Genie Energy Ltd. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results

Genie Energy Ltd. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results

NEWARK, N.J., March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genie Energy Ltd. (NYSE: GNE, GNEPRA) reported a fourth quarter 2017 loss of $0.01 per basic and diluted share including the impact of a $6.5 million write-off of capitalized exploration costs. For the full year 2017, Genie Energy reported a loss of $0.36 per basic and diluted share including the impact of a $6.5 million ($0.28 per share) write-off of capitalized exploration costs and $10.5 million ($0.45 per share) in legal and regulatory accruals.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
(4Q17 results are compared to 4Q16, and full year 2017 results are compared to full year 2016, unless otherwise noted)

    --  Genie Energy is sharpening it strategic focus on its retail energy
        provider business after its Afek subsidiary suspended exploratory
        drilling operations in Northern Israel;
    --  In December 2017, Genie Energy's retail energy provider joint venture
        operating in Great Britain initiated customer enrollments under a
        regulatorily mandated three-month controlled market entry period;
    --  Genie Retail Energy's (GRE) income from operations increased to $12.2
        million from $2.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA* increased to $12.8
        million from $3.1 million on improved electric margins and higher levels
        of electricity and natural gas consumption;
    --  GRE's full year income from operations was $16.6 million and full year
        Adjusted EBITDA was $18.8 million.  Both totals include the impact of
        $10.5 million in legal and regulatory related accruals.  In 2016, GRE's
        income from operations was $26.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA was $27.3
        million;
    --  Genie Energy's Board of Directors has declared a fourth quarter dividend
        of $0.075 per share.

COMMENTS OF MICHAEL STEIN, CEO OF GENIE ENERGY

"Genie Energy is strategically refocusing on our core retail energy provider business, which has been consistently profitable and where we see continued strong growth potential. On a consolidated basis, this will entail a substantial reduction in oil and gas exploration expense going forward as we move closer to a pure play retail energy provider model.

"Genie Retail Energy attained the highest level of quarterly Adjusted EBITDA in the history of our retail business - $12.8 million - highlighted by strong consumption and robust electricity margins. Full year Adjusted EBITDA was $18.8 million, including the impact of $10.5 million in legal and regulatory related accruals.

"We are looking forward to building on our momentum in 2018 by executing on our growth strategy including organic meter acquisition, expansion to new geographies and, when opportunities present themselves, strategic acquisitions. On the international front, we are rolling out service in Great Britain while evaluating additional opportunities."

*Adjusted EBITDA for all periods is a non-GAAP measure intended to provide useful information that supplements the core operating results in accordance with GAAP of Genie Energy or the relevant segment. Please refer to the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this release for an explanation of Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.


    CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
    --------------------



                                                                                       $ in millions, except EPS 4Q17         3Q17         4Q16          4Q17 -4Q16              2017        2016     2017-2016

                                                                                                                                                            Change                                    Change
                                                                                                                                                            (%/$)                                      (%/$)
    ---                                                                                                                                                                                      ---      -----

    Revenue                                                                                                             $73.1        $69.5         $51.5                +41.8%    $264.2      $212.1                 +24.6%
    -------                                                                                                             -----        -----         -----                 -----     ------      ------                  -----

    Gross profit                                                                                                        $26.8        $21.8         $14.6                +83.6%     $85.5       $76.9                 +11.1%
    ------------                                                                                                        -----        -----         -----                 -----      -----       -----                  -----

    Gross margin percentage                                                                                             36.6%       31.3%        28.3%              +830 BP     32.4%      36.3%              (390) BP
    -----------------------                                                                                              ----         ----          ----               -------      ----        ----               --------

    SG&A expense (including stock-based compensation)                                                                   $17.1        $19.5         $14.7                +16.6%     $80.1       $61.6                 +30.1%
    ------------------------------------------------                                                                    -----        -----         -----                 -----      -----       -----                  -----

    Stock-based compensation in SG&A                                                                                     $1.4         $1.4          $1.3                 +8.1%      $5.2        $4.8                  +8.3%
    --------------------------------                                                                                     ----         ----          ----                  ----       ----        ----                   ----

    Exploration expense**                                                                                                $2.3         $0.8          $1.6                +40.8%      $4.9        $6.1                (19.9)%
    --------------------                                                                                                 ----         ----          ----                 -----       ----        ----                 ------

    Write-off of capitalized exploration costs                                                                           $6.5            -            -                 $6.5       $6.5       $41.0                $(34.5)
    ------------------------------------------                                                                           ----          ---          ---                 ----       ----       -----                 ------

    Equity in the (loss) income of AMSO/Genie UK                                                                       $(0.4)      $(0.2)            -               $(0.4)    $(0.6)     $(0.2)                $(0.4)
    --------------------------------------------                                                                        -----        -----           ---                -----      -----       -----                  -----

    Income (loss) from operations                                                                                        $0.4         $1.4        $(1.3)                +$1.7     $(6.5)    $(30.5)                +$24.0
    -----------------------------                                                                                        ----         ----         -----                 -----      -----      ------                 ------

    Adjusted EBITDA*                                                                                                     $8.9         $3.3          $0.3                 +$8.6       $7.3       $14.7                (50.5)%
    ---------------                                                                                                      ----         ----          ----                 -----       ----       -----                 ------

    Net (loss) income attributable to Genie Energy common stockholders                                                 $(0.2)        $0.4        $(1.2)                +$1.0     $(8.5)    $(26.0)                +$17.5
    ------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  -----         ----         -----                 -----      -----      ------                 ------

    Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Genie Energy common stockholders                                $(0.01)       $0.02       $(0.05)               +$0.04    $(0.36)    $(1.14)                +$0.78
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                 ------        -----        ------                ------     ------      ------                 ------

    Capitalized exploration costs                                                                                           -        $2.3             -                    -      $5.6       $12.9                (56.3)%
    -----------------------------                                                                                         ---        ----           ---                  ---      ----       -----                 ------

    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                            $5.9         $6.6          $3.9                 +$2.0       $9.3       $15.6                 $(6.3)
    -----------------------------------------                                                                            ----         ----          ----                 -----       ----       -----                  -----

** Genie Energy's Afek Oil & Gas subsidiary accounts for its oil and gas exploration activities under the "successful efforts" method of accounting. Under this method, acquisition costs, costs of drilling exploratory wells, and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized on the balance sheet as "Capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property" pending determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. Exploration costs, other than exploration drilling costs, are charged to expense in the statement of operations as "Exploration expense".

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW HIGHLIGHTS
At December 31, 2017, Genie Energy had $125.8 million in total assets, including $31.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (short and long term). Liabilities totaled $58.7 million and working capital (current assets less current liabilities) totaled $35.4 million.

Genie Energy's net cash provided by operating activities in 4Q17 was $5.9 million compared to $3.9 million in the year ago quarter.

DIVIDEND ON GENIE ENERGY COMMON STOCK
Genie Energy's Board of Directors has declared a 4Q17 dividend of $0.075 per share of Class A and Class B common stock with a record date of March 19, 2018. The dividend will be paid on or about March 23, 2018. The distribution will be treated as an ordinary dividend for income tax purposes.


    RESULTS BY SEGMENT
    ------------------



                                               $ in millions 4Q17        3Q17         4Q16                     4Q17-4Q16              2017        2016              2017-2016

                                                                                                                 Change                                             Change
                                                                                                                  (%/$)
                                                                                                                                                                    (%)/$)
    ---                                                                                                                                           ---              ------

    Genie Retail Energy
    -------------------

    Total revenue                                                  $73.1        $69.5         $51.5                         +41.8%     $264.2      $212.1                          +24.6%
    -------------                                                  -----        -----         -----                          -----      ------      ------                           -----

       Electricity revenue                                         $58.5        $66.2         $41.0                         +42.9%     $222.2      $179.5                          +23.8%
       -------------------                                         -----        -----         -----                          -----      ------      ------                           -----

       Natural gas revenue                                         $14.1         $2.8         $10.1                         +38.9%      $40.1       $31.0                          +29.2%
       -------------------                                         -----         ----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

       Other revenue                                                $0.5         $0.5          $0.4                         +13.9%       $1.9        $1.6                          +19.8%
       -------------                                                ----         ----          ----                          -----        ----        ----                           -----

    Gross profit                                                   $26.8        $21.8         $14.6                         +83.6%      $85.5       $76.9                          +11.1%
    ------------                                                   -----        -----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

    Gross margin percentage                                        36.6%       31.3%        28.3%   +830 BP                          32.4%      36.3%   (390) BP
    -----------------------                                         ----         ----          ----    -------                           ----        ----    --------

    SG&A expense                                                   $14.1        $16.8         $11.8                         +19.3%      $68.4       $50.4                          +35.5%
    ------------                                                   -----        -----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

    Equity in the loss of Genie UK                                $(0.4)      $(0.2)            -                        $(0.4)     $(0.6)          -                         $(0.6)
    ------------------------------                                 -----        -----           ---                         -----       -----         ---                          -----

    Income from operations                                         $12.2         $4.8          $2.7                        +346.1%      $16.6       $26.5                         (37.4)%
    ----------------------                                         -----         ----          ----                         ------       -----       -----                          ------

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                $12.8         $5.4          $3.1                        +308.8%      $18.8       $27.3                         (31.1)%
    ---------------                                                -----         ----          ----                         ------       -----       -----                          ------


    Afek
    ----

    G&A expense                                                     $0.3         $0.3          $0.3                          +1.2%       $1.3        $1.1                          +24.1%
    -----------                                                     ----         ----          ----                           ----        ----        ----                           -----

    Exploration expense                                             $2.3         $0.8          $1.6                         +40.8%       $4.9        $6.1                         (19.9)%
    -------------------                                             ----         ----          ----                          -----        ----        ----                          ------

    Write-off of capitalized exploration costs                      $6.5            -            -                         +$6.5        $6.5       $41.0                         (84.2)%
    ------------------------------------------                      ----          ---          ---                         -----        ----       -----                          ------

    Loss from operations                                          $(9.1)      $(1.0)       $(2.0)                        $(7.1)    $(12.7)    $(48.3)                         +$35.6
    --------------------                                           -----        -----         -----                          -----      ------      ------                          ------

    Adjusted EBITDA                                               $(2.5)      $(1.0)       $(1.9)                        $(0.6)     $(5.9)     $(7.0)                          +$1.2
    ---------------                                                -----        -----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

    Capitalized exploration costs                                      -        $2.3             -                             -       $5.6       $12.9                         (56.3)%
    -----------------------------                                    ---        ----           ---                           ---       ----       -----                          ------


    GOGAS
    -----

    G&A expense                                                     $0.2         $0.2          $0.3                         (7.9)%       $0.6        $0.9                         (32.0)%
    -----------                                                     ----         ----          ----                          -----        ----        ----                          ------

    Research & development                                             -           -       $(0.5)                        $(0.5)          -     $(0.3)                         $(0.3)
    ----------------------                                           ---         ---        -----                          -----         ---      -----                           -----

    Equity in the loss of AMSO                                         -           -            -                             -          -     $(0.2)                           $0.2
    --------------------------                                       ---         ---          ---                           ---        ---      -----                            ----

    (Loss) income from operations                                 $(0.2)      $(0.2)         $0.2                         $(0.5)     $(0.6)       $0.4                          $(1.0)
    -----------------------------                                  -----        -----          ----                          -----       -----        ----                           -----

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                    -      $(0.1)         $0.2                         $(0.2)     $(0.3)     $(0.8)                          +$5.0
    ---------------                                                  ---       -----          ----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----


    Corporate
    ---------

    G&A expense                                                     $2.5         $2.2          $2.3                           6.9%       $9.8        $9.2                            7.1%
    -----------                                                     ----         ----          ----                            ---        ----        ----                             ---

    Stock-based compensation in G&A                                 $1.1         $1.2          $1.2                         (5.3)%       $4.4        $4.4                            2.0%
    -------------------------------                                 ----         ----          ----                          -----        ----        ----                             ---

    Loss from operations                                          $(2.5)      $(2.2)       $(2.3)                        $(0.2)     $(9.8)     $(9.2)                         $(0.7)
    --------------------                                           -----        -----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

    Adjusted EBITDA                                               $(1.4)      $(1.0)       $(1.1)                        $(0.2)     $(5.4)     $(4.8)                         $(0.6)
    ---------------                                                -----        -----         -----                          -----       -----       -----                           -----

Genie Retail Energy
Genie Retail Energy's customer base as measured in residential customer equivalents (RCEs) increased to 301,000 at December 31, 2017 from 283,000 a year earlier, while meters served remained unchanged at 412,000. The year over year increase in RCE's reflects a shift to higher average consumption meters during the course of 2017 (including as a result of the acquisition of Mirabito Natural Gas, a commercial supplier that contributed 11,300 gas RCE's and 970 gas meters at December 31, 2017). Sequentially, RCEs and meters served decreased from 325,000 and 446,000, respectively, at September 30, 2017, reflecting a strategic pullback from customer acquisition activity in certain territories.


    RCEs and Meters at End    December 31,      September 30,      June 30,      March 31,      December 31,
    of Quarter (in thousands)              2017               2017          2017           2016              2016
    ------------------------               ----               ----          ----           ----              ----

    Electricity RCEs                        228                243           219            220               218
    ----------------                        ---                ---           ---            ---               ---

    Natural gas RCEs                         73                 82            70             67                65
    ----------------                        ---                ---           ---            ---               ---

    Total RCEs                              301                325           289            287               283
    ----------                              ---                ---           ---            ---               ---


    Electricity meters                      307                330           317            307               296
    ------------------                      ---                ---           ---            ---               ---

    Natural gas meters                      105                116           113            111               116
    ------------------                      ---                ---           ---            ---               ---

    Total meters                            412                446           430            418               412
    ------------                            ---                ---           ---            ---               ---

Gross meter acquisitions in 4Q17 increased to 62,000 from 54,000 in the year ago quarter but decreased from 111,000 in 3Q18. Full year gross meter acquisitions were 355,000 compared to 235,000 in 2016. The increase reflects, in part, meters added in 2017 by Town Square Energy following its acquisition in November 2016.

Reflective of the high rates of customer acquisition in recent quarters, GRE's average monthly customer churn increased to 6.9% in 4Q17 from 6.7% in the year ago quarter and was unchanged compared to the prior quarter. For the full year 2017, average monthly churn increased to 6.6% from 6.0% in 2016.

Meters enrolled in offerings with fixed rate characteristics constituted approximately 39% of GRE's electric load during December 2017 compared to 32% of GRE's load during December 2016 as the customer mix has shifted towards fixed rate.

GRE generated all of Genie Energy's revenue and gross profit in 2017 and 2016.

GRE's revenue increased to $73.1 million in 4Q17 from $51.5 million in 4Q16. Full year 2017 revenue increased to $264.2 million from $212.1 million in 2016.

Revenue from electricity sales in 4Q17 increased to $58.5 million from $41.0 million primarily reflecting a 23.1% increase in kilowatt hours sold and a 16.0% increase in average revenue per kilowatt hour sold. Kilowatt hours sold increased primarily as a result of a shift to higher average consumption electricity meters as well as the increase in meters served.

Full year 2017 revenue from electricity sales increased to $222.2 million from $179.5 million on a 21.5% increase in kilowatt hours sold - primarily reflecting the Town Square Energy acquisition, a shift to higher average consumption meters and higher average revenue per kilowatt hour sold.

Natural gas sales in 4Q17 increased to $14.1 million from $10.1 million in 4Q16 reflecting a 14.5% increase in therms sold and a 21.3% increase in average revenue per therm sold reflecting higher natural gas commodity prices. The increase in therms sold reflected, in part, an increase in average consumption per gas meter including the impact of the Mirabito Natural Gas acquisition.

Full year 2017 natural gas sales increased to $40.1 million from $31.0 million reflecting a 29.2% increase in average revenue per therm sold reflecting higher gas commodity prices while the volume of gas sold was essentially unchanged.

GRE's gross profit in 4Q17 increased to $26.8 million from $14.6 million in 4Q16. The gross profit on electricity sales increased to $21.6 million from $11.1 million primarily reflecting a 58.0% increase in gross profit per kilowatt sold. The gross profit on natural gas sales increased to $4.8 million from $3.2 in 4Q16 as the increase in revenue per therm sold outpaced the increase in the underlying commodity cost.

Gross profit for full year 2017 increased to $85.5 million from $76.9 million in 2016 primarily reflecting the increase in kilowatt hours sold partially offset by weaker electricity gross margins.

GRE's gross margin percentage increased to 36.6% in 4Q17 from 28.3% in 4Q16 as average revenue per kilowatt hour increased and average unit cost of electricity was primarily unchanged, as well as improved margins on natural gas sales.

Full year 2017 gross margin percentage decreased to 32.4% from 36.3% in 2016 as the increases in average revenue per kilowatt hour sold and average revenue per therm sold trailed the increases in the costs of their respective underlying commodities.

GRE's SG&A expense in 4Q17 increased to $14.1 million from $11.8 million in 4Q16 primarily due to increases in legal fees and compensation expense.

Full year 2017 SG&A expense increased to $68.4 million from $50.4 million in 2017 reflecting increased gross meter acquisitions and payroll expenses as well as an accrual of $5.4 million in 2017 for the settlement of class action lawsuits.

GRE's income from operations in 4Q17 increased to $12.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12.8 million from $2.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in 4Q16 primarily reflecting the increase in gross profit that was only partially offset by the increased SG&A expense.

GRE's full year 2017 income from operations was $16.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA was $18.8 million including the impact of $10.5 million in legal and regulatory related accruals, compared to income from operations of $26.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $27.3 million in 2016.

Genie Retail Energy - New York Regulatory Update
In December 2016, the New York State Public Service Commission (NY PSC) issued an order prohibiting retail energy providers (REPs) in New York State from serving customers enrolled in utility low-income assistance programs (low-income customers).

Challenges to the order filed by certain REPs and industry groups in New York State courts delayed implementation, but ultimately the State courts upheld the order and on November 29, 2017, the NY PSC instructed the utilities and REPs to begin implementation of the order.

GRE is complying with the NY PSC's low-income order and has begun the transfer of customers as required. The order will require GRE's REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, representing 12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the first half of 2018.

Separately, the NY PSC launched an evidentiary proceeding intended to provide a basis for additional restrictions on the REP industry and competitive retail energy markets. Hearings were held in November and December of 2017, and the presiding administrative law judges have established deadlines for initial and reply briefs from interested parties and the PSC, respectively, later this spring.

Afek
Genie Energy announced in November that the preliminary analysis of results from Afek's Ness 10 exploratory well in Northern Israel suggested that the well's target zone does not contain commercially producible quantities of oil or natural gas. Afek suspended exploratory activities and no further drilling activity is planned at this time. The company expects that any additional exploratory drilling in Northern Israel likely would be underwritten at least in part by outside investors and would be contingent upon licensing and permitting.

GENIE ENERGY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
This release is available for download in the "Investors" section of the Genie Energy website (www.genie.com/investor-relations) and has been filed on a current report (Form 8-K) with the SEC.

At 8:30 AM Eastern time today, March 8, 2018, Genie Energy's management will host a conference call to discuss financial and operational results, business outlook and strategy. The call will begin with management's remarks followed by Q&A with investors.

To participate in the conference call, dial toll-free 1-888-348-6472 (from the US) or 1-412-902-4240 (international) and request the Genie Energy conference call.

The call replay will be available for seven days at 1-844-512-2921 (US toll free) or 1-412-317-6671 (international). The replay PIN is: 10115415. A recording of the call - in MP3 format - will also be available for playback on the "Investors" section of the Genie Energy website.

Investors can sign up through the Genie Energy website http://genie.com/investors/email-alerts/ to have earnings releases and other press releases emailed directly to them.

ABOUT GENIE ENERGY LTD.
Genie Energy Ltd. (NYSE: GNE, GNEPRA), through its Genie Retail Energy (GRE) division, provides electricity and natural gas primarily to residential and small business customers in the United States and, through a joint venture, in Great Britain. GRE also operates Diversegy, a commercial brokerage and marketing services company. Genie's GOGAS division operates oil and gas exploration and drilling services ventures. For more information, visit www.genie.com.

In this press release, all statements that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate, "target" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors, including, but not limited to, those described in our most recent report on SEC Form 10-K (under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"), which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on SEC Forms 10-Q and 8-K. We are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


                                                                                                                                                                                    GENIE ENERGY LTD.

                                                                                                                                                                               CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


    December 31                                                                                                                                                                                            2017          2016

    (in thousands)
    -------------

    ASSETS

    CURRENT ASSETS:

              Cash and cash equivalents ......................................................................................................................................                                   $29,913        $35,192

              Restricted cash - short-term ............................................................................................................................................                              518         10,813

              Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,099 and $171 at                                                                                                             44,629         36,858
                   December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively ................................................................................................................

              Inventory ..........................................................................................................................................................................                 3,986          5,989

              Prepaid expenses ..............................................................................................................................................................                      6,131          4,026

              Other current assets ..........................................................................................................................................................                      4,985          4,932
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -----          -----

    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ......................................................................................................................................................                                   90,162         97,810

    Property and equipment, net .......................................................................................................................................................                            4,020          1,617

    Goodwill .......................................................................................................................................................................................               9,998          8,728

    Other intangibles, net .................................................................................................................................................................                       4,859          4,277

    Investment in joint venture ..........................................................................................................................................................                         3,450              -

    Restricted cash - long-term ........................................................................................................................................................                           1,496          1,047

    Deferred income tax assets, net ..................................................................................................................................................                             2,141          1,781

    Other assets ................................................................................................................................................................................                  9,652          6,553
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -----          -----

    TOTAL ASSETS ........................................................................................................................................................................                       $125,778       $121,813
                                                                                                                                                                                                                --------       --------

    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    CURRENT LIABILITIES:

              Revolving line of credit ...................................................................................................................................................                    $        -          $711

              Trade accounts payable ...................................................................................................................................................                          21,068         17,274

              Accrued expenses ...........................................................................................................................................................                        28,069         16,301

              Income taxes payable .....................................................................................................................................................                           2,204          2,426

              Due to IDT Corporation ...................................................................................................................................................                             228            141

              Other current liabilities ...................................................................................................................................................                        3,172          4,292
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -----          -----

    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES .............................................................................................................................................                                       54,741         41,145

    Revolving line of credit..............................................................................................................................................................                         2,513              -

    Other liabilities ........................................................................................................................................................................                     1,396            803
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -----            ---

    TOTAL LIABILITIES .............................................................................................................................................................                               58,650         41,948

    Commitments and contingencies

    EQUITY:

         Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity:

              Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares - 10,000:

                   Series 2012-A, designated shares - 8,750; at liquidation preference, consisting of 2,322 shares                                                                                                19,743         19,743
                        issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 ....................................................................................

              Class A common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares - 35,000; 1,574 shares issued and                                                                                                               16             16
                        outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 ......................................................................................................

              Class B common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares - 200,000; 23,601 and 23,274 shares                                                                                                            236            233
                        issued and 23,270 and 23,073 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively ....................

              Additional paid-in capital ..............................................................................................................................................                          130,870        128,243

              Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 331 and 201 shares of Class B common at                                                                                                                     (2,428)       (1,599)
                        December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively ......................................................................................................

              Accumulated other comprehensive income ..................................................................................................................                                            3,045          1,465

              Accumulated deficit ......................................................................................................................................................                        (67,469)      (51,567)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -------        -------

         Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders' equity ...................................................................................................................                                         84,013         96,534

         Noncontrolling interests:

              Noncontrolling interests ..............................................................................................................................................                           (16,885)      (15,002)

              Receivable for issuance of equity ................................................................................................................................                                       -       (1,667)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ---        ------

         Total noncontrolling interests ............................................................................................................................................                            (16,885)      (16,669)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -------        -------

    TOTAL EQUITY .....................................................................................................................................................................                            67,128         79,865
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ------         ------

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY ........................................................................................................................................                                       $125,778       $121,813
                                                                                                                                                                                                                --------       --------


                                                                                                                                                 GENIE ENERGY LTD.

                                                                                                                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


                                                                                                                                                                                    Year ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                                    -----------------------

    (in thousands, except per share data)                                                                                                                                        2017                             2016       2015
    ------------------------------------                                                                                                                                         ----                             ----       ----

    REVENUES:

         Electricity .......................................................................................................................                                 $222,171                         $179,467   $170,283

         Natural gas ...................................................................................................................                                       40,098                           31,031     40,757

         Other .............................................................................................................................                                    1,933                            1,614      2,016
                                                                                                                                                                                -----                            -----      -----

    Total revenues ....................................................................................................................                                       264,202                          212,112    213,056

    Cost of revenues ................................................................................................................                                         178,693                          135,172    146,409
                                                                                                                                                                              -------                          -------    -------

    GROSS PROFIT ................................................................................................................                                              85,509                           76,940     66,647

    OPERATING EXPENSES, (GAINS) AND LOSSES:

         Selling, general and administrative (i) ...........................................................................                                                   80,122                           61,569     66,011

         Research and development ..........................................................................................                                                        -                           (269)     1,985

         Exploration ...................................................................................................................                                        4,879                            6,088      6,583

         Write-off of capitalized exploration costs .......................................................................                                                     6,483                           41,041          -

         Other operating loss, net ...............................................................................................                                                  -                              64          -

         Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC ............................................................................                                                            -                         (1,262)         -

         Equity in the net loss of joint ventures ...........................................................................                                                     565                              222        397
                                                                                                                                                                                  ---                              ---        ---

    Loss from operations ...........................................................................................................                                          (6,540)                        (30,513)   (8,329)

         Interest income ..............................................................................................................                                           295                              332        411

         Interest expense............................................................................................................                                           (310)                            (19)       (10

         Other (expense) income, net ..........................................................................................                                                 (367)                             226     (183))
                                                                                                                                                                                 ----                              ---      -----

    Loss before income taxes ...................................................................................................                                              (6,922)                        (29,974)   (8,111)

         Provision for income taxes .............................................................................................                                             (1,726)                         (2,218)     (525)
                                                                                                                                                                               ------                           ------       ----

    NET LOSS ..........................................................................................................................                                       (8,648)                        (32,192)   (8,636)

         Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests ..............................................................                                                       1,654                            7,667      1,179
                                                                                                                                                                                -----                            -----      -----

    NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD. ...................................................                                                                            (6,994)                        (24,525)   (7,457)

         Dividends on preferred stock ..........................................................................................                                              (1,481)                         (1,481)   (1,481)
                                                                                                                                                                               ------                           ------     ------

    NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD.                                                                                                                               $(8,475)                       $(26,006)  $(8,938)
         COMMON STOCKHOLDERS .......................................................................................



    Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.                                                                                                        $(0.36)                         $(1.14)   $(0.40)
         common stockholders......................................................................................................



    Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of basic and                                                                                                         23,531                           22,804     22,135
         diluted loss per share......................................................................................................



    (i) Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and                                                                                                              $5,213                           $4,813     $5,229
         administrative expenses .................................................................................................



                                                                                                                                               GENIE ENERGY LTD.

                                                                                                                                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                                                                                                                                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                                -----------------------

    (in thousands)                                                                                                                                                         2017                         2016                 2015
    -------------                                                                                                                                                          ----                         ----                 ----

    OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    Net loss ...................................................................                                                                                                           $(8,648)               $(32,192)           $(8,636)

    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

         Depreciation and amortization ...................................................................................                                                                    2,140                      581                 428

         Deferred income taxes ...............................................................................................                                                                (361)                   (139)              (180)

         Provision for doubtful accounts receivable ...............................................................                                                                             762                        8                (29)

         Stock-based compensation ......................................................................................                                                                      5,013                    4,813               5,229

         Loss on disposal of property ......................................................................................                                                                      -                      25                 156

         Gain from repayment of revolving credit loan payable .............................................                                                                                       -                   (200)                  -

         Write-off of capitalized exploration costs .................................................................                                                                         6,483                   41,041                   -

         Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC .......................................................................                                                                               -                 (1,262)                  -

         Equity in the net loss of joint ventures .......................................................................                                                                       565                      222                 397

    Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:

         Restricted cash ........................................................................................................                                                              (93)                     905             (1,062)

         Trade accounts receivable ......................................................................................                                                                   (8,024)                 (6,030)              4,234

         Inventory .................................................................................................................                                                          2,003                    5,737               (274)

         Prepaid expenses .....................................................................................................                                                             (2,026)                   7,539             (5,615)

         Other current assets and other assets ....................................................................                                                                         (3,703)                   2,863             (2,346)

         Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities ................                                                                                             15,310                  (9,566)              4,341

         Due to IDT Corporation .........................................................................................                                                                        88                    (298)              (104)

         Income taxes payable ............................................................................................                                                                    (222)                   1,503                 380
                                                                                                                                                                                               ----                    -----                 ---

    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .....................................................                                                                                 9,287                   15,550             (3,081)

    INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    Capital expenditures ....................................................................................................                                                               (3,292)                   (586)              (324)

    Investments in capitalized exploration costs - unproved oil and gas property ...........                                                                                                (5,531)                (12,884)           (26,969)

    Proceeds from disposal of property ............................................................................                                                                               -                      27                   -

    Cash acquired from consolidation of AMSO, LLC ......................................................                                                                                          -                     702                   -

    Capital contribution to AMSO, LLC received from Total .............................................                                                                                           -                   3,000                   -

    Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC .........................................................................                                                                                  -                    (63)              (250)

    Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired ............................................................                                                                              (4,181)                 (8,700)                  -

    Repayment of notes receivable ..................................................................................                                                                            446                       50                  50

    Investment in joint venture ........................................................................................                                                                    (3,970)                       -                  -

    Purchases of certificates of deposit ............................................................................                                                                             -                 (2,974)            (8,820)

    Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit ......................................................                                                                                    -                  11,900               4,688
                                                                                                                                                                                                ---                  ------               -----

    Net cash used in investing activities ............................................................................                                                                     (16,528)                 (9,528)           (31,625)

    FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    Dividends paid .............................................................................................................                                                            (8,908)                 (7,395)            (4,431)

    Purchases of equity of subsidiary .................................................................................                                                                       (312)                       -                  -

    Payment for acquisitions ..............................................................................................                                                                       -                   (227)              (358)

    Proceeds from revolving line of credit and loan payable ..............................................                                                                                   14,450                    3,650               2,000

    Repayment of revolving line of credit and loan payable ..............................................                                                                                  (12,655)                 (6,690)                  -

    Decrease in restricted cash ........................................................................................                                                                     10,000                        -                  -

    Proceeds from exercise of stock options ...................................................................                                                                                 108                        -                174

    Proceeds from sales of equity of subsidiaries ..............................................................                                                                                  -                   1,000               2,500

    Collection of receivables for issuance of equity ...........................................................                                                                                  -                       -              1,912

    Payment for option to purchase noncontrolling interests ..............................................                                                                                        -                       -              (175)

    Repurchases of Class B common stock ........................................................................                                                                              (829)                    (29)               (27)
                                                                                                                                                                                               ----                      ---                 ---

    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ........................................................                                                                              1,854                  (9,691)              1,595

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ...................................                                                                                            108                       75                   2
                                                                                                                                                                                                ---                      ---                 ---

    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................                                                                           (5,279)                 (3,594)           (33,109)

    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .........................................................                                                                               35,192                   38,786              71,895
                                                                                                                                                                                             ------                   ------              ------

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .............................................................                                                                                $29,913                  $35,192             $38,786
                                                                                                                                                                                            -------                  -------             -------

    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

         Cash payments made for interest .............................................................................                                                                         $310                      $19                 $10
                                                                                                                                                                                               ----                      ---                 ---

         Cash payments made for income taxes .................................................................                                                                                   $2                     $745                 $49
                                                                                                                                                                                                ---                     ----                 ---

    SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING
         ACTIVITIES

         Class B common stock issued for GRE deferred stock units ..................................                                                                                         $1,845             $          -        $         -
                                                                                                                                                                                             ------           ---        ---      ---       ---

         Receivable for issuance of equity written-off............................................................                                                                           $1,667             $          -        $         -
                                                                                                                                                                                             ------           ---        ---      ---       ---

         Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability .........................................................                                                          $                   -                  $1,688              $1,200
                                                                                                                                                                            ---                 ---                  ------              ------

         Liability incurred for acquisition ...............................................................................                                                   $                   -                    $312         $         -
                                                                                                                                                                            ---                 ---                    ----       ---       ---

         Receivables for issuance of equity of subsidiaries ..................................................                                                                $                   -            $          -             $2,500
                                                                                                                                                                            ---                 ---          ---        ---             ------

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 and 2016

In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), Genie Energy also disclosed for the full year and fourth quarter of 2017, as well as for comparable periods, Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP measure. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Genie Energy's measure of Adjusted EBITDA consists of gross profit less selling, general and administrative expense, research and development expense, exploration expense and equity in the net loss of joint ventures, plus depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (which are included in selling, general and administrative expense). Another way of calculating Adjusted EBITDA is to start with income (loss) from operations and add depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, other operating loss, net, and the write-off of capitalized exploration costs, and deduct the gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC.

Management believes that Genie Energy's Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and gains that may not be indicative of Genie Energy's or the relevant segment's core operating results. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, as a relevant indicator of core operational strengths in its financial and operational decision making. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operating performance in relation to Genie Energy's competitors. Disclosure of this financial measure may be useful to investors in evaluating performance and allows for greater transparency to the underlying supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. In addition, Genie Energy has historically reported Adjusted EBITDA and believes it is commonly used by readers of financial information in assessing performance, therefore the inclusion of comparative numbers provides consistency in financial reporting at this time.

Management refers to Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the GAAP measures gross profit, income (loss) from operations and net income (loss), on a segment and/or consolidated level to facilitate internal and external comparisons to the segments' and Genie Energy's historical operating results, in making operating decisions, for budget and planning purposes, and to form the basis upon which management is compensated.

Although depreciation and amortization are considered operating costs under GAAP, they primarily represent the non-cash current period allocation of costs associated with long-lived assets acquired or constructed in prior periods. While Genie Energy's oil and gas exploration business may be capital intensive, Genie Energy does not expect to incur significant depreciation or depletion expense for the foreseeable future. Genie Energy's operating results exclusive of depreciation and amortization is therefore a useful indicator of its current performance.

Stock-based compensation recognized by Genie Energy and other companies may not be comparable because of the various valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of types of awards that are permitted under GAAP. Stock-based compensation is excluded from Genie Energy's calculation of Adjusted EBITDA because management believes this allows investors to make more meaningful comparisons of the operating results of Genie Energy's core business with the results of other companies. However, stock-based compensation will continue to be a significant expense for Genie Energy for the foreseeable future and an important part of employees' compensation that impacts their performance.

In 2016, other operating loss, net, was net expense incurred from drilling and related operations for a water cooperative of agricultural settlements in the Golan Heights. This project was a short-term water drilling project that was outside the scope of Genie Energy's oil and gas exploration business. The other operating loss, net, was therefore excluded from Genie Energy's and the relevant segment's core operating results.

The write-off of capitalized exploration costs, which is a component of income (loss) from operations, is also excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. The write-off of capitalized exploration costs is primarily dictated by events and circumstances outside the control of management that trigger an impairment analysis. While there may be similar charges in other periods, the nature and magnitude of these charges can fluctuate markedly and do not reflect the performance of Genie Energy's continuing operations.

The gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC, which is a component of income (loss) from operations, is excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. Genie Energy's equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC (a joint venture with Total until April 30, 2016) was included in Adjusted EBITDA because it was the result of ongoing operations of AMSO, LLC. The gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC was a non-routine result of Total's withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The gain is not part of Genie Energy's or the relevant segment's core operating results.

Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, gross profit, income (loss) from operations, cash flow from operating activities, net income (loss), basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share or other measures of liquidity and financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, Genie Energy's measurements of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Following is the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is income (loss) from operations for Genie Energy's reportable segments and net income (loss) for Genie Energy on a consolidated basis.


    Genie Energy Ltd.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)

    (unaudited)

                                                                                                                     $ in thousands


                                                           Total           Genie         GOGAS                        Corporate
                                                                         Retail
                                                                         Energy                       Afek
                                                                         ------                       ----

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

    (4Q17)

    Adjusted EBITDA                                               $8,946         $12,794          $14       $(2,501)               $(1,361)

    Subtract:

    Stock-based compensation                                       1,422             108          200              -                  1,114

    Depreciation and amortization                                    612             453           57            102                       -

    Write-off of capitalized exploration costs                     6,483               -           -         6,483                       -
                                                                   -----             ---         ---         -----                     ---

    Income (loss) from operations                                    429         $12,233       $(243)      $(9,086)               $(2,475)

    Interest income                                                   88

    Interest expense                                                (88)

    Other income, net                                                 29

    Provision for income taxes                                   (1,271)
                                                                  ------

    Net loss                                                       (813)

    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests              1,027

    Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.                    $214


                                                           Total           Genie         GOGAS                        Corporate
                                                                         Retail
                                                                         Energy                       Afek
                                                                                                ---                                  ---

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

    (3Q17)

    Adjusted EBITDA                                               $3,301          $5,382       $(104)        $(963)               $(1,014)

    Subtract:

    Stock-based compensation                                       1,411             176           49              -                  1,186

    Depreciation and amortization                                    487             434            5             48                       -
                                                                     ---             ---          ---            ---                     ---

    Income (loss) from operations                                  1,403          $4,772       $(158)      $(1,011)               $(2,200)

    Interest income                                                   51

    Interest expense                                                (67)

    Other income, net                                                  9

    Provision for income taxes                                     (421)
                                                                    ----

    Net income                                                       975

    Net income attributable to noncontrolling                      (197)
         interests

    Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.                    $778
                                                                    ----


                                                           Total           Genie         GOGAS                        Corporate
                                                                         Retail
                                                                         Energy                       Afek
                                                                                                ---                                  ---

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2016

    (4Q16)

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                 $322          $3,130         $226       $(1,896)               $(1,138)

    Subtract:

    Stock-based compensation                                       1,316             137            2              -                  1,177

    Depreciation and amortization                                    287             251            6             30                       -

    Other operating loss, net                                         64               -           -            64                       -
                                                                     ---             ---         ---           ---                     ---

    (Loss) income from operations                                (1,345)         $2,742         $218       $(1,990)               $(2,315)

    Interest income                                                   75

    Interest expense                                                (23)

    Other income, net                                                 59

    Provision for income taxes                                      (53)
                                                                     ---

    Net loss                                                     (1,287)

    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                469
                                                                     ---

    Net loss attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.                    $(818)
    ------------------------------------------                     -----


    Genie Energy Ltd.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss

    (unaudited)

                                                                                                                          $ in thousands


                                                      Total              Genie          GOGAS                              Corporate
                                                                      Retail
                                                                      Energy                            Afek
                                                                      ------                            ----

    Year Ended December 31, 2017

    Adjusted EBITDA                                            $7,296           $18,841          $(266)         $(5,887)               $(5,392)

    Subtract:

    Stock-based compensation                                    5,213               516             255                 -                  4,442

    Depreciation and amortization                               2,140             1,740              72               327                       1

    Write-off of capitalized exploration costs                  6,483                 -              -            6,483                       -
                                                                -----               ---            ---            -----                     ---

    (Loss) income from operations                             (6,540)          $16,585          $(593)       $( 12,697)               $(9,835)

    Interest income                                               295

    Interest expense                                            (310)

    Other expense, net                                          (367)

    Provision for income taxes                                (1,726)
                                                               ------

    Net loss                                                  (8,648)

    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests           1,654

    Net loss attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.               $(6,994)


                                                      Total              Genie          GOGAS                              Corporate
                                                                      Retail
                                                                      Energy                            Afek
                                                                                                  ---                                     ---

    Year Ended December 31, 2016

    Adjusted EBITDA                                           $14,724           $27,350          $(758)         $(7,043)               $(4,825)

    Subtract (Add):

    Stock-based compensation                                    4,813               420              36                 -                  4,357

    Depreciation and amortization                                 581               427              30               124                       -

    Write-off of capitalized exploration costs                 41,041                 -              -           41,041                       -

    Other operating loss, net                                      64                 -              -               64                       -

    Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC                        (1,262)                -        (1,262)                -                      -
                                                               ------               ---         ------               ---                    ---

    (Loss) income from operations                            (30,513)          $26,503            $438         $(48,272)               $(9,182)

    Interest income                                               332

    Interest expense                                             (19)

    Other income, net                                             226

    Provision for income taxes                                (2,218)
                                                               ------

    Net loss                                                 (32,192)

    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests           7,667
                                                                -----

    Net loss attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.              $(24,525)
    ------------------------------------------               --------

CONTACT: Genie Energy Investor Relations, Bill Ulrey, P: (973) 438-3848, E-mail: invest@genie.com

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