Market Trends Toward New Normal in Chesapeake Utilities, Schlumberger, American Eagle Outfitters, Spark Energy, Maximus, and Novartis AG — Emerging Consolidated Expectations, Analyst Ratings

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In new independent research reports released early this morning, Market Source Research released its latest key findings for all current investors, traders, and shareholders of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK), Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB), American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO), Spark Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPKE), Maximus, Inc. (NYSE:MMS), and Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS), including updated fundamental summaries, consolidated fiscal reporting, and fully-qualified certified analyst research.

Complimentary Access: Research Reports

Full copies of recently published reports are available to readers at the links below.

CPK DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=CPK
SLB DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=SLB
AEO DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=AEO
SPKE DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=SPKE
MMS DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=MMS
NVS DOWNLOAD: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=NVS

(You may have to copy and paste the link into your browser and hit the [ENTER] key)

The new research reports from Market Source Research, available for free download at the links above, examine Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK), Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB), American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO), Spark Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPKE), Maximus, Inc. (NYSE:MMS), and Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) on a fundamental level and outlines the overall demand for their products and services in addition to an in-depth review of the business strategy, management discussion, and overall direction going forward. Several excerpts from the recently released reports are available to today’s readers below.

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Important Notice: the following excerpts are not designed to be standalone summaries and as such, important information may be missing from these samples. Please download the entire research report, free of charge, to ensure you are reading all relevant material information. All information in this release was accessed October 24th, 2018. Percentage calculations are performed after rounding. All amounts in millions (MM), except per share amounts.

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CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION (CPK) REPORT OVERVIEW

Chesapeake Utilities’ Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended June 30th, 2018 vs June 30th, 2017, Chesapeake Utilities reported revenue of $136.66MM vs $125.08MM (up 9.26%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $0.39 vs $0.37 (up 5.41%). For the twelve months ended December 31st, 2017 vs December 31st, 2016, Chesapeake Utilities reported revenue of $617.58MM vs $498.86MM (up 23.80%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $3.56 vs $2.87 (up 24.04%). Analysts expect earnings to be released on November 8th, 2018. The report will be for the fiscal period ending September 30th, 2018. The reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $0.42. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $3.67 and is expected to report on February 27th, 2019.

To read the full Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=CPK

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SCHLUMBERGER LIMITED (SLB) REPORT OVERVIEW

Schlumberger’s Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended June 30th, 2018 vs June 30th, 2017, Schlumberger reported revenue of $8,303.00MM vs $7,462.00MM (up 11.27%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $0.31 vs -$0.05. For the twelve months ended December 31st, 2017 vs December 31st, 2016, Schlumberger reported revenue of $30,440.00MM vs $27,810.00MM (up 9.46%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share -$1.08 vs -$1.24. Analysts expect earnings to be released on January 18th, 2019. The report will be for the fiscal period ending December 31st, 2018. Reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $0.48. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $2.25 and is expected to report on January 18th, 2019.

To read the full Schlumberger Limited (SLB) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=SLB

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC. (AEO) REPORT OVERVIEW

American Eagle Outfitters’ Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended July 31st, 2018 vs July 31st, 2017, American Eagle Outfitters reported revenue of $964.85MM vs $844.56MM (up 14.24%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $0.34 vs $0.12 (up 183.33%). For the twelve months ended January 31st, 2018 vs January 31st, 2017, American Eagle Outfitters reported revenue of $3,795.55MM vs $3,609.87MM (up 5.14%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $1.15 vs $1.17 (down 1.71%). Analysts expect earnings to be released on December 5th, 2018. The report will be for the fiscal period ending October 31st, 2018. Reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $0.37. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $1.65 and is expected to report on March 14th, 2019.

To read the full American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=AEO

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SPARK ENERGY, INC. (SPKE) REPORT OVERVIEW

Spark Energy’s Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended June 30th, 2018 vs June 30th, 2017, Spark Energy reported revenue of $232.25MM vs $151.44MM (up 53.37%) and basic earnings per share $0.41 vs $0.01 (up 4,000.00%). For the twelve months ended December 31st, 2017 vs December 31st, 2016, Spark Energy reported revenue of $798.06MM vs $546.70MM (up 45.98%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $1.20 vs $1.27 (down 5.51%). Analysts expect earnings to be released on November 2nd, 2018. The report will be for the fiscal period ending September 30th, 2018. The reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $0.11. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $0.29 and is expected to report on March 8th, 2019.

To read the full Spark Energy, Inc. (SPKE) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=SPKE

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MAXIMUS, INC. (MMS) REPORT OVERVIEW

Maximus’ Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended June 30th, 2018 vs June 30th, 2017, Maximus reported revenue of $597.86MM vs $600.45MM (down 0.43%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $0.91 vs $0.87 (up 4.60%). For the twelve months ended September 30th, 2017 vs September 30th, 2016, Maximus reported revenue of $2,450.96MM vs $2,403.36MM (up 1.98%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $3.19 vs $2.71 (up 17.71%). Analysts expect earnings to be released on November 8th, 2018. The report will be for the fiscal period ending September 30th, 2018. The reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $0.81. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $3.41 and is expected to report on November 8th, 2018.

To read the full Maximus, Inc. (MMS) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=MMS

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NOVARTIS AG (NVS) REPORT OVERVIEW

Novartis AG’s Recent Financial Performance

For the three months ended September 30th, 2018 vs September 30th, 2017, Novartis AG reported revenue of $13,121.00MM vs $12,692.00MM (up 3.38%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $0.70 vs $0.89 (down 21.35%). For the twelve months ended December 31st, 2017 vs December 31st, 2016, Novartis AG reported revenue of $50,135.00MM vs $49,436.00MM (up 1.41%) and analysts estimated basic earnings per share $3.28 vs $2.82 (up 16.31%). Analysts expect earnings to be released on January 23rd, 2019. The report will be for the fiscal period ending December 31st, 2018. The reported EPS for the same quarter last year was $1.20. The estimated EPS forecast for the next fiscal year is $5.50 and is expected to report on January 23rd, 2019.

To read the full Novartis AG (NVS) report, download it here: http://MarketSourceResearch.com/register/?so=NVS

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ABOUT MARKET SOURCE RESEARCH

Market Source Research delivers the key research reports that helps serious investors, registered brokers, professional traders, and personal investment advisers find reliable information in today’s markets. Market Source Research’s team is comprised of financial professionals, many of which hold Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designations and FINRA® BrokerCheck® certifications. Whether identifying emerging trends, or discovering new opportunity, the team at Market Source Research is dedicated to providing accurate, informative, and objective content that’s ahead of the curve. With insights on individual companies as well as sectors, readers get the industry’s best available combination of big-picture perspective as well as granular detail.

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Information contained herein is not an offer or solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any security. Market Source Research, Market Source Research members, and/or Market Source Research affiliates are not responsible for any gains or losses that result from the opinions expressed. Market Source Research makes no representations as to the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the material provided and all materials are subject to change without notice. Market Source Research has not been compensated for the publication of this press release by any of the above mentioned companies. Market Source Research is not a financial advisory firm, investment adviser, or broker-dealer, and does not undertake any activities that would require such registration. For our full disclaimer, disclosure, and terms of service please visit our website.

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Hugo Moreau, Media Department
Office: +1 (704) 343-6361
E-mail: media@MarketSourceResearch.com

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Source: Market Source Research

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Mass Market Customer Book

HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today announced that the Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire approximately 60,000 residential RCEs from a retail energy provider in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

“This tuck-in acquisition is a perfect example of the types of transactions we continue to pursue,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The transaction represents excellent value and we expect it to be accretive to Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.  We believe this acquisition, along with our recent organic sales activity and the consolidation of our brands onto more efficient, cost-effective platforms will drive long-term, sustainable growth and value for shareholders.”

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:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

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

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results to be presented on Friday, November 2, 2018

HOUSTON, Oct. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SPKE), an independent retail energy services company (“Spark” or the “Company”), announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend for the third quarter of 2018 in the amount of $0.18125 per share of Class A Common Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $0.725 per share. The third quarter dividend will be paid on December 14, 2018 to holders of record of Spark’s Class A Common Stock on November 30, 2018.

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 of the Series A Preferred Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $2.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2019 to holders of record of Spark’s Series A Preferred Stock on January 1, 2019.

Conference Call and Webcast

The company has also announced today that it plans to present its third quarter 2018 financial results in a conference call and webcast on Friday, November 2, 2018 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 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.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

HOUSTON, Aug. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 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, 2018.

Key Highlights

  • Achieved $16.1 million in Adjusted EBITDA, $43.4 million in Retail Gross Margin, and a $23.9 million in Net Income for the second quarter
  • Total RCE count increased 26.9% year-over-year to 1,049,000 as of June 30, 2018
  • Overall monthly attrition of 3.7% for the second quarter
  • Continuing to simplify, streamline, and optimize the organization to improve long-term margin profile

“We made considerable progress in our synergy and brand consolidation efforts during the second quarter, achieving our target of annualized general and administrative cost savings of $15 million through facility and headcount reductions,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We successfully migrated a total of 110,000 customers to more cost-effective billing platforms and notified another 62,000 customers of planned platform switches that should be complete by end of the third quarter.

“Despite strong operating cost controls, our second-quarter results were negatively impacted by lower electricity unit margins. This was a result of the hedges we had to purchase during the first few weeks of the year, additional hedges we used to insure against adverse weather in ERCOT this summer, and increases in capacity costs in New England. While we are disappointed with our first half performance, we are implementing the appropriate strategies that we expect will improve profitability and Adjusted EBITDA performance.

“As we enter the second half of the year, we expect to drive an additional $5 million in annualized cost savings through a series of targeted projects. We’re also focusing on organic growth through recently integrated Verde sales channels, as well as new retail sales channels that we believe will help us increase our mass-market concentration and improve margins as we pivot away from larger, lower-margin C&I customers.”

Summary Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018, Spark reported Adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $20.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. This decrease of $3.9 million is primarily attributable to lower electricity unit margins as well as higher G&A due to a larger customer portfolio.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018, Spark reported Retail Gross Margin of $43.4 million compared to Retail Gross Margin of $43.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Spark attributes this increase of $0.3 million primarily to higher electricity volumes, primarily as a result of acquisitions completed over the prior twelve months, largely offset by lower electricity margins.

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, was $23.9 million compared to net income of $4.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The increase in performance compared to the prior year was primarily the result of unrealized mark to market hedge gain in the second quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

($ in thousands) June 30, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,702
Senior Credit Facility Availability (1) 36,281
Subordinated Debt Availability (2) 15,000
Total Liquidity $ 86,983

 

(1)  Subject to Senior Credit Facility borrowing base and covenant restrictions.
(2)  The availability of the Subordinated Facility is dependent on our Founder’s financial position and liquidity.

Dividend

Spark’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.18125 per share of Class A common stock payable on September 13th, 2018, and $0.546875 per share of Series A Preferred Stock payable on October 15, 2018.

Conference Call and Webcast

Spark will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2018 results on Friday, August 3, 2018, 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 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 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,” “projects,” 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 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;
  • 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, 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 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.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 AS OF JUNE 30, 2018 AND DECEMBER 31, 2017
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,702 $ 29,419
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.6 million and $4.0 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 132,011 158,814
Accounts receivable—affiliates 3,427 3,661
Inventory 1,860 4,470
Fair value of derivative assets 11,526 31,191
Customer acquisition costs, net 17,123 22,123
Customer relationships, net 20,669 18,653
Prepaid assets 3,575 1,028
Deposits 12,109 7,701
Other current assets 18,863 19,678
Total current assets 256,865 296,738
Property and equipment, net 7,190 8,275
Fair value of derivative assets 595 3,309
Customer acquisition costs, net 5,315 6,949
Customer relationships, net 31,600 34,839
Deferred tax assets 27,581 24,185
Goodwill 120,343 120,154
Other assets 11,360 11,500
Total assets $ 460,849 $ 505,949
Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 59,393 $ 77,510
Accounts payable—affiliates 2,373 4,622
Accrued liabilities 32,330 33,679
Fair value of derivative liabilities 2,079 1,637
Current portion of Senior Credit Facility 7,500
Current payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 2,508 5,937
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions 2,980 4,024
Other current liabilities 1,282 2,675
Current portion of note payable 13,921 13,443
Total current liabilities 116,866 151,027
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities 4,380 492
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 26,067 26,355
Long-term portion of Senior Credit Facility 102,000 117,750
Subordinated debt—affiliate 10,000
Contingent consideration for acquisitions 626
Other long-term liabilities 1 172
Long-term portion of note payable 7,051
Total liabilities 259,314 303,473
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
3,707,256 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and 1,704,339 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2017
90,758 41,173
Stockholders’ equity:
Common Stock (1) :
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized,
13,493,158 issued, and 13,393,712 outstanding at June 30, 2018 and 13,235,082
issued and 13,135,636 outstanding at December 31, 2017
135 132
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized,
21,485,126 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
216 216
Additional paid-in capital 28,846 26,914
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (33 ) (11 )
Retained earnings (2,678 ) 11,008
Treasury stock, at cost, 99,446 shares at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (2,011 ) (2,011 )
Total stockholders’ equity 24,475 36,248
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC 86,302 125,055
Total equity 110,777 161,303
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and stockholders’ equity $ 460,849 $ 505,949

 

(1)  Outstanding shares of common stock reflect the two-for-one stock split, which took effect on June 16, 2017. See 5 “Equity” in our 10-Q for further discussion.
(2)  See Note 5 “Equity” in our 10-Q for disclosure of our variable interest entity in Spark HoldCo, LLC.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues:
Retail revenues $ 231,488 $ 151,604 $ 515,489 $ 348,104
Net asset optimization revenues/(expense) (1) 763 (168 ) 3,450 (361 )
Total Revenues 232,251 151,436 518,939 347,743
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues 162,669 114,637 452,545 260,398
General and administrative (2) 27,780 19,346 57,827 43,839
Depreciation and amortization 12,861 9,656 25,880 18,926
Total Operating Expenses 203,310 143,639 536,252 323,163
Operating income (loss) 28,941 7,797 (17,313 ) 24,580
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense (2,316 ) (2,452 ) (4,561 ) (5,897 )
Interest and other income 553 (265 ) 755 (66 )
Total other expenses (1,763 ) (2,717 ) (3,807 ) (5,963 )
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 27,178 5,080 (21,120 ) 18,617
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,251 409 (3,216 ) 2,814
Net income (loss) $ 23,927 $ 4,671 $ (17,904 ) $ 15,803
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 16,427 3,592 (13,078 ) 12,454
Net income (loss) attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 7,500 $ 1,079 $ (4,826 ) $ 3,349
Less: Dividend on Series A preferred stock 2,027 991 4,054 1,174
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock $ 5,473 $ 88 $ (8,880 ) $ 2,175
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation gain (loss) $ 25 $ (26 ) $ (58 ) $ (75 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) 25 (26 ) (58 ) (75 )
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 23,952 $ 4,645 $ (17,962 ) $ 15,728
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 16,442 3,576 (13,114 ) 12,407
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 7,510 $ 1,069 $ (4,848 ) $ 3,321
(1) Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $340 and $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $24 and $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $988 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and asset optimization revenue—affiliates cost of revenues of $36 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2) General and administrative expense includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $1,600 and $6,100 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $8,000 and $13,400 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Issued
Shares of
Class A
Common
Stock
Issued
Shares of
Class B Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017 13,235 21,485 (99 ) $ 132 $ 216 $ (2,011 ) $ (11 ) $ 26,914 $ 11,008 $ 36,248 $ 125,055 $ 161,303
Stock based compensation 2,647 2,647 2,647
Restricted stock unit vesting 258 3 (715 ) (712 ) (712 )
Consolidated net loss (4,826 ) (4,826 ) (13,078 ) (17,904 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment for equity method investee (22 ) (22 ) (36 ) (58 )
Distributions paid to non-controlling unit holders (19,501 ) (19,501 )
Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders (4,805 ) (4,805 ) (4,805 )
Dividends to Preferred Stock (4,055 ) (4,055 ) (4,055 )
Acquisition of NG&E Customers (6,138 ) (6,138 )
Balance at June 30, 2018 13,493 21,485 (99 ) $ 135 $ 216 $ (2,011 ) $ (33 ) $ 28,846 $ (2,678 ) $ 24,475 $ 86,302 $ 110,777

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income $ (17,904 ) $ 15,803
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 24,639 18,411
Deferred income taxes (3,396 ) 3
Change in TRA liability 79
Stock based compensation 2,686 2,905
Amortization of deferred financing costs 614 531
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting (101 ) 179
Change in Fair Value of Earnout liabilities (63 ) (2,568 )
Accretion on fair value of Earnout liabilities 2,660
Bad debt expense 5,725 919
Loss on derivatives, net 19,487 31,473
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net 7,170 (11,828 )
Accretion of discount to convertible subordinated notes to affiliate 1,004
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout (1,104 )
Payment of the Provider Companies Earnout (677 )
Other (555 ) 224
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable 25,957 18,072
Increase in accounts receivable—affiliates (10 ) (1,925 )
Decrease in inventory 2,693 310
Increase in customer acquisition costs (6,254 ) (12,074 )
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other current assets (59 ) 5,394
Decrease (increase) in other assets 97 (788 )
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (20,140 ) (18,422 )
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable—affiliates (2,249 ) 313
Decrease in other current liabilities (1,545 ) (2,862 )
Decrease in other non-current liabilities (461 ) (328 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 36,410 45,625
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (1,163 ) (371 )
Acquisitions of Perigee and other customers (9,353 )
Deposit for Verde Acquisition (65,785 )
Acquisition of HIKO (15,041 )
Acquisition of NG&E customers (7,796 )
Net cash used in investing activities (24,000 ) (75,509 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs paid 48,490 37,937
Borrowings on notes payable 146,800 121,000
Payments on notes payable (160,050 ) (93,789 )
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout (1,607 ) (6,299 )
Payment of the Provider Companies Earnout and installment consideration (6,676 )
Payments on the Verde promissory note (6,573 )
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits 244 666
Restricted stock vesting (2,589 ) (2,009 )
Payment of Tax Receivable Agreement liability (3,577 )
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders (4,805 ) (4,754 )
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders (19,501 ) (19,822 )
Payment of Dividends to Preferred Stock (2,959 )
Purchase of Treasury Stock (1,285 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (6,127 ) 24,969
Increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents 6,283 (4,915 )
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 29,419 18,960
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 35,702 $ 14,045
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Non-cash items:
Property and equipment purchase accrual $ (123 ) $ 50
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 3,884 $ 1,395
Taxes $ 5,399 $ 7,232

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017
(in thousands, except per unit operating data)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
Retail Electricity Segment
Total Revenues $ 209,446 $ 131,908 430,346 $ 265,602
Retail Cost of Revenues 151,953 102,079 401,500 210,923
Less: Net gains (losses) on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements 24,852 (5,034 ) (23,515 ) (16,955 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) — Electricity $ 32,642 $ 34,863 $ 52,361 $ 71,634
Volumes — Electricity (MWhs) 2,100,007 1,379,051 4,352,031 2,764,165
Retail Gross Margin (2) — Electricity per MWh $ 15.54 $ 25.28 $ 12.03 $ 25.92
Retail Natural Gas Segment
Total Revenues $ 22,804 $ 19,528 $ 88,593 $ 82,141
Retail Cost of Revenues 10,716 12,558 51,045 49,475
Less: Net Asset Optimization Revenues (Expenses) 763 (168 ) 3,450 (361 )
Less: Net gains (losses) on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements 542 (1,148 ) (2,685 ) (3,088 )
Retail Gross Margin (1) — Gas $ 10,783 $ 8,286 $ 36,783 $ 36,115
Volumes — Gas (MMBtus) 2,840,721 2,629,087 10,517,802 10,848,366
Retail Gross Margin (2) — Gas per MMBtu $ 3.80 $ 3.15 $ 3.50 $ 3.33

 

(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 “How We Evaluate Our Operations” 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 in accordance with our accounting policies. The deduction of current period customer acquisition costs is consistent with how we manage our business, but the comparability of Adjusted EBITDA between periods may be affected by varying levels of customer acquisition costs. For example, our Adjusted EBITDA is lower in years of customer growth reflecting larger customer acquisition spending. 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.

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

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 (i) net asset optimization revenues, (ii) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (iii) 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 business by removing the impacts of our asset optimization activities and net non-cash income (loss) impact of our economic hedging activities. 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) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income:
Net income (loss) $ 23,927 $ 4,671 $ (17,904 ) $ 15,803
Depreciation and amortization 12,861 9,656 25,880 18,926
Interest expense 2,316 2,452 4,561 5,897
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,251 409 (3,216 ) 2,814
EBITDA 42,355 17,188 9,321 43,440
Less:
Net, Gain (losses) on derivative instruments 17,054 (9,677 ) (19,488 ) (31,473 )
Net, Cash settlements on derivative instruments 8,792 3,996 (6,745 ) 11,351
Customer acquisition costs 1,980 4,384 6,254 12,074
Plus:
Non-cash compensation expense 1,555 1,538 2,686 2,905
Adjusted EBITDA $ 16,084 $ 20,023 $ 31,986 $ 54,393

 

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 45,950 $ 22,331 $ 36,410 $ 45,625
Amortization of deferred financing costs (319 ) (283 ) (614 ) (531 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense (3,302 ) (563 ) (5,725 ) (919 )
Interest expense 2,316 2,452 4,561 5,897
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,251 409 (3,216 ) 2,814
Changes in operating working capital
Accounts receivable, prepaids, current assets (38,516 ) (19,159 ) (25,888 ) (21,541 )
Inventory 1,377 3,012 (2,693 ) (310 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 7,618 7,895 23,934 20,971
Other (2,291 ) 3,929 5,217 2,387
Adjusted EBITDA $ 16,084 $ 20,023 $ 31,986 $ 54,393
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by operating activities $ 45,950 $ 22,331 $ 36,410 $ 45,625
Cash flows used in investing activities $ (8,205 ) $ (75,397 ) $ (24,000 ) $ (75,509 )
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities $ (23,108 ) $ 42,162 $ (6,127 ) $ 24,969

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) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Operating Income (loss):
Operating income (loss) $ 28,941 $ 7,797 $ (17,313 ) $ 24,580
Depreciation and amortization 12,861 9,656 25,880 18,926
General and administrative 27,780 19,346 57,827 43,839
Less:
Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) 763 (168 ) 3,450 (361 )
Net, gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments 16,601 (10,202 ) (20,111 ) (31,578 )
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments 8,793 4,020 (6,089 ) 11,535
Retail Gross Margin $ 43,425 $ 43,149 $ 89,144 $ 107,749
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Electricity Segment $ 32,642 $ 34,863 $ 52,361 $ 71,634
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Natural Gas Segment $ 10,783 $ 8,286 $ 36,783 $ 36,115

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Kira Jordan, 832-255-7302

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Buyout of Verde Earnout Obligations

HOUSTON, Jan. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, announced today that the Company and Verde Energy USA Holdings, LLC (“Verde”) have agreed to terminate the earnout provisions of the purchase and sale transaction in which Spark acquired Verde’s operating subsidiaries in July 2017.

Pursuant to the Membership Interest and Stock Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”) entered into between the Company, its subsidiary, and Verde on May 5, 2017, the Company was obligated to pay 100% of the Adjusted EBITDA earned by the Verde Companies for the 18 months following closing that exceeds certain thresholds, subject to the Verde Companies’ ability to achieve defined customer count criteria. In connection with such obligations, Verde’s existing management continued to operate the business as a separate entity during the earnout period. The buyout transaction provides for a lump sum payment of approximately $6.0 million in June 2019 in substitution of the existing earnout obligations. With the buyout of the earnout provision, Spark management will assume complete control over Verde’s operations, effective immediately.

“The early buyout of the Verde earnout gives us the opportunity to begin immediate improvement in our bottom line results,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As I mentioned on our last earnings call, one of our near-term strategic priorities is to maximize process efficiencies and synergies through the integration of recent acquisitions. By ending the Verde earnout almost a year early, we are able to accelerate and realize synergies of the acquisition that should increase our Adjusted EBITDA performance in future periods.”

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 includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements 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. 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. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including (i) restrictions in our debt agreements and collateral requirements, (ii) our ability to borrow funds and access credit markets, (iii) our level of indebtedness, (iv) our ability to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations, (iv) federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to prevail on its challenge to the New York Public Service Commission’s orders enacting new regulations that seek to impose significant new restrictions on retail energy providers operating in New York, (v) other business risks affecting our liquidity and results of operations. Additional important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in Item 1A of Spark’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent Form 10-Qs and other reports filed with the SEC. While Spark makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Spark nor its management or affiliates can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Spark assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Spark, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Christian Hettick, 832-200-3727

Media:

Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

HOUSTON, Nov. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 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, 2017.

Key Highlights

  • Achieved $19.6 million in Adjusted EBITDA, $50.6 million in Retail Gross Margin, and $12.9 million in Net Income for the third quarter
  • Total RCE count increased 16% to a record 957,000 as of September 30, 2017
  • Overall monthly attrition of 4.2% for the third quarter
  • Added two new banks and expanded the senior credit facility to $150.0 million in commitments with a new $50.0 million accordion

“Spark continues to deliver solid, dependable results, even in a quarter marked by milder-than-anticipated weather and the devastation of Hurricane Harvey,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “During the quarter, we began the integration of Verde as we near completion of the Perigee integration.  In addition, we added two new banks to our credit facility, bringing our total lenders to seven with $150.0 million of commitments, with the additional capacity to expand the facility up to $200.0 million.

“As we turn our attention to 2018 and beyond, we are looking to expand on the success we have had in our international joint venture in Japan by entering additional international markets in the same manner. In addition, we plan to further integrate our recent acquisitions, driving process improvements and realizing significant synergies through economies of scale.  While we expect to realize a substantial part of the cost savings in 2019, we fully expect to begin benefiting from some of the  Adjusted EBITDA enhancements in 2018.”

Summary Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, Spark reported Adjusted EBITDA of $19.6 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $20.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. This decrease of $0.7 million is primarily attributable to milder-than-expected weather, the effects of Hurricane Harvey, and fixed costs associated with a larger customer base, partially offset by larger overall volumes.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, Spark reported Retail Gross Margin of $50.6 million compared to Retail Gross Margin of $45.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. This increase of $5.3 million is primarily attributable to the increased volumes of retail electricity following the Verde and Perigee acquisitions, mitigated by milder-than-anticipated weather in our service territories, lower unit margins in our retail electricity segment, and the effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, was $12.9 million compared to net income of $6.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the increase in gross margin offset by higher general and administrative costs.

Strategic Update

Effective July 1, Spark acquired Verde Energy (“Verde”), which operates in eight states selling 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas products. Spark paid $65.8 million, consisting of $45.0 million of cash at closing and a $20.0 million sellers’ note, plus $20.8 million for working capital. There is an additional earnout that is subject to Verde’s ability to achieve defined performance metrics.

During the quarter, Spark increased the commitments on its credit facility by $30.0 million to $150.0 million.  Spark also executed an amendment to the credit facility that allows the Company to increase the credit facility to up to $200.0 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

($ in thousands) September 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,249
Senior Credit Facility Availability 4,209
Subordinated Debt Availability 25,000
Total Liquidity $ 40,458

Dividend

Spark’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.18125 per share of Class A common stock payable on December 14, 2017, and $0.546875 per share of Series A Preferred Stock payable on January 15, 2018. Investors are reminded that on June 16, 2017, Spark completed a two-for-one stock split by means of a stock dividend.

Conference Call and Webcast

Spark will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2017 results on Friday, November 3, 2017, 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.cfm. 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 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 earnings release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These 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 “guidance,” “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 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 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,
  • extreme and unpredictable weather conditions,
  • milder than forecasted weather conditions,
  • impact of hurricanes and other natural disasters,
  • the sufficiency of risk management and hedging policies,
  • customer concentration,
  • federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to prevail on its challenge to the New York Public Service Commission’s order enacting new regulations that sought to impose significant new restrictions on retail energy providers operating in New York,
  • key license retention,
  • increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs,
  • 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,
  • level of indebtedness,
  • changes in costs to acquire customers,
  • actual customer attrition rates,
  • actual bad debt expense in non-POR markets,
  • actual results of the companies we acquire,
  • accuracy of billing systems,
  • ability to successfully navigate entry into new markets,
  • whether our majority shareholder or its affiliates offers us acquisition opportunities on terms that are commercially acceptable to us,
  • ability to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations,
  • ability to achieve expected future results attributable to acquisitions,
  • changes in the assumptions we used to estimate our 2017 Adjusted EBITDA, including weather and customer acquisition costs,
  • competition, and
  • the “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, 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 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.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND DECEMBER 31, 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,249 $ 18,960
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.1 million and $2.3 million as of
September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
111,254 112,491
Accounts receivable—affiliates 4,466 2,624
Inventory 5,688 3,752
Fair value of derivative assets 1,444 8,344
Customer acquisition costs, net 20,872 18,834
Customer relationships, net 17,978 12,113
Prepaid assets 1,353 1,361
Deposits 9,570 7,329
Other current assets 17,322 12,175
Total current assets 201,196 197,983
Property and equipment, net 8,623 4,706
Fair value of derivative assets 138 3,083
Customer acquisition costs, net 6,670 6,134
Customer relationships, net 40,559 21,410
Deferred tax assets 50,302 55,047
Goodwill 120,154 79,147
Other assets 11,814 8,658
Total assets $ 439,456 $ 376,168
Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 53,866 $ 52,309
Accounts payable—affiliates 4,683 3,775
Accrued liabilities 32,833 36,619
Fair value of derivative liabilities 3,879 680
Current portion of Senior Credit Facility 7,500 51,287
Current payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 1,454
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions 4,248 11,827
Current portion of note payable 13,276 15,501
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates 6,582
Other current liabilities 1,804 5,476
Total current liabilities 123,543 184,056
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities 3,410 68
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 48,432 49,886
Long-term portion of Senior Credit Facility 84,025
Subordinated debt—affiliate 5,000
Deferred tax liability 938
Contingent consideration for acquisitions 4,458 10,826
Other long-term liabilities 489 1,658
Long-term portion of note payable 4,575
Total liabilities $ 268,932 $ 252,432
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,610,000 shares issued
and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016
41,244
Stockholders’ equity:
    Common Stock (1) :
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 13,235,082 issued, and
13,145,636 outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 12,993,118 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016
132 65
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 21,485,126 issued and
outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 20,449,484 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016
216 103
    Additional paid-in capital 36,502 25,413
    Accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss (22 ) 11
    Retained earnings 1,164 4,711
    Treasury stock, at cost, 89,446 shares at September 30, 2017 and zero shares at December 31, 2016 (1,888 )
    Total stockholders’ equity 36,104 30,303
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC 93,176 93,433
    Total equity 129,280 123,736
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and stockholders’ equity $ 439,456 $ 376,168

 

(1) Outstanding shares of common stock reflect the two-for-one stock split, which took effect on June 16, 2017. See Note 4 “Equity” in our 10-Q for further discussion.
SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016 (2) 2017 (1) 2016 (2)
Revenues:
Retail revenues $ 215,856 $ 157,986 $ 563,960 $ 378,063
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues (3) (320 ) 108 (681 ) (42 )
Total Revenues 215,536 158,094 563,279 378,021
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues (4) 160,373 122,830 420,771 248,593
General and administrative (5) 25,566 18,009 69,405 55,188
Depreciation and amortization 11,509 8,295 30,435 23,337
Total Operating Expenses 197,448 149,134 520,611 327,118
Operating income 18,088 8,960 42,668 50,903
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense (2,863 ) (1,270 ) (8,760 ) (2,855 )
Interest and other income 168 240 102 340
Total other expenses (2,695 ) (1,030 ) (8,658 ) (2,515 )
Income before income tax expense 15,393 7,930 34,010 48,388
Income tax expense 2,451 1,129 5,265 6,852
Net income $ 12,942 $ 6,801 $ 28,745 $ 41,536
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 10,595 6,618 23,049 34,839
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 2,347 $ 183 $ 5,696 $ 6,697
Less: Dividend on Series A preferred stock 932 2,106
Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock $ 1,415 $ 183 $ 3,590 $ 6,697
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Currency translation loss $ (13 ) $ (12 ) $ (88 ) $ (73 )
Other comprehensive loss (13 ) (12 ) (88 ) (73 )
Comprehensive income $ 12,929 $ 6,789 $ 28,657 $ 41,463
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 10,587 6,611 22,994 34,799
Comprehensive income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 2,342 $ 178 $ 5,663 $ 6,664

 

(1) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of Perigee Energy, LLC by an affiliate on February 3, 2017. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions” for further discussion.
(2) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by an affiliate on April 15, 2016. See Note 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and  “Acquisitions” for further discussion.
(3) Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $0 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $0 and $154 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenue—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,633 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4) Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0 and less than $100 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(5) General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $5,500 and $3,078 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $18,800 and $11,521 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Issued
Shares of
Class A
Common
Stock
Issued
Shares of
Class B
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016 6,497 10,225 $ 65 $ 103 $ 11 $ 25,413 $ 4,711 $ 30,303 $ 93,433 $ 123,736
Stock based compensation 1,956 1,956 1,956
Restricted stock unit vesting 121 1 1,053 1,054 1,054
Consolidated net income 5,696 5,696 23,049 28,745
Foreign currency translation adjustment for equity method investee (33 ) (33 ) (55 ) (88 )
Distributions paid to non-controlling unit holders (24,270 ) (24,270 )
Net contribution by NG&E 1,019 1,019
Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders (7,137 ) (7,137 ) (7,137 )
Dividends to Preferred Stock (2,106 ) (2,106 ) (2,106 )
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholder short-swing profits 464 464 464
Conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes to Class B Common Stock 518 5 7,790 7,795 7,795
Treasury Stock (89 ) (1,888 ) (1,888 ) (1,888 )
Stock Split 6,617 10,742 66 108 (174 )
Balance at September 30, 2017 13,235 21,485 (60 ) $ 132 $ 216 $ (1,888 ) $ (22 ) $ 36,502 $ 1,164 $ 36,104 $ 93,176 $ 129,280
SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 (1) 2016 (2)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 28,745 $ 41,536
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 30,584 32,743
Deferred income taxes 681 1,408
Stock based compensation 4,023 4,027
Amortization of deferred financing costs 750 465
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting 179
Change in Fair Value of Earnout liabilities (9,423 ) 843
Accretion on fair value of Earnout liabilities 3,787
Bad debt expense 3,436 842
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net 34,225 (2,887 )
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net (20,816 ) (18,693 )
Accretion of discount to convertible subordinated notes to affiliate 1,004
Other 123 314
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable 18,056 21,147
Increase in accounts receivable—affiliates (2,508 ) (997 )
(Increase) decrease in inventory (1,936 ) 568
Increase in customer acquisition costs (18,642 ) (10,234 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets 1,536 (923 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets (664 ) 733
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (9,301 ) (6,490 )
Increase in accounts payable—affiliates 1,165 636
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities 22 (1,783 )
Decrease in other non-current liabilities (1,170 ) (1,612 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 63,824 61,643
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (1,438 ) (1,763 )
Payment of CenStar Earnout (1,343 )
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout (7,403 )
Payment of the Provider Companies Earnout and Installment Note (7,738 )
Acquisition of Major Energy Companies and Provider Companies (30,507 )
Acquisitions of Perigee and other customers (11,464 )
Acquisition of the Verde Companies (67,934 )
Contribution to equity method investment in eRex Spark (562 )
Net cash used in investing activities (95,977 ) (34,175 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs paid 40,312
Borrowings on notes payable 139,400 47,923
Payments on notes payable (119,664 ) (44,601 )
  Proceeds from issuance of Class B common stock 13,995
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits 872 941
Restricted stock vesting (2,009 ) (1,183 )
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting 185
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders (7,137 ) (6,012 )
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders (24,270 ) (26,283 )
Payment (Accrual) of Dividends to Preferred Stock (1,174 )
Purchase of Treasury Stock (1,888 )
   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 24,442 (15,035 )
(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash (7,711 ) 12,433
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash—beginning of period 18,960 4,474
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash—end of period $ 11,249 $ 16,907
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Non-cash items:
         Issuance of Class B common stock to affiliates for Major Energy Companies acquisition 0 40,000
Contingent consideration — earnout obligations incurred in connection with the Verde
Companies acquisition
$ 5,400
Contingent consideration – earnout obligations incurred in connection with the Provider
Companies and Major Energy Companies acquisitions
0 18,936
Assumption of legal liability in connection with the Major Energy Companies acquisition 0 5,000
Net contribution by NG&E in excess of cash 1019 6,040
  Installment consideration incurred in connection with the Verde Companies acquisition $ 17,851
  Installment consideration incurred in connection with the Provider Companies acquisition 0 3,023
  Property and equipment purchase accrual $ 41 $ 64
  Liability due to tax receivable agreement $ 0 $ (29,912 )
  Tax benefit from tax receivable agreement $ 0 $ 33,124
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 4,113 $ 1,450
Taxes $ 7,769 $ 3,783

(1) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of Perigee Energy, LLC by an affiliate on February 3, 2017. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions,” respectively, for further discussion.
(2) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by an affiliate on April 15, 2016. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions,” respectively, for further discussion.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED September 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands, except per unit operating data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
Retail Natural Gas Segment
Total Revenues $ 13,277 $ 13,851 $ 95,418 $ 84,450
Retail Cost of Revenues 6,779 9,230 56,253 38,976
Less: Net Asset Optimization (Expenses) Revenues (320 ) 108 (681 ) (42 )
Less: Net Gains (Losses) on non-trading
derivatives, net of cash settlements
743 (1,526 ) (2,344 ) 4,132
Retail Gross Margin — Gas $ 6,075 $ 6,039 $ 42,190 $ 41,384
Volumes — Gas (MMBtus) 1,706,132 1,775,174 12,554,497 10,893,631
Retail Gross Margin — Gas per MMBtu $ 3.56 $ 3.40 $ 3.36 $ 3.80
Retail Electricity Segment
Total Revenues $ 202,259 $ 144,243 $ 467,861 $ 293,571
Retail Cost of Revenues 153,594 113,600 364,518 209,617
Less: Net Gains (Losses) on non-trading
derivatives, net of cash settlements
4,170 (8,546 ) (12,786 ) 1,728
Retail Gross Margin — Electricity $ 44,495 $ 39,189 $ 116,129 $ 82,226
Volumes — Electricity (MWhs) 2,063,894 1,451,182 4,828,629 2,917,674
Retail Gross Margin — Electricity per MWh $ 21.56 $ 27.01 $ 24.05 $ 28.18

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 in accordance with our accounting policies. The deduction of current period customer acquisition costs is consistent with how we manage our business, but the comparability of Adjusted EBITDA between periods may be affected by varying levels of customer acquisition costs. For example, our Adjusted EBITDA is lower in years of customer growth reflecting larger customer acquisition spending. 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.

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

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 (i) net asset optimization revenues, (ii) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (iii) 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 business by removing the impacts of our asset optimization activities and net non-cash income (loss) impact of our economic hedging activities. 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) 2017
2016
2017 2016
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income:
Net income $ 12,942 $ 6,801 $ 28,745 $ 41,536
Depreciation and amortization 11,509 8,295 30,435 23,337
Interest expense 2,863 1,270 8,760 2,855
Income tax expense 2,451 1,129 5,265 6,852
EBITDA 29,765 17,495 73,205 74,580
Less:
Net, (losses) gains on derivative instruments (2,752 ) (609 ) (34,225 ) 2,887
Net, Cash settlements on derivative instruments 7,457 (8,869 ) 18,808 3,427
Customer acquisition costs 6,568 8,242 18,642 15,217
  Plus:
  Non-cash compensation expense 1,118 1,585 4,023 4,027
Adjusted EBITDA $ 19,610 $ 20,316 $ 74,003 $ 57,076
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 16,418 $ (48,157 ) $ 63,824 $ 61,643
Amortization of deferred financing costs (219 ) (231 ) (750 ) (465 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense (2,517 ) (381 ) (3,436 ) (842 )
Interest expense 2,863 1,270 8,760 2,855
Income tax expense 2,451 1,129 5,265 6,852
Changes in operating working capital
Accounts receivable, prepaids, current assets 4,457 4,475 (17,084 ) (19,227 )
Inventory 2,246 1,672 1,936 (568 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (9,973 ) 54,299 8,136 5,854
Other 3,884 6,240 7,352 974
Adjusted EBITDA $ 19,610 $ 20,316 $ 74,003 $ 57,076
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities $ 16,418 $ (48,157 ) $ 63,824 $ 61,643
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities (5,712 ) 17,976 (95,977 ) (34,175 )
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities (13,502 ) 34,242 24,442 (15,035 )

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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to
Operating Income:
Operating income $ 18,088 $ 8,960 $ 42,668 $ 50,903
Depreciation and amortization 11,509 8,295 30,435 23,337
General and administrative 25,566 18,009 69,405 55,188
Less:
Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues (320 ) 108 (681 ) (42 )
Net, Losses (gains) on non-trading derivative instruments (2,568 ) (1,183 ) (34,146 ) 2,519
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments 7,481 (8,889 ) 19,016 3,341
Retail Gross Margin $ 50,570 $ 45,228 $ 158,319 $ 123,610
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Natural Gas Segment $ 6,075 $ 6,039 $ 42,190 $ 41,384
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Electricity Segment $ 44,495 $ 39,189 $ 116,129 $ 82,226

 

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Robert Lane, 832-200-3727

ir@sparkenergy.com

Media:

Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. to Present Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results on Friday, November 3, 2017

HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, (“Spark” or the “Company”), announced today that it plans to present its Third Quarter 2017 financial results in a conference call and webcast on Friday, November 3, 2017 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.cfm. 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 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.

Contact:  Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Robert Lane, 832-200-3727

Media:
Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Announces Common and Preferred Stock Dividends

HOUSTON, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company  (“Spark” or the “Company”), announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend for the third quarter of 2017 in the amount of $0.18125 per share of Class A Common Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $0.725 per share. The third quarter dividend will be paid on December 14, 2017 to holders of record of Spark’s Class A Common Stock on November 29, 2017. Investors are reminded that on June 16, 2017, Spark completed a two-for-one stock split by means of a stock dividend.

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 of the Series A Preferred Stock. This amount represents an annualized dividend of $2.1875 per share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2018 to holders of record of Spark’s Series A Preferred Stock on January 1, 2018.

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.

Contact:  Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Robert Lane, 832-200-3727

Media:
Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151

Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Provides Hurricane Harvey Update

HOUSTON, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today provided an operational update on the effects of Hurricane Harvey.

“Spark is proud to call Houston home, and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and generosity of its citizens while at the same time mourning the losses that the city and all of the Gulf Coast have experienced,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our primary concern has been our employees, all of whom have been accounted for, and our customers.  We applaud the entire community, including our own employees, who have gone beyond the call of duty to help friends, neighbors, and all those affected by the storm.

“We also want to acknowledge our operations teams who kept the business up and running through our emergency operations plan which we executed on Friday, August 25 ahead of Harvey’s landfall.  Between our emergency operations center in Lufkin, Texas and our team members in Maine, we were able to continue serving our customers without disruption.”

Less than seven percent of Spark’s customer base is located in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, most of which experienced little or no disruption in power.  Although Spark is unable to assess the full financial impact of the storm, if any, at this point, the Company’s operations continue to be running at full strength.  Spark and its employees remain committed to serving its customers and rebuilding in the affected communities.

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 includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements 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. 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. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including (i) restrictions in our debt agreements and collateral requirements, (ii) our ability to borrow funds and access credit markets, (iii) our level of indebtedness, (iv) our ability to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations, (iv) federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to prevail on its challenge to the New York Public Service Commission’s orders enacting new regulations that seek to impose significant new restrictions on retail energy providers operating in New York, (v) other business risks affecting our liquidity and results of operations. Additional important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in Item 1A of Spark’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent Form 10-Q’s filed with the SEC. While Spark makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Spark nor its management or affiliates can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Spark assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Spark, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:
Robert Lane, 832-200-3727
ir@sparkenergy.com

Media:
Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151


Source: Spark Energy, Inc.

Spark Energy, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

HOUSTON, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spark Energy, Inc. (“Spark” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SPKE), an independent retail energy services company, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Key Highlights

  • Produced a record $20.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA, $43.1 million in Retail Gross Margin, and $4.7 million in Net Income for the second quarter
  • Total RCE count increased 2% to a record 826,000 as of June 30, 2017
  • Held overall attrition to 4.1% for the second quarter
  • Closed on a new $120 million credit facility with added flexibility for acquisition strategy
  • Announced the closing of the Verde Energy acquisition effective July 1, adding 145,000 RCEs

“Spark achieved its strongest second quarter performance in company history as the successful execution of our strategy to drive net customer growth across markets and channels allowed us to overcome the challenges of a milder-than-expected spring across our service area,” said Nathan Kroeker, Spark Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “During the quarter we remained focused on adding high quality customers, as well as customer retention through our refined pricing approach, product selection and outstanding customer service.

“We also closed on the acquisition of Verde Energy on July 1, our tenth acquisition since our IPO. Verde’s 100% renewable energy brand and unique sales channels will supplement our existing platform for achieving continued organic growth. With the closing of Verde, Spark now serves well over nine hundred thousand RCEs in 94 utilities across 19 states and we remain well-positioned to aggressively pursue future growth opportunities that will provide sustained value to our shareholders.”

Summary Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, Spark reported Adjusted EBITDA of $20.0 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $15.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. This increase of $4.3 million is primarily attributable to increased volumes from the Provider acquisition and lower per-RCE general and administrative expenses.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, Spark reported Retail Gross Margin of $43.1 million compared to Retail Gross Margin of $38.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. This increase of $4.3 million is primarily attributable to the increased volumes of retail electricity following the Provider acquisition.

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 was $4.7 million compared to net income of $19.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, primarily due to non-cash losses on Spark’s hedge portfolio of $(5.7) million in the second quarter, compared to non-cash gains of $14.3 million in the prior year.

Strategic Update

During the quarter, Spark closed on a new $120.0 million credit facility, which replaced the previous credit facility that was scheduled to expire on July 7, 2017.  The current facility matures in May 2019.

Effective July 1, Spark acquired Verde Energy (“Verde”), which operates in eight states selling 100% renewable electric and carbon-neutral gas products. Spark paid $65.0 million, consisting of $45.0 million of cash at closing and a $20.0 million sellers’ note, plus $20.8 million for working capital. There is an additional earnout that is subject to Verde’s ability to achieve defined performance metrics. The Company believes Verde’s sales channels and strong brand will assist in its continued organic growth strategy.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

($ in thousands) June 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $ 13,126
Senior Credit Facility Availability 2,293
Subordinated Debt Availability 10,000
Total Liquidity $ 25,419

Dividend

Spark’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.18125 per share of Class A common stock payable on September 14, 2017 and $0.546875 per share of Series A Preferred Stock payable on October 16, 2017.

2017 Financial Guidance

Spark is maintaining 2017 Adjusted EBITDA guidance in the range of $110.0 million to $120.0 million.

Conference Call and Webcast

Spark will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2017 results on Friday, August 4, 2017 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.cfm. 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 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 intend to 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 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 “guidance,” “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 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 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,
  • extreme and unpredictable weather conditions,
  • the sufficiency of risk management and hedging policies,
  • customer concentration,
  • federal, state and local regulation, including the industry’s ability to prevail on its challenge to the New York Public Service Commission’s order enacting new regulations that sought to impose significant new restrictions on retail energy providers operating in New York,
  • key license retention,
  • increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs,
  • 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,
  • level of indebtedness,
  • changes in costs to acquire customers,
  • actual customer attrition rates,
  • actual bad debt expense in non-POR markets,
  • actual results of the companies we acquire,
  • accuracy of billing systems,
  • ability to successfully navigate entry into new markets,
  • whether our majority shareholder or its affiliates offers us acquisition opportunities on terms that are commercially acceptable to us,
  • ability to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions into our operations,
  • ability to achieve expected future results attributable to acquisitions,
  • changes in the assumptions we used to estimate our 2017 Adjusted EBITDA, including weather and customer acquisition costs,
  • competition, and
  • the “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, 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 earnings release that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2017 is an estimate as of August 3, 2017. This estimate is based on assumptions believed to be reasonable as of that date. 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.

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 2017 AND DECEMBER 31, 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 13,126 $ 18,960
Restricted cash 919
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million and $2.3 million as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 95,690 112,491
Accounts receivable—affiliates 3,883 2,624
Inventory 3,442 3,752
Fair value of derivative assets 835 8,344
Customer acquisition costs, net 18,377 18,834
Customer relationships, net 13,225 12,113
Prepaid assets 1,466 1,361
Deposits 6,374 7,329
Deposit – Verde consideration 65,785
Other current assets 9,203 12,175
Total current assets 232,325 197,983
Property and equipment, net 3,993 4,706
Fair value of derivative assets 122 3,083
Customer acquisition costs, net 7,880 6,134
Customer relationships, net 20,218 21,410
Deferred tax assets 54,105 55,047
Goodwill 80,947 79,147
Other assets 9,123 8,658
Total assets $ 408,713 $ 376,168
Liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 49,341 $ 52,309
Accounts payable—affiliates 4,089 3,775
Accrued liabilities 21,749 36,619
Fair value of derivative liabilities 6,947 680
Current portion of Senior Credit Facility 7,500 51,287
Current payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 1,454
Current contingent consideration for acquisitions 5,856 11,827
Current portion of note payable 15,501
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates 6,582
Other current liabilities 1,024 5,476
Total current liabilities 97,960 184,056
Long-term liabilities:
Fair value of derivative liabilities 3,711 68
Payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement—affiliates 48,432 49,886
Long-term portion of Senior Credit Facility 76,500
Subordinated debt—affiliate 15,000 5,000
Deferred tax liability 938
Contingent consideration for acquisitions 3,986 10,826
Other long-term liabilities 1,330 1,658
Total liabilities $ 246,919 $ 252,432
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,610,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 39,111
Stockholders’ equity:
Common Stock (1) :
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 120,000,000 shares authorized, 13,235,082 issued, and 13,175,356 outstanding at June 30, 2017 and 12,993,118 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 132 65
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 21,485,126 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and 20,449,484 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 216 103
Additional paid-in capital 35,277 25,413
Accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss (17 ) 11
Retained earnings 2,132 4,711
Treasury stock, at cost, 59,726 shares at June 30, 2017 and zero shares at December 31, 2016 (1,285 )
Total stockholders’ equity 36,455 30,303
Non-controlling interest in Spark HoldCo, LLC 86,228 93,433
Total equity 122,683 123,736
Total liabilities, Series A Preferred Stock and stockholders’ equity $ 408,713 $ 376,168
 (1)  Outstanding shares of common stock reflect the two-for-one stock split, which took effect on June 16, 2017. See Note 4 “Equity” in our 10-Q for further discussion.
SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 2016 (2) 2017 (1) 2016 (2)
Revenues:
Retail revenues $ 151,604 $ 110,058 $ 348,104 $ 220,077
Net asset optimization (expense)/revenues (3) (168 ) (677 ) (361 ) (150 )
Total Revenues 151,436 109,381 347,743 219,927
Operating Expenses:
Retail cost of revenues (4) 114,637 56,963 260,398 125,763
General and administrative (5) 19,346 19,799 43,839 37,179
Depreciation and amortization 9,656 8,253 18,926 15,042
Total Operating Expenses 143,639 85,015 323,163 177,984
Operating income 7,797 24,366 24,580 41,943
Other (expense)/income:
Interest expense (2,452 ) (832 ) (5,897 ) (1,585 )
Interest and other income (265 ) 195 (66 ) 100
Total other expenses (2,717 ) (637 ) (5,963 ) (1,485 )
Income before income tax expense 5,080 23,729 18,617 40,458
Income tax expense 409 4,735 2,814 5,723
Net income $ 4,671 $ 18,994 $ 15,803 $ 34,735
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 3,592 16,653 12,454 28,221
Net income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 1,079 $ 2,341 $ 3,349 $ 6,514
Less: Accumulated dividend on Series A preferred stock 991 1,174
Net income attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock $ 88 $ 2,341 $ 2,175 $ 6,514
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Currency translation loss $ (26 ) $ (61 ) $ (75 ) $ (61 )
Other comprehensive loss (26 ) (61 ) (75 ) (61 )
Comprehensive income $ 4,645 $ 18,933 $ 15,728 $ 34,674
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 3,576 16,620 12,407 28,188
Comprehensive income attributable to Spark Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 1,069 $ 2,313 $ 3,321 $ 6,486
(1)  Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of Perigee Energy, LLC by an affiliate on February 3, 2017. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions” for further discussion.
(2)  Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by an affiliate on April 15, 2016. See Note 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and  “Acquisitions” for further discussion.
(3)  Net asset optimization revenues (expenses) includes asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $0 and $41 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $376 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenues—affiliates of $0 and $154 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and asset optimization revenue—affiliates cost of revenues of $0 and $1,633 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4)  Retail cost of revenues includes retail cost of revenues—affiliates of $0 and less than $100 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0 and less than $100 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(5)  General and administrative includes general and administrative expense—affiliates of $6,100 and $4,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $13,400 and $8,400 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Issued Shares of Class A Common Stock Issued Shares of Class B Common Stock Treasury Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings (Deficit) Total Stockholders’ Equity Non-controlling Interest Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016 6,497 10,225 $ 65 $ 103 $ 11 $ 25,413 $ 4,711 $ 30,303 $ 93,433 $ 123,736
Stock based compensation 1,195 1,195 1,195
Restricted stock unit vesting 121 1 1,053 1,054 1,054
Consolidated net income 3,349 3,349 12,454 15,803
Foreign currency translation adjustment for equity method investee (28 ) (28 ) (47 ) (75 )
Distributions paid to non-controlling unit holders (19,822 ) (19,822 )
Net contribution by NG&E 210 210
Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders (4,754 ) (4,754 ) (4,754 )
Dividends to Preferred Stock (1,174 ) (1,174 ) (1,174 )
Conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes to Class B Common Stock 518 5 7,790 7,795 7,795
Treasury Shares (60 ) (1,285 ) $ (1,285 ) (1,285 )
Stock Split 6,617 10,742 66 108 (174 )
Balance at June 30, 2017 13,235 21,485 (60 ) $ 132 $ 216 (1,285 ) $ (17 ) $ 35,277 $ 2,132 $ 36,455 $ 86,228 $ 122,683

 

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2017 (1) 2016 (2)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 15,803 $ 34,735
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 18,411 17,474
Deferred income taxes 3 2,597
Stock based compensation 2,905 2,442
Amortization of deferred financing costs 531 235
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting 179
Change in Fair Value of Earnout liabilities (2,568 ) 1,000
Accretion on fair value of Major Earnout and Provider Earnout liabilities 2,660
Bad debt expense 919 462
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net 31,473 (3,496 )
Current period cash settlements on derivatives, net (11,828 ) (15,829 )
Accretion of discount to convertible subordinated notes to affiliate 1,004 71
Other 224 51
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable 18,072 21,001
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable—affiliates (1,925 ) 831
Decrease in inventory 310 1,704
Increase in customer acquisition costs (12,074 ) (5,356 )
Decrease in prepaid and other current assets 5,394 2,306
(Increase) decrease in other assets (788 ) 536
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (18,422 ) (9,248 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable—affiliates 313 (291 )
Decrease in other current liabilities (2,862 ) (414 )
Decrease in other non-current liabilities (328 ) (1,612 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 47,406 49,199
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (371 ) (1,449 )
Payment of the Major Energy Companies Earnout (7,403 )
Payment of the Provider Companies Earnout and Installment Note (7,353 )
Acquisitions (9,353 )
Deposit for Verde Acquisition (65,785 )
Contribution to equity method investment in eRex Spark (413 )
Net cash used in investing activities (90,265 ) (1,862 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs paid 37,937
Borrowings on notes payable 121,000
Payments on notes payable (93,789 ) (25,152 )
Proceeds from disgorgement of stockholders short-swing profits 666 580
Restricted stock vesting (2,009 ) (909 )
Excess tax benefit related to restricted stock vesting 141
Payment of dividends to Class A common stockholders (4,754 ) (3,657 )
Payment of distributions to non-controlling unitholders (19,822 ) (9,967 )
Purchase of Treasury Stock (1,285 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 37,944 (38,964 )
(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash (4,915 ) 8,373
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash—beginning of period 18,960 4,474
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash—end of period $ 14,045 $ 12,847
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Non-cash items:
Property and equipment purchase accrual $ 50 $ 22
Liability due to tax receivable agreement $ 0 (27,462 )
Tax benefit from tax receivable agreement $ 0 $ 31,490
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 1,395 $ 944
Taxes $ 7,232 $ 1,892
(1) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of Perigee Energy, LLC by an affiliate on February 3, 2017. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions,” respectively, for further discussion.
(2) Financial information has been recast to include results attributable to the acquisition of the Major Energy Companies by an affiliate on April 15, 2016. See Notes 2 and 3 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Acquisitions,” respectively, for further discussion.

 

SPARK ENERGY, INC.
OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED June 30, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands, except per unit operating data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands, except volume and per unit operating data)
Retail Natural Gas Segment
Total Revenues $ 19,528 $ 21,986 $ 82,141 $ 70,599
Retail Cost of Revenues 12,558 7,246 49,475 29,746
Less: Net Asset Optimization (Expenses) Revenues (168 ) (677 ) (361 ) (150 )
Less: Net Gains on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements (1,148 ) 4,228 (3,088 ) 5,658
Retail Gross Margin — Gas $ 8,286 $ 11,189 $ 36,115 $ 35,345
Volumes — Gas (MMBtus) 2,629,087 3,006,025 10,848,366 9,118,456
Retail Gross Margin — Gas per MMBtu $ 3.15 $ 3.72 $ 3.33 $ 3.88
Retail Electricity Segment
Total Revenues $ 131,908 $ 87,395 $ 265,602 $ 149,328
Retail Cost of Revenues 102,079 49,717 210,923 96,017
Less: Net Gains (Losses) on non-trading derivatives, net of cash settlements (5,034 ) 10,047 (16,955 ) 10,274
Retail Gross Margin — Electricity $ 34,863 $ 27,631 $ 71,634 $ 43,037
Volumes — Electricity (MWhs) 1,379,051 879,814 2,764,165 1,466,491
Retail Gross Margin — Electricity per MWh $ 25.28 $ 31.41 $ 25.92 $ 29.35

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 in accordance with our accounting policies. The deduction of current period customer acquisition costs is consistent with how we manage our business, but the comparability of Adjusted EBITDA between periods may be affected by varying levels of customer acquisition costs. For example, our Adjusted EBITDA is lower in years of customer growth reflecting larger customer acquisition spending. 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.

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

Reconciliation of Spark’s estimate of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2017 to the relevant GAAP line items is not being provided as Spark is not providing 2017 guidance for net income (loss), net cash provided by operating activities, or the reconciling items between these GAAP financial measures and Adjusted EBITDA. Spark does not provide guidance for such items because it is not possible to forecast the future non-cash impacts of net gains and losses on derivative instruments and non-cash compensation expense attributable to grants of equity under our Long Term Incentive Plan. Additionally, it is not possible to forecast our provision for income taxes due to the potential for change in our non-controlling interests’ ownership percentage, given the nature of our Up-C structure. Accordingly, a reconciliation to net income (loss) or net cash provided by operating activities is not available without unreasonable effort.

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 (i) net asset optimization revenues, (ii) net gains (losses) on non-trading derivative instruments, and (iii) 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 business by removing the impacts of our asset optimization activities and net non-cash income (loss) impact of our economic hedging activities. 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss):
Net income $ 4,671 $ 18,994 $ 15,803 $ 34,735
Depreciation and amortization 9,656 8,253 18,926 15,042
Interest expense 2,452 832 5,897 1,585
Income tax expense 409 4,735 2,814 5,723
EBITDA 17,188 32,814 43,440 57,085
Less:
Net, (losses) gains on derivative instruments (9,677 ) 13,245 (31,473 ) 3,496
Net, Cash settlements on derivative instruments 3,996 1,024 11,351 12,296
Customer acquisition costs 4,384 4,670 12,074 6,975
Plus:
Non-cash compensation expense 1,538 1,824 2,905 2,442
Adjusted EBITDA $ 20,023 $ 15,699 $ 54,393 $ 36,760
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 23,031 $ 23,697 $ 47,406 $ 49,199
Amortization of deferred financing costs (283 ) (118 ) (531 ) (235 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense (563 ) 445 (919 ) (462 )
Interest expense 2,452 832 5,897 1,585
Income tax expense 409 4,735 2,814 5,723
Changes in operating working capital
Accounts receivable, prepaids, current assets (19,159 ) (20,531 ) (21,541 ) (24,138 )
Inventory 3,012 1,780 (310 ) (1,704 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 7,423 4,148 18,109 9,539
Other 3,701 711 3,468 (2,747 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 20,023 $ 15,699 $ 54,393 $ 36,760
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by operating activities $ 23,031 $ 23,697 $ 47,406 $ 49,199
Cash flows used in investing activities (80,652 ) (1,029 ) (90,265 ) (1,862 )
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities 46,741 (12,770 ) 37,944 (38,964 )

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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Reconciliation of Retail Gross Margin to Operating Income (Loss):
Operating income $ 7,797 $ 24,366 $ 24,580 $ 41,943
Depreciation and amortization 9,656 8,253 18,926 15,042
General and administrative 19,346 19,799 43,839 37,179
Less:
Net asset optimization (expenses) revenues (168 ) (677 ) (361 ) (150 )
Net, Losses on non-trading derivative instruments (10,202 ) 13,322 (31,578 ) 3,702
Net, Cash settlements on non-trading derivative instruments 4,020 953 11,535 12,230
Retail Gross Margin $ 43,149 $ 38,820 $ 107,749 $ 78,382
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Natural Gas Segment $ 8,286 $ 11,189 $ 36,115 $ 35,345
Retail Gross Margin – Retail Electricity Segment $ 34,863 $ 27,631 $ 71,634 $ 43,037
Contact: Spark Energy, Inc.

Investors:

Robert Lane, 832-200-3727

ir@sparkenergy.com

Media:

Eric Melchor, 281-833-4151


Source: Spark Energy, Inc.