Governance Spin Can't Hide Underperformance at Barnwell Industries, Inc.

Core Viewpoint - The Sherwood Group, a significant shareholder of Barnwell Industries, criticizes the company's financial performance and governance, urging shareholders to focus on the deteriorating financial results and the recent going concern warning disclosed in their 10-Q [1][3]. Financial Performance - Barnwell has a long history of financial underperformance, with a distressed balance sheet and ongoing losses from operations, even during favorable commodity cycles [3][4]. - The company has spent nearly $1 million in legal fees recently and approximately $7 million over the past several years, raising concerns about its financial management [3]. - The recent financial issues are attributed to wasteful spending on non-economic matters, with a going concern warning indicating serious financial distress [3][6]. Governance Issues - The current board is accused of failing to align with shareholder interests and not taking responsibility for the company's financial decline [2][6]. - The Sherwood Group emphasizes the need for urgent changes in governance and capital allocation to restore trust and accountability [6]. - There are concerns about the board's decision-making, particularly regarding the lack of hedging activities that could mitigate volatility in energy prices [3]. Shareholder Engagement - The Sherwood Group calls for respect for shareholder votes and transparency in governance, criticizing Barnwell for not honoring the results of the consent solicitation [5][6]. - The group has encouraged shareholders to support their board nominees and abandon efforts to block a universal proxy [7].