Empire Petroleum Joins New Oil and Gas Development Program in Louisiana
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 18 2026
0mins
Should l Buy EP?
Empire Petroleum announced it has elected to participate in a new oil and natural gas development program in Louisiana that represents an addition to the company's ongoing development activities. Empire has completed its due diligence and elected to participate in a three-well development program targeting proven formations in Louisiana. While the program targets hydrocarbon-bearing formations, the actual oil-to-gas mix will be established through ongoing development. As part of its participation, Empire will hold a 25% working interest in the initial well, with the company's portion of drilling and completion costs funded through the issuance of approximately 700,000 shares of Empire common stock. The operator recently drilled, cored, and logged the initial test location in Louisiana and transmitted to Empire detailed subsurface data supporting a completion decision. Based on the operator's subsurface evaluation and analysis, the interval includes several productive sand zones, and core samples confirmed liquid and gas hydrocarbons. The well had a solid hydrocarbon flare while holding over 9,100 psi of back pressure with 16.5+ lb/gal drilling mud, demonstrating strong reservoir pressure. The test location lies within the East Perkins Field in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, in a portion of the reservoir that sits higher in the formation than nearby legacy production. Completion operations on the initial well are expected to begin in April with initial production testing to follow. The well represents the first development opportunity within a broader prospect area that includes two more locations, which together offer additional potential development targets within the same structural trend.
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About EP
Empire Petroleum Corporation is an oil and gas company with producing assets in New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Louisiana. The Company operates through its subsidiaries, including Empire New Mexico LLC, doing business as Green Tree New Mexico, Empire North Dakota LLC, Empire Texas LLC, and Empire Louisiana LLC. It is an independent operator in four geographic areas of the United States. Empire New Mexico's assets primarily produce oil, with natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) accompanying oil production. Empire New Mexico assets are located in Lea County, New Mexico, and consist of a contiguous and consolidated acreage position consisting of 48,000 gross acres and include approximately 714 gross producing and injection wells. Empire North Dakota operates approximately 232 gross injection wells in North Dakota and western Montana. Empire Texas owns over 119 gross wells and approximately 43,000 gross acres as well as 77 miles of gathering lines and pipelines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Initial Test Results: Preliminary tests indicate strong hydrocarbon flaring at over 9,100 psi back pressure, with core samples confirming the presence of liquid and gas hydrocarbons, suggesting substantial development potential in the area.
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- Funding Details: The rights offering generated approximately $10 million in gross proceeds at a subscription price of $2.99 per share, with the funds aimed at supporting the company's organic growth and targeted acquisitions, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the oil and gas sector.
- Oversubscription Allocation: With subscriptions exceeding 100% of the available securities, the company will allocate remaining shares pro-rata among oversubscribing shareholders, demonstrating its commitment to shareholder equity and satisfaction.
- Future Outlook: Empire Petroleum focuses on developing proved oil and gas assets, with management's strategic goal of acquiring high-quality assets that synergize with its existing portfolio, further driving long-term growth and market positioning.
See More
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- Project Participation: Empire Petroleum Corporation has opted to participate in a new oil and gas development program in Louisiana, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's ongoing development activities, particularly in resource development in the region.
- Investment Structure: The company will hold a 25% working interest in the initial well, with drilling and completion costs funded through the issuance of approximately 700,000 shares of common stock, a move that will help optimize capital structure and reduce financial risk.
- Initial Test Results: Preliminary tests indicate strong hydrocarbon flaring at over 9,100 psi back pressure, with core samples confirming the presence of liquid and gas hydrocarbons, suggesting substantial development potential in the area.
- Future Outlook: Completion operations are expected to begin in April 2026, with initial production testing to follow; this development opportunity not only supports the company's growth in production and reserves but also opens avenues for stable cash flow from potential future midstream-adjacent opportunities.
See More
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- Revenue Decline: The company’s revenue for Q4 was $7.06 million, down 30% year-over-year, suggesting weak sales and market demand that could impact future investor confidence.
- Lower Funding Requirements: By extending the maturity of its credit facility, Empire Petroleum has reduced its funding requirements, a move aimed at improving liquidity and providing greater operational flexibility for the future.
- Capital Raising Initiative: The company has launched a rights offering to raise up to $6 million, a financing strategy that will provide necessary capital support to address current financial challenges and drive future growth.
See More
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- Strategic Investment Plans: The company plans to add 12-30 new wells in 2026 as part of a multi-phase Texas gas development program aimed at enhancing production and system reliability, indicating confidence in future growth prospects.
- Financing and Capital Structure Optimization: Empire Petroleum is expanding its rights offering to raise up to $10 million, while collaborating with shareholders to strengthen its capital structure, demonstrating proactive liquidity management efforts.
See More
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- Changing Consumer Behavior: According to a Leger survey, over 60% of Canadians reported avoiding U.S.-made alcohol and produce, with more than half trying not to buy from U.S. retailers or websites, a trend expected to persist over the next six months.
- Tourism Impact: Canadian air travel to the U.S. has dropped nearly 18%, while car crossings fell 27% year-over-year, significantly impacting U.S. retailers that rely on Canadian tourists, particularly in Maine and North Dakota.
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See More
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