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Genie Energy Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

  

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q



QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED June 30, 2021

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number: 1-35327


GENIE ENERGY LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)



Delaware

 

45-2069276

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

 

 

520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey

 

07102

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)


(973) 438-3500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act:

Title of each Class Trading Symbol Name of exchange of which registered
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share GNE New York Stock Exchange
Series 2012-A Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share GNE-PRA New York Stock Exchange


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an 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.

  

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

 

 

 

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 Exchange Act.):    Yes      No  





As of August 6, 2021, the registrant had the following shares outstanding:

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value:

1,574,326 shares

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value:

24,481,739 shares (excluding 1,869,239 treasury shares)

 

 


 

GENIE ENERGY LTD. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1



Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 1






CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 1






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 2






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME 3






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY 4






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 6






NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7


 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 30


 

Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks 43





Item 4 Controls and Procedures 43

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
44





Item 1. Legal Proceedings 44





Item 1A. Risk Factors 44





Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 44





Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 44





Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 44





Item 5. Other Information 44





Item 6. Exhibits 45




SIGNATURES
46

   

i



 GENIE ENERGY LTD.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

June 30,
2021

 

 

December 31,
2020

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

(Note 1)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

31,446

 

 

$

36,913

 

Restricted cashshort-term
6,121


6,271
Marketable equity securities
                13,370


5,089

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,268 and $8,793 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

59,659

 

 

 

60,778

 

Inventory

 

15,653

 

 

 

16,930

 

Prepaid expenses

 

5,385

 

 

 

4,633

 

Other current assets

 

4,956

 

 

 

3,206

 

Total current assets

 

136,590

 

 

 

133,820

 

Property and equipment, net

 

269

 

 

 

259

 

Goodwill

 

26,041

 

 

 

25,929

 

Other intangibles, net

 

9,177

 

 

 

11,645

 

Investment in joint venture
936



Deferred income tax assets, net

 

1,908

 

 

 

4,882

 

Other assets

 

10,205

 

 

 

10,804

 

Total assets

$

185,126

 

 

$

187,339

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan payable $

$ 1,453

Trade accounts payable

 

36,141

 

 

 

43,005

 

Accrued expenses

 

49,104

 

 

 

42,762

 

Contract liability
5,217


5,609

Income taxes payable

 

2,518

 

 

 

1,893

 

Due to IDT Corporation, net

 

304

 

 

 

257

 

Other current liabilities

 

2,011

 

 

 

2,494

 

Total current liabilities

 

95,295

 

 

 

97,473

 

Other liabilities

 

3,331

 

 

 

3,787

 

Total liabilities

 

98,626

 

 

 

101,260

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

                            

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares—10,000:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2012-A, designated shares—8,750; at liquidation preference, consisting of 2,322 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
19,743


19,743
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares—35,000; 1,574 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
16


16
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares—200,000; 26,106 and 25,966 shares issued and 24,393 and 24,646 shares outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
261


260

Additional paid-in capital

 

142,056

 

 

 

140,746

 

Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 1,713 and 1,320 shares of Class B common stock at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
(12,274 )

(9,839 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
3,178


3,827

Accumulated deficit

 

(54,017

)

 

 

(56,658

)

Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders’ equity

 

98,963


 

 

98,095


Noncontrolling interests

 

(12,463

)

 

 

(12,016

)

Total equity

 

86,500


 

 

86,079


Total liabilities and equity 

$

185,126

 

 

$

187,339

 


 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

1



GENIE ENERGY LTD.

 



Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 


2021


2020

2021


2020

 


(in thousands, except per share data)


Revenues:













Electricity


$ 83,314

$ 65,906

$ 186,985

$ 135,877

Natural gas



11,776


5,396


40,848


21,467

Other



2,616


4,773


5,214


22,782

Total revenues



97,706


76,075


233,047


180,126

Cost of revenues



73,940


56,588


191,752


131,734

Gross profit



23,766


19,487


41,295


48,392

Operating expenses and losses:

















Selling, general and administrative (i)



22,410


15,956


46,514


35,456
Impairment of assets




801





993

Income (loss) from operations



1,356


2,730


(5,219 )

11,943

Interest income



10


20


20


143

Interest expense



(103 )

(58 )

(212 )

(175 )

Equity in the net income (loss) in equity method investees, net



53


(1,173 )

164

(1,552 )
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities and investments

2,915





7,022



Gain on sale of subsidiary

4,226





4,226



Other (loss) income, net



(14)


(52 )

283


98

Income before income taxes



8,443


1,467


6,284

10,457

Provision for income taxes



(3,158 )

(587 )

(3,693 )

(3,156 )

Net income



5,285


880


2,591

7,301

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests



(82 )

(1,083 )

(790 )

(494 )

Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.



5,367


1,963


3,381

7,795

Dividends on preferred stock



(370 )

(370 )

(740 )

(740 )

Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders


$ 4,997

$ 1,593

$ 2,641
$ 7,055

 

















Earnings per share attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders:

















Basic


$ 0.19

$ 0.06

$ 0.10
$ 0.27

Diluted


$ 0.19

$ 0.06

$ 0.10
$ 0.26

Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of earnings per share:

















Basic



25,804


26,087


25,903


26,098

Diluted



26,227


26,853


26,446


26,804

 

















Dividends declared per common share


$


$ 0.085

$

$ 0.160

(i) Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses


$ 559

$ 401

$ 1,148

$ 884

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


2



GENIE ENERGY LTD.

 

(Unaudited)

 

 


Three Months Ended
June 30,


Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 


2021


2020

2021

 

 

2020

 

 


(in thousands)

(in thousands)


Net  income

$ 5,285

$ 880
$

2,591

 

$

7,301

Other comprehensive loss:









 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments


105


135

(237

)

 

 

41

Comprehensive income


5,390


1,015

2,354

 

 

7,342

Comprehensive gain attributable to noncontrolling interests


82


1,271

560

 

 

493

Comprehensive income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd.

$ 5,472

$ 2,286
$

2,914

 

$

7,835

  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3




GENIE ENERGY LTD.

 

(in thousands, except dividend per share)

Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders


   

 

Preferred

 


Class A

 


Class B

 


Additional

 


 

 


Accumulated Other

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Paid-In

 


Treasury

 


Comprehensive

 


Accumulated

 


Noncontrolling

 


Total

 

 

 

Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Capital

 


Stock

 


Income

 


Deficit

 


Interests

 


Equity

 

BALANCE AT JANUARY 12021
2,322
$ 19,743

1,574
$ 16

25,811
$ 260
$ 140,746
$ (9,839 ) $ 3,827
$ (56,658 ) $ (12,016 ) $ 86,079
Dividends on preferred stock ($ 0.1594 per share)  


















(370 )


(370 )
Stock-based compensation








121

1

588









589
Issuance of Class B common stock to Howard Jonas








20



162







162
Other comprehensive (loss) income 
















(572 )


230

(342 )
Net loss for three months ended March 31, 2021


















(1,986 )
(708 )
(2,694 )
BALANCE AT  MARCH 31, 2021
2,322

19,743

1,574

16

25,952

261

141,496

(9,839 )
3,255

(59,014 )
(12,494 )
83,424

  

 

 

 

Preferred

 


Class A

 


Class B

 


Additional

 


 

 


Accumulated Other

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

 

Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Paid-In

 


Treasury

 


Comprehensive

 


Accumulated

 


Noncontrolling

 


Total


 

 

Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Capital

 


Stock

 


Income

 


Deficit

 


Interests

 


Equity

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 312021
2,322
$ 19,743

1,574
$ 16

25,952
$ 261
$ 141,496
$ (9,839 ) $ 3,255
$ (59,014 ) $ (12,494 ) $ 83,424
Dividends on preferred stock
($
 0.1594 per share)  



















(370 )


(370 )
Stock-based compensation












560









560
Repurchase of Class B common stock from stock purchase program















(2,435 )




(2,435 )
Sale of subsidiary
















(182 )


113

(69 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income 
















105




105
Net loss for three months ended June 30, 2021


















5,367
(82 )
5,285
BALANCE AT  JUNE 30, 2021 
2,322

19,743

1,574

16

25,952

261

142,056

(12,274 )
3,178

(54,017 )
(12,463 )
86,500


4


GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in thousands) — (Continued)


Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders 


   

 

Preferred

 


Class A

 


Class B

 


Additional

 


 

 


Accumulated Other

 


 

 


 

  


 

  

 

 

Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Paid-In

 


Treasury

 


Comprehensive

 


Accumulated

 


Noncontrolling

  


Total

  

 

 

Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Capital

 


Stock

 


Income

 


Deficit

 


Interests

  


Equity

  

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2020
2,322
$ 19,743

1,574
$ 16

25,785
$ 258
$ 139,615
$ (7,675 ) $ 2,519
$ (59,671 ) $ (13,875 ) $ 80,930
Dividends on preferred stock ($0.01594 per share) 


















(370 )


(370 )
Dividends on common stock ($ 0.075 per share)  


















(1,975 )


(1,975 )
Stock-based compensation








20



483









483
Repurchase of Class B common stock from stock repurchase program 















(88)







(88
Noncontrolling interest from acquisition of Lumo 












(29 )






29


Deconsolidation of subsidiaries
















(6 )


(92 )
(98 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
















(283 )


189
(94 )
Net income for three months ended March 31, 2020


















5,832

589

6,421
BALANCE AT  MARCH 31, 2020
2,322

19,743

1,574

16

25,805

258

140,069

(7,763 )
2,230

(56,184 )
(13,160 )
85,209


    

 

Preferred

 


Class A

 


Class B

 


Additional

 


 

 


Accumulated Other

 


 

 


 

  


 

  

 

 

Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Common Stock

 


Paid-In

 


Treasury

 


Comprehensive

 


Accumulated

 


Noncontrolling

  


Total

  

 

 

Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Shares

 


Amount

 


Capital

 


Stock

 


Income

 


Deficit

 


Interests

  


Equity

  

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2020
2,322
$ 19,743

1,574
$ 16

25,805
$ 258
$ 140,069
$ (7,763 ) $ 2,230
$ (56,184 ) $ (13,160 ) $ 85,209
Dividends on preferred stock ($0.01594 per share) 


















(370 )


(370 )
Dividends on common stock ($ 0.085 per share)  


















(2,240 )


(2,240 )
Stock-based compensation












401









401
Repurchase of Class B common stock from stock repurchase program 















(1,458 )






(1,458 )
Purchase of subsidiary



















45

45
Other comprehensive income (loss)
















323



(188 )
135
Net income for three months ended March 31, 2020


















1,963

(1,083 )
880
BALANCE AT  JUNE 30, 2020
2,322

19,743

1,574

16

25,805

258

140,470

(9,221 )
2,553

(56,831 )
(14,386 )
82,602
5


GENIE ENERGY LTD. 


 


Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 


2021

 

 

2020

 

 


(in thousands)

 

Operating activities


 

 

 

 

 

Net income


$

2,591

 

$

7,301

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


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization


 

2,446

 

 

 

1,548

 

Impairment of assets




993

Deferred income taxes


 

2,974

 

 

 

2,537


Provision for doubtful accounts receivable


 

2,539

 

 

 

1,215

 

Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities and investment

(7,022 )


Stock-based compensation


 

1,148

 

 

 

884

 

Equity in the net (income) loss in equity method investees


 

(164

)

 

 

1,552

 

Gain on sale of subsidiary

(4,226 )


Loss on sale of assets held for sale




78
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries



(98 )

Change in assets and liabilities:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable


 

(3,157

)

 

 

6,847

Inventory


 

1,277

 

 

1,930

Prepaid expenses


 

(1,142

)

 

 

2,016

Other current assets and other assets


 

(2,865

)

 

 

223

Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities


 

(609

)

 

 

(1,006

)
Contract liability

(333 )

(12,707 )

Due to IDT Corporation


 

47

 

 

(286

)

Income taxes payable


 

625


 

 

615

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities


 

(5,871

)

 

 

13,642

Investing activities


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures


 

(80

)

 

 

(99

)

Proceeds from disposal of assets held for sale


 

 

 

5

Proceeds from the sale of a subsidiary, net of cash disposed

4,550



Purchase of marketable equity securities

(1,000 )


Investments in equity method investee




(1,502 )
Payment of acquisition of intangible




(298 )

Repayment of notes receivable


 

13

 

 

 

12

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


 

3,483

 

 

(1,882

)

Financing activities


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid


 

(740

)

 

 

(4,955

)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit




1,000
Repayment of revolving line of credit




(3,514 )
Proceeds from loan




1,395
Repayment of loan




(930 )
Purchases of Class B common stock

(2,435 )

(1,546 )

Repayment of notes payable


 

 

 

(17

)

Net cash used in financing activities


 

(3,175

)

 

 

(8,567

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash


 

(54

)

 

 

12

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

(5,617 )

3,205

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period


 

43,184

 

 

 

38,554

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period


$

37,567

 

 

$

41,759

 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6



GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Genie Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Genie”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021. The balance sheet at December 31, 2020 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). 

 

The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation (“GEIC”), which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy (“GRE”), 95.5% of Genie Retail Energy International LLC ("GRE International" or "GREI") and 95.5% of Genie Renewables. In March 2021, the Company modified its management reporting to rename the Genie Energy Services ("GES") segment to the Genie Renewables segment. 


GRE owns and operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, Inc. (“IDT Energy”), Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”), Town Square Energy, LLC and Town Square Energy East, LLC (collectively, "TSE"), Southern Federal Power LLC ("Southern Federal") and Mirabito Natural Gas (“Mirabito”). GRE's REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States and Texas. 


GRE International holds the Company's 100% interest in Shoreditch Energy Limited, a REP that serves retail customers in the United Kingdom under the name Orbit Energy, the Company's 91.7% interest in Lumo Energia Oyj ("Lumo Finland"), a REP serving residential customers in Finland, and its 98.8% interest in Lumo Energi AB ("Lumo Sweden"), which was formed in 2019 to serve retail energy customers in Sweden. GRE International also held the Company's 98.8% interest in venture in Japan, which the Company sold on May 11, 2021.


        Genie Renewables oversees Diversegy LLC ("Diversegy"), a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers throughout the United States, manages GRE's 60.0% interest in Prism Solar Technology, Inc. ("Prism"), a solar solutions company that is engaged in U.S.-based manufacturing of solar panels, solar installation design and solar energy project management, Genie Solar Energy, a rooftop solar system sales and general contracting company and 93.5% interest in CityCom Solar, a marketer of community solar energy solution. 

 

Energy Price Volatility in Japan and Texas

 

In January 2021, weather volatility and the lack of adequate gas reserves significantly increased the price of energy at Japan Electric Power Exchange ("JEPX") for an extended period of time. The spike in demand associated with this situation, exposed Genie Japan to unexpected cost increases. Genie Japan incurred approximately $2.5 million in additional costs related to the price increases, which were included in the cost of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

In February of 2021, the State of Texas experienced unprecedented cold weather and snow, which was named Winter Storm Uri. With the grid overtaxed due to demand and weather-related reduced supply and rolling blackouts being enforced, by order of the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT"), real-time commodity prices during the crisis escalated significantly. Although GRE's commitment for their customers in Texas was hedged for foreseen winter weather conditions, the market conditions exposed the Company to significant unexpected cost increases. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, GRE recognized approximately $1.0 million and $13.0 million, respectively, in additional costs related to the situation, which were included in the cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operation. 


In June 2021, the state legislature of the State of Texas passed House Bill 4492 (“HB 4492”) which includes certain provisions for financing certain costs associated with electric markets caused by Winter Storm Uri. Pursuant to HB 4492, two categories of charges associated with Winter Storm Uri are to be securitized and the proceeds of the securitization will be provided to the load serving entities who originally incurred the charges. Under HB 4492, the Company is entitled to recover a portion of the costs incurred from the effect of Winter Storm Uri with a calculated range of $1.5 million to $2.6 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a reduction in cost of revenues of $1.5 million. 


7



Seasonality and Weather

 

The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters or summers have the opposite effect. Unseasonable temperatures in other periods may also impact demand levels. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 47.7% and 46.9% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 31.8% of GRE’s electricity revenues for the relevant years were generated in the third quarters of 2020 and 2019. GRE’s REPs’ revenues and operating income are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated financial results for the full year.  


Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)


Starting in the first quarter of 2020, the world and the United States experienced the unprecedented impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 


For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the impacts of COVID-19 are evident in several key aspects of the Company's business operations and the corresponding financial impact has been mixed. The Company's customer base is predominantly residential, so the Company has benefited from the increased demand for residential electricity as many customers are working from and spending more time in their homes. On the other hand, like other retail providers, the Company suspended its face-to-face customer acquisition programs in March 2020 as public health measures were implemented to combat COVID-19, resulting in a decrease in gross meter acquisitions. The reduction in gross meter acquisitions during the second quarter of 2021 resulted in a slight decline in domestic meters served during the second quarter of 2021. Churn for the second quarter of 2021 decreased, in part, as the Company's competitors also suspended their face to face marketing programs. In the fourth quarter of 2020, authorities began relaxing certain COVID-19 public health restrictions in some of GRE's domestic markets facilitating a partial reactivation of the previously curtailed customer acquisition channels.


There are many uncertainties regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring those impacts on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact the customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, and business partners.


Note 2—Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheet that equals the total of the same amounts reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

 


 

June 30,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 



(in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents 

 

$

31,446

 

 

$

36,913

 

Restricted cash—short-term

 

 

6,121

 

 

 

6,271

 

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

$

37,567

 

 

$

43,184

 


Restricted cash—short-term includes amounts set aside in accordance with the Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”) (see Note 17), Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase (see Note 18) and Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd.’s security deposits for its exploration license from the Government of Israel, and its customs and other import duties for the import of exploration equipment.

 

Note 3—Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 


 

June 30,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 



(in thousands)

Natural gas

 

$

813

 

 

$

1,021

 

Renewable credits

 

 

14,642

 

 

15,574

Solar Panels:

 

 

           

 

 

Finished goods

198

335

Totals

 

$

15,653

 

 

$

16,930

 

8


Note 4—Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the single performance obligation to deliver a unit of electricity and/or natural gas is recognized as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. Variable quantities in requirements contracts are considered to be options for additional goods and services because the customer has a current contractual right to choose the amount of additional distinct goods to purchase. GRE and Genie Japan record unbilled revenues for the estimated amount customers will be billed for services rendered from the time meters were last read to the end of the respective accounting period. The unbilled revenue is estimated each month based on available per day usage data, the number of unbilled days in the period and historical trends. Several utility companies offer purchase of receivable, or POR, programs in most of the service territories in which GRE operates, and GRE’s REPs participate in POR programs for a majority of their receivables. The Company estimates variable consideration related to its rebate programs using the expected value method and a portfolio approach. The Company’s estimates related to rebate programs are based on the terms of the rebate program, the customer’s historical electricity and natural gas consumption, the customer’s rate plan, and a churn factor. Taxes that are imposed on the Company’s sales and collected from customers are excluded from the transaction price.

Revenues from Orbit Energy are accrued based on an estimate of the quantity in units of electricity or natural gas supplied to customers by profile class. The estimate is made using historical consumption patterns, industry estimated consumption rates, and takes into consideration industry reconciliation processes.

Revenue from sales of solar panels are recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of the solar panels to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. For sales contracts that contain multiple performance obligations, such as the shipment or delivery of solar modules, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation identified in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices, or estimates of such prices, and recognize the related revenue as control of each individual product is transferred to the customer, in satisfaction of the corresponding performance obligations. Revenues from sale of solar panels are included in other revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer as an asset if it expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. The Company determined that certain sales commissions to acquire customers meet the requirements to be capitalized. For GRE, the Company applies a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for sales commissions to acquire customers as the period would have been one year or less. Incremental customer acquisition cost of certain GRE International entities are capitalized and amortized over the range of between eighteen and twenty-four months. These costs and the related amortization are recorded within sales and marketing expenses. Total capitalized customer acquisition costs to obtain customer contracts were $0.3 million and $0.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Total capitalized customer acquisition costs to obtain customer contracts were $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At June 30, 2021, customer acquisition costs of $0.4 million and $0.2 million included in other current assets and other assets, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized $0.2 million of amortization of capitalized customer acquisition cost, in each of the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company recognized $0.4 million of amortization of capitalized customer acquisition cost, in each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020The Company continuously monitors its customer relationship periods to ensure compliance with the application of the standard.

9


Disaggregated Revenues  

The following table shows the Company’s revenues disaggregated by pricing plans offered to customers: 


 

Electricity

 

 

Natural Gas

 

 

Other

 

 

Total

 



(in thousands)


Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
















Fixed rate
$ 48,600

$ 7,538

$

$ 56,138
Variable rate

34,714


4,238





38,952
Other







2,616


2,616
Total
$ 83,314

$ 11,776

$ 2,616

$ 97,706

















Three Months Ended June 30, 2020















Fixed rate

$ 30,031

$ 738

$

$ 30,769
Variable rate

35,875


4,658





40,533
Other







4,773


4,773
Total
$ 65,906

$ 5,396

$ 4,773

$ 76,075

















Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

103,557

 

 

$

21,072

 

 

$

 

 

$

124,629

 

Variable rate

 

 

83,428

 

 

 

19,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

103,204

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,214

 

 

 

5,214

 

Total

 

$

186,985

 

 

$

40,848

 

 

$

5,214

 

 

$

233,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

57,550

 

 

$

2,568

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,118

 

Variable rate

 

 

78,327

 

 

 

18,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,226

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,782

 

 

 

22,782

 

Total

 

$

135,877

 

 

$

21,467

 

 

$

22,782

 

 

$

180,126

 

The following table shows the Company’s revenues disaggregated by non-commercial and commercial channels:


 

Electricity

 

 

Natural Gas

 

 

Other

 

 

Total

 



(in thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021















Non-Commercial Channel
$ 65,855

$ 10,499

$

$ 76,354
Commercial Channel

17,459


1,277





18,736
Other







2,616


2,616
Total
$ 83,314

$ 11,776

$ 2,616

$ 97,706

















Three Months Ended June 30, 2020















Non-Commercial Channel
$ 54,783

$ 4,631

$

$ 59,414
Commercial Channel

11,123


765





11,888
Other








4,773


4,773
Total
$ 65,906

$ 5,396

$ 4,773

$ 76,075

















Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Commercial Channel

 

$

155,059

 

 

$

37,462

 

 

$

 

 

$

192,521

 

Commercial Channel

 

 

31,926

 

 

 

3,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,312

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,214

 

 

 

5,214

 

Total

 

$

186,985

 

 

$

40,848

 

 

$

5,214

 

 

$

233,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Commercial Channel

 

$

115,754

 

 

$

19,004

 

 

$

 

 

$

134,758

 

Commercial Channel

 

 

20,123

 

 

 

2,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,586

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,782

 

 

 

22,782

 

Total

 

$

135,877

 

 

$

21,467

 

 

$

22,782

 

 

$

180,126

 

 


10


Contract Liabilities

Certain revenue contracts at Genie Renewables include provisions that require advance payment from customers. These advance payments received under revenue contracts are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies the performance obligations to the other party. A portion of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations to be satisfied in the future periods is recognized as contract liability. 

Customers of Orbit Energy can elect to be on a budget plan. Under this type of plan, a monthly installment amount is calculated based on estimated annual usage. Contract liabilities are adjusted monthly based on actual and estimated usage of the customers. Annually, the budget plan is reconciled to actual annual usage.

The following table summarized the changes in the liabilities.

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

(in thousands)

Contract liability, beginning

 

$

5,609

 

 

$

13,426

 

   Recognition of revenue included in the beginning of year contract liability

 

 

(3,262

)

 

 

(12,971

)

   Additions during the period, net of revenue recognized during the period

 

 

2,701

 

 

 

379

 

   Cumulative translation adjustments

169



Contract liability, end

 

$

5,217

 

 

$

834

 

 

Note 5—Acquisition and Divestiture

 

Acquisition of Controlling Interest of Shoreditch Energy Limited


On July 17, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Genie Energy UK Ltd. (“GEUK”), entered into a definitive agreement with Energy Global Investments Pty Ltd (“EGC”) to launch Shoreditch Energy Limited (“Shoreditch”), a joint venture to offer electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business customers in the U.K., under the trade name Orbit Energy. In second quarter of 2020, the Company contributed $1.5 million to Shoreditch, which increased GEUK's total contribution to $9.5 million as of October 8, 2020. Prior to October 8, 2020, the Company owned 77.0% of the outstanding equity of Shoreditch.


Prior to the Company acquiring the remaining 23.0% of Shoreditch, EGC had significant participation rights in the management of Shoreditch that limited GEUK’s ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact Shoreditch’s economic performance. GEUK, therefore, accounted for its ownership interest in Shoreditch using the equity method since GEUK had the ability to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial matters, although it did not control Shoreditch.


On October 8, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with EGC under which GEUK purchased EGC’s remaining interest in Shoreditch, in exchange for a cash payment of £1.3 million (equivalent to $1.7 million on the date of closing) offset by £0.2 million (equivalent to $0.2 million on the date of closing) in amounts owing from EGC to the Company under a loan provided to EGC in 2018 related to EGC’s capital contributions to Shoreditch. Prior to October 8, 2020, the estimated fair value and net book value of the Company's investment in Shoreditch was $5.5 million and nil, respectively. Following the transaction, Shoreditch is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GEUK.


Following the transaction, EGC has no rights in the management of Shoreditch and GEUK has complete control over the activities of Shoreditch.


11



 The Company conducted an assessment of assets and liabilities related to the acquisition of Shoreditch. The impact of the acquisition’s purchase price allocations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred were as follows:


(in thousands)

 

 

 

Cash

$

2,681

Trade accounts receivable

 

8,008

 

Other current assets

 

 

843

 

Intangible assets:

   Trademark (10-year useful life)

 

 

1,594

 

   Non-compete agreements (2-year useful life)

 

 

1,956

 

   Customer relationships (2-year useful life)

 

 

3,620

 

Goodwill

 

 

13,426

 

Other assets

657

Accounts and other current liabilities

 

 

(20,490

)

Noncontrolling interest

(5,152

)

Net assets

 

$

7,143

 

 

Goodwill was allocated to the GRE International segment. Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the expected revenue and cost synergies of the combined company and assembled workforce. Goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisition is not deductible for income tax purposes. 


The Company recognized a gain of $5.5 million upon consolidation of Orbit Energy in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, pertaining to the estimated fair value of the Company's noncontrolling interest prior to the acquisition, which is based on the amount paid by the Company for the remaining 23.0% of Shoreditch. The net book value of the Company's investments in Shoreditch was nil immediately prior to the acquisition. 


Divestiture of Genie Japan


In March 2021, the Company initiated a plan to sell certain assets and liabilities of Genie Japan. In the first quarter of 2021, certain assets and liabilities of Genie Japan were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale and reported at lower of fair value less cost to sell and net book value.


On April 26, 2021, the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with Hanhwa Q Cells Japan Co., Ltd. ("Hanhwa"), pursuant to which, the Company has agreed to sell its interest in Genie Japan for ¥570.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.3 million at April 26, 2021) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. On May 11, 2021, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of Purchase Agreement, the Company completed the divestiture of Genie Japan for an aggregate cash consideration of ¥570.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.2 million at May 11, 2021). Hanhwa also assumed the outstanding balance of the loan payable of Genie Japan. The Company paid $0.6 million of commission to certain former employees of Genie Japan and recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.2 million from the divestiture.


12



The assets and liabilities divested which was previously classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2021 included the following:

(in thousands)

 

Cash

$

83

Trade accounts receivable              

 

`1,737

Prepaid and other current assets             

 

 

391

Intangible (license)

540

Other noncurrent assets

 

 

296

Accounts payable

 

 

(611 )

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

(588 )
Loans payable

(1,372 )
Cumulative translation adjustment

(181 )
Noncontrolling interest

114
    Liabilities held for sale included in other current liabilities

 

$

409


The assets and liabilities were included in GRE International segment.


Pro forma Results (unaudited)


The following unaudited pro forma financial information summarizes the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 as if the acquisition of Orbit Energy and the divestiture of Genie Japan had been completed as of the beginning of 2020. The pro forma results are based upon certain assumptions and estimates, and they give effect to actual operating results prior to the acquisitions and adjustments to reflect (i) the change in depreciation expense and intangible assets amortization, (ii) timing of recognition of gain on consolidation of subsidiary of $5.5 million, and (iii) timing of recognition of gain from sale of subsidiary of $4.2 million which will not be recurring in the post-acquisition period. No effect has been given to other cost reductions or operating synergies. As a result, these pro forma results do not necessarily represent results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had taken place on the basis assumed above, nor are they indicative of the results of future combined operations (amounts in thousands except for earnings per share information).





Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,



2021
2020

2021
2020

Total revenues



$ 96,946
$ 89,180
$ 229,117

 

$

210,836

 

Net income




1,304

5,098

1,753

 

 

14,487

Net income attributable to Genie Energy Ltd. common stockholders  




1,016

6,158

1,769

 

 

14,543

Earnings per share attributable to Genie energy Ltd. common stockholders











 

 

 

 

Basic




0.04

0.24

0.07

 

 

0.56

 

Diluted




0.04

0.23

0.07

 

 

0.54

 

 


13


Note 6—Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents the balance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

 

 

Level 1 (1)

 

 

Level 2 (2)

 

 

Level 3 (3)

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable equity securities
$ 13,370

$

$

$ 13,370

Derivative contracts

 

$

3,292

 

 

$

703

 

 

$

    —

 

 

$

3,995

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

 

$

591

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

591

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Marketable equity securities
$ 5,089

$

$

$ 5,089
          Other current assets (Investments in warrants)
$

$

$ 259

$ 259

          Derivative contracts

 

$

1,237

 

 

$

118

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,355

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative contracts

 

$

286

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

286

 

 

(1) – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

(2) – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

(3) – no observable pricing inputs in the market

 

The Company’s derivative contracts consist of natural gas and electricity put and call options and swaps. The underlying asset in the Company’s put and call options is a forward contract. The Company’s swaps are agreements whereby a floating (or market or spot) price is exchanged for a fixed price over a specified period.


The Company did not have any transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the period ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

14


 Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s other financial instruments was determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting this data to develop estimates of fair value. Consequently, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange.

 

Restricted cash—short-term and long-term, trade receivables, due to IDT Corporation, other current assets and other current liabilities. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximated fair value. The fair value estimate for restricted cash—short-term and long-term was classified as Level 1. The carrying value of other current assets, due to IDT Corporation, and other current liabilities approximated fair value.  

 

Other assets, revolving line of credit and notes payable. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other assets included notes receivable. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding balance of the sellers of Lumo Finlands' one-time put option was not significant and was included in other liabilities account in the consolidated balance sheet. The carrying amount of the note receivable and loans payable approximated fair value. The fair values were estimated based on the Company’s assumptions, and were classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.


The primary non-recurring fair value estimates typically are in the context of business acquisitions (Note 5) which involve a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs, goodwill impairment testing, which involves Level 3 inputs, and asset impairments (Note 8) which utilize Level 3 inputs.


Concentration of Credit Risks


The Company holds cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at several major financial institutions, which may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. Historically, the Company has not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk. The Company’s temporary cash investments policy is to limit the dollar amount of investments with any one financial institution and monitor the credit ratings of those institutions. While the Company may be exposed to credit losses due to the nonperformance of the holders of its deposits, the Company does not expect the settlement of these transactions to have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.


The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers that equal or exceed 10.0% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the period (no other single customer accounted for more than 10.0% of consolidated revenues in these periods): 


 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

  

2021

2020

 

2021

 

 

2020

  

Customer A


11

%


13

%

 


na

 %

 


na

%  

Customer B

na na

 

 

na

 

 

 

10

  

 

na-less than 10.0% of consolidated revenue in the period


At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 no single customer accounted for 10.0% or greater of our consolidated trade receivables.


15


Note 7Derivative Instruments

 

The primary risk managed by the Company using derivative instruments is commodity price risk, which is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815 — Derivatives and Hedging. Natural gas and electricity put and call options and swaps are entered into as hedges against unfavorable fluctuations in market prices of natural gas and electricity. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to these options or swaps, therefore the changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. By using derivative instruments to mitigate exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk. The Company minimizes the credit or repayment risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. At June 30, 2021, GRE’s swaps and options were traded on the Intercontinental Exchange. GRE International's swaps and options were traded through counterparties.


The summarized volume of GRE’s outstanding contracts and options at June 30, 2021 was as follows (MWh – Megawatt hour and Dth – Decatherm):

 

Settlement Dates

 

Volume

 

 

 

Electricity (in MWH)

 

 

Gas (in Dth)

 

Third quarter 2021

 

 

367,748

 

 

 

89,750

 

Fourth quarter 2021

 

 

374,221

 

 

 

286,750

 

First quarter 2022

 

 

620,484

 

 

 

172,900

 

Second quarter 2022

 

 

78,285

 

 

 

54,950

 

Third quarter 2022

39,936


43,790
Fourth quarter 2022

74,379


50,600
First quarter 2023

9,216


71,000
Second quarter 2023

9,216


17,900
Third quarter 2023

9,072


17,050
Fourth quarter 2023

9,072


18,600
First quarter 2024




20,850
Second quarter 2024




4,700

 

The fair value of outstanding derivative instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

June 30,
2021

 

 

December 31,
2020

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy contracts and options1
Other current assets
$ 3,741

$ 1,338 
Energy contracts and options
Other assets

254


17

Total derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments Assets 

 


 

$

3,995

 

 

$

1,355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability Derivatives

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

 

June 30,
2021

 

 

December 31,
2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy contracts and options1
Other current liabilities
$ 403


245
Energy contracts and options
Other liabilities

188


41

Total derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments — Liabilities


 

$

591

 

 

$

286

 

 

(1The Company classifies derivative assets and liabilities as current based on the cash flows expected to be incurred within the following 12 months.

  

16


 

The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations was as follows:


 


Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as

 

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized


Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,

hedging instruments

 

on Derivatives




2021


2020

2021

  



2020  

 

 

 


(in thousands)

(in thousands)


Energy contracts and options

 

 Cost of revenues


$
1,908

$ (6,200 ) $ 4,795

$ (18,589 )


Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The table below reconciles the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021:

 


 

  GRE

GRE International



Genie Renewables

Total



(in thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2021     

 

9,998

$

15,931



$

$

25,929

Cumulative translation adjustment




112




112

Balance at June 30, 2021              

 

$

9,998

$

16,043



$

$

26,041

 

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company performed quantitative impairment analysis for its Prism reporting unit (part of the Genie Renewables segment) as a result of lower than expected results of operations in 2020. As a result of this test, the Company concluded that the carrying value Prism reporting unit exceeded its fair value of reporting unit including the allocated goodwill. Therefore, the Company recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $0.4 million.


The table below presents information on the Company’s other intangible assets:  



 

Weighted Average Amortization Period

 

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net
Balance

 



(in thousands)

June 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents and trademarks

 

 

14.9 years

 

 

$

5,526

 

 

$

1,101

 

$

4,425

 

Non-compete agreements

 

 

2.0 years

 

 

 

2,120

 

 

 

811

 

 

1,309

 

Customer relationships

 

 

3.6 years

 

 

 

4,958

 

 

 

1,915

 

 

3,043

 

Licenses 

 

10.0 years

 

 

 

479

 

 

 

79

 

 

400

 

Total

 

 

 

 

$

13,083

 

 

$

3,906

 

$

9,177

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademark 

 

 

14.9 years

 

 

$

5,534

 

 

$

878

 

$

4,656

 

Non-compete agreement 

 

 

2.0 years

 

 

 

2,096

 

 

 

75

 

 

2,021

 

Customer relationships

 

 

3.1 years

 

 

 

6,907

 

 

 

2,922

 

 

3,985

 

Licenses

 

 

10.0 years

  

 

 

1,224

 

 

 

241

 

 

 

983

 

Total

 

 

 

 

$

15,761

 

 

$

4,116

 

$

11,645

 

 

In the second quarter of 2020, Prism renegotiated a contract with its main customer which resulted in impairment of customer relationship of $0.8 million included in the consolidated statements of operations. 


Amortization expense of intangible assets (including minimal amounts reported in cost of revenues) was $1.1 million and $2.4 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively. Amortization expense of intangible assets (including minimal amounts reported in cost of revenues) was $0.4 million and $0.9 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The Company estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets will be $1.8 million, $2.8 million, $0.6 million, $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $2.8 million for the remainder of 2021, and for 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and thereafter, respectively.

17



Note 9—Accrued Expenses


Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

 

June 30, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

(in thousands)

Renewable energy

 

$

35,794

 

 

$

26,474

 

Liability to customers related to promotions and retention incentives

 

 

9,078

 

 

 

9,558

 

Payroll and employee benefit

2,156


3,534

Other accrued expenses

 

 

2,076

 

 

 

3,196

 

Total accrued expenses

 

$

49,104

 

 

$

42,762

 


Note 10—Leases

The Company entered into operating lease agreements primarily for offices in domestic and foreign locations where it has operations with lease periods expiring between 2021 and 2030. The Company has no finance leases.
 
The Company determine if a contract is a lease at inception. Right-of-Use ("ROU") assets are included under other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The current portion of the operating lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and the noncurrent portion is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is the incremental borrowing rate, because the interest rate implicit in most of our leases is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date. ROU assets also include any prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. The lease terms include periods under options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. The Company use the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
 

 

 

June 30, 2021

 

December 31, 2020



(in thousands)

ROU Assets 

$

3,656

$ 4,409








Current portion of operating lease liabilities 

1,060


1,327
Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities

2,772


3,233

Total

 

3,832

 

$ 4,560


18



At June 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 4.9 years and the weighted average discount rate is 6.0%.

Supplemental cash flow information for ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are as follows:

 
Six Months Ended June 30,


2021
2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
(in thousands)
Operating cash flows from operating activities  

$ 985
$ 431








ROU assets obtained in the exchange for lease liabilities






Operating leases
$
$

Future lease payments under operating leases as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

(in thousands)



Remainder of 2021

 

$

616

 

2022

1,193

2023

1,162
2024

225
2025

233
Thereafter 

1,072

Total future lease payments

4,501

Less imputed interest

(669

)

Total operating lease liabilities

 

$

3,832

 


Rental expenses under operating leases were $0.6 million and $1.0 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.  Rental expenses under operating leases were $0.2 million and $0.4 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

.     

19


Note 11—Equity

 

Dividend Payments

 

The following table summarizes the quarterly dividends paid by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Declaration Date

 

Dividend Per Share

 

 

Aggregate Dividend Amount

 

 

Record Date

 

Payment Date

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

Series 2012-A Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”)

January 13, 2021

 

$

0.1594

 

 

$

370

 

 

February 8, 2021

 

February 16, 2021

April 14, 2021

0.1594


370

April 27, 2021
May 17, 2021

 

In March 2021, in light of the losses incurred from the effects of events in Texas and Japan discussed above, the Company suspended the payment of quarterly dividends on its common stock.


On July 8, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2021. The dividend will be paid on or about August 16, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business August 9, 2021.


The Delaware General Corporation Law allows companies to declare dividends out of “Surplus,” which is calculated by deducting the par value of the company’s stock from the difference between total assets and total liabilities. The Company has elected to record dividends declared against accumulated deficit.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired 392,932 Class B common stock under the stock purchase program for an aggregate amount of $2.4 million. In the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company acquired 200,873 Class B common stock under the stock purchase program for an aggregate amount of $1.5 million. In the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company acquired 213,206 Class B common stock under the stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $1.5 million. At June 30, 2021, 5.5 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.


As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were 1.7 million and 1.3 million outstanding shares of Class B common stock held in the Company's treasury, respectively, with a cost of $12.3 million and $9.8 million, respectively, at a weighted average cost per share of $7.17 and $7.46, respectively.


In July 7, 2021, the Company acquired 125,000 Class B common stock under the stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $0.8 million.

 

Warrants to Purchase Class B Common Stock

 

On June 8, 2018, the Company sold to Howard S. Jonas, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and then the holder of the controlling portion of the Company's common stock, shares of the Company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 1,048,218 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock at an exercise price of $4.77 per share for an aggregate exercise price of $5.0 million. The warrants will expire in June 2023. In addition, on June 12, 2018, the Company sold to a third-party investor treasury shares of the Company’s Class B common stock for an aggregate sales price of $1.0 million and warrants to purchase an additional 209,644 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock at an exercise price of $4.77 per share, for an aggregate exercise price of $1.0 million. As of June 30, 2021, there were outstanding 1,257,862 warrants to purchase the Company’s Class B common stock at $4.77 per share, all of which will expire in June 2023.


Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (as amended, the "2011 Plan") is intended to provide incentives to executives, employees, directors and consultants of the Company. Incentives available under the Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited rights, deferred stock units, and restricted stock. The 2011 Plan, is scheduled to expire on October 24, 2021.


On March 8, 2021, the Board of Directors adopted the Company 2021 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan"). The 2021 Plan, was approved by the Company's stockholders in May 2021, became effective and replaced the 2011 Plan on May 12, 2021. Similar to the 2011 Plan, the 2021 Plan will provide incentives to executives, employees, directors and consultants of the Company. Incentives available under the 2021 Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units, and restricted stock. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The maximum number of shares reserved for the grant of awards under the 2021 Plan is 1.0 million shares of Class B Common Stock.

20





In February 2020, the Company granted certain employees and members of its Board of Directors an aggregate of 305,000 deferred stock units, which were subject to vesting in two tranches upon the achievement of a specified thirty-day average closing price of the Company's Class B common stock within specified periods of time (the "2020 market conditions") and the satisfaction of service-based vesting conditions. Each deferred stock unit entitled the grantee to receive, upon vesting, up to two shares of Class B common stock of the Company upon achievement of market conditions. The 2020 market conditions were not achieved and the awards expired in February 2021. There was no expense recognized for these awards.


In February 2021, the Company granted certain employees and members of its Board of Directors an aggregate of 305,000 deferred stock units which will vest in two tranches contingent upon the achievement of a specified thirty-day average closing price of the Company's Class B common stock within a specified period of time (the "2021 market conditions") and the satisfaction of service-based vesting conditions. Each deferred stock unit entitles the recipient to receive, upon vesting, up to two shares of Class B common stock of the Company depending on market conditions. The Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the grant-date fair value of the awards. Assumptions and estimates utilized in the model include the risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, expected stock volatility based on a combination of the Company’s historical stock volatility. The 2021 market conditions for vesting of deferred stock units were not met as of June 30, 2021.


As of June 30, 2021, there were approximately $4.8 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs related to outstanding and unvested equity-based grants. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years.


Note 12—Variable Interest Entity

 

Citizens Choice Energy, LLC (“CCE”), is a REP that resells electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the State of New York. The Company does not own any interest in CCE. Since 2011, the Company has provided CCE with substantially all of the cash required to fund its operations. The Company determined that it has the power to direct the activities of CCE that most significantly impact its economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of CCE that could potentially be significant to CCE on a stand-alone basis. The Company therefore determined that it is the primary beneficiary of CCE, and as a result, the Company consolidates CCE within its GRE segment. The net income or loss incurred by CCE was attributed to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company has an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of $0.5 million that the Company loaned to CCE in October 2015. The option expires on October 22, 2023.

 

Net loss related to CCE and aggregate net funding provided by the Company were as follows:

 



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,


2021

2020

2021

2020


(in thousands)

(in thousands)

Net loss
$ 52

$
411

$

373

$

748

Aggregate funding provided by the Company, net


$
125

$ 282

$

528

$

522

 

Summarized combined balance sheet amounts related to CCE was as follows:

 


 

June 30,
2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 



(in thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

$

687

 

 

$

491

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

 

380

 

 

 

433

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

381

 

 

 

416

 

Other assets

 

 

359

 

 

 

359

 

Total assets

 

$

1,807

 

 

$

1,699

 

Liabilities and noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

$

471

 

 

$

518

 

Due to IDT Energy

 

 

4,650

 

 

 

4,122

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

(3,314)

 

 

(2,941

)

Total liabilities and noncontrolling interests

 

$

1,807

 

 

$

1,699

 

 

The assets of CCE may only be used to settle obligations of CCE, and may not be used for other consolidated entities. The liabilities of CCE are non-recourse to the general credit of the Company’s other consolidated entities.

 

21


 

Note 13—Income Taxes

 

The following table provides a summary of Company's effective tax rate: 


 


Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 


2021

2020

2021

2020

 

Reported tax rate


37.4 %
40.0 %
58.8 %
30.2

%

 

Reported tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was 37.4%, a slight decrease as compared to the same period in 2020 . The increase in the reported tax rate for six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 is a result of changes in the mix of jurisdictions in which the taxable income was earned which was not offset by income tax benefit in some jurisdictions that had losses due to valuation allowances in those jurisdictions.


Note 14— Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss attributable to all classes of common stockholders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares of all classes of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share, except that the number of shares is increased to include restricted stock still subject to risk of forfeiture and to assume exercise of potentially dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, unless the effect of such increase is anti-dilutive.

 

The weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the Company’s common stockholders consists of the following:

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,



2021

2020
2021

2020

(in thousands)
(in thousands)

Basic weighted-average number of shares


25,804


26,087

25,903


26,098

Effect of dilutive securities:















Stock options and warrants


353


629

468


583

Non-vested restricted Class B common stock


70


137

75


123

Diluted weighted-average number of shares


26,227


26,853

26,446


26,804

 

The following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computations:

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,


2021

2020
2021

2020

(in thousands)
(in thousands)

Shares underlying options and warrants


295


126

295


126
Non-vested deferred stock units
610


610

610


610


Stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2021 because the exercise prices of the stock options were greater than the average market prices of the Company's stock during the periods.


 Non-vested deferred stock units were excluded from the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation because the market condition for vesting of those deferred stock units were not met as of June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Note 15—Related Party Transactions 

 

In December 2020, the Company invested $5.0 million to purchase 218,245 shares of Class B common stock of Rafael Holdings, Inc. ("Rafael"). Rafael, a publicly-traded company, is also a related party. In connection with the purchase, Rafael issued to the Company warrants to purchase an additional 43,649 shares of Rafael's Class B common stock with an exercise price of $22.91 per share. The warrants had a term expiring on June 6, 2022. The Company exercised the warrants in full on March 31, 2021 for a total exercise price of $1.0 million. The Company does not exercise significant influence over the operating or financial policies of Rafael. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recognized unrealized gain on investment of $2.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in connection with the investment. At June 30, 2021, the carrying values of investments in the common stock was $13.4 million. 


The Company was formerly a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (“IDT”). On October 28, 2011, the Company was spun-off by IDT. The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior to the spin-off including an agreement for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT. The Company also provides specified administrative services to certain of IDT’s foreign subsidiaries. Howard S. Jonas is the Chairman of the Board of IDT.

22


 

The Company leases office space and parking in New Jersey from Rafael a former subsidiary of IDT that was spun off from IDT in March 2018. Howard S. Jonas is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rafael. The leases expire in April 2025.

 

The charges for services provided by IDT to the Company, and rent charged by Rafael, net of the charges for the services provided by the Company to IDT, are included in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

 


Three Months Ended 
June 30,


Six Months Ended

June 30,


   

2021

2020

2021

2020

 

(in thousands)
(in thousands)

Amount IDT charged the Company  

$ 268

$ 249

$ 518

$ 520

Amount the Company charged IDT

$ 33

$ 41

$ 72

$ 79

Amount Rafael charged the Company

$ 57

$ 56

$ 113

$ 111

 

The following table presents the balance of receivables and payables to IDT and Rafael:

 


 

June 30,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Due to IDT

 

$

338

 

 

$

299

 

Due from IDT

 

$

34

 

 

$

40

 

Due to Rafael

 

$

 

 

$

 


On August 31, 2018, the Company extended a loan to a former employee for $0.1 million. The loan agreement required scheduled payments starting on December 31, 2020 and December 2052. The loan bears the same interest equivalent to a minimum rate, in effect from time to time required by local regulations and is compounded annually. The Company recorded minimal amounts of interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 related to this debt. The outstanding balance, including accrued interest was $0.1 million as of June 30, 2021.

 

The Company obtains insurance policies through several insurance brokers, one of which is IGM Brokerage Corp. (“IGM”). IGM is owned by the mother of Howard S. Jonas and Joyce Mason, the Company’s Corporate Secretary. Jonathan Mason, husband of Joyce Mason and brother-in-law of Howard S. Jonas, provides insurance brokerage services via IGM. Based on information the Company received from IGM, the Company believes that IGM received commissions and fees from payments made by the Company (including payments from third party brokers). The Company paid IGM a total of $0.3 million in 2020 related to premium of various insurance policies that were brokered by IGM. There was no outstanding payable to IGM was as of June 30, 2021. Neither Howard S. Jonas nor Joyce Mason has any ownership or other interest in IGM other than via the familial relationships with their mother and Jonathan Mason. 


Investments in Atid 613


In September 2018, the Company divested a majority interest in Atid Drilling Ltd. in exchange for a 37.5% interest in a contracting drilling company in Israel ("Atid 613") which the Company accounts for using equity method of accounting. The Company did not recognize any equity in net loss from Atid 613 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company recognized a $0.2 million equity in net loss from Atid 613 for the three months ended June 30, 2020  and minimal amount of equity in net gain from Atid 613 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The carrying value of investments in Atid 613 was $0.1 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.


The Company also entered into a Shareholder Agreement with Atid 613's other shareholders to govern certain issues regarding management of the new company. Under the Shareholder Agreement, among other things, Genie Israel has agreed to make available to Atid 613 working capital financing up to $0.4 million ("Credit Facility"). The credit Facility bears a variable interest rate as defined in the Shareholder Agreement. As of June 30, 2021, the outstanding balance of Credit Facility was nil.

23




On August 12, 2019, the Company, together with the other shareholders of Atid 613 signed a Funding Agreement to provide aggregate loans to Atid 613 in an amount of up to New Israeli Shekel or NIS 5.1 million (equivalent to $1.5 million at June 30, 2021), including the Company's commitment to extend up to NIS1.9 million (equivalent to $0.5 million at June 30, 2021) of such amount. In August 2019, the Company extended NIS0.8 million (equivalent to $0.2 million) in loans. The loans which are secured by Atid 613’s assets bore no interest until March 1, 2020 and bore interest at 5.5% for all subsequent periods. In May 2021 Atid 613 paid the outstanding balance of the loan of $ 0.2 million. At June 30, 2021, the balance of loan receivables from Atid 613 was nil.

 

Note 16—Business Segment Information

 

The Company has 3 reportable business segments: GRE, GRE International and Genie Renewables (formerly GES). In June 30, 2021, the Company modified its management reporting to rename its GES segment as "Genie Renewables." GRE owns and operates REPs, including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, TSE, Southern Federal and Mirabito. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the Eastern and Midwestern United States and Texas. GRE International, operates REPs in the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden. Genie Renewables designs, manufactures and distributes solar panels, offers energy brokerage and advisory services and also sells third-party products to customers. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expenses and other corporate-related general and administrative expenses. Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues.


The Company’s reportable segments are distinguished by types of service, customers and methods used to provide their services. The operating results of these business segments are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker.


The accounting policies of the segments are the same as the accounting policies of the Company as a whole. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based primarily on income (loss) from operations. There are no significant asymmetrical allocations to segments.

 

Operating results for the business segments of the Company were as follows:


(in thousands)

 

GRE



GRE International

 

 

Genie Renewables

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 






















Three Months Ended June 30, 2021



















Revenues
$ 66,977

$ 28,385

$ 2,344

$

$ 97,706
Income (loss) from operations

5,509


(3,035)


334


(1,452)

1,356
Depreciation and amortization

88


1,016


11





1,115
Equity in the net income of equity method investees










53


53





















Three Months Ended June 30, 2020



















Revenues
$ 66,472

$ 5,037

$ 4,566

$

$ 76,075
Income (loss) from operations

5,957


(607 )

(1,113 )

(1,507 )

2,730
Impairment of assets







801





801
Depreciation and amortization

117


495


95


15


722
Equity in net loss of equity method investees




(1,502 )




329


(1,173 )





















Six Months Ended June 30, 2021



















Revenues
$ 157,644

$ 70,571

$ 4,832

$

$ 233,047
Income (loss) from operations

6,712


(9,695)

894

(3,130)

(5,219)
Depreciation and amortization

205


2,217


23


1


2,446
Equity in the net income of equity method investees









164


164





















Six Months Ended June 30, 2020



















Revenues
$ 145,617

$ 11,990

$ 22,519

$

$ 180,126
Income (loss) from operations

18,974

(3,127 )

(771)

(3,133 )

11,943
Depreciation and amortization

230


986


303


29


1,548
Equity in net loss of equity method investees




(1,502 )




(50)


(1,552 )
24


Total assets for the business segments of the Company were as follows:


(in thousands)

 

GRE



GRE International

 

 

Genie Renewables

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Total assets:

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2021

 

$

101,026



$ 48,558

 

 

$

2,699

 

 

$

32,843

 

 

$

185,126

 

December 31, 2020

101,904


55,273


3,171


26,991


187,339


Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Proceedings 


On February 18, 2020, named Plaintiff Danelle Davis filed a putative class action complaint against Residents Energy and GRE in United States District of New Jersey alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C § 227 et seq. Resident Energy denies allegations in the complaint and plans to vigorously defend this action. Although Residents Energy and GRE deny any wrongdoing in connection with the complaints, the parties settled the matter for a minimal amount which was included in selling general and administrative expenses for three months ended March 31, 2021


In addition to the matters disclosed above, the Company may from time to time be subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance in this regard, the Company does not expect any of those legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

Agency and Regulatory Proceedings 

From time to time, the Company receives inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes, and the Company responds those inquiries or requests. The Company cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions or whether the Company and the regulatory parties will enter into settlements before a formal claim is made. 


New York Public Service Commission Orders

 

In December 2017, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. On December 12, 2019, following the completion of post-hearing briefings in the proceedings, the PSC issued orders adopting the changes to the New York retail energy market, effective April 16, 2021 ("2021 Orders"). The 2021 Orders limits the types of services energy retailer marketers may offer new customers or renewals, in terms of pricing for non-renewable commodities and renewable product offerings. Although the Company is working to ensure that its products and services are fully compatible with the 2021 Orders, such compliance may adversely impact customer acquisition and renewal revenue and profitability. The Company is evaluating its options, both by itself and in tandem with other industry participants, to challenge or petition for additional clarity and changes to the 2021 Orders. There is insufficient basis to deem any loss probable or to assess the amount of any possible loss based on the changes instituted by the 2021 Orders. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 gross revenue from New York was $10.3 million and $27.4 million, respectively.

         

25


 

State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority


Town Square

 

On September 19, 2018, the State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) commenced an investigation into Town Square following customer complaints of allegedly misleading and deceptive sales practices on the part of Town Square. The Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel subsequently joined in the investigation. Although Town Square denies any basis for those complaints and any wrongdoing on its part, has cooperated with the investigation and has responded to subpoenas for discovery. On June 17, 2020, PURA notified Town Square that it was advancing its investigation by assigning Prosecutorial ("PRO") staff for the purpose of investigating Town Square’s compliance with licensed electric supplier billing, marketing, and licensing requirements, and, if appropriate, facilitating settlement discussions among the parties that contains, but is not limited to, an appropriate civil penalty, extensive retraining of the supplier’s third-party agents, and retention of all sales calls with continued auditing. In the first quarter of 2021, Town Square engaged in settlement discussions with PURA and accrued $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2021. 


In July, the parties settled the dispute. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Town Square will pay $ 0.4 million. Town Square has also agreed to voluntarily refrain from in-person marketing activities in Connecticut for a period of 15 monthsFor the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Town Square’s gross revenues from sales in Connecticut was 6.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively. 


Residents Energy

 

In August 2020, Residents Energy began marketing retail energy services to Connecticut. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Residents Energy's gross revenues from sales in Connecticut were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the enforcement division of PURA contacted Residents Energy concerning customer complaints received in connection with alleged door-to-door marketing activities in violation of various rules and regulations, including a ban on door-to-door activities during the pertinent time period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In January and February of 2021, Residents Energy responded to the limited information requests and discovery made by the enforcement division. On March 12, 2021, the enforcement division filed a motion against Resident Energy with the adjudicating body of PURA, seeking the assessment of $1.5 million in penalties, along with a suspension of license for eighteen months, auditing of marketing practices upon reinstatement and an invitation for settlement discussions. Residents Energy believes that the initial demand is disproportionate to its scope of activity. In the first quarter of 2021, Residents Energy engaged in settlement discussion with PURA and accrued $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2021.


In June 2021, the parties settled the dispute. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Residents Energy paid $0.3 million and volunteered to withdraw from the market in Connecticut for a period of 36 months.

 

Other Reviews or Investigations


From time to time regulators may initiate reviews, compliance checks or issue subpoenas for information as means to evaluate the Company and its subsidiaries’ compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and practices.


On October 25, 2019, the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Illinois ("IL AG") notified Residents Energy (by way of subpoena) that it is conducting an investigation to assess compliance with the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The notice was issued in the form of a subpoena in the course of the foregoing. The Company, which has responded in part, has challenged the merits of the subpoena and investigation which it believes is precluded by the broader settlement with IDT Energy. The IL AG is seeking to compel Residents Energy's response to its subpoena. Residents Energy denies any wrongdoing on its part. As of June 30, 2021, no claims or demands have been made against Residents Energy by the IL AG, and there is insufficient basis to deem any loss probable or to assess the amount of any possible loss. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Resident Energy’s gross revenues from sales in Illinois was $4.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively. 


In response to certain customers complaints, the State of Maine Public Utility Commission ("MPUC") has opened a review of the door to door marketing practices of Town Square. In connection with the review, the MPUC has requested information from Town Square demonstrating compliance in the form of an order to show cause as to why its marketing practices are  in compliance and it should be permitted to continue licensed operations in Maine. Town Square has responded to the request and is cooperating with MUPC's review. As of June 30, 2021, no claims or demands have been made against Town Square by MPUC, and there is insufficient basis to deem any loss probable or to assess the amount of any possible loss. Nevertheless, the parties are engaging in settlement discussions. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Town Square’s gross revenues from sales in Maine was $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. 


26



Other Commitments

 

Purchase Commitments

 

The Company had future purchase commitments of $145.0 million at June 30, 2021, of which $90.1 million was for future purchase of electricity. The purchase commitments outstanding as of June 30, 2021 are expected to be paid as follows: 


(in thousands)

  

 

  

Remainder of 2021

  

$

72,759

  

2022

  

 

45,246

  

2023

  

 

22,690

  

2024

3,890
2025

418

Thereafter

  

 

  

Total payments

  

$

145,003

  

 

In three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company purchased $6.6 million and $5.8 million of electricity and renewable energy credits, respectively, under these purchase commitments. In the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company purchased $6.5 million and $8.4 million of electricity and renewable energy credits, respectively, under these purchase commitments. In three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company purchased $9.9 million and $2.9 million of electricity and renewable energy credits, respectively, under these purchase commitments. In the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company purchased $19.9 million and $6.5 million of electricity and renewable energy credits, respectively, under these purchase commitments. 


Renewable Energy Credits 

 

GRE must obtain a certain percentage or amount of its power supply from renewable energy sources in order to meet the requirements of renewable portfolio standards in the states in which it operates. This requirement may be met by obtaining renewable energy credits that provide evidence that electricity has been generated by a qualifying renewable facility or resource. At June 30, 2021, GRE had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits of $54.9 million.


Performance Bonds

 

GRE has performance bonds issued through a third party for certain utility companies and for the benefit of various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for REPs. At June 30, 2021, GRE had aggregate performance bonds of $13.8 million outstanding. 


BP Energy Company Preferred Supplier Agreement

 

Certain of GRE’s REPs are party to an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP, which is to be in effect through November 30, 2023. Under the agreement, the REPs purchase electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. The obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of the REPs’ customer’s receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. The ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. At June 30, 2021, restricted cash—short-term of $0.4 million and trade accounts receivable of $46.6 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of trade accounts payable to BP of $18.0 million at June 30, 2021.


Shell Exclusive Supply Contract with Orbit Energy

 

Orbit Energy has an exclusive contract with Shell U.K. Limited ("Shell") to provide electricity and natural gas to Orbit Energy until June 2024, with an option (not an obligation) to extend through June 2027. Shell provides access to the forward market such that Orbit Energy can enter into forward hedge position for its customers which protects the Company from mark-to-market fluctuations. Shell also provides extended payment facilities of an additional 30 days compared to the United Kingdom payment terms up to a limit of £5.0 million at an interest of LIBOR plus 5.0%. Shell charges an additional £0.9 per therm of natural gas and Mwh of electricity for all delivered volume on top of the wholesale costs. The contract with Shell is secured by a pledge of the outstanding equity interest of Orbit Energy. The contract is also subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants which includes minimum levels of cash, gross margin, net worth, as defined in the contract, earnings before tax, as defined in the contract and provision for bad debts on accounts receivable. At June 30, 2021, Orbit Energy was in compliance with such covenants. At June 30, 2021, Orbit Energy's total liability to Shell was $4.1 million included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses accounts in the consolidated balance sheet.


27


Note 18—Debt


Loan with Tokyo Star Bank

 

On November 28, 2019, Genie Japan entered into a Loan Agreement with Tokyo Star Bank for a ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) short-term credit facility. Genie Japan provided a letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase amounting to ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) as collateral. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at Tokyo Star Bank's short-term prime rate plus 0.25% per annum. Interest was payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest matured on May 13, 2020. Genie Japan settled the Loan agreement and paid the outstanding balance of ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) on May 13, 2020.


On May 13, 2020, Genie Japan entered into a new Loan Agreement with Tokyo Star Bank for a ¥150.0 million (equivalent to $1.4 million) short-term credit facility ("May 2020 Loan") with maturity date of November 13, 2020. On November 13, 2020, Genie Japan and Tokyo Star Bank amended the May 2020 Loan to extend the maturity date to May 13, 2021. Genie Japan provided a letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase in the amount of ¥150.0 million (equivalent to $1.4 million) as collateral. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at 3.0% per annum and was payable monthly. In May 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of Genie Japan including balance of the May 2020 Loan (see Note 5). At December 31, 2020, the effective interest rate was 3.0%.


Revolving Line of Credit with Vantage Commodities


On April 4, 2017, GRE, IDT Energy, and other GRE subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC ("Vantage") for a $20.0 million revolving loan facility. The borrowers consist of the Company’s subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed by GRE. The borrowers have provided as collateral a security interest in their receivables, bank accounts, customer agreements, certain other material agreements and related commercial and intangible rights. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest was payable monthly, and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest was due on the maturity date of April 3, 2020. At December 31, 2020, $2.5 million was outstanding under the revolving line of credit with an effective interest rate of 6.41% per annum. In April 2020, the revolving line of credit expired and the Company paid the outstanding balance of $3.5 million in exchange for the release and termination of any further obligations and security interest.


Credit Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank


On December 5, 2019, the Company entered into the first amendment of Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Credit Agreement”) to extend the maturity date of December 31, 2020. On December 8, 2020, the Company entered into the second amendment of its existing Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2021. The Company continues to have the aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million credit line facility (“Credit Line”). The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on unused portion of the Credit Line as specified in the Credit Agreement. The borrowed amounts will be in the form of letters of credit which will bear interest of 1.0% per annum. The Company will also pay a fee for each letter of credit that is issued equal to the greater of $500 or 1.0% of the original maximum available amount of the letter of credit. The Company agreed to deposit cash in a money market account at JPMorgan Chase Bank as collateral for the line of credit equal to $5.1 million. As of, June 30, 2021, there are no letters of credit issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank. At June 30, 2021, the cash collateral of $5.7 million was included in restricted cash—short-term in the consolidated balance sheet.


Prism Notes Payable

 

On December 11, 2019, the Company refinanced Prism's outstanding 5.95% notes payable to Catskill Hudson Bank that were due in November 2019. The outstanding balance of notes payable of $0.9 million at December 11, 2019 was payable in monthly equal annual installments for period of ten years. The outstanding principal amount incurred fixed interest at 4.75% per annum. On October 16, 2020, Prism settled the notes payable to Catskill Bank with full payment of the remaining principal amount of $0.9 million.

 

28


Note 19—Recently Issued Accounting Standards


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For receivables, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except the losses will be recognized as allowances instead of reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. In addition, an entity will have to disclose significantly more information about allowances, credit quality indicators and past due securities. The new provisions will be applied as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this guidance and has not yet determined the impact of its adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


29



 

The following information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the associated notes thereto of this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or SEC).

 

As used below, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “the Company,” “Genie,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Genie Energy Ltd., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, collectively.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that contain the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” and similar words and phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in any forward-looking statement. In addition to the factors specifically noted in the forward-looking statements, other important factors, risks and uncertainties that could result in those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below under Part II, Item IA and under Item 1A to Part I “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this report and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth in this report and the other information set forth from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.


Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19)


Starting in the first quarter 2020, the world and the United States experienced the unprecedented impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.


For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the impacts of COVID-19 are evident in several key aspects of our business operations and the corresponding financial impact has been mixed. 


Our customer base is predominantly residential, so we benefited from the increased demand for residential electricity when customers are working from their homes. On the other hand, like other retail providers, we suspended our face-to-face customer acquisition programs in March 2020 as public health measures were implemented to combat COVID-19, resulting in a decrease in gross meter acquisitions and a reduction in the U.S. domestic meters served. Churn for the second quarter of 2021 decreased compared to the same period in 2020, in part, due to our competitors suspending face to face marketing programs. 


We did not experience any significant changes in our workforce composition and were able to implement our business continuity plans with no significant impact to our ability to maintain our operations. We continue to maintain strong physical and cybersecurity measures in order to both serve our operational needs with a remote workforce and to ensure that we continue to provide services to our customers. We face challenges due to the need to operate with a remote workforce and are continuing to address those challenges so as to minimize the impact on our ability to operate.   


In the fourth quarter of 2020, authorities began relaxing certain COVID-19 public health restrictions in some of our markets which allows us to resume face-to-face sales and marketing. Looking ahead, we expect to see a modest rebound in meter acquisition, however, any reversal of the easing of restrictions would impact that expected rebound.


There are many uncertainties regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are closely monitoring those impacts of on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact our customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, and business partners. We are currently unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position and operating results due to the complexities of the impacts and numerous uncertainties that are beyond the Company's control. We expect to continue to assess the evolving impact of COVID-19 on our business and assets and intend to make adjustments accordingly.


Overview

 

We are comprised of Genie Retail Energy ("GRE"), Genie Retail Energy International ("GRE International") and Genie Renewables. In March 2021, the Company modified its management reporting to rename the Genie Energy Services ("GES") segment as "Genie Renewables."


GRE owns and operates retail energy providers ("REPs"), including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square Energy ("TSE"), Southern Federal and Mirabito Natural Gas. GRE's REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas primarily to residential and small business customers, with the majority of the customers in the Eastern and Midwestern United States and Texas.


30



GRE International holds the Company's REPs that serve retail customers in United Kingdom under the name Orbit Energy, its 98.8% interest in venture in Japan ("Genie Japan"), its 91.7% interest in Lumo Energia Oyj ("Lumo Finland"), a REP serving residential customers in Finland and its 98.8% interest in Lumo Energi AB ("Lumo Sweden"), which was formed in 2019 to serve retail energy customers in Sweden. In May 2021, we completed the sale of Genie Japan.


Genie Renewables holds Diversegy, a retail energy advisory and brokerage company that serves commercial and industrial customers throughout the United States, Genie Solar Energy and CityCom Solar and manages our 60.0% controlling interest in Prism. Prism is a solar solutions company that is engaged in U.S. based manufacturing of solar panels, solar installation design and solar energy project management. Genie Solar Energy sells rooftop solar systems to commercial and industrial clients. CityCom Solar is a marketer of community solar energy solutions.


As part of our ongoing business development efforts, we seek out new opportunities, which may include complementary operations or businesses that reflect horizontal or vertical expansion from our current operations. Some of these potential opportunities are considered briefly and others are examined in further depth. In particular, we seek out acquisitions to expand the geographic scope and size of our REP businesses.


Strategic Update

 

We are conducting a strategic review of our businesses in part to address the different investment profiles of its United States and European businesses and to enhance shareholder value across our operations. As one element of this review, we are contemplating opportunities to separate GRE International from GRE and Genie Renewables through a spin-off of GRE International into a separate, publicly-traded entity. If a transaction is consummated, we believe that shareholders could benefit from the potential spin-off of GRE International with adequate capital and a dedicated management team empowered to gain scale and accelerate growth in its current and prospective European markets. The remaining domestic operations, GRE and Genie Renewables would then be positioned to accelerate their respective growth plans. 


Genie Retail Energy

 

GRE operates REPs that resell electricity and/or natural gas to residential and small business customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. GRE’s revenues represented approximately 67.6% and 80.8% of our consolidated revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


Seasonality and Weather

 

The weather and the seasons, among other things, affect GRE’s REPs' revenues. Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for natural gas used for heating and electricity used for heating and cooling. Typically, colder winters increase demand for natural gas and electricity, and hotter summers increase demand for electricity. Milder winters and/or summers have the opposite effects. Unseasonable temperatures in other periods may also impact demand levels. Potential changes in global climate may produce, among other possible conditions, unusual variations in temperature and weather patterns, resulting in unusual weather conditions, more intense, frequent and extreme weather events and other natural disasters. Some climatologists believe that these extreme weather events will become more common and more extreme which will have a greater impact on our operations. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the first quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to increased air conditioning use. Approximately 47.7% and 49.6% of GRE’s natural gas revenues for the relevant years were generated in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, when demand for heating was highest. Although the demand for electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas (due, in part, to usage of electricity for both heating and cooling), approximately 31.8% of GRE’s electricity revenues for 2020 and 2019, were generated in the third quarters of those years. GRE's REP's revenues and operating income are subject to material seasonal variations, and the interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of the estimated financial results for the full year.


Winter Storm in Texas

 

In mid-February of 2021, the State of Texas experienced unprecedented cold weather and snow, which was named Winter Storm Uri. With the grid overtaxed due to demand and weather-related reduced supply and rolling blackouts being enforced, by order of the ERCOT, real-time commodity prices during the crisis escalated significantly. Although our supply commitment for our customers in Texas was reasonably hedged for reasonably foreseen winter weather conditions, the market conditions exposed us to further unexpected cost increases. Despite our cost increases related to the unprecedented price volatility in real-time electricity prices, we maintained customer rates under current agreements with customers. The impact on our consolidated profitability for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 were approximately$1.0 and  $13.0 million, respectively. 


In June 2021, the state legislature of the State of Texas passed House Bill 4492 (“HB 4492”) which includes certain provisions for financing certain costs associated with electric markets caused by Winter Storm Uri. Pursuant to HB 4492, two categories of charges associated with Winter Storm Uri are to be securitized and the proceeds of the securitization will be provided going to the load serving entities who originally incurred the charges. Under HB 4492, we are entitled to recover a portion of the costs incurred from the effect of Winter Storm Uri with a calculated range of $1.5 million to $2.6 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a reduction in cost of revenues of $1.5 million. 

 

31


Purchase of Receivables

 

Utility companies offer purchase of receivable, or POR, programs in most of the service territories in which GRE operates. GRE’s REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in POR programs for a majority of their receivables. In addition to providing billing and collection services, utility companies purchase those REPs’ receivables and assume all credit risk without recourse to those REPs. GRE’s REPs’ primary credit risk is therefore nonpayment by the utility companies. In each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 the associated cost was approximately 1.0% of GRE's revenue. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 the associated cost was approximately 1.3% and 1.2%, respectively, of GRE's revenue. At June 30, 2021, 87.2% of GRE’s net accounts receivables were under a POR program.


Class Action Lawsuits


Although GRE endeavors to maintain best sales and marketing practices, such practices have been the subject of certain class action lawsuits.


On February 18, 2020, named Plaintiff Danelle Davis filed a putative class action complaint against Residents Energy and GRE in United States District of New Jersey alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C § 227 et seq. Residents Energy denies allegations in the complaint and plans to vigorously defend this action. On or around October 9, 2020, Residents Energy filed a preliminary motion to dismiss one of the counts in the complaint, and to dismiss GRE as a named defendant.  Although Residents Energy and GRE denies any wrongdoing in connection with the complaints, the parties settled the matter for a minimal amount which was included in selling general and administrative expenses for three months ended March 31, 2021.


See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference.


Agency and Regulatory Proceedings


From time to time, the Company responds to inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes. The Company cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions or whether the Company and the regulatory parties will enter into settlements before a formal claim is made. See Notes 17, Commitments and Contingencies, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference, for further detail on agency and regulatory proceedings.


New York Public Service Commission Proceedings


In December 2017, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. On December 12, 2019, following the completion of post-hearing briefings in the proceedings, the PSC issued orders adopting changes to the New York retail energy market, effective April 14, 2021 (“2021 Orders”). The 2021 Orders limits the types of services energy retailer marketers may offer new customers or renewals, in terms of pricing for non-renewable commodities, and renewable product offerings.  Although the Company is working to ensure that its products and services are fully compatible with the 2021 Orders, such compliance may adversely impact customer acquisition and renewal revenue and profitability. The Company is evaluating its options, both by itself and in tandem with other industry participants, to challenge or petition for additional clarity and changes to the 2021 Orders. There is insufficient basis to deem any loss probable or to assess the amount of any possible loss based on the changes instituted by the 2021 Orders. As of June 30, 2021, New York represented 18.6% of GRE’s total meters served and 14.9% of the total residential customer equivalents (“RCEs”) of GRE’s customer base. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, New York gross revenues were $10.3 million and $27.4 million, respectively.


An RCE represents a natural gas customer with annual consumption of 100 mmbtu or an electricity customer with annual consumption of 10 MWh. Because different customers have different rates of energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profile of a given retail customer base.

 

32


State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority


Town Square

 

On September 19, 2018, the State of Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) commenced an investigation into Town Square following customer complaints of allegedly misleading and deceptive sales practices on the part of Town Square. The Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel has joined in the investigation Although Town Square denies any basis for those complaints and any wrongdoing on its part, has cooperated with the investigation and responded to subpoenas for discovery. On June 17, 2020, the PURA notified Town Square that it was advancing it’s investigation by assigning Prosecutorial ("PRO") staff for the purpose of investigating Town Square’s compliance with licensed electric supplier billing, marketing, and licensing requirements, and, if appropriate, facilitating settlement discussions among the parties that contains, but is not limited to, an appropriate civil penalty, extensive retraining of the supplier’s third-party agents, and retention of all sales calls with continued auditing. In the first quarter of 2021, Town Square engaged in settlement discussions with PURA and accrued $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2021. 


In July 2021, the parties settled the dispute. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Town Square will pay $0.4 million. Town Square has also, and has agreed to voluntarily refrain, from in-person marketing activities in Connecticut for the period of 15 months. As of June 30, 2021, Town Square’s Connecticut customer base represented 10.0% of GRE’s total meters served and 11.1% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base. For three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Town Square’s gross revenues from sales in Connecticut were $6.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively.


Residents Energy


In August of 2020, Residents Energy began marketing retail energy services in Connecticut. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Residents Energy's gross revenues from sales in Connecticut were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the enforcement division of PURA contacted Residents Energy concerning customer complaints received in connection with alleged door-to-door marketing activities in violation of various rules and regulations, including a ban on door-to-door activities during the pertinent time period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In January and February of 2021, Residents Energy responded to the limited information requests and discovery made by the enforcement division. On March 12, 2021, the enforcement division filed a motion against Resident Energy with the adjudicating body of PURA, seeking the assessment of $1.5 million in penalties, along with a suspension of license for eighteen months, auditing of marketing practices upon reinstatement and an invitation for settlement discussions. Residents Energy believes that the initial demand is disproportionate to its scope of activity. In the first quarter of 2021, Residents Energy engaged in settlement discussions with PURA and accrued $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2021.


In June 2021, the parties settled the dispute. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, Residents Energy paid $0.3 million and volunteered to withdraw from the market in Connecticut for a period of 36 months.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Critical accounting policies are those that require application of management’s most subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Our critical accounting policies include those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, acquisitions, goodwill, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies, see our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 20—Recently Issued Accounting Standards, to the current period’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Results of Operations

 

We evaluate the performance of our operating business segments based primarily on income (loss) from operations. Accordingly, the income and expense line items below income (loss) from operations are only included in our discussion of the consolidated results of operations.

 

33



Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and Compared to Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

Genie Retail Energy Segment

  

 

Three months ended

June 30,


Change



Six months ended
June 30,

Change

(amounts in thousands)


2021


2020


$


%



2021

2020

$

%

Revenues:
























Electricity
$ 61,895

$ 61,075

$ 820

1.3 %
$ 135,282

$ 124,150

$ 11,132

9.0 %
Natural gas

5,082


5,396



(314 )

(5.8 )


22,362


21,467


895

4.2
Total revenues

66,977


66,471



506

0.8


157,644


145,617


12,027

8.3
Cost of revenues

48,657


49,421



(764 )

(1.5 )


124,358


100,963


23,395

23.2
Gross profit

18,320


17,050



1,270

7.4

33,286


44,654


(11,368 )

(25.5 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses



12,811



11,095


1,716

15.5



26,574


25,680


894

3.5
       Income from operations
$ 5,509


$ 5,955


$ (446 )

(7.5
) %
$ 6,712

$

18,974

$ (12,262 )

(64.6 ) %


Revenues. Electricity revenues increased by 1.3% in three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The increase is due to an increase in average rate per kilowatt hour sold partially offset by decrease in electricity consumption in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The average rate per kilowatt hour sold increased by 3.9% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs' customers decreased by 2.4% in the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. The decrease in electricity consumption reflected a 4.4% decrease in average number of meters served partially offset by a 2.1% increase in average consumption per meter


Electricity revenues increased by 9.0% in six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The increase is due to an increase in electricity consumption partially offset by a slight decrease in the average rate per kilowatt hour sold in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs' customers increased 9.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in electricity consumption reflected a 10.0% increase in the average consumption per meter partially offset by a 0.2% decrease in the average number of meters served. The average rate per kilowatt hour sold decreased 0.7.% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in per meter consumption reflects colder weather in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 and increased residential electricity consumption resulting from COVID-19 "stay-at-home" orders.


GRE’s natural gas revenues decreased by 5.8% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.  The decrease in natural gas revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was a result of a decrease in natural gas consumption partially offset by an increase in average rate per therm sold. Natural gas consumption by GRE’s REPs customers decreased by 9.3% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, reflecting a 9.0% decrease in average consumption per meter and a 0.3% decrease in average meters served in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The average revenue per therm increased by 9.3% in the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.


GRE’s natural gas revenues increased in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.  The increase is due to an increase in natural gas consumption by GRE's REPs' customers partially offset by a decrease in the average rate per therm sold in the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Natural gas consumption by GRE’s REPs’ customers increased by 5.6% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 reflecting an 11.3% increase in average consumption per meter in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 partially offset by a decrease of 5.2% in average meters served in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020Average rate per therm sold decreased by 1.3% in the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.


34


The customer base for GRE’s REPs as measured by meters served consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30, 2021



March 31, 2021 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

Meters at end of quarter:

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity customers

 

292

 

308

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

309

 

 

 

310

 

Natural gas customers

 

69

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

64

 

Total meters

 

361

 

373

 

 

 

370

 

 

 

376

 

 

 

374

 

 

Gross meter acquisitions in three months ended June 30, 2021, were 35,000 compared to 40,000 for the same period in 2020. Gross meter acquisitions in six months ended June 30, 2021, were 97,000 compared to 109,000 for the same period in 2020The decrease reflects the effects of COVID-19 related public health restrictions on certain sales channels that remain in effect. 


Meters served decreased by 12,000 meters or 3.2% from March 31, 2021 to June 30, 2021. Meters served decreased by 9,000 meters or 2.4% from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021In three months ended June 30, 2021, average monthly churn decreased to 3.8% compared to 3.9% for same period in 2020. In the six months ended June 30, 2021, average monthly churn was flat at 4.3% compared to same period in 2020

 

The average rates of annualized energy consumption, as measured by RCEs, are presented in the chart below. An RCE represents a natural gas customer with annual consumption of 100 mmbtu or an electricity customer with annual consumption of 10 MWh. Because different customers have different rates of energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profile of a given retail customer base.

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

RCEs at end of quarter:

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity customers

 

272

 

291

 

 

 

284

 

 

 

294

 

 

 

288

 

Natural gas customers

 

58

 

56

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

55

 

Total RCEs

 

330

 

347

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

350

 

 

 

343

 

 

35


RCEs decreased 4.9% at June 30, 2021 compared to March 31, 2021. RCEs decreased by 2.1%  from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The decreases reflect the decreases in the number of meters served as a result of continuous effects of COVID-19 related public health restrictions on certain sales channels.

 

Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin Percentage. GRE’s cost of revenues and gross margin percentagewere as follows: 


 
Three Months Ended June 30,


Change



Six months ended June 30,

Change


(amounts in thousands)
2021

2020

$

%


2021

2020

$

%


Cost of revenues:


























Electricity
$ 45,883

$ 46,181

$ (298 )
(0.6 ) %
$ 112,344

$ 89,253

$ 23,091

25.9 %
Natural gas

2,774


3,239


(465
)
(14.4
)


12,014


11,710


304

2.6

Total cost of revenues
$ 48,657


$ 49,420


$ (763
)
(1.5
) %
$ 124,358

$ 100,963

$ 23,395


23.2
%

 

 

Three months ended June 30

Six months ended June 30,
(amounts in thousands)

2021


2020


Change


2021


2020


Change

Gross margin percentage:
























Electricity

25.9 %


24.4



1.5 %

17.0 %

28.1 %

(11.2) %
Natural gas

45.4


40.0


5.4



46.3


45.5


0.8

Total gross margin percentage

27.4 %

25.7 %

1.7 %

21.1
%

30.7
%

(9.6) %


nm—not meaningful


Cost of revenues for electricity increased in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily because of increases in electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs’ customers and the average unit cost of electricity. The average unit cost of electricity increased 2.1% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Gross margin on electricity sales decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 because the average rate charged to customers increased less than the increase in the average unit cost of electricity. 


Cost of revenues for electricity increased in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily because of increases in electricity consumption by GRE’s REPs’ customers and the average unit cost of electricity. The average unit cost of electricity increased 14.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. A significant portion of the increase resulted from incremental cost incurred as an effect of a major winter storm in Texas as discussed above. Gross margin on electricity sales decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 because the average rate charged to customers decreased while the average unit cost of electricity increased.  


Cost of revenues for natural gas increased in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily because of an increase in natural gas consumption by GRE's REPs' customers partially offset by a decrease in average unit cost of natural gas. The average unit cost of natural gas decreased 9.9% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Gross margin on natural gas sales increased in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 because the average rate charged to customers increased while the average unit cost of natural gas decreased.


Cost of revenues for natural gas increased in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 primarily because of an increase in natural gas consumption by GRE's REPs' customers partially offset by a decrease in average unit cost of natural gas. The average unit cost of natural gas decreased 3.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Gross margin on natural gas sales increased in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 because the average rate charged to customers decreased less than the decrease in the average unit cost of natural gas.


36


Selling, General and Administrative. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to increase in customer acquisition costs. Customer acquisition expenses increased by $1.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020 due to change in the mix of customers acquired during the periods. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased from 16.7% in the three months ended June 30, 2020 to 19.1% in the three months ended June 30, 2021. 


The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to increases in marketing expenses. Marketing expenses increased by $0.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020 due to expenses incurred on different marketing channels to offset the effect of COVID-19 related public health restrictions on door-to-door marketing. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense decreased from 17.6% in the six months ended June 30, 2020 to 16.9% in the six months ended June 30, 2021

 

GRE International Segment




Three Months Ended June 30,

Change 


Six Months Ended June 30,

Change

(amounts in thousands)

2021


2020


$


%


2021

2020

$


%

Revenues

































   Electricity
$ 21,419

$ 4,831

$ 16,588


343.4
%
$ 51,703

$ 11,727

$ 39,976

340.9 %
   Natural gas

6,694





6,694


100.0



18,486





18,486


100.0

   Others

272


206


66


32.0



382


263


119

45.2

Total revenues


$ 28,385

$ 5,037

$ 23,348

463.5

$ 70,571

$ 11,990

$ 58,581

488.6

Cost of revenue        



23,861


3,122


20,739

664.3


64,602


10,363


54,239

523.4

Gross profit 



4,524


1,915


2,609

136.2


5,969


1,627

4,342

266.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses



7,559


2,522


5,037

199.7


15,664


4,754


10,910

229.5

Loss from operations      


$ (3,035) )
$ (607 )
$ 2,428

400.0
%
$ (9,695 )
$ (3,127 )
$ 6,568

210.0 %
Equity in net loss of Shoreditch




1,502


(1,502 )

(100.0 )





1,502


(1,502 )

(100.0 )


GRE International holds our stakes in REPs outside of North America. These businesses include Shoreditch, which operates as Orbit Energy in the U.K., Genie Japan (prior to its sale in May 2021), our controlling stakes in Lumo Finland and Lumo Sweden. Lumo Sweden began operations in the second quarter of 2020.


Prior to our acquisition of the remaining 23.0% of Shoreditch in October 2020, we accounted for our 77.0% interest in Shoreditch under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, we recorded our share in the net income or loss of Shoreditch. Therefore, revenue generated, and expenses incurred were not reflected in our consolidated revenue and expenses.


In January 2021, weather volatility and the lack of adequate gas reserves drove the prices on the Japan Electric Power Exchange to $2,390 per megawatt hour for an extended period of time. Although our supply commitment for our customers in Japan was hedged reasonably for expected winter weather conditions, the extreme price spike exposed us to further unexpected cost increases. The impact on our first quarter 2021 consolidated result of operations was approximately $2.5 million.


On April 26, 2021, we entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with Hanhwa Q Cells Japan Co., Ltd. ("Hanhwa"), pursuant to which, we agreed to sell our interest in Genie Japan for ¥570.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.3 million at April 26, 2021) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. On May 11, 2021, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of Purchase Agreement, we completed the divestiture of Genie Japan for an aggregate cash consideration of ¥570.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.2 million at May 11, 2021). Hanhwa also assumed the outstanding loans payable of Genie Japan. We paid $0.6 million of commission to certain former employees of Genie Japan and recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.2 million from the divestiture. For the period from January 1, 2021 to May 11, 2021, Genie Japan had revenues and cost of revenues of $3.9 million and $5.9 million, respectively.


Meters served by GRE International's REPs (including those served by Orbit Energy for all periods) decreased to 192,000 at June 30, 2021 from 199,000 at March 31, 2021 and 195,000 at December 31, 2020. The decreases are primarily due to the sale of Genie Japan partially offset by the growth in Orbit Energy's and Lumo Finland's customer bases.


RCEs served by GRE International's REPs increased to 106,000 at June 30, 2021 from 103,000, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The increases are primarily from the growth in Orbit Energy, Lumo Finland and Lumo Sweden partially offset by the sale of Genie Japan. 


Revenue. GRE International's revenues increased in three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 primarily due to the consolidation of Orbit Energy in October 2020, increase in meters served in Lumo Finland and the start of commercial operations of Lumo Sweden in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by decrease from sale of Genie Japan in May 2021. Orbit Energy increased GREI's revenue in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 by $21.3 million and $49.2 million, respectively.


37


 

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenue increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. The increases in cost of revenues were consistent with the increases in revenues for the periods. Orbit Energy increased GREI's cost of revenue in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 by $18.8 million and $41.7 million, respectively. Cost of revenues for six months ended June 21, 2021 includes $2.5 million incremental cost recorded in Genie Japan as a result of weather volatility and the lack of adequate gas reserves in Japan in first quarter of 2021.


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to the consolidation of Orbit Energy in October 2020, continued growth of operations at Lumo Finland and Genie Japan (prior to its sale) and the start of commercial operation of Lumo Sweden in the second quarter of 2020. Orbit Energy increased GREI's selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 by $5.9 million. Marketing and customer acquisition-related expenses increased related to the increase in number of meters acquired. The number of employees also increased in six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to same period in 2020 as a result of the expansion of operations.

 

Genie Renewables Segment

 

The Genie Renewables (formerly GES) segment is composed of Prism, in which we hold a 60.0% controlling interest, Diversegy, Genie Solar and CityCom Solar.




Three Months Ended June 30,

Change 


Six Months Ended June 30,



Change

(amounts in thousands)

2021

2020



$


%


2021

2020

$


%

Revenues
$ 2,344

$ 4,567

$ (2,223 )

(48.7 ) %
$ 4,832

$ 22,519

$ (17,687 )

(78.5 ) %
Cost of revenues

1,422


4,045


(2,623 )

(64.8 )


2,792


20,408


(17,616
)

(86.3
)

Gross profit 



922


522


400


76.6



2,040


2,111

(71
)

(3.4 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses



588


832


(244 )

(29.3 )


1,146


1,889


(743
)

(39.3
)
Impairment of assets




801


(801 )

nm







993


(993
)

nm


Income (loss) from operations 


$ 334

$ (1,111 )
$ (1,445 )

(130.1 ) %
$ 894
$ (771 )
$ (1,665 )

(216.0 ) %


nm—not meaningful


Revenue. Genie Renewables' revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. The decreases in revenues were the result of the discontinuance of a relationship with a customer of Prism in the second quarter of 2020. Revenues from Diversegy include commissions, entry fees and other fees from our energy brokerage and marketing services businesses.  Revenues from CityCom Solar include commission from selling third-party products to customers.


Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenue decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020. The decreases in cost of revenues were consistent with the decreases in revenues for the periods. Cost of revenues also includes commissions incurred by our energy brokerage and marketing services businesses.  


Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 primarily because of the streamlining of operations of Prism in first quarter of 2020 and the sale of the Prism facility in October 2020.


Impairment of assets. Impairment of assets in three and six months ended June 30, 2020 pertains to the impairments of property, plant and equipment and customer relationship of Prism as a result of the disposal of  Prism's property in New York and renegotiation of the contract with the customer. 


38


Corporate

 

Corporate does not generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues. Corporate costs include unallocated compensation, consulting fees, legal fees, business development expense and other corporate-related general and administrative expense. 


(amounts in thousands)
Three months ended
June 30,


Change

Six months ended
June 30,


Change



2021

2020

$

%


2021


2020


$



%


General and administrative expenses and loss from operations
$ 1,452

$ 1,507


$ (55
)

(3.6 ) % $ 3,130


$ 3,133


$ (3
)


(0.1
) %

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 were relatively flat compared to the same periods in 2020. As a percentage of our consolidated revenues, Corporate general and administrative expense decreased to 1.5% in the three months ended June 30, 2021 from 2.0% in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and decreased to 1.3% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 from 1.7%  six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

Consolidated

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Stock-based compensation expense included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense was $0.6 million and $0.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively and $1.1 million and $0.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. At June 30, 2021, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation was $5.3 million. The unrecognized compensation cost is recognized over the expected service period.

 

The following is a discussion of our consolidated income and expense line items below income from operations: 

 

   

Three months ended

June 30,



Change


Six months ended

June 30,



Change


 (amounts in thousands)   2021


2020


 $


%



2021

2020

$

%

Income (loss) from operations   $ 1,356
$ 2,730

$ (1,374
)

(50.3)
%
$ (5,219 ) $ 11,943

$ (17,162
)
(143.7 )
%
Interest income  
10


20


(10
)


(50.0 )


20

143

(123 )
(86.0 )
Interest expense  
(103 )

(58 )

(45 )

77.6

(212 )
(175 )

(37 )
21.1
Equity in net income (loss) in equity method investees

53


(1,173 )

1,226


(104.5 )

164

(1,552 )
1,716


(110.6
)
Other (loss) income, net  
(14 )

(52 )


38


(73.1
)

283

98


185

188.8

Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities and investments

2,915






2,915


nm


7,022



7,022

nm
Gain on sale of subsidiary

4,226






4,226


nm


4,226



4,226

nm

Provision for income taxes  
(3,158 )

(587
)

(2,571 )

438.0

(3,693 )
(3,156 )
(537)

17.0

Net income  
5,285


880


4,405

(500.6 )

2,591

7,301


(4,710)


(64.5)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  
(82 )

(1,083 )

1,001

(92.4 )

(790 )
(494
)
(296 )
59.9

Net income attributable to Genie   $ 5,367

$ 1,963

$ 3,404

173.4 %
$ 3,381
$ 7,795
$ (4,414)

(56.6) %

 

nm—not meaningful

39


Other (loss) income, net.  Other income (loss), net in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 consisted primarily foreign currency transactions.

 

Provision for Income TaxesReported tax rate for three months ended June 30, 2021 was 37.4%, a slight decrease as compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in the reported tax rate for six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 is a result of changes in the mix of jurisdictions in which the taxable income was earned which was not offset by income tax benefit in some jurisdictions that had losses due to valuation allowances in those jurisdictions.


Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The decreases in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 was primarily due to decreases in net losses of CCE and Prism due to streamline of operations. 


Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities and investments. The unrealized gain on marketable equity securities and investment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 pertains to the appreciation of the Company's investments in common stock and warrants to purchase common stock of Rafael Holdings, Inc. ("Rafael") which the Company acquired in December 2020. 


Gain on sale of subsidiary. The gain on the sale of the subsidiary for the three and six pertain to the gain recognizes related to the sale of Genie Japan as discussed above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

General

 

We currently expect that our cash flow from operations and the $31.4 million balance of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents that we held at June 30, 2021 will be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated cash requirements for at least the period from July 1, 2021 to August 9, 2022.

 

At June 30, 2021, we had working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $41.3 million.

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 


 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

(5,871

)

 

$

13,642

Investing activities

 

 

3,483

 

 

(1,882

)

Financing activities

 

 

(3,175

)

 

 

(8,567

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(54

)

 

 

12

Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

$

(5,617

)

 

$

3,205

 

Operating Activities

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash used in operating activities was $5.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $13.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020. Net income after non-cash adjustments decreased cash flows by $15.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. The decrease in operating cash flows is primarily the result of unfavorable results of operations and the inclusion of operations of Orbit Energy in the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

Our cash flow from operations varies significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, depending on our operating results and the timing of operating cash receipts and payments, specifically trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable. Changes in working capital decreased cash flows by $2.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Changes in other assets decreased cash flows by $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. 

 

40


GRE’s REPs are party to an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company, or BP, which is to be in effect through November 30, 2020. The obligations to BP are secured by a first security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection with their purchase of the REPs’ customer’s receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. In addition, the REPs must pay an advance payment of $2.5 million to BP each month that BP will apply to the next invoiced amount due to BP. The ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. At June 30, 2021, we were in compliance with such covenants. At June 30, 2021, restricted cash—short-term of $0.4 million and trade accounts receivable of $46.6 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of trade accounts payable to BP of $18.0 million at June 30, 2021.


We had purchase commitments of $145.0 million at June 30, 2021, of which $90.1 million was for purchases of electricity.


From time to time, we receive inquiries or requests for information or materials from public utility commissions or other governmental regulatory or law enforcement agencies related to investigations under statutory or regulatory schemes, and we respond to those inquiries or requests. We cannot predict whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions.

 

Investing Activities

 

Our capital expenditures were minimal in the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. We currently anticipate that our total capital expenditures in the twelve months ending December 31, 2021 will be between $0.5 to $1.0 million.


In December 2020, we invested $5.0 million in Class B common stock of Rafael. Rafael, a publicly-traded company, is also a related party. In connection with the purchase, Rafael issued to us warrants to purchase an additional 43,649 shares of Rafael's Class B common stock with an exercise price of $22.91 per share. The warrants had a term expiring on June 6, 2022. We exercised the warrants in full on March 31, 2021 for a total exercise price of $1.0 million. We do not exercise significant influence over the operating or financial policies of Rafael.


On May 11, 2021, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, we completed the divestiture of Genie Japan for an aggregate consideration of ¥570.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.2 million at May 11, 2021). We paid $0.6 million of commission to certain former employees of Genie Japan and included $0.1 million of cash in the assets transferred to the buyer for a net proceed of $4.5 million.


 Financing Activities

 

In each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, we paid aggregate quarterly Base Dividends of $0.3188 per share, $0.7 million in the aggregate, on our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock, or Preferred Stock. On July 8, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share of our Preferred Stock. The dividend will be paid on or about August 16, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 9, 2021.

 

In March 2021, in light of the losses incurred from the effects of the events in Texas and Japan discussed above, the Company suspended the payment of quarterly dividends on its common stock to rebuild cash position.


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In the six months ended June 30, 2020, we paid aggregate quarterly dividends of $0.160 per share to stockholders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The Company paid $4.1 million in aggregate dividends on our common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.


On March 11, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a program for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of our Class B common stock. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired 392,932 Class B common stock under the stock purchase program for an aggregate amount of $2.4 million. In the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company acquired 200,873 Class B common stock under the stock purchase program for an aggregate amount of $1.5 million. In the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company acquired 213,206 Class B common stock under the stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $1.5 million. At June 30, 2021, 5.5 million shares of Class B common stock remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.


On November 28, 2019, Genie Japan entered into a Loan Agreement with Tokyo Star Bank for a ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) short-term credit facility. Genie Japan provided a letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase amounting to ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) as collateral. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at Tokyo Star Bank's short-term prime rate plus 0.25% per annum. Interest was payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest matured on of May 13, 2020. Genie Japan settled the Loan agreement and paid the outstanding balance of ¥100.0 million (equivalent to $0.9 million) on May 13, 2020. 


On May 13, 2020, Genie Japan entered into a new Loan Agreement with Tokyo Star Bank for a  ¥150.0 million (equivalent to $1.4 million) short-term credit facility ("May 2020 Loan"). Genie Japan provided a letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase in the amount of ¥150.0 million (equivalent to $1.4 million) as collateral. The outstanding principal amount incurs interest at 3.0% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest matured on November 13, 2020. On November 13, 2020, Genie Japan and Tokyo Star Bank amended the May 2020 Loan to extend the maturity date to March 13, 2021. At March 31, 2021, $1.4 million was outstanding under the May 2020 Loan. At March 31, 2021, the effective interest rate was 3.0%.


In May 2021, completed the sale of Genie Japan including the outstanding balance of the May 2020 Loan of $1.4 million at the date of the sale.


On April 4, 2017, GRE, IDT Energy, and other GRE subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial Services II, LLC ("Vantage"), for a $20 million revolving loan facility. The borrowers consist of our subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed by GRE. The borrowers have provided as collateral a security interest in their receivables, bank accounts, customer agreements, certain other material agreements and related commercial and intangible rights. The outstanding principal amount incurred interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly, and all outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest matured on April 3, 2020. In April 2020, the revolving line of credit expired and we paid outstanding balance of $3.5 million.


On December 5, 2019, we entered into the first amendment of Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Credit Agreement”) to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2020. On December 8, 2020, we entered into the second amendment of the existing Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2021. The Company continues to have the aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million credit line facility (“Credit Line”). The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.1% per annum on unused portion of the Credit Line as specified in the Credit Agreement. The borrowed amounts will be in the form of letters of credit which will bear interest of 1.0% per annum. The Company will also pay a fee for each letter of credit that is issued equal to the greater of $500 or 1.0% of the original maximum available amount of the letter of credit. We agreed to deposit cash in a money market account at JPMorgan Chase Bank as collateral for the line of credit equal to $5.1 million. As of June 30, 2021, there was no letters of credit issued from JP Morgan Chase Bank. At June 30, 2021, the cash collateral of $5.2 million was included in restricted cash—short-term in the consolidated balance sheet.


In December 11, 2019, we refinanced Prism's outstanding 5.95% notes payable from Catskill Hudson Bank that was due in November 2019. The outstanding balance of notes payable of $0.9 million at December 11, 2019 was payable in monthly equal installments for period of ten years. The outstanding principal amount incurred fixed interest at 4.75% per annum. The notes payable were secured by Prism's commercial property in Highland, New York. In March 2020, the outstanding balance of the notes payable was transferred to liabilities held for sale. On October 16, 2020, Prism settled the notes payable to Catskill Bank previously classified as liabilities held for sale with full payment of the principal amount of $0.8 million.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

 

We do not have any “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined in relevant SEC regulations that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, other than the following. GRE has performance bonds issued through a third party for the benefit of certain utility companies and for various states in order to comply with the states’ financial requirements for retail energy providers. At June 30, 2021, the Company had outstanding aggregate performance bonds of $13.8 million.


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Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.

 

Our primary market risk exposure is the price applicable to our natural gas and electricity purchases and sales. The sales price of our natural gas and electricity is primarily driven by the prevailing market price. Hypothetically, for our GRE segment, if our gross profit per unit in the three months ended June 30, 2021 had remained the same as in the three months ended June 30, 2020, our gross profit from electricity sales would have increased by $0.2 million and our gross profit from natural gas sales would have decreased by $0.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021. Hypothetically, for our GRE segment, if our gross profit per unit in the six months ended June 30, 2021 had remained the same as in the six months ended June 30, 2020, our gross profit from electricity sales would have increased by $17.0 million and our gross profit from natural gas sales would have decreased by $0.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. 


Hypothetically, for our GRE International segment, if our gross profit per unit in the three months ended June 30, 2021 had remained the same as in the three months ended June 30, 2020, our gross loss from electricity sales would have increased by $0.4 million and our gross profit from natural gas would have decreased by $0.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021. Hypothetically, for our GRE International segment, if our gross profit per unit in the six months ended June 30, 2021 had remained the same as in the six months ended June 30, 2020, our gross loss from electricity sales would have decreased by $1.1 million and our gross profit from natural gas would have decreased by $1.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2021.


The energy markets have historically been very volatile, and we can reasonably expect that electricity and natural gas prices will be subject to fluctuations in the future. In an effort to reduce the effects of the volatility of the price of electricity and natural gas on our operations, we have adopted a policy of hedging electricity and natural gas prices from time to time, at relatively lower volumes, primarily through the use of put and call options and swaps. While the use of these hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, it also limits future gains from favorable movements. We do not apply hedge accounting to these options or swaps, therefore the mark-to-market change in fair value is recognized in cost of revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 7 – Derivative Instruments, for details of the hedging activities.

 

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2021, due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that was disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.


Remediation. As previously described in Part II, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, we began implementing a remediation plan to address the material weakness mentioned above. The weakness will not be considered remediated, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. We expect that the remediation of this material weakness will be completed in 2021.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 


43


 

 

Legal proceedings in which we are involved are more fully described in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 to Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

 

There are no material changes from the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Item 2.       Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table provides information with respect to purchases by us of shares of our Class B common stock during the first quarter of 2021:

 

 

 

Total
Number of 
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price
per Share

 

Total Number 
of Shares
Purchased as 
part of
Publicly 
Announced
Plans or 
Programs

 

Maximum 
Number of 
Shares that 
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the 
Plans or
Programs (1)

 

April 1–30, 2021

 

 

146,720

 

$

5.76

 

 

146,720

 

 

5,784,578


May 1–31, 2021 

 

 

246,212


 

6.46

 

 

246,212

 

 

5,538,366

 

June 1–30, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,538,366


Total

 

 

392,932

 

$

6.20

 

 

392,932

 

 

   

 

 

(1)

Under our existing stock repurchase program, approved by our Board of Directors on March 11, 2013, we were authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of our Class B common stock.

 

On July 7, 2021, the Company acquired 125,000 shares of Class B common stock under the existing stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $0.8 million. 



 

None

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

None 


44


Item 6.       Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



 

32.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.



101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document



101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document



101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document



101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document



101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)


*

Filed or furnished herewith.

  


45


 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Genie Energy Ltd.

 

 

 

August 9, 2021

By:

/s/ Michael M. Stein

 

 

Michael M. Stein

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

August 9, 2021

By:

/s/ Avi Goldin

 

 

Avi Goldin

Chief Financial Officer



46