Here’s why Amplify Energy shares are down 50% on Monday

Shares of Amplify Energy Corp (NYSE: AMPY) tanked 50% on Monday morning after a company-operated oil rig was reported to have caused a massive oil spill off southern California.  

Amplify terminated its pipeline operations in the area

California officials initiated a clean-up response over the weekend for the spill of roughly 126,000 gallons affecting an area of nearly 13 square miles.

The Houston-based oil company also took precaution and suspended all of its pipeline operations, including production in the area. According to Amplify, its “remotely operated vehicle” is already out investigating the source of the release.

The brunt of the catastrophe fell upon Huntington Beach. In the news conference, Mayor Kim Carr of the beachside city located close to Los Angeles revealed Beta Offshore (California-based subsidiary of Amplify Energy) to be the rig's operator.

Roth Capital Partners suspended its price target on AMPY

The news made analysts at Roth Capital Partners suspend their price target on Amplify Energy stock that was up about 350% on a year-to-date basis before Monday’s price action. In a note, the brokerage said:

Amplify Energy now has a market cap of nearly $120 million.