Yuma Energy Announces 2015 Financial Results and Operational Overview

HOUSTON, TX–(Marketwired – Mar 30, 2016) – Yuma Energy, Inc. (NYSE MKT: YUMA) (NYSE MKT: YUMA-PA) (the “Company” or “Yuma”) today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015 and provided an operational overview relating to its properties.

Year End and Fourth Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Net average production was 1,802 Boe/d for the 4^th quarter 2015, a 3 percent increase over 4^th quarter 2014
• Lease operating expenses and workover costs were $2.2 million for the 4^th quarter 2015, a 54 percent reduction when compared to 4^th quarter 2014 results
• 2015 full year G&A costs were $9.7 million, a 16 percent reduction when compared to 2014
• Started discussions prior to year-end 2015 and an all-stock definitive merger agreement with Davis Petroleum Acquisition Corp. (“Davis”) was executed in February of 2016. The merger is expected to close in mid-2016. As of December 31, 2015, Davis had zero debt and $4.1 million in cash with proved reserves of 4.8 MMBoe. During the 4^th quarter of 2015, Davis’ production averaged 1,533 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boe/d).
• Commodity derivatives were entered into for calendar year 2016 representing 298,957 MMBtu of natural gas at an average price of $3.28 and 138,286 barrels of oil at an average price of $62.27 with a $40.00 floor sold price at year-end 2015

Management Comments

Sam L. Banks, Chairman, President and CEO of Yuma Energy, Inc., commented, “We are excited about the progress made during the year as well as the proposed merger with Davis Petroleum Acquisition Corp. (“Davis”). While the price of oil and natural gas has declined dramatically since mid-year 2014, we have taken the appropriate steps to reduce our capital spending, operating costs, and G&A and believe that with the completion of the merger we will be positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise out of the current industry downturn, primarily through further consolidations and acquisitions. The merger with Davis allows us to increase our liquidity and improve our financial position, while at the same time nearly doubling our production and increasing our reserves. The transaction represents a significant opportunity for the shareholders of both companies to benefit from the combined strengths of Yuma and Davis, and creates a diversified Company with unconventional and conventional resource exposure in the onshore Gulf Coast region. In addition, we expect meaningful G&A synergies associated with the merger. We look forward to the successful completion of the merger and the creation of a unified company that is uniquely qualified to create value from the significant upside potential intrinsic to both companies.”

Operational Highlights

In 2015, we significantly reduced our capital spending and focused on low cost, high rate of return projects. We drilled and completed one new well in 2015 and completed another well that was drilled during the fourth quarter of 2014. Total 2015 capital expenditures on drilling, completions, re-completions, and capitalized workovers were approximately $5.7 million, a 70 percent ($13.4 million) reduction when compared to 2014.

In 2015, we also focused on reducing our controllable costs to offset lower commodity prices and increase our margins. Lease operating expenses and workover costs during the 4^th quarter 2015 were approximately $2.2 million, a 54 percent ($2.6 million) reduction when compared to the 4^th quarter 2014. For the full year of 2015, lease operating expenses and workover costs were approximately $12.0 million, or 25 percent ($3.9 million) lower than in 2014. We have reduced total operating expenses quarter after quarter in 2015 and will continue to look for ways to optimize our operations to withstand the lower price environment.

Net production averaged 1,802 Boe/d during the 4^th quarter 2015, which was 3 percent (47 Boe/d) higher than the same quarter in the prior year. Net average production for the full year of 2015 was 1,792 Boe/d, down 16 percent (351 Boe/d) when compared to the full year of 2014, primarily due to the high production levels experienced at La Posada during the first two quarters of 2014.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

The table below summarizes our estimated proved reserves at December 31, 2015 based on the report prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”), an independent petroleum engineering firm. In preparing its report, NSAI evaluated 100% of our properties at December 31, 2015. The information in the following table does not give any effect to or reflect our commodity derivatives.

(1) Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (Boe).

(2) Present Value Discounted at 10% (“PV10”) is a Non-GAAP measure that differs from the GAAP measure “standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows” in that PV10 is calculated without regard to future income taxes. Management believes that the presentation of the PV10 value is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the estimated discounted future net cash flows attributable to our estimated proved reserves independent of our income tax attributes, thereby isolating the intrinsic value of the estimated future cash flows attributable to our reserves. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future income taxes to be paid, we believe the use of a pre-tax measure provides greater comparability of assets when evaluating companies. For these reasons, management uses, and believes the industry generally uses, the PV10 measure in evaluating and comparing acquisition candidates and assessing the potential return on investment related to investments in oil and natural gas properties. PV10 does not necessarily represent the fair market value of oil and natural gas properties.

PV10 is not a measure of financial or operational performance under GAAP, nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as defined under GAAP. For a presentation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, see Note 25 – Supplementary Information on Oil and Natural Gas Exploration, Development and Production Activities (Unaudited) in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The table below titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” provides a reconciliation of PV10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation ($ in thousands)

The following table reconciles our direct interest in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves as of December 31, 2015:

(3) Proved reserves were calculated using prices equal to the twelve-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month prices for each of the preceding twelve months, which were $50.28 per Bbl (WTI) and $2.59 per MMBtu (HH), for the year ended December 31, 2015. Adjustments were made for location and grade.

Financial Results

Production

The following table presents the net quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids produced and sold by us for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and the average sales price per unit sold.

Revenues

The following table presents our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted EBITDA

The following table reconciles reported net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and others, to assess our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical costs basis. It is also used to assess our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures.

Our Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss), operating income (loss), cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Our Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of another company because all companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased from 2014 by $10,681,260 (71.3%). Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased from 2013 by $4,569,161 (43.9%).

Commodity Derivative Instruments

Commodity derivative instruments open as of December 31, 2015 are provided below. Natural gas prices are NYMEX Henry Hub prices, and crude oil prices are NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”), except for the oil swaps noted below that are based on LLS.

About Yuma Energy, Inc.

Yuma Energy, Inc. is an independent Houston-based exploration and production company with approximately 13.3 million Boe of proved reserves as of December 31, 2015. We are focused on the acquisition, development, and exploration for conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas resources, primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast and California. We were incorporated in California on October 7, 1909. We have employed a 3-D seismic-based strategy to build a multi-year inventory of development and exploration prospects. Our current operations are focused on onshore assets located in central and southern Louisiana, where we are targeting the Austin Chalk, Tuscaloosa, Wilcox, Frio, Marg Tex and Hackberry formations. In addition, we have a non-operated position in the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and operated positions in Kern and Santa Barbara Counties in California. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE MKT under the trading symbol “YUMA.” Our Series A Preferred Stock is traded on the NYSE MKT under the trading symbol “YUMAprA.” For more information about Yuma Energy, Inc., please visit our website at www.yumaenergyinc.com.

Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization

On February 10, 2016, the Company and privately held Davis Petroleum Acquisition Corp. (“Davis”) entered into a definitive merger agreement for an all-stock transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, we will reincorporate in Delaware, implement a one-for-ten reverse split of our common stock, and convert each share of our existing Series A Preferred Stock into 35 shares of common stock prior to giving effect for the reverse split (3.5 shares post reverse split). Following these actions, we will issue additional shares of common stock in an amount sufficient to result in approximately 61.1% of the common stock being owned by the current common stockholders of Davis. In addition, we will issue approximately 3.3 million shares of a new Series D preferred stock to existing Davis preferred stockholders, which is estimated to have a conversion price of approximately $5.70 per share, after giving effect for the reverse split. The Series D preferred stock is estimated to have an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $18.7 million at closing, and will be paid dividends in the form of additional shares of Series D preferred stock at a rate of 7% per annum. Upon closing, there will be an aggregate of approximately 23.7 million shares of our common stock outstanding (after giving effect to the reverse stock split and conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to common stock). The transaction is expected to qualify as a tax-deferred reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The merger agreement is subject to the approval of the shareholders of both companies, as well as other customary approvals, including authorization to list the newly issued shares on the NYSE MKT. The parties anticipate completing the transaction in mid-2016.

Davis is a Houston-based oil and gas company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of domestic oil and gas properties. Over 90% of the common stock of Davis is owned by entities controlled by or co-investing with Evercore Capital Partners, Red Mountain Capital Partners, and Sankaty Advisors. These major stockholders purchased the predecessor company from the family of Marvin Davis in 2006. Davis’ company-operated properties are conventional fields located onshore in south Louisiana and the upper Texas Gulf Coast, and its non-operated properties include Eagle Ford and Woodbine properties in east Texas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements that are not strictly historical statements constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible,” or “probable” or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “will,” “should,” or “could” be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements include statements about future operations, estimates of reserve and production volumes and the anticipated timing for closing the proposed merger. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by Yuma and Davis in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the possibility that the companies may be unable to obtain stockholder approval or satisfy the other conditions to closing; the possibility that the combined company may be unable to obtain an acceptable reserve-based credit facility; that problems may arise in the integration of the businesses of the two companies; that the acquisition may involve unexpected costs; the risks of the oil and gas industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas); risks and uncertainties involving geology of oil and gas deposits; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; revisions to reserve estimates as a result of changes in commodity prices; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather; further declines in oil and gas prices; inability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals, shortages of drilling equipment, oil field personnel and services, unavailability of gathering systems, pipelines and processing facilities and the possibility that government policies may change. Yuma’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, recent current reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings discuss some of the important risk factors identified that may affect its business, results of operations, and financial condition. Yuma and Davis undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Additional Information about the Transaction

In connection with the proposed transaction, Yuma intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of Yuma that also constitutes a prospectus of Yuma relating to Yuma common stock and the Yuma common stock issued upon conversion of the Series D preferred stock to be issued pursuant to the merger. The proxy statement/prospectus will include important information about both Yuma and Davis. Yuma also plans to file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YUMA, DAVIS AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain these documents when available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed with the SEC by Yuma can be obtained free of charge from Yuma’s website at www.yumaenergyinc.com.

Participants in Solicitation

Yuma and its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Yuma in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Yuma’s directors and executive officers is available in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016, and its proxy statement for its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2015. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.

This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act.