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Isramco Inc – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/18

On:  Monday, 3/18/19, at 4:32pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/18   ·   Accession #:  1185185-19-385   ·   File #:  0-12500

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 3/18/19  Isramco Inc                       10-K       12/31/18   82:10M                                    Federal Filings, LLC/FA

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  

FORM 10-K

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-12500

ISRAMCO, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1001 West Loop South, Suite 750, Houston Texas 77027

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

713-621-6785

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.01

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐  No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‑T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this Form, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of March 18, 2019, there were 2,717,648 shares of the Registrant’s common stock par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”) outstanding. The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant at March 14, 2019, based on the last sale price of such equity reported on Nasdaq Market, was approximately $77.72 million.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

ISRAMCO, INC.

2018 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Special note regarding forward-looking statements

This report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, concerning, among other things, planned capital expenditures, potential increases in oil and natural gas production, the number of anticipated wells to be drilled in the future, future cash flows and borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “anticipate,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. One should consider carefully the statements under the “Risk Factors” section of this report and other sections of this report that describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

Finally, our future results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those detailed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this report. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this document. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Isramco, Inc., (NASDAQ: ISRL) is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1982 (hereinafter, “we”, the “Company” or “Isramco”). The Company together with its subsidiaries is an independent oil and natural gas company, engaged in the exploration, development and production of predominately oil and natural gas properties located onshore in the United States and offshore Israel. The Company also operates a production services company that provides a full range of onshore production services to oil companies and independent oil and natural gas production companies conducting operations in the United States.

We currently conduct our operations through two operating segments: our Exploration, Development and Production Segment and our Production Services Segment. The following is a description of these two operating segments. Financial information about our operating segments is included in Note 11, “Segment Information”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplemental Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Exploration, Development and Production Segment

At December 31, 2018, our estimated total proved oil, natural gas reserves and natural gas liquids, as prepared by our independent reserve engineering firms, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., were approximately 40,267 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (“MBOE”), consisting of 2,125 thousand barrels (MBbls) of oil, 223,915 million cubic feet (MMcf) of natural gas and 823 thousand barrels (MBbls) of natural gas liquids. Approximately 67.2% of our proved reserves were classified as proved developed (See Note 14, “Supplemental Oil and Gas Information”). Full year 2018 production averaged 3.75 MBOE/d compared to 3.78 MBOE/d in 2017. Tamar Field production share amounted to 2.57 MBOE/d out of total 3.75 MBOE/d compared to 2.46 MBOE/d in 2017.

United States

We, through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, are involved in oil and gas exploration, including the development, production and operation of wells in the United States. We own varying working interests in oil and gas wells in Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado and currently serve as operator of approximately 422 producing wells located mainly in Texas and in New Mexico.

Israel

In 2007, we closed our branch in Israel in order to focus on our expanding presence in the United States. Despite the closure of that branch we retained certain overriding royalties in three oil and gas licenses located offshore Israel. These licenses granted by the government of Israel are known as the “Michal”, “Matan” and “Shimshon” Licenses.

In 2009, two natural gas discoveries, known as “Tamar” and “Dalit”, were made within the area covered by the Michal and Matan Licenses, respectively. In December 2009, the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner granted Noble Energy, Inc. (“Noble”) and its partners, (the “Tamar Consortium”), two leases (the “Tamar Lease” and the “Dalit Lease”). The Leases are scheduled to expire in December 2038 and cover the Tamar and Dalit gas fields (collectively the “Tamar Field”). The Tamar Field is approximately 95 kilometers off the coast of the Israel, in the Israel exclusive economic zone of the Eastern Mediterranean, with a water depth of approximately 1,700 meters.

We own all ownership units in Tamar Royalties LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Tamar Royalties LLC owns an overriding royalty interest of 1.5375% before payout which escalates to 2.7375% after payout in the Tamar Field (collectively the “Tamar Royalty”). An overriding royalty interest is an ownership interest in the oil and gas leasehold estate equating to a certain percentage of production or production revenues, calculated free of the costs of production and development of the underlying lease(s), but subject to its proportionate share of certain post production costs. An overriding royalty interest is a non-possessory interest in the oil and gas leasehold estate and, accordingly, we have no control over the operations, drilling, expenses, timing, production, sales, or any other aspect of development or production of the Tamar Field.

Production from the Tamar Field commenced in March 2013. The Tamar Field is now operational and delivering natural gas to Israel. The natural gas flows from the Tamar Field through the world’s longest subsea tieback, more than 90 miles to the Tamar platform, and then to the Ashdod onshore terminal (AOT). 

With regard to the payout of the Tamar Field, a disagreement between the Company and Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership has emerged as to what costs should be included in the calculation of payout. In addition to actual costs for the development of the Tamar Field, Isramco, Negev 2 Limited Partnership has asserted that the following costs should be included in the calculation of payout: (i) Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s financing costs; (ii) the general and administrative expenses of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership; (iii) the expected decommissioning costs of the Tamar Field; and (iv) expected future payments to be made in respect of the “Sheshinsky Levy” under Israeli law. In addition to the claim asserted by Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership, the Company has asserted counterclaims related to Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s inclusion into the payout calculation of its expenses related to gathering and transportation infrastructure. The disagreements primarily stem from the fact that the agreements governing the creation of the Tamar Royalty were formulated in the 1980s and do not have a clear and unequivocal definition as to what costs should be included in the payout calculation. At the time of initiating arbitration, the Company believed that the total scope of the claim was approximately forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000); however, this amount increases each month based on Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s failure to pay the increased, post-payout overriding royalty to the Company. In addition, certain claims asserted by the Company related to post production costs and pipeline infrastructure have not been quantified. Under the terms of the agreements creating the Tamar Royalty, the dispute is subject to arbitration in Israel. The Company believes that the claims of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership are erroneous and contrary to generally accepted industry practice. The Company expects that the matter will be favorably resolved through this arbitration process; however, the Company cannot be assured of a favorable result in this arbitration process.

The Tamar Consortium currently sells natural gas from the Tamar Field to the Israel Electric Corporation (“IEC”) and numerous other Israeli purchasers, including independent power producers, cogeneration facilities, local distribution companies and certain industrial companies. Currently, many of the Tamar Consortium’s gas purchase and sale agreements provide for sales at a 7 to 15 year term, while some contracts have extension options of up to 2 years. Depending on the specific contract, prices may vary and are based on an initial base price subject to price adjustment provisions, including price indexation and a price floor. The IEC contract provides for price reopeners (sometimes referred to as “price review” clauses) in the eighth and eleventh years of the contract, subject to limits on the amount of increase or decrease from the existing contractual price.

During year ended December 31, 2018, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,591,000 Mcf of natural gas and 7,335 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.49 per Mcf and $62.95 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $31,036,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $7,138,000 of this revenue.

During year ended December 31, 2017, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,343,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,990 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.35 per Mcf and $47.46 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $28,781,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,907,000 of this revenue.

During year ended December 31, 2016, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,102,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,882 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.34 per Mcf and $37.48 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $27,462,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,866,000 of this revenue.

We have a third party reserve report from independent petroleum engineers, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated March 11, 2019 estimating reserves allocable to the Tamar Royalty as of December 31, 2018 (the “Tamar Reserve Report”). This reserve report estimates that by reason of the Company’s ownership of the Tamar Royalty, we have proven reserves estimated at 213.5 million cubic feet of natural gas and 278 thousand barrels of natural gas liquids. The Tamar Reserve Report indicates the undiscounted estimated future net revenue (after deduction of estimated production, ad valorem taxes and levy but before estimated income tax) for such reserves (paid out over time) to be $703.9 million. The Tamar Reserve Report estimates the net present worth of such reserves, discounted at 10% annual discount rate factor, at $321.9 million (See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements, “Supplemental Oil and Gas Information”). The gas price used to value the reserves in the Tamar Reserve Report is calculated in accordance with SEC rules based on the unweighted arithmetic price for each month within the 12-month period prior to December 31, 2018. The report indicates that there are no commercial oil deposits included as reserves.

The amount of proceeds we receive from the Tamar Royalty is contingent on a variety of factors including the timing of production and the price received. In the event of payout, the Tamar Royalty increases. Payout is the point when all the costs of leasing, drilling, producing and operating the leases have been recovered from lease production proceeds, as defined in the royalty agreements under which we acquired our interest.

As we do not control any of the factors affecting our rights to payments (time of production, price received, costs incurred) and as a result of the other risk factors as set forth below in “Risk Factors,” we cannot determine the amounts or timing of any payments we will receive or when payout is likely to occur, if ever. As discussed above, the determination of the occurrence of payout with respect to the Tamar Royalty is currently the subject of a disagreement with Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership. The Company believes that the disagreement will be resolved through a forthcoming arbitration process with Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership. Based on the reserves and anticipated production, the income from the Tamar Royalty is currently expected to be very significant to the Company for the foreseeable future.

Commercial production of the Tamar Field reserves is subject to numerous risks, including all of the typical risks associated with offshore oil and gas production. Commercial production of such reserves is also subject to additional risks that may be unique to the Tamar Field. These include:

As noted above, the Company owns an interest in the Shimshon license located offshore Israel.  In April of 2012, a well was drilled in the area covered by the Shimshon license, which has been recognized as a commercial discovery by the Israeli government. The Shimshon partners submitted an application to convert the Shimshon license to a lease. Terms of the lease are in discussion with the Israeli government’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources.

Production Services Segment

The Company began production services operations in September 2011. Our production servicing rig and truck fleet provides a range of production services, including the completion of newly-drilled wells, maintenance and workover of existing wells, fluid transportation, related oilfield services and plugging and abandonment of wells at the end of their useful lives to a diverse group of oil and gas exploration and production companies.

We typically bill clients for our production servicing on an hourly basis for the period that the rig is actively working. As of December 31, 2018, our fleet of production servicing rigs totaled 33 rigs, which we operate through 5 locations in Texas and New Mexico. Our fleet is capable of working at depths from 14,000 to 25,000 feet, and as of December 31, 2018, our fleet consists of one 600 series rig, twenty-eight 550 series rigs, and four 300 series rigs.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

From time to time we utilize derivative contracts to hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with interest rate risk and/or the forecasted sale of our anticipated future oil and natural gas production. We may hedge a substantial, but varying, portion of our anticipated oil and natural gas production current and subsequent. We do not use derivative instruments for trading purposes. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting to derivative contracts, which would potentially allow us to not record the change in fair value of our derivative contracts in the consolidated statements of operations. We carry our derivatives at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, with the changes in the fair value included in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change occurs.

On June 16, 2015, Tamar Royalties LLC (“Tamar Royalties”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, engaged in an interest rate swap agreement (“IRS Agreement”) with the Deutsche Bank AG London Branch (“DBAG”). An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties (known as counterparties) where one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another based on a specified notional principal amount. Interest rate swaps often exchange fixed interest payments for floating interest payments that are linked to interest rates.

As previously disclosed on the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 22, 2015, Tamar Royalties entered into a $120,000,000 credit facility with Deutsche Bank, which facility is discussed further in Note 6 “Long-Term Debt and Interest Expense” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of this facility, Tamar Royalties, is required to hedge at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding balance under this facility against fluctuations in LIBOR, with at least thirty-seven and one-half percent (37.5%) of the outstanding balance being hedged through swaps. The notional value of these hedges corresponds to the amortization schedule covering the facility and previously disclosed in the aforementioned Form 8-K. Accordingly, on June 16, 2015, Tamar Royalties and DBAG entered into the IRS Agreement whereby the Company hedged $119,250,000 of the $120,000,000 initial borrowing as follows:

(a) Tamar Royalties hedged 37.5% of the perpetual outstanding balance under the facility, being an initial notional amount of $45,000,000, with a fixed rate swap whereby the Company will pay DBAG a fixed interest rate of 4.63%, and DBAG will pay the Company a monthly floating interest rate of USD-LIBOR-BBA plus a spread of 2.75%.

(b) Tamar Royalties hedged the remaining 62.5% of the perpetual outstanding balance less $750,000, being an initial notional amount of $74,250,000, against fluctuations in LIBOR by capping the fluctuations in LIBOR at 1.50%. Pursuant to the IRS Agreement, the Company will pay DBAG a fixed interest rate of 0.91%, and DBAG will pay the Company the greater of (i) USD-LIBOR-BBA minus a cap strike of 1.5% and (ii) zero. 

Competitive Conditions in the Business

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive and we compete with many other companies that have greater financial and other resources. Many of these companies explore for, produce and market oil and natural gas, as well as carry on refining operations and market the resultant products on a worldwide basis. There are also many production services companies that compete for the same customers as we compete. The primary areas in which we encounter substantial competition are in locating and acquiring attractive producing oil and natural gas properties, obtaining purchasers and transporters of the oil and natural gas we produce and hiring and retaining key employees during active times in the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, competitive conditions may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or regulation considered from time to time by the government of the United States and in some instances individual states where we operate. It is not possible to predict the nature of any such legislation or regulation which may ultimately be adopted or its effects upon our future operations. Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of exploring for, developing or producing oil and natural gas and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuation of a given operation. 

Our production services customers include major oil companies and mid-range independent oil and natural gas production companies. The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Competition is influenced by such factors as price, capacity, availability of work crews, and reputation and experience of the service provider. We believe that an important competitive factor in establishing and maintaining long-term customer relationships is having an experienced, skilled and well-trained work force. We believe many of our large customers place increased emphasis on the safety, performance and quality of the crews, equipment and services provided by their contractors. Although we believe customers consider all of these factors, price is often the primary factor in determining which service provider is awarded the work. However, in several instances, we have secured and maintained work for large customers for which efficiency, safety, technology, size of fleet, and availability of other services are of equal importance to price.

Markets and Major Customers

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, we operate a substantial portion of our domestic oil and natural gas properties. As the operator of a property, the Company makes full payment of the costs associated with each property and seeks reimbursement from the other working interest owners in the property for their share of those costs. Our joint interest partners consist primarily of independent oil and natural gas producers. If the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry in general were adversely affected, the ability of the Company’s joint interest partners to reimburse the Company could be adversely affected.

The purchasers of the Company’s United States based oil and natural gas production consist primarily of independent marketers, major oil and natural gas companies and gas pipeline companies. During the year ended December 31, 2018 no purchaser, marketer, or major oil and gas or pipeline company accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues. The Company has not experienced any significant losses from uncollectible accounts as to its sales of oil and gas production. The Company does not believe the loss of any one of its purchasers would materially affect the Company’s ability to sell the oil and natural gas it produces. The Company believes other purchasers are available in the Company’s areas of operations.

The Company’s overriding royalty interest in the Tamar field is paid monthly by Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership, a related party. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 income from this source accounted for 38% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. If Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership were to stop receiving revenue from its working interest in the Tamar Field, we would not receive revenue from our overriding royalty interest (the Tamar Royalty). Loss of payments from this source would cause significant financial consequences to the Company.

Our production service subsidiary customers include major oil and natural gas production companies and independent oil and natural gas production companies. We perform credit evaluations of our customers and usually do not require collateral. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses when necessary. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, no one individual customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues. The Company believes the loss of one or more customers of our production service subsidiary would not have a significant effect on this Segment because the Company believes that it can employ its rigs with other existing customers or new customers to the extent it has in the past in such circumstances.

Seasonality of Business

Weather conditions affect the demand for, and prices of, natural gas and can disrupt our overall business plans. Demand for natural gas is typically higher in the fourth and first quarters resulting in higher natural gas prices. Due to these seasonal fluctuations, results of operations for individual quarterly periods may not be indicative of the results that may be realized on an annual basis.

Operational Risks

Oil and natural gas exploration and development involves a high degree of risk that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. There is no assurance that we will discover or acquire additional oil and natural gas in commercial quantities. Oil and natural gas operations also involve the risk that well fires, blowouts, equipment failure, human error and other circumstances may cause accidental leakage of toxic or hazardous materials, such as petroleum liquids or drilling fluids, into the environment, or cause significant injury to persons or property. Such hazards may also cause damage to or destruction of wells, producing formations, production facilities and pipeline or other processing facilities. In such event, substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the satisfaction of which could substantially reduce available cash and possibly result in loss of oil and natural gas properties. 

We carry insurance against such hazards. However, as is common in the oil and natural gas industry, we do not insure fully against all risks associated with our business, either because such insurance is not available or because we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. For further discussion on risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Regulations

We do not have any offshore operations in the United States. However, all of the jurisdictions in which we own or operate oil and natural gas properties regulate exploration for and production of oil and natural gas. These laws and regulations include provisions requiring permits to drill wells and requirements that we obtain and maintain a bond or other security as a condition to drilling or operating wells. Regulations also specify the permitted location of and method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, the sourcing and disposal of water used in the drilling and completion process, and the plugging and abandonment of wells.

Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These include the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units, the number of wells which may be drilled in a given area, and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, as well as regulations that generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and impose certain requirements regarding the establishment of maximum allowable rates of production from fields and individual wells. The effect of these regulations may limit the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce from our wells and limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill, although we can apply for exceptions to such regulations or to have reductions in well spacing.

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost of doing business and affects profitability.

Each state in which we operate also imposes some form of production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction. We are liable for paying this tax on our production, and are also liable for various real and personal property taxes on our leases and facilities.

Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

The oil and gas industry in the United States is subject to stringent federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to health and safety or the protection of the environment. Many governmental agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) have issued lengthy and comprehensive regulations to implement and enforce these laws. These laws and regulations often require difficult and costly compliance measures. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting our activities.

In addition, some laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment may, in certain circumstances, impose strict liability for environmental contamination, rendering a person liable for environmental damages and cleanup costs without regard to negligence or fault on the part of that person. We endeavor to fully comply with these regulatory requirements; however, compliance increases our costs and consequently affects our profitability.

As a part of the overall environmental regulatory policy, the permitting, construction and operations of certain oil and gas facilities are regulated. Many factors, including public perception, can materially impact the ability to secure an environmental construction or operation permit. Once operational, enforcement measures can include significant civil penalties for regulatory violations, regardless of intent. Under appropriate circumstances, an administrative agency can issue a cease and desist order to require termination of operations.

Environmental regulation is becoming more comprehensive and additional programs, as well as increased obligations under existing programs, are anticipated. In this regard, we expect additional regulation of naturally occurring radioactive materials, oil and natural gas exploration and production operations, waste management, and underground injection of water and waste material. The adoption of additional regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Environmental laws and regulations have been subject to frequent changes over the years, and the imposition of more stringent requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations increases the Company’s overall cost of business, but has not had, to date, a material adverse effect on its operations, financial condition or results of operations. It is not anticipated, based on current laws and regulations, that Isramco will be required in the near future to expend amounts (whether for environmental control facilities or otherwise) that are material in relation to its total exploration and development expenditure program in order to comply with such laws and regulations. However, given that such laws and regulations are subject to change, Isramco is unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance or the ultimate effect on its operations, financial condition and results of operations.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and Hazardous Substances

In 1980, the United States Congress enacted the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, referred to as CERCLA or the Superfund law. This law, which has been amended since enactment, and comparable state laws impose strict liability, without regard to fault, on certain classes of persons that are considered to be responsible for the release of what are considered to be “hazardous substances” into the environment. These persons include the current or former owners or operators of the sites where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances released at the site. Under CERCLA, we may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of investigating and cleaning up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment whether or not we are responsible for the release or even owned an interest in the site at the time of the release, as well as for damages to natural resources and for the costs of health studies. In addition, companies that incur liability frequently confront additional claims because it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment in addition to a CERCLA claim.

The Solid Waste Disposal Act and Waste Management

The federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, referred to as RCRA, regulates the disposal of solid waste but generally excludes most wastes generated by the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, such as drilling fluids, produced waters and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of oil and natural gas from regulation as hazardous wastes. However, these wastes may be regulated by the EPA or state agencies as non-hazardous wastes as long as these wastes are not commingled with regulated hazardous wastes. Moreover, in the ordinary course of our operations, other wastes generated in connection with our exploration and production activities may be regulated as hazardous waste under RCRA or hazardous substances under CERCLA. From time to time, releases of materials or wastes have occurred at locations we own or at which we have operations. These properties and the materials or wastes released thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we have been and may be required to remove or remediate these materials or wastes. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the potential liabilities to which we may be subject from unknown, latent liability risks with respect to any properties where materials or wastes may have been released, but of which we have not been made aware.

The Clean Water Act, wastewater and storm water discharges

The oil and gas industry, generally, and our operations specifically, are also subject to the federal Clean Water Act and analogous state laws. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has adopted regulations concerning discharges of storm water runoff. This program requires covered facilities to obtain individual permits, or seek coverage under a general permit. Some of our properties may require permits for discharges of storm water runoff and, as part of our overall evaluation of our current operations, we may apply for storm water discharge permit coverage and updating storm water discharge management practices at some of our facilities. We believe that we will be able to obtain, or be included under, these permits, where necessary, and be required make only minor modifications to existing facilities and operations that we believe would not have a material effect on us. The Clean Water Act and similar state acts regulate other discharges of wastewater, oil, and other pollutants to surface water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and streams. Failure to obtain permits for such discharges could result in civil and criminal penalties, orders to cease such discharges, and costs to remediate and pay natural resources damages.

These laws also require the preparation and implementation of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans in connection with on-site storage of significant quantities of oil. More specifically, we are required to develop and maintain a plan applicable to each of our properties at which any significant volume of crude oil or other substance is stored and to ensure the site has sufficient protections (such as berms, etc.) to ensure that any spill will be contained and not reach navigable waters.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, groundwater protection, and the Underground Injection Control Program

The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA), the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program promulgated under the SWDA and state programs all regulate the drilling and operation of salt water disposal wells. EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. This program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling salt water disposal well. Monitoring the integrity of well casing must also be conducted periodically to ensure the casing is not leaking saltwater to groundwater. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by oil and natural gas drilling, production, and related operations may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SWDA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

We have engaged in limited hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services on the wells for which we are the operator by engaging third parties to conduct these operations on our behalf. For non-operated properties, the operators have applied and may choose to apply in the future hydraulic-fracturing techniques on properties in which we share interest.

The Clean Air Act

The federal Clean Air Act, enacted in 1970, and comparable state laws regulate emissions of various air pollutants through air emissions permitting programs and the imposition of other requirements. The EPA has developed and continues to develop stringent regulations under the authority of the Clean Air Act governing emissions of toxic air pollutants from specified sources. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the federal Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations.

Some of our operations may be located in areas designated as “non-attainment” areas, which are geographic areas that do not meet the federal air quality standards. Air emission controls and requirements in non-attainment areas are generally more stringent that those imposed in other areas, and the construction of new, or expansion of existing, sources may be restricted.

Climate change

The issue of “global warming” has attracted significant attention and many believe that emissions of certain gases contribute to this problem. Many nations have agreed to limit emissions of “greenhouse gases” pursuant to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the “Kyoto Protocol.” Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the burning of oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products, are considered “greenhouse gases” regulated by the Kyoto Protocol. Although the United States is not participating in the Kyoto Protocol, several states have adopted legislation and regulations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Restrictions on emissions of methane or carbon dioxide that may be imposed in various states could adversely affect our operations and demand for our products.

In summary, we may be subject to EPA greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting rules, and potentially new EPA permitting rules if adopted, that would apply greenhouse gas permitting obligations and emissions limitations under the federal Clean Air Act. Whether or not any federal greenhouse gas regulations are enacted, more than one-third of the states have begun taking action on their own to control and/or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Several multi-state programs have been developed or are in the process of being developed, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative involving 10 Northeastern states, the Western Climate Initiative involving seven western states, and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord involving seven states. The latter two programs have several other states acting as observers and they may join one of the programs at a later date. Any of the climate change regulatory and legislative initiatives described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Legislative initiatives and discussions to date have focused on the development of cap-and-trade and/or carbon tax programs. A cap-and-trade program generally would cap overall greenhouse gas emissions on an economy-wide basis and require major sources of greenhouse gas emissions or major fuel producers to acquire and surrender emission allowances. Cap-and-trade programs could be relevant to us and our operations in several ways. First, the equipment we use to explore for, develop, produce and process oil and natural gas emits greenhouse gases. We could therefore be subject to caps, and penalties if emissions exceeded the caps. Second, the combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as the oil, gas and NGLs we sell, emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Therefore, demand for our products could be reduced by imposition of caps and penalties on our customers. Carbon taxes could likewise affect us by being based on emissions from our equipment and/or emissions resulting from use of our products by our customers. Application of caps or taxes on companies such as Isramco, based on carbon content of produced oil and gas volumes rather than on consumer emissions, could lead to penalties, fees or tax assessments for which there are no mechanisms to pass them through the distribution and consumption chain where fuel use or conservation choices are made. Moreover, because oil and natural gas are used as chemical feedstocks and not solely as fossil fuel, the Company believes that applying a carbon tax to oil and gas at the production stage would be excessive with respect to actual carbon emissions from petroleum fuels.

The National Environmental Policy Act

Oil and natural gas exploration and production activities on federal lands are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, to evaluate major agency actions that have the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an Environmental Assessment that assesses the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement that may be made available for public review and comment. All of our current exploration and production activities, as well as proposed exploration and development plans, on federal lands require governmental permits that are potentially subject to the requirements of NEPA. This process has the potential to delay the development of oil and natural gas projects.

Threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and natural resources

Various state and federal statutes prohibit certain actions that adversely affect endangered or threatened species and their habitat, migratory birds, wetlands, and natural resources. These statutes include the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Water Act and CERCLA. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of threatened or endangered species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in further material restrictions to federal land use and private land use and could delay or prohibit land access or development. Where takings of or harm to species or damages to wetlands, habitat, or natural resources occur or may occur, government entities or at times private parties, may act to prevent oil and gas exploration activities or seek damages for harm to species, habitat, or natural resources resulting from drilling, construction or releases of oil, wastes, hazardous substances or other regulated materials, and may seek compensation for alleged natural resources damages and in some cases, criminal penalties.

Hazard communications and community right to know

We are subject to federal and state hazard communications and community right to know statutes, including, but not limited to, the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and regulations. These regulations govern record keeping and reporting of the use and release of hazardous substances. 

Occupational Safety and Health Act

We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, commonly referred to as OSHA, and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSHA hazard communication standard requires that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and the public.

Hydraulic Fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing is an essential and common practice in the oil and gas industry used to stimulate production of natural gas and/or oil from dense subsurface rock formations. Hydraulic fracturing involves using water, sand or other proppant materials, and certain chemicals to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation to allow flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore.

As explained in more detail below, the hydraulic fracturing process is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas agencies, although the EPA, and the Bureau of Land Management of the United States Department of the Interior (“BLM”), and other federal regulatory agencies have taken steps to review or impose federal regulatory requirements. Certain states in which we operate, have adopted, and other states are considering adopting, regulations that could impose more stringent permitting, public disclosure and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations or otherwise seek to ban fracturing activities altogether. Certain municipalities have already banned hydraulic fracturing, and courts have upheld those moratoria in some instances. In the past several years, dozens of states have approved or considered additional legislative mandates or administrative rules on hydraulic fracturing.

At the federal level, the EPA has issued final Clean Air Act regulations governing performance standards, including standards for the capture of air emissions released during hydraulic fracturing; finalized regulations in June 2016 that prohibit the discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing operations to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants; and issued in May 2014 an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on its intent to develop regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to require companies to disclose information regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Also, the BLM finalized rules in March 2015 that impose new or more stringent standards for performing hydraulic fracturing on federal and American Indian lands including, for example, notice to and pre-approval by BLM of the proposed hydraulic fracturing activities; development and pre-approval by BLM of a plan for managing and containing flowback fluids and produced water recovered during the hydraulic fracturing process; implementation of measures designed to protect usable water from hydraulic fracturing activities; and public disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing fluid. The rule has been challenged in federal court and implementation has been stayed pending a final decision. 

In addition, from time to time, legislation has been introduced, but not enacted, in Congress to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in the fracturing process. The adoption of new federal rules or regulations relating to hydraulic fracturing could lead to increased operating costs, delays and curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities, which in turn could materially adversely affect our operations. Several governmental reviews are underway that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing activities. For example, in December 2016, the EPA released its final report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The final report concluded that “water cycle” activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources “under some circumstances,” noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. Since the report did not find a direct link between hydraulic fracturing itself and contamination of groundwater resources, we do not believe that this multi-year study report provides any basis for further regulation of hydraulic fracturing at the federal level.

Based on the foregoing, increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process from federal agencies, various states and local governments could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of oil and natural gas, including from the developing shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and increased compliance costs and time, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Employees

As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately 297 full-time employees. We hire independent contractors on an as needed basis. We have no collective bargaining agreements with our employees.

Available Information

We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Isramco, Inc., that file electronically with the SEC. Information about the Company can be found at our internet address: www.isramcousa.com The public can obtain any document we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, investors should consider carefully the following risk factors, which may not be the only risks we face, as our business and operations may also be subject to risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently believe are immaterial. If any of the events or circumstances described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Oil, natural-gas and NGLs prices are volatile. A substantial or extended decline in prices could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Prices for oil, natural gas and NGLs (Natural Gas Liquids) can fluctuate widely. Our revenues, operating results and future growth rates are highly dependent on the prices we receive for our oil, natural gas and NGLs. Historically, the markets for oil, natural gas and NGLs have been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future.

Factors influencing the prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:

The long-term effect of these and other factors on the prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs are uncertain. Prolonged or substantial declines in these commodity prices may have the following effects on our business:

Depending on the market prices of oil and gas, oil and gas exploration and production companies may cancel or curtail their drilling programs and may lower production spending on existing wells, thereby reducing demand for our production services. Many factors beyond our control affect oil and gas prices, including:

Our domestic operations are subject to governmental risks that may impact our operations.

Our domestic operations have been, and at times in the future may be, affected by political developments and are subject to complex federal, state, tribal, local and other laws and regulations such as restrictions on production, permitting, changes in taxes, deductions, royalties and other amounts payable to governments or governmental agencies, price or gathering-rate controls, hydraulic fracturing and environmental protection regulations. In order to conduct our operations in compliance with these laws and regulations, we must obtain and maintain numerous permits, approvals and certificates from various federal, state, tribal and local governmental authorities. We may incur substantial costs in order to maintain compliance with these existing laws and regulations. In addition, our costs of compliance may increase if existing laws, including environmental and tax laws, and regulations are revised or reinterpreted, or if new laws and regulations become applicable to our operations. For example, currently proposed federal legislation, that, if adopted, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, includes the following:

The enactment of derivatives legislation could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to use derivative instruments to reduce the effect of commodity-price, interest-rate, and other risks associated with its business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), enacted in 2010, establishes federal oversight and regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market and entities, such as the Company, that participate in that market. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the SEC to promulgate rules and regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act. In its rulemaking under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFTC issued a final rule on position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets and for swaps that are their economic equivalents. Certain bona fide hedging transactions or positions are exempt from these position limits. The position-limits rule was vacated by the U.S. District Court for the District of Colombia in September 2012 and the CFTC recently stated that it will appeal the District Court’s decision. The CFTC also finalized other regulations, including critical rulemakings on the definition of “swap,” “swap dealer,” and “major swap participant.” Some regulations, however, remain to be finalized and it is not possible at this time to predict when this will be accomplished. Depending on the Company’s classification and the particular nature of its derivative activities, the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations may require the Company to comply with margin requirements and with certain clearing and trade-execution requirements in connection with its derivative activities. The Dodd-Frank Act and regulations may also require the counterparties to the Company’s derivative instruments to spin off some of their derivatives activities to separate entities, which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparties. The Dodd-Frank Act and regulations could significantly increase the cost of derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral which could adversely affect our available liquidity), materially alter the terms of derivative contracts, reduce the availability of derivatives to protect against risks the Company encounters, reduce the Company’s ability to monetize or restructure its existing derivative contracts, and increase the Company’s exposure to less-creditworthy counterparties. If the Company reduces its use of derivatives as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations, the Company’s results of operations may become more volatile and its cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Finally, the Dodd-Frank Act was intended, in part, to reduce the volatility of oil and natural-gas prices, which some legislators attributed to speculative trading in derivatives and commodity instruments related to oil and natural gas. The Company’s revenues could therefore be adversely affected if a consequence of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations is to lower commodity prices. Any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Drilling crude oil and natural gas wells is a high-risk activity and subjects us to a variety of risks that we cannot control.

Drilling crude oil and natural gas wells, including development wells, involves numerous risks, including the risk that we may not encounter commercially productive crude oil and natural gas reserves (including “dry holes”). As a result, we may not recover all or any portion of our investment in new wells.

Specifically, we often are uncertain as to the future cost or timing of drilling, completing and operating wells, and our drilling operations and those of our third-party operators may be curtailed, delayed or canceled, the cost of such operations may increase and/or our results of operations and cash flows from such operations may be impacted, as a result of a variety of factors, including

Our failure to recover our investment in wells, increases in the costs of our drilling operations or those of our third-party operators, and/or curtailments, delays or cancellations of our drilling operations or those of our third-party operators in each case due to any of the above factors or other factors, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For related discussion of the risks and potential losses and liabilities inherent in our crude oil and natural gas operations generally, see the immediately following risk factor.

Our oil and natural gas activities are subject to various risks that are beyond our control and expose us to potential losses and liabilities, and insurance may not fully protect us against these risks and potential losses and liabilities.

Our operations are subject to many risks and hazards incident to exploring and drilling for, producing, transporting, marketing and selling oil and natural gas. Although we may take precautionary measures, many of these risks and hazards are beyond our control and unavoidable under the circumstances. Many of these risks or hazards could materially and adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the ability of certain of our wells to produce oil and natural gas in commercial quantities, the rate of production and the economics of the development of, and our investment in the prospects in which we have or will acquire an interest. Any of these risks and hazards could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Such risks and hazards include:

To mitigate financial losses resulting from these operating hazards, we maintain insurance coverage, including insurance coverage for certain physical damage, comprehensive general liability, and worker’s compensation and employer’s liability. However, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover us against all of potential losses arising as a result of the foregoing, and for certain risks, such as political risk, business interruption, war, terrorism, and piracy, for which we have limited or no coverage. In addition, we are not insured against all risks in all aspects of our business. The occurrence of a significant event against which we are not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The high cost or unavailability of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other oilfield services could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploration and development plans on a timely basis and within our budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our industry is cyclical and, from time to time, there is a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, or qualified personnel. During these periods, the costs of rigs, equipment, supplies, and personnel are substantially greater and their availability to us may be limited. Additionally, these services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. The high cost or unavailability of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel, and other oilfield services could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploration and development plans on a timely basis and within our budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

A portion of our crude oil and natural gas production may be subject to interruptions that could have a material and adverse effect on us.

A portion of our crude oil and natural gas production may be interrupted, or shut in, from time to time for various reasons, including, but not limited to, as a result of accidents, weather conditions, loss of gathering, processing, compression or transportation facility access or field labor issues, or intentionally as a result of market conditions such as crude oil or natural gas prices that we deem uneconomic. If a substantial amount of our production is interrupted, our cash flows and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Failure to fund continued capital expenditures could adversely affect our properties.

Our acquisition, exploration, and development activities require substantial capital expenditures. Historically, we have funded our capital expenditures through a combination of cash flows from operations and loans from commercial banks and related parties. Future cash flows are subject to a number of variables, such as the level of production from existing wells, prices of crude oil and natural gas, and our success in finding, developing and producing new reserves. If revenues were to decrease as a result of lower crude oil and natural gas prices or decreased production, and our access to capital were limited, we would have a reduced ability to replace our reserves, resulting in a decrease in production over time. If our cash flows from operations are not sufficient to meet our obligations and fund our capital budget, we may not be able to access debt, equity or other methods of financing on an economic basis to meet these requirements, particularly in the current economic environment. If we are not able to fund our capital expenditures, interests in some properties might be reduced or forfeited as a result.

Reserve estimates depend on many interpretations and assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate. Any significant inaccuracies in these interpretations and assumptions could cause the reported quantities and the value of our reserves to be materially misstated.

Estimating quantities of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves and future net cash flows from such reserves is a complex, inexact process. It requires interpretations of available technical data and various assumptions, including assumptions relating to economic factors, made by our management and our independent reserve engineering firms; Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. Any significant inaccuracies in these interpretations or assumptions could cause the reported quantities of our reserves and future net cash flows from such reserves to be overstated or understated. Also, the data for a given reservoir may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions.

To prepare estimates of our economically recoverable crude oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves and future net cash flows from our reserves, we analyze many variable factors, such as historical production from the area compared with production rates from other producing areas. We also analyze available geological, geophysical, production and engineering data, and the extent, quality and reliability of this data can vary. The process also involves economic assumptions relating to commodity prices, production costs, severance and excise taxes, capital expenditures and workover and remedial costs, many of which factors are or may be beyond our control.

Estimates of reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of expected future net cash flows prepared by different engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary substantially. Actual production, revenues, and expenditures with respect to our reserves will likely vary from estimates, and the variance may be material. The discounted cash flows included in this report should not be construed as the fair value of the estimated oil, natural-gas, and NGLs reserves attributable to our properties. The estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves are based on average 12-month sales prices using the average beginning-of-month price. Actual future prices and costs may differ materially from the SEC regulation-compliant prices used for purposes of estimating future discounted net cash flows from proved reserves.

Discoveries or Acquisitions of reserves are needed to avoid a material decline in reserves and production.

The production rates from oil and gas properties generally decline as reserves are depleted, while related per unit production costs generally increase, due to decreasing reservoir pressures and other factors. Therefore, our estimated proved reserves and future oil, gas and NGL production will decline materially as reserves are produced unless we conduct successful exploration and development activities or, through engineering studies, identify additional producing zones in existing wells, secondary or tertiary recovery techniques, or acquire additional properties containing proved reserves. Consequently, our future oil, gas and NGL production and related per unit production costs are highly dependent upon our level of success in finding or acquiring additional reserves.

If we acquire crude oil and natural gas properties, our failure to fully identify existing and potential problems and liabilities, to accurately estimate reserves, production rates or costs, or to effectively integrate the acquired properties into our operations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, we seek to acquire crude oil and natural gas properties. Although we perform reviews of properties to be acquired in a manner that we believe is duly diligent and consistent with industry practices, reviews of records and properties may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems, nor may they permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties in order to assess fully their deficiencies and potential. We do not inspect every well. Even when we inspect a well, we do not always discover structural, subsurface and environmental problems that may exist or arise in the future. Even when problems with a property are identified, we often may assume environmental and other risks and liabilities in connection with acquired properties pursuant to the acquisition agreements. In addition, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil and natural gas reserves (as discussed further above), actual future production rates and associated costs with respect to acquired properties. Actual reserves, production rates and costs may vary substantially from those assumed in our estimates. In addition, an acquisition may have a material and adverse effect on our business and results of operations, particularly during the periods in which the operations of the acquired properties are being integrated into our ongoing operations or if we are unable to effectively integrate the acquired properties into our ongoing operations.

Title to the properties in which we have an interest may be impaired by title defects.

We generally conduct due diligence to review title on significant properties that we drill or acquire. However, there is no assurance that we will not suffer a monetary loss from title defects or title failure. Additionally, undeveloped acreage has greater risk of title defects than developed acreage. Generally, under the terms of the operating agreements affecting our properties, any monetary loss is due to title defects is to be borne by all parties to any such agreement in proportion to their interests in such property. If there are any title defects or defects in assignment of leasehold rights in properties in which we hold an interest, we will suffer a financial loss.

There is a possibility that we will lose the leases to our oil and gas properties.

Our oil and gas revenues are generated through oil and gas leases. These leases are conditioned on the performance of certain obligations, primarily the obligation to produce oil and/or gas or engage in operations designed to result in the production of oil and gas. If production ceases and operations are not commenced within a specified time, the lease may be lost. The loss of our leases may have a material and adverse impact on our revenues.

In the case of Israeli-based properties, we have interests in licenses that, subject to certain conditions, may result in leases being granted. The leases are subject to certain obligations and are renewable at the discretion of various governmental authorities. As such, if the parties responsible for operations are not able to fulfill their obligations under the leases, the leases may be modified, cancelled, not renewed, or renewed on terms different from the current leases. The modification or cancellation of our leases could eliminate our interests and may have a material and adverse impact on our revenues.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations relating to environmental protection that can adversely affect the cost, manner, and feasibility of doing business.

Our operations and properties are subject to numerous federal, regional, state, tribal, local, and foreign laws and regulations governing the release of pollutants or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations govern the following, among other things:

In addition, these laws and regulations may impose substantial liabilities for our failure to comply or for any contamination resulting from our operations. Future environmental laws and regulations, such as the restriction against emission of pollutants from previously unregulated activities or the designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where we operate, may negatively impact our industry. The cost of satisfying these requirements may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows or could result in limitations on our exploration and production activities, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to develop and produce our reserves.

We cannot be certain that the insurance coverage maintained by us will be adequate to cover all losses that may be sustained in connection with all oil and natural gas activities.

We maintain general and excess liability policies, which we consider to be reasonable and consistent with industry standards. These policies generally cover:

As is common in the oil and natural gas industry, we will not insure fully against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. There can be no assurance that the insurance coverage that we maintain will be sufficient to cover claims made against us in the future.

Reduced demand for or excess capacity of production services could adversely affect our profitability.

Our profitability in the future will depend on many factors, but largely on pricing and utilization rates for our production services. An increase in supply of production servicing rigs and equipment, without a corresponding increase in demand, or decrease in demand for production servicing rigs and equipment could decrease the pricing and utilization rates of our production services, which would adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

Our production services business depends on domestic spending by the oil and natural gas industry, and this spending and our business has been in the past, and may in the future be, adversely affected by industry and financial market conditions that are beyond our control.

We depend on our customers’ willingness to make operating and capital expenditures to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas in the United States. Customers’ expectations for lower market prices for oil and natural gas, as well as the availability of capital for operating and capital expenditures, may cause them to curtail spending, thereby reducing demand for our services and equipment.

Industry conditions are influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, such as the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, domestic and worldwide economic conditions, political instability in oil and natural gas producing countries and merger and divestiture activity among oil and gas producers. The volatility of the oil and natural gas industry and the consequent impact on exploration and production activity could adversely impact the level of drilling and workover activity by some of our customers. This reduction may cause a decline in the demand for our services or adversely affect the price of our services. In addition, reduced discovery rates of new oil and natural gas reserves in our market areas also may have a negative long-term impact on our business, even in an environment of stronger oil and natural gas prices, to the extent existing production is not replaced and the number of producing wells for us to service declines.

Limitations on the availability of capital, or higher costs of capital, for financing expenditures may cause oil and natural gas producers to make further reductions to capital budgets in the future even if oil or natural gas prices increase from current levels. Any such cuts in spending will curtail drilling programs as well as discretionary spending on production services, which may result in a reduction in the demand for our services, the rates we can charge and our utilization. In addition, certain of our customers could become unable to pay their suppliers, including us. Any of these conditions or events could adversely affect our operating results.

If oil and natural gas prices remain volatile, or if oil or natural gas prices remain low or decline further, the demand for our production services could be adversely affected.

The demand for our services is primarily determined by current and anticipated oil and natural gas prices and the related general production spending and level of drilling activity in the areas in which we have operations. Volatility or weakness in oil prices or natural gas prices (or the perception that oil prices or natural gas prices will decrease) affects the spending patterns of our customers and may result in the drilling of fewer new wells or lower production spending on existing wells. This, in turn, could result in lower demand for our services and may cause lower rates and lower utilization of our production service equipment. If oil prices or natural gas prices continue to remain low or decline further, or if there is a reduction in drilling activities, the demand for our services and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Competition in the oil and gas exploration and production industry is intense, and many of our competitors have greater resources than we have.

We compete with national oil companies, major integrated oil and gas companies, independent oil and gas companies and other individual producers for the acquisition of licenses and leases, properties and reserves and the equipment, materials, services and employees and other contract personnel (including geologists, geophysicists, engineers and other specialists) required to explore, develop, produce and market crude oil and natural gas. Some of our competitors may have greater and more diverse resources on which to draw than we do. As a consequence, we may be at a competitive disadvantage in certain respects, such as in bidding for drilling rights, acquisition of licenses and leases, properties and reserves or in acquiring necessary services, equipment, materials and personnel. If we are not successful in our competition for oil and gas reserves or in our marketing of production, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Poor general economic, business, or industry conditions may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.

During the last few years, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market, uncertainties with regard to European sovereign debt, and a declining real estate market in the United States have contributed to increased economic uncertainty and diminished expectations for the global economy. Concerns about global economic conditions have had a significant adverse impact on global financial markets and commodity prices. If the economic recovery in the United States or abroad remains prolonged, demand for petroleum products could diminish or stagnate, which could impact the price at which we can sell our oil, natural gas, and NGLs, affect our vendors’, suppliers’ and customers’ ability to continue operations, and ultimately adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.

Our hedging activities may prevent us from benefiting fully from price increases and may expose us to other risks.

In order to manage our exposure to price risks in the marketing of our oil and natural gas production, we sometimes enter into oil and natural gas price hedging arrangements with respect to a portion of our anticipated production and we may enter into additional hedging transactions in the future. While intended to reduce the effects of volatile oil and natural gas prices, such transactions may limit our potential gains and increase our potential losses if oil and natural gas prices were to rise substantially over the price established by the hedge. In addition, such transactions may expose us to the risk of loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which:

At the time of this report, the Company had no commodity price hedging agreements in place.

The credit risk of financial institutions could adversely affect us.

We have exposure to different counterparties, and we have entered into transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, insurance companies and other institutions. These transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. Deterioration in the credit markets may impact the credit ratings of our current and potential counterparties and affect their ability to fulfill their existing obligations to us and their willingness to enter into future transactions with us. We have exposure to these financial institutions through our derivative transactions. In addition, if any lender under our credit facility is unable to fund its commitment, our liquidity will be reduced by an amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitment under our credit facility. Moreover, to the extent that purchasers of the Company’s production rely on access to the credit or equity markets to fund their operations, there is a risk that those purchasers could default in their contractual obligations to the Company if such purchasers were unable to access the credit or equity markets for an extended period of time.

We have no means to market our oil and gas production without the assistance of third parties.

The marketability of our production depends upon the proximity of our reserves to, and the capacity of, facilities and third party services, including oil and natural gas gathering systems, pipelines, trucking or terminal facilities, and processing facilities. The unavailability or lack of capacity of such services and facilities could impair or delay the production of new wells or the delay or discontinuance of development plans for properties. A shut-in, delay or discontinuance could adversely affect our financial condition. In addition, regulation of oil and natural gas production transportation in the United States or in other countries may affect its ability to produce and market our oil and natural gas on a profitable basis.

Our exploration and development drilling efforts and the operation of our wells may not be profitable or achieve our targeted returns.

We require significant amounts of undeveloped leasehold acreage to further our development efforts. Exploration, development, drilling and production activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that commercially productive reservoirs will not be discovered. We invest in property, including undeveloped leasehold acreage, which we believe will result in projects that will add value over time. However, we cannot guarantee that our leasehold acreage will be profitably developed, that new wells drilled by us will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment in such leasehold acreage or wells. Drilling for oil and natural gas may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net reserves to return a profit after deducting operating and other costs. In addition, wells that are profitable may not achieve our targeted rate of return. Our ability to achieve our target results is dependent upon the current and future market prices for oil and natural gas, costs associated with producing oil and natural gas and our ability to add reserves at an acceptable cost.

In addition, we may not be successful in controlling our drilling and production costs to improve our overall return. The cost of drilling, completing and operating a well is often uncertain and cost factors can adversely affect the economics of a project. We cannot predict the cost of drilling and completing a well, and we may be forced to limit, delay or cancel drilling operations as a result of a variety of factors, including:

We depend on the skill, ability and decisions of third party operators to a significant extent.

The success of the drilling, development and production of the oil and natural gas properties in which we have or expect to have a non-operating working interest is substantially dependent upon the decisions of such third-party operators and their diligence to comply with various laws, rules and regulations affecting such properties. The failure of any third-party operator to make decisions, perform their services, discharge their obligations, deal with regulatory agencies, and comply with laws, rules and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations in a proper manner with respect to properties in which we have an interest could result in material adverse consequences to our interest in such properties, including substantial penalties and compliance costs. Such adverse consequences could result in substantial liabilities to us or reduce the value of our properties, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

We depend substantially on the continued presence of key personnel for critical management decisions and industry contacts.

Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our executive officers and key employees, particularly with respect to providing the critical management decisions and contacts necessary to manage and maintain growth within a highly competitive industry. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense, particularly in the oil and natural gas industry, and there are a limited number of people with the requisite knowledge and experience. Under these conditions, we could be unable to attract and retain these personnel. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.

Our operations in Israel may be adversely affected by unique economic, terrorist activities and political developments.

We have interests in oil and gas leases and in oil and gas licenses in the waters off Israel. These interests are a significant portion of our future production and cash flow and may be adversely affected by terrorist activities, political and economic developments, including the following:

Oilfield service is a highly competitive, fragmented industry in which price competition could reduce our profitability.

We encounter substantial competition from other oilfield service companies. Our primary market areas are highly fragmented and competitive. The fact that production services equipment are mobile and can be moved from one market to another in response to market conditions heightens the competition in the industry and may result in an oversupply of equipment in an area. Oilfield service companies compete primarily on a regional basis, and the intensity of competition may vary significantly from region to region at any particular time. If demand for drilling or production services improves in a region where we operate, our competitors might respond by moving in suitable rigs and production services equipment from other regions. An influx of equipment from other regions could rapidly intensify competition, reduce profitability and make any improvement in demand for production services short-lived.

Most production services contracts are awarded on the basis of competitive bids, which also results in price competition. In addition to pricing and equipment availability, we believe the following factors are also important to our clients in determining which production services provider to select:

We could be adversely affected if shortages of equipment, supplies or personnel occur.

From time to time there have been shortages of production services equipment and supplies during periods of high demand which we believe could recur. Shortages could result in increased prices for production services equipment or supplies that we may be unable to pass on to clients. In addition, during periods of shortages, the delivery times for equipment and supplies can be substantially longer. Any significant delays in our obtaining production services equipment or supplies could limit production services operations and jeopardize our relations with clients. In addition, shortages of production services equipment or supplies could delay and adversely affect our ability to obtain new contracts for our rigs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations require the services of employees having the technical training and experience necessary to achieve the proper operational results. As a result, our operations depend, to a considerable extent, on the continuing availability of such personnel. Shortages of qualified personnel have occurred in our industry. If we should suffer any material loss of personnel to competitors or be unable to employ additional or replacement personnel with the requisite level of training and experience to adequately operate our equipment, our operations could be materially and adversely affected. A significant increase in the wages paid by other employers could result in a reduction in our workforce, increases in wage rates, or both. The occurrence of either of these events for a significant period of time could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

There are limitations with regard to sales of Tamar Field Production

As noted above, we own an interest in the Tamar Field located offshore Israel. This interest in 2018 accounted for approximately 38% of our consolidated revenues and we expect the interest as a percentage of consolidated revenues to increase significantly if and when payout occurs. We note that the government of Israel allows the owners of Tamar Field production to export fifty percent (50%) of the production that has not yet been committed to supply the Israel domestic market as of the date of the government’s decision in this regard.  Accordingly, production from Tamar must first satisfy the minimum amount required to supply the Israeli economy.  

If our customers delay paying or fail to pay a significant amount of our outstanding receivables, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

In most cases, we bill our customers for our services in arrears and are, therefore, subject to our customers delaying or failing to pay our invoices. In weak economic environments, we may experience increased delays and failures due to, among other reasons, a reduction in our customers’ cash flow from operations and their access to the credit markets. If our customers delay paying or fail to pay us a significant amount of our outstanding receivables, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

We may be unable to implement price increases or maintain existing prices on our core services.

We periodically seek to increase the prices of our services to offset rising costs and to generate higher returns for our stockholders. However, we operate in a very competitive industry and as a result, we are not always successful in raising, or maintaining our existing prices. Additionally, during periods of increased market demand, a significant amount of new service capacity, including new production services rigs may enter the market, which also puts pressure on the pricing of our services and limits our ability to increase or maintain prices. Furthermore, during periods of declining pricing for our services, we may not be able to reduce our costs accordingly, which could further adversely affect our profitability.

Even when we are able to increase our prices, we may not be able to do so at a rate that is sufficient to offset such rising costs. In periods of high demand for oilfield services, a tighter labor market may result in higher labor costs. During such periods, our labor costs could increase at a greater rate than our ability to raise prices for our services. Also, we may not be able to successfully increase prices without adversely affecting our activity levels. The inability to maintain our prices or to increase our prices as costs increase could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

A member of Isramco’s management team owns a significant amount of common stock, giving him influence or control in corporate transactions and other matters, and the interests of these individuals could differ from those other shareholders.

Haim Tsuff, the Company’s President, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, individually and through companies that he beneficially controls own over 73% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of March 18, 2019. As a result, Haim Tsuff is in a position to significantly influence or control the outcome of matters requiring a shareholder vote, including the election of directors, the adoption of an amendment to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, and the approval of mergers and acquisitions, and other significant corporate transactions.

Our stock price is volatile, could continue to be volatile and has limited liquidity; Accordingly, investors may not be able to sell any significant number of shares of our stock at prevailing market prices.

Investor interest in our common stock may not lead to the development of an active or liquid trading market. The market price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past and is likely to continue to be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. The stock prices and trading volumes for our stock has fluctuated widely and the average daily trading volume of our stock continues to be limited and may continue for reasons that may be unrelated to business or results of operations. General economic, market and political conditions could also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and investors may be unable to resell their shares of common stock at or above their purchase price. As a result of the limited trading in our stock, it may be difficult for investors to sell their shares in the public market at any given time at prevailing prices.

We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not plan to declare dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore only appreciation of the price of our common stock will provide a return to our shareholders.

We have not paid or declared any dividends on our common stock and currently intend to retain any earnings to fund our working capital needs, reduce debt and fund growth opportunities. Any future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors it deems relevant, including our financial condition and performance, cash needs, income tax consequences and restrictions imposed by the Texas Business Organizations Code and other applicable laws.

The Company could be impacted by unfavorable results of legal proceedings.

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, disputes and claims that have not yet been fully resolved, and additional disputes and claims may arise in the future. Results of legal proceedings are subject to significant uncertainty and, regardless of the merit of the claims, these legal proceedings may be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to the Company’s operations and management. The Company may enter into arrangements to settle legal proceedings and other disputes in an attempt to mitigate against the foregoing risks. However, the Company cannot guarantee a favorable result with respect to any resolution of a legal proceeding, whether by settlement or otherwise. If one or more of these legal proceedings were resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of the Company’s expectations, such resolution could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Uncertainty about the future of the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) may adversely affect our business and financial results.

LIBOR meaningfully influences market interest rates around the globe. In July 2017, the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced its intent to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. This announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR as currently constructed is not guaranteed after 2021. It is impossible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR, whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, and whether other rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR.



In 2014, the FRB and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York convened the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (ARRC) to identify best practices for alternative reference rates, identify best practices for contract robustness, develop an adoption plan, and create an implementation plan with metrics of success and a timeline. The ARRC accomplished its first set of objectives and has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the rate that represents best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. The ARRC also published its Paced Transition Plan, with specific steps and timelines designed to encourage adoption of the SOFR. The ARRC was reconstituted in 2018 to help to ensure the successful implementation of the Paced Transition Plan and serve as a forum to coordinate and track planning across cash and derivatives products and market participants currently using LIBOR.



No assurance can be provided that the uncertainties around LIBOR or their resolution will not adversely affect the use, level, and volatility of LIBOR or other interest rates or the value of LIBOR-based securities or other securities or financial arrangements. Further, the viability of SOFR as an alternative reference rate and the availability and acceptance of other alternative reference rates are unclear and also may have adverse effects on market rates of interest and the value of securities and other financial arrangements. These uncertainties, proposals and actions to resolve them, and their ultimate resolution also could negatively impact our funding costs, loan and other asset values, asset-liability management strategies, and other aspects of our business and financial results.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production - Properties and Reserves

We own varying working interests in oil and gas wells in Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. We currently serve as operator of approximately 422 producing wells most of which are located in Texas and New Mexico. Moreover, we own interests in properties operated by third party entities. In many instances, the Company does not have, nor is it entitled to, information pertaining to certain matters such as (i) whether shut-in or temporarily abandoned wells operated by these third parties are mechanically capable of production, (ii) whether third party operators have obtained leases in which the Company would be contractually entitled to participate (being undeveloped acreage), and, in some instances or (iii) the gross and net acreage maintained in the leases included in the contract area under the operative joint operating agreements. Due to the nature of some third party operations (e.g., field wide units), to the Company cannot ascertain the total number of wells drilled within a particular project area and whether each well within such project area is productive. In some instances, third parties operate properties (e.g. field wide units and leases covering a large amount of acreage) where production, revenue and expenses for the property are aggregated and reported as a single property. Accordingly, well information with regard to such properties is not always available to Isramco. In addition, most of the Company’s operated wells are legacy assets and, accordingly, were drilled and operated for several years by our predecessors in title. Therefore, at this time, the Company is conducting a review of the terms and conditions of each lease covering our operated assets to determine the acreage held by the underlying oil and gas leases and the Company is also examining shut-in wells to ascertain whether these wells are mechanically capable of production in their current state. Moreover, we are working with the operators of our non-operated assets to obtain similar information with regard to such properties. The Company expects to complete this review in the near future. Currently, we do not own any interest in undeveloped acreage.

Drilling Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we drilled and completed two development wells in North Texas. No new wells were drilled in 2018, 2017, or 2016.

Reserve Information. For estimates of Isramco’s net proved reserves of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids, see Note 14 to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Supplemental Oil and Gas Information”.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond the control of the producer. The reserve data set forth in Note 14 to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Supplemental Oil and Gas Information”, represent only estimates. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas, crude oil and condensate and natural gas liquids that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the amount and quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, estimates of different engineers normally vary. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may justify revision of such estimate (upward or downward). Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities ultimately recovered. The meaningfulness of such estimates is highly dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions upon which they were based. For related discussion, see ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

We believe that we have satisfactory title to the properties owned and used in our business, subject to liens for taxes not yet payable, liens incident to minor encumbrances, liens for credit arrangements and easements and restrictions that do not materially detract from the value of these properties, our interests in these properties, or the use of these properties in our business. We believe that our properties are adequate and suitable for us to conduct business in the future.

Controls Over Reserve Estimates

The Company’s policies and practices regarding internal controls over the recording of reserves are structured to objectively and accurately estimate our oil and gas reserves quantities and present values in compliance with the SEC’s regulations and GAAP. The Company relies on third party professionals to integrate geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data to produce the Company’s reserve reports, which are utilized for its filings with the Commission. Our internal controls over reserves estimates include the following:

•  A reserve report covering 100% of our proved reserves in the United States is prepared by Cawley, Gillespie and Associates, Inc., a third-party petroleum consulting firm, on an annual basis;

•  A reserve report covering 100% of our interests in Israel is prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”), a third-party petroleum consulting firm, on an annual basis; and

•  Senior Management of the Company reviews and examines the reserve reports generated by third parties and conducts an internal evaluation of the assumptions underlying material changes to reserves on an annual basis.

The reserves estimates shown for our U.S. properties have been independently evaluated by Cawley, Gillespie and Associates, Inc. The technical person at Cawley, Gillespie and Associates primarily responsible for preparing the estimates set forth in the reserves report incorporated herein is Mr. Todd Brooker, President. Mr. Brooker joined CG&A in October 1992 as a reservoir engineer. His responsibilities include reserves and economics evaluations, fair market valuations, field studies, pipeline resource studies and acquisition/divestiture analysis. His reserve reports are routinely used for public company SEC disclosures. His experience includes significant projects in both conventional and unconventional resources in every major U.S. producing basin and abroad, including oil and gas shale plays, coalbed methane fields, waterfloods and complex, faulted structures. He is currently President of the firm and has managed the Austin office since its opening in 2002. Prior to joining CG&A, Todd worked in Gulf of Mexico drilling and production engineering at Chevron USA in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989 with a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering, and is a registered professional engineer in Texas.

The reserves estimates shown for overriding royalty interest in the Tamar field have been independently evaluated by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI), a worldwide leader of petroleum property analysis for industry and financial organizations and government agencies. NSAI was founded in 1961 and performs consulting petroleum engineering services under Texas Board of Professional Engineers Registration No. F-2699. Within NSAI, the technical persons primarily responsible for preparing the estimates set forth in the NSAI reserves report incorporated herein are Mr. Richard B. Talley, Jr. and Mr. Zachary R. Long. Mr. Talley, a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas (No. 102425), has been practicing consulting petroleum engineering at NSAI since 2004 and has over 5 years of prior industry experience. He graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and from Tulane University in 2001 with a Master of Business Administration Degree. Mr. Long, a Licensed Professional Geoscientist in the State of Texas, Geology (No. 11792), has been practicing consulting petroleum geoscience at NSAI since 2007 and has over 2 years of prior industry experience. He graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology and from Texas A&M University in 2005 with a Master of Science Degree in Geophysics. Both technical principals meet or exceed the education, training, and experience requirements set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers; both are proficient in judiciously applying industry standard practices to engineering and geoscience evaluations as well as applying SEC and other industry reserves definitions and guidelines.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As noted above, the Company owns an overriding royalty interest of 1.5375% in the Tamar Field, which will increase to 2.7375% after payout (the “Tamar Royalty”). With regard to the payout of the Tamar Field, a disagreement between the Company and Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership has emerged as to what costs should be included in the calculation of payout.  In addition to actual costs for the development of the Tamar Field, Isramco, Negev 2 Limited Partnership has asserted that the following costs should be included in the calculation of payout: (i) Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s financing costs; (ii) the general and administrative expenses of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership; (iii) the expected decommissioning costs of the Tamar Field; and (iv) expected future payments to be made in respect of the “Sheshinsky Levy” under Israeli law. The disagreement primarily stems from the fact that the agreements governing the creation of the Tamar Royalty were formulated in the 1980s and do not have a clear and unequivocal definition as to what costs should be included in the payout calculation. At the time of initiating arbitration, the Company believed that the total scope of the disagreement was approximately forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000); however, this amount increases each month based on Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s failure to pay the increased, post-payout overriding royalty of 2.7375%. Under the terms of the agreements creating the Tamar Royalty, the dispute is subject to arbitration in Israel. The Company believes that the claims of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership are erroneous and contrary to generally accepted industry practice. The Company expects that the matter will be favorably resolved through this arbitration process;  however, the Company cannot be assured of a favorable result in this arbitration process. On February 26, 2017, Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership reported the dispute concerning the Tamar Royalty in its filing with the stock exchange in Israel. As noted above, this dispute will be resolved through arbitration proceedings. The Company and Isramco Negev 2-LP have arranged to conduct the arbitration through the Center for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADR) in Israel and have agreed upon the appointment of retired judge Itzhak Inbar to preside over the proceeding. The preliminary arbitration hearing in the matter occurred on August 13, 2017. On February 25, 2018, the Company submitted as Statement of Claim outlining the Company’s position with regard to the matter. Currently, the case is in its early stages with the parties expected to complete the discovery process in the coming months. The next hearing before the arbitrator is scheduled for April 14, 2019. The Company believes that its interpretation of the agreements governing the creation of the Tamar Royalty is the correct interpretation and, accordingly, intends to vigorously pursue its case in the aforementioned arbitration proceedings.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ISRL”. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing prices for our common stock. As of March 18, 2019, there were approximately 132 holders of record of our common stock.

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and therefore do not anticipate declaring cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends on common stock will be at the discretion of the board of directors and will be dependent upon then existing conditions, including other factors, as the board of directors deems relevant.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The table below contains selected consolidated financial data derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. The data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS FORM 10-K. THE DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THESE STATEMENTS RELATE TO FUTURE EVENTS OR OUR FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. IN SOME CASES, YOU CAN IDENTIFY THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS BY TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS “MAY,” “WILL,” “SHOULD,” “EXPECT,” “PLAN,” “ANTICIPATE,” “BELIEVE,” “ESTIMATE,” “PREDICT,” “POTENTIAL,” “INTEND,” OR “CONTINUE,” AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS. THESE STATEMENTS ARE ONLY PREDICTIONS. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF A VARIETY OF FACTORS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE SET FORTH UNDER “RISK FACTORS” AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS FORM 10-K.

Overview

We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties located onshore in the United States and an owner of various royalty interests offshore Israel. Our properties are primarily located in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. We act as the operator of most of our U.S. properties. Historically, we have grown through acquisitions, with a focus on properties within our core operating areas that we believe have significant development and exploration opportunities and where we can apply our technical experience and economies of scale to increase production and proved reserves while lowering lease operating costs. In August, 2011 we created a new production services subsidiary that began operations in October 2011. As of December 2018, the subsidiary had 33 deployed production services rigs and various trucks that operate primarily in Texas and New Mexico. The Company provides a full range of production services such as well completion and wellbore maintenance, workover, fluid transportation and plugging and abandonment services.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Segment

Our financial results depend upon many factors, but are largely driven by the volume of our oil and natural gas production and the price that we receive for that production. Our production volumes will decline as reserves are depleted unless we expend capital in successful development and exploration activities or acquire additional properties with existing production. The amount we realize for our production depends predominantly upon commodity prices, which are affected by changes in market demand and supply, as impacted by overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, quality, basis differentials and other factors, and secondarily upon our commodity price hedging activities. Accordingly, finding and developing oil and natural gas reserves at economical costs is critical to our long-term success. Our future drilling plans are subject to change based upon various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including drilling results, oil and natural gas prices, the availability and cost of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints and regulatory approvals. To the extent these factors lead to reductions in our drilling plans and associated capital budgets in future periods, our financial position, cash flows and operating results could be adversely impacted.

We own all ownership units in Tamar Royalties, LLC, which owns an overriding royalty interest of 1.5375% before payout which escalates to 2.7375% after payout in the Tamar Field (collectively the “Tamar Royalty”). An overriding royalty interest is an ownership interest in the oil and gas leasehold estate equating to a certain percentage of production or production revenues, calculated free of the costs of production and development of the underlying lease(s), but subject to its proportionate share of certain post production costs. An overriding royalty interest is a non-possessory interest in the oil and gas leasehold estate and, accordingly, we have no control over the operations, drilling, expenses, timing, production, sales, or any other aspect of development or production of the Tamar Field.

The Tamar Field project began production in March 2013 and is now operational and delivering natural gas to Israel. The natural gas flows from the Tamar Field through the world’s longest subsea tieback, more than 90 miles to the Tamar platform, and then to the Ashdod onshore terminal.

With regard to the payout of the Tamar Field, a disagreement between the Company and Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership has emerged as to what costs should be included in the calculation of payout. In addition to actual costs for the development of the Tamar Field, Isramco, Negev 2 Limited Partnership has asserted that the following costs should be included in the calculation of payout: (i) Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s financing costs; (ii) the general and administrative expenses of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership; (iii) the expected decommissioning costs of the Tamar Field; and (iv) expected future payments to be made in respect of the “Sheshinsky Levy” under Israeli law. In addition to the claim asserted by Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership, the Company has asserted counterclaims related to Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s inclusion into the payout calculation of its expenses related to gathering and transportation infrastructure. The disagreements primarily stem from the fact that the agreements governing the creation of the Tamar Royalty were formulated in the 1980s and do not have a clear and unequivocal definition as to what costs should be included in the payout calculation. At the time of initiating arbitration, the Company believed that the total scope of the claim was approximately forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000); however, this amount increases each month based on Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s failure to pay the increased, post-payout overriding royalty to the Company each month. In addition, certain claims asserted by the Company related to post production costs and pipeline infrastructure have not been quantified. Under the terms of the agreements creating the Tamar Royalty, the dispute is subject to arbitration in Israel. The Company believes that the claims of Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership are erroneous and contrary to generally accepted industry practice. The Company expects that the matter will be favorably resolved through this arbitration process; however, the Company cannot be assured of a favorable result in this arbitration process.

During year ended December 31, 2018, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,591,000 Mcf of natural gas and 7,335 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.49 per Mcf and $62.95 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $31,036,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $7,138,000 of this revenue.

During year ended December 31, 2017, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,343,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,990 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.35 per Mcf and $47.46 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $28,781,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,907,000 of this revenue.

During year ended December 31, 2016, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,102,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,882 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.34 per Mcf and $37.48 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $27,462,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,866,000 of this revenue.

At December 31, 2018, our estimated total proved oil, natural gas reserves and natural gas liquids, as prepared by our independent reserve engineering firms, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., were approximately 40,267 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (“MBOE”), consisting of 2,125 thousand barrels (MBbls) of oil, 223,915 million cubic feet (MMcf) of natural gas and 823 thousand barrels (MBbls) of natural gas liquids. Approximately 67.2% of our proved reserves were classified as proved developed (See Note 14, “Supplemental Oil and Gas Information”). Full year 2018 production averaged 3.75 MBOE/d compared to 3.78 MBOE/d in 2017. Tamar Field production share amounted to 2.57 MBOE/d out of total 3.75 MBOE/d compared to 2.46 MBOE/d in 2017.

Production Services Segment

Our core businesses depend on our customers’ willingness to make expenditures to produce, develop and explore for oil and natural gas in the United States. Industry conditions are influenced by numerous factors, such as the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, domestic and worldwide economic conditions, political instability in oil producing countries and merger and divestiture activity among oil and natural gas producers. The volatility of the oil and natural gas industry, and the consequent impact on exploration and production activity, could adversely impact the level of workover activity by some of our customers. This volatility also affects the demand for our services and the price of our services. In addition, the discovery rate of new oil and natural gas reserves in our market areas also may have an impact on our business, even in an environment of stronger oil and natural gas prices.

We derive a majority of our revenues from services supporting production from existing oil and natural gas operations including in moderate oil and natural gas price environments, ongoing maintenance spending is generally required to sustain production. However, in a low commodity price environment our customers may reduce their budgets resulting in reduced demand for our services. As oil and natural gas prices reach higher levels, demand for all of our services generally increases as our customers engage in more well servicing activities relating to existing wells to maintain or increase oil and natural gas production from those wells. Because our services are required to support drilling and workover activities, our revenues will vary based on changes in capital spending by our customers as oil and natural gas prices increase or decrease.

The production services market is highly competitive. Competition is influenced by such factors as price, capacity, availability of work crews, and reputation and experience of the service provider. We believe that an important competitive factor in establishing and maintaining long-term customer relationships is having an experienced, skilled and well-trained work force. We believe many of our larger customers place increased emphasis on the safety, performance and quality of the crews, equipment and services provided by their contractors. Although we believe customers consider all of these factors, price is often the primary factor in determining which service provider is awarded the work. However, in numerous instances, we secure and maintain work from large customers for which efficiency, safety, technology, size of fleet and availability of other services are of equal importance to price.

The demand for our services fluctuates, primarily in relation to the price (or anticipated price) of oil and natural gas, which, in turn, is driven primarily by the supply of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. Generally, as supply of those commodities decreases and demand increases, service and maintenance requirements increase as oil and natural gas producers attempt to maximize the productivity of their wells in a higher priced environment. However, in a lower oil and natural gas price environment, demand for service and maintenance generally decreases as oil and natural gas producers decrease their activity. In particular, the demand for new or existing field drilling and completion work is driven by available investment capital for such work. Oil and natural gas producers generally tend to be less risk tolerant when commodity prices are low or volatile, we may experience a more rapid decline in demand for well maintenance services compared with demand for other types of oilfield services. Further, in a low commodity price environment, fewer production services rigs are needed for completions, as these activities are generally associated with drilling activity. The plugging and abandonment work is less affected by prices and generally driven by state regulations and have smaller variations in demand.

The level of our revenues, earnings and cash flows are substantially dependent upon, and affected by, the level of U.S. oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activity, as well as the equipment capacity in any particular region.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported results of operations and the amount of reported assets, liabilities and proved oil and natural gas reserves. Some accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Described below are the most significant policies we apply in preparing our consolidated financial statements, some of which are subject to alternative treatments under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We also describe the most significant estimates and assumptions we make in applying these policies.

Oil and Natural Gas Activities

Accounting for oil and natural gas activities is subject to unique rules. Two generally accepted methods of accounting for oil and natural gas activities are available - successful efforts and full cost. The most significant differences between these two methods are the treatment of unsuccessful exploration costs and the manner in which the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties are amortized and evaluated for impairment. The successful efforts method requires unsuccessful exploration costs to be expensed as they are incurred upon a determination that the well is uneconomical, while the full cost method provides for the capitalization of these costs. Both methods generally provide for the periodic amortization of capitalized costs based on proved reserve quantities. Impairment of oil and natural gas properties under the successful efforts method is based on an evaluation of the carrying value of individual oil and natural gas properties against their estimated fair value, while impairment under the full cost method requires an evaluation of the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties included in a cost center against the net present value of future cash flows from the related proved reserves, using period-end prices and costs and a 10% discount rate. We account for our natural gas and crude oil exploration and production activities under the successful efforts method of accounting.

Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Isramco estimates its proved oil and gas reserves as defined by the SEC and the FASB. This definition includes crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in future periods from known reservoirs under existing economic conditions, operating methods, government regulations, etc., i.e., at prices and costs as of the date the estimates are made. Prices include consideration of price changes provided only by contractual arrangements, and do not include adjustments based upon expected future conditions.

The Company’s estimates of proved reserves are made using available geological and reservoir data, as well as production performance data. These estimates are reviewed annually by our independent reserve engineering firm, Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc and Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and revised, either upward or downward, as warranted by additional data. Revisions are necessary due to changes in, among other things, reservoir performance, prices, economic conditions, and governmental restrictions, as well as changes in the expected recovery associated with infill drilling. Decreases in prices, for example, may cause a reduction in some proved reserves due to reaching economic limits earlier. A material adverse change in the estimated volumes of proved reserves could have a negative impact on depreciation, depletion and amortization expense (DD&A) and could result in property impairments.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

Our rate of recording DD&A is primarily dependent upon our estimate of proved reserves, which is utilized in our unit-of-production method calculation. If the estimates of proved reserves were to be reduced, the rate at which we record DD&A expense would increase, reducing net income. Such a reduction in reserves may result from lower market prices, which may make it non-economic to drill for and produce higher cost reserves.

Our production services equipment and tools are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided for our assets over the estimated depreciable lives of the assets using the straight-line method. We depreciate our operational assets over their depreciable lives to their salvage value, which is a fair value higher than the assets’ value as scrap. When we scrap an asset, we accelerate the depreciation of the asset down to its salvage value. When we dispose of an asset, a gain or loss is recognized.

Impairment

We review our property and equipment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (ASC 360). ASC 360 requires us to evaluate property and equipment as an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the property and equipment below the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of property and equipment is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows, then we would recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the current fair value. Further, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of property and equipment at each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining depreciation periods.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We have significant obligations to remove tangible equipment and facilities associated with our oil and gas wells and to restore land at the end of oil and gas production operations. Our removal and restoration obligations are most often associated with plugging and abandoning wells. Estimating the future restoration and removal costs is difficult and requires us to make estimates and judgments because most of the removal obligations we have will be take effect in the future. Additionally, these operations are subject to private contracts and government regulations that often have vague descriptions of what is required. Asset removal technologies and costs are constantly changing, as are regulatory, political, environmental, safety and public relations considerations. Inherent in the present value calculations are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate removal cost amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of obligations and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. 

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We have and may utilize derivative contracts to hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of our anticipated future oil and natural gas production. We may generally hedge a substantial, but varying, portion of our anticipated oil and natural gas production for the next years. We do not use derivative instruments for trading purposes. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting to our derivative contracts, which would potentially allow us to not record the change in fair value of our derivative contracts in the consolidated statements of operations. We carry our derivatives at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, with the changes in the fair value included in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change occurs.

Environmental Obligations, Litigation and Other Contingencies

Management makes judgments and estimates in accordance with applicable accounting rules when it establishes reserves for environmental remediation, litigation, and other contingent matters. Provisions for such matters are charged to expense when it is probable that a liability is incurred and reasonable estimates of the liability can be made. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based on a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, the stage of investigation, the stage of the remedial design, evaluation of existing remediation technologies, and presently enacted laws and regulations. In future periods, a number of factors could significantly change the Company’s estimate of environmental-remediation costs, such as changes in laws and regulations, changes in the interpretation or administration of laws and regulations, revisions to the remedial design, unanticipated construction problems, identification of additional areas or volumes of contaminated soil and groundwater, and changes in costs of labor, equipment, and technology. Consequently, it is not possible for management to reliably estimate the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental or other contingent matters and actual costs may vary significantly from the Company’s estimates. The Company’s in-house legal counsel regularly assesses these contingent liabilities and, in certain circumstances, consults with third-party legal counsel or consultants to assist in forming the Company’s conclusion.

Income Taxes and Impact of Tax Reform Legislation

The Company follows ASC 740, Income Taxes, (ASC 740), which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed using the liability method based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

A valuation allowance is provided, if necessary, to reserve the amount of net operating loss and net deferred tax assets which the Company may not be able to use because of the expiration of maximum carryover periods allowed under applicable tax codes.

On December 22, 2017, the US Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform Legislation), which made significant changes to US federal income tax law affecting us. See Note 6. Income Taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash during the year ended December 31, 2018, was net cash flow from operating activities. We continuously monitor our liquidity and evaluate our development plans in light of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, our cash flows, capital resources and drilling success.

Our future capital resources and liquidity may depend, in part, on our success in developing the leasehold interests that we have acquired. Cash is required to fund capital expenditures necessary to offset inherent declines in production and proven reserves, which is typical in the capital-intensive oil and gas industry. Future success in growing reserves and production will be highly dependent on the capital resources available and our success in finding and acquiring additional reserves. Our production services subsidiary also requires capital resources to acquire and maintain equipment. We expect to fund our future capital requirements through internally generated cash flows, and borrowings under loans and the credit facility described below. Long-term cash flows are subject to a number of variables, including the level of production, prices, amount of work orders received, and our commodity price hedging activities, as well as various economic conditions that have historically affected the oil and natural gas industry.

On May 18, 2015, Tamar Royalties LLC (“Tamar Royalties”), a newly formed, wholly-owned, special purpose subsidiary of the Company entered into a term loan credit agreement (the “DB Facility”) with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank”) in the amount of $120,000,000 secured by the Company’s interest in the Tamar field. Interest on the borrowing is subject to fluctuations in LIBOR. The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in relation to this borrowing. The terms of the agreement and swaps are disclosed in Notes 4 and 5.

On June 30, 2015, the Company obtained a credit facility (the “SG Facility”) with The Société Générale. The SG facility provided for a commitment by The Société Générale of $150,000,000, subject to an initial borrowing base of $40,000,000. The tenure of the SG Facility was four (4) years and it was secured by certain onshore United States oil and gas properties. Interest on borrowing was variable as disclosed in Note 5 “Long-Term Debt and Interest Expense”. On February 28, 2017 the SG Facility was terminated.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, our cash (including restricted cash) decreased by $6,494,000. Specifically, net cash from operating activities of $17,167,000, was offset by cash used in investing activities of $7,394,000 and cash used in financing activities of $16,267,000.

(See Item 1A “Risk Factors”).

Commitments and Contingencies

As is common within the oil and natural gas industry, we have entered into various commitments and operating agreements related to the exploration and development of and production from proved oil and natural gas properties. It is our belief that such commitments will be met without a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Contractual Obligations: Aggregate maturities of contractual obligations at December 31, 2018 are due in future years as follows (in thousands):

Principal Payments on Long-term debt:

Debt

(1)       The amounts are inclusive of accrued interest due to related party.

At year-end 2018, our total debt was $81,603,000 compared to total debt of $95,886,000 at year-end 2017 and $104,588,000 at year-end 2016.

Bank Loan and Credit Facility

The Deutsche Bank Facility

On May 18, 2015, Tamar Royalties LLC (“Tamar Royalties”), a newly formed, wholly-owned, special purpose subsidiary of the Company, entered into a term loan credit agreement (the “DB Facility”) with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank”), as facility agent for the lenders and as collateral agent for the secured parties, and with the lenders party thereto. The DB Facility provides for borrowings in the amount of $120,000,000 on a committed basis and is secured by, among other things, an overriding royalty interest in the Tamar Field, a natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, equal to 1.5375% before payout increasing to 2.7375% after payout in the Tamar Field (the “Royalty Interest”). In connection with the DB Facility, and pursuant to a royalties sale and contribution agreement, the Company contributed the Royalty Interest to Tamar Royalties in exchange for all of the ownership units of Tamar Royalties. Pursuant to the terms of its governing documents, Tamar Royalties will be managed by N.M.A. Energy Resources Ltd, a related party of the Company, and an independent manager, Donald J. Puglisi.

Pursuant to the terms of the DB Facility, Tamar Royalties borrowed $120,000,000 in its initial borrowing under this facility. The initial borrowing under the DB Facility bears annual interest based on the LIBOR for a three-month interest period plus a spread of 2.75%. The $120,000,000 initial borrowing under the DB Facility will be repaid over eight (8) years commencing July 1, 2015, in accordance with an amortization profile based on projected cash flows from the Royalty Interest. Tamar Royalties’ obligations under the Facility are secured by a first ranking pledge of the shares of Tamar Royalties, first ranking pledge of all rights under the agreements creating the Royalty Interest, and a first priority security interest over the accounts created under the DB Facility.

So long as any amounts remain outstanding to the Lenders under the DB Facility, Tamar Royalties must, from and after the end of the Availability Period (as defined in the DB Facility), have a Historical Debt Service Coverage Ratio (as defined in the DB Facility) of not less than 1.00:1.00, a Loan Life Coverage Ratio (as defined in the DB Facility) of at least 1.1:1.00, and maintain a Required Reserve Amount (as defined in the DB Facility). In addition, Tamar Royalties is required under the DB facility to hedge against fluctuations in LIBOR as reflected in Note 4 “Financial Instruments and Fair Value”.

The amortization schedule under the DB Facility was based on the projection that the Investment Repayment Date (as defined therein) would occur at some point before the end of the first quarter of 2018 and therefore, commencing from the Payment Date occurring on 1st April 2018, the amounts to be repaid on each payment date under the credit agreement increase to reflect the expected increase in the Royalties Receivables (as defined therein) as a result of the increase in the royalty percentage following the Investment Repayment Date.

As noted above with regard to the payout of the Tamar Field, a disagreement between Tamar Royalties and Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership has emerged as to whether certain items may be included in the calculation of payout. The disagreement largely stems from the fact that the agreements governing the creation of the Tamar Royalty were formulated in the 1980s and do not have a clear and unequivocal definition as to what costs should be included in the payout calculation. At the time of initiating arbitration, the Company believed that the total scope of the claim was approximately forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000); however, this amount increases each month based on Isramco Negev 2 Limited Partnership’s failure to pay the increased, post-payout overriding royalty to the Company. Under the terms of the agreements creating the Tamar Royalty, the dispute is subject to arbitration in Israel. The Company expects that the matter will be resolved through this arbitration process. However, the Company cannot be assured of a favorable result resulting from this arbitration process.  Accordingly, the Company continues to receive royalty payments at the lower rates as if the Investment Repayment Date has not occurred.

Therefore, as a result of the dispute with the Isramco Negev 2, Tamar Royalties has a shortfall in its Royalties Receivables for the period (or part of the period) between 1st April 2018 and 1st April 2019, by which time, even if the Isramco Negev 2’s claims regarding the Investment Repayment Date are accepted, the Investment Repayment Date is expected to occur.

As a result, the Company believes Tamar Royalties required an additional $15,600,000 USD to cover payments under the amortization schedule of the DB Facility (the “Shortfall”), and the Company believes that curing the Shortfall was in the best interest of both Isramco Inc. and Tamar Royalties. Therefore, Isramco Inc. contributed the expected amount of the Shortfall, being $15,600,000 USD, to Tamar Royalties as an additional capital contribution and such contribution was made pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Consent and Agreement dated February 27, 2018, between and among Tamar Royalties, as Borrower, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Facility Agent and Collateral Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.  As a result of the aforementioned contribution, together with the terms and conditions of the aforementioned consent and assignment, Tamar Royalties remains in compliance with all covenants of the DB Facility.

In 2015 the Company incurred debt costs in obtaining the facility in the amount of $2,011,000 and $2,959,000 in fees were retained by the lenders. These costs totaling $4,970,000 were recorded as a reduction of the principal loan balance and are being amortized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. Amortization of these costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 totaled $828,000, $789,000, and $820,000 respectively.

In connection with the DB Facility, the Company and Tamar Royalties entered into an Intercompany Loan Agreement dated May 18, 2015 (the “Intercompany Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Intercompany Loan Agreement, Tamar Royalties LLC provided a loan to the Company in an aggregate principal amount of $108,000,000 USD. The purpose of the Intercompany Loan was to repay indebtedness owed by the Company to related parties, to enable acquisitions and capital expenditures by the Company, and for other general corporate purposes of the Company.

As of December 31, 2018, Tamar Royalties was in compliance with the financial covenants required under the DB Facility.

The Société Générale Facility

On June 30, 2015, Isramco Onshore LLC (“Isramco Onshore”), a newly formed, wholly-owned, subsidiary of Isramco, Inc. (the “Company”), entered into a secured Credit Agreement (the “SG Facility”) with The Société Générale, as Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender, SG Americas Securities LLC, as Sole Bookrunner, Lead Arranger and Documentation Agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time, as Lenders. The SG Facility provides for a commitment by The Société Générale of $150,000,000, subject to an initial borrowing base of $40,000,000. The tenure of the SG Facility was four (4) years and the SG Facility was secured by certain onshore United States oil and gas properties. Pricing under the SG Facility was as follows: (i) for EuroDollar Rate (as defined in the SG Facility) loans range from the EuroDollar rate plus 1.75% to the EuroDollar rate plus 2.75% depending on borrowing base utilization; and (ii) for Reference Rate (as defined in the SG Facility) loans ranges from the Reference Rate plus 0.75% to the Reference Rate Spread plus 1.75% based on borrowing base utilization; (iii) a quarterly commitment fee (as defined in the SG Facility) ranging from an annual rate of 0.38% to 0.5% of the undrawn borrowing base.

The SG Facility provided that Isramco Onshore hedge at least seventy-five percent (75%) of its crude oil production before borrowing under the SG Facility. As of December 31, 2018 and as of the date of issuance Isramco Onshore has not entered into such hedge agreements nor has it made a draw under the SG Facility. The Company incurred $478,000 of financing costs in relation to this credit facility which were capitalized as a long-term asset and amortized over the term on the agreement on a straight-line basis until December 31, 2016 at which time the remaining balance totaling $299,000 was expensed.

Isramco Onshore had various financial and operating covenants required by the SG Facility, including, among other things, the requirement that, during the term of the SG Facility, Isramco Onshore must have a Minimum Current Ratio (as defined in the SG Facility) of not less than 1.00:1.00, a Maximum Leverage Ratio (as defined in the SG Facility) of not less than 4.00:1.00 and a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the SG Facility) of at least 2.50:1.00. In addition, the SG Facility provided for customary events of default, including, but not limited to, payment defaults, breach of representations or covenants, bankruptcy events and change of control.

On August 18, 2016 as a result of semi-annual borrowing base redetermination the borrowing base under SG Facility was reduced to zero. On February 28, 2017 the SG Facility was terminated.

Short-term related party debt

In September 2018 the Company issued an unsecured promissory note dated effective September 11, 2018, to I.O.C - Israel Oil Company LTD (“IOC”) a related party in which the company may borrow up to $7,000,000 at a rate of interest equal to seven and one-half percent (7.5%) and with a maturity date of September 2019. The company received $3,600,000 under this related party note in 2018 attendant with the creation of a new subsidiary, Arrow Midstream LLC. Amounts received under the aforementioned promissory note are dedicated to working capital and the purchase of equipment for Arrow Midstream LLC, a new wholly owned subsidiary of Isramco Inc. Arrow Midstream is focused on the transportation of liquefied petroleum products including, but not limited to, butane, propane, and similar products.

Mr. Haim Tsuff, Isramco’s Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and is a controlling shareholder of IOC.

Isramco also had related party payables of $165,000 and $60,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively which are included with short term related party debt on the balance sheets.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Cash Flow

Our primary source of cash in 2018 was cash flow from operating activities. In 2018, cash received from operations and proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties was primarily used for repayment of long-term debt, short-term debt, investments in equipment.

Our primary source of cash in 2017 was cash flow from operating activities. In 2017, cash received from operations and proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties was primarily used for repayment of long-term debt, short-term debt, investments in equipment

Our primary source of cash in 2016 was cash flow from operating activities. In 2016, cash received from operations and proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties was primarily used for repayment of long-term debt, short-term debt, investments in equipment.

Operating cash flow fluctuations were substantially driven by changes in commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Working capital was substantially influenced by these variables. Fluctuation in commodity prices and our overall cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our future capital expenditures. Prices for oil and natural gas have historically been subject to seasonal fluctuations characterized by peak demand and higher prices in the winter heating season; however, the impact of other risks and uncertainties have influenced prices throughout recent years. See Results of Operations below for a review of the impact of prices and volumes on sales.

Operating Activities, Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $17,167,000, $18,552,000, and $15,510,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Key drivers of net operating cash flows are commodity prices, production volumes, operating costs, proceeds from an overriding royalty interest in the Tamar Field and activities of our production services subsidiary.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased by $1,385,000 to $17,167,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, net cash flow provided by operating activities increased by $3,042,000 to $18,552,000.

We are unable to predict future production levels, future commodity prices, future proceeds from our Tamar Field royalties, and future revenues generated by our production services segment; therefore, we cannot predict future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.

Investing Activities, Net cash flows used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $7,394,000 and $1,461,000, respectively. During 2018 and 2017 the Company invested in equipment and oil and gas properties in amounts equal to $8,997,000 ($796,000 in oil and gas properties and $8,201,000 in production services equipment) and $4,184,000 ($615,000 in oil and gas properties and $3,569,000 in production services equipment) respectively. During 2018 the Company received $1,435,000 from the sale of oil and gas properties and received $168,000 from the sale of equipment.

Net cash flows used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1,461,000 and $250,000, respectively. During 2017 and 2016 the Company invested in equipment and oil and gas properties in amounts equal to $4,184,000 ($615,000 in oil and gas properties and $3,569,000 in production services equipment) and $794,000 ($157,000 in oil and gas properties and $637,000 in production services equipment), respectively. During 2017 the Company received $2,705,000 from the sale of oil and gas properties, invested $31,000 in a LLC, and received $49,000 from the sale of equipment.

Financing Activities, Net cash flows used in financing activities were $16,267,000 and $10,519,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In 2018, the Company made $18,900,000 in principal loan payments. The Company also repaid short-term insurance financing of $950,000, received $3,600,000 from related party financing, and paid $17,000 to non-controlling interests.

Net cash flows used in financing activities were $10,519,000 and $10,691,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2017, the Company made $9,600,000 in principal loan payments. The Company also repaid short-term insurance financing of $911,000.

Results of Continuing Operations

Selected Data

Financial Results

Net Income (Loss)

In 2018 our net income was $17,934,000, or $6.60 per share. This compares to net loss of $(24,310,000), or $(8.95) per share for the year ended December 31, 2017.

In 2017 the Company had a one-time increase in allowance for foreign tax credit and deferred tax assets. We fully allowed for our accumulated future tax credit related to the taxes withheld by the Israeli taxing authorities. The valuation allowance amounted to $28,677,000. Total foreign tax credit balance was written off in 2018 after the passing of new tax legislation in the United States which lowered the corporate tax rate to a level that eliminated the forecasted usage of the accumulated foreign tax credit. Likewise, we increased our allowance to fully allow for our deferred tax assets (see Note 6 – Income Tax to the Company’s consolidated financial statements). Net income comparatively increased in 2018 because we had no such increase in the allowance in 2018. In addition, the average commodity prices in 2018 were more than those of 2017, increasing our production revenues despite lower production volumes in the United States.

In 2017 our net loss was $(24,310,000), or $(8.95) per share. This compares to net income of $6,745,000, or $2.48 per share for the year ended December 31, 2016.

This decrease in income is primarily due to the increase in allowance for foreign tax credit and deferred tax assets. We fully allowed for our accumulated future tax credit related to the taxes withheld by the Israeli taxing authorities. The valuation allowance amounted to $28,677,000. Total foreign tax credit balance was written off after the passing of new tax legislation in the United States which lowered the corporate tax rate to a level that eliminated the forecasted usage of the accumulated foreign tax credit. Likewise we increased our allowance to fully allow for our deferred tax assets (see Note 6 – Income Taxes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements). Income Tax. This increase in tax expense was partially offset by increased revenues from our United States based production operations, increased revenues from the Tamar field, increased revenues from production service activities, and an increased in gain on divestiture.

Revenues, Volumes and Average Prices Oil and Gas Segment - Israel

During year ended December 31, 2018, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,591,000 Mcf of natural gas and 7,335 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.49 per Mcf and $62.95 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $31,036,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $7,138,000 of this revenue.

During year ended December 31, 2017, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,343,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,990 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.35 per Mcf and $47.46 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $28,781,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,907,000 of this revenue.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, net sales from the Tamar Field attributable to the Company amounted to 5,102,000 Mcf of natural gas and 6,882 Bbl of condensate with prices of $5.34 per Mcf and $37.48 per Bbl of condensate. Total revenues net of marketing and transportation expenses were $27,462,000. The Israeli Tax Authority withheld $6,866,000, of this revenue.

Revenues, Volumes and Average Prices Oil and Gas Segment - United States

Sales Revenues

Our sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by 5% when compared to the same period of 2017, due to increase in prices for crude oil and natural gas liquids partially offset by reduced production volumes and reduced prices for natural gas. Our sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by 17% when compared to the same period of 2016, primarily due to increase in prices for natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids partially offset by reduced production volumes.

Volumes and Average Prices