Spark Energy, Inc. Authorizes Preferred Stock Share Repurchase Program

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company“) (NASDAQ:SPKE), today announced that it has amended and extended its repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program“) of its 8.75% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock“), formerly announced on May 22, 2019. The Repurchase Program allows the Company to purchase Preferred Stock through December 31, 2020, at prevailing prices, in open market or negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions, maximum share prices and other considerations. The Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to make any repurchases and may be suspended at any time. The Company intends to fund the Repurchase Program through available cash balances as well as future operating cash flows.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act“) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act“) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “project,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements appear in this press release and include statements about our repurchase program. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout this press release. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Mike Barajas, 832-200-3727

Media:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/565797/Spark-Energy-Inc-Authorizes-Preferred-Stock-Share-Repurchase-Program

Spark Energy, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 5, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

          Key Highlights

  • Achieved $28.1 million in Adjusted EBITDA, $58.2 million in Retail Gross Margin, and $37.7 million in Net Income for the third quarter
  • Total RCE count of 772,000 as of September 30, 2019
  • Average monthly attrition of 4.0%
  • ERCOT summer insurance hedging strategy performed very well

“Our third quarter was strong, with significant improvements compared to the third quarter of last year. As expected, higher unit margins more than offset the slight increase we saw in G&A compared to the third quarter of 2018. Our overall customer book is much healthier with attrition in line with prior year. We are approaching the final steps of our brand and system consolidations and still expecting over $22 million in run-rate savings by year end 2019. We have greatly simplified our platform and expect to realize improved economies of scale and empower Spark’s story going forward,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Summary Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2019, Spark reported Adjusted EBITDA of $28.1 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $18.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. This increase of $9.5 million was driven by an increase in retail gross margin, more than offsetting increases in customer acquisition spending compared to the third quarter of 2018.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2019, Spark reported Retail Gross Margin of $58.2 million compared to Retail Gross Margin of $45.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. This increase of $12.4 million was primarily attributable to a 78% increase in electricity unit margins and a 13% increase in gas unit margins. Our ERCOT summer insurance hedging strategy combined with an increased percentage of residential customers in the overall customer book contributed to the successful quarter.

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, was $37.7 million compared to net income of $18.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. The increase in performance compared to the prior year was primarily the result of the increase in the non-cash mark to market position of our hedge portfolio of $25.3 million compared with the non-cash mark to market position of our hedge portfolio of $18.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. This combined with the $12.4 million increase in retail gross margin allowed for significant increased performance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

($ in thousands)
September 30, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 42,580
Senior Credit Facility Availability (1)
63,113
Subordinated Debt Facility Availability (2)
14,496
Total Liquidity
$ 120,189

(1) Reflects amount of Letters of Credit that could be issued based on existing covenants as of September 30, 2019.

(2) The availability of the Subordinated Debt Facility is dependent on our Founder’s willingness and ability to lend.

Dividend

On October 21, 2019, Spark’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.18125 per share of Class A common stock payable on December 16, 2019, to holders of record on December 2, 2019, and $0.546875 per share of Series A Preferred Stock payable on January 15, 2020 to holders of record on January 1, 2020.

Business Outlook

Mr. Kroeker concluded, “Based on all our work consolidating our brands and systems and our strong unit margins, we expect a strong finish to 2019.”

Conference Call and Webcast

Spark will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2019 results on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at 10:00 AM Central Time (11:00 AM Eastern).

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page of the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at http://ir.sparkenergy.com/events-and-presentations. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for twelve months following the live presentation.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “project,” or other similar words. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this earnings release, regarding strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives and beliefs of management are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this earnings release and may include statements about business strategy and prospects for growth, customer acquisition costs, ability to pay cash dividends, cash flow generation and liquidity, availability of terms of capital, competition and government regulation and general economic conditions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

The forward-looking statements in this earnings release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • changes in commodity prices;
  • the sufficiency of risk management and hedging policies and practices;
  • the impact of extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, including hurricanes and other natural disasters;
  • federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to address or adapt to potentially restrictive new regulations that may be enacted by public utility commissions;
  • our ability to borrow funds and access credit markets;
  • restrictions in our debt agreements and collateral requirements;
  • credit risk with respect to suppliers and customers;
  • changes in costs to acquire customers as well as actual attrition rates;
  • accuracy of billing systems;
  • our ability to successfully identify, complete, and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations;
  • significant changes in, or new charges by, the ISOs in the regions in which we operate;
  • competition; and
  • the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout or incorporated by reference in this earnings release that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this earnings release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations:
Mike Barajas, 832-200-3727

Media Relations:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018
(in thousands, except share counts)
(unaudited)

September 30, 2019 December 31,
2018
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 42,580 $ 41,002
Restricted cash
1,002 8,636
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,995 at September 30, 2019 and $3,353 at December 31, 2018
101,672 150,866
Accounts receivable-affiliates
1,419 2,558
Inventory
3,580 3,878
Fair value of derivative assets
1,143 7,289
Customer acquisition costs, net
8,389 14,431
Customer relationships, net
14,623 16,630
Deposits
6,723 9,226
Renewable energy credit asset
16,414 25,717
Other current assets
14,296 11,747
Total current assets
211,841 291,980
Property and equipment, net
3,255 4,366
Fair value of derivative assets
94 3,276
Customer acquisition costs, net
9,328 3,893
Customer relationships, net
20,715 26,429
Deferred tax assets
23,130 27,321
Goodwill
120,343 120,343
Other assets
9,696 11,130
Total assets
$ 398,402 $ 488,738
Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 45,708 $ 68,790
Accounts payable-affiliates
351 2,464
Accrued liabilities
23,755 10,845
Renewable energy credit liability
30,638 42,805
Fair value of derivative liabilities
4,460 6,478
Current payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement-affiliates
1,658
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions
1,328 1,328
Current portion of Note Payable
6,936
Other current liabilities
1,862 647
Total current liabilities
108,102 141,951
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities
1,830 106
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement-affiliates
25,917
Long-term portion of Senior Credit Facility
109,000 129,500
Subordinated debt-affiliate
10,504 10,000
Other long-term liabilities
190 212
Total liabilities
229,626 307,686
Commitments and contingencies
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 3,702,756 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and 3,707,256 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018
90,646 90,758
Stockholders’ equity:
Common Stock:
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 14,478,999 issued, and 14,379,553 outstanding at September 30, 2019 and 14,178,284 issued and 14,078,838 outstanding at December 31, 2018
145 142
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 20,800,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
209 209
Additional paid-in capital
53,750 46,157
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(57 ) 2
Retained earnings
3,849 1,307
Treasury stock, at cost, 99,446 shares at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
(2,011 ) (2,011 )
Total stockholders’ equity
55,885 45,806
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC
22,245 44,488
Total equity
78,130 90,294
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ equity
$ 398,402 $ 488,738

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:
Retail revenues
$ 207,341 $ 258,127 $ 625,300 $ 773,616
Net asset optimization (expense) revenues
(254 ) 348 2,242 3,798
Total Revenues
207,087 258,475 627,542 777,414
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues
123,867 193,409 477,881 645,954
General and administrative
27,629 25,695 94,352 83,522
Depreciation and amortization
9,496 13,917 31,963 39,797
Total Operating Expenses
160,992 233,021 604,196 769,273
Operating income
46,095 25,454 23,346 8,141
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense
(2,174 ) (2,762 ) (6,392 ) (7,323 )
Interest and other income
322 (47 ) 1,005 707
Total other expenses
(1,852 ) (2,809 ) (5,387 ) (6,616 )
Income before income tax expense
44,243 22,645 17,959 1,525
Income tax expense
6,567 3,818 3,022 602
Net income
$ 37,676 $ 18,827 $ 14,937 $ 923
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
22,142 12,060 5,736 (3,524 )
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders
$ 15,534 $ 6,767 $ 9,201 $ 4,447
Less: Dividend on Series A Preferred Stock
2,026 2,027 6,080 6,081
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock
$ 13,508 $ 4,740 $ 3,121 $ (1,634 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation (loss) gain
$ (45 ) $ 47 $ (143 ) $ (11 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(45 ) 47 (143 ) (11 )
Comprehensive income
$ 37,631 $ 18,874 $ 14,794 $ 912
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
22,116 12,089 5,652 (3,531 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders
$ 15,515 $ 6,785 $ 9,142 $ 4,443
Net income (loss) attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. per share of Class A common stock
Basic
$ 0.94 $ 0.35 $ 0.22 $ (0.12 )
Diluted
$ 0.93 $ 0.35 $ 0.22 $ (0.12 )
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding
Basic
14,380 13,394 14,254 13,254
Diluted
14,514 13,394 14,429 13,254

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$ 14,937 $ 923
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
31,965 38,538
Deferred income taxes
34 (749 )
Change in TRA liability
79
Stock based compensation
4,053 3,707
Amortization of deferred financing costs
1,002 1,243
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting
(101 )
Change in Fair Value of Earnout liabilities
(63 )
Bad debt expense
9,185 8,480
Loss on derivatives, net
42,690 1,371
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net
(32,593 ) 6,189
Other
(608 ) (489 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable
40,008 21,029
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable-affiliates
1,139 (390 )
Decrease in inventory
298 475
Increase in customer acquisition costs
(13,608 ) (8,949 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets
9,211 (10,999 )
Increase in intangible assets-customer acquisitions
(86 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(394 ) 92
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(27,721 ) (11,062 )
Decrease in accounts payable-affiliates
(2,114 ) (1,786 )
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities
(374 ) (5,140 )
Decrease in other non-current liabilities
(25 ) (459 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
77,085 41,853
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(577 ) (1,097 )
Verde working capital settlement
470
Acquisition of Starion customers
(5,913 )
Acquisition of HIKO
(14,290 )
Acquisition of Customers from Affiliate
(8,776 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(6,490 ) (23,693 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (buyback) issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs paid
(111 ) 48,490
Borrowings on notes payable
224,500 277,800
Payments on notes payable
(245,000 ) (281,050 )
Net borrowings on subordinated debt facility
504
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout
(1,607 )
Payments on the Verde promissory note
(2,036 ) (6,573 )
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits
55 244
Restricted stock vesting
(1,348 ) (2,589 )
Payment of Tax Receivable Agreement liability
(11,239 ) (3,577 )
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders
(7,776 ) (7,233 )
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders
(28,108 ) (23,701 )
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends
(6,082 ) (4,987 )
Payment to affiliates for acquisition of customer book
(10 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(76,651 ) (4,783 )
(Decrease) increase in Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash
(6,056 ) 13,377
Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash-beginning of period
49,638 29,419
Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash-end of period
$ 43,582 $ 42,796
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Non-cash items:
Property and equipment purchase accrual
$ 89 $ (123 )
Holdback for Verde Note-Indemnified Matters
$ 4,900 $
Write-off of tax benefit related to tax receivable agreement liability – affiliates
$ 4,157 $
Gain on settlement of tax receivable agreement liability-affiliates
$ (16,336 ) $
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$ 5,245 $ 5,955
Taxes
$ 5,097 $ 7,461

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Retail Electricity Segment
Total Revenues
$ 197,010 $ 246,182 $ 539,878 $ 676,528
Retail Cost of Revenues
119,100 186,449 433,175 587,949
Less: Net gain (loss) on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements
24,767 19,481 (10,027 ) (4,034 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) – Electricity
$ 53,143 $ 40,252 $ 116,730 $ 92,613
Volumes – Electricity (MWhs)
1,808,276 2,432,314 5,052,498 6,784,345
Retail Gross Margin (2) – Electricity per MWh
$ 29.39 $ 16.55 $ 23.10 $ 13.65
Retail Natural Gas Segment
Total Revenues
10,331 11,945 85,422 97,088
Retail Cost of Revenues
4,767 6,960 44,706 58,005
Less: Net gain (loss) on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements
525 (558 ) 963 (3,243 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) – Gas
$ 5,039 $ 5,543 $ 39,753 $ 42,326
Volumes – Gas (MMBtus)
1,119,126 1,395,377 10,127,857 11,913,180
Retail Gross Margin (2) – Gas per MMBtu
$ 4.50 $ 3.97 $ 3.93 $ 3.55

(1) Reflects the Retail Gross Margin attributable to our Retail Natural Gas Segment or Retail Electricity Segment, as applicable. Retail Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin to their most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.

(2) Reflects the Retail Gross Margin for the Retail Natural Gas Segment or Retail Electricity Segment, as applicable, divided by the total volumes in MMBtu or MWh, respectively.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA

We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as EBITDA less (i) customer acquisition costs incurred in the current period, (ii) net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, and (iii) net current period cash settlements on derivative instruments, plus (iv) non-cash compensation expense, and (v) other non-cash and non-recurring operating items. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before provision for income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deduct all current period customer acquisition costs (representing spending for organic customer acquisitions) in the Adjusted EBITDA calculation because such costs reflect a cash outlay in the period in which they are incurred, even though we capitalize such costs and amortize them over two years. We do not deduct the cost of customer acquisitions through acquisitions of business or portfolios of customers in calculated Adjusted EBITDA. We deduct our net gains (losses) on derivative instruments, excluding current period cash settlements, from the Adjusted EBITDA calculation in order to remove the non-cash impact of net gains and losses on derivative instruments. We also deduct non-cash compensation expense as a result of restricted stock units that are issued under our long-term incentive plan. Finally, we also adjust from time to time other non-cash or unusual and/or infrequent charges due to either their non-cash nature or their infrequency.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides information useful to investors in assessing our liquidity and financial condition and results of operations and that Adjusted EBITDA is also useful to investors as a financial indicator of our ability to incur and service debt, pay dividends and fund capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure that management and external users of our condensed consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, commercial banks and rating agencies, use to assess the following:

• our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded companies in the retail energy industry, without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;

• the ability of our assets to generate earnings sufficient to support our proposed cash dividends;

• our ability to fund capital expenditures (including customer acquisition costs) and incur and service debt; and

• our compliance with financial debt covenants.

Retail Gross Margin

We define retail gross margin as operating income (loss) plus (i) depreciation and amortization expenses and (ii) general and administrative expenses, less (iii) net asset optimization revenues (expenses), (iv) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (v) net current period cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments. Retail gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary performance measure used by our management to determine the performance of our retail natural gas and electricity segments. As an indicator of our retail energy business’ operating performance, retail gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, operating income (loss), its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We believe retail gross margin provides information useful to investors as an indicator of our retail energy business’s operating performance.

The GAAP measures most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA are net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Retail Gross Margin is operating income (loss). Our non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), net cash provided by operating activities, or operating income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP and have important limitations as analytical tools. You should not consider Adjusted EBITDA or Retail Gross Margin in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities, and are defined differently by different companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Management compensates for the limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these data points into management’s decision-making process.

The following tables present a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities for each of the periods indicated.

APPENDIX TABLES A-1 AND A-2
ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATIONS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income:
Net income
$ 37,676 $ 18,827 $ 14,937 $ 923
Depreciation and amortization
9,496 13,917 31,963 39,797
Interest expense
2,174 2,762 6,392 7,323
Income tax expense
6,567 3,818 3,022 602
EBITDA
55,913 39,324 56,314 48,645
Less:
Net, gain (loss) on derivative instruments
12,307 18,117 (42,690 ) (1,371 )
Net cash settlements on derivative instruments
12,721 922 33,515 (5,823 )
Customer acquisition costs
4,423 2,695 13,608 8,949
Plus:
Non-cash compensation expense
1,622 1,021 4,054 3,707
Non-recurring legal and regulatory settlements
10,807
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 28,084 $ 18,611 $ 66,742 $ 50,597
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 26,056 $ 5,443 $ 77,085 $ 41,853
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(497 ) (631 ) (1,002 ) (1,243 )
Bad debt expense
(3,170 ) (2,755 ) (9,185 ) (8,480 )
Interest expense
2,174 2,762 6,392 7,323
Income tax expense
6,567 3,818 3,022 602
Changes in operating working capital
Accounts receivable, prepaids, current assets
1,034 16,248 (50,358 ) (9,640 )
Inventory
1,560 2,218 (298 ) (475 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(963 ) (5,946 ) 30,209 17,988
Other
(4,677 ) (2,546 ) 10,877 2,669
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 28,084 $ 18,611 $ 66,742 $ 50,597
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by operating activities
$ 26,056 $ 5,443 $ 77,085 $ 41,853
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
$ (117 ) $ 307 $ (6,490 ) $ (23,693 )
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
$ (10,937 ) $ 1,344 $ (76,651 ) $ (4,783 )

The following table presents a reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to operating income (loss) for each of the periods indicated.

APPENDIX TABLE A-3
RETAIL GROSS MARGIN RECONCILIATION
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Operating income:
Operating income
$ 46,095 $ 25,454 $ 23,346 $ 8,141
Plus:
Depreciation and amortization
9,496 13,917 31,963 39,797
General and administrative expense
27,629 25,695 94,352 83,522
Less:
Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues
(254 ) 348 2,242 3,798
Net, gain (loss) on non-trading derivative instruments
12,528 17,888 (42,741 ) (2,223 )
Net, cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments
12,764 1,035 33,677 (5,054 )
Retail Gross Margin
$ 58,182 $ 45,795 $ 156,483 $ 134,939
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Electricity Segment
$ 53,143 $ 40,252 $ 116,730 $ 92,613
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Natural Gas Segment
$ 5,039 $ 5,543 $ 39,753 $ 42,326

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/565397/Spark-Energy-Inc-Reports-Third-Quarter-2019-Financial-Results

Spark Energy, Inc. to Present Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results on Wednesday, November 6, 2019

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 23, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that it plans to present its third quarter 2019 financial results in a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM Central (11:00 AM Eastern).

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page of the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com/events-and-presentations. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for twelve months following the live presentation.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Mike Barajas, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/563872/Spark-Energy-Inc-to-Present-Third-Quarter-2019-Financial-Results-on-Wednesday-November-6-2019

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Dividend on Common and Preferred Stock

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 21, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend for the third quarter of 2019 in the amount of $0.18125 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $0.725 per share. The third quarter dividend will be paid on December 16, 2019 to holders of record of Spark’s Class A Common Stock on December 2, 2019.

Additionally, in accordance with the terms of the 8.75% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) of the Company, the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.546875 per share on the Series A Preferred Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $2.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2020 to holders of record of Spark’s Series A Preferred Stock on January 1, 2020.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Mike Barajas, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/563537/Spark-Energy-Inc-Announces-Dividend-on-Common-and-Preferred-Stock

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Management Changes

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 27, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today announced the resignation of Jason Garrett, Spark’s Executive Vice President, Spark Retail, effective September 25, 2019. Mr. Garrett will remain in an advisory capacity through October 31, 2019. Mr. Garrett is resigning to pursue other opportunities.

“Jason has been an important member of Spark’s executive team for the past four years, and has been instrumental in our growth,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Mike Kuznar, currently Spark’s Executive Advisor and formerly the President of Retailco, an affiliated company, will be Spark’s Head of Retail Markets while we go through the process of appointing a permanent successor for Mr. Garrett.

“We are very fortunate to have Mike here at Spark,” continued Kroeker. “With over three decades of experience, a deep knowledge of our industry, and the trust and respect of his colleagues within the organization and throughout the industry, we expect a very smooth transition.”

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an established and growing independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “projects,” or other similar words. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, regarding strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives and beliefs of management are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and may include statements about business strategy and prospects for growth, customer acquisition costs, ability to pay cash dividends, cash flow generation and liquidity, availability of terms of capital, competition and government regulation and general economic conditions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • changes in commodity prices and the sufficiency of risk management and hedging policies;
  • extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, and the impact of hurricanes and other natural disasters;
  • federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to address or adapt to potentially restrictive new regulations that may be enacted by the New York Public Service Commission;
  • our ability to borrow funds and access credit markets and restrictions in our debt agreements and collateral requirements;
  • credit risk with respect to suppliers and customers;
  • changes in costs to acquire customers and actual customer attrition rates;
  • accuracy of billing systems;
  • whether our majority stockholder or its affiliates offer us acquisition opportunities on terms that are commercially acceptable to us;
  • ability to successfully identify and complete, and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations;
  • competition; and
  • the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our quarterly reports, other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout or incorporated by reference in this press release that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Mike Barajas, 713-600-2600
Media:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/561302/Spark-Energy-Inc-Announces-Management-Changes

Spark Energy, Inc. Names Amanda Bush to Board of Directors

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 27, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that Amanda (Mandy) Bush has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective August 27, 2019, as an independent director. She will serve as a Class III director, and will join the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. She will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mandy to our board and look forward to her contributions,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Mandy brings extensive corporate experience and in-depth accounting knowledge that will complement the work and expertise of our other directors as well as fulfill all NASDAQ listing requirements as Spark’s third independent director. We are confident she will make an immediate and meaningful contribution to the work of our Board of Directors, and we look forward to her participation as we continue to execute our growth strategy. Additionally, we are pleased to introduce our first female director to the Board since our IPO in August 2014, furthering our commitment to diversity.”

“I’m honored to join Spark’s board and I look forward to the opportunity to help guide the Company as it continues to deliver on the promise of stable earnings growth,” said Ms. Bush. “It’s exciting to be working with Spark in this pivotal time in the retail energy industry.”

As previously disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2019, James G. Jones II resigned from the Board of the Company effective June 13, 2019 to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, resulting in the Audit Committee of the Board consisting of only two independent directors. The Company received a notification from the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) on June 17, 2019 that it did not satisfy NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A), which requires the Company’s Audit Committee to consist of at least three independent directors. The Company believes that the appointment of Ms. Bush as an independent director to serve as the third member of the Audit Committee will allow the Company to regain compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A).

About Mandy Bush

Mandy Bush is the Chief Financial Officer of Azure Midstream Energy, LLC. Prior to joining Azure, she was the Chief Financial Officer at Marlin Midstream Partners, LP, leading their successful IPO in 2013. Prior to being the CFO of Marlin, Ms. Bush held various finance and accounting roles within the energy industry. Ms. Bush began her career in public accounting with PwC auditing Fortune 500 companies. She has a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Houston and is a Texas certified public accountant.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “project,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements appear in this press release and include statements about our ability to regain compliance with the standards of NASDAQ. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout this press release. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/557671/Spark-Energy-Inc-Names-Amanda-Bush-to-Board-of-Directors

Spark Energy, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 7, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

          Key Highlights

  • Achieved $13.6 million in Adjusted EBITDA, $41.7 million in Retail Gross Margin, and $25.5 million in Net Loss for the second quarter
  • Total RCE count of 818,000 as of June 30, 2019
  • Average monthly attrition of 3.8%, a 30% improvement from the first quarter
  • Settled several significant legacy litigation items
  • Amended and extended Senior Credit Facility and Subordinated Debt Facility; current liquidity of $108 million
  • Terminated Tax Receivable Agreement (“TRA”), which will result in an increase in stockholders equity and a reduction in future cash payments

“We had a strong second quarter despite some milder than normal weather in a few of our geographies as we saw our unit margins continue to expand. We are nearing the end of our brand and system consolidation efforts and are on track to deliver over $22 million in run-rate G&A savings by year-end,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We terminated our Tax Receivable Agreement on very favorable terms. Additionally, we resolved four significant cases that represented the majority of our ongoing litigation exposure. Collectively, these initiatives will enable us to reduce future costs and streamline our story.”

Summary Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, Spark reported Adjusted EBITDA of $13.6 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. This decrease of $2.5 million was driven by mild temperatures across much of our footprint, as well as increased customer acquisition spending.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, Spark reported Retail Gross Margin of $41.7 million compared to Retail Gross Margin of $43.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. This decrease of $1.7 million was primarily attributable to decreased electricity and natural gas volumes, partially offset by increased electricity and gas unit margins. Electricity unit margins increased significantly year over year due to lower capacity costs and the continued attrition of our low margin C&I customers.

Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, was $25.5 million compared to net income of $23.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in performance compared to the prior year was primarily the result of the decrease in the non-cash mark to market position of our hedge portfolio of $22.7 million compared with the increase in the non-cash mark to market position of our hedge portfolio of $25.4 million in the second quarter of 2018, as well as $10.8 million of non-recurring general and administrative costs associated with the settlement of significant litigation. These impacts were partially offset by an income tax benefit of $4.6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2019, compared with an income tax expense of $3.3 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

Corporate Governance Changes

The Company is also pleased to announce the formation of a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisting solely of independent directors, and a change in the composition of the Compensation Committee resulting in it consisting solely of independent directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Kenneth M. Hartwick and Nick W. Evans, Jr., with Mr. Evans serving as Chair, and the Compensation Committee now consists of Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Evans, with Mr. Hartwick serving as Chair. Mr. Hartwick now also serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee.

“All of the actions announced today reflect the Board’s thoughtful and deliberate efforts to strengthen corporate governance. The decisions were well thought through considering feedback from the Company’s shareholders and other stakeholders, and reflect our commitment to continued evaluation of governance practices” said Mr. Kroeker.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

($ in thousands)
June 30, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 27,579
Senior Credit Facility Availability (1)
55,488
Subordinated Debt Facility Availability (2)
25,000
Total Liquidity
$ 108,067

(1) Reflects amount of Letters of Credit that could be issued based on existing covenants as of June 30, 2019.
(2) The availability of the Subordinated Debt Facility is dependent on our Founder’s willingness and ability to lend.

Dividend

On July 17, 2019, Spark’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.18125 per share of Class A common stock payable on September 16, 2019, to holders of record on September 2, 2019, and $0.546875 per share of Series A Preferred Stock payable on October 15, 2019 to holders of record on October 1, 2019.

Business Outlook

Kroeker concluded, “Based on all our work consolidating our brands and systems, settling outstanding litigation and regulatory matters, the termination of the TRA, and our healthy unit margins, we expect a very strong second half of 2019.”

Conference Call and Webcast

Spark will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2019 results on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at 10:00 AM Central Time (11:00 AM Eastern).

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page of the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at http://ir.sparkenergy.com/events-and-presentations. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for twelve months following the live presentation.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “project,” or other similar words. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this earnings release, regarding strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives and beliefs of management are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this earnings release and may include statements about business strategy and prospects for growth, customer acquisition costs, ability to pay cash dividends, cash flow generation and liquidity, availability of terms of capital, competition and government regulation and general economic conditions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

The forward-looking statements in this earnings release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • changes in commodity prices;
  • the sufficiency of risk management and hedging policies and practices;
  • the impact of extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, including hurricanes and other natural disasters;
  • federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to address or adapt to potentially restrictive new regulations that may be enacted by public utility commissions;
  • our ability to borrow funds and access credit markets;
  • restrictions in our debt agreements and collateral requirements;
  • credit risk with respect to suppliers and customers;
  • changes in costs to acquire customers as well as actual attrition rates;
  • accuracy of billing systems;
  • our ability to successfully identify, complete, and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations;
  • significant changes in, or new charges by, the ISOs in the regions in which we operate;
  • competition; and
  • the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout or incorporated by reference in this earnings release that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this earnings release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations:
Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media Relations:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018
(in thousands, except share counts)
(unaudited)

June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 27,579 $ 41,002
Restricted cash
1,001 8,636
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,720 at June 30, 2019 and $3,353 at December 31, 2018
103,680 150,866
Accounts receivable-affiliates
3,882 2,558
Inventory
2,020 3,878
Fair value of derivative assets
52 7,289
Customer acquisition costs, net
13,004 14,431
Customer relationships, net
15,467 16,630
Deposits
9,331 9,226
Renewable energy credit asset
11,664 25,717
Other current assets
14,810 11,747
Total current assets
202,490 291,980
Property and equipment, net
3,575 4,366
Fair value of derivative assets
3,276
Customer acquisition costs, net
4,856 3,893
Customer relationships, net
23,810 26,429
Deferred tax assets
31,847 27,321
Goodwill
120,343 120,343
Other assets
10,163 11,130
Total assets
$ 397,084 $ 488,738
Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 48,985 $ 68,790
Accounts payable-affiliates
2,475 2,464
Accrued liabilities
23,165 10,845
Renewable energy credit liability
25,384 42,805
Fair value of derivative liabilities
25,848 6,478
Current payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement-affiliates
11,239 1,658
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions
1,328 1,328
Current portion of Note Payable
6,936
Other current liabilities
1,132 647
Total current liabilities
139,556 141,951
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities
4,578 106
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement-affiliates
16,336 25,917
Long-term portion of Senior Credit Facility
94,000 129,500
Subordinated debt-affiliate
10,000
Other long-term liabilities
260 212
Total liabilities
254,730 307,686
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 3,707,256 issued and 3,702,756 outstanding at June 30, 2019 and 3,707,256 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018
90,649 90,758
Stockholders’ equity:
Common Stock:
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 14,478,999 issued, and 14,379,553 outstanding at June 30, 2019 and 14,178,284 issued and 14,078,838 outstanding at December 31, 2018
145 142
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 20,800,000 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
209 209
Additional paid-in capital
42,329 46,157
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(38 ) 2
Retained (deficit) earnings
(7,053 ) 1,307
Treasury stock, at cost, 99,446 shares at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
(2,011 ) (2,011 )
Total stockholders’ equity
33,581 45,806
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC
18,124 44,488
Total equity
51,705 90,294
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ equity
$ 397,084 $ 488,738

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:
Retail revenues
$ 177,805 $ 231,488 $ 417,959 $ 515,489
Net asset optimization (expense) revenues
(56 ) 763 2,496 3,450
Total Revenues
177,749 232,251 420,455 518,939
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues
158,759 162,669 354,014 452,545
General and administrative
37,247 27,780 66,723 57,827
Depreciation and amortization
10,312 12,861 22,467 25,880
Total Operating Expenses
206,318 203,310 443,204 536,252
Operating (loss) income
(28,569 ) 28,941 (22,749 ) (17,313 )
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense
(1,995 ) (2,316 ) (4,218 ) (4,561 )
Interest and other income
494 553 683 754
Total other expenses
(1,501 ) (1,763 ) (3,535 ) (3,807 )
(Loss) income before income tax (benefit) expense
(30,070 ) 27,178 (26,284 ) (21,120 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
(4,586 ) 3,251 (3,545 ) (3,216 )
Net (loss) income
$ (25,484 ) $ 23,927 $ (22,739 ) $ (17,904 )
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests
(18,369 ) 15,142 (16,406 ) (15,584 )
Net (loss) income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders
$ (7,115 ) $ 8,785 $ (6,333 ) $ (2,320 )
Less: Dividend on Series A Preferred Stock
2,027 2,027 4,054 4,054
Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock
$ (9,142 ) $ 6,758 $ (10,387 ) $ (6,374 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Currency translation (loss) gain
$ (63 ) $ 25 $ (98 ) $ (58 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(63 ) 25 (98 ) (58 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ (25,547 ) $ 23,952 $ (22,837 ) $ (17,962 )
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests
(18,407 ) 15,157 (16,464 ) (15,620 )
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders
$ (7,140 ) $ 8,795 $ (6,373 ) $ (2,342 )
Net (loss) income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. per share of Class A common stock
Basic
$ (0.64 ) $ 0.51 $ (0.73 ) $ (0.48 )
Diluted
$ (0.73 ) $ 0.51 $ (0.73 ) $ (0.52 )
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding
Basic
14,246 13,229 14,191 13,183
Diluted
35,046 13,246 34,991 34,668

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,
2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ (22,739 ) $ (17,904 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
22,480 24,639
Deferred income taxes
(4,527 ) (3,396 )
Change in TRA liability
79
Stock based compensation
2,432 2,686
Amortization of deferred financing costs
505 612
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting
(101 )
Change in Fair Value of Earnout liabilities
(63 )
Bad debt expense
6,015 5,725
Loss on derivatives, net
54,997 19,488
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net
(19,891 ) 7,170
Other
(399 ) (554 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable
41,171 25,957
Increase in accounts receivable-affiliates
(1,324 ) (10 )
Decrease in inventory
1,858 2,693
Increase in customer acquisition costs
(9,185 ) (6,254 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets
11,545 (59 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(786 ) 97
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(30,391 ) (20,140 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable-affiliates
11 (2,249 )
Decrease in other current liabilities
(792 ) (1,545 )
Increase (decrease) in other non-current liabilities
49 (461 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
51,029 36,410
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(460 ) (1,163 )
Acquisition of Starion customers
(5,913 )
Acquisition of HIKO
(15,041 )
Acquisition of Customers from Affiliate
(7,796 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(6,373 ) (24,000 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (buyback) issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs paid
(111 ) 48,490
Borrowings on notes payable
118,500 146,800
Payments on notes payable
(164,000 ) (160,050 )
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout
(1,607 )
Payments on the Verde promissory note
(2,036 ) (6,573 )
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits
55 244
Restricted stock vesting
(1,348 ) (2,589 )
Payment of Tax Receivable Agreement liability
(3,577 )
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders
(5,170 ) (4,805 )
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders
(7,540 ) (19,501 )
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends
(4,054 ) (2,959 )
Payment to affiliates for acquisition of customer book
(10 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(65,714 ) (6,127 )
(Decrease) increase in Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash
(21,058 ) 6,283
Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash-beginning of period
49,638 29,419
Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash-end of period
$ 28,580 $ 35,702
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Non-cash items:
Property and equipment purchase accrual
$ 4 $ (123 )
Holdback for Verde Note-Indemnified Matters
$ 4,900 $
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$ 3,723 $ 3,884
Taxes
$ 1,440 $ 5,399

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED June 30, 2019 AND 2018
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
Retail Electricity Segment
Total Revenues
$ 160,776 $ 209,447 $ 342,868 $ 430,346
Retail Cost of Revenues
148,187 151,953 314,074 401,500
Less: Net (loss) gain on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements
(21,025 ) 24,852 (34,794 ) (23,515 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) – Electricity
$ 33,614 $ 32,642 $ 63,588 $ 52,361
Volumes – Electricity (MWhs)
1,516,139 2,100,007 3,244,222 4,352,031
Retail Gross Margin (2) – Electricity per MWh
$ 22.17 $ 15.54 $ 19.60 $ 12.03
Retail Natural Gas Segment
Total Revenues
17,029 22,041 75,091 85,143
Retail Cost of Revenues
10,572 10,716 39,940 51,045
Less: Net (loss) gain on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements
(1,653 ) 542 438 (2,685 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) – Gas
$ 8,110 $ 10,783 $ 34,713 $ 36,783
Volumes – Gas (MMBtus)
2,057,121 2,840,721 9,008,731 10,517,802
Retail Gross Margin (2) – Gas per MMBtu
$ 3.94 $ 3.80 $ 3.85 $ 3.50

(1) Reflects the Retail Gross Margin attributable to our Retail Natural Gas Segment or Retail Electricity Segment, as applicable. Retail Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin to their most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.

(2) Reflects the Retail Gross Margin for the Retail Natural Gas Segment or Retail Electricity Segment, as applicable, divided by the total volumes in MMBtu or MWh, respectively.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA

We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as EBITDA less (i) customer acquisition costs incurred in the current period, (ii) net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, and (iii) net current period cash settlements on derivative instruments, plus (iv) non-cash compensation expense, and (v) other non-cash and non-recurring operating items. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before provision for income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. We deduct all current period customer acquisition costs (representing spending for organic customer acquisitions) in the Adjusted EBITDA calculation because such costs reflect a cash outlay in the period in which they are incurred, even though we capitalize such costs and amortize them over two years. We do not deduct the cost of customer acquisitions through acquisitions of business or portfolios of customers in calculated Adjusted EBITDA. We deduct our net gains (losses) on derivative instruments, excluding current period cash settlements, from the Adjusted EBITDA calculation in order to remove the non-cash impact of net gains and losses on derivative instruments. We also deduct non-cash compensation expense as a result of restricted stock units that are issued under our long-term incentive plan. Finally, we also adjust from time to time other non-cash or unusual and/or infrequent charges due to either their non-cash nature or their infrequency.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides information useful to investors in assessing our liquidity and financial condition and results of operations and that Adjusted EBITDA is also useful to investors as a financial indicator of our ability to incur and service debt, pay dividends and fund capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure that management and external users of our condensed consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, commercial banks and rating agencies, use to assess the following:

  • our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded companies in the retail energy industry, without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
  • the ability of our assets to generate earnings sufficient to support our proposed cash dividends;
  • our ability to fund capital expenditures (including customer acquisition costs) and incur and service debt; and
  • our compliance with financial debt covenants.

Retail Gross Margin

We define retail gross margin as operating income (loss) plus (i) depreciation and amortization expenses and (ii) general and administrative expenses, less (iii) net asset optimization revenues (expenses), (iv) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (v) net current period cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments. Retail gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary performance measure used by our management to determine the performance of our retail natural gas and electricity segments. As an indicator of our retail energy business’ operating performance, retail gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, operating income (loss), its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We believe retail gross margin provides information useful to investors as an indicator of our retail energy business’s operating performance.

The GAAP measures most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA are net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Retail Gross Margin is operating income (loss). Our non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), net cash provided by operating activities, or operating income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP and have important limitations as analytical tools. You should not consider Adjusted EBITDA or Retail Gross Margin in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities, and are defined differently by different companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Management compensates for the limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and Retail Gross Margin as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these data points into management’s decision-making process.

The following tables present a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities for each of the periods indicated.

APPENDIX TABLES A-1 AND A-2
ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATIONS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net (loss) income:
Net (loss) income
$ (25,484 ) $ 23,927 $ (22,739 ) $ (17,904 )
Depreciation and amortization
10,312 12,861 22,467 25,880
Interest expense
1,995 2,316 4,218 4,561
Income tax (benefit) expense
(4,586 ) 3,251 (3,545 ) (3,216 )
EBITDA
(17,763 ) 42,355 401 9,321
Less:
Net, (loss) gain on derivative instruments
(35,456 ) 17,054 (54,997 ) (19,488 )
Net cash settlements on derivative instruments
12,769 8,792 20,794 (6,745 )
Customer acquisition costs
3,396 1,980 9,185 6,254
Plus:
Non-cash compensation expense
1,260 1,555 2,432 2,686
Non-recurring legal and regulatory settlements
10,807 10,807
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 13,595 $ 16,084 $ 38,658 $ 31,986
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 20,980 $ 45,950 $ 51,029 $ 36,410
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(237 ) (317 ) (505 ) (612 )
Bad debt expense
(2,166 ) (3,302 ) (6,015 ) (5,725 )
Interest expense
1,995 2,316 4,218 4,561
Income tax (benefit) expense
(4,586 ) 3,251 (3,545 ) (3,216 )
Changes in operating working capital
Accounts receivable, prepaids, current assets
(41,028 ) (38,516 ) (51,392 ) (25,888 )
Inventory
1,785 1,377 (1,858 ) (2,693 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
20,222 7,618 31,172 23,934
Other
16,630 (2,293 ) 15,554 5,215
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 13,595 $ 16,084 $ 38,658 $ 31,986
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by operating activities
$ 20,980 $ 45,950 $ 51,029 $ 36,410
Cash flows used in investing activities
$ (250 ) $ (8,205 ) $ (6,373 ) $ (24,000 )
Cash flows used in financing activities
$ (27,353 ) $ (23,108 ) (65,714 ) $ (6,127 )

The following table presents a reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to operating income (loss) for each of the periods indicated.

APPENDIX TABLE A-3
RETAIL GROSS MARGIN RECONCILIATION
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2019 2018 2019 2018
Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Operating (loss) income:
Operating (loss) income
$ (28,569 ) $ 28,941 $ (22,749 ) $ (17,313 )
Plus:
Depreciation and amortization
10,312 12,861 22,467 25,880
General and administrative expense
37,247 27,780 66,723 57,827
Less:
Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues
(56 ) 763 2,496 3,450
Net, (loss) gain on non-trading derivative instruments
(35,466 ) 16,601 (55,269 ) (20,111 )
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments
12,788 8,793 20,913 (6,089 )
Retail Gross Margin
$ 41,724 $ 43,425 $ 98,301 $ 89,144
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Electricity Segment
$ 33,614 $ 32,642 $ 63,588 $ 52,361
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Natural Gas Segment
$ 8,110 $ 10,783 $ 34,713 $ 36,783

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/555050/Spark-Energy-Inc-Reports-Second-Quarter-2019-Financial-Results

Spark Energy, Inc. to Present Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results on Thursday, August 8, 2019

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that it plans to present its second quarter 2019 financial results in a conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 10:00 AM Central (11:00 AM Eastern).

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page of the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com/events-and-presentations. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for twelve months following the live presentation.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/552851/Spark-Energy-Inc-to-Present-Second-Quarter-2019-Financial-Results-on-Thursday-August-8-2019

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Dividend on Common and Preferred Stock

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 17, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend for the second quarter of 2019 in the amount of $0.18125 per share on its Class A Common Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $0.725 per share. The second quarter dividend will be paid on September 16, 2019 to holders of record of Spark’s Class A Common Stock on September 2, 2019.

Additionally, in accordance with the terms of the 8.75% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) of the Company, the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.546875 per share on the Series A Preferred Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $2.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid on October 15, 2019 to holders of record of Spark’s Series A Preferred Stock on October 1, 2019.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:
Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/552419/Spark-Energy-Inc-Announces-Dividend-on-Common-and-Preferred-Stock

 

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Termination of Tax Receivable Agreement

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 15, 2019 / Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), announced today that it has entered into a TRA Termination and Release Agreement (the “Release Agreement”), and agreed to pay $11.2 million to terminate and settle all present and future obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement (“TRA”) that was established at the time of Spark’s initial public offering in 2014. At March 31, 2019, Spark carried a TRA liability of $27.6 million. This settlement will result in a $16.4 million pre-tax benefit that will result in an increase in stockholders equity.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to settle our obligations at a significant discount to the calculated early termination payment under the TRA,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This settlement allows us to remove a significant future cash outflow, reduce general and administrative costs and reporting complexities currently required by the TRA, and take full advantage of the step-up in tax basis associated with future conversions. We would like to thank Mr. Maxwell, once again, for his continued commitment to bringing shareholder value to Spark. We believe this simplifies Spark’s structure as we continue to tell our story to investors and potential strategic partners.”

A special committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of independent directors, has approved this transaction. Absent the Release Agreement, Spark anticipated making TRA payments totaling $68.7 million, undiscounted, over the life of the TRA. The terms of the Release Agreement waive the early termination payment Spark would otherwise be required to make for an early termination of the TRA, which would have been approximately $49.3 million using June 24, 2019 as a hypothetical early settlement date.

Under the Release Agreement, Spark will retain the existing tax asset created by previous conversions of Class B shares (together with an equal number of Spark Holdco units) by Mr. Maxwell. In the event of any future conversions by Mr. Maxwell, Spark will retain 100% of the associated tax benefit. Investors are encouraged to read the full text of the Release Agreement, which will be filed on a Current Report on Form 8-K.

About Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. is an independent retail energy services company founded in 1999 that provides residential and commercial customers in competitive markets across the United States with an alternative choice for their natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Spark currently operates in 19 states and serves 94 utility territories. Spark offers its customers a variety of product and service choices, including stable and predictable energy costs and green product alternatives.

We use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors should note that new materials, including press releases, updated investor presentations, and financial and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on the Spark Energy Investor Relations website at ir.sparkenergy.com. Investors are urged to monitor our website regularly for information and updates about the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including “may,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “project,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements appear in this press release and include statements about the TRA and the Release Agreement. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases.

You should review the risk factors and other factors noted throughout this press release. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless required by law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

SOURCE: Spark Energy, Inc.

 

View source version on accesswire.com:
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