
Natural gas | | | 8,470 | | | | 11,239 | | | | (2,769 | ) | | | (24.6 | ) |
Total cost of revenues | | $ | 51,542 | | | $ | 51,839 | | | $ | (297 | ) | | | (0.6 | )% |
| Three months ended March 31, | |
(amounts in thousands) | 2020
| | 2019 | | | Change
| |
Gross margin percentage: | | | | | | | | | |
Electricity | | 31.7 | % | | | 29.8 | % | | | 1.9 | % | |
Natural gas | | 47.3 | | | | 39.9 | | | | 7.4 | | |
Total gross margin percentage | | 34.9 | % | | | 32.3 | % | | | 2.6 | % | |
Cost of revenues for electricity increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 primarily because of an increase in electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs’ customers partially offset by a decrease in the average unit cost of electricity. The average unit cost of electricity decreased 9.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Gross margin on electricity sales increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 because the average rate charged to customers increased more than the average unit cost of electricity.
Cost of revenues for natural gas decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 primarily because of decreases in both the average unit cost of natural gas and natural gas consumption by GRE's REPs' customers. The average unit cost of natural gas decreased 16.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Gross margin on natural gas sales decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 because the average rate charged to customers increased less than the increase in the average unit cost of natural gas.
Selling, General and Administrative. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to the increase in customer acquisition costs. The gross customer additions in the three months ended March 31, 2019 incudes municipal aggregation deal in New Jersey which added approximately 35,000 meters which had lower per meter acquisition costs. Commission expenses increased $2.5 million in the three and March 31, 2020,compared to the same periods in 2019. Personnel-related and marketing expenses increased by $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 due to increased pace of customer acquisition activities. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased from 14.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2019 to 18.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
GRE International Segment
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
| Change
|
|
(amounts in thousands) |
| 2020
|
| 2019
|
|
| $ |
|
| % |
|
Revenues |
| $ | 6,953 |
|
| $ | 4,843 |
|
| $ | 2,110
|
|
| 43.6 | % |
Cost of revenue |
|
| 7,241 |
|
|
| 4,861 |
|
|
| 2,380 |
|
| 49.0 |
|
Gross loss |
|
| (288
| ) |
|
| (18 | ) |
|
| (270 | ) |
| 1,500.0 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
| 2,231
|
|
|
| 1,726 |
|
|
| 505 |
|
| 29.3 |
|
Loss from operations |
| $ | (2,519 | ) |
| $ | (1,744 | ) |
| $ | (775 | ) |
| 44.4 |
|
Equity in net loss of joint venture |
| $ | — |
|
| $ | (1,070 | ) |
| $ | 1,070 | |
| (100.0 | )% |
nm—not meaningful
GRE International holds our stakes in REPs outside of North America. These businesses currently include our stake in Shoreditch, which operates as Orbit Energy in the U.K., Genie Japan, and our controlling stake in Lumo, which operates in certain portions of Scandinavia. We account for our investments in Shoreditch under the equity method of accounting. Under this method we record our share in the net income or loss of Shoreditch. Therefore, revenue generated, and expenses incurred are not reflected in our consolidated revenue and expenses.
Meters served by GRE International's REPs, including Shoreditch, increased to 148,000 at March 31, 2020 from 127,000 at December 31, 2019 primarily as a result of the growth Shoreditch's customer base. The Company also started the commercial operations of Genie Japan in second quarter of 2019.
RCEs at March 31, 2020 increased to 72,000 from 65,000 at December 31, 2019 primarily from the increase in meters served as discussed above.
Revenue and Cost of Revenue. GRE International's revenues and cost of revenue increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 primarily because of the start of commercial operations of Genie Japan in second quarter of 2019 and increase in average meters served of Lumo.
Equity in net loss of joint venture. We account for our ownership interest in Shoreditch using the equity method since we have the ability to exercise significant influence over Shoreditch's operating and financial matters, although we do not control Shoreditch. In fourth quarter of 2019, the book value the Company's investment in Shoreditch was reduced to nil as a result of the Company's share in accumulated losses of Shoreditch using the equity method of accounting. The Company did not recognize any share in net losses Shoreditch for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The Company's share in Shoreditch’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $1.0 million.
GES Segment
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
| Change |
| |
(amounts in thousands) |
| 2020
|
|
| 2019 |
|
|
| $ |
|
|
| % |
| |
Revenues |
| $ | 17,953 |
|
| $ | 5,257 |
|
| $ | 12,696 |
|
|
| 241.5 | % | |
Cost of revenue |
|
| 16,363 |
|
|
| 4,326 |
|
|
| 12,037 |
|
|
| 278.2 |
| |
Gross profit |
|
| 1,590 |
|
|
| 931 |
|
|
| 659 |
|
|
| 70.8 |
| |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
| 1,056 |
|
|
| 1,162 |
|
|
| (106 | ) |
|
| (9.1 | ) | |
Impairment of assets |
|
| 192 |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| 192 |
|
|
| nm |
|
|
Loss from operations |
| $ | 342 | |
| $ | (231 | ) |
| $ | 765 | |
|
| (331.2) | % | |
nm—not meaningful
Revenue. GES' revenues increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in revenues was the result of the delivery of a large number of orders at Prism. Revenues from Diversegy includes commissions, entry fees and other fees from our energy brokerage and marketing services businesses.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 primarily as a result of the significant increase in deliveries of solar panels. Cost of revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2020 also includes commissions incurred by our energy brokerage and marketing services businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 primarily because of the streamlining of operations of Prism in first quarter of 2020.
In March 2020, we initiated a plan to sell the property, plant and equipment of Prism. Prism's 4.75% notes payable to Catskill Hudson Bank are collateralized by Prism's land and building and improvements, and will be settled from the proceeds of the sale of the property. At March 31, 2020, Prism's property, plant and equipment and notes payable were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale and reported at lower of fair value less cost to sell and net book value. In the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $0.2 million write-down to fair value of certain property and equipment.
We are currently exploring options to reduce overhead at Prism due to changes in market conditions.
The pending disposition of Prism's assets and liabilities held for sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation. At March 31, 2020, assets held of sale of $2.8 million and liabilities held for sale of $0.9 million were included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet.
Genie Oil and Gas Segment
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| Change
| |
(amounts in thousands) |
| 2020
|
| 2019
|
| $
|
| %
| |
Revenue |
| $ | — |
|
| $ | — |
|
| $ | — |
|
|
| nm | % | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
General and administrative |
|
| 224 |
|
|
| 163 |
|
|
| 61 | |
|
| 37.4 | | |
Loss from operations |
| $ | 224 |
|
| $ | 163 |
|
| $ | 61 | |
|
| 37.4 | % | |
Equity in net loss of Atid 613 |
| $ | 260 | |
| $ | 274 |
|
| $ | (14 | ) |
|
| (5.1 | )% |
|
nm—not meaningful
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 because of increase in payroll and related expenses and consulting fees.
Exploration. In 2017, we suspended drilling operations at Afek. Subsequent analysis indicates that a zone within the well contains evidence of hydrocarbons at levels sufficient to warrant additional testing. Accordingly, Afek requested and received a renewal of its exploratory license from the Ministry of Energy for the Northern portion of its former license area. The final testing on an existing well is expected to take place within the next two quarters.
Corporate
Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expense and other corporate-related general and administrative expense.
|
| Three months ended March 31, | | Change
| |
|
| 2020 | | | 2019 | | | $ | | | % | |
General and administrative expenses and loss from operations |
| $ |
| 1,403 | | | $ | 1,531 | | | $ | (128 | ) | | | (8.4 | )% |
Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 primarily because of decreases in severance expense and payroll and related expenses, including a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. As a percentage of our consolidated revenues, Corporate general and administrative expense decreased from 1.8% in the three months ended March 31, 2019 to 1.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Consolidated
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Stock-based compensation expense included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense was $0.5 million and $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At March 31, 2020, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation was $3.5 million. The unrecognized compensation cost is recognized over the expected service period.
The following is a discussion of our consolidated income and expense line items below income from operations:
| | Three months ended March 31, | | | Change | | |
(amounts in thousands) | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | $ | | | % | | |
Income from operations | | $ | 9,214 | | | $ | 9,834 | | | $ | (620 | ) | | | (6.3 | )% | |
Interest income | | | 128 | | | | 93 | | | | 35 | | | | 37.6 | | |
Interest expense | | | (123 | ) | | | (140 | ) | | | 17 | | | | (12.1 | ) | |
Equity in net loss in equity method investees |
|
| (379) |
|
|
| (797) |
|
|
| 418 |
|
|
| (52.4) |
|
|
Other income, net | | | 150 | | | | 73 | | | | 77 | | | | 105.5 | | |
Provision for income taxes | | | (2,569 | ) | | | (2,903 | ) | | | 334 | | | | (11.5 | ) | |
Net income | | | 6,421 | | | | 6,160 | | | | 261 | | | | 4.2 | | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | 589 | | | | 91 | | | | 498 | | | | 547.3 | | |
Net income attributable to Genie | | $ | 5,832 | | | $ | 6,069 | | | $ | (237 | ) | | | (3.9 | )% | |
Other Income (Expense), net. Other expense, net in the three months ended March 31, 2020 consisted primarily of foreign currency transaction and loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary. Other income, net in the three months ended March 31, 2019 consisted primarily of foreign currency transaction gains.
Provision for Income Taxes. The increase in the reported tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is a direct result of changes in the mix of the jurisdictions where taxable income was earned and different tax rates in those jurisdictions.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The change in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the similar periods in 2019 was primarily due to the share of noncontrolling interest from deconsolidation of non-operating subsidiaries and net income of Prism offset by increase in share in net loss of noncontrolling interest related to Lumo and CCE.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
We currently expect that our cash flow from operations and the $29.7 million balance of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents that we held at March 31, 2020 will be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated cash requirements for at least the period from April 1, 2020 to May 10, 2021.
At March 31, 2020, we had working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $51.1 million.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2020 | | | 2019 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Cash flows (used in) provided by: | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | $ | (2,717 | ) | | $ | 7,018 | |
Investing activities | | | (5 | ) | | | (2,232 | ) |
Financing activities | | | 533 | | | | (4,485 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | | 23 | | | | (35 | ) |
(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | $ | (2,166 | ) | | $ | 266 | |
Operating Activities
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (used in) operating activities was $2.7 million compared to net cash generated from operating activities of $7.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net income after non-cash adjustments increased cash flows by $0.3 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease in operating cash flows is primarily the result of a significant payment received at the end of 2019 for solar panels that were substantially delivered in the three months ended March 31, 2020, along with the cash outlays associated to the cost of the solar panels delivered, as well as the posting of cash collateral in support of certain hedge positions at GRE.
Our cash flow from operations varies significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, depending on our operating results and the timing of operating cash receipts and payments, specifically trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable. Changes in working capital decreased cash flows by $12.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Changes in other assets increased cash flows by $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
GRE’s REPs are party to an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company, or BP, which is to be in effect through November 30, 2020. The obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of the REPs’ customer’s receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. In addition, the REPs must pay an advance payment of $2.0 million to BP each month that BP will apply to the next invoiced amount due to BP. The ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with such covenants. At March 31, 2020, restricted cash—short-term of $1.0 million, trade accounts receivable of $43.2 million and other current assets $8.5 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of trade accounts payable to BP of $12.4 million at March 31, 2020.
We had purchase commitments of $141.6 million at March 31, 2020, of which $94.0 million was for purchases of electricity
From time to time, we receive inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes, and we respond to those inquiries or requests. We cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions.
Investing Activities
Our capital expenditures were minimal in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. We currently anticipate that our total capital expenditures in the twelve months ending December 31, 2020 will be between $0.5 million and $1.0 million.
We received minimal amount and $0.1 million from an employee for the repayment of notes receivable in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
On January 2, 2019, we completed the purchase of an 80.0% controlling interest in Lumo. We paid the sellers a total of €1.6 million (equivalent to $1.9 million at that time). The Company contributed €1.3 million (equivalent to $1.5 million at that time) as a capital loan to fund Lumo's working capital requirements. We also provided Lumo with a secured loan for €2.0 million (equivalent to $2.3 million at that time) to pay off and replace its remaining debt. In November 2019 and January 2020, we acquired additional 9.0% and 3.5% interest in Lumo, respectivly, increasing our total interest to 92.5%
The remaining 7.5% noncontrolling interest retained by the sellers is subject to restrictions, which will lapse over a period of up to three years following the Lumo Closing Date, subject to employment and service conditions. The Company has a conditional continuing call option to purchase a portion or the entire noncontrolling interest from the sellers during the period beginning at the third anniversary of the Lumo Closing Date and ending three years later.
The sellers of Lumo, as a group, have a one-time option to sell a portion or all of their noncontrolling interest to the Company, which subject to certain conditions, may be exercised on one occasion only, at any time during the two-year period beginning at the fourth anniversary of the closing date of the acquisition.
Financing Activities
In each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we paid aggregate quarterly Base Dividends of $0.1594 per share, $0.4 million in the aggregate, on our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock, or Preferred Stock. On April 22, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on our Preferred Stock. The dividend will be paid on or about May 15, 2020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 4, 2020.
In the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we paid aggregate quarterly dividends of $0.075 per share to stockholders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The Company paid $2.0 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. On May 5, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.085 per share on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The dividend will be paid on or about May 29, 2020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2020.
On March 11, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of our Class B common stock. In three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company acquired 12,333 Class B common stock under the stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $0.1 million. There were no repurchases under this program in three months ended March 31, 2019. At March 31, 2020, 6.2 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.
On November 28, 2019, Genie Japan entered into a Loan Agreement with Tokyo Star Bank for a ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) short-term credit facility. Genie Japan provided a letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase amounting to ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) as collateral. The outstanding principal amount incurs interest at Tokyo Star Bank's short-term prime rate plus 0.25% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of May 13, 2020. At March 31, 2020, $0.9 million was outstanding under the loan agreement. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the effective interest rate was 3.0%.
On April 4, 2017, GRE, IDT Energy, and other GRE subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC ("Vantage"), for a $20 million revolving loan facility. The borrowers consist of our subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed by GRE. The borrowers have provided as collateral a security interest in their receivables, bank accounts, customer agreements, certain other material agreements and related commercial and intangible rights. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly, and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest was due on the maturity date of April 3, 2020. The borrowers are required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a target tangible net worth during the term of the credit agreement. At March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with such covenants. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, $3.5 million and $2.5 million were outstanding under the line of credit and the effective interest rate were 6.08% and 6.41% per annum, respectively.
In April 2020, the Company paid outstanding balance of revolving line of credit of $3.5 million.
On December 5, 2019, we entered into the first amendment of Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Credit Agreement”) to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2020. The Company continues to have the aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million credit line facility (“Credit Line”). The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on unused portion of the Credit Line as specified in the Credit Agreement. The borrowed amounts will be in the form of letters of credit which will bear interest of 1.0% per annum. The Company will also pay a fee for each letter of credit that is issued equal to the greater of $500 or 1.0% of the original maximum available amount of the letter of credit. We agreed to deposit cash in a money market account at JPMorgan Chase Bank as collateral for the line of credit equal to $5.1 million. As of March 31, 2020, JP Morgan Chase Bank issued $1.8 million letter of credit from the Credit Line. As of March 31, 2019, none of the letters of credits were drawn upon. At March 31, 2020 the cash collateral of $5.2 million was included in restricted cash—short-term in the consolidated balance sheet.
In December 11, 2019, the Company refinanced the 5.95% notes payable from Catskill Hudson Bank that was due in November 2019. The outstanding balance of notes payable of $0.9 million at December 11, 2019 will be payable in equal monthly installments for period of ten years starting January 2020. The outstanding principal amount incurs fixed interest at 4.75% per annum. The notes payable are secured by Prism's commercial property in Highland, New York. In March 2020, the outstanding balance of the notes payable was transferred to liabilities held for sale as described above.
There were no stock option exercises in the three months ended March 31, 2020. In the three months ended March 31, 2019, we received proceeds of $0.1 million from the exercise of stock options for which we issued 23,150 shares of our Class B common stock.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined in relevant SEC regulations that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, other than the following. GRE has performance bonds issued through a third party for the benefit of certain utility companies and for various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for retail energy providers. At March 31, 2020, GRE had outstanding aggregate performance bonds of $13.7 million and $1.8 million of unused letters of credit.