Quarterlytics / Utilities / Regulated Electric / Genie Energy Ltd. / FY2017 Annual Report

Genie Energy Ltd.
Annual Report 2017

GNE · NYSE Utilities
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Employees 152
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FY2017 Annual Report · Genie Energy Ltd.
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GENIE ENERGY LTD.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Fellow Stockholders,

One year ago, our Chairman, Howard Jonas, wrote to you that he expected 2017 to be a transformative year for 
Genie. His prediction was entirely on the mark.

In 2017, Genie Retail Energy began to evolve from a domestic retail energy provider focused on the Northeastern 
U.S. market to a global player through the launch of our JV in Great Britain. On the oil and gas exploration side of 
our business, analysis of the results from our exploratory wells in Northern Israel indicates that we did not identify a 
commercially viable resource. In light of that determination, we suspended our exploration program late last year.

That decision moves us closer to a pure play retail energy provider business model and I am excited and bullish 
about the implications of that change for Genie Energy in 2018 and beyond. First and foremost, we expect to 
eliminate our spend on oil and gas exploration this year upon completion of wind-down activities. The resulting 
savings will enhance our cash fl ows and augment our strategic fl exibility.

Those resources and that strategic fl exibility are particularly important because of the abundant growth opportunities 
available to Genie Retail Energy. The domestic retail energy industry is undergoing consolidation driving an 
increase in the number of potential acquisition targets. We continue to be appropriately selective as we evaluate these 
opportunities — focusing on those geographies that off er particularly robust opportunities while opening new meter 
acquisition channels and providing EBTIDA accretive books of business in the near term.

In the meantime, we continue to build our customer base organically and to reduce both commodity and regulatory 
risk through continued diversifi cation.

We have been especially pleased by the growth of our green energy off erings, which provide our customers with 
the opportunity to source their electricity from renewables including hydro, wind and solar. Our success converting 
customers to green energy is just one example of the ways in which competitive retail energy markets spur the 
development and adoption of innovative products and services in the retail energy marketplace.

We are also pushing hard to expand Diversegy, our commercial energy consulting business. Though it is still small 
in comparison to our traditional retail business, Diversegy off ers strong margins, outsized growth potential, and little 
commodity or regulatory risk.

Overseas, we will ramp up customer acquisitions in Great Britain beginning in the second quarter of 2018 as our 
London-based JV emerges from the mandated controlled market entry period. The market in Great Britain is huge — 
comprising of over 50 million meters — and we believe that the payback period and lifetime value of new customers 
in Great Britain will compare favorably with domestic markets.

We are also evaluating additional overseas expansion opportunities, including markets in Asia and continental Europe.

2018 is already proving to be an exciting year. With our strategic focus sharpened on our retail energy business, we 
are leveraging our liquid balance sheet and strengthening cash fl ows to aggressively pursue growth opportunities 
around the globe that meet our growth criteria — even as we continue to return capital to our stockholders through 
quarterly dividends.

The continued success of our enterprise depends entirely on Genie’s talented workforce. My colleagues’ creativity, 
hard work and unfaltering commitment to serving our customers never ceases to inspire me. Working as the CEO 
of this team is an amazing honor, and I am deeply grateful to Genie’s Board of Directors and my colleagues for 
entrusting me with this responsibility.

I look forward to working with them and with you, our stockholders, to deliver stellar results in 2018.

Sincerely,

Michael Stein
Chief Executive Offi  cer

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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________________

(cid:54) Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
for the fi scal year ended December 31, 2017,
or

(cid:133) 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 specifi ed in its charter)
__________________________________

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)

45-2069276
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.)

520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102
(Address of principal executive offi  ces, zip code)

(973) 438-3500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class
Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share
Series 2012-A Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
__________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defi ned in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:133) No (cid:54)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to fi le reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:133) No (cid:54)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has fi led all reports required to be fi led 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 fi le such 
reports), and (2) has been subject to such fi ling requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (cid:54) No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such fi les). Yes (cid:54) No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent fi lers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in defi nitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:133)

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

Large accelerated filer (cid:133)
Non-accelerated filer (cid:133)

Accelerated filer (cid:54)
Smaller reporting company (cid:133)
Emerging growth company (cid:133)

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 fi nancial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defi ned in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:133) No (cid:54)

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affi  liates of the registrant, based on the closing price on 
June 30, 2017 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fi scal quarter) of the Class B common stock 
of $7.62 per share, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $122 million.

As of March 13, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 23,294,886 shares of Class B common stock and 1,574,326 shares of Class A 
common stock. Excluded from these numbers are 330,915 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury by Genie Energy Ltd.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The defi nitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 7, 2018, is incorporated 
by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described therein.

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

Index

Genie Energy Ltd.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 1. Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2. Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part II  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  . . . . .
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. . . . . .
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11. Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Part I

As used in this Annual Report, 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.

Item 1. Business.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Genie Energy Ltd. is comprised of GRE, which owns and operates retail energy providers, or REPs, including 
IDT Energy, Inc., or IDT Energy, Residents Energy, LLC, or Residents Energy, Town Square Energy, or TSE, and 
Mirabito Natural Gas, or Mirabito, and also off ers energy brokerage and advisory services through its Genie Retail 
Energy Services and Diversegy divisions. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and 
small business customers primarily in the Eastern United States. Through a joint venture, GRE has begun serving 
customers in Great Britain.

The Company also is comprised of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc., (GOGAS), an oil and gas exploration company with 
contracted drilling services as well. GOGAS’ four exploration projects are inactive. GOGAS also holds a 100% 
interest in Atid, an early stage drilling services company operating in Israel.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Genie Energy Ltd., a Delaware corporation, owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation, 
or GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE, and 92% of GOGAS. GOGAS holds an 86.1% interest in Afek, an oil and 
gas exploration project in Northern Israel, whose operations have been suspended. GOGAS also holds controlling 
interests in other inactive oil and gas projects.

GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to offi  cers and employees that represent an interest of 1.25 % of 
the equity of GRE.

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

We have three reportable business segments: Genie Retail Energy, Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd., and Genie Oil and Gas. 
Our reportable segments are distinguished by types of service, customers and methods used to provide their services. 
Financial information by segment and geographic areas is presented in “Note 18 — Business Segment Information” 
in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

GENERAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

Our main offi  ces are located at 520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Our telephone number is (973) 
438-3500 and our web site is www.genie.com.

We make available free of charge through the investor relations page of our web site (http://genie.com/investors/
sec-fi lings/) our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all 
amendments to these reports, and all benefi cial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 fi led by directors, offi  cers 
and benefi cial owners of more than 10% of our equity as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is 
electronically fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct 
and Ethics for all of our employees, including our principal executive offi  cer and principal fi nancial offi  cer. Copies of 
our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on our web site.

Our web site (www.genie.com) and the information contained therein or incorporated therein are not incorporated 
into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other fi lings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

KEY EVENTS IN OUR HISTORY

In November 2004, IDT Corporation, or IDT, our former corporate parent, launched a retail energy provider 
business in New York State under the brand name IDT Energy.

In October 2011, we were spun-off  by IDT and became an independent public company listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange.

1

In December 2013, GRE acquired Dallas-based Diversegy, LLC, a retail energy advisory and brokerage company 
that serves commercial and industrial customers throughout the United States.

In November 2016, Genie Retail Energy purchased Retail Energy Holdings, LLC, which operates REPs under the 
brand name Town Square Energy. The acquisition added 48,000 residential customer equivalents, or RCEs, and 
expanded GRE’s serviceable markets into Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and new 
territories in Ohio.

In August 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito Natural Gas, a commercial supplier located in Florida. The acquisition 
added 11,000 RCEs and expanded GRE’s serviceable markets into Florida.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In November 2017, Afek suspended its exploratory drilling program in Northern Israel after the preliminary analysis 
of the results from its completed wells did not identify commercially producible quantities of oil or natural gas.

In December 2017. Orbit Energy, a joint venture of GRE and Energy Global Investments, began to sign up 
customers in Great Britain’s deregulated electricity and gas markets.

Dividends

We pay a quarterly dividend on both of our common and preferred stock. The aggregate dividends paid in the year 
ended December 31, 2017 on our Class A and Class B common stock (the “Common Stock”) was $7.4 million, as 
follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

On March 24, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.075 per share on our Common Stock for 
the fourth quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2017.

On May 29, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.075 per share on our Common Stock for the 
fi rst quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2017.

On August 25, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.075 per share on our Common Stock for 
the second quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2017.

On November 17, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.075 per share on our Common Stock 
for the third quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2017.

On March 7, 2018, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on our Class A common 
stock and Class B common stock for the fourth quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business 
on March 19, 2018. The dividend will be paid on March 23, 2018.

The aggregate dividends paid in the year ended December 31, 2017 on our Preferred Stock was $1.5 million, as 
follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

On February 16, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on our Preferred Stock 
for the fourth quarter of 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2017 of 
our Preferred Stock.

On May 16, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the 
fi rst a quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 4, 2017 of our Preferred 
Stock.

On August 15, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for 
the second quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 4, 2017 of our 
Preferred Stock.

On November 15, 2017, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock 
for the third quarter of 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2017.

2

On February 15, 2018, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on the Preferred Stock for the fourth 
quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2018 in the aggregate amount of 
$0.4 million.

Genie Retail Energy

Genie Retail Energy is comprised of REPs and related businesses. GRE’s REP businesses purchase electricity and 
natural gas on the wholesale markets and resell these commodities to their residential and business customers. The 
positive diff erence between the net sales price of electricity and natural gas sold to its customers and the cost of their 
electricity and natural gas supplies and related costs are the REP businesses’ gross profi ts.

GRE’s REP businesses operate in certain utility territories within the deregulated retail energy markets of twelve 
states in the Eastern and Midwestern US: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Rhode Island, as well as in Washington, D.C.

GRE’s US REP businesses operate under several brand names including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town 
Square Energy and Mirabito. Their diverse off erings, in both the electricity and natural gas markets include, variable 
rate off erings, fi xed rate off erings, and green renewable off erings.

As part of our ongoing business development eff orts, we seek out new opportunities in domestic and international 
jurisdictions, however, there are no assurances we will be successful in launching any such operations.

Historically, GRE’s REP businesses have expanded organically — adding new customers through customer 
acquisition programs at a rate faster than customers lost through attrition or churn. New customers are generally 
acquired through a combination of marketing and sales channels including door-to-door solicitation, telemarketing, 
online and digital marketing, direct mail, and by competitive bidding for exclusive contracts awarded by certain 
municipalities that, when authorized by state laws, award participating residents’ electricity supply to a single 
supplier.

Customer churn is a signifi cant factor in the REP business, with monthly churn rates for GRE’s REPs averaging 
between four and eight percent per month. Customer churn tends to decrease when commodity prices fall, when 
weather-driven consumption decreases, when the price to REP customers decreases relative to competitors including 
the incumbent utility provider, or when the REPs incentivize customer tenure. Customer churn tends to increase 
when commodity prices rise, when weather driven consumption increases or spikes, or when the price to REP 
customers increases relative to the prices charged by competitors including incumbent utility providers. Newly 
acquired customers have higher rates of churn than longer-term customers.

GRE also operates several smaller non-REP businesses under its Genie Retail Energy Services (GRES) division, 
including Diversegy and Genie Solar Energy. Diversegy operates as an energy broker and advisor to industrial, 
commercial and municipal customers across deregulated energy markets in the United States. Diversegy’s customers 
are typically not served by GRE REPs.

Genie Solar Energy operates as a provider of end-to-end solar solutions primarily for commercial customers in fi ve 
states — Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

In November 2016, GRE closed on the acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (REH), a privately held retail 
electricity provider operating under the Town Square Energy brand. The acquisition added approximately 48,000 
RCEs to GRE’s customer base. Town Square Energy, operates in eight Eastern states and its licenses and customer 
base expanded GRE’s geographic footprint to four new states — New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and 
Connecticut — and provided additional electricity customers in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

On July 17, 2017, a Company subsidiary entered into a defi nitive agreement with Energy Global Investments Pty 
Ltd (“EGC”) to launch a joint venture to off er electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business 
customers in the United Kingdom under the brand Orbit Energy. In December 2017, Orbit commenced initial 
customer acquisition in the UK under the mandated three-month Controlled Market Entry framework in which new 
entrants can acquire a limited number of customers in a test environment.

On August 10, 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito Natural Gas, a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based natural gas supplier, from 
Angus Partners, LLC (“Angus”). Mirabito serves commercial and government customers throughout Florida.

3

For the past two years, GRE’s REP businesses expanded to new markets both to accelerate growth of our customer 
base and to reduce operational and regulatory risk associated with heavy geographical concentration.

GRE’s revenue has comprised 100% of our total consolidated revenue since our inception. In 2017, GRE generated 
revenue of $264 million comprised of $222 million from sales of electricity, $40 million from sales of natural gas, 
and other revenue of $2 million, as compared with revenue of $212 million in 2016, comprised of $179 million from 
the sales of electricity, $31 million from the sales of natural gas and other revenue of $2 million. Electricity sales 
have become a more signifi cant portion of GRE’s business in recent years.

GRE’s REP operations are seasonal. Approximately 45% and 43% of our natural gas revenues in 2017 and 2016, 
respectively, were generated during the fi rst quarter, when the demand for heating peaks. Although the demand for 
electricity is not as seasonal as natural gas, approximately 30% and 31% of total revenues from electricity sales in 
2017 and 2016 were generated in the third quarter when the demand for cooling peeks.

Variations in weather can signifi cantly impact GRE’s operations. For example, unusually sustained cold weather in 
the fi rst quarter of 2014 drove increased demand creating a “polar vortex” that was characterized by extraordinarily 
large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where GRE’s REPs and other retail 
providers purchase their supply.

REP Industry Overview

Retail energy providers (REPs) operate in deregulated retail energy markets in the US and overseas. REPs purchase 
electricity and natural gas on the wholesale markets and resell the commodities to their customers, who may include 
homeowners, renters and small to mid-sized commercial and governmental operations and institutions. Generally, 
incumbent local utilities continue to handle electricity and natural gas distribution, billing, and collections. The 
utilities remit the proceeds collected for the commodity supply portion of their bills less certain fees to the REPs.

REPs generally have no signifi cant fi xed assets and low levels of capital expenditure. Their cost of revenues is 
incurred to purchase electricity and natural gas in their respective wholesale markets and other factors. Selling, 
general and administrative expenses are primarily related to customer acquisition, customer retention, billing and 
purchase of receivables, or POR, fees paid to the utilities, and program management.

As of December 31, 2017, there were thirty states in which there is some level of energy deregulation. We 
currently market in all the states where there is residential deregulation covering both electricity and natural gas. 
We are in the process of applying for licenses or setting up operations in two additional states and are constantly 
evaluating entrance into new markets. Internationally, many of the most heavily populated countries in western 
Europe, are deregulated. In addition, Japan and other Asian countries have recently deregulated residential energy 
markets as well.

Customers; Marketing

The services of GRE’s REPs — IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square Energy and Mirabito — are made 
available to customers under several off erings with distinct terms and conditions. The majority of our customer base 
is enrolled in variable rate programs via automatically renewing or month-to-month agreements, which enable us to 
recover our wholesale costs for electricity and natural gas through adjustments to the rates charged to our customers. 
The frequency and degree of these rate adjustments is determined by GRE, and is not restricted by regulation.

As of December 31, 2017, customers on variable rate products constituted 61% of the electric load, with the balance 
from customers on fi xed rate agreements. For our variable rate product, the amount we charge to our customers 
refl ects the underlying commodity cost plus a markup. During times of decreasing or stable costs, we typically 
experience lower rates of churn than when costs are increasing.

Variable rate products are available to all customers in all states served by GRE’s REPs except for Connecticut. 
Likewise, Renewable (Green) energy supply options exist in all markets served by GRE’s REPs. Renewable (Green) 
Electricity supply is 100% matched with renewable energy certifi cates that refl ect the generation of electricity from 
sources such as hydro-electric wind, solar and biomass.

The electricity and natural gas we sell through all of our off erings are metered and delivered to customers by the 
local utilities. The utilities also provide billing and collection services for the majority of our customers. For a small 

4

number of direct bill customers, we perform our own billing and collection. Additionally, GRE’s REPs’ receivables 
are, in many states, purchased by the utilities in whose areas we operate for a percentage of their face value (over the 
course of 2017, the associated cost was approximately 1.4% of revenue) in exchange for the utility receiving a fi rst 
priority lien in the customer receivable without recourse against the REP.

GRE’s REPs market their energy services primarily through direct marketing methods, including door-to-door sales, 
outbound telemarketing direct mail and internet signup. As of December 31, 2017, GRE serviced 412,000 meters 
(307,000 electric and 105,000 natural gas), as compared to 412,000 meters (296,000 electric and 116,000 natural 
gas) as of December 31, 2016.

GRE seeks to acquire profi table customers in low-risk markets, specifi cally where the utilities have adopted 
a portfolio of REP-friendly, regulatory-driven programs. Among these programs is purchase of receivables 
(POR) programs. Under POR programs, utilities are contractually obligated to purchase customer receivables at 
pre-determined and fi xed discounts. Utilities also off er consolidated billing as part of the POR program. Through 
consolidated billing, the utilities retain the responsibility for billing the individual customer and the subsequent 
collection of the remittances. There are markets in which we operate that the utilities engage in consolidated billing 
on behalf of REP’s but are not obligated to guarantee the receivables.

Utilities in Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and 
Maryland off er POR programs, without recourse, that permit customers with past-due balances to remain in the POR 
and consolidated bill programs. However, utilities in New Jersey generally do not permit customers with past-due 
balances beyond 120 days to enroll or remain in their POR programs, which means that after a certain amount of 
time (determined based on the specifi c commodity), the REP becomes responsible for the billing and collection of 
the commodity portion of the future invoices for its delinquent customers. Utilities in New Hampshire and Rhode 
Island do not off er POR but they do off er consolidated billing. In Florida, there is no POR and we bill customers 
directly.

Additionally, GRE targets markets in which we can procure energy in an effi  cient and transparent manner. We seek 
to purchase wholesale energy where there is a real-time market that refl ects a fair price for the commodity for all 
participants. This allows GRE to refl ect a true market cost base and adjust its rates to its variable rate customers 
taking into account prevailing market rates.

We regularly monitor other deregulated or deregulating markets to determine if they are appropriate for entry, and 
may initiate the licensing process in a selected region to facilitate entry into the region contingent upon favorable 
deregulatory developments.

Acquisition and Management of Gas and Electric Supply

Since 2009, certain of GRE’s REPs have been party to a Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company, 
or BP. The agreement allows for purchases of electricity and natural gas for customers focused in areas where the 
utilities have POR programs. Under the arrangement, those REPs purchase electricity and natural gas from BP at 
market rate plus a fee. The obligations to BP are secured by a fi rst security interest in deposits or receivables from 
utilities in connection with their purchase of the REPs’ customer’s receivables under the applicable POR program, 
and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in connection with any collateral accounts with BP. The agreement 
with BP has been amended to cover the territories in which we operate. The agreement was modifi ed and extended 
on November 19, 2015, and is scheduled to terminate on November 30, 2019. Our ability to purchase electricity and 
natural gas under this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain 
covenants.

GRE is required to meet certain minimum green energy supply criteria in some of the markets in which it operates. 
We meet those thresholds by acquiring renewable energy certifi cates, or REC’s. In addition, GRE off ers green or 
other renewable energy products to its customers in all of the territories in which we operate. GRE acquires green 
renewable energy conversion rights or attributes and REC’s to satisfy the load requirements for these customers.

GRE does not own electrical power generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, or natural gas production, 
pipeline or distribution facilities. GRE’s REPs currently contract with Dominion Transmission, Inc., National 
Fuel Supply, Williams Gas Pipeline and Texas Eastern Transmission and others for natural gas pipeline, storage 
and transportation services, and utilizes the New York Independent System Operator, Inc., or NYISO, and 

5

PJM Interconnection, LLC, or PJM, for electric transmission and distribution. NYISO operates the high-voltage 
electric transmission network in New York State, and administers and monitors New York’s wholesale electricity 
markets. PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or 
parts of thirteen states (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois) and the District of Columbia.

For risk management purposes, GRE’s REPs utilize forward physical delivery contracts for a portion of their 
purchases of electricity and natural gas, which are defi ned as commodity derivative contracts. In addition, GRE’s 
REPs enter into put and call options as hedges against unfavorable fl uctuations in market prices of electricity and 
natural gas.

The ISOs perform real-time load balancing for each of the electrical power grids in which GRE REPs operate. 
Similarly, load balancing is performed by the utilities or local distribution company, or LDC, for each of the natural 
gas markets in which GRE operates. Load balancing ensures that the amount of electricity and natural gas that 
GRE’s REPs purchase is equal to the amount necessary to service its customers’ demands at any specifi c point in 
time. GRE’s REPs are charged or credited for balancing the electricity and natural gas purchased and sold for their 
account by their suppliers and the LDCs. GRE’s REPs manage the diff erences between the actual electricity and 
natural gas demands of their customers and their bulk or block purchases by buying and selling in the spot market, 
and through monthly cash settlements and/or adjustments to future deliveries in accordance with the load balancing 
performed by utilities, LDCs, and/or ISOs.

Competition

As an operator of REPs, GRE competes with the local utility companies in each of the markets in which it provides 
services and with many other licensed REPs. In some markets, competitor REPs are affi  liated with local utilities. 
GRE also competes with several large vertically integrated energy companies. Competition with the utilities and 
REPs impacts GRE’s gross margins, customer acquisition rates and exposes GRE to customer churn.

REPs and utilities off ering fi xed rate products or guaranteed pricing often are unable to change their sell rates 
off ered to customers in response to underlying commodity price volatility. In a downward moving commodity 
cost environment, variable rate REPs typically become more competitive as they benefi t from the lag that utilities 
experience in reducing their sell rate to refl ect the lower commodity costs, and they may benefi t from decreases 
in margin pressure, improvements in the customer acquisition environment, and lower rates of churn. In a rising 
commodity cost environment, REPs that off er variable rate products, and refl ect real-time commodity costs, 
will typically become less competitive with fi xed rate providers, experience increased margin pressure, a more 
challenging customer acquisition environment and higher rates of customer churn.

Increasing our market share depends in part on our ability to persuade more customers to switch from other 
providers to one of our REPs at a higher rate than our customers churn to other providers. Moreover, local utilities 
and some REPs may have certain advantages such as name recognition, fi nancial strength and long-standing 
relationships with customers. Persuading potential customers to switch to GRE requires signifi cant marketing and 
sales operations.

Regulation

REPs such as ours must be licensed in each state and utility service territory in which they operate. Each is subject 
to the rules and regulations governing the operations of REPs in each jurisdiction.

Although the rates charged by GRE’s REPs are not regulated in the same way as the rates of utility companies, 
the manner in which the REPs market to potential customers, and the relationships between the REPs and their 
customers, are heavily regulated. GRE’s REPs must also comply with various quarterly and/or annual reporting 
requirements in order to maintain their eligibility to provide service. In certain jurisdictions the REPs are required to 
publish product off ers with the applicable regulatory commissions, or in the public domain, generally on a website 
established for such purpose. In addition to the regulations that govern the relationships between GRE’s REPs and 
their customers, GRE’s REPs also maintain specifi c Terms & Conditions or Terms of Service for each product in 
each jurisdiction that customers must agree to be bound by.

Due to dramatic increases in wholesale electricity costs that occurred during the “polar vortex” of the winter of 
2014, the retail electricity prices that GRE’s REPs and many other variable rate electricity suppliers charged to 

6

their customers increased sharply. These retail electricity price increases resulted in large numbers of complaints, 
regulatory actions, and calls for legislation, regulation and litigation. GRE’s subsidiary, IDT Energy, paid 
approximately $5 million in rebates to aff ected customers in the year ended December 31, 2014. These events 
adversely aff ected GRE’s REPs customer churn, gross margins and results of operations.

As discussed more fully below in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report, IDT Energy reached a 
settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Offi  ce and the Acting Consumer Advocate terminating litigation 
with no admission of liability or fi nding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy.

New York Public Service Commission Orders

On February 23, 2016, the New York Public Service Commission, or PSC, issued an order that sought to impose 
signifi cant new restrictions on REPs operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions 
described in the PSC’s order, which were to become eff ective March 4, 2016, would have required that all electricity 
and natural gas off erings off ered by REPs to residential and small business customers include an annual guarantee of 
savings compared to the price charged by the relevant incumbent utility or, for electricity off erings, provide at least 
30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished 
back to the local utility at the end of their contract period or, for variable price customers operating on month to 
month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay 
implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion 
for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a 
decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Order, which outlined 
the proposed rule changes referenced above, and remitted the matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent 
with the Court’s order. As a result of the litigation, in December 2016 the PSC opened an Evidentiary Proceeding to 
assess the condition of the REP market in New York and determine a path for the future of the market.

After submission of written testimony by numerous parties over the course of a year, in December 2017, the 
PSC held a ten-day evidentiary hearing in its offi  ces in Albany. The parties now have an opportunity to submit 
post-hearing briefs. It is expected to be several more months before the PSC takes any defi nitive action. The 
Company is evaluating the potential impact of any new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary 
process, while preparing to operate in compliance with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on 
the fi nal language of any new order, as well as the Company’s ability to modify its relationships with its New York 
customers, an order could have a substantial impact upon the operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. As of 
December 31, 2017, New York represented 36% of GRE’s total meters served and 28% of the total residential 
customer equivalents (“RCEs”) of GRE’s customer base.

On July 14, 2016, and September 19, 2016, the PSC issued orders restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, 
from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of the REP 
industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 2016, 
the Court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September orders. On 
December 16, 2016, the PSC issued an order (the “2016 Order”) prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in 
New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. After an agreed-upon stay of the 2016 Order, on July 5, 2017, 
the New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, denied interested parties’ eff orts to invalidate the 2016 Order. 
Several REPs have appealed the Supreme Court’s decision to the Appellate Division, Third Department. That court 
stayed implementation of the Order for a period of time, but later lifted the stay pending resolution of the appeal.

In a related action, several customers impacted by the 2016 Order fi led a putative class action in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of New York, challenging the Order. Temporary stays of the 2016 Order 
entered in connection with this action have expired, and REPs are now required to return service of their current 
low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modifi ed schedule set forth in the PSC’s 
2016 Order. GRE is complying with the NY PSC’s low-income order and has begun the transfer of customers 
as required. The order will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 
meters, representing 12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018. As of 
December 31, 2017, GRE’s REPs operate in eight utility territories in New York, six utility territories in New Jersey, 
nine utility territories in Pennsylvania, four utility territories in Maryland, six utility territories in Ohio, fi ve utility 
territories in Massachusetts, two utility territories in New Hampshire, two in Connecticut, one in Rhode Island, 

7

one in Washington, D.C. two in Illinois. The State of New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of 
New Jersey, the State of Maryland, the State of Illinois, the District of Columbia, the State of Ohio, the State of 
New Hampshire, the State of Rhode Island, the State of Connecticut, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the 
federal government, and related public service/utility commissions, among others, establish the rules and regulations 
for our REP operations. Orbit Energy, our joint venture based in London, has begun acquiring customers in England, 
Scotland and Wales.

Like all operators of REPs, GRE is aff ected by the actions of governmental agencies, mostly on the state level, by 
the respective state Public Service/Utility Commissions, and other organizations (such as NYISO and PJM) and 
indirectly by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. Regulations applicable to electricity and natural 
gas have undergone substantial change over the past several years as a result of restructuring initiatives at both the 
state and federal levels. We may be subject to new laws, orders or regulations or the revision or interpretation of 
existing laws, orders or regulations.

As of December 31, 2017, Diversegy operated nationwide in all deregulated markets as a broker of electricity and as 
a gas broker.

Employees

As of March 1, 2018, GRE employed 178 full time employees, 69 of whom are located in the Jamestown, New York 
offi  ce, of which approximately 90% are affi  liated with our customer care center, 52 of whom are located in our 
New Jersey offi  ce, 10 of whom are located in our Arizona offi  ce and 47 of whom are located in the Florida offi  ce 
performing customer acquisition and support.

Genie Oil and Gas, Inc.

Genie Oil and Gas (GOGAS) is an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS currently holds an 86.1% interest in 
Afek, an inactive oil and gas exploration project which operated in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in 
Northern Israel and a 100% interest in Atid Oil & Gas, a contract drilling services company in Israel. In addition, 
GOGAS holds controlling interests in three inactive or disbanded oil shale projects in Mongolia, Colorado and 
Israel.

Afek Oil and Gas Ltd.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel fi nalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three-year petroleum exploration 
license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights. The license was subsequently 
extended to April 2018.

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its fi rst exploratory well in Northern Israel’s Golan Heights. Afek completed 
drilling fi ve wells in the Southern portion of its license area. In addition, Afek has undertaken well fl ow tests in 
multiple target zones within two of the completed wells. The results of the exploration program in this portion of 
the license area confi rmed the presence of signifi cant hydrocarbons in the basin, but the Afek concluded that the 
resource was likely not commercially viable given current and forecasted market conditions and other constraints, 
and that the greatest potential for commercial development lies in an area further north within the license area than 
any of the fi ve completed exploratory wells.

In 2017, Afek turned its operational focus to the Northern region of its license area. The data analyzed suggested 
that the Southern block resources may extend Northward at depths potentially suffi  cient to have induced a greater 
level of maturation of the resource. To validate this hypothesis, in 2017, Afek drilled an exploratory well a site in 
the Northern portion of its license area. The company announced in November 2017 that the preliminary analysis 
of results from its completed Ness 10 exploratory well in Northern Israel suggests that the well’s target zone does 
not contain commercially producible quantities of oil or natural gas and that it was suspending drilling operations 
pending further analysis.

In light of the analysis received, Afek determined that, based on current information, it did not have a clear path 
to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was 
substantial doubt regarding the economic viability of the well, in the three months ended December 31, 2017, Afek 

8

wrote off  the $6.5 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred. At this time, no further exploration activity is 
contemplated.

Atid

In January 2017, we established Atid Drilling Ltd., (Atid), an on-shore drilling services venture based in Israel. 
Atid will serve as the primary drilling contractor for any future Afek drilling activities, and opportunistically pursue 
drilling opportunities for clients in a variety of fi elds including oil and gas exploration, water resource development 
and mineral exploration. Atid purchased a drilling rig and associated drilling equipment in 2017. The rig had 
successfully drilled fi ve exploratory oil and gas wells in the Golan Heights for Afek over the past two years and 
completed a water well.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, domain name registrations and trade secret laws 
in the United States and other jurisdictions and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property rights 
and our brand names. All of our employees sign confi dentiality agreements. These agreements provide that the 
employee may not use or disclose our confi dential information except as expressly permitted in connection with the 
performance of his or her duties for us, or in other limited circumstances. These agreements also state that, to the 
extent rights in any invention conceived of by the employee while employed by us do not vest in us automatically by 
operation of law, the employee is required to assign his or her rights to us.

Employees

As of March 1, 2018, GOGAS employed 10 employees. Afek and Atid also retain the services of a number of 
professional consultants, including geologists, hydrologists, drilling and completions engineers, process engineers, 
environmental experts, permitting consultants, energy experts, legal, and land designation and acquisition 
consultants.

Item 1A. Risk Factors. 

RISK FACTORS

Our business, operating results or fi nancial condition could be materially adversely aff ected by any of the following 
risks as well as the other risks highlighted elsewhere in this document, particularly the discussions about regulation, 
competition and intellectual property. The trading price of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred 
Stock could decline due to any of these risks.

Risks Related to Genie Retail Energy

The REP business is highly competitive, and we may be forced to reduce prices or incur additional costs.

GRE’s REP businesses face substantial competition both from the traditional incumbent utilities as well as from 
other REPs, including REP affi  liates of the incumbent utilities in specifi c territories. As a result, we may be forced 
to reduce prices, incur increased costs or lose market share and cannot always pass along increases in commodity 
costs to customers. We compete on the basis of provision of services, customer service and price. Present or 
future competitors may have greater fi nancial, technical or other resources which could put us at a disadvantage. 
Additionally, our experience has shown that utilities do not change their sell rates off ered to customers immediately 
in response to increased prices for the underlying commodities.

Conversely, in a downward moving commodity cost environment, GRE’s REPs variable rate plans may benefi t from 
the lag that utilities experience in reducing their sell rate to refl ect the lower cost base in the commodity markets, and 
may refl ect commodity costs decreases in their off erings and rates.

Increasing our market share depends in part on our ability to persuade more customers to switch to GRE’s services 
than those that churn from us to other providers or back to the local utility. Moreover, local utilities and some 
REPs may have certain advantages such as name recognition, fi nancial strength and long-standing relationships 
with customers. Persuading potential customers to switch to GRE’s REPs requires signifi cant marketing and sales 

9

operations. If GRE is not successful in convincing customers to switch, our REP businesses, results of operations 
and fi nancial condition will all be adversely aff ected.

Our current strategy is based on current regulatory conditions and assumptions, which could change or prove to be 
incorrect.

Regulation over the electricity and natural gas markets has been in fl ux at the state and federal levels. In particular, 
any changes adopted by the FERC, or changes in state or federal laws or regulations (including greenhouse gas laws) 
may aff ect the prices at which GRE purchases electricity or natural gas for its customers. While we endeavor to pass 
along increases in energy costs to our customers pursuant to our variable rate customer off erings, we may not always 
be able to do so due to competitive market forces and the risk of losing our customer base.

On February 23, 2016, the New York PSC issued an order that sought to impose signifi cant new restrictions on REPs 
operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions described in the PSC’s order, which were 
to become eff ective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity and natural gas off erings to residential 
and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant 
incumbent utility or, for electricity off erings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers 
not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back to the local utility at the end of their contract period 
or, for variable price customers operating on month to month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing 
cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay 
implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion 
for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a 
decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Order, which outlined the 
proposed rule changes referenced above, and remitted the matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with 
the Court’s order.

In December 2017, the PSC held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process 
is continuing and is expected to last for at least several more months. We are evaluating the potential impact of any 
new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing to operate in compliance 
with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the fi nal language of any new order, as well as our 
ability to modify our relationships with our New York customers, an order could have a substantial impact upon the 
operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. At December 31, 2017, New York represented 36% of GRE’s total meters 
served and 28% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

On July 14, 2016, and September 19, 2016, the PSC issued orders restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, 
from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of the REP 
industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 2016, 
the Court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September orders. On 
December 16, 2016, the PSC issued the 2016 Order prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in New York’s 
utility low-income assistance programs. After an agreed-upon stay of the 2016 Order, on July 5, 2017, the New York 
State Supreme Court, Albany County, denied interested parties’ eff orts to invalidate the 2016 Order. Several 
REPs have appealed the Supreme Court’s decision to the Appellate Division, Third Department. That court stayed 
implementation of the Order for a period of time, but later lifted the stay pending resolution of the appeal.

In a related action, several customers impacted by the 2016 Order fi led a putative class action in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of New York, challenging the Order. Temporary stays of the 2016 Order 
entered in connection with this action have expired, and REPs are now required to return service of their current 
low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modifi ed schedule set forth in the PSC’s 2016 
Order. GRE’s REPs are complying with the 2016 Order and have begun the transfer of customers as required. 
The 2016 Order will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, 
representing 12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018.

Legislators and regulators may enact or modify laws or regulation to prevent the repetition of price spikes 
experienced in prior periods or address customer complaints that have come to light in connection with those events. 
Potential regulatory and/or legislative changes may impact our ability to use our established sales and marketing 

10

channels. Any changes in these factors, or any signifi cant changes in industry development, could have an adverse 
eff ect on our revenues, profi tability and growth or threaten the viability of our current business model.

Fixed Rate Products or Guaranteed Pricing Programs could result in losses or decreased profi ts if GRE fails to 
estimate commodity prices accurately.

REPs and utilities off ering fi xed rate products or guaranteed pricing often are unable to change their sell rates off ered 
to customers in response to volatility in the prices of the underlying commodities or changes in the regulatory 
environment. In times of high commodity prices, these fi xed rate programs expose us to the risk that we will 
incur signifi cant unforeseen costs in performing the contracts. GRE’s meters enrolled in off erings with fi xed rate 
characteristics constituted approximately 39% of GRE’s electric load during December 2017.

However, it is diffi  cult to predict future commodity costs. Any shortfalls resulting from the risks associated with 
fi xed-price programs will reduce our working capital and profi tability. Our inability to accurately estimate the cost of 
providing services under these programs could have an adverse eff ect on our profi tability and cash fl ows.

GRE’s growth depends in part on its ability to enter new markets.

New markets for our business are determined based on many factors, which include the regulatory environment, as 
well as GRE’s REP businesses ability to procure energy in an effi  cient and transparent manner. We seek to purchase 
wholesale energy where there is a real time market that refl ects a fair price for the commodity for all participants. 
Once new markets are determined to be suitable for GRE’s REP businesses, we will expend substantial eff orts to 
obtain necessary licenses and will incur signifi cant customer acquisition costs and there can be no assurance that 
we will be successful in new markets. Furthermore, there are regulatory diff erences between the markets that we 
currently operate in and new markets, including, but not limited to, exposure to credit risk, additional churn caused 
by tariff  requirements, rate-setting requirements and incremental billing costs. A failure to identify, become licensed 
in, and enter new territories may have a material negative impact on our growth, fi nancial condition and results of 
operations.

The Company is subject to laws and regulations worldwide, changes to which could increase the Company’s costs 
and individually or in the aggregate adversely aff ect the Company’s business.

As the Company is expanding its operations geographically, including operations in international jurisdictions, the 
Company is subject to laws and regulations aff ecting its domestic and international operations in a number of areas. 
These U.S. and foreign laws and regulations aff ect the Company’s activities including, but not limited to, our pricing 
structure and marketing activities.

Compliance with these laws, regulations and similar requirements may be onerous and expensive, and they may 
be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance and doing business. Any 
such costs, which may rise in the future as a result of changes in these laws and regulations or in their interpretation, 
could individually or in the aggregate make the Company’s products and services less attractive to the Company’s 
customers, delay the introduction of new products in one or more regions, or cause the Company to change or limit 
its business practices. The Company has implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations, but there can be no assurance that the Company’s employees, contractors, or agents 
will not violate such laws and regulations or the Company’s policies and procedures.

The Company’s business is subject to the risks of international operations.

As the Company grows its international operations, it may derive a signifi cant portion of its revenue and earnings 
from such operations. Compliance with applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, such as import and export 
requirements, anti-corruption laws, tax laws, foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions, data 
privacy requirements, environmental laws, labor laws and anti-competition regulations, increases the costs of doing 
business in foreign jurisdictions. Although the Company has implemented policies and procedures to comply with 
these laws and regulations, a violation by the Company’s employees, contractors, or agents could nevertheless occur. 
In some cases, compliance with the laws and regulations of one country could violate the laws and regulations of 
another country. Violations of these laws and regulations could materially adversely aff ect the Company’s brand, 
international growth eff orts and business.

11

The Company also could be signifi cantly aff ected by other risks associated with international activities including, 
but not limited to, economic and labor conditions, increased duties, taxes and other costs and political instability. 
The Company is also exposed to credit and collectability risk on its trade receivables with customers in certain 
international markets. There can be no assurance the Company can eff ectively limit its credit risk and avoid losses.

Unfair business practices or other activities of REPs may adversely aff ect us.

Competitors in the highly competitive REP market have engaged in unfair business practices to sign up new 
customers. Competitors engaging in unfair business practices create an unfavorable impression about our industry on 
consumers, regulators or political bodies. Such unfair practices by other companies can adversely aff ect our ability 
to grow or maintain our customer base. The successes, failures or other activities of various REPs within the markets 
that we serve may impact how we are perceived in the market. Further, such practices can lead to regulatory action, 
such as the recent New York PSC Order, that can negatively impact us and the industry.

Demand for REP services and consumption by customers are signifi cantly related to weather conditions.

Typically, colder winters and hotter summers create higher demand and consumption for natural gas and electricity, 
respectively. Milder than normal winters and/or summers may reduce the demand for our energy services, thus 
negatively impacting our fi nancial results.

Unusual weather conditions may have signifi cant direct and indirect impacts on GRE’s business and results of 
operations.

A confl uence of issues in January and February 2014 associated with the 2013-2014 winter season’s polar vortex 
resulted in extraordinarily large spikes in the prices of wholesale electricity and natural gas in markets where 
GRE and other retail providers purchase their supply. Repeats of the circumstances or similar circumstances could 
similarly harm margins and profi tability in the future, and we could fi nd it necessary to take similar or other actions 
that would have a negative impact on our fi nancial condition and results of operations.

Because our variable pricing plan resulted in increased prices charged to customers, we experienced an increase in 
customer churn as utilities and fi xed price REPs appeared to have more attractive pricing, although those increased 
churn levels have peaked. A failure to mitigate an increase in churn could result in decreases in meters served and 
revenues.

The retail electricity price increases discussed above resulted in large numbers of customers fi ling informal and 
formal complaints to state utility commissions, state attorneys general and state legislators. IDT Energy was served 
with several thousand formal and informal customer complaints to state utility commission and state attorneys 
general related to the winter retail price increases. IDT Energy has responded to each customer complaint it has 
received and attempted to resolve each complaining customer’s concerns. GRE’s REPs also paid approximately 
$5 million in rebates to aff ected customers in the year ended December 31, 2014. IDT Energy was not under any 
obligation to provide such rebates and did so in order to mitigate the impact of the price increases on its customers 
notwithstanding that the underlying cause of the price increase was beyond GRE’s control.

If certain REPs, however, are determined to have acted in a manner that was harmful to customers, the entire 
industry can suff er due to the reputational harm.

GRE is subject to litigation that may limit its operations.

In connection with the events described in the Risk Factor above entitled “Unusual weather conditions may have 
signifi cant direct and indirect impacts on GRE’s business and results of operations”, IDT Energy has also been 
sued in separate putative class action suits in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, partially related to the price 
increases during the winter of 2014. These matters are more fully discussed below in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” in 
this Annual Report, including that IDT Energy reached a settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Offi  ce 
and the Acting Consumer Advocate terminating litigation with no admission of liability or fi nding of wrongdoing by 
IDT Energy.

IDT Energy does not believe that it was at fault or acted in any way improperly with respect to the events of winter 
2014. However, we cannot predict the outcome of putative class action litigation or the impact on us of these or other 

12

actions, or whether there will be other impacts from the conditions that existed in winter 2014. Further, although we 
have taken action to insulate us and our customers from future similar events, we cannot assure that those actions 
will be eff ective and we will not be subject to class actions in the future.

Such class action lawsuits or other claims against us could have a material adverse impact on our fi nancial condition, 
competitive position or results of operations.

Regulatory conditions can aff ect the amount of taxes and fees we need to pay and our pricing advantages.

We are subject to audits in various jurisdictions for various taxes, including income tax, utility excise tax and sales 
and use tax. Aggressive stances taken recently by regulators increase the likelihood of our having to pay additional 
taxes and fees in connection with these audits. In the future, we may seek to pass such charges along to our 
customers, which could have an adverse impact on our pricing advantages.

Commodity price volatility could have an adverse eff ect on our cost of revenues and our results of operations.

Volatility in the markets for certain commodities can have an adverse impact on our costs for the purchase of the 
electricity and natural gas that GRE sells to its customers. In our fi xed or guaranteed price products, we cannot, 
and in our variable price products, due to customer or competitive factors, we may not always be able or choose 
to, pass along increases in costs to our customers. This would have an adverse impact on our margins and results 
of operations. Alternatively, volatility in pricing for GRE’s electricity and natural gas related to the cost of the 
underlying commodities can lead to increased customer churn. In times of high commodity costs, our variable 
pricing model and commodity purchasing approach can lead to competitive disadvantages as we must pass along all 
or some portion of our increased costs to our customers.

We face risks that are beyond our control due to our reliance on third parties and our general reliance on the 
electrical power and transmission infrastructure within the United States.

Our ability to provide energy delivery and commodity services depends on the operations and facilities of third 
parties, including, among others, BP, NYISO and PJM. Our reliance on the electrical power generation and 
transmission infrastructure within the United States makes us vulnerable to large-scale power blackouts. The loss 
of use or destruction of third party facilities that are used to generate or transmit electricity due to extreme weather 
conditions, breakdowns, war, acts of terrorism or other occurrences could greatly reduce our potential earnings and 
cash fl ows.

The REP business, including our relationship with our suppliers, is dependent on access to capital and liquidity.

Our business involves entering into contracts to purchase large quantities of electricity and natural gas. Because 
of seasonal fl uctuations, we are generally required to purchase electricity or natural gas in advance and fi nance 
that purchase until we can recover such amounts from revenues. Certain of GRE’s REPs have a Preferred Supplier 
Agreement with BP pursuant to which we purchase electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. The 
agreement was modifi ed and extended on November 19, 2015, and is scheduled to terminate on November 30, 2019. 
In addition to other advantages of this agreement, we are only required to post security with BP. There can be no 
assurance that we will be able to maintain the required covenants, that BP will be able to maintain their required 
credit rating, or that the agreement will be renewed upon its expiration. In addition, the security requirements outside 
of the BP agreement may increase as we enter other markets. Diffi  culty in obtaining adequate credit and liquidity on 
commercially reasonable terms may adversely aff ect our business, prospects and fi nancial conditions.

A revision to certain utility best practices and programs in which we participate and with which we comply could 
disrupt our operations and adversely aff ect our results and operations.

Certain retail access “best practices” and programs proposed and/or required by state regulators have been 
implemented by utilities in most of the service territories in which we operate. One such practice is participation in 
purchase of receivables programs under which certain utilities purchase customer receivables for approximately 98% 
of their face value in exchange for a fi rst priority lien in the customer receivables without recourse against a REP. 
This program is a key to our control of bad debt risk in our REP business.

13

The REP business depends on maintaining the licenses in the states we operate and any loss of those licenses would 
adversely aff ect our business, prospects and fi nancial conditions.

GRE’s REP businesses require licenses from public utility commissions and other regulatory organizations to 
operate its business. Those agencies may impose various requirements to obtain or maintain licenses. Further, 
certain non-governmental organizations have been focusing on the REP industry and the treatment of customers by 
certain REPs. Any negative publicity regarding the REP industry in general and GRE in particular or any increase 
in customer complaints regarding GRE’s REP businesses could negatively aff ect our relationship with the various 
commissions and regulatory agencies and could negatively impact our ability to obtain new licenses to expand 
operations or maintain the licenses currently held. In the aftermath of the polar vortex, several regulatory bodies 
adopted more aggressive policies toward REPs, including the action against IDT Energy in Pennsylvania described 
elsewhere in this Annual Report. Any loss of our REP licenses would cause a negative impact on our results of 
operations, fi nancial condition and cash fl ow.

The REP business depends on the continuing eff orts of our management team and our personnel with strong industry 
or operational knowledge and our eff orts may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our success depends on key members of our management team, the loss of whom could disrupt our business 
operation. Our business also requires a capable, well-trained workforce to operate eff ectively. There can be no 
assurance that we will be able to retain our qualifi ed personnel, the loss of whom may adversely aff ect our business, 
prospects and fi nancial conditions.

We could be harmed by network disruptions, security breaches, or other signifi cant disruptions or failures of our IT 
infrastructure and related systems.

To be successful, we need to continue to have available a high capacity, reliable and secure network. We face the 
risk, as does any company, of a security breach, whether through cyber-attack, malware, computer viruses, sabotage, 
or other signifi cant disruption of our IT infrastructure and related systems. We face a risk of a security breach or 
disruption from unauthorized access to our proprietary or classifi ed information on our systems. Certain of our 
personnel operate in jurisdictions that could be a target for cyber-attacks. The secure maintenance and transmission 
of our information is a critical element of our operations. Our information technology and other systems that 
maintain and transmit our information, or those of service providers or business partners, may be compromised 
by a malicious third party penetration of our network security, or that of a third party service provider or business 
partner, or impacted by advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by our employees, or those of a third party 
service provider or business partner. As a result, our information may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without 
our consent.

Although we make signifi cant eff orts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information and 
systems, there can be no assurance that our security eff orts and measures will be eff ective or that attempted security 
breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging, especially in light of the growing sophistication 
of cyber-attacks and intrusions. We may be unable to anticipate all potential types of attacks or intrusions or to 
implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures.

Network disruptions, security breaches and other signifi cant failures of the above-described systems could (i) disrupt 
the proper functioning of these networks and systems, and therefore, our operations; (ii) result in the unauthorized 
access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of our proprietary, confi dential, sensitive or 
otherwise valuable information, including trade secrets, which others could use to compete against us or for 
disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes; (iii) require signifi cant management attention 
or fi nancial resources to remedy the damages that result or to change our systems; or (iv) result in a loss of business, 
damage our reputation or expose us to litigation. Any or all of which could have a negative impact on our results of 
operations, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

14

Our growth strategy depends, in part, on our acquiring complementary businesses and assets and expanding our 
existing operations, which we may be unable to do.

Our growth strategy is based, in part, on our ability to acquire businesses and assets that are complementary to 
our existing operations. We may also seek to acquire other businesses. The success of this acquisition strategy will 
depend, in part, on our ability to accomplish the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

identify suitable businesses or assets to buy;

complete the purchase of those businesses on terms acceptable to us;

complete the acquisition in the time frame we expect;

improve the results of operations of the businesses that we buy and successfully integrate their 
operations into our own; and

avoid or overcome any concerns expressed by regulators, including antitrust concerns.

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in pursuing any or all of these steps. Our failure to implement 
our acquisition strategy could have an adverse eff ect on other aspects of our business strategy and our business in 
general. We may not be able to fi nd appropriate acquisition candidates, acquire those candidates that we fi nd or 
integrate acquired businesses eff ectively or profi tably.

Risks Related to Genie Oil and Gas

We have no current production of oil and gas and we may never have any.

We do not have any current production of oil and gas. We cannot assure you that we will produce or market oil or gas 
at all or in commercially profi table quantities. Our ability to produce and market oil and gas may depend upon our 
ability to develop and operate our planned projects and facilities, which may be aff ected by events or conditions that 
impact the advancement, operation, cost or results of such projects or facilities, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Energy commodity prices relative to production costs;

The occurrence of unforeseen technical diffi  culties;

The outcome of negotiations with potential partners, governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, 
suppliers, customers or others;

Changes to existing legislation or regulation governing our current or planned operations;

Our ability to obtain all the necessary permits to operate our facilities;

Changes in operating conditions and costs, including costs of third-party equipment or services such as 
drilling and processing and access to power sources; and

Security concerns or acts of terrorism that threaten or disrupt the safe operation of our facilities.

Operating hazards and uninsured risks with respect to the contract drilling and oil and gas operations may have 
material adverse eff ects on our operations.

Our contract drilling and research, exploration and, if successful, development and production operations are 
subject to risks similar to those normally incident to the exploration for and the development and production of oil 
and gas, including blowouts, subsidence, uncontrollable fl ows of oil, gas or well fl uids, fi res, pollution and other 
environmental and operating risks. These hazards could result in substantial losses due to injury or loss of life, severe 
damage to or destruction of property and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage and suspension of 
operations. While as a matter of practice we have insurance against some or all of these risks, such insurance may 
not cover the particular hazard and may not be suffi  cient to cover all losses. The occurrence of a signifi cant event 
adversely aff ecting any of our operations could have a material adverse eff ect on us, could materially aff ect our 
continued operations and could expose us to material liability.

15

Genie Oil and Gas’ dependence on contractors, equipment and professional services that have limited availability 
could result in increased costs and possibly material delays in their respective work schedules.

The costs for our operations may be more expensive than planned or there could be delays in our operating plans. 
We may also incur delays in our drilling and operating schedule and we may not be able to meet our required work 
schedule. Similarly, some of the professional personnel we need for our planned operations are not available in 
the locations in which we operate or are not available on short notice for work in such location, and, therefore, we 
may need to use non-local contractors for various projects. Any or all of the factors specifi ed above may result in 
increased costs and delays.

Genie Oil and Gas’ success depends on the continuing eff orts of key personnel and certain strategic partners, and 
our eff orts may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our future success depends, to a signifi cant extent, on our ability to attract and retain qualifi ed technical personnel, 
particularly those with expertise in the oil and gas industry. There is substantial competition for qualifi ed technical 
personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain our qualifi ed technical personnel. 
The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of these people, and the ability to fi nd suitable replacements 
within a reasonable period of time thereafter, could have a material adverse eff ect on our operations.

Genie Oil and Gas is subject to regulatory, legal and political risks that may limit its operations.

Our operations and potential earnings may be aff ected from time to time in varying degree by regulatory, legal and 
political factors, including laws and regulations related to environmental or energy security matters, including those 
addressing alternative and renewable energy sources and the risks of global climate change and legal challenges. 
Such laws and regulations continue to increase in both number and complexity and aff ect our operations with respect 
to, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The discharge of pollutants into the environment;

The handling, use, storage, transportation, disposal and cleanup of hazardous materials and hazardous 
and nonhazardous wastes;

The dismantlement, abandonment and restoration of our properties and facilities at the end of their 
useful lives;

Restrictions on exploration and production;

Loss of petroleum rights, including key leases, licenses or permits;

Tax or royalty increases, including retroactive claims;

Political instability, war or other confl icts in areas where we operate.

The oil and gas industry is subject to the general inherent industry and economic risks.

The oil and gas business is fundamentally a commodity business. This means that potential future commercial 
operations and earnings may be signifi cantly aff ected by changes in oil and gas prices and by changes in margins on 
gasoline, natural gas and other refi ned products.

We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to 
us, could cause us to lose signifi cant rights and pay signifi cant damage awards.

Our success depends, among other things, on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without 
infringing on the intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to our 
technology involve complex scientifi c, legal and factual questions and analysis. It is therefore diffi  cult to accurately 
predict whether or not a third party will assert that we are infringing on its intellectual property or whether it would 
prevail. Although we are not currently aware of any infringement or of any parties pursuing or intending to pursue 
infringement claims against us, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to such claims in the future. Also, in 
many jurisdictions, patent applications remain confi dential and are not published for some period after fi ling. Thus, 

16

we may be unaware of other parties’ pending patent applications that relate to our processes. While at present we are 
unaware of competing patent applications, such applications could potentially surface.

The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent opposition proceedings and related legal 
and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming and may signifi cantly divert the eff orts 
and resources of our technical and management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or 
proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to signifi cant liability to third parties, require us 
to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties, to redesign our products, or subject us to injunctions 
prohibiting the manufacture and sale of our products or the use of our technologies.

Risk Related to Our Financial Condition and Reporting

We identifi ed material weaknesses in our internal control over fi nancial reporting that were successfully remediated 
by December 31, 2017. If we fail to maintain proper and eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting, our 
ability to produce accurate and timely fi nancial statements could be impaired and may lead investors and other users 
to lose confi dence in our published fi nancial data.

Maintaining eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable fi nancial 
statements.

In evaluating the eff ectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over fi nancial reporting 
as of March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017, management concluded that a defi ciency in the design 
and operating eff ectiveness of the Company’s internal controls represented a material weakness in the Company’s 
internal control over fi nancial reporting and, therefore, that the Company did not maintain eff ective disclosure 
controls and procedures or internal control over fi nancial reporting as of March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017 and 
September 30, 2017.

The unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 
have been restated to properly refl ect the Company’s revenues, cost of revenues, income from operations, net income 
and earnings per share for those three-month periods. Certain amounts recorded in the second quarter of 2017 should 
properly have been recorded in the fi rst quarter.

In addition, in evaluating the eff ectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2013, 
management identifi ed material weaknesses in our internal control over fi nancial reporting and those material 
weaknesses were successfully remediated. In evaluating the eff ectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial 
reporting as of September 30, 2016, management identifi ed material weaknesses in our internal control over 
fi nancial reporting and those material weaknesses were successfully remediated by December 31, 2016. Also, as of 
December 31, 2016, management review controls associated with the completeness and accuracy of computations 
relating to domestic and foreign income tax accounts and disclosures were not eff ective. This material weakness, 
plus the material weakness identifi ed during the year ended December 31, 2017 described above were successfully 
remediated by December 31, 2017.

If additional material weaknesses or signifi cant defi ciencies in our internal control over fi nancial reporting are 
discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated fi nancial statements may contain material misstatements and we 
could be required to restate our fi nancial results.

The eff ects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our business have not yet been fully analyzed and could have an adverse 
eff ect on our business and fi nancial position.

On December 22, 2017 the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which makes various changes to the U.S. tax 
code, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% eff ective January 1, 2018. We have not 
completed our accounting for the income tax eff ects of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; however, we 
have made a reasonable estimate of the eff ect on our existing deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation 
allowance. At December 31, 2017, we adjusted our deferred income tax assets and related valuation allowance in 
equal and off setting amounts to refl ect the new rate. There was no impact to our provision for income taxes from this 
adjustment. We do not expect the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to have any other material impact on our 
consolidated fi nancial statements. We are following Staff  Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides guidance for 
situations where the accounting for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under ASC Topic 740 is incomplete.

17

Risks Related to Our Capital Structure

Holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock have signifi cantly less voting power than 
holders of our Class A common stock.

Holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per 
share on all matters on which our stockholders are entitled to vote, while holders of our Class A common stock are 
entitled to three votes per share. As a result, the ability of holders of our Class B common stock and Series 2012-A 
Preferred Stock to infl uence our management is limited.

Holders of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to an annual dividend and such payments may have a 
negative impact on our cash fl ow.

Holders of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive an annual dividend, payable quarterly in cash. 
The payment of such dividend could have a negative impact on our cash fl ow and cash balances. If dividends on 
any shares of the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more quarters, whether or not consecutive, 
holders of the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock shall have the right to elect two (2) additional directors to serve on our 
Board, and this could have a negative impact on the market price of our equity securities.

We are controlled by our principal stockholder, which limits the ability of other stockholders to aff ect our 
management.

Howard S. Jonas, our Chairman of the Board, has voting power over 6,369,670 shares of our common stock (which 
includes 1,574,326 shares of our Class A common stock, which are convertible into shares of our Class B common 
stock on a 1-for-1 basis, and 4,795,344 shares of our Class B common stock), representing approximately 71% of 
the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock, as of March 9, 2018. Mr. Jonas is able to control matters 
requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of all of the directors and the approval of signifi cant 
corporate matters, including any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. As a result, the 
ability of any of our other stockholders to infl uence our management is limited.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff  Comments. 

None.

Item 2. Properties. 

Our headquarters are located at 520 Broad St., Newark, New Jersey. Our lease for our offi  ce space at 520 Broad 
Street expires in April 2025 and is for 8,631 square feet and includes two parking spots per thousand square feet of 
space leased. The annual base rent is $198,513. We have the right to terminate the lease upon four months’ notice 
and upon early termination Genie will pay a penalty equal to 25% of the portion of the rent due over the course 
of the remaining term. Upon expiration of the lease, we have the right to renew the lease for another 5 years on 
substantially the same terms, with a 2% increase in the rental payments.

GRE’s Jamestown, New York offi  ces are located at 3315 North Main Street where we lease approximately 12,000 
square feet of space. GRE’s Florida offi  ce is located in Holiday, Florida where we lease approximately 4,350 square 
feet. GRE’s Arizona offi  ce is located in Chandler, Arizona where we lease approximately 3,300 square feet.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 

On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff , Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT 
Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was served on 
IDT Energy on July 16, 2014. The named plaintiff  fi led the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current 
electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a 
result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed 
the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On October 20, 2014, IDT 
Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the complaint, as amended, by the named plaintiff . On November 10, 
2014, the named plaintiff  opposed IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss and IDT Energy fi led a reply memorandum of 
law in further support of its motion to dismiss. On June 10, 2015, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion to stay 

18

and denied its motion to dismiss without prejudice. The parties participated in mediation, and subsequently entered 
into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the Court on October 16, 2017. 
The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The 
Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 2, 2014, named plaintiff , Louis McLaughlin, fi led a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. 
in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contending that he and other class members 
were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff  fi led 
the suit on behalf of himself and two subclasses: all IDT Energy customers who were charged a variable rate for 
their energy from July 2, 2008, and all IDT Energy customers who participated in IDT Energy’s rebate program from 
July 2, 2008. On January 22, 2016, the named plaintiff  fi led an amended complaint on behalf of himself and all IDT 
Energy customers in New York State against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International 
Corporation, and Genie Energy Ltd. (collectively, “IDT Energy”). On February 22, 2016, IDT Energy moved to 
dismiss the amended complaint, and the named plaintiff  opposed that motion. The parties participated in mediation, 
and subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the 
Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the 
Settlement Agreement. The Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff , Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, 
Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a 
result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff  fi led the suit on behalf 
of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 
and the present. The parties were engaged in discovery prior to the mediation described below. On April 20, 2016, 
the named plaintiff  fi led an amended complaint on behalf of herself and all IDT Energy customers in New Jersey 
against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. On 
June 27, 2016, defendants Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. fi led 
a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On August 26, 2016, the named plaintiff  opposed that motion and IDT 
Energy fi led a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. The Court granted the motion 
to dismiss, but the parties agreed to set aside that decision to give the plaintiff  an opportunity to submit opposition 
papers that had not been considered by the Court in rendering its decision. The parties participated in mediation, 
and subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the 
Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the 
Settlement Agreement. The Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 5, 2017, the Company entered into a class action Settlement Agreement with the class action plaintiff s 
acting individually and on behalf of the entire class, in the lawsuits currently pending in Pennsylvania, New York, 
and New Jersey described above. The Company does not believe that there was any wrongdoing on its part, and 
is entering into this settlement to further its eff orts to address its customers’ concerns. Under the Settlement 
Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay certain amounts to resolve the lawsuits and obtain a release of claims 
that were asserted or could be asserted in the lawsuits or that are related to or arise out of the conduct alleged in the 
lawsuits or similar conduct, wherever it may have occurred. The settlement payment includes payments to customers 
who timely make a claim, class counsel, and the named plaintiff s as well as the cost of a claims administrator for 
administrating the claims process. The Company estimated, based in part on historical participation rates that its 
total settlement payment will be approximately $9 million, although it is reasonably possible that the total payments 
could reach $10.1 million. In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a revenue reduction of 
$3.6 million and an expense of $5.4 million that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense”, and 
a liability of $9.0 million. We estimated, based in part on historical participation rates that our total settlement 
payment will be approximately $9 million, although it is reasonably possible that the total payments could reach 
$10.1 million. The actual amount to be paid out will depend on several factors, including the number of customers 
who claim settlement payments to which they are entitled. The Settlement Agreement was preliminarily approved by 
the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving 
the Settlement Agreement, and the Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On June 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Offi  ce (“AG”) and the Acting Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) 
fi led a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy, Inc. with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”). In 
the Joint Complaint, the AG and the OCA alleged, among other things, various violations of Pennsylvania’s Unfair 
Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Telemarketing Registration Act and the PUC’s regulations. IDT 

19

Energy reached an agreement in principle on a settlement with the AG and the OCA to terminate the litigation with 
no admission of liability or fi nding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy. On August 4, 2015, IDT Energy, the AG, and the 
OCA fi led a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania PUC seeking approval of the settlement terms. Under the settlement, 
IDT Energy will issue additional refunds to its Pennsylvania customers who had variable rates for electricity 
supply in January, February and March of 2014. IDT Energy will also implement certain modifi cations to its sales, 
marketing and customer service processes, along with additional compliance and reporting requirements. The 
settlement was approved by the Pennsylvania PUC on July 8, 2016. In July 2016, IDT Energy paid the agreed-upon 
$2.4 million for additional customer refunds to a refund administrator.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company received a request for information from the New Jersey Offi  ce of the 
Attorney General. The Company responded to the inquiry. The Company has recently been engaged in discussions 
with the New Jersey Offi  ce of the Attorney General regarding concerns raised by the New Jersey Board of Public 
Utilities and Division of Consumer Aff airs related to energy supply charges issued to the Company’s retail customers 
during the fi rst quarter of 2014 and have reached a tentative agreement in principle. In the year ended December 31, 
2017, the Company accrued $1.5 million of estimated loss related to this matter. The Company recorded a revenue 
reduction in the consolidated statement of operations of $1.3 million relating to refunds to customers and an expense 
of $0.2 million for related fees that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense,” and a liability of 
$1.5 million that is included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet.

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 to those inquiries or requests. The Company cannot predict 
whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions.

In addition to the 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 eff ect on the Company’s results of operations, cash fl ows or 
fi nancial condition.

New York Public Service Commission Orders

On February 23, 2016, the New York PSC issued an order that sought to impose signifi cant new restrictions on REPs 
operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions described in the PSC’s order, which were 
to become eff ective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity and natural gas off erings to residential 
and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant 
incumbent utility or, for electricity off erings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers 
not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back to the local utility at the end of their contract period 
or, for variable price customers operating on month to month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing 
cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay 
implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion 
for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a 
decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Order, and remitted the 
matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with the Court’s order.

In December 2017, the PSC held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process 
is continuing and is expected to last for at least several more months. The Company is evaluating the potential 
impact of any new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing to operate 
in compliance with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the fi nal language of any new order, 
as well as the Company’s ability to modify its relationships with its New York customers, an order could have a 
substantial impact upon the operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. At December 31, 2017, New York represented 
36% of GRE’s total meters served and 28% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

On July 14, 2016, and September 19, 2016, the PSC issued orders restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, 
from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of the REP 
industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 2016, 
the Court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September orders. On 

20

December 16, 2016, the PSC issued the 2016 Order prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in New York’s 
utility low-income assistance programs. After an agreed-upon delay, on July 5, 2017, the New York State Supreme 
Court, Albany County, denied interested parties’ eff orts to invalidate the 2016 Order, and the 2016 Order began to be 
implemented on July 26, 2017. Several REPs have appealed the Supreme Court’s Order to the Appellate Division, 
Third Department. That court stayed implementation of the 2016 Order for a period of time, but later lifted the stay 
pending resolution of the appeal.

In a related action, several customers impacted by the 2016 Order fi led a putative class action in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of New York, challenging the 2016 Order. Temporary stays of the 2016 Order 
entered in connection with this action have expired, and REPs are now required to return service of their current 
low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modifi ed schedule set forth in the PSC’s 2016 
Order. GRE is complying with the 2016 Order and has begun the transfer of customers as required. The 2016 Order 
will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, representing 
12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 

Not applicable.

Part II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities. 

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

Our Class B common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GNE”.

The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our Class B Common Stock as reported by the NYSE for 
the fi scal periods indicated which represents the only fi scal periods our Class B Common Stock has been trading on 
the NYSE.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

First Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Third Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

First Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Third Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

High

Low

11.02 $ 
8.48 $ 
7.49 $ 
6.60 $ 

7.35 $ 
8.31 $ 
7.61 $ 
6.93 $ 

7.00
6.32
5.69
5.07

5.25
6.97
5.65
4.18

On March 9, 2018, there were 320 holders of record of our Class B common stock and one holder of record of 
our Class A common stock. All shares of Class A common stock are benefi cially owned by Howard Jonas. These 
numbers do not include the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or in “street name” accounts through 
brokers. On March 15, 2018 the last sales price reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the Class B common 
stock was $4.94 per share.

PRICE RANGE OF PREFERRED STOCK

The Series 2012-A Preferred Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GNEPRA”. Trading began 
on the NYSE on October 24, 2012.

21

The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock as reported by the 
NYSE for the fi scal periods indicated.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

First Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Third Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

First Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Third Quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

High

Low

7.65 $ 
7.50 $ 
7.64 $ 
8.01 $ 

8.40 $ 
7.89 $ 
7.94 $ 
7.82 $ 

6.80
6.81
7.15
7.08

7.35
7.26
7.32
7.24

On March 9, 2018, there were 4 holders of record of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock. These numbers do not 
include the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or in “street name” accounts through brokers. On 
March 15, 2018, the last sales price reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock 
was $7.35 per share.

Additional information regarding dividends required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis section in Item 7 to Part II and Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in Item 8 to Part II of this Annual Report.

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual 
Stockholders Meeting, which we will fi le with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after 
December 31, 2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

22

Performance Graph of Stock

The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class B common stock and our 
Series 2012-A Preferred Stock with the cumulative total return of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index 
and the Standard & Poor’s Integrated Oil & Gas Index for the period beginning December 31, 2012 and ending 
December 31, 2017. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested December 31, 2012 with the cumulative 
total return of the NYSE Composite Index and the S&P Integrated Oil & Gas Index, and that all dividends were 
reinvested. Cumulative total stockholder returns for our Class B common stock, Series 2012-A Preferred Stock, 
NYSE Composite Index and the S&P Integrated Oil & Gas Index are based on our fi scal year.

Genie Energy Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Genie Energy Ltd. Series 2012 - A 
Preferred  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
NYSE Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
S&P Integrated Oil & Gas . . . . . 

12/12

12/13

12/14

12/15

12/16

12/17

100.00

143.80

87.83

160.58

85.63

68.16

100.00
100.00
100.00

124.76
126.28
121.53

105.57
134.81
113.35

140.37
129.29
97.64

151.14
144.73
121.21

161.36
171.83
123.73

23

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information with respect to purchases by us of our shares during the fourth quarter of 
the year ended December 31, 2017.

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)
6,896,669
6,896,669
6,896,669

October 1 – 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
November 1 – 30, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
December 1 – 31, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

(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 million shares of our Class B common stock.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 

The selected consolidated fi nancial data presented below as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and 
for each of the fi ve years then ended, has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been 
audited by BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting fi rm. The selected consolidated fi nancial data 
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and other fi nancial 
information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.

(in thousands, except per share data)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 

DATA:

Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Write-off of capitalized exploration 

costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Loss per common share – basic and 

diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Cash dividend declared per common 

Year ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

264,202 $ 

212,112 $ 

213,056 $ 

280,963 $ 

285,713

6,483
(8,648)

41,041
(32,192)

—
(8,636)

—
(27,407)

—
(5,341)

(0.36)

(1.14)

(0.40)

(1.31)

(0.36)

share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

0.30

0.24

0.12

0.06

—

December 31 (in thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

125,778 $ 
2,513

121,813 $ 
—

155,815 $ 
2,000

152,928 $ 
—

158,843
—

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

This Annual Report 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 diff er materially from the results 
projected in any forward-looking statement. In addition to the factors specifi cally noted in the forward-looking 
statements, other important factors, risks and uncertainties that could result in those diff erences include, but are 
not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A to Part I “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. The forward-looking 
statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking 
statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could diff er 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 

24

from time to time in our reports fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 
1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 
thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

OVERVIEW

We are comprised of GRE, which owns and operates REPs, including IDT Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square 
Energy, and Mirabito Natural Gas, or Mirabito, and also off ers energy brokerage and advisory services through 
its Genie Retail Energy Services and Diversegy divisions. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to 
residential and small business customers primarily in the Eastern United States. Through a joint venture, GRE has 
begun serving customers in Great Britain.

We are also comprised of GOGAS, an oil and gas exploration company with contracted drilling services as well. 
GOGAS’ four exploration projects are inactive. GOGAS also holds a 100% interest in Atid, an early stage drilling 
services company operating in Israel.

We own 99.3% of our subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE, and 92% of GOGAS. GOGAS holds an 86.1% 
interest in Afek, an oil and gas exploration project in Northern Israel, whose operations have been suspended. 
GOGAS also holds controlling interests in other inactive oil and gas projects.

GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to offi  cers and employees that represent an aggregate interest of 
1.25% of the equity of GRE.

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

Genie Retail Energy

GRE operates REPs that resell electricity and/or natural gas to residential and small business customers in 
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, Florida, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. GRE’s revenues represented 100% of our consolidated 
revenues in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

On August 10, 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito Natural Gas, a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based natural gas supplier that 
serves commercial and government customers throughout Florida.

On July 17, 2017, our subsidiary, Genie Energy UK Ltd., or GEUK, entered into a defi nitive agreement with Energy 
Global Investments Pty Ltd, or EGC, to launch Shoreditch Energy Limited, or Shoreditch, a joint venture to off er 
electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business customers in the United Kingdom under the 
brand Orbit Energy. In December 2017, Orbit commenced initial customer acquisition in the United Kingdom under 
the mandated three-month Controlled Market Entry framework in which new entrants can acquire a limited number 
of customers in a test environment.

GRE’s cost of revenues consists primarily of natural gas and electricity purchased for resale. As of November 19, 
2015, certain of GRE’s REPs entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier Agreement with BP pursuant 
to which those REPs purchase electricity and natural gas at a market rate plus a fee. The agreement’s termination 
date is November 30, 2019, except either party may terminate the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the 
other party notice by May 31, 2018. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under this agreement 
is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants.

As an operator of REPs, GRE does not own electrical power generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, or 
natural gas production, pipeline or distribution facilities. Instead, GRE’s REPs contract with various pipeline and 
distribution companies for natural gas pipeline, storage and transportation services, and utilizes NYISO, PJM, ISO 
New England and MISO for electric transmission and distribution. GRE’s cost of revenues includes scheduling costs, 
ISO fees, pipeline costs and utility service charges for the purchase of these services.

25

For risk management purposes, GRE’s REPs utilize put and call options and swaps as hedges against unfavorable 
fl uctuations in market prices of electricity and natural gas and to reduce exposure from price fl uctuations. The put 
and call options and swaps are recorded at fair value as a current asset or liability and any changes in fair value 
are recorded in cost of revenues. The impact of these options and swaps on cost of revenues is relatively small in 
comparison to the purchases of gas and electricity for resale.

The electricity transmission and distribution operators perform real-time load balancing for each of the electrical 
power grids in which GRE’s REPs operate. Similarly, the utility or the LDC performs load balancing for each of the 
natural gas markets in which GRE’s REPs operate. Load balancing ensures that the amount of electricity and natural 
gas that GRE’s REPs purchase is equal to the amount necessary to service its REP customers’ demands at any 
specifi c point in time. GRE’s REPs manage the diff erences between the actual electricity and natural gas demands 
of its customers and its bulk or block purchases by buying and selling in the spot market, and through monthly cash 
settlements and/or adjustments to futures deliveries in accordance with the load balancing performed by utilities, 
LDCs, and electricity transmission and distribution operators. Suppliers and the LDC’s charge or credit GRE for 
balancing the electricity and natural gas purchased and sold for its account.

The local utilities generally meter and deliver electricity and natural gas to GRE’s REP customers. The local utilities 
provide billing and collection services on GRE’s REPs behalf for most of GRE’s REPs’ customers. GRE’s REPs 
receive the proceeds less the utility’s POR fees and in some cases less fees for billing and other ancillary services.

Volatility in the electricity and natural gas markets aff ects the wholesale cost of the electricity and natural gas that 
GRE’s REPs sell to customers. GRE’s REPs may not always choose to pass along increases in costs to its customers 
for various reasons including competitive pressures and for overall customer satisfaction. In addition, GRE’s REPs 
off er fi xed rate products or guaranteed pricing and may be unable to change their sell rates off ered to fi xed rate 
and guaranteed pricing customers in response to volatility in the prices of the underlying commodities. This can 
adversely aff ect GRE’s gross margins and results of operations. Alternatively, increases in GRE’s REPs rates charged 
to customers may lead to increased customer churn.

GRE’s REPs’ selling expense consists primarily of sales commissions paid to independent agents and marketing 
costs, which are the primary costs associated with the acquisition of customers. General and administrative 
expense includes compensation, benefi ts, utility fees for billing and collection, professional fees, rent and other 
administrative costs.

Seasonality and Weather

The weather and the seasons, among other things, aff ect GRE’s REPs’ revenues. Weather conditions have a 
signifi cant 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 eff ect. Natural gas revenues typically increase in the 
fi rst quarter due to increased heating demands and electricity revenues typically increase in the third quarter due to 
increased air conditioning use. Approximately 45% and 43% of GRE’s REPs’ natural gas revenues for the relevant 
years were generated in the fi rst quarter of 2017 and 2016, 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 30% and 31% of GRE’s REPs’ electricity revenues for the relevant years were 
generated in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Concentration of Customers and Associated Credit Risk

GRE’s REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable 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. Certain of the utility companies represent signifi cant portions of our 
consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable balance and such concentrations increase our 
risk associated with nonpayment by those utility companies.

26

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company that 
equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single utility company accounted for more 
than 10% of consolidated revenues in these periods):

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

Con Edison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ComEd  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
National Grid USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15%
10%
na

20%
13%
na

23%
na
12%

na — less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company 
that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (no 
other single utility company accounted for 10% or greater of our consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at 
December 31, 2017 or 2016):

December 31
Con Edison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
ComEd  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2017

2016

11%
na

15%
10%

na — less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable

New York Public Service Commission Orders

On February 23, 2016, the New York PSC issued an order that sought to impose signifi cant new restrictions on REPs 
operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions described in the PSC’s order, which were 
to become eff ective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity and natural gas off erings to residential 
and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings compared to the price charged by the relevant 
incumbent utility or, for electricity off erings, provide at least 30% of the supply from renewable sources. Customers 
not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back to the local utility at the end of their contract period 
or, for variable price customers operating on month to month agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing 
cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay 
implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion 
for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a 
decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Order, which outlined the 
proposed rule changes, and remitted the matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with the Court’s order.

In December 2017, the PSC held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process 
is continuing and is expected to last for at least several more months. We are evaluating the potential impact of any 
new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing to operate in compliance 
with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the fi nal language of any new order, as well as our 
ability to modify our relationships with our New York customers, an order could have a substantial impact upon the 
operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. At December 31, 2017, New York represented 36% of GRE’s total meters 
served and 28% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

On July 14, 2016, and September 19, 2016, the PSC issued orders restricting REPs, including those owned by 
GRE, from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of 
the REP industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 
2016, the Court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September orders. 
On December 16, 2016, the PSC issued an order, the 2016 Order, prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in 
New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. After an agreed-upon stay of the 2016 Order, on July 5, 2017, 
the New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, denied interested parties’ eff orts to invalidate the 2016 Order, 
and the 2016 Order began to be implemented on July 26, 2017. Several REPs have appealed the Supreme Court’s 
Order to the Appellate Division, Third Department. That court stayed implementation of the 2016 Order for a period 
of time, but later lifted the stay pending resolution of the appeal.

27

In a related action, several customers impacted by the 2016 Order fi led a putative class action in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of New York, challenging the 2016 Order. Temporary stays of the 2016 
Order entered in connection with this action have expired, and REPs are now required to return service of their 
current low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modifi ed schedule set forth in the PSC’s 
2016 Order. GRE’s REPs are complying with the 2016 Order and have begun the transfer of customers as required. 
The 2016 Order will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, 
representing 12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018.

Afek Oil and Gas, Ltd.

In April 2013, the Government of Israel fi nalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three-year petroleum exploration 
license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The 
license has been extended to April 2018. Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee granted Afek 
a one-year permit that commenced in February 2015, which has been subsequently extended to April 18, 2018, to 
conduct an up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program.

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its fi rst exploratory well. Afek completed drilling fi ve wells in the Southern 
region of its license area. In light of the analysis received in the third quarter of 2016 and the information and market 
conditions at that time, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves 
in the Southern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding 
the economic viability of these wells, in the year ended December 31, 2016, Afek wrote off  the $41.0 million of 
capitalized exploration costs incurred in the Southern region.

Afek turned its operational focus to the Northern region of its license area. Afek viewed the Northern and Southern 
regions separately when evaluating its unproved properties. In 2017, Afek drilled an exploratory well at a site in 
the Northern portion of its license area. In November 2017, Afek announced that the preliminary analysis of results 
from the completed well at the Northern site suggested that the well’s target zone does not contain commercially 
producible quantities of oil or natural gas, and that it was suspending drilling operations pending further analysis. 
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible 
reserves in the Northern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt 
regarding the economic viability of the well, Afek wrote off  the $6.5 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred 
in the Northern region.

There is no current plan for a next phase of Afek’s activity. Any future exploratory drilling would be contingent upon 
licensing and permitting. Afek may seek fi nancing for any next phase of activity.

GOGAS Inactive Projects

Genie Mongolia

In April 2013, Genie Mongolia and the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia entered into an exclusive oil shale 
development agreement to explore and evaluate the commercial potential of oil shale resources in a 34,470 square 
kilometer area in Central Mongolia. In September 2014, Genie Mongolia signed a prospecting agreement with 
the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia covering an additional 25,000 square kilometers in Central Mongolia. Genie 
Mongolia maintains its rights to the acreage, however, it has suspended its operations in Mongolia.

American Shale Oil, LLC

AMSO, LLC holds a research, development and demonstration lease awarded by the U.S. Bureau of Land 
Management that covers an area of 160 acres in western Colorado. Through April 30, 2016, we accounted for our 
ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method since we had the ability to exercise signifi cant infl uence 
over its operating and fi nancial matters, although we did not control AMSO, LLC. AMSO, LLC was a variable 
interest entity, however, we determined that we were not the primary benefi ciary.

On February 23, 2016, Total notifi ed AMSO of its decision not to continue to fund AMSO, LLC. On March 23, 
2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal was eff ective on April 30, 2016. 
As of April 1, 2016, AMSO and Total agreed that Total would pay AMSO, LLC $3.0 million as full payment of its 
share of all costs associated with the decommissioning, winding up and dissolution of AMSO, LLC. Total will not 

28

be refunded any amount if the decommissioning costs are less than $3.0 million. At December 31, 2016, the AMSO, 
LLC project was substantially decommissioned. Eff ective April 30, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of 
operations and cash fl ows are included in our consolidated fi nancial statements.

We accounted for our acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC as a business 
combination. We estimated the fair value of AMSO, LLC to be nil, as it had ceased operations and its shutdown was 
in progress. We recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest in AMSO, LLC because we acquired the 
net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by us, due to our assumption of the risk associated 
with the shutdown obligations. The gain also included our gain on the remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in 
AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date fair value. The aggregate gain recognized was $1.3 million, which was included 
in “Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Israel Energy Initiatives, Ltd.

IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License awarded in July 2008 by the Government of 
Israel. The license covered approximately 238 square kilometers in the south of the Shfela region in Central Israel. 
On September 2, 2014, the Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building voted against issuing the pilot 
plant building and construction permits. The Shale Oil Exploration and Production License expired in July 2015. 
Operations at IEI are currently suspended.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our fi nancial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of fi nancial statements requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that aff ect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue 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 the allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, oil and gas accounting 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 diff er from these estimates under diff erent assumptions or conditions. See 
Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a complete discussion of our signifi cant 
accounting policies.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability or unwillingness 
of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.1 million at December 31, 
2017 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2016. Our allowance is determined based on known troubled accounts, 
historical experience and other currently available evidence. Our estimates of recoverability of customer accounts 
may change due to new developments, changes in assumptions or changes in our strategy, which may impact our 
allowance for doubtful accounts balance. We continually assess the likelihood of potential amounts or ranges of 
recoverability and adjust our allowance accordingly, however, actual collections and write-off s of trade accounts 
receivable may materially diff er from our estimates.

Goodwill

Our goodwill balance of $10.0 million and $8.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was allocated 
to our GRE segment. GRE is the reporting unit for our goodwill impairment tests. Goodwill is not amortized since 
it is deemed to have an indefi nite life. It is reviewed annually (or more frequently under various conditions) for 
impairment using a fair value approach.

In 2017, we adopted the Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, that simplifi es the subsequent measurement of 
goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill 
under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its 
assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required 
in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the 
amendments in this ASU, we perform our annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of 

29

our reporting units with their carrying amounts. We would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the 
carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount 
of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, we consider income tax eff ects from any tax deductible 
goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable.

We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the 
quantitative goodwill impairment test. However, we may elect to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test 
even if no indications of a potential impairment exist.

We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using discounted cash fl ow methodologies, as well as considering 
third party market value indicators. For GRE’s annual impairment test for the year ended December 31, 2017, since 
its estimated fair value substantially exceeded its carrying value, there was no goodwill impairment. In addition, we 
do not believe GRE is currently at risk of goodwill impairment. For GRE’s annual impairment tests for the years 
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, since its estimated fair value substantially exceeded its carrying value in Step 1, 
it was not necessary to perform Step 2 for these tests.

Calculating the fair value of the reporting units requires signifi cant estimates and assumptions by management. 
Should our estimates or assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units prove to be incorrect, we may be 
required to record impairments to our goodwill in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Oil and Gas Accounting

We account for our oil and gas activities under the successful eff orts method of accounting. Under this method, the 
costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized, pending determination 
of whether the well has found proved reserves. Other exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred. Unproved 
properties are assessed for impairment, and if considered impaired, are charged to expense when such impairment is 
deemed to have occurred. The assessment of unproved properties for impairment requires signifi cant estimates and 
assumptions by management.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our capitalized exploration costs — unproved oil and gas property were nil. In the 
third quarter of 2016, based on the analysis of the fi rst fi ve wells and market conditions at that time, Afek determined 
that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the Southern region of its license 
area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding the economic viability of its fi ve 
wells in the Southern region, in the year ended December 31, 2016, Afek wrote off  the $41.0 million of capitalized 
exploration costs incurred in the Southern region. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Afek determined that it did not have 
a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the Northern region of its license area over the next 
12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding the economic viability of its well, Afek wrote off  the 
$6.5 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred in the Northern region.

Income Taxes

Our current and deferred income taxes and associated valuation allowance are impacted by events and transactions 
arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with special and non-routine items. Assessment of 
the appropriate amount and classifi cation of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the 
timing and realization of deferred income tax assets, the results of Internal Revenue Service audits of our federal 
income tax returns, and changes in tax laws or regulations.

The valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets was $48.3 million and $53.0 million at December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively. We employ a tax strategy that enables us to currently deduct losses from our foreign 
subsidiaries against our profi table U.S. operations. Because of this strategy and our current projections, we 
concluded that we do not meet the criteria of more likely than not in order to utilize our deferred federal income tax 
assets in the foreseeable future.

We use a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefi ts taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. 
We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that, a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including 
resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating 
whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the appropriate 
taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information will examine the position. Tax positions that meet 

30

the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of tax benefi t to recognize in 
the fi nancial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefi t that is greater than 50 percent 
likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Diff erences between tax positions taken in a tax return and 
amounts recognized in the fi nancial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a 
liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, 
or an increase in a deferred tax liability. We review and adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefi ts based on 
our best estimate and judgment given the facts, circumstances and information available at each reporting date. To 
the extent that the outcome of these tax positions is diff erent from the amounts recorded, such diff erences may aff ect 
income tax expense and actual tax payments.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued an ASU related to the accounting for 
leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use, or ROU, model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a 
lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classifi ed as either 
fi nance or operating, with classifi cation aff ecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. We 
will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019. A modifi ed retrospective transition approach is required for lessees 
for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period 
presented in the fi nancial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are evaluating the impact that 
the new standard will have on our consolidated fi nancial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most fi nancial 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 signifi cantly more information about allowances, credit quality 
indicators and past due securities. The new provisions will be applied as a cumulative-eff ect adjustment to retained 
earnings. We will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2020. We are evaluating the impact that the new standard 
will have on our consolidated fi nancial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an ASU intended to improve the fi nancial reporting of hedging relationships to 
better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its fi nancial statements. In addition, 
the ASU includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance in U.S. 
GAAP. The amendments in this ASU are eff ective for us on January 1, 2019. Early application is permitted. Entities 
will apply the amendments to cash fl ow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption 
using a modifi ed retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements will be applied prospectively. 
We are evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on our consolidated fi nancial 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.

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new 
revenue recognition standard that superseded most of the revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and 
International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. The goals of the revenue recognition project were to clarify 
and converge the revenue recognition principles under U.S. GAAP and IFRS and to develop guidance that would 
streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the 
modifi ed retrospective method.

We have substantially completed our evaluation of the eff ects of adopting the new standard and determined that it 
will not have any impact on revenue recognition and measurement in our consolidated fi nancial statements upon 
adoption. Variable quantities in requirements contracts are considered to be options for additional goods and services 
which follow discussions outlined in the AICPA Power and Utilities Industry Task Force Issue No. 13-2. Revenue 
for each unit of electricity or natural gas is recognized as it is delivered to the customer. We will estimate variable 
consideration related to our rebate programs using the expected value method and a portfolio approach. We expect 

31

to apply a practical expedient for expensing costs to obtain a contract as the estimated customer relationship periods 
are currently less than twelve months. We will monitor our customer relationship periods going forward to ensure 
compliance with the application of the practical expedient. The adoption of the new standard will not have any 
impact on our current method of recording accrued rebates.

We are also currently reviewing future required disclosures, and updating our accounting policy. We anticipate 
completing the implementation in connection with our fi rst quarter 2018 interim fi nancial statements.

Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Genie Retail Energy Segment

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Revenues:

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gross profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . 
Equity in net loss of joint venture . . . . . . . . 
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

nm — not meaningful

2017

2016

$

%

Change

222.2 $ 
40.1
1.9
264.2
178.7
85.5
68.3
0.6
16.6 $ 

179.5 $ 
31.0
1.6
212.1
135.2
76.9
50.4
—
26.5 $ 

42.7
9.1
0.3
52.1
43.5
8.6
17.9
0.6
(9.9)

23.8%
29.2
19.8
24.6
32.2
11.1
35.5
nm
(37.4)%

On August 10, 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito Natural Gas, a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based natural gas supplier that 
serves commercial and government customers throughout Florida. Mirabito’s operating results from the date of 
acquisition, which were not signifi cant, are included in our results of operations.

On July 17, 2017, our subsidiary, GEUK, entered into a defi nitive agreement with EGC to launch Shoreditch, a joint 
venture to off er electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business customers in the United Kingdom.

On November 2, 2016, GRE acquired REH, a privately held owner of REPs that operates as TSE in eight states. 
REH’s licenses and customer base expanded GRE’s geographic footprint to four new states — New Hampshire, 
Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut — and provided additional electricity customers in New Jersey, 
Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

On July 5, 2017, we entered into a class action Settlement Agreement with the class action plaintiff s acting 
individually and on behalf of the entire class, in the lawsuits currently pending in New York, Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey (see Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in this Annual Report). We estimated, based in part 
on historical participation rates that our total settlement payment will be approximately $9 million, although it is 
reasonably possible that the total payments could reach $10.1 million. The actual amount to be paid out will depend 
on several factors, including the number of customers who claim settlement payments to which they are entitled. 
The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The 
Court has scheduled a hearing on fi nal approval in April 2018. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded 
a revenue reduction of $3.6 million for estimated payments to customers, of which $3.1 million reduced electricity 
revenues and $0.5 million reduced natural gas revenues, and an expense of $5.4 million that is included in “Selling, 
general and administrative expense.”

We have been engaged in discussions with the New Jersey Offi  ce of the Attorney General regarding concerns raised 
by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Division of Consumer Aff airs related to energy supply charges 
issued to our retail customers during the fi rst quarter of 2014 (see Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in 
this Annual Report) and have reached a tentative agreement in principle. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we 
accrued $1.5 million of estimated loss related to this matter. We recorded a revenue reduction of $1.3 million relating 
to refunds to customers, of which half reduced electricity revenues and half reduced natural gas revenues, and an 
expense of $0.2 million for related fees that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense.”

32

Revenues.  GRE’s electricity revenues increased in 2017 compared to 2016 because of customers of REH. We 
acquired REH in November 2016 at which time it served 43,000 electricity-only customers. REH customers 
represented an average of approximately 61,400 electricity-only customers, and $49.9 million in electricity revenues 
in 2017 compared to $6.1 million in electricity revenues in November and December 2016. Electricity consumption 
by GRE’s REP customers, including by TSE’s electricity customers, increased 21.5% in 2017 compared to 2016, and 
average consumption per meter increased 10.0% in 2017 compared to 2016. Average meters served increased 10.5% 
in 2017 compared to 2016. In addition, the average rate charged to customers increased 1.9% in 2017 compared to 
2016. The increase in electricity revenues in 2017 compared to 2016 was partially off set by an aggregate reduction of 
$3.8 million for estimated payments to customers as a result of the settlement of the class action lawsuits described 
above and for the pending regulatory matter in New Jersey described above.

GRE’s natural gas revenues increased in 2017 compared to 2016 because of an increase in the average rate charged 
to customers. In addition, the Mirabito acquisition in August 2017 added $2.3 million in natural gas revenues in 
2017, which was partially off set by the reduction of $0.7 million in 2017 for the pending regulatory matter in New 
Jersey described above, and a reduction of $0.5 million for estimated payments to customers as a result of the 
settlement of the class action lawsuits described above. The average rate charged to customers increased 29.2% 
in 2017 compared to 2016 refl ecting an increase in the underlying commodity cost. Natural gas meters served 
decreased 6.3% in 2017 compared to 2016, although average consumption per meter increased 6.8% in 2017 
compared to 2016. Natural gas consumption, including by Mirabito’s natural gas customers, was substantially 
unchanged in 2017 compared to 2016.

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

(in thousands)
Meters at end of quarter:

Electricity customers . . . . . 
Natural gas customers . . . . 
Total meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 
2017

September 30, 
2017

June 30,
2017

March 31,
2017

December 31, 
2016

307
105
412

330
116
446

317
113
430

307
111
418

296
116
412

The total meters at December 31, 2017 and 2016 included TSE’s respective approximate 78,400 and 44,500 
electric-only meters, and Mirabito’s approximately 970 natural gas-only meters at December 31, 2017. Gross meter 
acquisitions in 2017 were 355,000 (including TSE’s and Mirabito’s gross meter acquisitions) compared to 235,000 
in 2016. In response to the New York PSC developments discussed above, we focused our meter acquisition eff orts 
outside of New York State while simultaneously taking steps to reduce the prospective and contingent impacts 
of the PSC’s orders on our New York operations. Meters served decreased by approximately 400 or 0.1% from 
December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, compared to an increase of 20,000 or 5.0% from December 31, 2015 to 
December 31, 2016. Average monthly churn increased to 6.6% in 2017 from 6.0% in 2016. In 2017, GRE modifi ed 
its method of calculating churn and these fi gures refl ect the revised methodology.

GRE’s REPs have applications pending to enter into additional utility service areas, primarily electric and dual 
meter territories in the states where we currently operate. We continue to evaluate additional, deregulation-driven 
opportunities in order to expand our business geographically.

The average rates of annualized energy consumption, as measured by residential customer equivalents, or 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 diff erent customers have diff erent rates of 
energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profi le of a given retail 
customer base.

(in thousands)
RCEs at end of quarter:

Electricity customers . . . . . 
Natural gas customers . . . . 
Total RCEs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 
2017

September 30, 
2017

June 30,
2017

March 31,
2017

December 31, 
2016

219
70
289

220
67
287

218
65
283

228
73
301

243
82
325

33

Total RCEs at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included TSE’s approximately 67,400 and 50,600 
electric-only RCEs, respectively, and Mirabito’s approximately 11,300 natural gas-only RCEs at December 31, 
2017. Exclusive of the impact of the TSE and Mirabito acquisitions on RCEs and meters, RCEs decreased 4.1% 
at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 primarily due to weather conditions in portions of our 
service area.

Other revenue in 2017 and 2016 included commissions, entry fees and other fees from our energy brokerage and 
marketing services businesses.

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

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Cost of revenues:

2017

2016

$

%

Change

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

149.7 $ 
28.2
0.8
178.7 $ 

113.0 $ 
21.6
0.6
135.2 $ 

36.7
6.6
0.2
43.5

32.5%
30.8
27.9
32.2%

Year ended December 31,
Gross margin percentage:

2017

2016

Change

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total gross margin percentage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32.6%
29.7
58.7
32.4%

37.0%
30.5
61.3
36.3%

(4.4)%
(0.8)
(2.6)
(3.9)%

Cost of revenues for electricity increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily because of the acquisition of REH 
in November 2016, which added $43.5 million in cost of revenues for electricity in 2017 compared to $5.0 million 
in November and December 2016. Electricity consumption by GRE’s REP’s customers in 2017 increased 21.5% 
compared to 2016, including consumption from TSE’s electricity customers, and the average unit cost of electricity 
increased 9.0% in 2017 compared to 2016. Gross margin on electricity sales decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 
because the average rate charged to customers increased less than the average unit cost of electricity.

Cost of revenues for natural gas increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily because the average unit cost of 
natural gas increased 30.7% in 2017 compared to 2016. The Mirabito acquisition in August 2017 added $1.6 million 
in cost of revenues for natural gas in 2017. Natural gas consumption, including by Mirabito’s natural gas customers, 
was substantially unchanged in 2017 compared to 2016. Gross margin on natural gas sales decreased in 2017 
compared to 2016 because the average rate charged to customers increased less than the average unit cost of natural 
gas.

Other cost of revenues primarily includes commission expense incurred by our energy brokerage and marketing 
services businesses.

Selling, General and Administrative.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expense in 2017 compared 
to 2016 was due to an increase in customer acquisition costs, refl ecting the increase in gross meter acquisitions, an 
increase in amortization expense from the amortization of the intangible assets acquired in the REH and Mirabito 
acquisitions, as well as an increase in payroll expense. In addition, the increase in selling, general and administrative 
expense in 2017 compared to 2016 was due to the accrual of $5.4 million for the settlement of various class action 
lawsuits described above. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense 
increased from 23.8% in 2016 to 25.9% in 2017.

Equity in net loss of joint venture.  GEUK accounts for its ownership interest in Shoreditch using the equity method 
since GEUK has the ability to exercise signifi cant infl uence over its operating and fi nancial matters, although it 
does not control Shoreditch. Shoreditch is a variable interest entity, however, GEUK has determined that it is not 
the primary benefi ciary, as GEUK does not have the power to direct the activities that most signifi cantly impact 
Shoreditch’s economic performance. In December 2017, Shoreditch commenced initial customer acquisition in 
the United Kingdom under the mandated three-month Controlled Market Entry framework in which new entrants 

34

can acquire a limited number of customers in a test environment. Shoreditch’s net loss from its inception to 
December 31, 2017 was $0.8 million.

Afek Segment

Afek does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense . . . . . .  $ 
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . . 
Other operating loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

2017

2016

$

1.3 $ 
4.9
6.5
—
12.7 $ 

1.1 $ 
6.1
41.0
0.1
48.3 $ 

Change

0.2
(1.2)
(34.5)
(0.1)
(35.6)

%

24.1%
(19.9)
(84.2)
(100.0)

(73.7)%

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expense increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily 
because of an increase in depreciation expense, as well as a reduction in the amount of costs classifi ed as exploration 
expense and capitalized exploration costs.

Exploration.   Afek accounts for its oil and gas activities under the successful eff orts method of accounting. Under 
this method, the costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized, 
pending determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. Other exploration costs are charged to expense 
as incurred. In February 2015, Afek began drilling its fi rst exploratory well in Northern Israel’s Golan Heights. Afek 
completed drilling fi ve wells in the Southern region of its license area. Afek subsequently turned its operational 
focus to the Northern region of its license area. In 2017, Afek commenced drilling its sixth exploratory well at one 
of the Northern sites in its license area. In November 2017, Afek announced that the preliminary analysis of results 
from the completed well at the Northern site suggested that the well’s target zone does not contain commercially 
producible quantities of oil or natural gas, and that it was suspending drilling operations pending further analysis.

Write-Off  of Capitalized Exploration Costs.  Afek assesses the economic and operational viability of its project 
on an ongoing basis. The assessment requires signifi cant estimates and assumptions by management. In the fourth 
quarter of 2017, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in 
the Northern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding 
the economic viability of the well, Afek wrote off  the $6.5 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred in the 
Northern region. In the third quarter of 2016, based on the analysis of the fi rst fi ve wells and market conditions 
at that time, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the 
Southern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding the 
economic viability of these wells, in 2016, Afek wrote off  the $41.0 million of capitalized exploration costs incurred 
in the Southern region.

Other Operating Loss, net. 
operations for the Mei Golan Water Cooperative, a water cooperative of agricultural settlements in the Golan Heights.

In 2016, Afek incurred net expense of $0.1 million from its drilling and related 

Genie Oil and Gas Segment

Genie Oil and Gas does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues. On March 23, 
2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal was eff ective on April 30, 2016. 
As a result of Total’s withdrawal, beginning on April 30, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of operations 
and cash fl ows are included in our consolidated fi nancial statements.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense . . . . . .  $ 
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC . . . . 
Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . 
(Loss) income from operations . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

2017

2016

$

(1.0) $ 
0.3
1.3
(0.2)
0.4 $ 

(0.6) $ 

—
—
—
(0.6) $ 

35

Change

0.4
(0.3)
(1.3)
0.2
(1.0)

%

32.0%
(100.0)
(100.0)
100.0
(235.3)%

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expense decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily 
because of decreases in payroll and severance expense, partially off set by an increase in stock-based compensation 
expense.

Research and Development. 
 At December 31, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s oil shale development project in Colorado was 
substantially decommissioned. In 2016, AMSO, LLC reversed accrued research and development expense related to 
its decommissioning, winding up and dissolution.

Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC.  We accounted for our acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership 
interest in AMSO, LLC as a business combination. We recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest 
in AMSO, LLC because we acquired the net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by us, 
due to our assumption of the risk associated with the shutdown obligations. The gain also included our gain on 
the remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date fair value. The aggregate gain 
recognized was $1.3 million.

Equity in the Net Loss of AMSO, LLC. 
LLC’s expenditures in 2014 and 2015, AMSO, LLC allocated its net loss mostly to Total in 2015 and from January 1, 
2016 until April 30, 2016, the eff ective date of Total’s withdrawal from AMSO, LLC.

In part because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund all of its share of AMSO, 

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.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense and 

2017

2016

$

%

Change

loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

9.8 $ 

9.2 $ 

0.6

7.1%

The increase in Corporate general and administrative expense in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to 
severance expense that we accrued in 2017 for our former President. As a percentage of our consolidated revenues, 
Corporate general and administrative expense decreased from 4.3% in 2016 to 3.7% in 2017.

Consolidated

Selling, General and Administrative.  Pursuant to an agreement between us and IDT, IDT charges us for services 
it provides to us, and we charge IDT for services that we provide to certain of IDT’s subsidiaries. In 2017 and 2016, 
the amounts that IDT charged us, net of the amounts that we charged IDT, were $1.3 million and $1.6 million, 
respectively, which were included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Stock-based compensation expense included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense was 
$5.2 million and $4.8 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, aggregate unrecognized 
compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation was $4.8 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 loss from operations.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other (expense) income, net . . . . . . . . . . 
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling 

interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss attributable to Genie . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

nm — not meaningful

2017

2016

$

%

Change

(30.5) $ 
0.3
—
0.2
(2.2)
(32.2)

7.7
(24.5) $ 

24.0
—
(0.3)
(0.6)
0.5
23.6

(6.1)
17.5

78.6%
(11.1)
nm
(262.4)
22.2
73.1

(78.4)
71.5%

(6.5) $ 
0.3
(0.3)
(0.4)
(1.7)
(8.6)

1.6
(7.0) $ 

36

Interest Expense. 
Services II, LLC, or Vantage, for a $20 million revolving line of credit. In 2017, we incurred interest expense from 
borrowings under the Vantage revolving line of credit.

 On April 4, 2017, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage Commodities Financial 

Other (Expense) Income, net.  Other (expense) income, net, included foreign currency transaction losses of 
$0.4 million in 2017 and foreign currency transaction gains of $0.1 million in 2016. In addition, in 2016, included a 
$0.2 million gain from the repayment of the Maple Bank GmbH revolving credit loan payable.

Provision for Income Taxes.  The decrease in the provision for income taxes in 2017 compared to 2016 was 
primarily due to the decrease in income tax expense in GRE. GRE includes IDT Energy, certain limited liability 
companies and our consolidated variable interest entity. For purposes of computing Federal income taxes, we 
consolidate the GOGAS and Afek entities so that the losses from those businesses off set the taxable income from 
GRE and reduce the consolidated tax provision to zero. The additional net operating losses are fully off set by a 
valuation allowance so no additional benefi t for Federal income taxes was recorded. IDT Energy and the limited 
liability companies are included in our consolidated return. Citizens Choice Energy, LLC, or CCE, a consolidated 
variable interest entity, fi les a separate tax return since we do not have any ownership interest in CCE.

On December 22, 2017 the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which makes various changes to the U.S. tax 
code, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% eff ective January 1, 2018. We have not 
completed our accounting for the income tax eff ects of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; however, we 
have made a reasonable estimate of the eff ect on our existing deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation 
allowance. At December 31, 2017, we adjusted our deferred income tax assets and related valuation allowance in 
equal and off setting amounts to refl ect the new rate. There was no impact to our provision for income taxes from this 
adjustment. We do not expect the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to have any other material impact on our 
consolidated fi nancial statements.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.  The change in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to the noncontrolling interest’s share of Afek’s write-off  of capitalized 
exploration costs in 2016. In 2016, the noncontrolling interest in Afek increased from 13.5% to 14.9% and the 
write-off  of capitalized exploration costs was $41.0 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

Genie Retail Energy Segment

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Revenues:

2016

2015

$

%

Change

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . 
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

179.5 $ 
31.0
1.6
212.1
135.2
76.9
50.4
26.5 $ 

170.3 $ 
40.8
2.0
213.1
146.4
66.7
55.6
11.1 $ 

9.2
(9.8)
(0.4)
(1.0)
(11.2)
10.2
(5.2)
15.4

5.4%
(23.9)
(19.9)
(0.4)
(7.7)
15.4
(9.2)
138.9%

On November 2, 2016, GRE acquired REH, a privately held owner of REPs that operates as TSE in eight states. 
REH’s licenses and customer base expanded GRE’s geographic footprint to four new states — New Hampshire, 
Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut — and provided additional electricity customers in New Jersey, 
Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In addition, GRE’s REPs began operations in Ohio in the second quarter of 2016.

Revenues.   GRE’s electricity revenues increased in 2016 compared to 2015 partially because of the acquisition 
of REH in November 2016, which added approximately 43,000 electricity-only customers at acquisition and 
$6.1 million in electricity revenues in November and December 2016, which off set a 6.5% decline in the average 
rate charged to electricity customers. GRE’s electricity consumption in 2016 compared to 2015 increased 12.7%, 
including the TSE electricity customers. The increase in electricity consumption refl ected the increase in average 

37

meters served, which increased 14.1% in 2016 compared to 2015, although average consumption per meter 
decreased 1.3% in 2016 compared to 2015.

GRE’s natural gas revenues decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 because of a 16.9% decrease in the average rate 
charged to customers, and an 8.4% decrease in natural gas consumption. The decrease in natural gas consumption 
was the result of a 3.6% decrease in average meters served, as well as a 5.0% decrease in average consumption per 
meter, in 2016 compared to 2015.

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

(in thousands)
Meters at end of quarter:

Electricity customers . . . . . 
Natural gas customers . . . . 
Total meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 
2016

September 30, 
2016

June 30,
2016

March 31,
2016

December 31, 
2015

296
116
412

263
120
383

268
122
390

267
126
393

264
128
392

The total meters at December 31, 2016 included TSE’s approximately 44,500 electric-only meters. Gross meter 
acquisitions in 2016, exclusive of TSE, were 235,000 compared to 275,000 in 2015. In response to the New York 
PSC developments discussed above, we focused our meter acquisition eff orts outside of New York State while 
simultaneously taking steps to reduce the prospective and contingent impacts of the PSC’s orders on our New York 
operations. Including the impact of the REH acquisition, meters served increased by 20,000 or 5.0% from 
December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 compared to an increase of 29,000 or 8.4% from December 31, 2014 
to December 31, 2015. Average monthly churn increased from 5.4% in 2015 to 6.0% in 2016. Note that in 2017, 
GRE modifi ed its method of calculating churn and these fi gures refl ect the revised methodology.

The average rates of annualized energy consumption, as measured by residential customer equivalents, or 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 diff erent customers have diff erent rates of 
energy consumption, RCEs are an industry standard metric for evaluating the consumption profi le of a given retail 
customer base.

(in thousands)
RCEs at end of quarter:

Electricity customers . . . . . 
Natural gas customers . . . . 
Total RCEs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 
2016

September 30, 
2016

June 30,
2016

March 31, 
2016

December 31, 
2015

218
65
283

174
67
241

172
67
239

175
72
247

178
81
259

Total RCEs at December 31, 2016 included TSE’s approximately 50,600 electric-only RCEs. Exclusive of the impact 
of the REH acquisition, RCEs decreased at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 primarily due to 
changing weather patterns as well as the declines in electric and natural gas meters served.

Other revenue in 2016 and 2015 included commissions, entry fees and other fees from our energy brokerage and 
marketing services businesses.

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

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Cost of revenues:

2016

2015

$

%

Change

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

113.0 $ 
21.6
0.6
135.2 $ 

112.7 $ 
31.5
2.2
146.4 $ 

0.3
(9.9)
(1.6)
(11.2)

0.2%
(31.5)
(71.7)
(7.7)%

38

Year ended December 31,
Gross margin percentage:

2016

2015

Change

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total gross margin percentage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37.0%
30.5
61.3
36.3%

33.8%
22.7
(9.5)
31.3%

3.2%
7.8
70.8
5.0%

Cost of revenues for electricity increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily because of the acquisition of REH 
in November 2016, which added $5.0 million in cost of revenues for electricity in November and December 2016. 
GRE’s electricity consumption in 2016 compared to 2015 increased 12.7%, including the TSE electricity customers. 
The increase in cost of revenues for electricity was partially off set by an 11.0% decrease in the average unit cost of 
electricity in 2016 compared to 2015. Gross margin on electricity sales inc reased in 2016 compared to 2015 because 
the average rate charged to customers decreased less than the average unit cost of electricity.

Cost of revenues for natural gas decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily because the average unit cost of 
natural gas decreased 25.3% in 2016 compared to 2015 and natural gas consumption decreased 8.4% in 2016 
compared to 2015. Gross margin on natural gas sales increased in 2016 compared to 2015 because the average rate 
charged to customers decreased less than the average unit cost of natural gas.

Other cost of revenues primarily includes commission expense incurred by our energy brokerage and marketing 
services businesses.

Selling, General and Administrative.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in 2016 compared 
to 2015 was due to a decrease in the cost of regulatory and legal matters, the reorganization of our energy brokerage 
and marketing services businesses that reduced the payroll, offi  ce rent and certain other general and administrative 
expenses of those businesses, and a reduction in customer acquisition costs. In 2015, selling, general and 
administrative expense included an accrual of $2.7 million for regulatory and legal matters including outside counsel 
fees. As a percentage of GRE’s total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense decreased from 26.1% in 
2015 to 23.8% in 2016.

Afek Segment

Afek does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense . . . . . .  $ 
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . . 
Other operating loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

nm — not meaningful

2016

2015

$

%

Change

1.1 $ 
—
6.1
41.0
0.1
48.3 $ 

0.8 $ 
0.1
6.6
—
—
7.5 $ 

0.3
(0.1)
(0.5)
41.0
0.1
40.8

32.6%
(100.0)
(7.5)
nm
nm
547.3%

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expense increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily 
because of an increase in payroll expense partially off set by a decrease in consulting and professional fees.

Exploration.  
related to the drilling of fi ve wells in the Southern region of its license area that was completed in 2016.

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its fi rst exploratory well. Exploration costs in 2016 and 2015 

Write-Off  of Capitalized Exploration Costs.  Based on the analysis of the fi rst fi ve wells and market conditions at 
that time, in the third quarter of 2016, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or 
possible reserves in the Southern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial 
doubt regarding the economic viability of these wells, in 2016, Afek wrote off  the $41.0 million of capitalized 
exploration costs incurred in the Southern region.

39

Other Operating Loss, net. 
In 2016, Afek incurred net expense of $0.1 million from its drilling and related 
operations for the Mei Golan Water Cooperative, a water cooperative of agricultural settlements in the Golan 
Heights.

Genie Oil and Gas Segment

Genie Oil and Gas does not currently generate any revenues, nor does it incur any cost of revenues. On March 23, 
2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal was eff ective on April 30, 2016. 
As a result of Total’s withdrawal, beginning on April 30, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of operations 
and cash fl ows are included in our consolidated fi nancial statements.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense . . . . . .  $ 
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC . . . . 
Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . 
Income (loss) from operations  . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

nm — not meaningful

2016

2015

$

%

Change

(1.0) $ 
0.3
1.3
(0.2)
0.4 $ 

(0.7) $ 
(1.9)
—
(0.4)
(3.0) $ 

(0.3)
2.2
1.3
0.2
3.4

(18.0)%
114.0
nm
44.1
114.3%

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expense increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily 
due to the consolidation of AMSO, LLC’s general and administrative expense of $0.3 million in 2016 and a 
reduction in the amount of costs classifi ed as research and development expense, partially off set by a decrease in 
stock-based compensation expense.

Research and Development.  Research and development expense consists of the following:

(in millions) 
Year ended December 31,
AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Genie Mongolia  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
IEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total research and development expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

2016

2015

(0.4) $ 
0.1
—

(0.3) $ 

—
1.7
0.2
1.9

In 2016, AMSO, LLC reversed accrued research and development expense related to its decommissioning, winding 
up and dissolution. At December 31, 2016, the AMSO, LLC project was substantially decommissioned.

Genie Mongolia’s research and development expense in 2016 and 2015 related to the joint geological survey 
agreement with the Republic of Mongolia, which was executed in April 2013, to explore certain of that country’s oil 
shale deposits. In late 2015, we scaled back operations in Mongolia, and in 2016 we suspended our operations.

IEI had an exclusive Shale Oil Exploration and Production License awarded in July 2008 by the Government of 
Israel. The license was extended until July 2015 when it expired.

Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC.  We accounted for our acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership 
interest in AMSO, LLC as a business combination. We estimated the fair value of AMSO, LLC to be nil, as it had 
ceased operations and its shutdown was in progress. We recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest 
in AMSO, LLC because we acquired the net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by us, 
due to our assumption of the risk associated with the shutdown obligations. The gain also included our gain on the 
remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date fair value.

Equity in the Net Loss of AMSO, LLC. 
LLC’s expenditures in 2014 and 2015, AMSO, LLC allocated its net loss mostly to Total in 2015 and from January 1, 
2016 until April 30, 2016, the eff ective date of Total’s withdrawal from AMSO, LLC.

In part because of AMSO’s decisions not to fund all of its share of AMSO, 

40

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.

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
General and administrative expense and 

2016

2015

$

%

Change

loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

9.2 $ 

8.9 $ 

0.3

3.1%

The increase in Corporate general and administrative expense in 2016 compared to 2015 was mostly due to an 
increase in payroll and related expense, partially off set by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. As a 
percentage of our consolidated revenues, Corporate general and administrative expense increased from 4.2% in 2015 
to 4.3% in 2016.

Consolidated

Selling, General and Administrative.  Pursuant to an agreement between us and IDT, IDT charges us for services 
it provides to us, and we charge IDT for services that we provide to certain of IDT’s subsidiaries. In 2016 and 2015, 
the amounts that IDT charged us, net of the amounts that we charged IDT, were $1.6 million and $1.8 million, 
respectively, which were included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Stock-based compensation expense included in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense was 
$4.8 million and $5.2 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense 
was primarily due to unrecognized compensation cost that was fully recognized in 2015.

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

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . 
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling 

interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net loss attributable to Genie . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

2016

2015

$

Change

(30.5) $ 
0.3
—
0.2
(2.2)
(32.2)

7.7
(24.5) $ 

(8.3) $ 
0.4
—
(0.2)
(0.5)
(8.6)

1.1
(7.5) $ 

(22.2)
(0.1)
—
0.4
(1.7)
(23.6)

6.6
(17.0)

%
(266.3)%
(19.2)
(90.0)
223.5
(322.5)
(272.8)

550.3
(228.9)%

Other Income (Expense), net. 
repayment of the Maple Bank GmbH revolving credit loan payable. In addition, other income (expense), net, 
included foreign currency transaction gains of $0.1 million in 2016 and foreign currency transaction losses of 
$0.1 million in 2015.

In 2016, other income (expense), net included a $0.2 million gain from the 

Provision for Income Taxes.  The change in the provision for income taxes in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily 
due to the change in income tax expense in GRE. GRE includes IDT Energy, certain limited liability companies 
and our consolidated variable interest entity. For purposes of computing Federal income taxes, we consolidate the 
GOGAS and Afek entities so that the losses from those businesses off set the taxable income from GRE and reduce 
the consolidated tax provision to zero. The additional net operating losses are fully off set by a valuation allowance 
so no additional benefi t for Federal income taxes was recorded. State and local taxes, which have no off set, increased 
in 2016 compared to 2015. IDT Energy and the limited liability companies are included in our consolidated return. 
CCE, a consolidated variable interest entity, fi les a separate tax return since we do not have any ownership interest in 
CCE.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.  The change in the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the noncontrolling interest’s share of Afek’s write-off  of capitalized 

41

exploration costs. In 2016, the noncontrolling interest in Afek increased from 13.5% to 14.9% and the write-off  of 
capitalized exploration costs was $41.0 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

We currently expect that our cash fl ows from operations in the next twelve months and the $29.9 million balance of 
unrestricted cash and cash equivalents that we held at December 31, 2017 will be suffi  cient to meet our currently 
anticipated cash requirements for at least the year ending December 31, 2018.

At December 31, 2017, we had working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $35.4 million.

(in millions)
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . .
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

9.3 $ 

(16.5)
1.8
0.1
(5.3) $ 

15.6 $ 
(9.5)
(9.7)
—

(3.6) $ 

(3.1)
(31.6)
1.6
—
(33.1)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $9.3 million and $15.6 million in years ended December 31, 2017 and 
2016, respectively, and cash used in operating activities was $3.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. 
Our cash fl ow from operations varies signifi cantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, depending on our 
operating results and the timing of operating cash receipts and payments, specifi cally trade accounts receivable and 
trade accounts payable, including payments relating to our exploration activities.

Gross trade accounts receivable increased to $45.7 million at December 31, 2017 from $37.0 million at 
December 31, 2016 and $27.4 million at December 31, 2015 refl ecting mainly the increase in GRE’s revenues in 
the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016 and the three 
months ended December 31, 2015.

Inventory of natural gas increased to $1.0 million at December 31, 2017 from $0.6 million at December 31, 2016 
due to a 60% increase in the average unit cost, partially off set by a 4% decrease in quantity at December 31, 2017 
compared to December 31, 2016. Inventory of natural gas decreased to $0.6 million at December 31, 2016 from 
$1.6 million at December 31, 2015 due to a 51% decrease in the average unit cost and an 18% decrease in quantity at 
December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015. Inventory at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 also included 
$3.0 million, $5.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively, in renewable energy credits.

On July 5, 2017, we entered into a class action Settlement Agreement with the class action plaintiff s acting 
individually and on behalf of the entire class, in the lawsuits currently pending in New York, Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey (see Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in this Annual Report). We estimated, based in part 
on historical participation rates that our total settlement payment will be approximately $9 million, although it is 
reasonably possible that the total payments could reach $10.1 million. The payments pursuant to the Settlement 
Agreement are expected to be disbursed during the fi rst half of 2018. The actual amount to be paid out will depend 
on several factors, including the number of customers who claim settlement payments to which they are entitled. 
The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The 
Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

In 2017, we accrued $1.5 million of estimated loss related to a pending regulatory matter in New Jersey, (see Item 3 
to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in this Annual Report), which did not impact cash provided by operating 
activities in the periods presented.

CCE is a consolidated variable interest entity. We determined that, since the acquisition of the interest in CCE, 
we had the power to direct the activities of CCE that most signifi cantly impact its economic performance, and we 

42

have the obligation to absorb losses of CCE that could potentially be signifi cant to CCE on a stand-alone basis. We 
therefore determined that we are the primary benefi ciary of CCE, and as a result, we consolidate CCE within our 
GRE segment. We provided CCE with all of the cash required to fund its operations. In 2017 and 2015, CCE repaid 
$0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to us. In 2016, we provided CCE with net funding of $0.9 million to 
fi nance its operations.

As of November 19, 2015, certain of GRE’s REPs entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred Supplier 
Agreement with BP. The agreement’s termination date is November 30, 2019, except either party may terminate 
the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the other party notice by May 31, 2018. The obligations to BP are 
secured by a fi rst 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 December 31, 2017, we were in compliance 
with such covenants. At December 31, 2017, restricted cash — short-term of $0.5 million and trade accounts 
receivable of $34.4 million were pledged to BP as collateral for the payment of the trade accounts payable to BP of 
$13.8 million at December 31, 2017.

In July 2016, in accordance with a settlement approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, IDT Energy 
paid the agreed-upon $2.4 million to a refund administrator for refunds (in addition to other refunds that IDT Energy 
had voluntarily paid to aff ected customer in prior periods) to its Pennsylvania customers in January, February and 
March of 2014 who had variable rates for electricity supply (see Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in this 
Annual Report).

In December 2017, the PSC held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process 
is continuing and is expected to last for at least several more months. We are evaluating the potential impact of any 
new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing to operate in compliance 
with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the fi nal language of any new order, as well as our 
ability to modify our relationships with our New York customers, an order could have a substantial impact upon the 
operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. At December 31, 2017, New York represented 36% of GRE’s total meters 
served and 28% of the total RCEs of GRE’s customer base.

On December 16, 2016, the PSC issued the 2016 Order prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in New York’s 
utility low-income assistance programs (see Item 3 to Part I “Legal Proceedings” included in this Annual Report). 
GRE’s REPs are complying with the 2016 Order and have begun the transfer of customers as required. The 2016 
Order will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, representing 
12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018.

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 $3.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.3 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In 
2017, our subsidiary Atid Drilling Ltd., or Atid, an on-shore drilling services venture based in Israel, purchased a 
drilling rig and associated drilling equipment for $2 million. Atid provided drilling services to Afek for its sixth 
exploratory well.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, we used cash of $5.5 million, $12.9 million and $27.0 million, respectively, for investments 
in Afek’s unproved oil and gas property in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. We had purchase commitments of 
$46.4 million at December 31, 2017, of which $45.0 million was for future purchases of electricity. We currently 
anticipate that our total capital expenditures in the year ending December 31, 2018 will be between $1 million and 
$2 million.

There is no current plan for a next phase of Afek’s activity. Any future exploratory drilling would be contingent upon 
licensing and permitting. Afek may seek fi nancing for any next phase of its activity.

43

On February 23, 2016, Total notifi ed AMSO of its decision not to continue to fund AMSO, LLC. On March 23, 
2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal was eff ective on April 30, 2016. 
As of April 1, 2016, AMSO and Total agreed that Total would pay AMSO, LLC $3.0 million as full payment of its 
share of all costs associated with the decommissioning, winding up and dissolution of AMSO, LLC. Total will not 
be refunded any amount if the decommissioning costs are less than $3.0 million. Eff ective April 30, 2016, AMSO, 
LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash fl ows are included in our consolidated fi nancial statements. 
We accounted for our acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC as a business 
combination. We estimated the fair value of AMSO, LLC to be nil, as it had ceased operations and its shutdown was 
in progress. We recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest in AMSO, LLC because we acquired the 
net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by us, due to our assumption of the risk associated 
with the shutdown obligations. The gain also included our gain on the remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in 
AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date fair value. The aggregate gain recognized was $1.3 million, which was included 
in 2016 in “Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC” in the consolidated statements of operations.

In 2016 and 2015, cash used for capital contributions to AMSO, LLC was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, 
respectively.

On August 10, 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito for cash of $3.9 million, net of $0.1 million cash acquired.

On November 2, 2016, GRE acquired REH, a privately held owner of REPs, for $9.5 million plus $1.4 million 
for REH’s working capital, or an aggregate cash payment of $10.9 million. At acquisition, REH had cash of 
$2.2 million. In addition, in February 2017, GRE paid $0.3 million for the REH acquisition.

We received $0.4 million from an employee for the partial repayment of notes receivable in the year ended 
December 31, 2017.

On July 17, 2017, GEUK entered into a defi nitive agreement with EGC to launch Shoreditch in the United Kingdom. 
At December 31, 2017, GEUK had contributed $4.0 million to Shoreditch, and GEUK will contribute an additional 
aggregate of up to £2.2 million ($3.0 million at December 31, 2017) by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s 
achievement of performance based milestones. EGC is obligated to contribute an aggregate of up to £1.7 million 
($2.2 million at December 31, 2017) to Shoreditch by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s achievement of 
performance based milestones.

In 2016 and 2015, we used cash of $3.0 million and $8.8 million, respectively, to purchase certifi cates of deposits. In 
2016 and 2015, proceeds from maturities of certifi cates of deposit were $11.9 million and $4.7 million, respectively. 
There were no purchases or maturities of certifi cates of deposit in 2017.

Financing Activities

In each of 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid aggregate Base Dividends per share of $0.6376 on our Series 2012-A 
Preferred Stock. The aggregate preferred stock dividends paid in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $1.5 million. On 
February 15, 2018, we paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock 
for the fourth quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2018.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid aggregate dividends per share of $0.30, $0.24 and $0.12, respectively, to 
stockholders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The aggregate dividends paid in 2017, 2016 
and 2015 were $7.4 million, $5.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively. In March 2018, our Board of Directors 
declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the 
fourth quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 19, 2018. The dividend will be 
paid on or about March 23, 2018.

In the year ended December 31, 2017, GOGAS purchased from employees of Afek a 1.15% fully vested interest in 
Afek for $0.3 million in cash.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid an aggregate of nil, $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in scheduled 
and contingent payments related to a December 2013 acquisition. At December 31, 2017, there were estimated 
contingent payments of $0.2 million outstanding.

44

REH had a Credit Agreement with Vantage for a revolving line of credit for up to a maximum principal amount 
of $7.5 million. The principal outstanding incurred interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum, payable 
monthly. The outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest was due on the maturity date of October 31, 
2017. In 2016, subsequent to the acquisition of REH, REH borrowed $3.7 million and repaid $4.9 million under the 
revolving line of credit.

On April 4, 2017, GRE, IDT Energy, and other GRE subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement with Vantage for 
a $20 million revolving line of credit. The borrowers consist of our subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and 
those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed by GRE. On April 4, 2017, the borrowers borrowed $4.3 million under 
this facility, which included $1.7 million that was previously outstanding under the credit facility between REH 
and Vantage. The REH Credit Agreement with Vantage was terminated in connection with the entry into this credit 
agreement. 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. Outstanding principal 
amount incurs interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding principal 
and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of April 3, 2020. The borrowers are required to 
comply with various affi  rmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a target tangible net worth during 
the term of the credit agreement. To date, we are in compliance with such covenants. In 2017, including the prior 
REH Credit Agreement, GRE borrowed $14.5 million under the revolving line of credit and repaid $12.7 million. 
At December 31, 2017, $2.5 million was outstanding under the revolving line of credit and the eff ective interest rate 
was 5.99% per annum.

On December 17, 2015, GRE, IDT Energy and certain affi  liates entered into a Credit Agreement with Maple 
Bank GmbH for a revolving loan facility. On December 17, 2015, GRE borrowed $2.0 million under the facility. 
In February 2016, the German banking regulator, Bafi n, closed Maple Bank GmbH due to impending fi nancial 
over-indebtedness related to tax-evasion investigations. In September 2016, GRE and its affi  liates entered into 
a settlement agreement with the court appointed liquidator of Maple Bank. Under this agreement, GRE paid 
$1.8 million as a full settlement of all of its obligations, and the revolving loan facility was terminated. Accordingly, 
GRE recorded a gain from this settlement of $0.2 million.

On May 31, 2017, our Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank for a revolving line of credit expired. There 
were no amounts outstanding under the line of credit. Cash collateral of $10.0 million that was included in 
“Restricted cash — short-term” in the consolidated balance sheet was released.

We received proceeds from the exercise of our stock options of $0.1 million, nil, and $0.2 million in 2017, 2016 
and 2015, respectively. In 2017 and 2015, we issued 15,855 shares and 25,469 shares, respectively, of our Class B 
common stock for the exercise of the stock options.

In December 2016, Afek sold a 1% equity interest to Dr. Harold Vinegar, former Chief Scientist of the Company, for 
$1.0 million paid in cash.

In June 2011, GOGAS issued a stock option to Michael Steinhardt at an exercise price of $5.0 million. The 
expiration date was April 9, 2015. The expiration date was extended for one month, and on May 9, 2015, the option 
was exercised. Mr. Steinhardt and an affi  liate received interests of approximately 1.5% in each of Afek, Genie 
Mongolia and IEI. In addition, Mr. Steinhardt and the affi  liate received an approximately 1.7% interest in AMSO. 
The exercise price of $5.0 million was paid $2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in promissory notes that were due 
in November 2015. The notes incurred interest at 0.43% per annum, and were secured by 50% of the shares received 
in the exercise. In November 2015, we received cash of $0.8 million to repay one-third of the principal amount of the 
promissory notes. Eff ective December 31, 2017, the remaining notes, an aggregate of $1.7 million, were cancelled 
and the pledged shares were transferred to GOGAS. At December 31, 2016, the notes receivable of $1.7 million 
were included in “Receivables for issuance of equity” in the consolidated balance sheet.

In November 2010, GOGAS sold a 0.5% equity interest to Rupert Murdoch for $1.0 million paid with a promissory 
note. The note was secured by a pledge of the shares issued in exchange for the note. The note accrued interest at 
1.58% per annum. We received an aggregate of $1.1 million for the payment of the principal and accrued interest on 
the maturity date of November 15, 2015.

In October 2015, GRE paid $0.2 million to the owner of the limited liability company interests in CCE, and loaned 
CCE $0.5 million in exchange for an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability 

45

company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of the $0.5 million loan. The option expires on 
October 22, 2023.

In 2017, we paid $0.8 million to repurchase 129,898 shares of our Class B common stock. In 2016, we paid $29,000 
to repurchase 3,096 shares of our Class B common stock. In 2015, we paid $27,000 to repurchase 4,220 shares of 
our Class B common stock. These shares were tendered by our employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations in 
connection with the lapsing of restrictions on awards of restricted stock. Such shares were repurchased by us based 
on their fair market value on the trading day immediately prior to the vesting date.

GRE has the right, at its option, to satisfy its obligations to issue common stock of GRE upon the vesting of the 
deferred stock units it granted in July 2015 to offi  cers and employees in shares of our Class B common stock or cash. 
In August 2017, we issued 287,233 shares of our Class B common stock in exchange for 26.1 vested deferred stock 
units of GRE. The aggregate fair value of the shares of our Class B common stock issued was $1.8 million.

On March 11, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to an 
aggregate of 7.0 million shares of our Class B common stock. There were no repurchases under the program in 
2017, 2016 or 2015. At December 31, 2017, 6.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock 
repurchase program.

Series 2012-A Preferred Stock

At December 31, 2017, there were 2.3 million shares of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding 
with an aggregate liquidation preference of $19.7 million. Each share of our Series 2012-A Preferred Stock has a 
liquidation preference of $8.50 (the “Liquidation Preference”), and is entitled to receive an annual dividend per share 
equal to the sum of (i) $0.6375 (the “Base Dividend”) plus (ii) seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the quotient 
obtained by dividing (A) the amount by which the EBITDA for a fi scal year of our retail energy provider business 
exceeds $32 million by (B) 8,750,000 (the “Additional Dividend”), payable in cash. EBITDA consists of income 
(loss) from operations exclusive of depreciation and amortization and other operating gains (losses).

The Series 2012-A Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option following October 11, 2017 at 
101% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference 
plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2018.

During any period when we have failed to pay a dividend on the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock and until all unpaid 
dividends have been paid in full, we are prohibited from paying dividends or distributions on our Class B or Class A 
common stock.

The Base Dividend is payable (if declared by our Board of Directors, and accrued, if not declared) quarterly on each 
February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, and to the extent that there is any Additional Dividend payable 
with respect to a fi scal year, it will be paid to holders of Series 2012-A Preferred Stock with the May dividend. With 
respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Series 2012-A 
Preferred Stock is equal in rank to all other equity securities we issue, the terms of which specifi cally provide that 
such equity securities rank on a parity with the Series 2012-A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or 
rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up; senior to our common stock; and junior to all of our existing 
and future indebtedness.

Each share of Series 2012-A Preferred Stock has the same voting rights as a share of Class B common stock, except 
on certain matters that only impact our common stock, as well as additional voting rights on specifi c matters or upon 
the occurrence of certain events.

Subsequent Event — Proposed Sales of Shares and Warrants

On February 15, 2018, our Board of Directors approved, subject to stockholder approval at our annual meeting to be 
held on May 7, 2018, the sale of (1) 1,152,074 shares of our Class B common stock, at a price of $4.34 per share for 
an aggregate sales price of $5.0 million, and (2) warrants to purchase an additional 1,048,218 shares of our Class B 
common stock at an exercise price of $4.77 per share for an aggregate exercise price of $5.0 million, to Howard S. 
Jonas or his affi  liates. The warrants will expire two years from the closing of the sale, which will take place as soon 
as practicable following stockholder approval, if obtained. In addition, our Board of Directors approved, upon the 
same terms, the sale of up to 230,415 shares of our Class B common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 

46

209,644 shares of our Class B common stock to a third-party investor, subject to agreement of that investor. The 
price for the sale of the shares is equal to the closing price of our Class B common stock on the day before the 
transaction was fi rst considered by our Board of Directors. The exercise price of the warrants represents a 10% 
premium on the sale price.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The following table quantifi es our future contractual obligations and other commercial commitments at 
December 31, 2017:

Payments Due by Period

(in millions)
Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Renewable energy credits purchase 

obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Revolving credit loan payable(1)  . . . . . . . 
Operating leases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other liabilities(2) (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL CONTRACTUAL 

Total

Less than 
1 year

1 – 3 years

4 – 5 years

46.4 $ 

43.2 $ 

3.2 $ 

After 5 years
—

— $ 

15.6
3.3
0.3
0.3

7.9
0.3
0.2
0.3

7.7
3.0
0.1
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—

OBLIGATIONS(4) (5)  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

65.9 $ 

51.9 $ 

14.0 $ 

— $ 

(1) 
(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

The above table includes principal outstanding at December 31, 2017 plus estimated interest and fees.
The above table does not include estimated contingent payments of $0.2 million in connection with the acquisition of 
Diversegy and IDT Energy Network due to the uncertainty of the amount and/or timing of any such payments.
The above table does not include an aggregate of up to £2.2 million ($3.0 million at December 31, 2017) to be contributed 
by GEUK to Shoreditch by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s achievement of performance based milestones, due 
to the uncertainty of the amount and/or timing of any payments.
The above table does not include an aggregate of $11.8 million in performance bonds at December 31, 2017 due to the 
uncertainty of the amount and/or timing of any payments.
The above table does not include our unrecognized income tax benefi ts for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2017 
of $0.6 million due to the uncertainty of the amount and/or timing of any such payments. Uncertain tax positions taken or 
expected to be taken on an income tax return may result in additional payments to tax authorities. We are not currently able 
to reasonably estimate the timing of any potential future payments. If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken or 
expected to be taken or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any “off -balance sheet arrangements,” as defi ned in relevant SEC regulations that are reasonably 
likely to have a current or future eff ect on our fi nancial 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 
benefi t of certain utility companies and for various states in order to comply with the states’ fi nancial requirements 
for retail energy providers. At December 31, 2017, GRE had aggregate performance bonds of $11.8 million 
outstanding.

Item 7A. 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, if 
our gross profi t per unit in 2017 had remained the same as in 2016, due to changes in the price of natural gas and 
electricity, our gross profi t from electricity sales would have increased by $8.3 million in 2017 and our gross profi t 
from natural gas sales would have decreased by $2.4 million in 2017.

The energy markets have historically been very volatile, and we can reasonably expect that electricity and natural 
gas prices will be subject to fl uctuations in the future. In an eff ort to reduce the eff ects of the volatility of the cost 
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 

47

future gains from favorable movements. We do not apply hedge accounting to these swaps or options, therefore the 
mark-to-market change in fair value is recognized in cost of revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.

The summarized volume of GRE’s outstanding contracts and options at December 31, 2017 was as follows 
(MWh — Megawatt hour and Dth — Decatherm):

Commodity
Electricity
Electricity
Electricity
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas

Settlement Dates
First quarter 2018
Third quarter 2018
Fourth quarter 2018
First quarter 2018
Second quarter 2018
Third quarter 2018
Fourth quarter 2018
First quarter 2019
Second quarter 2019
Third quarter 2019

Volume
739,120 MWh
339,440 MWh
209,920 MWh
2,873,215 Dth
306,725 Dth
57,125 Dth
66,030 Dth
61,350 Dth
35,100 Dth
19,050 Dth

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data and the report of the independent registered public 
accounting fi rm thereon set forth starting on page F-1 herein are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Offi  cer and Chief Financial Offi  cer have evaluated the eff ectiveness of our disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defi ned 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our Chief 
Executive Offi  cer and Chief Financial Offi  cer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were 
eff ective as of December 31, 2017.

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We, the management of Genie Energy Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining adequate internal control over fi nancial reporting of the Company.

The Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting is defi ned in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s 
principal executive and principal fi nancial offi  cers and eff ected by the Company’s board of directors, management 
and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the 
preparation of the Company’s fi nancial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles in the United States and includes those policies and procedures that:

1. 

2. 

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly refl ect the 
transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of 
fi nancial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and 
directors of the Company; and

48

3. 

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use 
or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material eff ect on the fi nancial statements.

Management has assessed the eff ectiveness of the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of 
December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria established in Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (“COSO”).

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive offi  cer and 
principal fi nancial offi  cer, we conducted an evaluation of our internal control over fi nancial reporting, as prescribed 
above, as of December 31, 2017. Based on our evaluation, our principal executive offi  cer and principal fi nancial 
offi  cer concluded that the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2017 was eff ective 
based on the criteria established in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Projections of any evaluation of eff ectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

We acquired Mirabito Natural Gas in August 2017. Management has excluded the operations of this business 
from our evaluation of, and conclusion on, the eff ectiveness of our internal controls over fi nancial reporting as of 
December 31, 2017. Mirabito Natural Gas constituted 3.9% and 6.2% of total assets and net assets, respectively, 
as of December 31, 2017, and 0.9% and 2.5% of revenues and net loss, respectively, for the year then ended. 
Management plans to fully integrate the operations of this business into its assessment of the eff ectiveness of our 
internal control over fi nancial reporting in 2018.

BDO USA, LLP has provided an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of 
December 31, 2017.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We made changes in our internal control over fi nancial reporting described below during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2017 that have materially aff ected, or are reasonably likely to materially aff ect, our internal control 
over fi nancial reporting.

Estimation of Weather Impact on Estimated Unbilled Revenue

In November 2017, management concluded that there were material weaknesses in our internal control over fi nancial 
reporting, as we did not maintain eff ective controls over the application of U.S. GAAP related to the estimation 
of weather impact on our estimated unbilled revenue. This estimation process is performed in an eff ort to allocate 
billings to a calendar period using historical consumption data of the customer base of the retail energy providers 
operated by us and applying a weather factor to estimated unbilled amounts. The weather adjustment in the quarter 
ended March 31, 2017 was erroneous, causing understated amounts of estimated unbilled commodity consumption, 
resulting in under estimates of revenues and cost of revenues to be included in the quarter ended March 31, 2017. 
The nature of the estimation processes is reversing, as actual billings representing the unbilled estimates manifest 
in the following period, in this case, in April 2017. The reversal of this estimate resulted in commodity consumption 
and the associated revenues and cost of revenues to be overstated in the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The cumulative 
operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were unaff ected.

We implemented the following measures to remediate the material weakness and improve our internal control over 
fi nancial reporting:

• 

• 

• 

Enhanced the review process of the inputs into the schedules for the weather adjustment to estimated 
unbilled revenue;

Enhanced the schedules used for the weather adjustments to improve the review of the inputs; and

Key members of management meet each month to review the estimated consumption amounts to assess 
whether results are in-line with expectations.

49

Management Review Controls Associated with the Completeness and Accuracy of Computations Relating to 
Domestic and Foreign Income Tax Accounts and Disclosures

We initially identifi ed this material weakness as of December 31, 2016. We implemented the following measures to 
remediate the material weakness and improve our internal control over fi nancial reporting:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Engaged an independent third party to assist in preparation of and perform a comprehensive review of 
tax calculations and related disclosures;

Enhance the review of calculations and disclosure of deferred income tax balances;

Implement additional internal analytical procedures to validate tax accounting tax-related balances; and

Enhance internal documentation support related to the Company’s tax position.

We believe the material weaknesses described above were remediated by December 31, 2017.

Item 9B. Other Information. 

None.

50

Part III 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Offi  cers and Corporate Governance. 

The following is a list of our directors and executive offi  cers along with the specifi c information required by Rule 
14a-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Executive Offi  cers

Howard S. Jonas — Chairman of the Board

Michael Stein — Chief Executive Offi  cer

Avi Goldin — Chief Financial Offi  cer

Geoff rey Rochwarger — Vice Chairman

Michael Jonas — Executive Vice President

Directors

Howard S. Jonas — Chairman of the Board of the Company

James A. Courter — Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company

W. Wesley Perry — Owner and operator of S.E.S. Investments, Ltd., an oil and gas investment company

Alan B. Rosenthal — Founder and managing partner of ABR Capital Financial Group LLC, an investment fund

Allan Sass — Former President and Chief Executive Offi  cer of Occidental Oil Shale Corporation, a subsidiary of 
Occidental Petroleum

The remaining information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual 
Stockholders Meeting, which will be fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after 
December 31, 2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

Corporate Governance

We have included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K certifi cates of our Chief Executive Offi  cer and 
Chief Financial Offi  cer certifying the quality of our public disclosure.

We make available free of charge through the investor relations page of our web site (www.idt.net/ir) our Annual 
Reports on Form 10–K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to 
those reports, and all benefi cial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 fi led by directors, offi  cers and benefi cial 
owners of more than 10% of our equity, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically fi led 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have adopted codes of business conduct and ethics for all of 
our employees, including our principal executive offi  cer, principal fi nancial offi  cer and principal accounting offi  cer. 
Copies of the codes of business conduct and ethics are available on our web site.

Our web site and the information contained therein or incorporated therein are not intended to be incorporated into 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other fi lings with the SEC.

Item 11. Executive Compensation. 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Stockholders 
Meeting, which will be fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 
2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

51

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters. 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Stockholders 
Meeting, which will be fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 
2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Stockholders 
Meeting, which will be fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 
2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

The information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Stockholders 
Meeting, which will be fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 
2017, and which is incorporated by reference herein.

52

Part IV 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

(a)  The following documents are fi led as part of this Report:

1. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements covered by Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm

2. 

Financial Statement Schedules.

All schedules have been omitted since they are either included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements or not required or not applicable.

3. 

The exhibits listed in paragraph (b) of this item. Exhibit Numbers 10.01, 10.03, 10.04 and 10.05 are 
management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

(b)  Exhibits.

Exhibit 
Number
3.01(1)

3.02(2)

3.03(3)

10.01(4)

10.02(5)

10.03(6)

10.04(7)

10.05(8)

10.06(1)

21.01*

23.01*

31.01*

31.02*

32.01*

32.02*

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.

Description of Exhibits

Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series 2012-A Preferred Stock of the 
Registrant.

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.

Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of November 1, 2017, between 
the Registrant and Howard S. Jonas.

Restricted Stock Agreement between the Registrant and Howard Jonas, dated August 7, 2017.

Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2018, between 
the Registrant and Avi Goldin.

Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2015, between the Registrant, Genie Energy E&P Ltd. and 
Geoffrey Rochwarger.

2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan of Genie Energy Ltd.

Preferred Supplier Agreement between IDT Energy, Inc. and BP Energy Company, dated June 29, 
2009, as amended.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Consent of BDO USA, LLP

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

53

Exhibit 
Number
101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

Description of Exhibits

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

* 
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 
(7) 
(8) 

fi led herewith.
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-12G/A, fi led October 7, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(A)(1)(A) to Schedule TO, fi led May 22, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K fi led August 9, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K/A, fi led November 6, 2017.
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q, fi led November 9, 2017.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K/A, fi led January 2, 2018.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K/A, fi led June 23, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-12G/A, fi led October 27, 2011.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 

None.

54

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 
caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Signatures 

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

By:

/s/ Michael Stein
Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 16, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been 
signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

/s/ Howard S. Jonas
Howard S. Jonas

/s/ Michael Stein
Michael Stein

/s/ Avi Goldin
Avi Goldin

/s/ James A. Courter
James A. Courter

/s/ W. Wesley Perry
W. Wesley Perry

/s/ Alan B. Rosenthal
Alan B. Rosenthal

/s/ Allan Sass
Allan Sass

Titles

Date

Chairman of the Board and Director

March 16, 2018

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

March 16, 2018

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)

March 16, 2018

Vice Chairman of the Board and Director

March 16, 2018

Director

Director

Director

March 16, 2018

March 16, 2018

March 16, 2018

55

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Genie Energy Ltd.
Newark, New Jersey

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Genie Energy Ltd.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 
2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee 
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company 
maintained, in all material respects, eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based 
on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 
2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash fl ows for 
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our report dated March 16, 
2018 expressed an unqualifi ed opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting and 
for its assessment of the eff ectiveness of internal control over fi nancial reporting, included in the accompanying 
“Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting fi rm 
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of internal control over fi nancial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether eff ective 
internal control over fi nancial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over fi nancial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and 
testing and evaluating the design and operating eff ectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit 
also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that 
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As indicated in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”, 
management’s assessment of and conclusion on the eff ectiveness of internal control over fi nancial reporting did not 
include the internal controls of Mirabito Natural Gas, which was acquired on August 10, 2017, and which is included 
in the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity, and cash fl ows for the year then ended. Mirabito 
Natural Gas constituted 4% and 6% of total assets and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, and 1% and 
3% of revenues and net loss, respectively for the year then ended. Management did not assess the eff ectiveness of 
internal control over fi nancial reporting of Mirabito Natural Gas because of the timing of the acquisition which was 
completed on August 10, 2017. Our audit of internal control over fi nancial reporting of the Company also did not 
include an evaluation of the internal control over fi nancial reporting of Mirabito Natural Gas.

Defi nition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly refl ect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of fi nancial statements in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 

56

only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material eff ect on the fi nancial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of eff ectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Woodbridge, New Jersey
March 16, 2018

57

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Consolidated Balance Sheets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Consolidated Statements of Operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Consolidated Statements of Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

F-2

F-3

F-4

F-5

F-6

F-8

F-9

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Shareholders and Board of Directors
Genie Energy Ltd.
Newark, New Jersey

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Genie Energy, Ltd. (a Delaware Corporation) and 
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive loss, equity and cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and 
the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated fi nancial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated 
fi nancial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the fi nancial position of the Company at December 31, 
2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 16, 2018 expressed an 
unqualifi ed opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated fi nancial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated fi nancial statements based on our audits. We are a public 
accounting fi rm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in 
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated fi nancial statements are free of 
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated fi nancial 
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures 
included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated fi nancial 
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and signifi cant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated fi nancial statements. We believe that 
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

Woodbridge, New Jersey
March 16, 2018

F-2

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31 (in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Restricted cash – short-term. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,099 and 

$171 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Inventory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Prepaid expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other intangibles, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Investment in joint venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Restricted cash – long-term  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deferred income tax assets, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Revolving line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Trade accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Due to IDT Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Revolving line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15 and Note 16)
EQUITY:

Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares – 10,000:
Series 2012-A, designated shares – 8,750; at liquidation preference, consisting of 

2017

2016

$ 

29,913
518

44,629
3,986
6,131
4,985
90,162
4,020
9,998
4,859
3,450
1,496
2,141
9,652
125,778

$ 

— $ 

21,068
28,069
2,204
228
3,172
54,741
2,513
1,396
58,650

35,192
10,813

36,858
5,989
4,026
4,932
97,810
1,617
8,728
4,277
—
1,047
1,781
6,553
121,813

711
17,274
16,301
2,426
141
4,292
41,145
—
803
41,948

2,322 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . . . . . . . . . 

19,743

19,743

Class A common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares – 35,000; 1,574 shares 

issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Class B common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares – 200,000; 23,601 and 

23,274 shares issued and 23,270 and 23,073 shares outstanding at December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 331 and 201 shares of Class B common at 

December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total Genie Energy Ltd. stockholders’ equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Noncontrolling interests:

Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Receivable for issuance of equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL EQUITY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

F-3

16

16

236
130,870

(2,428)
3,045
(67,469)
84,013

(16,885)
—
(16,885)
67,128
125,778

$ 

233
128,243

(1,599)
1,465
(51,567)
96,534

(15,002)
(1,667)
(16,669)
79,865
121,813

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)
REVENUES:

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Natural gas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GROSS PROFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING EXPENSES, (GAINS) AND LOSSES:

Selling, general and administrative(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in the net loss of joint ventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (expense) income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . .
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD. . .
Dividends on preferred stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE ENERGY LTD. 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

222,171 $ 
40,098
1,933
264,202
178,693
85,509

179,467 $ 
31,031
1,614
212,112
135,172
76,940

170,283
40,757
2,016
213,056
146,409
66,647

80,122
—
4,879
6,483
—
—
565
(6,540)
295
(310)
(367)
(6,922)
(1,726)
(8,648)
1,654
(6,994)
(1,481)

61,569
(269)
6,088
41,041
64
(1,262)
222
(30,513)
332
(19)
226
(29,974)
(2,218)
(32,192)
7,667
(24,525)
(1,481)

66,011
1,985
6,583
—
—
—
397
(8,329)
411
(10)
(183)
(8,111)
(525)
(8,636)
1,179
(7,457)
(1,481)

COMMON STOCKHOLDERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

(8,475) $ 

(26,006) $ 

(8,938)

Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Genie Energy 

Ltd. common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

(0.36) $ 

(1.14) $ 

(0.40)

Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of basic 
and diluted loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23,531

22,804

22,135

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

administrative expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

5,213 $ 

4,813 $ 

5,229

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

F-4

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(in thousands)
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  . .

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GENIE 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

(8,648) $ 

(32,192) $ 

(8,636)

917
(7,731)
2,317

1,349
(30,843)
7,629

142
(8,494)
1,181

ENERGY LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

(5,414) $ 

(23,214) $ 

(7,313)

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

F-5

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (in thousands)

Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders

Noncontrolling Interests

Preferred
Stock

Class A
Common Stock

Class B
Common Stock

Additional
Paid-In

Accumulated 

Other

Treasury

Comprehensive Accumulated Noncontrolling

Receivable 
for 

issuance
of

Total

Shares Amount

Shares Amount

Shares Amount

Capital

Stock

Income

Deficit

Interests

equity

Equity

$ 

(7,759) $ 

(4,678) $ 

(1,000) $ 119,343

(1,481)

(2,950)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,481)

(2,950)

(27)

5,095

—

174

(979)

(2,500)

2,500

—

—

(175)

(2)

1,833

1,912

—

—

—

—

(1,200)

(175)

142

(8,636)

(7,457)

(1,179)

(19,647)

(1,481)

(5,914)

—

—

—

(7,013)

(1,667)

114,697

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,481)

(5,914)

(29)

4,122

1

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 
2014  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividends on preferred stock . .

Dividends declared on common 
stock ($0.12 per share) . . . . .

Restricted Class B common 
stock purchased from 
employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . .

Restricted stock issued to 

employees and directors . . . .

Exercise of stock options  . . . . .

Exercise of GOGAS stock 

option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Collection of receivables for 

issuance of equity . . . . . . . . .

Subsidiary equity grant 

reclassified to liability  . . . . .

Payment for option to purchase 
noncontrolling interests  . . . .

Other comprehensive income . .

Net loss for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. . . . . . . .

2,322

$ 19,743

1,574

$ 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 
2015  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividends on preferred stock  . . . .

Dividends on common stock 

($0.24 per share) . . . . . . . . . . .

Restricted Class B common stock 
purchased from employees . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . .

Restricted stock issued to 

employees and directors . . . . .

2,322

19,743

1,574

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16

—

—

—

—

—

23,178

$  232

$ 114,322

$  (1,543) $ 

—

—

—

—

36

25

—

—

—

—

—

—

23,239

—

—

—

—

35

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

232

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

5,095

—

174

5,979

79

(1,200)

—

—

—

—

—

(27)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

124,449

(1,570)

—

—

—

4,122

—

—

(29)

—

—

—

10

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

144

—

154

—

—

—

—

—

F-6

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

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

Sale of equity of subsidiary  . . . . .

Subsidiary equity grant 

reclassified to liability . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income . . . .

Net loss for the year ended 

December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . .

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 
2016  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,322

19,743

1,574

Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders

Noncontrolling Interests

Class A

Class B

Additional

Accumulated 
Other

Receivable 
for 
issuance

Preferred

Stock

Shares Amount

Shares Amount

Shares Amount

Common Stock

Common Stock

Treasury Comprehensive Accumulated Noncontrolling

of

Stock

Income

Deficit

Interests

equity

128,243

(1,599)

1,465

—

—

—

—

16

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

23,274

—

—

—

24

16

—

—

—

—

—

233

—

—

—

—

—

—

Paid-In

Capital

1,360

(1,688)

—

—

—

—

—

3,090

108

(746)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

287

3

1,842

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,667)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(829)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,311

—

—

—

(360)

—

38

—

—

—

—

(24,525)

(7,667)

— (32,192)

Total

Equity

1,000

(1,688)

1,349

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,580

(51,567)

(1,481)

(7,427)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(15,002)

(1,667)

79,865

—

—

—

—

—

434

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,481)

(7,427)

(829)

3,090

108

(312)

—

—

1,845

—

(663)

1,667

—

—

—

917

(8,648)

—

(6,994)

(1,654)

2,322

$ 19,743

1,574

$ 

16

23,601

$  236

$ 130,870

$ (2,428) $ 

3,045

$ 

(67,469) $ 

(16,885) $  — $ 67,128

Dividends on preferred stock . .

Dividends on common stock 

($0.30 per share) . . . . . . . . . .

Restricted Class B common 
stock purchased from 
employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . .

Exercise of stock options  . . . . .

Purchases of equity of 

subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Class B common stock 

issued for GRE deferred 
stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Receivable for issuance of 
equity of subsidiary 
written-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income . .

Net loss for the year ended 

December 31, 2017. . . . . . . .

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 
2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

F-7

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain from repayment of revolving credit loan payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on consolidation of AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in the net loss of joint ventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Restricted cash  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Due to IDT Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in capitalized exploration costs – unproved oil and gas property . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from disposal of property  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash acquired from consolidation of AMSO, LLC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital contribution to AMSO, LLC received from Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital contributions to AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in joint venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of certificates of deposit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of equity of subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment for acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and loan payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of revolving line of credit and loan payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales of equity of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collection of receivables for issuance of equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment for option to purchase noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

(8,648) $ 

(32,192) $ 

(8,636)

2,140
(360)
762
5,213
—
—
6,483
—
565

(93)
(8,024)
2,003
(2,027)
(3,703)
15,110
88
(222)
9,287

(3,292)
(5,531)
—
—
—
—
(4,180)
445
(3,970)
—
—
(16,528)

(8,908)
(312)
—
14,450
(12,655)
10,000
108
—
—
—
(829)
1,854
108
(5,279)
35,192
29,913

581
(139)
8
4,813
25
(200)
41,041
(1,262)
222

905
(6,030)
5,737
7,539
2,863
(9,566)
(298)
1,503
15,550

(586)
(12,884)
27
702
3,000
(63)
(8,700)
50
—
(2,974)
11,900
(9,528)

(7,395)
—
(227)
3,650
(6,690)
—
—
1,000
—
—
(29)
(9,691)
75
(3,594)
38,786
35,192

19
745

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

428
(180)
(29)
5,229
156
—
—
—
397

(1,062)
4,234
(274)
(5,615)
(2,346)
4,341
(104)
380
(3,081)

(324)
(26,969)
—
—
—
(250)
—
50
—
(8,820)
4,688
(31,625)

(4,431)
—
(358)
2,000
—
—
174
2,500
1,912
(175)
(27)
1,595
2
(33,109)
71,895
38,786

10
49

—
—
1,200
—
2,500

Cash payments made for interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Cash payments made for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

310
2

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING 

ACTIVITIES

Class B common stock issued for GRE deferred stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Receivable for issuance of equity written-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Subsidiary equity grant reclassified to liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Liability incurred for acquisition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Receivables for issuance of equity of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

1,845
1,667

$ 
$ 
— $ 
— $ 
— $ 

— $ 
— $ 
$ 
1,688
312
$ 
— $ 

F-8

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Signifi cant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Genie Energy Ltd. (“Genie”), a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in January 2011. Genie owns 99.3% of its 
subsidiary, Genie Energy International Corporation (“GEIC”), which owns 100% of Genie Retail Energy (“GRE”) 
and 92% of Genie Oil and Gas, Inc. (“GOGAS”). The “Company” in these fi nancial statements refers to Genie, 
Genie Retail Energy and Genie Oil and Gas, and their respective subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis.

Genie is comprised of GRE, which owns and operates retail energy providers (“REPs”), including IDT Energy, 
Inc. (“IDT Energy”), Residents Energy, Inc. (“Residents Energy”), Town Square Energy, and Mirabito Natural 
Gas (“Mirabito”), and also off ers energy brokerage and advisory services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and 
natural gas to residential and small business customers in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. Genie is also 
comprised of Genie Oil and Gas, an oil and gas exploration company. GOGAS holds an 86.1% interest in Afek Oil 
and Gas, Ltd. (“Afek”), an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, whose operations 
have been suspended. GOGAS also holds controlling interests in other inactive oil and gas projects.

GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to offi  cers and employees that represent an interest of 1.25% of 
the equity of GRE.

Basis of Consolidation

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an 
evaluation of the signifi cant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or infl uence 
over the operations of the investee and also includes the identifi cation of any variable interests in which the Company 
is the primary benefi ciary. The consolidated fi nancial statements include the Company’s controlled subsidiaries 
and the variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary benefi ciary (see Note 13). All signifi cant 
intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated entities are eliminated.

Accounting for Investments

Investments in businesses that the Company does not control, but in which the Company has the ability to exercise 
signifi cant infl uence over operating and fi nancial matters, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company 
periodically evaluates its equity method investments for impairment due to declines considered to be other than 
temporary. If the Company determines that a decline in fair value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings 
is recorded, and a new basis in the investment is established.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of fi nancial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that aff ect the amounts 
reported in the fi nancial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may diff er from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from GRE’s sale of electricity and natural gas are recognized under the accrual method based on deliveries 
of electricity and natural gas to customers. Revenues from electricity and natural gas delivered but not billed are 
estimated and recorded as accounts receivable. Cash received in advance from customers under billing arrangement 
is reported as deferred revenue and is included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets. GOGAS does not yet generate revenues.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards 
Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that superseded most of the revenue 
recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The goals of the 

F-9

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

revenue recognition project were to clarify and converge the revenue recognition principles under U.S. GAAP and 
IFRS and to develop guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. The Company 
adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the modifi ed retrospective method.

The Company has substantially completed its evaluation of the eff ects of adopting the new standard and determined 
that it will not have any impact on revenue recognition and measurement in its consolidated fi nancial statements 
upon adoption. Variable quantities in requirements contracts are considered to be options for additional goods and 
services which follow discussions outlined in the AICPA Power and Utilities Industry Task Force Issue No. 13-2. 
Revenue for each unit of electricity or natural gas is recognized as it is delivered to the customer. The Company 
will estimate variable consideration related to its rebate programs using the expected value method and a portfolio 
approach. The Company expects to apply a practical expedient for expensing costs to obtain a contract as the 
estimated customer relationship periods are currently less than twelve months. The Company will monitor its 
customer relationship periods going forward to ensure compliance with the application of the practical expedient. 
The adoption of the new standard will not have any impact on the Company’s current method of recording accrued 
rebates.

The Company is also currently reviewing future required disclosures, and updating its accounting policy. The 
Company anticipates completing the implementation in connection with its fi rst quarter 2018 interim fi nancial 
statements.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for GRE consists primarily of the cost of natural gas and electricity sold, and also includes 
fi nancing fees, scheduling costs, Independent System Operator (“ISO”) fees, pipeline costs and utility service 
charges. In addition, the changes in the fair value of GRE’s futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are 
recorded in cost of revenues. GOGAS does not yet incur cost of revenues.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Oil and Gas Exploration Costs

The Company accounts for its oil and gas activities under the successful eff orts method of accounting. Under this 
method, the costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are capitalized, pending 
determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. Other exploration costs are charged to expense as 
incurred. Unproved properties are assessed for impairment, and if considered impaired, are charged to expense when 
such impairment is deemed to have occurred (see Note 5).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when 
purchased to be cash equivalents.

Inventory

Inventory consists of natural gas, which is stored at various third parties’ underground storage facilities, of 
$1.0 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Inventory also includes renewable 
energy credits of $3.0 million and $5.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) that changed the 
measurement of its natural gas inventory to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal 

F-10

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

and transportation. The adoption of this ASU did not have a signifi cant impact on the Company’s consolidated 
fi nancial statements. Prior to January 1, 2017, the Company’s natural gas inventory was valued at weighted average 
cost, which was based on the purchase price of the natural gas and the cost to transport, plus or minus injections or 
withdrawals.

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. GRE holds renewable energy credits for both sale and use, and treats the credits as a 
government incentive to encourage the construction of renewable power plants. Renewable energy credits are valued 
at the lower of cost and market, where cost is the purchase price. Gains and losses from the sale of renewable energy 
credits are recognized in cost of revenues when the credits are transferred to the buyer.

Long-Lived Assets

Computer software and development, computers and computer hardware, laboratory and drilling equipment and 
offi  ce equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated 
useful lives, which range as follows: computer software and development — 2, 3 or 5 years; computers and 
computer hardware — 5 years, laboratory and drilling equipment — 7 years, and offi  ce equipment and other —5 or 
7 years. Leasehold improvements included in offi  ce equipment and other are recorded at cost and are depreciated on 
a straight-line basis over the term of their lease or their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter.

The fair value of patents and trademarks, non-compete agreements and customer relationships acquired in a business 
combination accounted for under the purchase method are amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows: 
patents and trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year period of expected cash fl ows; 
non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over their 2 year term; and customer relationships are 
amortized ratably over the 2 or 9 year period of expected cash fl ows.

The Company tests the recoverability of its long-lived assets with fi nite useful lives whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company tests the 
recoverability based on the projected undiscounted cash fl ows to be derived from such asset. If the projected 
undiscounted future cash fl ows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record an impairment 
loss based on the diff erence between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company 
generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash 
fl ows from such asset using an appropriate discount rate. Cash fl ow projections and fair value estimates require 
signifi cant estimates and assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions prove to be incorrect, 
the Company may be required to record impairments in future periods and such impairments could be material.

Goodwill and Indefi nite Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifi able net assets acquired. 
Goodwill and other indefi nite lived intangible assets are not amortized. These assets are reviewed annually (or more 
frequently under various conditions) for impairment using a fair value approach.

In 2017, the Company adopted the ASU that simplifi es the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating 
Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity 
had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities 
(including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the 
fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in 
this ASU, the Company performs its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a 

F-11

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

reporting unit with its carrying amount. The Company would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by 
which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed 
the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the Company considers income tax 
eff ects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill 
impairment loss, if applicable.

The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash fl ow methodologies, as well as considering 
third party market value indicators. Calculating the fair value of the reporting units requires signifi cant estimates and 
assumptions by management. Should the estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of the reporting units 
prove to be incorrect, the Company may be required to record impairments to its goodwill in future periods and such 
impairments could be material.

The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform 
the quantitative goodwill impairment test. However, the Company may elect to perform the quantitative goodwill 
impairment test even if no indications of a potential impairment exist.

For the impairment test of the Company’s indefi nite-lived intangible assets, a quantitative impairment test is only 
necessary if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that an indefi nite-lived intangible asset is 
impaired based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company records its derivatives instruments at their respective fair values. The accounting for changes in the 
fair value (that is, gains or losses) of a derivative instrument is dependent upon whether the derivative has been 
designated and qualifi es as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.

Due to the volatility of electricity and natural gas prices, GRE enters into futures contracts, swaps and put and call 
options as hedges against unfavorable fl uctuations in market prices of electricity and natural gas and to reduce 
exposure from price fl uctuations. The Company does not designate its derivative instruments to qualify for hedge 
accounting, accordingly the futures contracts, swaps and put and call options are recorded at fair value as a current 
asset or liability and any changes in fair value are recorded in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of 
operations.

In addition to the above, GRE utilizes forward physical delivery contracts for a portion of its purchases of electricity 
and natural gas, which are defi ned as commodity derivative contracts. Using the exemption available for qualifying 
contracts, GRE applies the normal purchase and normal sale accounting treatment to its forward physical delivery 
contracts, thereby these contracts are not adjusted to fair value. GRE also applies the normal purchase and normal 
sale accounting treatment to forward contracts for the physical delivery of electricity in nodal energy markets that 
result in locational marginal pricing charges or credits, since this does not constitute a net settlement, even when 
legal title to the electricity is conveyed to the ISO during transmission. Accordingly, GRE recognizes revenue from 
customer sales, and the related cost of revenues, at the contracted price, as electricity and natural gas is delivered to 
retail customers.

Repairs and Maintenance

The Company charges the cost of repairs and maintenance, including the cost of replacing minor items not 
constituting substantial betterment, to selling, general and administrative expense as these costs are incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. Dollars at 
end-of-period rates of exchange, and their monthly results of operations are translated to U.S. Dollars at the average 
rates of exchange for that month. Gains or losses resulting from such foreign currency translations are recorded in 

F-12

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

“Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency 
transaction gains and losses are reported in “Other (expense) income, net” in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of operations.

Advertising Expense

Cost of advertising for customer acquisitions are charged to selling, general and administrative expense in the period 
in which it is incurred. Most of the advertisements are in print, over the radio, or direct mail. In the years ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was 
$2.1 million, $1.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary 
diff erences between the fi nancial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective 
tax bases. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred 
tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future 
taxable income during the period in which related temporary diff erences become deductible. The Company considers 
the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in its 
assessment of a valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates 
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary diff erences are expected to be recovered 
or settled. The eff ect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the 
period that includes the enactment date of such change.

The Company uses a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefi ts taken or expected to be taken 
in a tax return. The Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained 
upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits 
of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the 
Company presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge 
of all relevant information. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured 
to determine the amount of tax benefi t to recognize in the fi nancial statements. The tax position is measured at the 
largest amount of benefi t that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Diff erences 
between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the fi nancial statements will generally result in 
one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes payable, a reduction of an income tax refund 
receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability.

The Company classifi es interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Contingencies

The Company accrues for loss contingencies when both (a) information available prior to issuance of the fi nancial 
statements indicates that it is probable that a liability had been incurred at the date of the fi nancial statements and 
(b) the amount of loss can reasonably be estimated. When the Company accrues for loss contingencies and the 
reasonable estimate of the loss is within a range, the Company records its best estimate within the range. When no 
amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount in 
the range. The Company discloses an estimated possible loss or a range of loss when it is at least reasonably possible 
that a loss may have been incurred.

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 

F-13

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is determined 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 eff ect of such 
increase is anti-dilutive.

The following shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computations because their inclusion would 
have been anti-dilutive:

(in thousands)
Stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-vested restricted Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share . .

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

383
762
1,145

414
1,226
1,640

414
1,852
2,266

The diluted loss per share equals basic loss per share in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 because 
the Company had a net loss and the impact of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock 
would have been anti-dilutive.

In March 2018, the Company and an entity affi  liated with Lord (Jacob) Rothschild agreed in principle that the 
Rothschild’s entity will exercise its option to exchange its 5% equity interest in GOGAS for Class B shares of the 
Company’s common stock with a fair value of $0.2 million.

Employees and directors of the Company that were previously granted restricted stock of Afek and Genie Mongolia, 
Inc. (“Genie Mongolia”) have the right to exchange the restricted stock, upon vesting of such shares, into shares of 
the Company’s Class B common stock. GRE has the right, at its option, to satisfy its obligations to issue common 
stock of GRE upon the vesting of the deferred stock units it granted in July 2015 to offi  cers and employees of the 
Company in shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or cash. These exchanges and issuances, if elected, 
would be based on the relative fair value of the shares exchanged or to be issued. The number of shares of the 
Company’s stock issuable in an exchange is not currently determinable. If shares of the Company’s stock are issued 
upon such exchange, the Company’s earnings per share may be diluted in future periods.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for grants of stock-based awards to its employees based on the 
estimated fair value on the grant date. Stock based awards granted to nonemployees are marked-to-market until the 
vesting of the award. Compensation cost for awards is recognized using the straight-line method over the requisite 
service period, which approximates the vesting period. Stock-based compensation is included in selling, general and 
administrative expense.

Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, 
cash equivalents, restricted cash, certifi cates of deposit and trade accounts receivable. The Company holds cash, 
cash equivalents, restricted cash and certifi cates of deposit at several major fi nancial institutions, which may exceed 
FDIC 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 
fi nancial 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 eff ect on its results of operations, cash fl ows or fi nancial condition.

GRE’s REPs reduce their customer credit risk by participating in purchase of receivable 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 

F-14

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

therefore nonpayment by the utility companies. Certain of the utility companies represent signifi cant portions of the 
Company’s consolidated revenues and consolidated gross trade accounts receivable balance and such concentrations 
increase the Company’s risk associated with nonpayment by those utility companies.

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated revenues from customers by utility company that 
equal or exceed 10% of consolidated revenues in the period (no other single utility company accounted for more 
than 10% of consolidated revenues in these periods):

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

Con Edison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ComEd  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
National Grid USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15%
10%
na

20%
13%
na

23%
na
12%

na — less than 10% of consolidated revenue in the period

The following table summarizes the percentage of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable by utility company 
that equal or exceed 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (no other 
single utility company accounted for 10% or greater of the Company’s consolidated gross trade accounts receivable 
at December 31, 2017 or 2016):

December 31
Con Edison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
ComEd  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2017

2016

11%
na

15%
10%

na — less than 10% of consolidated gross trade accounts receivable

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts refl ects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts 
receivable balance. The allowance is determined based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other 
currently available evidence. Doubtful accounts are written-off  upon fi nal determination that the trade accounts will 
not be collected. The change in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

Balance at 
beginning of 
period

Additions 
charged 
(reversals 
credited) to 
expense

Additions 
(deductions)(1)

Balance at end 
of period

171 $ 

762 $ 

166 $ 

1,099

182 $ 

8 $ 

(19) $ 

171

227 $ 

(29) $ 

(16) $ 

182

(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts  . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Year ended December 31, 2016
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts  . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Year ended December 31, 2015
Reserves deducted from accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts  . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

(1) 

Primarily uncollectible accounts written off , net of recoveries.

F-15

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value of fi nancial and non-fi nancial assets and liabilities is defi ned as an exit price, which is the price that would 
be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at 
the measurement date. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs to 
valuation techniques used to measure fair value, is as follows:

Level 1  —  quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2  —  quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for 
the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially 
the full term of the fi nancial instrument.

Level 3  —  unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities 

at fair value.

A fi nancial asset or liability’s classifi cation within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that 
is signifi cant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the signifi cance of a particular input to the fair value 
measurement requires judgment, and may aff ect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their 
placement within the fair value hierarchy.

Accounting Standards Updates

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to provide more information about recognition, measurement, 
presentation and disclosure of fi nancial instruments. The amendments in the ASU include, among other changes, the 
following: (1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method or that result in consolidation) 
will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2) a qualitative assessment each 
reporting period to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, (3) fi nancial 
assets and fi nancial liabilities will be presented separately by measurement category and form of fi nancial asset on 
the balance sheet or the notes to the fi nancial statements, and (4) an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation 
allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other 
deferred tax assets. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity 
securities classifi ed as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income. In addition, a practicability exception will 
be available for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net 
asset value practical expedient. These investments may be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus 
changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of 
the same issuer. Entities will have to reassess at each reporting period whether an investment qualifi es for this 
practicability exception. The Company adopted the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2018. This ASU did not 
have a signifi cant impact on the Company’s consolidated fi nancial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU related to the accounting for leases. The new standard establishes 
a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance 
sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classifi ed as either fi nance or operating, with 
classifi cation aff ecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The Company will adopt the new 
standard on January 1, 2019. A modifi ed retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and 
operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the 
fi nancial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is evaluating the impact that the new 
standard will have on its consolidated fi nancial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most fi nancial 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 

F-16

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)

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 signifi cantly more information about allowances, credit quality 
indicators and past due securities. The new provisions will be applied as a cumulative-eff ect adjustment to retained 
earnings. The Company will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2020. The Company is evaluating the impact that 
the new standard will have on its consolidated fi nancial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that includes specifi c guidance on the classifi cation and presentation 
of changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash fl ows. The amendments in this ASU 
require that a statement of cash fl ows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, 
and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as 
restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the 
beginning of the period and end of the period total amounts shown on the statement of cash fl ows. The ASU will be 
applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted the amendments 
in this ASU on January 1, 2018. Beginning in the fi rst quarter of 2018, the adoption will impact the Company’s 
beginning of the period and end of the period cash and cash equivalents balance in its statement of cash fl ows, as 
well as its net cash provided by operating and fi nancing activities.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to clarify the defi nition of a business with the objective of adding 
guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) 
of assets or businesses. Under the current guidance, there are three elements of a business — inputs, processes, 
and outputs. While an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) that is a business 
usually has outputs, outputs are not required to be present. In addition, all the inputs and processes that a seller 
uses in operating a set are not required if market participants can acquire the set and continue to produce outputs, 
for example, by integrating the acquired set with their own inputs and processes. The amendments in this ASU 
provide a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair 
value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifi able asset or a group of similar 
identifi able assets, the set is not a business. This screen reduces the number of transactions that need to be further 
evaluated. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this ASU (1) require that to be considered a business, a set 
must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together signifi cantly contribute to the ability 
to create output and (2) remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The 
amendments provide a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are 
present. The framework includes two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. Although 
outputs are not required for a set to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business; therefore, the 
FASB has developed more stringent criteria for sets without outputs. Lastly, the ASU narrows the defi nition of the 
term output. The Company adopted the amendments in this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption will impact the 
Company’s accounting for acquisitions and disposals of assets or businesses on a prospective basis; however, there 
was no impact on the Company’s historical consolidated fi nancial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an ASU intended to improve the fi nancial reporting of hedging relationships to 
better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its fi nancial statements. In addition, 
the ASU includes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance in 
U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this ASU are eff ective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early application is 
permitted. Entities will apply the amendments to cash fl ow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on 
the date of adoption using a modifi ed retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements will be 
applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on its consolidated fi nancial 
statements.

F-17

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2 — Acquisitions

Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC

On November 2, 2016, GRE acquired Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (“REH”), a privately held owner of REPs, for 
$9.5 million plus $1.4 million for REH’s working capital, or an aggregate cash payment of $10.9 million. REH 
operates as Town Square Energy in eight states. REH’s licenses and customer base expanded GRE’s geographic 
footprint to four new states — New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut – and provided 
additional electricity customers in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. REH operates as a wholly owned 
subsidiary utilizing the Town Square Energy brand. REH’s operating results from the date of acquisition, which were 
not signifi cant, are included in the Company’s consolidated fi nancial statements.

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)
Trade accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-compete agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships (2-year useful life) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net assets excluding cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Supplemental information:
Cash paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash paid, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liability for additional purchase price (paid in 2017)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total consideration, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

3,614
287
81
26
110
2,100
110
2,100
5,065
1,600
(1,919)
(2,620)
(1,542)
9,012

10,949
(2,249)
8,700
312
9,012

The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired entities 
and synergies from the combination of GRE and REH’s REP businesses. None of the goodwill is deductible for 
income tax purposes.

The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred on 
January 1, 2015:

(in thousands)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Year ended December 31,
2015
2016

243,147 $ 
(32,303) $ 

243,165
(11,256)

F-18

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2 — Acquisitions (cont.)

Acquisition of Mirabito Natural Gas

On August 10, 2017, GRE acquired Mirabito Natural Gas, a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based natural gas supplier, from 
Angus Partners, LLC (“Angus”) for an aggregate cash payment of $4.0 million. Mirabito serves commercial and 
government customers throughout Florida. Mirabito’s operating results from the date of acquisition, which were not 
signifi cant, are included in the Company’s consolidated fi nancial statements.

Also on August 10, 2017, GRE and Angus entered into a Management Agreement pursuant to which Angus will 
provide any and all functions required to run and operate Mirabito. The Management Agreement terminates in 
August 2021, unless otherwise terminated by GRE for failure to achieve the business profi t thresholds contained in 
the Management Agreement. Angus will receive an annual management fee from GRE equal to the greater of 30% 
of the business profi ts of Mirabito, as defi ned, or $250,000.

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)
Trade accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-compete agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships (9-year useful life) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Patents and trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net assets excluding cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Supplemental information:
Cash paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total consideration, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

509
60
5
1,100
760
1,270
465
(299)
(2)
3,868

3,955
(87)
3,868

The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired entities 
and synergies expected from the combination of GRE and Mirabito’s REP businesses. This goodwill is deductible 
for income tax purposes.

The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred on 
January 1, 2016:

(in thousands)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016
2017

268,008 $ 
(8,588) $ 

217,448
(32,031)

F-19

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements

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

(in thousands)
December 31, 2017

Assets:

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

Total

Derivative contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

3,091 $ 

1,267 $ 

— $ 

4,358

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

693 $ 

535 $ 

— $ 

1,228

December 31, 2016

Assets:

Derivative contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

256 $ 

2,395 $ 

— $ 

2,651

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

60 $ 

1,667 $ 

— $ 

1,727

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
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 fl oating (or market or spot) price is exchanged for a fi xed price over a specifi ed period.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of the Company’s other fi nancial 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, prepaid expenses, other current assets, revolving line of credit — 
current, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying 
amount of these assets and liabilities approximated fair value because of the short period to maturity. The fair value 
estimate for restricted cash — short-term and long-term were classifi ed as Level 1 and prepaid expenses, other 
current assets, revolving line of credit — current, due to IDT Corporation and other current liabilities were classifi ed 
as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other assets, revolving line of credit — long-term and other liabilities.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, other 
assets included an aggregate of $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in notes receivable. The carrying amounts 
of the notes receivable, revolving line of credit — long-term and other liabilities approximated fair value. The 
fair values were estimated based on the Company’s assumptions, and were classifi ed as Level 3 of the fair value 
hierarchy. The carrying amount of the revolving line of credit — long-term approximated fair value because it bears 
interest at a variable market rate.

Note 4 — Derivative Instruments

The primary risk managed by the Company using derivative instruments is commodity price risk, which is 
accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codifi cation 815 — Derivatives and Hedging. Natural gas 
and electricity put and call options and swaps are entered into as hedges against unfavorable fl uctuations 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 

F-20

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4 — Derivative Instruments (cont.)

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 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, GRE’s swaps and options were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The summarized volume of GRE’s outstanding contracts and options at December 31, 2017 was as follows 
(MWh — Megawatt hour and Dth — Decatherm):

Commodity
Electricity
Electricity
Electricity
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas

Settlement Dates
First quarter 2018
Third quarter 2018
Fourth quarter 2018
First quarter 2018
Second quarter 2018
Third quarter 2018
Fourth quarter 2018
First quarter 2019
Second quarter 2019
Third quarter 2019

Volume
739,120 MWh
339,440 MWh
209,920 MWh
2,873,215 Dth
306,725 Dth
57,125 Dth
66,030 Dth
61,350 Dth
35,100 Dth
19,050 Dth

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

December 31 (in thousands)

2017

2016

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging 

instruments:
Energy contracts and options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liability Derivatives

Derivatives not designated or not qualifying as hedging 

instruments:
Energy contracts and options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets $  4,358 $  2,651

Other current liabilities $  1,228 $  1,727

The eff ects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:

(in thousands)
Derivatives not designated or not 

qualifying as hedging instruments

Location of Loss 
Recognized on Derivatives

Amount of Gain (Loss) 
Recognized on Derivatives
Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

Energy contracts and options  . . . . . . . . .  Cost of revenues

$ 

(1,291) $ 

(538) $ 

(1,772)

Note 5 — Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities

In April 2013, the Government of Israel fi nalized the award to Afek of an exclusive three-year petroleum exploration 
license covering 396.5 square kilometers in the southern portion of the Golan Heights in Northern Israel. The 
license has been extended to April 2018. Israel’s Northern District Planning and Building Committee granted Afek 
a one-year permit that commenced in February 2015, which has been subsequently extended to April 18, 2018, to 
conduct an up to ten-well oil and gas exploration program.

F-21

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5 — Afek Oil and Gas Exploration Activities (cont.)

In February 2015, Afek began drilling its fi rst exploratory well. Afek completed drilling fi ve wells in the Southern 
region of its license area. In light of the analysis received in the third quarter of 2016 and the information and market 
conditions at that time, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path to demonstrate probable or possible reserves 
in the Southern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. Since there was substantial doubt regarding 
the economic viability of these wells, in the year ended December 31, 2016, Afek wrote off  the $41.0 million of 
capitalized exploration costs incurred in the Southern region.

In 2017, Afek turned its operational focus to the Northern region of its license area. Afek viewed the Northern 
and Southern regions separately when evaluating its unproved properties. In 2017, Afek commenced drilling its 
sixth exploratory well at a site in the Northern portion of its license area. In November 2017, Afek announced that 
the preliminary analysis of results from the completed well at the Northern site suggested that the well’s target 
zone does not contain commercially producible quantities of oil or natural gas, and that it was suspending drilling 
operations pending further analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Afek determined that it did not have a clear path 
to demonstrate probable or possible reserves in the Northern region of its license area over the next 12 to 18 months. 
Since there was substantial doubt regarding the economic viability of the well, Afek wrote off  the $6.5 million of 
capitalized exploration costs incurred in the Northern region.

Note 6 — Investment in Joint Ventures

Investment in American Shale Oil, LLC

The Company, through GOGAS, has a 98.3% interest in American Shale Oil Corporation (“AMSO”), which 
operated American Shale Oil, L.L.C. (“AMSO, LLC”), its oil shale development project in Colorado. Through 
April 30, 2016, the Company accounted for its ownership interest in AMSO, LLC using the equity method since 
the Company had the ability to exercise signifi cant infl uence over its operating and fi nancial matters, although it did 
not control AMSO, LLC. AMSO, LLC was a variable interest entity, however, the Company determined that it was 
not the primary benefi ciary, as the Company did not have the power to direct the activities of AMSO, LLC that most 
signifi cantly impact AMSO, LLC’s economic performance.

On February 23, 2016, TOTAL S.A. (“Total”) notifi ed the Company of its decision not to continue to fund 
AMSO, LLC. On March 23, 2016, Total gave AMSO its notice of withdrawal from AMSO, LLC. The withdrawal 
was eff ective on April 30, 2016. As of April 1, 2016, AMSO and Total agreed that Total would pay AMSO, 
LLC $3.0 million as full payment of its share of all costs associated with the decommissioning, winding up and 
dissolution of AMSO, LLC. Total will not be refunded any amount if the decommissioning costs are less than 
$3.0 million. At December 31, 2016, the AMSO, LLC project was substantially decommissioned. Eff ective 
April 30, 2016, AMSO, LLC’s assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash fl ows are included in the Company’s 
consolidated fi nancial statements.

The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the Company’s investment in AMSO, LLC:

(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Capital contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in net loss of AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elimination of the investment in AMSO, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

— $ 
—
—
—
— $ 

(399) $ 
63
(222)
558
— $ 

(252)
250
(397)
—
(399)

F-22

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6 — Investment in Joint Ventures (cont.)

Summarized statements of operations of AMSO, LLC through the April 30, 2016 acquisition date were as follows:

(in thousands)
REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
OPERATING EXPENSES:

General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Period from 
January 1, 2016 
to April 30, 2016

Year ended 
December 31, 
2015

— $ 

—

120
3,512
3,632
(3,632)
—
(3,632) $ 

403
4,782
5,185
(5,185)
—
(5,185)

Summarized balance sheet of AMSO, LLC at April 30, 2016 (in thousands) was as follows:

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Receivable from Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Liabilities and member’s interest

Current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Asset retirement obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Member’s interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities and member’s interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

750
3,000
128
860
4,738

518
2,535
981
704
4,738

The Company accounted for its acquisition on April 30, 2016 of Total’s ownership interest in AMSO, LLC as a 
business combination. The Company estimated the fair value of AMSO, LLC to be nil, as it had ceased operations 
and its shutdown was in progress. The Company recognized a gain from the acquisition of Total’s interest in AMSO, 
LLC because the Company acquired the net assets of AMSO, LLC while no consideration was transferred by the 
Company, due to the Company’s assumption of the risk associated with the shutdown obligations. The gain also 
included the Company’s gain on the remeasurement of AMSO’s investment in AMSO, LLC at its acquisition date 
fair value. The aggregate gain recognized was $1.3 million, which was included in “Gain on consolidation of AMSO, 
LLC” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue, income from operations and net income of AMSO, LLC since the acquisition date included in the 
Company’s consolidated statement of operations are as follows:

(in thousands)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2016

—
118
76

F-23

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6 — Investment in Joint Ventures (cont.)

The following table presents unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition occurred on 
January 1, 2015:

(in thousands)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Year ended December 31,
2015
2016

212,112 $ 
(35,602) $ 

213,056
(13,424)

In April 2016, AMSO, LLC recorded a liability for the decommissioning of its project and the remediation of the 
leased area. The following table summarizes the change in the balance of the AMSO, LLC retirement obligations 
after the consolidation of AMSO, LLC:

(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance, end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

Year ended 
December 31, 
2017

Period from 
April 30, 
2016 to 
December 31, 
2016

116 $ 
(60)
(56)
— $ 

2,535
(441)
(1,978)
116

Investment in Shoreditch Energy Limited

On July 17, 2017, the Company’s subsidiary, Genie Energy UK Ltd. (“GEUK”), entered into a defi nitive agreement 
with Energy Global Investments Pty Ltd (“EGC”) to launch Shoreditch Energy Limited (“Shoreditch”), a joint 
venture to off er electricity and natural gas service to residential and small business customers in the United 
Kingdom. At December 31, 2017, GEUK had contributed $4.0 million to Shoreditch, and GEUK will contribute 
an additional aggregate of up to £2.2 million ($3.0 million at December 31, 2017) by August 1, 2018, contingent 
on Shoreditch’s achievement of performance based milestones. EGC is obligated to contribute an aggregate of up 
to £1.7 million ($2.2 million at December 31, 2017) to Shoreditch by August 1, 2018, contingent on Shoreditch’s 
achievement of performance based milestones.

GEUK owns 65% of the equity of Shoreditch and EGC owns 35% of the equity. GEUK appoints three members 
and EGC appoints two members to Shoreditch’s Board of Directors. EGC has several signifi cant participating 
rights in the management of Shoreditch that limits GEUK’s ability to direct the activities that most signifi cantly 
impact Shoreditch’s economic performance. GEUK therefore accounts for its ownership interest in Shoreditch 
using the equity method since GEUK has the ability to exercise signifi cant infl uence over its operating and fi nancial 
matters, although it does not control Shoreditch. Shoreditch is a variable interest entity, however, the Company has 
determined that it is not the primary benefi ciary, as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of 
Shoreditch that most signifi cantly impact Shoreditch’s economic performance.

GEUK accounts for the diff erence between the purchase price of Shoreditch’s equity and its share of the underlying 
equity in the net assets of Shoreditch as if Shoreditch were a consolidated subsidiary. The diff erence of $0.5 million 
was allocated to goodwill. The goodwill relates to EGC’s contribution to Shoreditch of their knowledge, experience 
and detailed business plan for operating a REP in the United Kingdom.

In December 2017, Shoreditch commenced initial customer acquisition in the United Kingdom under the mandated 
three-month Controlled Market Entry framework in which new entrants can acquire a limited number of customers 
in a test environment.

F-24

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6 — Investment in Joint Ventures (cont.)

The following table summarizes the change in the balance of GEUK’s investment in Shoreditch in the year ended 
December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

Balance, beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Capital contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in the net loss of joint venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

—
3,970
45
(565)
3,450

At December 31, 2017, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with Shoreditch was 
its $3.5 million investment, since there were no other arrangements, events or circumstances that could expose the 
Company to additional loss.

Summarized statement of operations of Shoreditch from July 17, 2017 through December 31, 2017 (in thousands) is 
as follows:

REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
OPERATING EXPENSES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Summarized balance sheet of Shoreditch at December 31, 2017 (in thousands) is as follows:

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Liabilities and member’s interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Member’s interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities and member’s interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Note 7 — Property and Equipment

—

8
779
787
(787)
—
(787)

2,787
79
189
3,055

18
3,037
3,055

December 31 (in thousands)
Computer software and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Computers and computer hardware  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Laboratory and drilling equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Office equipment and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Less: accumulated depreciation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

2017

2016

1,912 $ 
246
3,833
443
6,434
(2,414)
4,020 $ 

1,836
231
543
424
3,034
(1,417)
1,617

Depreciation expense of property and equipment was $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million in the years ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

F-25

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles

All of the Company’s goodwill at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was attributable to the GRE segment. The table 
below reconciles the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from December 31, 2014 to 
December 31, 2017:

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Change in carrying amount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Retail Energy Holdings, LLC (see Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Mirabito Natural Gas (see Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

3,663
—
3,663
5,065
8,728
1,270
9,998

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

(in thousands)
December 31, 2017

Patents and trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Non-compete agreement . . . . . . . . . . . 
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 2016

Trademark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Non-compete agreement . . . . . . . . . . . 
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Weighted 
Average 
Amortization 
Period

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated 
Amortization

Net Balance

20 years $ 
2 years
4.4 years
—

11.3 years $ 

20 years $ 
2 years
2 years
—

10.4 years $ 

2,860 $ 
115
3,200
150
6,325 $ 

2,100 $ 
110
2,100
150
4,460 $ 

(135) $ 
(65)
(1,266)
—
(1,466) $ 

(13) $ 
(11)
(159)
—
(183) $ 

2,725
50
1,934
150
4,859

2,087
99
1,941
150
4,277

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $1.3 million, $0.2 million and nil in in the years ended December 31, 
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company estimates that amortization expense of intangible assets with fi nite 
lives will be $1.2 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million in the years ending December 31, 
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Note 9 — Revolving Lines of Credit

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 line of credit. The borrowers 
consist of the Company’s subsidiaries that operate REP businesses, and those subsidiaries’ obligations are guaranteed 
by GRE. On April 4, 2017, the borrowers borrowed $4.3 million under this facility, which included $1.7 million 
that was previously outstanding under a credit facility between REH and Vantage. The REH Credit Agreement with 
Vantage was terminated in connection with the entry into this credit agreement, which was treated as a modifi cation. 
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 incurs interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. Interest is payable monthly and all outstanding 
principal and any accrued and unpaid interest is due on the maturity date of April 3, 2020. At December 31, 2017, 
$2.5 million was outstanding under the revolving line of credit and the eff ective interest rate was 5.99% per annum. 
The borrowers are required to comply with various affi  rmative and negative covenants, including maintaining a 

F-26

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9 — Revolving Lines of Credit (cont.)

target tangible net worth during the term of the credit agreement. To date, the Company is in compliance with such 
covenants.

REH had a Credit Agreement with Vantage for a revolving line of credit for up to a maximum principal amount of 
$7.5 million (see above). The principal outstanding incurred interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum, 
payable monthly. The outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest was due on the maturity date of 
October 31, 2017. At December 31, 2016, $0.7 million was outstanding under the line of credit.

The Company and IDT Energy had a Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank for a revolving line of credit 
for up to a maximum principal amount of $25.0 million. The principal outstanding incurred interest at the lesser 
of (a) the LIBOR rate multiplied by the statutory reserve rate established by the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System plus 1.0% per annum, or (b) the maximum rate per annum permitted by whichever of applicable 
federal or Texas laws permit the higher interest rate. Interest was payable at least every three months and any 
outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest was due on the maturity date of May 31, 2017. The Company 
agreed to deposit cash in a money market account at JPMorgan Chase Bank as collateral for the line of credit equal 
to the greater of (a) $10.0 million or (b) the sum of the amount of letters of credit outstanding plus the outstanding 
principal under the revolving note. At December 31, 2016, there were no amounts borrowed under the line of credit, 
and cash collateral of $10.0 million was included in “Restricted cash—short-term” in the consolidated balance 
sheet. In addition, at December 31, 2016, letters of credit of $8.1 million were outstanding. On May 31, 2017, the 
$10.0 million cash collateral was released upon expiration of the Loan Agreement.

On December 17, 2015, GRE, IDT Energy and certain affi  liates entered into a Credit Agreement with Maple 
Bank GmbH for a revolving loan facility. On December 17, 2015, GRE borrowed $2.0 million under the facility. 
In February 2016, the German banking regulator, Bafi n, closed Maple Bank GmbH due to impending fi nancial 
over-indebtedness related to tax-evasion investigations. In September 2016, GRE, and its affi  liates entered into 
a settlement agreement with the court appointed liquidator of Maple Bank. Under this agreement, GRE paid 
$1.8 million as a full settlement of all of its obligations, and the revolving loan facility was terminated. Accordingly, 
in 2016, GRE recorded a gain from this settlement of $0.2 million, which was included in “Other (expense) income, 
net” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Note 10 — Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and 
V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018”, which is commonly referred to as “The Tax 
Cuts and Jobs Act” (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act provides for comprehensive tax legislation that reduces the U.S. 
federal statutory corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% eff ective January 1, 2018, broadens the U.S. federal income 
tax base, requires companies to pay a one-time repatriation tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were 
previously tax deferred (“transition tax”), and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff  Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), expressing its views 
regarding the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codifi cation 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period that includes 
the enactment date of the Tax Act. SAB 118 recognizes that a registrant’s review of certain income tax eff ects of 
the Tax Act may be incomplete at the time fi nancial statements are issued for the reporting period that includes the 
enactment date, including interim periods therein. Specifi cally, SAB 118 allows a company to report provisional 
estimates in the reporting period that includes the enactment date if the company does not have the necessary 
information available, prepared, or fully analyzed for certain income tax eff ects of the Tax Act. The provisional 
estimates would be adjusted during a measurement period not to exceed 12 months from the enactment date of the 
Tax Act, at which time the accounting for the income tax eff ects of the Tax Act is required to be completed.

The Company has not completed its accounting for the income tax eff ects of the enactment of the Tax Act; however, 
the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the eff ect on its existing deferred tax assets and corresponding 
valuation allowance. The table below in this footnote refl ects the new income tax rate.

F-27

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10 — Income Taxes (cont.)

The transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profi ts which were previously deferred from U.S. income 
taxes. At December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. As 
a result, no additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for, for the undistributed earnings or any 
additional outside basis diff erences inherent in the foreign entities. The Company continues to review the anticipated 
impacts of the global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) and base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT). The 
Company has not recorded any impact associated with either GILTI or BEAT.

The Company anticipates that its assumptions and estimates may change as a result of future guidance and 
interpretation from the Internal Revenue Service, the SEC, the FASB, and various other taxing jurisdictions. In 
particular, the Company anticipates that the U.S. state jurisdictions will continue to determine and announce 
their conformity with or decoupling from the Tax Act, either in its entirety or with respect to specifi c provisions. 
Legislative and interpretive actions could result in adjustments to the Company’s provisional estimates when the 
accounting for the income tax eff ects of the Tax Act is completed. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact 
of the Tax Act on its fi nancial statements, and will record the eff ect of any reasonable changes in its estimates and 
adjustments.

The components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

(in thousands)
Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Foreign  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

7,122 $ 

(14,044)
(6,922) $ 

18,629 $ 
(48,603)
(29,974) $ 

1,517
(9,628)
(8,111)

Signifi cant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets consist of the following:

December 31 (in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets:

2017

2016

Bad debt reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
State taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Charitable contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stock options and restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Valuation allowance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

302 $ 

4,425
117
265
37,435
908
7,026
50,478
(48,337)

2,141 $ 

70
3,821
221
470
37,568
1,456
11,153
54,759
(52,978)
1,781

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not 
to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, 
including future reversals of existing taxable temporary diff erences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning 
strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax 
assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred 
tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

F-28

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10 — Income Taxes (cont.)

The (provision for) benefi t from income taxes consists of the following:

(in thousands)
Current:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
State and local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State and local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

— $ 

— $ 

(1,366)
—
(1,366)

—
(360)
—
(360)
(1,726) $ 

(2,349)
(8)
(2,357)

(6)
145
—
139
(2,218) $ 

—
(704)
—
(704)

(19)
198
—
179
(525)

The diff erences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and income taxes 
provided are as follows:

(in thousands)
U.S. federal income tax benefit at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Valuation allowance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign tax rate differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax law change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . .
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

2,423 $ 
11,694
(2,610)
(11,070)
(1,250)
66
(979)
(1,726) $ 

10,491 $ 
(21,209)
9,901
—
—
95
(1,496)
(2,218) $ 

2,840
(10,687)
7,674
—
—
(20)
(332)
(525)

At December 31, 2017, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately 
$30.5 million and $113.4 million, respectively. These carry-forward losses are available to off set future U.S. federal 
and state taxable income. The federal net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 2033, with the year 
ended December 31, 2017’s loss expiring in 2037. The state net operating loss carry-forwards will start to expire in 
2029, with the year ended December 31, 2017’s loss expiring in 2038.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $98.4 million, 
of which $89.8 million will not expire.

The Company includes certain entities that are not included in the Company’s consolidated tax return. The entities 
have separate U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $1.0 million that begin to expire in 2036.

F-29

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10 — Income Taxes (cont.)

The change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes was as follows:

(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2017

Reserves for valuation allowances deducted 

Balance at 
beginning of 
period

Additions 
charged to 
costs and 
expenses

Deductions

Balance at end 
of period

from deferred income taxes, net . . . . . . . . . $ 

52,978 $ 

7,053 $ 

(11,694) $ 

48,337

Year ended December 31, 2016

Reserves for valuation allowances deducted 

from deferred income taxes, net . . . . . . . . . $ 

31,769 $ 

21,209 $ 

— $ 

52,978

Year ended December 31, 2015

Reserves for valuation allowances deducted 

from deferred income taxes, net . . . . . . . . . $ 

21,082 $ 

10,687 $ 

— $ 

31,769

The table below summarizes the change in the balance of unrecognized income tax benefi ts:

(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period . . .
Additions for tax positions of prior periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lapses of statutes of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

632 $ 
100
1
(175)
558 $ 

636 $ 
81
4
(89)
632 $ 

543
97
10
(14)
636

All of the unrecognized income tax benefi ts at December 31, 2017 and 2016 would have aff ected the Company’s 
eff ective income tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized income tax 
benefi ts to signifi cantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.

In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded interest on income taxes of $1,000, 
$4,000 and $4,000, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was accrued interest of $35,000 and $34,000 
included in current income taxes payable.

The Company currently remains subject to examinations of its tax returns as follows: U.S. federal tax returns for 2014 
to 2017, state and local tax returns generally for 2013 to 2017 and foreign tax returns generally for 2013 to 2017.

Note 11 — Equity

Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock

The rights of holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical except for certain voting 
and conversion rights and restrictions on transferability. The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common 
stock receive identical dividends per share when and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, 
the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock have identical and equal priority rights per share in 
liquidation. The Class A common stock and Class B common stock do not have any other contractual participation 
rights. The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to three votes per share and the holders of Class B common 
stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share. Except as required by law or under the terms of the Series 2012-A 
Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), the holders of Class A and Class B common stock and the Preferred Stock 
vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. Each share of Class 
A common stock may be converted into one share of Class B common stock, at any time, at the option of the holder. 

F-30

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11 — Equity (cont.)

Shares of Class A common stock are subject to certain limitations on transferability that do not apply to shares of 
Class B common stock.

Series 2012-A Preferred Stock

Each share of Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $8.50 (the “Liquidation Preference”), and is entitled 
to receive an annual dividend per share equal to the sum of (i) $0.6375 (the “Base Dividend”) plus (ii) seven and 
one-half percent (7.5%) of the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the amount by which the EBITDA for a fi scal year 
of the Company’s retail energy provider business exceeds $32 million by (B) 8,750,000 (the “Additional Dividend”), 
payable in cash. EBITDA consists of income (loss) from operations exclusive of depreciation and amortization and 
other operating gains (losses). During any period when the Company has failed to pay a dividend on the Preferred 
Stock and until all unpaid dividends have been paid in full, the Company is prohibited from paying dividends or 
distributions on the Company’s Class B or Class A common stock.

The Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company following October 11, 2017 
at 101% of the Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and 100% of the Liquidation Preference 
plus accrued and unpaid dividends following October 11, 2018.

The Base Dividend is payable (if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, and accrued, if not declared) 
quarterly on each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, and to the extent that there is any Additional 
Dividend payable with respect to a fi scal year, it will be paid to holders of Preferred Stock with the May dividend. 
With respect to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Preferred 
Stock is equal in rank to all other equity securities the Company issues, the terms of which specifi cally provide that 
such equity securities rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon the 
Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up; senior to the Company’s common stock; and junior to all of the 
Company’s existing and future indebtedness.

Each share of Preferred Stock has the same voting rights as a share of Class B common stock, except on certain 
matters that only impact the Company’s common stock, as well as additional voting rights on specifi c matters or 
upon the occurrence of certain events.

Dividend Payments

In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.30 per share on its Class 
A common stock and Class B common stock, equal to $7.4 million in total dividends paid. In the year ended 
December 31, 2016, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.24 per share on its Class A common stock 
and Class B common stock, equal to $5.9 million in total dividends paid. In the year ended December 31, 2015, 
the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.12 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common 
stock, equal to $3.0 million in total dividends paid. In March 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a 
quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the 
fourth quarter of 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 19, 2018. The dividend will be 
paid on or about March 23, 2018.

In each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid aggregate cash dividends of 
$0.6376 per share on its Preferred Stock, equal to $1.5 million in dividends paid. On February 15, 2018, the 
Company paid a quarterly Base Dividend of $0.1594 per share on its Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2017 
to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2018.

Stock Repurchases

On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase 
of up to an aggregate of 7.0 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. There were no repurchases 

F-31

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11 — Equity (cont.)

under the program in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. At December 31, 2017, 6.9 million shares 
remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.

In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid $0.8 million to repurchase 129,898 shares of its Class 
B common stock. In the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company paid $29,000 to repurchase 3,096 shares 
of its Class B common stock. In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company paid $27,000 to repurchase 
4,220 shares of its Class B common stock. These shares were tendered by the Company’s employees to satisfy tax 
withholding obligations in connection with the lapsing of restrictions on awards of restricted stock. Such shares were 
repurchased by the Company based on their fair market value on the trading day immediately prior to the vesting 
date.

Repurchase Right on Sale of Shares to Howard S. Jonas

On July 30, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement and a 
Restricted Stock Sale Agreement with Howard S. Jonas, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and former Chief 
Executive Offi  cer. Pursuant to these agreements, among other things, in 2014, the Company sold an aggregate of 
3.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B common stock to Mr. Jonas at a price of $6.82 per share (the closing 
price per share of the Class B common stock on the day that the arrangement was approved by the Company’s Board 
of Directors and Compensation Committee). Upon certain terminations of Mr. Jonas’ employment by the Company, 
0.6 million of the Class B shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $6.82 per share, which repurchase 
right lapses on December 31, 2018.

Sales of Equity of Subsidiaries

In December 2016, Afek sold a 1% equity interest to Dr. Harold Vinegar, former Chief Scientist of the Company, for 
$1.0 million in cash.

In November 2010, GOGAS sold a 0.5% equity interest to Rupert Murdoch for $1.0 million paid with a promissory 
note. The note was secured by a pledge of the shares issued in exchange for the note. The note accrued interest at 
1.58% per annum. The Company received an aggregate of $1.1 million for the payment of the principal and accrued 
interest on the maturity date of November 15, 2015.

Purchases of Equity of Subsidiary

In the year ended December 31, 2017, GOGAS purchased from employees of Afek a 1.15% fully vested interest in 
Afek for $0.3 million in cash.

Exercise of GOGAS Stock Option

GOGAS issued a stock option in June 2011 to Michael Steinhardt, the Chairman of the Board of Israel Energy 
Initiatives, Ltd. (“IEI”), at an exercise price of $5.0 million. The expiration date was April 9, 2015. The expiration 
date was extended for one month, and on May 9, 2015, the option was exercised. Mr. Steinhardt and an affi  liate 
received interests of approximately 1.5% in each of Afek, Genie Mongolia and IEI. In addition, Mr. Steinhardt 
and the affi  liate received an approximately 1.7% interest in AMSO. The exercise price of $5.0 million was paid 
$2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in promissory notes that were due in November 2015. The notes incurred 
interest at 0.43% per annum, and were secured by 50% of the shares received in the exercise. In November 2015, 
the Company received cash of $0.8 million to repay one-third of the principal amount of the promissory notes, and 
released one-third of the shares securing the remaining notes. Eff ective December 31, 2017, the remaining notes, 
an aggregate of $1.7 million, were cancelled and the pledged shares were transferred to GOGAS. At December 31, 
2016, the notes receivable were included in “Receivables for issuance of equity” in the consolidated balance sheet.

F-32

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11 — Equity (cont.)

Subsequent Event — Proposed Sales of Shares and Warrants

On February 15, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved, subject to stockholder approval at the 
Company’s annual meeting to be held on May 7, 2018, the sale of (1) 1,152,074 shares of the Company’s Class B 
common stock, at a price of $4.34 per share for an aggregate sales price of $5.0 million, and (2) 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, to Howard S. Jonas or his affi  liates. The warrants will expire two 
years from the closing of the sale, which will take place as soon as practicable following stockholder approval, if 
obtained. In addition, the Board of Directors approved, upon the same terms, the sale of up to 230,415 shares of the 
Company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 209,644 shares of the Company’s Class B 
common stock to a third-party investor, subject to agreement of that investor. The price for the sale of the shares is 
equal to the closing price of the Class B common stock on the day before the transaction was fi rst considered by the 
Board of Directors. The exercise price of the warrants represents a 10% premium on the sale price.

Note 12 — Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation Plan

The Company’s 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan is intended to provide incentives to executives, employees, 
directors and consultants of the Company. Incentives available under the 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan may 
include stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited rights, deferred stock units, and restricted stock. The plan 
is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 2017, the 
Company had 1.3 million shares of Class B common stock reserved for award under its 2011 Stock Option and 
Incentive Plan and 51,000 shares were available for future grants.

Restricted Stock

The fair value of restricted shares of the Company’s Class B common stock is determined based on the closing price 
of the Company’s Class B common stock on the grant date. Share awards generally vest on a graded basis over three 
years of service following the grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s grants of restricted shares of Class B common stock is presented below:

Number of 
Non-vested 
Shares 
(in thousands)

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value

Non-vested shares at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Forfeited  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
NON-VESTED SHARES AT DECEMBER 31, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

26 $ 
182
(45)
—
163 $ 

10.08
5.77
8.36
—
6.19

At December 31, 2017, there was $3.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested 
stock-based compensation arrangements, mostly related to the shares purchased by Howard S. Jonas in 2014. The 
total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.8 years. The 
total grant date fair value of shares vested in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.4 million, 
$0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of 
the restricted stock of $3.1 million, $3.5 million, and $3.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 
2015, respectively.

F-33

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12 — Stock-Based Compensation (cont.)

Stock Options

Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on 
the date of grant. Option awards generally vest on a graded basis over three years of service and have ten-year 
contractual terms. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s Class B common stock 
and other factors. The Company uses historical data on exercise of stock options, post vesting forfeitures and other 
factors to estimate the expected term of the stock-based payments granted. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. 
Treasury yield curve in eff ect at the time of grant.

The fair value of stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was estimated on the date of 
the grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the assumptions in the following table. No option awards were 
granted in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Year ended December 31,
2015
2016

ASSUMPTIONS
Average risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Expected dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Expected volatility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Expected term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 

0.4%
5.01%
55.5%

0.93%
—
61.0%

1 year
1.05

5.5 years
9.67

$ 

A summary of stock option activity for the Company is as follows:

Outstanding at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled/Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 2017  . .
EXERCISABLE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 . . .

Number of 
Options 
(in thousands)

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise Price
6.75
—
6.85
4.05
6.85
6.85

414 $ 

—
(16)
(15)
383 $ 
327 $ 

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term
 (in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(in thousands)
37

4.6 $ 

3.8 $ 
3.8 $ 

—
—

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 
$13,000, nil and $12,000, respectively. At December 31, 2017, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized 
compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average 
period of 1.1 years. The Company recognized compensation cost related to the vesting of the options of $35,000, 
$23,000 and $0.3 million in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Subsidiary Equity Grants Reclassifi ed to Liability

On May 5, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of deferred 
stock units in GRE representing an aggregate of 3.9% of the outstanding equity in GRE to certain of the Company’s 
offi  cers and employees. The deferred stock units vest in equal amounts on the fi rst, second and third anniversaries of 
the date of grant. The fair value of the GRE deferred stock units on the date of grant was $3.3 million, which is being 
recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which approximates the vesting period. GRE 
has the right to issue shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or pay cash to satisfy its obligations to issue 
common stock of GRE upon the vesting of the deferred stock units. GRE elected to pay cash for the deferred stock 

F-34

 
 
GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12 — Stock-Based Compensation (cont.)

units that vested in June and July 2016. The Company paid cash in the amount of $1.7 million in August 2016 to 
satisfy its obligation to issue common stock of GRE. Because of the cash settlement, the Company determined that 
the remaining GRE deferred stock units should be classifi ed as a liability. In August 2017, GRE elected to exchange 
shares of the Company’s Class B common stock for the vested deferred stock units based on the relative fair value of 
the shares exchanged. The Company issued 287,233 shares of its Class B common stock in exchange for 26.1 vested 
deferred stock units of GRE. The aggregate fair value of the shares of the Company’s Class B common stock issued 
was $1.8 million. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to the GRE 
deferred stock units was included in “Other current liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet.

In August 2015, the Company elected to pay cash of $1.2 million for the deferred stock units of IDT Energy 
previously granted to employees and directors of the Company that vested in June and July 2015 based on the 
estimated fair value of the deferred stock units of IDT Energy.

The Company recognized aggregate compensation cost related to the vesting of the deferred stock units and other 
subsidiary equity interests that were granted in prior years of $2.1 million, $0.6 million and $1.4 million in the years 
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2017, there was $1.0 million of total 
unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested subsidiary equity interests, which is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted-average period of 0.4 years.

Note 13 — 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 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 signifi cantly impact its economic performance and it 
has the obligation to absorb losses of CCE that could potentially be signifi cant to CCE on a stand-alone basis. The 
Company therefore determined that it is the primary benefi ciary 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.

In October 2015, GRE paid $0.2 million to the owner of the limited liability company interests in CCE, and loaned 
CCE $0.5 million in exchange for an option to purchase 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability 
company interests of CCE for one dollar plus the forgiveness of the $0.5 million loan. The option expires on 
October 22, 2023.

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

(in thousands)
Net income (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Aggregate funding repaid to (provided by) the Company, net .

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

112 $ 
158

(1,136) $ 
(871)

34
950

F-35

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13 — Variable Interest Entity (cont.)

Summarized consolidated balance sheet amounts related to CCE are as follows:

December 31 (in thousands)
ASSETS

2017

2016

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Restricted cash  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Trade accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Due to IDT Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  . . . . . . .  $ 

52 $ 
31
1,031
451
31
439
2,035 $ 

698 $ 

1,140
197
2,035 $ 

150
17
1,008
450
26
439
2,090

707
1,298
85
2,090

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.

Note 14 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The accumulated balances for other comprehensive income were as follows:

(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income attributable to Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Foreign 
currency 
translation

10
144
154
1,311
1,465
1,580
3,045

Note 15 — Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

On March 13, 2014, named plaintiff , Anthony Ferrare, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT 
Energy, Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The complaint was served on 
IDT Energy on July 16, 2014. The named plaintiff  fi led the suit on behalf of himself and other former and current 
electric customers of IDT Energy in Pennsylvania with variable rate plans, whom he contends were injured as a 
result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. On August 7, 2014, IDT Energy removed 
the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On October 20, 2014, IDT 
Energy moved to stay or, alternatively, dismiss the complaint, as amended, by the named plaintiff . On November 10, 
2014, the named plaintiff  opposed IDT Energy’s motion to dismiss and IDT Energy fi led a reply memorandum of 
law in further support of its motion to dismiss. On June 10, 2015, the Court granted IDT Energy’s motion to stay 
and denied its motion to dismiss without prejudice. The parties participated in mediation, and subsequently entered 
into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the Court on October 16, 2017. 

F-36

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15 — Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (cont.)

The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the Settlement Agreement. The 
Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 2, 2014, named plaintiff , Louis McLaughlin, fi led a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, Inc. 
in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contending that he and other class members 
were injured as a result of IDT Energy’s allegedly unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff  fi led 
the suit on behalf of himself and two subclasses: all IDT Energy customers who were charged a variable rate for 
their energy from July 2, 2008, and all IDT Energy customers who participated in IDT Energy’s rebate program from 
July 2, 2008. On January 22, 2016, the named plaintiff  fi led an amended complaint on behalf of himself and all IDT 
Energy customers in New York State against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International 
Corporation, and Genie Energy Ltd. (collectively, “IDT Energy”). On February 22, 2016, IDT Energy moved to 
dismiss the amended complaint, and the named plaintiff  opposed that motion. The parties participated in mediation, 
and subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the 
Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the 
Settlement Agreement. The Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 15, 2014, named plaintiff , Kimberly Aks, commenced a putative class-action lawsuit against IDT Energy, 
Inc. in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, contending that she and other class members were injured as a 
result of IDT Energy’s alleged unlawful sales and marketing practices. The named plaintiff  fi led the suit on behalf 
of herself and all other New Jersey residents who were IDT Energy customers at any time between July 11, 2008 
and the present. The parties were engaged in discovery prior to the mediation described below. On April 20, 2016, 
the named plaintiff  fi led an amended complaint on behalf of herself and all IDT Energy customers in New Jersey 
against IDT Energy, Inc., Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. On 
June 27, 2016, defendants Genie Retail Energy, Genie Energy International Corporation and Genie Energy Ltd. fi led 
a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On August 26, 2016, the named plaintiff  opposed that motion and IDT 
Energy fi led a reply memorandum of law in further support of its motion to dismiss. The Court granted the motion 
to dismiss, but the parties agreed to set aside that decision to give the plaintiff  an opportunity to submit opposition 
papers that had not been considered by the Court in rendering its decision. The parties participated in mediation, 
and subsequently entered into a Settlement Agreement (see below), which received preliminary approval from the 
Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving the 
Settlement Agreement. The Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On July 5, 2017, the Company entered into a class action Settlement Agreement with the class action plaintiff s acting 
individually and on behalf of the entire class, in the lawsuits currently pending in Pennsylvania, New York, and New 
Jersey described above. The Company does not believe that there was any wrongdoing on its part, and is entering 
into this settlement to further its eff orts to address its customers’ concerns. Under the Settlement Agreement, the 
Company has agreed to pay certain amounts to resolve the lawsuits and obtain a release of claims that were asserted 
or could be asserted in the lawsuits or that are related to or arise out of the conduct alleged in the lawsuits or similar 
conduct, wherever it may have occurred. The settlement payment includes payments to customers who timely make 
a claim, class counsel, and the named plaintiff s as well as the cost of a claims administrator for administrating 
the claims process. The Company estimated, based in part on historical participation rates that its total settlement 
payment will be approximately $9 million, although it is reasonably possible that the total payments could reach 
$10.1 million. In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a revenue reduction of $3.6 million 
and an expense of $5.4 million that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense”, and a liability of 
$9.0 million. The actual amount to be paid out will depend on several factors, including the number of customers 
who claim settlement payments to which they are entitled. The Settlement Agreement was preliminarily approved by 
the Court on October 16, 2017. The Settlement Agreement is subject to entry of a fi nal order by the Court approving 
the Settlement Agreement. The Court has scheduled a hearing concerning fi nal approval for April 9, 2018.

On June 20, 2014, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Offi  ce (“AG”) and the Acting Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) 
fi led a Joint Complaint against IDT Energy, Inc. with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”). In 

F-37

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15 — Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (cont.)

the Joint Complaint, the AG and the OCA alleged, among other things, various violations of Pennsylvania’s Unfair 
Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Telemarketing Registration Act and the PUC’s regulations. IDT 
Energy reached an agreement in principle on a settlement with the AG and the OCA to terminate the litigation with 
no admission of liability or fi nding of wrongdoing by IDT Energy. On August 4, 2015, IDT Energy, the AG, and the 
OCA fi led a Joint Petition to the Pennsylvania PUC seeking approval of the settlement terms. Under the settlement, 
IDT Energy will issue additional refunds to its Pennsylvania customers who had variable rates for electricity 
supply in January, February and March of 2014. IDT Energy will also implement certain modifi cations to its sales, 
marketing and customer service processes, along with additional compliance and reporting requirements. The 
settlement was approved by the Pennsylvania PUC on July 8, 2016. In July 2016, IDT Energy paid the agreed-upon 
$2.4 million for additional customer refunds to a refund administrator.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company received a request for information from the New Jersey Offi  ce of the 
Attorney General. The Company responded to the inquiry. The Company has recently been engaged in discussions 
with the New Jersey Offi  ce of the Attorney General regarding concerns raised by the New Jersey Board of Public 
Utilities and Division of Consumer Aff airs related to energy supply charges issued to the Company’s retail customers 
during the fi rst quarter of 2014 and have reached a tentative agreement in principle. In the year ended December 31, 
2017, the Company accrued $1.5 million of estimated loss related to this matter. The Company recorded a revenue 
reduction in the consolidated statement of operations of $1.3 million relating to refunds to customers and an expense 
of $0.2 million for related fees that is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense,” and a liability of 
$1.5 million that is included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet.

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 to those inquiries or requests. The Company cannot predict 
whether any of those matters will lead to claims or enforcement actions.

In addition to the 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 eff ect on the Company’s results of operations, cash fl ows or 
fi nancial condition.

New York Public Service Commission Orders

On February 23, 2016, the New York Public Service Commission (“PSC”) issued an order that sought to impose 
signifi cant new restrictions on REPs operating in New York, including those owned by GRE. The restrictions 
described in the PSC’s order, which were to become eff ective March 4, 2016, would require that all REPs’ electricity 
and natural gas off erings to residential and small business customers include an annual guarantee of savings 
compared to the price charged by the relevant incumbent utility or, for electricity off erings, provide at least 30% 
of the supply from renewable sources. Customers not enrolled in a compliant program would be relinquished back 
to the local utility at the end of their contract period or, for variable price customers operating on month to month 
agreements, at the end of the current monthly billing cycle.

On March 4, 2016, a group of parties from the REP industry sought and won a temporary restraining order to stay 
implementation of the most restrictive portions of the PSC’s order pending a court hearing on those parties’ motion 
for a preliminary injunction. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, entered a 
decision and order granting the Petitioners’ petition, vacated provisions 1 through 3 of the Order, and remitted the 
matter to the PSC for further proceedings consistent with the Court’s order.

In December 2017, the PSC held an evidentiary hearing to assess the retail energy market in New York. That process 
is continuing and is expected to last for at least several more months. The Company is evaluating the potential 
impact of any new order from the PSC that would follow from the evidentiary process, while preparing to operate 
in compliance with any new requirements that may be imposed. Depending on the fi nal language of any new order, 

F-38

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15 — Legal and Regulatory Proceedings (cont.)

as well as the Company’s ability to modify its relationships with its New York customers, an order could have a 
substantial impact upon the operations of GRE’s REPs in New York. At December 31, 2017, New York represented 
36% of GRE’s total meters served and 28% of the total residential customer equivalents (“RCEs”) of GRE’s 
customer base.

On July 14, 2016, and September 19, 2016, the PSC issued orders restricting REPs, including those owned by GRE, 
from serving customers enrolled in New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. Representatives of the REP 
industry challenged the ruling in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, and, on September 27, 2016, 
the Court issued an order temporarily restraining the PSC from implementing the July and September orders. On 
December 16, 2016, the PSC issued an order (the “2016 Order”) prohibiting REP service to customers enrolled in 
New York’s utility low-income assistance programs. After an agreed-upon delay, on July 5, 2017, the New York State 
Supreme Court, Albany County, denied interested parties’ eff orts to invalidate the 2016 Order, and the 2016 Order 
began to be implemented on July 26, 2017. Several REPs have appealed the Supreme Court’s Order to the Appellate 
Division, Third Department. That court stayed implementation of the 2016 Order for a period of time, but later lifted 
the stay pending resolution of the appeal.

In a related action, several customers impacted by the 2016 Order fi led a putative class action in the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of New York, challenging the 2016 Order. Temporary stays of the 2016 
Order entered in connection with this action have expired, and REPs are now required to return service of their 
current low-income customers to the relevant local incumbent utility on the modifi ed schedule set forth in the PSC’s 
2016 Order. GRE’s REPs are complying with the 2016 Order and have begun the transfer of customers as required. 
The 2016 Order will require GRE’s REPs to transfer customer accounts comprising approximately 21,000 meters, 
representing 12,000 RCEs, to their respective incumbent utilities during the fi rst half of 2018.

Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

The Company had purchase commitments of $46.4 million at December 31, 2017, of which $45.0 million was for 
future purchases of electricity. The purchase commitments outstanding at December 31, 2017 are expected to be paid 
as follows: $43.2 million in the year ending December 31, 2018, and $3.2 million in the year ending December 31, 
2019.

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 December 31, 2017, GRE had commitments to purchase renewable energy credits 
of $15.6 million.

Performance Bonds

GRE has performance bonds issued through a third party for certain utility companies and for the benefi t of 
various states in order to comply with the states’ fi nancial requirements for REPs. At December 31, 2017, GRE had 
aggregate performance bonds of $11.8 million outstanding.

F-39

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)

Lease Commitments

The future minimum payments for operating leases at December 31, 2017 are as follows:

(in thousands)
Year ending December 31:
2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

Rental expense under operating leases was $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 million in the years ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

193
77
41
—
—
—
311

BP Energy Company Preferred Supplier Agreement

As of November 19, 2015, IDT Energy and certain of its affi  liates entered into an Amended and Restated Preferred 
Supplier Agreement with BP Energy Company (“BP”). The agreement’s termination date is November 30, 2019, 
except either party may terminate the agreement on November 30, 2018 by giving the other party notice by May 31, 
2018. Under the agreement, IDT Energy purchases electricity and natural gas at market rate plus a fee. IDT Energy’s 
obligations to BP are secured by a fi rst security interest in deposits or receivables from utilities in connection 
with their purchase of IDT Energy’s customer’s receivables, and in any cash deposits or letters of credit posted in 
connection with any collateral accounts with BP. IDT Energy’s ability to purchase electricity and natural gas under 
this agreement is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including the maintenance of certain covenants. 
At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. At December 31, 2017, restricted 
cash — short-term of $0.5 million and trade accounts receivable of $34.4 million were pledged to BP as collateral 
for the payment of IDT Energy’s trade accounts payable to BP of $13.8 million at December 31, 2017.

Note 17 — Related Party Transactions

The Company was formerly a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (“IDT”). On October 28, 2011, the Company was 
spun-off  by IDT and became an independent public company through a pro rata distribution of the Company’s 
common stock to IDT’s stockholders (the “Spin-Off ”). The Company entered into various agreements with IDT prior 
to the Spin-Off  including a Separation and Distribution Agreement to eff ect the separation and provide a framework 
for the Company’s relationship with IDT after the Spin-Off , and a Transition Services Agreement, which provides 
for certain services to be performed by the Company and IDT. IDT charges the Company for services it provides 
pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement. The charges for these services are included in “Selling, general and 
administrative” expense. In addition, the Company provides services to certain of IDT’s subsidiaries. The charges for 
these services reduce the Company’s “Selling, general and administrative” expense.

(in thousands)
Amount IDT charged the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Amount the Company charged IDT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

1,773 $ 
471

2,197 $ 
627

2,340
546

F-40

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17 — Related Party Transactions (cont.)

The Company had notes receivable outstanding from employees aggregating $0.6 million and $1.0 million at 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which were included in “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheet.

The Company obtains insurance policies from 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 (1) IGM 
received commissions and fees from payments made by the Company (including payments from third party 
brokers) in the aggregate amounts of $20,060; $18,164 and $14,236 in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 
and 2015, respectively, which fees and commissions inured to the benefi t of Mr. Mason, and (2) the total payments 
made by the Company to IGM for various insurance policies were $20,060; $18,657 and $143,367 in the years 
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The commissions and fees paid to IGM in the years ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016 included commissions and fees for various insurance policies for which the Company 
paid $201,565 and $144,110, respectively, to a third party broker. 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.

Note 18 — Business Segment and Geographic Information

The Company owns 99.3% of its subsidiary, GEIC, which owns 100% of GRE and 92% of GOGAS. The Company 
has three reportable business segments: GRE, Afek and GOGAS. GRE owns and operates REPs, including IDT 
Energy, Residents Energy, Town Square Energy, and Mirabito, and also off ers energy brokerage and advisory 
services. Its REP businesses resell electricity and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the 
Eastern and Midwestern United States. GRE has outstanding deferred stock units granted to offi  cers and employees 
that represent an interest of 1.25% of the equity of GRE. The Afek segment is comprised of the Company’s 86.1% 
interest in Afek, an oil and gas exploration project in the Golan Heights in Northern Israel, whose operations 
have been suspended. The GOGAS segment is comprised of inactive oil shale projects including AMSO, LLC, 
Genie Mongolia and IEI. 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 signifi cant asymmetrical allocations to segments.

F-41

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18 — Business Segment and Geographic Information (cont.)

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

(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Income (loss) from operations  . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . .
Equity in the net loss of Shoreditch  . . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2016
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Income (loss) from operations  . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-off of capitalized exploration costs . .
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC . . . . .
Year ended December 31, 2015
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Income (loss) from operations  . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in the net loss of AMSO, LLC . . . . .

GRE

Afek

GOGAS

Corporate

Total

264,202 $ 

— $ 

— $ 

16,586
1,740
—
—
565

(12,698)
327
4,879
6,483
—

212,112 $ 

— $ 

26,503
427
—
—
—
—

(48,272)
124
—
6,088
41,041
—

(593)
72
—
—
—

— $ 
439
29
(269)
—
—
222

213,056 $ 

— $ 

— $ 

11,095
245
—
—
—

(7,458)
104
63
6,583
—

(3,058)
78
1,922
—
397

— $  264,202
(6,540)
2,140
4,879
6,483
565

(9,835)
1
—
—
—

— $  212,112
(30,513)
581
(269)
6,088
41,041
222

(9,183)
1
—
—
—
—

— $  213,056
(8,329)
428
1,985
6,583
397

(8,908)
1
—
—
—

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

(in thousands)
Total assets:
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . 
December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . 

GRE

Afek

GOGAS

Corporate

Total

112,521 $ 
87,539
80,177

2,588 $ 
6,685
38,665

7,887 $ 
12,224
17,770

2,782 $ 
15,365
19,203

125,778
121,813
155,815

F-42

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18 — Business Segment and Geographic Information (cont.)

Geographic Information

There were no revenues from customers located outside of the United States in all periods presented.

Net long-lived assets and total assets held outside of the United States, which are located primarily in Israel, were as 
follows:

(in thousands)
December 31, 2017
Long-lived assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2016
Long-lived assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2015
Long-lived assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

United States

Foreign 
Countries

Total

696 $ 

3,352 $ 

115,605

10,173

1,060 $ 

113,158

582 $ 

8,655

763 $ 

646 $ 

114,880

40,935

4,048
125,778

1,642
121,813

1,409
155,815

Note 19 — Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The table below presents selected quarterly fi nancial data of the Company for its fi scal quarters in 2017 and 2016. 
The fi nancial data for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 in the table below refl ects the 
restatements in 2017.

Quarter Ended
(in thousands, except per 
share data)
2017:

Revenues

Cost of 
revenues

Income (loss)
from 
operations

Net (loss) 
income

Net income 
(loss) 
attributable
to Genie 
Energy Ltd.

(Loss) earnings per
common share

Basic

Diluted

December 31(1)  . . . . . . $ 
September 30(2) . . . . . .
June 30(3) . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31 . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL  . . . . . . . . . $ 

2016:

December 31 . . . . . . . . $ 
September 30(1) . . . . . .
June 30 . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31 . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL  . . . . . . . . . $ 

73,077
69,473
50,247
71,405
264,202

51,519
57,153
44,561
58,879
212,112

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

46,321
47,694
38,122
46,556
178,693

36,949
36,946
26,445
34,832
135,172

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

430
1,403
(13,569)
5,196
(6,540) $ 

(812) $ 
975
(12,950)
4,139
(8,648) $ 

$ 

215
778
(12,569)
4,582
(6,994) $ 

(1,344) $ 

(1,285) $ 

(816) $ 

(37,102)
1,934
5,999
(30,513) $ 

(37,174)
1,417
4,850
(32,192) $ 

(32,139)
2,761
5,669
(24,525) $ 

(0.01) $ 
0.02
(0.55)
0.18
(0.36) $ 

(0.05) $ 
(1.43)
0.10
0.23
(1.14) $ 

(0.01)
0.02
(0.55)
0.18
(0.36)

(0.05)
(1.43)
0.10
0.22
(1.14)

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

In the fourth quarter of 2017 and in the third quarter of 2016, loss from operations included write-off  of capitalized 
exploration costs of $6.5 million and $41.0 million, respectively.
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a liability of $1.5 million for a tentative agreement in principle with 
the New Jersey Offi  ce of the Attorney General regarding concerns related to energy supply charges issued to our retail 
customers during the fi rst quarter of 2014. The Company recorded the liability as a revenue reduction of $1.3 million and 
an expense of $0.2 million.
In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a liability of $9.0 million for the preliminary settlement of certain 
class action lawsuits. The Company recorded the liability as a revenue reduction of $3.6 million and an expense of $5.4 
million.

F-43

Certifi cation of Chief Executive Offi  cer
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Michael Stein, certify that:

Exhibit 31.01

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genie Energy Ltd.;

Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which 
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the fi nancial statements, and other fi nancial information included in this 
Report, fairly present in all material respects the fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ows 
of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying offi  cer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and 
internal control over fi nancial reporting (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for 
the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 

procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over fi nancial reporting, or caused such internal control over 

fi nancial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated the eff ectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the eff ectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of 
the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fi scal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fi scal quarter in 
the case of an annual report) that has materially aff ected, or is reasonably likely to materially aff ect, 
the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying offi  cer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation 
of internal control over fi nancial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All signifi cant defi ciencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 

over fi nancial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely aff ect the registrant’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report fi nancial information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a 

signifi cant role in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting.

Date: March 16, 2018

/s/ Michael Stein
Michael Stein
Chief Executive Officer

Certifi cation of Principal Financial Offi  cer
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Avi Goldin, certify that:

Exhibit 31.02

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genie Energy Ltd.;

Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which 
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the fi nancial statements, and other fi nancial information included in this 
Report, fairly present in all material respects the fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ows 
of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying offi  cer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and 
internal control over fi nancial reporting (as defi ned in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for 
the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 

procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over fi nancial reporting, or caused such internal control over 

fi nancial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated the eff ectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the eff ectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of 
the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fi scal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fi scal quarter in 
the case of an annual report) that has materially aff ected, or is reasonably likely to materially aff ect, 
the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying offi  cer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation 
of internal control over fi nancial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All signifi cant defi ciencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 

over fi nancial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely aff ect the registrant’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report fi nancial information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a 

signifi cant role in the registrant’s internal control over fi nancial reporting.

Date: March 16, 2018

/s/ Avi Goldin
Avi Goldin
Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.01

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

Certifi cation Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002)

In connection with the Annual Report of Genie Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the annual period 
ended December 31, 2017 as fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Howard S. Jonas, 
Chief Executive Offi  cer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of 
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1. 

2. 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the fi nancial condition 
and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 16, 2018

/s/ Michael Stein
Michael Stein
Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, 
acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this 
written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Genie Energy Ltd. and will be retained by Genie 
Energy Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff  upon request.

Exhibit 32.02

GENIE ENERGY LTD.

Certifi cation Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002)

In connection with the Annual Report of Genie Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the annual period 
ended December 31, 2017 as fi led with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Avi Goldin, 
Chief Financial Offi  cer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of 
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

1. 

2. 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the fi nancial condition 
and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 16, 2018

/s/ Avi Goldin
Avi Goldin
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, 
acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this 
written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Genie Energy Ltd. and will be retained by Genie 
Energy Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff  upon request.

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