Ring Energy Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results, Year-End 2021 Proved Reserves and Provides 2022 Guidance

~ Continuing to Generate Free Cash Flow, Reduce Debt and Increase Liquidity ~

~ 2022 Capital Budget of $120 Million to $140 Million Supports Previously Announced Continuous Drilling Program ~

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) today reported operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2021, including Ring’s year-end 2021 proved reserves. In addition, the Company provided first quarter and full year 2022 guidance and an update on its 2022 drilling program.

Highlights and Recent Key Items

• Grew fourth quarter 2021 sales volumes 11% to 9,153 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (85% oil) compared to the third quarter of 2021, with full year 2021 sales volumes of 8,519 Boe/d (86% oil);
• Reported net income of $24.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2021, up 70% compared with net income of $14.2 million, or $0.12 per share in the third quarter of 2021;
  • Net income for full year 2021 was $3.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $253.4 million or $3.48 per share, in full year 2020;
• Posted Adjusted Net Income¹ of $9.9 million, or $0.10 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2021, up 46% compared with $6.8 million, or $0.07 per share, in the third quarter of 2021;
  • Adjusted Net Income for the full year 2021 was $30.6 million, or $0.31 per share, up 48% from $20.7 million, or $0.28 per share, in full year 2020;
• Increased Adjusted EBITDA¹ by 21% fourth quarter over fourth quarter to $24.0 million and generated $83.3 million in Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2021;
• Delivered Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $23.2 million and Free Cash Flow¹ of $9.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and Free Cash Flow were $72.7 million and $20.5 million, respectively, for full year 2021;
• Remained cash flow positive for the ninth consecutive quarter;
• Paid down $23.0 million of debt on the Company’s revolving credit facility during full year 2021, including $5.0 million in the fourth quarter;
  • Resulted in lower interest expense of $3.1 million in full year 2021 – an 18% decrease from 2020;
  • Successfully reaffirmed the Company’s borrowing base of $350 million under its revolving credit facility in December 2021;
• Grew proved reserves 2% to 77.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”) at year-end 2021, more than replacing its full year 2021 production;
• Successfully drilled and completed, on time and within budget, Ring’s Phase IV program of two wells (one in the Northwest Shelf (“NWS”) and one in the Central Basin Platform (“CBP”)), with both wells placed on production in the fourth quarter of 2021;
  • Completion of the Phase IV program marks the culmination of a successful 2021 development campaign;
    • Drilled 11 wells, including eight in the NWS and three in the CBP, and participated in the drilling of two non-operated wells in the NWS;
    • Completed 13 wells, including 10 in the NWS and three in the CBP, and participated in the completion of two non-operated wells in the NWS;
• Reduced future costly workovers and long-term operating costs by converting 25 wells from downhole electrical submersible pumps (“ESPs”) to rod pumps (“CTRs”) during full year 2021, including 19 in the NWS and six in the CBP;
• Commenced Ring’s 2022 continuous drilling program in late January with four CBP wells drilled, with two wells placed on production in March and two wells that are expected to be online in April;
  • Currently drilling the first of 16 targeted wells in the NWS before moving back to the CBP;
  • Announced 2022 capital program of $120 million to $140 million, an increase of over 130% compared to prior year;
• Reaffirmed commitment to remain cash flow positive on an annual basis; and
• Provided guidance for first quarter and full year 2022 sales volumes, capital spending and operating expenses.
  

________________________
¹ _{A non-GAAP financial measure; see “Non-GAAP Information” section in this release for more information including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.}

Mr. Paul D. McKinney, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to report our strong fourth quarter operating and financial results. Contributing to our performance during the period were sales volumes of 9,153 Boe per day, which was 11% higher than the third quarter of 2021. The combination of increased production, improved commodity prices, and our continued focus on driving cost efficiencies drove more than a 20% increase in adjusted EBITDA during the quarter and approximately $83 million for the full year 2021. The fourth quarter marks the ninth consecutive quarter of generating free cash flow. We also saw our year-end reserves increase by 2%, more than offsetting our 2021 production.”

Mr. McKinney continued, “On January 1, 2022, nearly 60% of our low-priced hedges rolled off allowing for substantially higher revenue and operating cash flow in 2022 assuming commodity prices remain strong. We intend to invest our higher cash flow to organically grow production and continue paying down debt. We believe we can increase our capital spending over 130%, meaningfully grow our sales volumes, and continue paying down debt – all while staying within cash flow from operations.”

Mr. McKinney concluded, “As previously announced, we initiated our 2022 drilling program in January and have since drilled four wells in the CBP, moved the rig to the NWS asset area and spud our fifth well this week. We have completed two of our CBP wells and plan to complete the third and fourth wells in April. We intend to drill and complete between 25 and 33 wells in 2022, install related facilities and infrastructure, continue our successful CTR and other capital workover programs, and acquire additional leases. Our capital spending program will be flexible and adjusted to remain in-line with commodity prices and within cash flow from operations. In short, we believe 2022 will be a transformational year for Ring and our shareholders through the continued pursuit of our value focused proven strategy.”

Financial Overview: For the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company reported net income of $24.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, which included a $15.2 million before tax non-cash unrealized commodity derivative gain and $0.9 million in before tax share-based compensation. Excluding the estimated after-tax impact of the adjustments, the Company’s Adjusted Net Income was $9.9 million, or $0.10 per share. In the third quarter of 2021, the Company reported net income of $14.2 million, or $0.12 per share, which included an $8.2 million before tax non-cash unrealized commodity derivative gain and $0.8 million for before tax share-based compensation. Excluding the estimated after-tax impact of these adjustments, the Company’s Adjusted Net Income was $6.8 million, or $0.07 per share. In the fourth quarter of 2020, Ring reported a net loss of $160.3 million, or $1.83 per share, which included a $129.6 million before tax non-cash ceiling test impairment primarily due to lower pricing, a $15.2 million before tax non-cash unrealized commodity derivative loss, and $2.8 million in before tax share-based compensation. Excluding the estimated after-tax impact of these adjustments, and adding back the full valuation against deferred tax assets, Adjusted Net Income in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $6.5 million, or $0.07 per share.

Adjusted EBITDA grew by 21% to $24.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $19.7 million in the third quarter of 2021, with the increase primarily driven by higher sales volumes and realized pricing. Fourth quarter of 2020 Adjusted EBITDA was $24.5 million.

Free Cash Flow for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $9.3 million compared to $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher sales volumes and realized pricing and lower capital spending. Fourth quarter 2021 Free Cash Flow decreased from $12.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to lower sales volumes and higher capital spending, partially offset by higher realized pricing.  

Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures, which are described in more detail and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures, in the tables shown later in this release under “Non-GAAP Information.”

Sales Volumes, Prices and Revenues: Sales volumes for the fourth quarter of 2021 were 9,153 Boe/d (85% oil), or 842,110 Boe, compared to 8,243 Boe/d (87% oil), or 758,387 Boe, for the third quarter of 2021, and 9,307 Boe/d (86% oil), or 856,271 Boe, in the fourth quarter of 2020. Fourth quarter 2021 sales volumes were comprised of 715,163 barrels (“Bbls”) of oil and 761,682 thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas.

For the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company realized an average sales price of $76.35 per barrel of crude oil and $6.65 per Mcf for natural gas. The combined average realized sales price for the period was $70.85 per Boe, up 9% versus $65.11 per Boe for the third quarter of 2021, and up 94% from $36.61 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2020. The average oil price differential the Company experienced from WTI NYMEX spot pricing in the fourth quarter of 2021 was a negative $1.12 per barrel of crude oil, while the average natural gas price differential from Henry Hub pricing was a positive $1.85 per Mcf.

Revenues were $59.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $49.4 million for the third quarter of 2021 and $31.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. The 21% increase in fourth quarter 2021 revenues from the third quarter were driven by higher sales volumes and increased realized pricing for both oil and natural gas.

Lease Operating Expense (“LOE”): LOE, which includes expensed workovers and facilities maintenance, was $7.7 million, or $9.12 per Boe, in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $7.0 million, or $9.21 per Boe, in the third quarter of 2021 and $7.9 million, or $9.19 per Boe, for the fourth quarter of 2020. Contributing to lower LOE per Boe for both comparative periods was the purchase of leased ESPs throughout 2021.

Gathering, Transportation and Processing (“GTP”) Costs: GTP costs, which are associated with natural gas sales, were $1.72 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $1.39 per Boe in the third quarter of 2021 and $1.47 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in GTP costs was due to processing higher natural gas sales volumes for the Company’s NWS assets.

Ad Valorem Taxes: Ad valorem taxes were $0.16 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $0.93 per Boe in the third quarter of 2021 and $0.84 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease was due to lower assessed property values compared to estimates.

Production Taxes: Production taxes were $3.36 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $2.95 per Boe in the third quarter of 2021 and $1.75 per Boe in fourth quarter of 2020. Production taxes remained steady at 4-5% of revenue for all three periods.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”) and Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion: DD&A was $12.44 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $12.28 per Boe for the third quarter of 2021 and $13.04 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2020. Asset retirement obligation accretion was $0.22 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $0.24 per Boe for the third quarter of 2021 and $0.25 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Operating Lease Expense: Operating lease expense was $83,591 for the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $83,589 for the third quarter of 2021 and $319,483 in the fourth quarter of 2020. These expenses are primarily associated with the Company’s office leases.

General and Administrative Expenses (“G&A”): G&A, excluding share-based compensation, was $4.0 million, or $4.79 per Boe, for the fourth quarter 2021 versus $3.7 million, or $4.82 per Boe, for the third quarter of 2021 and $4.4 million, or $5.09 per Boe, in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Interest Expense: Interest expense was $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 versus $3.6 million for the third quarter 2021 and $4.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Interest expense declined year-over-year due to a lower average daily balance of long-term debt and a lower margin rate for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The lower margin rate was associated with a reduced percentage utilization of the Company’s borrowing base on its revolving credit facility.

Derivative (Loss) Gain: In the fourth quarter of 2021, Ring recorded a loss of $4.3 million on its commodity derivative contracts, including a realized $19.5 million cash commodity derivative loss and an unrealized $15.2 million non-cash commodity derivative gain. This compared to a net loss of $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2021, including a realized $14.9 million cash commodity derivative loss and an unrealized $8.2 million non-cash commodity derivative gain, and a net loss of $11.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, including a realized $3.7 million cash commodity derivative gain and an unrealized $15.2 million non-cash commodity derivative loss.

The Company did not add any new commodity derivative contracts in the fourth quarter of 2021, but on February 1, 2022 added the following new crude oil derivative position:

On January 1, 2022, nearly 60% of Ring’s legacy low-priced hedges expired allowing for substantially higher revenue and cash flow in 2022, assuming the current oil price environment continues. A full listing of the Company’s current outstanding derivative positions is included in the tables shown later in this release.

Income Tax: The Company recorded a non-cash income tax benefit of $51,601 in the fourth quarter 2021 and $48,701 in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a non-cash income tax provision of $21.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity: Total liquidity at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021 was $61.6 million, a 10% increase from September 30, 2021 and up 52% from December 31, 2020. Liquidity at December 31, 2021 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $2.4 million and $59.2 million of availability under Ring’s revolving bank credit facility, which includes a reduction of $0.8 million for letters of credit. On December 31, 2021, the Company had $290.0 million in borrowings outstanding on its revolving credit facility that has a current borrowing base of $350.0 million. Ring paid down $5.0 million of debt during the fourth quarter of 2021, and $23.0 million for full year 2021. The Company is targeting further debt reduction during 2022.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, Ring successfully reaffirmed the Company’s borrowing base of $350 million under its revolving credit facility. The next regularly scheduled bank redetermination is scheduled to occur during May 2022. Ring is currently in compliance with all applicable covenants under its revolving credit facility agreement.

Capital Expenditures: During the fourth quarter of 2021, capital expenditures on an accrual basis were $11.3 million as the Company drilled, completed and placed on production the two wells of its Phase IV program (one well in the NWS with 75% working interest and one well in the CBP with 100% working interest) and also performed one CTR project (in the NWS).

The Phase IV program utilized one rig and both wells were drilled and completed on schedule and within budget. The well in the NWS was a 1.0-mile lateral and the well in the CBP was a 1.5-mile lateral, with both wells placed on production in the fourth quarter.

In the third quarter of 2021, capital expenditures were $13.7 million, which included costs to drill, complete and place on production four wells of Ring’s Phase III program (two 1.0-mile lateral wells in the NWS and two 1.5-mile lateral wells in the CBP, with all wells at 100% working interest) and the Company also performed 10 CTR projects.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, capital expenditures were $51.0 million, which included costs to drill 11 horizontal wells (eight in the NWS and three in the CBP) and complete and place on production 13 horizontal wells (10 in the NWS and three in the CBP). Two of the NWS wells completed in 2021 were drilled in 2020. Included in full year 2021 capital spending were costs for 25 CTRs (19 in the NWS and 6 in the CBP), as well as costs for capital workovers, infrastructure upgrades, land and other capital expenditures. Ring also participated in the drilling and completion of two non-operated wells in the NWS.

Full Year 2021 Financial Review

The Company reported net income for full year 2021 of $3.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Income of $30.6 million, or $0.31 per share. For full year 2020, Ring reported a net loss of $253.4 million, or $3.48 per share, and Adjusted Net Income of $20.7 million, or $0.28 per share. The Company generated Adjusted EBITDA of $83.3 million, or $26.80 per Boe and $0.84 per diluted share, for the full year 2021 compared to $86.1 million, or $26.78 per Boe and $1.18 per diluted share, in 2020.  

Revenues totaled $196.3 million for 2021 compared to $113.0 million in 2020, with the increase driven by higher commodity prices. Net cash provided by operating activities for 2021 was $72.7 million compared with $72.2 million in 2020. Free Cash Flow totaled $20.5 million in 2021 compared with $39.8 million in 2020.

Net sales for full year 2021 were 8,519 Boe/d, or 3,109,470 Boe, comprised of 2,686,939 Bbls of oil and 2,535,188 Mcf of natural gas. Full year 2020 net sales averaged 8,790 Boe/d, or 3,217,278 Boe, which included 2,801,528 Bbls of oil and 2,494,502 Mcf of natural gas.

For the full year 2021, the Company’s realized crude oil sales price was $67.56 per barrel and the natural gas sales price was $5.83 per Mcf. The combined average sales price was $63.13 per Boe compared to $35.13 per Boe for full year 2020.

For the full year 2021, LOE was $30.3 million, or $9.75 per Boe, versus $29.8 million, or $9.25 per Boe, for full year 2020. LOE increased due to higher activity levels in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 causing deferral of expensed workovers and other lease operating projects.

GTP costs were $4.3 million, or $1.39 per Boe, for full year 2021 compared to $4.1 million, or $1.27 per Boe in 2020, with the increase year-over-year due to significantly higher product pricing. Ad valorem taxes decreased to $2.3 million, or $0.73 per Boe, in 2021 from $3.1 million, or $0.97 per Boe, for full year 2020. Driving the decrease was lower assessed property values. Production taxes for 2021 were $9.1 million, or $2.93 per Boe, versus $5.2 million, or $1.63 per Boe, in 2020. As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, 2021 production taxes increased slightly to 4.65% from 4.63% for 2020 due to higher Texas gas revenue in 2021, which is taxed at 7.5%.

For the full year 2021, G&A, including share-based compensation, was $16.1 million, down 5% compared with full year 2020 G&A of $16.9 million. For full year 2021, G&A, excluding share-based compensation, was $13.6 million compared to $11.5 million for full year 2020. The increase year-over-year was primarily due to increased employee count and salaries, accounting expenses, and non-recurring consulting costs. G&A, excluding share-based compensation, per Boe was $4.39 in 2021, up 23% from $3.58 in 2020.

For the full year 2021, the Company recorded a non-cash income tax provision of $0.1 million compared to a non-cash income tax benefit of $6.0 million in full year 2020. The change was primarily the result of losses due to the ceiling test write-down in 2020 offset by the Company’s full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. The Company was in a deferred tax asset position as a result of the ceiling test write downs recorded during 2020. In 2021, only state tax activity was recognized for SEC-reporting purposes.

2022 Capital Investment, Sales Volumes, and Operating Expense Guidance

In response to a continued improvement in crude oil prices and following the success of its 2021 drilling program, in late January Ring commenced a 2022 continuous one-rig drilling program that is focused on the Company’s highest rate-of-return inventory in its NWS and CBP acreage positions. To date, four wells in the CBP have been drilled and completed, including two wells that were placed on production in March and two wells that are expected to be online in April. The rig was moved from the CBP and is currently drilling the first of 16 targeted wells in the NWS, before moving back to the CBP.

For full year 2022, Ring expects total capital spending of $120 million to $140 million, which includes the estimated cost to drill 25 to 33 horizontal wells and complete 25 to 30 horizontal wells, primarily in the Company’s NWS assets. Ring’s full year capital spending outlook includes targeted well reactivations, workovers, infrastructure upgrades, and continuing its successful CTR program in the NWS and the CBP. Also included in the full year estimate is anticipated spending for leasing, contractual drilling obligations and non-operated drilling, completion and capital workovers. Based on the $130 million mid-point of spending guidance, the Company expects the following estimated allocation of capital investment, including:

• 82% for drilling, completion, and related equipment and facilities;
• 12% for CTRs, recompletions and capital workovers; and
• 6% for land, non-operated capital and other investments.
  

The Company remains focused on generating free cash flow in 2022, after all expenses, costs and capital expenditures. The increased level of capital investment in 2022 is expected to generate almost 10% sales growth at the midpoint of full year 2022 guidance. All 2022 planned capital expenditures will be fully funded by cash on hand and cash from operations, and excess free cash flow is currently targeted for further debt reduction. The combination of anticipated growth in Adjusted EBITDA resulting from higher prices and growth in sales volumes, along with planned further debt reduction, is expected to significantly reduce Ring’s leverage ratio by year-end 2022.    

Supported by its targeted development program and continued focus on operational excellence, the Company currently forecasts full year 2022 sales volumes of 9,000 to 9,600 Boe/d (87% oil), compared with full year 2021 average sales volumes of 8,519 Boe/d (86% oil).

Drilling under Ring’s new continuous drilling program began in late January 2022; as a result, there is minimal additional production impact expected from the new wells in the first quarter. Including the expected normal decline in production during the first quarter and some short-term weather-related sales disruptions, first quarter 2022 sales are expected to be in the range of 8,500 to 8,700 Boe/d (85% oil). Second quarter 2022 sales are expected to reflect the benefit of the new continuous drilling program.

The guidance in the table below represents the Company's current good faith estimate of the range of likely future results for the full year and first quarter of 2022. Guidance could be affected by the factors discussed below in the "Safe Harbor Statement" section.

First quarter and full year 2022 LOE is expected to be higher than 2021 primarily due to inflationary-related increases partially offset by the ongoing CTR program, lower costs due to the purchase of leased ESPs, and other cost reduction initiatives.

Year-End 2021 Proved Reserves

The Company's year-end 2021 SEC proved reserves were 77.8 MMBoe compared to 76.5 MMBoe at year-end 2020. Ring recorded reserve additions of 2.3 MMBoe for acquisitions and 4.9 MMBoe for extensions, discoveries and improved recovery. Partially offsetting the overall increase was 0.6 MMBoe for property dispositions, 2.2 MMBoe for revisions of previous quantity estimates and 3.1 MMBoe of production.

The SEC twelve-month first day of the month average prices used for year-end 2021 were $63.04 per barrel of crude oil (WTI) and $3.598 per MMBtu of natural gas (Henry Hub), both before adjustment for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials, while for year-end 2020 they were $36.04 per barrel of crude oil and $1.99 per MMBtu of natural gas.

Year-end 2021 SEC proved reserves were comprised of approximately 85% crude oil and 15% natural gas. At year end, approximately 56% of 2021 proved reserves were classified as proved developed and 44% as proved undeveloped.

Ring’s reserve life ratio at year-end 2021, based on year-end 2021 SEC proved reserves and 2021 production was 25.0 years.

The present value of the Company’s reported SEC proved reserves, discounted at 10% ("PV-10"), at year-end 2021 was $1,332.1 million, up 109% from $638.1 million at the end of 2020.

^{(1) PV-10 for this presentation excludes any provision for asset retirement obligations or income taxes and it may be considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by the SEC, and is derived from the standardized measure of Discounted Futures Net Cash Flows, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.} 

^{In accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2021 were determined to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, which requires the use of the 12-month average commodity price for each product, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for the year end December 31, 2021. The SEC average prices used for year-end 2021 were $63.04 per barrel of crude oil (WTI) and $3.598 per MMBtu of natural gas (Henry Hub), both before adjustment for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials. Such prices were held constant throughout the estimated lives of the reserves. Future production and development costs are based on year-end costs with no escalations.}

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

Ring’s standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves and changes in the standardized measure as described below were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure

PV-10 is derived from the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (“Standardized Measure”), which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves calculated using SEC pricing.  PV-10 is a computation of the Standardized Measure on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the Standardized Measure at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes, discounted at 10 percent.  We believe that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our estimated net proved reserves prior to taking into account future corporate income taxes, and it is a useful measure for evaluating the relative monetary significance of our oil and natural gas properties. Further, investors may utilize the measure as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our reserves to other companies. Moreover, GAAP does not provide a measure of estimated future net cash flows for reserves other than proved reserves or for reserves calculated using prices other than SEC prices. We use this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to our oil and natural gas properties. PV-10, however, is not a substitute for the Standardized Measure.  Our PV-10 measure and the Standardized Measure do not purport to represent the fair value of our oil and natural gas reserves.

The following table reconciles the pre-tax PV-10 value of our SEC Pricing proved reserves as of December 31, 2021 to the Standardized Measure.

Update on Sales Process for Delaware Basin Assets

As previously announced, Ring launched a sales process during 2021 to divest of its Delaware Basin assets. The Company will provide further updates as definitive information is known. Ring anticipates using the net proceeds from the potential sale of its Delaware Basin assets to further reduce its debt.

Conference Call Information

Ring will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2021 operational and financial results. An updated investor presentation will be posted to the Company’s website prior to the conference call.

To participate in the conference call, interested parties should dial 833-953-2433 at least five minutes before the call is to begin. Please reference the “Ring Energy Year End 2021 Earnings Conference Call”. International callers may participate by dialing 412-317-5762. The call will also be webcast and available on Ring’s website at www.ringenergy.com under “Investors” on the “News & Events” page. An audio replay will also be available on the Company’s website following the call.

About Ring Energy, Inc.

Ring Energy, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company with current operations focused on the conventional development of its Permian Basin assets in West Texas and New Mexico. For additional information, please visit www.ringenergy.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, and include, without limitations, statements with respect to the Company’s strategy and prospects. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and its other filings with the SEC. Readers and investors are cautioned that the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to acquire productive oil and/or gas properties or to successfully drill and complete oil and/or gas wells on such properties, general economic conditions both domestically and abroad, and the conduct of business by the Company, and other factors that may be more fully described in additional documents set forth by the Company.

Contact Information

Al Petrie Advisors
Al Petrie, Senior Partner
Phone: 281-975-2146
Email: apetrie@ringenergy.com

RING ENERGY, INC.

Non-GAAP Information

Certain financial information included in Ring’s financial results are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Free Cash Flow” and “Cash Flow from Operations”. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of performance. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric used to determine the Company’s incentive compensation awards. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income does not include the estimated after-tax impact of share-based compensation, ceiling test impairment, and unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives. Adjusted Net Income is presented because the timing and amount of these items cannot be reasonably estimated and affect the comparability of operating results from period to period, and current periods to prior periods.

Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow from Operations

The Company also presents the non-GAAP financial measures Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus net interest expense, unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives, ceiling test impairment, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset retirement obligation accretion and share-based compensation. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand Ring’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as Ring calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA (defined above) less net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing cost), capital expenditures and proceeds from divestiture of oil and natural gas properties. For this purpose, the Company’s definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and the lease maintenance costs) and equipment, furniture and fixtures, but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in the Company’s capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Company management believes that Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of its current operating activities after the impact of accrued capital expenditures and net interest expense and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. There is no commonly accepted definition Free Cash Flow within the industry. Accordingly, Free Cash Flow, as defined and calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to Free Cash Flow or other similarly named non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. While the Company includes net interest expense in the calculation of Free Cash Flow, other mandatory debt service requirements of future payments of principal at maturity (if such debt is not refinanced) are excluded from the calculation of Free Cash Flow. These and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses.

The following tables present (i) a reconciliation of the Company’s net income (loss), a GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to Free Cash Flow, as both Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are defined by the Company. In addition, a reconciliation of cash flow from operations is presented.

Released March 16, 2022