US ENERGY CORP

Previous wording

On March 19, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized and approved an extension of the ongoing share repurchase program for up to $5.0 million of the currently outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock originally approved by the Board of Directors on April 26, 2023, and set to expire on June 30, 2024. Subject to any future extension in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company, the repurchase program is now scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, or when a maximum of $5.0 million of the Company’s common stock has been repurchased, or when such program is discontinued by the Board of Directors. Under the stock repurchase program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or through negotiated transactions at prevailing market rates, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. Repurchases are made at management’s discretion at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the Company and its stockholders, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company’s financial performance. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 463,500 shares for $505 thousand, at a weighted average price of $1.09 per share, in open market transactions. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire a minimum amount of shares.

Current wording

On March 19, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized and approved an extension of the ongoing share repurchase program for up to $5.0 million of the currently outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock originally approved by the Board of Directors on April 26, 2023, and set to expire on June 30, 2024. Subject to any future extension in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company, the repurchase program is now scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, or when a maximum of $5.0 million of the Company’s common stock has been repurchased, or when such program is discontinued by the Board of Directors. Under the stock repurchase program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or through negotiated transactions at prevailing market rates, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. Repurchases are made at management’s discretion at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the Company and its stockholders, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company’s financial performance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 482,500 shares for $525 thousand, at a weighted average price of $1.09 per share, in open market transactions. As of September 30, 2024 a total of $4.0 million remains available under the shares repurchase program. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire a minimum amount of shares.

Previous wording

In the calculation of the ceiling test as of June 30, 2024, the Company used $79.00 per barrel for oil and $2.33 per one million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) for natural gas (as further adjusted for property, specific gravity, quality, local markets and distance from markets) to compute the future cash flows of the Company’s producing properties. The discount factor used was 10%. The Company recorded a $5.4 million ceiling test write-down of its oil and gas properties during the six months ended June 30, 2024, due to a reduction in the value of proved oil and natural gas reserves primarily as a result of a decrease in crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as reserves revisions related to wells shut-in during the first quarter of 2024 and decline curve updates.

Current wording

In the calculation of the ceiling test as of September 30, 2024, the Company used $78.64 per barrel for oil and $2.21 per one million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) for natural gas (as further adjusted for property, specific gravity, quality, local markets and distance from markets) to compute the future cash flows of the Company’s producing properties. The discount factor used was 10%. The Company recorded a $6.8 million ceiling test write-down of its oil and gas properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, due to a reduction in the value of proved oil and natural gas reserves primarily as a result of a decrease in crude oil and natural gas prices, divestitures of oil and natural gas properties, as well as reserves revisions related to wells shut-in during the first quarter of 2024 and decline curve updates.

Previous wording

The Company’s operations are subject to disruption from natural or human causes beyond its control, including risks from hurricanes, severe storms, floods, lightning strikes, heat waves, other forms of severe weather, wildfires, ambient temperature increases, sea level rise, war, accidents, civil unrest, political events, fires, earthquakes, system failures, cyber threats, terrorist acts and epidemic or pandemic diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which may be impacted by climate change and any of which could result in suspension of operations or harm to people or the natural environment. For example, during the three months ended June 30, 2023, decreases in our production quantities compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, related to temporary weather-related events such as flooding and winter weather. Any of the above events could have a future material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

The Company’s operations are subject to disruption from natural or human causes beyond its control, including risks from hurricanes, severe storms, floods, lightning strikes, heat waves, other forms of severe weather, wildfires, ambient temperature increases, sea level rise, war, accidents, civil unrest, political events, fires, earthquakes, system failures, cyber threats, terrorist acts and epidemic or pandemic diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which may be impacted by climate change and any of which could result in suspension of operations or harm to people or the natural environment. Any of the above events could have a future material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

The Company’s helium properties are in the exploration stage only. The Company has never had any material interest in helium producing properties. There is no assurance that commercial quantities of helium will be discovered at any of the properties or any future properties, nor is there any assurance that the exploration or development programs of will yield any positive results. Even if commercial quantities of helium are discovered, there can be no assurance that any development will result in profitable helium production. Factors which may limit the ability the Company’s ability to produce helium include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, availability of additional capital and financing and the nature of any helium deposits.

Current wording

The Company’s helium properties are in the exploration stage only. The Company has never had any material interest in helium producing properties. There is no assurance that commercial quantities of helium will be discovered at any of the properties or any future properties, nor is there any assurance that the exploration or development programs of will yield any positive results. Even if commercial quantities of helium are discovered, there can be no assurance that any development will result in profitable helium production. Factors which may limit the Company’s ability to produce helium include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, availability of additional capital and financing and the nature of any helium deposits.

Previous wording

The helium operations of the Company will require it to obtain licenses for operating, permits, and in some cases, renewals of existing licenses and permits from government agencies. There can be no assurances that the Company will attain all permits and licenses necessary to achieve profitable production of helium in the future. Further, the ability of the Company to obtain, sustain or renew any such licenses and permits on acceptable terms is subject to changes in regulations and policies and to the discretion of the applicable authorities or other governmental agencies.

Current wording

The helium operations of the Company will require us to obtain licenses for operating, permits, and in some cases, renewals of existing licenses and permits from government agencies. There can be no assurances that the Company will attain all permits and licenses necessary to achieve profitable production of helium in the future. Further, the ability of the Company to obtain, sustain or renew any such licenses and permits on acceptable terms is subject to changes in regulations and policies and to the discretion of the applicable authorities or other governmental agencies.

Previous wording

The Company’s helium operations is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, mechanical failures, labor shortages, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to our helium properties and/or facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to the properties, or delays in exploration, development and production activities, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers reasonable, its insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with helium operations. The Company may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at reasonable costs. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. These events and limits to insurability may result in significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its financial performance and results of operations.

Current wording

The Company’s helium operations are subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, mechanical failures, labor shortages, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to our helium properties and/or facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to the properties, or delays in exploration, development and production activities, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers reasonable, its insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with helium operations. The Company may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at reasonable costs. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. These events and limits to insurability may result in significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.

Previous wording

The future value of the Company will depend in part on its ability to find and develop helium resources that are economically recoverable within the Kevin Dome Structure in Toole County, Montana. The circumstances in which a discovered helium accumulation becomes or remains commercially viable depends on a number of factors. These include the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, depth concentration, development cost and proximity to infrastructure as well as key external factors such as helium supply and demand. This, along with other factors such as maintaining title to licenses, leases and permits, successful design, construction, commissioning and operating of wells and processing facilities may result in projects not being developed, or operations becoming unprofitable. Helium exploration involves exploration activities and drilling operations which may not generate a positive return on investment. This may arise from dry wells, but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient revenues to return a profit after accounting for drilling, operating and other associated costs. The outcome of any drilling program may be dependent on matters which include the reservoir’s composition, the flow rate and the rate of any decrease in pressure as the gas flows to the surface. These matters cannot be known until the Company undertakes initial drilling programs. The production from successful wells may also be impacted by various operating conditions, including insufficient storage or transportation capacity, or other geological and mechanical conditions. In addition, managing drilling hazards or environmental damage and pollution caused by exploration and development operations could greatly increase the associated cost and profitability of individual wells. The future exploration activities of the Company may be affected by a range of factors including geological conditions, limitations on activities due to seasonal weather patterns, unanticipated operational and technical difficulties, industrial and environmental accidents, landholder disputes, changing government regulations and many other factors beyond the control of the Company.

Current wording

The future value of the Company will depend in part on our ability to find and develop helium resources that are economically recoverable within the Kevin Dome Structure in Toole County, Montana. The circumstances in which a discovered helium accumulation becomes or remains commercially viable depends on a number of factors. These include the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, depth concentration, development cost and proximity to infrastructure as well as key external factors such as helium supply and demand. This, along with other factors such as maintaining title to licenses, leases and permits, successful design, construction, commissioning and operating of wells and processing facilities may result in projects not being developed, or operations becoming unprofitable. Helium exploration involves exploration activities and drilling operations which may not generate a positive return on investment. This may arise from dry wells, but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient revenues to return a profit after accounting for drilling, operating and other associated costs. The outcome of any drilling program may be dependent on matters which include the reservoir’s composition, the flow rate and the rate of any decrease in pressure as the gas flows to the surface. These matters cannot be known until the Company undertakes initial drilling programs. The production from successful wells may also be impacted by various operating conditions, including insufficient storage or transportation capacity, or other geological and mechanical conditions. In addition, managing drilling hazards or environmental damage and pollution caused by exploration and development operations could greatly increase the associated cost and profitability of individual wells. The future exploration activities of the Company may be affected by a range of factors including geological conditions, limitations on activities due to seasonal weather patterns, unanticipated operational and technical difficulties, industrial and environmental accidents, landholder disputes, changing government regulations and many other factors beyond the control of the Company.

Previous wording

The Company’s helium interests are exploration stage only. The Company has never had any material interest in helium producing properties. Even with application of best science, there is no assurance that commercial quantities of helium will be discovered at any of the properties of the Company or any future properties, nor is there any assurance that the exploration or development programs of the Company thereon will yield any positive results. The future development of any properties found to be economically feasible will require the construction and operation of wells and related infrastructure. Even if commercial quantities of helium are discovered, there can be no assurance that any property of the Company will ever be brought to a stage where helium can profitably be produced thereon. Factors which may limit the ability of the Company to produce helium from its properties include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, availability of additional capital and financing and the nature of any helium deposits. It is common in helium operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction and development. In addition, delays in the early stages of helium production often occur. Accordingly, there cannot be any assurance that activities will result in profitable helium operations at its operations.

Current wording

The Company’s helium interests are exploration stage only. The Company has never had any material interest in helium producing properties. Even with application of best science, there is no assurance that commercial quantities of helium will be discovered at any of the properties of the Company or any future properties, nor is there any assurance that the exploration or development programs of the Company thereon will yield any positive results. The future development of any properties found to be economically feasible will require the construction and operation of wells and related infrastructure. Even if commercial quantities of helium are discovered, there can be no assurance that any property of the Company will ever be brought to a stage where helium can profitably be produced thereon. Factors which may limit the ability of the Company to produce helium from its properties include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, availability of additional capital and financing and the nature of any helium deposits. It is common in helium operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction and development. In addition, delays in the early stages of helium production often occur. Accordingly, there cannot be any assurance that activities will result in profitable helium operations at our operations.

Previous wording

The Company may encounter hazards inherent in drilling activities. Examples of such hazards include unusual or unexpected formations, abnormal pressures or rock properties, adverse weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, conditions which could result in damage to plant or equipment or shortages or delays in the delivery of rigs and/or other equipment. Drilling may result in wells that, which encountering resources, may not achieve economically viable results.

Current wording

The Company may encounter hazards inherent in drilling activities. Examples of such hazards include unusual or unexpected formations, abnormal pressures or rock properties, adverse weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, conditions which could result in damage to plant or equipment or shortages or delays in the delivery of rigs and/or other equipment. Drilling may result in wells that, or which encounter resources, that may not achieve economically viable results.

Previous wording

On a long-term basis, in order for the Company’s helium operations to be successful, the Company must explore, develop and produce, or acquire interests in producing helium properties. The success depends on the ability to locate, identify, and acquire prospective helium exploration lands and productive helium property interests, find markets for any helium developed on such properties, and effectively distribute the helium into those markets. The helium development activities may not be economically viable because of unproductive helium properties, as well as helium properties that are productive but do not generate sufficient revenue to return a profit. Investing in a property does not ensure that the investment will be profitable since profitability depends on the cost of drilling and operating any wells on the property may exceed the amount of helium extracted from such wells. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could increase the cost of operating any property. If the developmental costs exceed the Company’s estimate or if the development efforts of the Company’s do not produce results which meet its expectations, such efforts may not be commercially viable.

Current wording

On a long-term basis, in order for the Company’s helium operations to be successful, the Company must explore, develop and produce, or acquire interests in producing helium properties. The success depends on the ability to locate, identify, and acquire prospective helium exploration lands and productive helium property interests, find markets for any helium developed on such properties, and effectively distribute the helium into those markets. The helium development activities may not be economically viable because of unproductive helium properties, as well as helium properties that are productive but do not generate sufficient revenue to return a profit. Investing in a property does not ensure that the investment will be profitable since profitability depends on the cost of drilling and operating any wells on the property may exceed the amount of helium extracted from such wells. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could increase the cost of operating any property. If the developmental costs exceed the Company’s estimate or if the development efforts of the Company do not produce results which meet our expectations, such efforts may not be commercially viable.

Previous wording

No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company’s helium property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company’s helium reserves, if any, is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its helium assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert any helium located on its properties to reserves and produce such estimated volume, if any. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company’s operational or financial performance.

Current wording

No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company’s helium property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company’s helium reserves, if any, is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its helium assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert any helium located on its properties to reserves and produce such estimated volume, if any. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of the field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company’s operational or financial performance.

Previous wording

Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company’s exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company’s performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic date for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data.

Current wording

Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company’s exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company’s performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic data for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data.

Previous wording

Estimates include numerous assumptions relating to operating conditions and economic factors, including price at which recovered helium can be sold, future operating costs, costs associated with operations on producing well to restore or increase production, and prevailing environment conditions associated with drilling.

Current wording

Estimates include numerous assumptions relating to operating conditions and economic factors, including price at which recovered helium can be sold, future operating costs, costs associated with operations on producing wells to restore or increase production, and prevailing environment conditions associated with drilling.

Previous wording

While the Company intends to partner with or sell to major industrial gas companies, the Company’s strategy is to become a fully integrated helium developer and processor and to sell directly to a limited number of major distributors and end-users in order to capture higher margins on its products. The Company currently does not have any formal agreements in place for accomplishing these strategic objectives, and the associated costs of and estimated timeline for the completion of these strategic objectives will not be able to be determined until such time that an appraisal wells have been drilled and feasibility studies have been completed. Although the Company intends to enter into such formal agreements in the future, they may never be entered into. The absence of formal agreements could adversely affect the oversight and operations of any arrangement with these major industrial gas companies, major distributors and end-users, and the lack of clarity and specifically defined roles could lead to a strain on, or breakdown of, the working relationships between the Company and any of these major industrial gas companies, major distributor or end-users. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute prior to entry into formal agreements, it will not be immediately clear what recourse each party has against the other, if any.

Current wording

While the Company intends to partner with or sell to major industrial gas companies, the Company’s strategy is to become a fully integrated helium developer and processor and to sell directly to a limited number of major distributors and end-users in order to capture higher margins on its products. The Company currently does not have any formal agreements in place for accomplishing these strategic objectives, and the associated costs of and estimated timeline for the completion of these strategic objectives will not be able to be determined until such time that appraisal wells have been drilled and feasibility studies have been completed. Although the Company intends to enter into such formal agreements in the future, they may never be entered into. The absence of formal agreements could adversely affect the oversight and operations of any arrangement with these major industrial gas companies, major distributors and end-users, and the lack of clarity and specifically defined roles could lead to a strain on, or breakdown of, the working relationships between the Company and any of these major industrial gas companies, major distributors or end-users. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute prior to entry into formal agreements, it will not be immediately clear what recourse each party has against the other, if any.

Previous wording

Helium prices fluctuate and are affected by numerous industry factors including demand for the resource, forward selling by producers, production cost levels in major producing regions and macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and global and regional demand for, and supply of, helium. If the Company is producing helium and the market price of helium were to fall below the costs of production and remain at such a level for any sustained period, the Company would experience losses and could have to curtail or suspend some or all of its proposed activities. In such circumstances, the Company would also have to assess the economic impact of any sustained lower commodity prices on recoverability.

Current wording

The Company’s possible future helium operation revenues may be derived from helium or from royalties gained from potential joint ventures or other arrangements. Consequently, the Company’s potential future earnings will likely be closely related to the price of helium. Helium prices fluctuate and are affected by numerous industry factors including demand for the resource, forward selling by producers, production cost levels in major producing regions and macroeconomic factors, such as inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and global and regional demand for, and supply of, helium. If the Company is producing helium and the market price of helium were to fall below the costs of production and remain at such a level for any sustained period, the Company would experience losses and could have to curtail or suspend some or all of its proposed activities. In such circumstances, the Company would also have to assess the economic impact of any sustained lower commodity prices on recoverability.