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Atlas Energy Solutions (AESI) Risk Analysis
Risk Overview Q1, 2026
Risk Change Over Time
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1Conversion of the Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their Notes, and may otherwise depress the price of our Common Stock.
The conversion of some or all of the Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders to the extent we deliver shares of our Common Stock upon conversion of any of the Notes. The Notes may from time to time in the future be convertible at the option of their holders prior to their scheduled terms under certain circumstances. Any sales in the public market of the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Common Stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, and the anticipated conversion of the Notes into shares of our Common Stock could depress the price of our Common Stock.
- Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2The accounting method for the Notes could adversely affect our reported financial condition and results.
The accounting method for reflecting the Notes on our consolidated balance sheet, accruing interest expense for the Notes and reflecting the underlying shares of our Common Stock in our reported diluted earnings per share may adversely affect our reported earnings and financial condition. In accordance with Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, we expect that the Notes will be reflected as a liability on our consolidated balance sheets, with the initial carrying amount equal to the principal amount of the Notes, net of issuance costs. The issuance costs will be treated as a debt discount for accounting purposes, which will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes. As a result of this amortization, the interest expense that we expect to recognize for the Notes for accounting purposes will be greater than the cash interest payments we will pay on the Notes, which will result in lower reported net income or higher reported net loss, as the case may be. In addition, we expect that the shares of Common Stock underlying the Notes will be reflected in our diluted earnings per share using the "if converted" method, in accordance with ASU 2020-06. Under that method, diluted earnings per share would generally be calculated assuming that all the Notes were converted solely into shares of Common Stock at the beginning of the reporting period, unless the result would be anti-dilutive. The application of the if-converted method may reduce our reported diluted earnings per share to the extent we are profitable in the future, and accounting standards may change in the future in a manner that may adversely affect our diluted earnings per share. Furthermore, if any of the conditions to the convertibility of the Notes is satisfied, then we may be required under applicable accounting standards to reclassify the liability carrying value of the Notes as a current, rather than a long-term, liability. This reclassification could be required even if no holders convert their Notes and could materially reduce our reported working capital. We have not reached a final determination regarding the accounting treatment for the Notes, and the description above is preliminary. Accordingly, we may account for the Notes in a manner that is significantly different than described above. We cannot be certain whether other changes may be made to the current accounting standards related to the Notes, or otherwise, that could have a material effect on our operating results.
- Debt & Financing - Risk 3We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the Notes for cash or to repurchase the Notes for cash upon a fundamental change, and our future indebtedness may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversion of the Notes or to repurchase the Notes.
Holders of the Notes will have the right, except in certain limited circumstances, to require us to repurchase all or any portion of their Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. In addition, upon conversion of the Notes, unless we elect to deliver solely shares of our Common Stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the Notes being converted. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of Notes surrendered therefor or pay cash with respect to the Notes being converted. In addition, our ability to repurchase the Notes or to pay cash upon conversions of the Notes may be limited by law, by regulatory authority or by agreements governing our indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase Notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the indenture governing the Notes or to pay any cash payable on future conversions of the Notes as required by the indenture would constitute a default under the indenture. A default under the indenture governing the Notes or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under our then-existing debt agreements. If the repayment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the Notes or make cash payments upon conversions thereof.
- Debt & Financing - Risk 4Provisions in the indenture for the Notes may deter or prevent a business combination that may be favorable to stockholders.
Certain provisions in the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes could make a third-party attempt to acquire us more difficult or expensive. If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, subject to certain conditions and limited exceptions, holders of the Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes, except in limited circumstances. In addition, if a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, we will in some cases be required to increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Furthermore, the indenture for the Notes will prohibit us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Notes. These and other provisions in the indenture for the Notes could deter or prevent a third party from acquiring us even when the acquisition may be favorable to stockholders.
Risk Highlights Q1, 2026
Risk Word Cloud
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 77
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1AddedConversion of the Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their Notes, and may otherwise depress the price of our Common Stock.
The conversion of some or all of the Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders to the extent we deliver shares of our Common Stock upon conversion of any of the Notes. The Notes may from time to time in the future be convertible at the option of their holders prior to their scheduled terms under certain circumstances. Any sales in the public market of the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Common Stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, and the anticipated conversion of the Notes into shares of our Common Stock could depress the price of our Common Stock.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research about us, the price and trading volume of our Common Stock could decline.
The trading market for our Common Stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us and our business. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our securities, the price of our securities would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover us or fails to publish regular reports on us, interest in the purchase of our securities could decrease, which could cause the price of our Common Stock and other securities and their trading volume to decline.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3Our stock prices and trading volumes could be volatile, and you may not be able to resell shares of your Common Stock when desired, at or above the price you paid, or at all.
The stock market has experienced and continues to experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the underlying businesses. Recently, market volatility has been high due to the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, the Israel-Hamas war, the Israel-Iran conflict, recent events in Venezuela, and other instability in the Middle East, including from the Houthi rebels in Yemen, interest rate increases, rising inflation, instability of the banking sector, a softening U.S. economy and other factors. Broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition to the other risks described in this section, the market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, many of which we cannot control, including: - our operating and financial performance;- quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicator;- public reaction to our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;- announcements by others in or affecting our industry or our customers;- strategic actions by our competitors;- our failure to meet revenue or earnings estimates by research analysts or other investors;- changes in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;- inaccurate or unfavorable research or ratings published by industry analysts about our business, or a cessation of coverage of our Company by industry analysts;- speculation in the press or investment community;- the failure of research analysts to cover our Common Stock;- sales of Common Stock by the Company, the Legacy Owners or other stockholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;- changes in accounting principles, policies, guidance, interpretations or standards;- additions or departures of key management personnel;- actions by our stockholders;- general market conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices, sand-based proppant or industrial and recreational sand-based products and demand for power generation;- our acquisition of, investment in or disposition of other businesses;- domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance; and - the realization of any of the risks described under this "Risk Factors" section. Volatility in the market price or trading volume of the Common Stock may make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your Common Stock at or above the price at which you purchased the stock. As a result, you may suffer a loss on your investment. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company's securities. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs, reduce our profits, divert our management's attention and resources and harm our business.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4We may issue preferred stock the terms of which could adversely affect the voting power or value of the Common Stock.
The Charter authorizes the Company to issue, without the approval of its stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over Common Stock respecting dividends and distributions, as the Board may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of the Common Stock. For example, the Company might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of its directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences the Company might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the Common Stock.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5The Charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and, to the extent enforceable, the federal district courts of the United States of America as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit such stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with the Company or our directors, officers, employees or agents.
The Charter provides that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or, if the Superior Court of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, in each case, subject to that court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named defendants therein) will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on the Company's behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of the Company's current or former directors, officers, employees or stockholders to the Company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Charter or the Bylaws (as either may be amended or restated), or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, the Charter or Bylaws, or (v) any other action asserting a claim against the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The Charter also provides that, unless the Company consents in writing to an alternate forum, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions, and there can be no assurance that such provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. If a court were to find the exclusive-forum provisions contained in the Charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of the Charter described in the preceding sentence. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of the Charter inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents might discourage or delay acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock and limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for the Common Stock.
The Charter and Bylaws contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions: - authorize the issuance of undesignated preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and the shares of which may be issued without stockholder approval, and which may include super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of Common Stock;- prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of the Company's stockholders at such time as the Principal Stockholders cease to own more than a majority of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock;- provide for the Board to be divided into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered three-year terms, other than directors that may be elected by holders of preferred stock, if any;- provide that the Board is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws; and - establish advance notice requirements for nominations of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings. These anti-takeover provisions could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of the Company altogether, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors of their choosing and to cause the Company to take other corporate actions our stockholders desire. Further, the A&R Stockholders' Agreement, the staggered Board and the ability of the Board to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7Certain of the Principal Stockholders and members of the Board are not limited in their ability to compete with the Company, and the corporate opportunity provisions in the Charter permit certain of the Principal Stockholders and members of the Board to benefit from corporate opportunities that might otherwise be available to us.
The Charter provides that the Principal Stockholders and any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company, or their respective affiliates are not restricted from owning assets or engaging in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with the Company and that the Company renounces any interest or expectancy in any business opportunity that may be from time to time presented to the Principal Stockholders and any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company, or their respective affiliates. In particular, subject to the limitations of applicable law, the Charter, among other things: - permits the Principal Stockholders or any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company or their respective affiliates to conduct business that competes with the Company and to make investments in any kind of property in which the Company may make investments; and - provides that if the Principal Stockholders or any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company or their respective affiliates becomes aware of a potential business opportunity, transaction or other matter, they will have no duty to communicate or offer that opportunity to the Company. The Principal Stockholders or any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company, or their respective affiliates, may become aware, from time to time, of certain business opportunities (such as acquisition opportunities) and may direct such opportunities to other businesses in which they have invested, in which case the Company may not become aware of or otherwise have the ability to pursue such opportunity. Further, such businesses may choose to compete with the Company for these opportunities, possibly causing these opportunities to not be available to the Company or causing them to be more expensive for the Company to pursue. In addition, the Principal Stockholders and any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company, and their respective affiliates, may dispose of mining or other properties or other assets in the future, without any obligation to offer the Company the opportunity to purchase any of those assets. As a result, the Company's renouncing of its interest and expectancy in any business opportunity that may be from time to time presented to the Principal Stockholders and any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Company, and their respective affiliates, could adversely impact the Company's business or prospects if attractive business opportunities are procured by such parties for their own benefit rather than for the Company's. Certain of the Principal Stockholders or their affiliates are established participants in the oil and natural gas industry and may have resources greater than ours, which may make it more difficult for the Company to compete with the Principal Stockholders or their affiliates with respect to commercial activities as well as for potential acquisitions. We cannot assure you that any conflicts that may arise between us and our stockholders, on the one hand, and the Principal Stockholders or their affiliates, on the other hand, will be resolved in our favor. As a result, potential competition from the Principal Stockholders or their affiliates could adversely impact our results of operations.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8Certain of the Principal Stockholders will have the ability to direct the voting of a significant proportion of the voting power of the Common Stock, and their interests may conflict with those of other stockholders.
In connection with the consummation of the Up-C Simplification, the Principal Stockholders entered into the A&R Stockholders' Agreement with the Company. The Principal Stockholders collectively own approximately 36% of the Company's voting stock as of February 21, 2025. As a result, on a combined basis, the Principal Stockholders have considerable influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, changes to our organizational documents and significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership makes it unlikely that any other holder or group of holders of Common Stock will be able to affect the way the Company is managed or the direction of its business. The interests of the Principal Stockholders with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting the Company, such as future acquisitions, financings and other corporate opportunities and attempts to acquire the Company, may conflict with the interests of other stockholders. Given this significant concentrated ownership, the Principal Stockholders would likely have to approve any potential acquisition of the Company. The A&R Stockholders' Agreement provides Mr. Brigham (or his affiliates, as applicable) with the right to designate certain numbers of nominees to the Board and the right to approve certain actions by the Company, so long as the Principal Stockholders and their affiliates collectively beneficially own specified percentages of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Additionally, the A&R Stockholders' Agreement provides that the Principal Stockholders agree to cause their respective shares of Common Stock to be voted in favor of the election of each of the director nominees designated by Mr. Brigham. Accordingly, Mr. Brigham has the ability to strongly influence the election of the members of the Board, and thereby its management and affairs. In addition, the Principal Stockholders are able to strongly influence the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including mergers and other material transactions. This ownership by the Principal Stockholders may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of other stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of the Company. Moreover, this ownership by the Principal Stockholders may also adversely affect the trading price of the Common Stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with such concentrated ownership.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9Future sales of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce the trading price of the Common Stock, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in our Company.
Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the Legacy Owners holding shares of Common Stock may sell those shares in the future. Certain Legacy Owners who own, in the aggregate, approximately 36% of the Common Stock, are party to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, which includes provisions pursuant to which we have agreed, after the expiration of any applicable lock-up period, to register under the U.S. federal securities laws the offer and resale of shares of Common Stock by such Legacy Owners or certain of their respective affiliates or permitted transferees under the A&R Registration Rights Agreement. On February 3, 2025, the Company conducted an underwritten public offering of 11.5 million shares of our Common Stock at a public offering price of $23.00 per share. We may also sell additional shares of Common Stock in subsequent offerings. Sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline. In addition, the sale of such shares, or the perception that such sales may occur, could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional common or preferred stock. We cannot predict with certainty the size of future issuances of Common Stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of Common Stock will have on the market price of the Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition, upon expiration of lock-ups, early release of these agreements or otherwise), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common Stock.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10Increased stakeholder and market attention to ESG and conservation matters may adversely impact our business and access to capital.
Businesses across all industries face scrutiny from stakeholders related to their ESG approach and practices. Businesses that are perceived to be operating in contrast to investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, which are continuing to evolve, or businesses that are perceived to have not responded appropriately with respect to ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, access to capital, and/or stock price of such business entity could be materially and adversely affected. Increased societal, investor, regulator, and stakeholder attention to climate change, natural capital, and other ESG matters along with changes in consumer demand for alternative sources of energy may result in increased costs (including but not limited to increased costs related to compliance, stakeholder engagement, contracting, and insurance) and reduced demand for our customers' hydrocarbon products and our products and services. Increased and sometimes conflicting investor, lender, and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG-related disclosures and trends towards mandatory ESG-related disclosures could result in increased costs, heightened regulatory, judicial, and legislative scrutiny, governmental investigations, and litigation. From time to time, we may also be subject to ESG-specific activist campaigns as stockholders may attempt to effect changes to our business or governance practices. In addition, certain organizations that provide information, ratings or proxy advisory services to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings or recommendations are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Accordingly, we may receive pressure from certain investors, lenders or other groups to adopt climate or other ESG-related goals or commitments or to participate in various voluntary frameworks or certification programs intended to improve our ESG profile. A failure or a perception (whether valid or not) of failure to adequately pursue or implement ESG strategies or adopt ESG goals or commitments which are often aspirational, including any voluntary GHG emission reduction or carbon intensity goals or commitments, could result in litigation or reputational damage, cause investors or customers to lose confidence in us, harm our ability to effectively recruit or retain employees and negatively impact our operations and goodwill, all of which may adversely affect our financial performance. Moreover, even if we voluntarily elect to pursue climate or ESG goals or commitments, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to pursue or implement such goals or commitments because of potential costs, technical or operational obstacles, uncertainty and inaccuracies in long-term assumptions and expectations or other market or technological developments beyond our control. Similarly, we cannot guarantee that participation in any sustainability, climate-related, or ESG certification program or framework will have the intended results on our ESG profile. Separately, some members of the investment community have increased their focus on the ESG practices and disclosures of public companies, including practices and disclosures related to climate change and sustainability, employment practices and social initiatives, and heightened governance standards. Certain large institutional investors may also evaluate companies for ESG disclosure and performance prior to investing in our Company or including our Company's stock in their investment products, and such evaluation criteria may not be made known to us. Although this trend has waned recently, to the extent financial institutions choose not to invest in our Company on account of their evaluation of our ESG performance or a decision to allocate capital away from or cease to insure the fossil fuel production sector, we may lose investors, our cost of capital may increase, and our stock price may be negatively impacted. Certain public statements with respect to ESG matters, such as emission reduction goals, other environmental targets, or other commitments addressing certain social issues, are becoming increasingly subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities, as well as other parties, related to the risk of potential "greenwashing," (i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential ESG benefits). For example, federal and state agencies have taken enforcement action against companies for ESG-related misconduct, including alleged greenwashing. Such regulators, as well as non-governmental organizations and other private actors, have also filed lawsuits under various securities and consumer protection laws alleging that certain ESG-statements, emission reduction claims, approaches to accounting for GHG emissions reductions, or other ESG-related goals, or standards were misleading, false, or otherwise deceptive. Any alleged claims of greenwashing against us or others in our industry may lead to further negative sentiment and diversion of investments. Additionally, we could face increasing costs as we attempt to comply with and navigate further ESG-related focus and scrutiny. Additionally, certain employment or business practices and social initiatives are the subject of scrutiny by both those calling for the continued advancement of such policies, as well as those who believe they should be curbed, including government actors, and the complex regulatory and legal frameworks applicable to such initiatives continue to evolve. We cannot be certain of the impact of such regulatory, legal and other developments on our business.
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