Crew Energy Inc. (TSX: CR; OTCQB: CWEGF) (“Crew” or the “Company”),
a growth-oriented, liquids rich natural gas producer operating in
the world-class Montney play in northeast British Columbia (“NE
BC”), is pleased to announce our operating and financial results
for the three month period ended March 31, 2023. Crew’s audited
consolidated Financial Statements and Notes, as well as
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available on
Crew’s website and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
HIGHLIGHTS
-
32,963 boe per day1 (198 mmcfe per day) average
production in Q1/23 neared the top end of Crew’s guidance range of
31,000 to 33,000 boe per day, slightly ahead of Q4/22 volumes. Crew
realized 16% higher condensate production compared to the same
period in 2022, illustrating our ability to rapidly optimize the
production mix to maximize value, along with ongoing operational
success that supports a planned ramp up in light oil and condensate
production during H2/23.
-
155,789 mmcf per day of natural gas production in
Q1/23, 79% of total production, generating 51% of
revenue.
-
4,643 bbls per day of oil and condensate
production in Q1/23, 14% of total production,
generating 41% of revenue.
-
2,355 bbls per day of natural gas liquids5,6
(“NGLs”) production in Q1/23, 7% of total
production, generating 8% of revenue.
-
$74.5 million of Adjusted Funds Flow (“AFF”)2
($0.46 per fully diluted share3) generated in Q1/23, in line with
Q4/22, reflecting strong production volumes and robust combined
liquids pricing which helped drive operating netbacks4 that
averaged $27.22 per boe.
-
AFF2 as a percentage of
petroleum and natural gas sales (“AFF Margin”)3 reached a
record 74%, highlighting the success of our
recently completed two-year growth plan and the strength of our
2023 hedge program.
-
$22.2 million of net capital expenditures4 in
Q1/23, below our previously forecast guidance
range of $25 to $30 million as activity was limited to drilling
surface holes on the 4-32 pad and finalizing equipping of wells
that were completed in Q4/22, with the remainder invested in
facilities, pipelines and other miscellaneous items.
-
$52.4 million of Free AFF4 generated in Q1/23, a
265% increase over Q4/22, which supported Crew’s continued
deleveraging by enabling a 30% reduction in net
debt2 to $105.3 million at quarter-end, with zero drawn on
our $200 million credit facility.
-
Improved net debt2 to trailing last twelve-month
(“LTM”) EBITDA3 ratio which declined to 0.3 times
at March 31, 2023, from 0.4 times at year-end 2022.
-
$41.4 million in positive after-tax net income
($0.26 per fully diluted share) was realized during the quarter,
compared to a loss in the same period of 2022.
-
Cash costs per boe4 of $9.40 in Q1/23 represents a
two percent improvement over $9.61 per boe in Q1/22, reflecting
lower financing expenses.
-
Subsequent to quarter-end, Crew redeemed the
balance of our $172 million of outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes
at par on April 28, 2023, using cash on hand and drawings on the
bank line, and also extended our $200 million bank
facility maturity to May 2025 with no financial maintenance
covenants and no minimum liquidity requirements.
FINANCIAL & OPERATING
HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL ($ thousands, except per share
amounts) |
Three monthsendedMar. 31,
2023 |
Three monthsendedMar. 31, 2022 |
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
100,681 |
130,432 |
|
Cash provided by
operating activities |
66,644 |
55,082 |
|
Adjusted funds
flow2 |
74,517 |
77,660 |
|
Per share3 – basic |
0.48 |
0.51 |
|
– diluted |
0.46 |
0.48 |
|
Net income
(loss) |
41,354 |
(1,377 |
) |
Per share – basic |
0.27 |
(0.01 |
) |
– diluted |
0.26 |
(0.01 |
) |
Property, plant and
equipment expenditures |
22,161 |
55,361 |
|
Net property dispositions4 |
- |
- |
|
Net capital expenditures4 |
22,161 |
55,361 |
|
Capital Structure($ thousands) |
As at Mar. 31, 2023 |
As at Dec. 31, 2022 |
Working capital surplus2 |
84,386 |
|
21,844 |
|
Other long-term
obligations |
(18,223 |
) |
- |
|
Senior
unsecured notes |
(171,448 |
) |
(171,298 |
) |
Net debt2 |
(105,285 |
) |
(149,454 |
) |
Common shares outstanding (thousands) |
153,494 |
|
154,377 |
|
OPERATIONAL |
Three monthsendedMar. 31,
2023 |
Three monthsendedMar. 31, 2022 |
Daily production |
|
|
Light crude oil (bbl/d)7 |
71 |
116 |
Condensate (bbl/d) |
4,572 |
3,926 |
Natural gas liquids (“ngl”)5,6 (bbl/d) |
2,355 |
2,856 |
Conventional natural gas (mcf/d) |
155,789 |
159,007 |
Total (boe/d @ 6:1) |
32,963 |
33,399 |
Average
realized3 |
|
|
Light crude oil price ($/bbl) |
84.56 |
107.35 |
Natural gas liquids price ($/bbl) |
38.80 |
48.72 |
Condensate price ($/bbl) |
98.33 |
116.27 |
Natural gas price ($/mcf) |
3.67 |
5.29 |
Commodity price ($/boe) |
33.94 |
43.39 |
|
Three monthsendedMar. 31,
2023 |
Three monthsendedMar. 31, 2022 |
Netback ($/boe) |
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
33.94 |
|
43.39 |
|
Royalties |
(4.13 |
) |
(2.78 |
) |
Realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments |
4.72 |
|
(5.16 |
) |
Net operating costs4 |
(4.02 |
) |
(3.50 |
) |
Net transportation costs4 |
(3.29 |
) |
(3.12 |
) |
Operating netback4 |
27.22 |
|
28.83 |
|
General and administrative (“G&A”) |
(1.14 |
) |
(0.96 |
) |
Financing expenses on debt4 |
(0.95 |
) |
(2.03 |
) |
Adjusted funds flow2 |
25.13 |
|
25.84 |
|
___________________________
1 See table in the Advisories for production
breakdown by product type as defined in NI 51-101.
2 Capital management measure that does not have
any standardized meaning as prescribed by International Financial
Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable with the
calculations of similar measures for other entities. See
“Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release.
3 Supplementary financial measure that does not
have any standardized meaning as prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable
with the calculations of similar measures for other entities. See
“Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release.
4 Non-IFRS financial measure or ratio that does
not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable
with calculations of similar measures or ratios for other entities.
See “Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release and in our most recently filed MD&A,
available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
5 Throughout this news release, NGLs comprise
all natural gas liquids as defined in National Instrument 51-101,
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”),
other than condensate, which is disclosed separately, and natural
gas means conventional natural gas by NI 51-101 product type.
6 Excludes condensate volumes which have been
reported separately.
7 Throughout this news release, light crude oil
refers to light and medium crude oil product type as defined by
National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101").
FOUR-YEAR PLAN UPDATE
Crew’s four-year plan, announced at the end of
2022 (the “Four-Year Plan”8), is designed to leverage our momentum
and strong financial position to significantly increase size and
scale through 2026. Successful implementation of this Four-Year
Plan would enable the Company to meaningfully increase production,
targeting growth in excess of 60,000 boe per day.
A key driver behind the Four-Year Plan is the
expansion of our gas processing infrastructure, including the
construction of an electrified 180 mmcf per day deep-cut gas plant
in the Company’s Groundbirch area which is ideally located to
supply natural gas to Canada’s future liquified natural gas (“LNG”)
export facilities. The progression of our Groundbirch area
development plan is dependent on all necessary permits being
obtained, supportive commodity prices and securing the requisite
financing while maintaining conservative debt leverage metrics.
With current spot and future strip natural gas prices remaining
depressed due largely to an ongoing global supply and demand
imbalance, Crew plans to prudently advance the Four-Year Plan by
monitoring price signals for additional hedging opportunities and
continuing to explore a variety of project financing options.
OPERATIONS UPDATE & AREA OVERVIEW
NE BC Montney (Greater
Septimus)
- Crew’s first
quarter capital program concentrated on drilling surface holes for
four (4.0 net) of a planned five (5.0 net) wells at the 4-32 pad,
which are slated to be drilled through Q2 2023, and finalizing
equipping activities on five wells at the 11-27 pad that were
initially brought on for testing before the end of 2022.
- Average production
from the five (5.0 net) extended reach horizontal (“ERH”)
ultra-condensate rich (“UCR”) wells that that were completed on the
11-27 pad have produced wellhead rates of 1,463 mcf per day of
natural gas and 575 bbls per day of condensate over the first 90
days of production (IP90).
- Engineering work
and equipment purchases commenced for Crew’s condensate
stabilization project at the Septimus Gas Plant in Q1/23, which is
expected to increase the plant’s condensate capacity to 5,000 bbls
per day and facilitate expanded development of our ultra-condensate
rich area. Installation of the condensate stabilization equipment
is expected to be completed in Q3/23.
- Construction was
initiated on the Company’s North Septimus 2-24 UCR pad and North
Septimus 6-18 UCR pad. These wells are planned to be drilled in the
summer of 2023 following the drilling of the five new wells on the
4-32 pad.
Groundbirch
-
The original three wells on the 4-17 pad have produced an average
of 2.94 bcf of natural gas over 440 days, exceeding our independent
reserve evaluator’s year-end 2022 proved plus probable type curve
by 34% to date.
-
The five (5.0 net) ERH wells in the second phase of development at
Crew’s 4-17 pad continue to exceed internal type curve estimates,
with an average per well raw gas production rate over 210 days
(“IP210”) of 6,224 mcf per day.
-
Engineering design is continuing for Crew’s Groundbirch plant which
will expand our gas processing infrastructure and support future
growth in our Four-Year Plan.
-
The Upper Montney at Groundbirch is approximately 470 feet in
thickness and has four prospective zones, all of which were tested
through Crew’s 4-17 exploration and development program in 2021 and
2022, with each zone having generated promising initial commercial
development rates. Drilling and testing results at Groundbirch have
demonstrated the strength of our asset base, positioning the
Company with decades of potential development runway.
-
Crew currently holds 24 well permits in the Groundbirch area, with
60 well permit applications submitted and pending approval.
Other NE BC Montney
-
The Company currently has six drilled but uncompleted ERH wells on
the 15-28 pad at Tower, which are planned to be completed in Q3/23.
The wells target light oil in the upper Montney “B” and “C” zones
and feature lateral lengths of over 4,000 meters.
RISK MANAGEMENT PROFILE
To secure a base level of AFF2 to fund planned
capital projects, Crew continues to utilize hedging to limit
exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign exchange
rates, while allowing for participation in spot commodity prices.
As of May 8, 2023, the Company’s hedging profile includes:
-
For the remainder of Q2/23, approximately 72,500 GJ per day at
C$4.24 per GJ, or C$5.17 per mcf using Crew’s higher heat content
factor, and 1,500 bbls per day of condensate at an average price of
C$106.08 per bbl.
-
For the second half of 2023, approximately 70,000 GJ per day at
C$4.26 per GJ, or C$5.20 per mcf using Crew’s heat content factor,
and 1,250 bbls per day of condensate at an average price of
C$100.25 per bbl.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG INITIATIVES
Crew's commitment to environmental, social and
governance (“ESG”) initiatives remained a key focus in Q1/23 as we
continue to invest in developing sustainable solutions to
complement our corporate growth. Our Q1/23 ESG highlights
include:
- Continued to demonstrate our strong
commitment to safety with no recordable or lost time injuries in
Q1/23.
-
Directed a total of $3.5 million to abandonment and reclamation
activities during Q1/23, with 11 wells cut and capped.
- Recorded no
reportable spills in the first quarter of 2023.
-
Invested 80 volunteer hours as well as financial contributions into
community support initiatives and not-for-profit organizations in
the quarter, geared towards helping the health, well-being, and
economies of our local communities as part of our “Crew Cares”
initiative.
In the summer of 2023, Crew anticipates
releasing an updated digital ESG Report, which will be available
for viewing at www.esg.crewenergy.com. The updated report will
feature Crew’s latest sustainability initiatives and data
performance tables.
OUTLOOK
- 2023
Guidance Reaffirmed - With persistent supply and demand
imbalances across parts of North America and Europe leading to low
natural gas prices, the Company reaffirms guidance which
prioritizes light oil and condensate production over natural gas
production and the maintenance of conservative leverage metrics.
Crew’s full year 2023 net capital expenditures4 budget is
forecasted to be $190 to $210
million, comprising plans to:
- Drill 15 (15.0 net)
Montney wells
- Complete, equip and
tie-in 12 (12.0 net) wells
- Maintain 2023
average production at 30,000 to
32,000 boe per day1 targeting an exit rate of
32,000 to 34,000 boe per
day1
- Hold an inventory
of ten (10.0 net) drilled and uncompleted UCR wells at year end
2023
- Achieve combined
light oil and condensate production over 6,000 bbls per day in
Q4/23, representing over 50% growth from Q4/22
-
To date, Crew has not encountered any infrastructure damage or
production curtailments due to the current wildfires in British
Columbia and northwest Alberta. We continue to monitor the
situation and will provide an update if conditions were to
change.
-
Q2/23 net capital expenditures4 are forecast at
$28 to $32 million with average
production of 28,000 to 30,000
boe per day1, a function of firm transportation restrictions,
natural production declines and shutting in production due to low
natural gas prices.
The following table sets forth Crew’s reaffirmed
guidance and underlying material assumptions:
|
2023 Guidance and
Assumptions9 |
Net capital expenditures4 ($Millions) |
190-210 |
Annual average production1
(boe/d) |
30,000–32,000 |
Adjusted funds flow2
($Millions) |
240-260 |
Free adjusted funds flow4
($Millions) |
30-70 |
EBITDA4 ($Millions) |
250-270 |
Oil price (WTI)($US per
bbl) |
$75.00 |
Natural gas price (NYMEX) ($US
per mmbtu) |
$3.20 |
Natural gas price (AECO 5A)
($C per mcf) |
$2.85 |
Natural gas price (Crew est.
wellhead) ($C per mcf) |
$3.30 |
Foreign exchange
($US/$CAD) |
$0.74 |
Royalties |
9–11% |
Net operating costs4 ($ per
boe) |
$4.50–$5.00 |
Net transportation costs4 ($
per boe) |
$3.50–$4.00 |
G&A ($ per boe) |
$1.00–$1.20 |
Effective interest rate on long-term debt |
6.5–7.5% |
2023 Sensitivities (Q2 to Q4) |
AFF ($MM) |
AFF/Share |
FD AFF/Share |
100 bbl per day Condensate |
$3.2 |
$0.02 |
$0.02 |
C$1.00 per bbl WTI |
$1.2 |
$0.01 |
$0.01 |
US $0.10 NYMEX (per
mmbtu) |
$3.2 |
$0.02 |
$0.02 |
1 mmcf per day natural
gas |
$1.0 |
$0.01 |
$0.01 |
$0.10 AECO 5A (per GJ) |
$2.3 |
$0.01 |
$0.01 |
$0.01
FX CAD/US |
$2.6 |
$0.02 |
$0.02 |
|
|
|
|
ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING
Crew’s Annual General Meeting will be held in
the Bow River Room/Bow Glacier Room, 3rd floor, 250-5th Street
S.W., Centennial Place, West Tower, Calgary, Alberta on Thursday,
the 11th day of May, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. (Calgary time). Further
meeting details are available within the Company’s 2023 Information
Circular, which can be viewed on our profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com and on our website at www.crewenergy.com.
Crew’s world class Montney asset base,
operational excellence and financial strength positions the Company
to succeed in dynamic market conditions by providing optionality to
adjust our capital program to optimize our production mix, ensuring
long term sustainability. Our dedicated team is excited to continue
delivering long-term shareholder value through innovation and
adaptability, supported by a robust risk management program and
proven strategy which enables us to achieve our goals while
maintaining a safe and responsible operating culture. We express
our gratitude to our stakeholders for their commitment and ongoing
support of Crew in this dynamic environment.
ADVISORIES
Forward-Looking Information and
Statements
This news release contains certain
forward–looking information and statements within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect",
"anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "project",
"should", "believe", "plans", "intends" “forecast” “targets” and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the
foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking information
and statements pertaining to the following: the ability to execute
on its Four-Year Plan and underlying strategy, plans, goals and
targets, all as more particularly outlined and described in this
press release; our 2023 annual capital budget range (the "2023
Budget"), associated drilling and completion plans, the anticipated
timing thereof, and all associated near term initiatives, goals and
targets, along with all guidance and underlying assumptions related
to the 2023 Budget as outlined in the “Outlook” section in this
press release; production and type-curve estimates and targets
under the 2023 Budget and balance of the Four-Year Plan;
infrastructure plans and anticipated benefits outlined in this
press release including construction of the Groundbirch plant;
completion of the Company’s condensate stabilization project at its
Septimus Gas Plant and anticipated benefits thereof; anticipated
timing and assumed receipt of all regulatory approvals required in
connection therewith; our ability to secure financing for the
Groundbirch plant and timing thereof; forecast improvement in debt
and leverage metrics; commodity price expectations and assumptions;
Crew's commodity risk management programs and future hedging plans;
marketing and transportation and processing plans and requirements;
estimates of processing capacity and requirements; anticipated
reductions in GHG emissions and decommissioning obligations; future
liquidity and financial capacity and ability to finance our
Four-Year Plan; future results from operations and operating and
leverage metrics; targeted debt levels and leverage metrics over
the course of the Four-Year Plan; world supply and demand
projections and long-term impact on pricing; future development,
exploration, acquisition and disposition activities (including our
capital investment model through 2026 and associated drilling and
completion plans, associated receipt of all required regulatory
permits for our Four-Year Plan, development timing and cost
estimates); the potential to serve a Canadian LNG market; the
potential of our Groundbirch area to be a core area of future
development and the anticipated commerciality of up to four
potential prospective zones to be drilled; the successful
implementation of our ESG initiatives and anticipated releases of
our updated ESG Report; and significant emissions intensity
improvements going forward; the amount and timing of capital
projects; and anticipated improvement in our long-term
sustainability and the expected positive attributes discussed
herein attributable to our Four-Year Plan.
The internal projections, expectations, or
beliefs underlying our Board approved 2023 Budget and associated
guidance, as well as management's preliminary strategy, and
associated plans, goals and targets in respect of the balance of
its Four-Year Plan, are subject to change in light of, without
limitation, the Russia/Ukraine conflict and any related actions
taken by businesses and governments, ongoing results, prevailing
economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, resulting
changes in our underlying assumptions, goals and targets provided
herein and changes in industry conditions and regulations. Crew's
financial outlook and guidance provides shareholders with relevant
information on management's expectations for results of operations,
excluding any potential acquisitions or dispositions, for such time
periods based upon the key assumptions outlined herein. In this
press release reference is made to the Company's longer range 2024
and beyond internal plan and associated economic model. Such
information reflects internal goals and targets used by management
for the purposes of making capital investment decisions and for
internal long-range planning and future budget preparation. Readers
are cautioned that events or circumstances and updates to
underlying assumptions could cause capital plans and associated
results to differ materially from those predicted and Crew's
guidance for 2023, and more particularly its internal plan, goals
and targets for 2024 and beyond which are not based upon Board
approved budget(s) at this time, may not be appropriate for other
purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on
same.
In addition, forward-looking statements or
information are based on several material factors, expectations or
assumptions of Crew which have been used to develop such statements
and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Crew
believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not
be placed on forward-looking statements because Crew can give no
assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In
addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified
herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things:
that Crew will continue to conduct its operations in a manner
consistent with past operations; results from drilling and
development activities consistent with past operations; the quality
of the reservoirs in which Crew operates and continued performance
from existing wells; the continued and timely development of
infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the
estimates of Crew’s reserve volumes; certain commodity price and
other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity
financing and cash flow to fund Crew’s current and future plans and
expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general
stability of the economic and political environment in which Crew
operates; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions
will be within the parameters expected by Crew; the general
continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of
any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Crew to obtain
qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost
efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of
the projects in which Crew has an interest in to operate the field
in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Crew to
obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and
decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural
gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the
timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and
expansion and the ability of Crew to secure adequate product
transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and
interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes,
environmental and indigenous matters in the jurisdictions in which
Crew operates; that regulatory authorities in British Columbia
continue granting approvals for oil and gas activities on time
frames, and on terms and conditions, consistent with past
practices; and the ability of Crew to successfully market its oil
and natural gas products.
The forward-looking information and statements
included in this news release are not guarantees of future
performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information
and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof,
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from
those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements
including, without limitation: the continuing and uncertain impact
of pandemics and the Russia / Ukraine conflict; changes in
commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Crew's
products, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated
areas and zones and the potential for variation in the quality of
the Montney formation; interruptions, unanticipated operating
results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental
laws, royalty rates; climate change regulations, or other
regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Crew or by
third party operators of Crew's properties, increased debt levels
or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Crew's oil
and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access
to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance
coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks
detailed from time-to-time in Crew's public disclosure documents
(including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news
release and Crew's MD&A and Annual Information Form).
This press release contains future-oriented
financial information and financial outlook information
(collectively, "FOFI") about Crew's prospective capital
expenditures, all of which are subject to the same assumptions,
risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the
above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of Crew and the
resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set
forth in this press release and such variation may be material.
Crew and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on
a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and
judgments. However, because this information is subjective and
subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as
necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by
applicable securities laws, Crew undertakes no obligation to update
such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as of the
date of this press release and was provided for the purpose of
providing further information about Crew's anticipated future
business operations. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained
in this press release should not be used for purposes other than
for which it is disclosed herein.
The forward-looking information and statements
contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this
news release, and Crew does not assume any obligation to publicly
update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or
information, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities
laws.
Risk Factors to the Company’s Four-Year
Plan
Risk factors that could materially impact
successful execution and actual results of the Four-Year Plan
include:
- volatility of
petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the
accuracy of predictions related thereto;
- changes in Federal
and Provincial regulations;
- execution of
construction timelines from BC Hydro to support the electrification
of the Groundbirch plant;
- receipt of
high-value regulatory permits required to launch development under
the Four-Year Plan;
- the Company’s
ability to secure financing for the Groundbirch plant sourced from
AFF, bank or other Debt instruments, asset sales, equity issuance,
infrastructure financing or some combination thereof; and
- Those additional
risk factors set forth in the Company’s MD&A and most recent
Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR.
Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil
and Gas Operational Information
All amounts in this news release are stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. This press release
contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry.
Each of these metrics are determined by Crew as specifically set
forth in this news release. These terms do not have standardized
meanings or standardized methods of calculation and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies,
and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons. Such
metrics have been included to provide readers with additional
information to evaluate the Company’s performance however, such
metrics are not reliable indicators of future performance and
therefore should not be unduly relied upon for investment or other
purposes. See "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" below for
additional disclosures.
Test Results and Initial Production
Rates
A pressure transient analysis or well-test
interpretation has not been carried out and thus certain of the
test results provided herein should be preliminary until such
analysis or interpretation has been completed. Test results and
initial production (“IP”) rates disclosed herein, particularly
those short in duration, may not necessarily be indicative of
long-term performance or of ultimate recovery.
BOE and Mcfe Conversions
Measurements expressed in barrel of oil
equivalents, BOEs or Mcfe may be misleading, particularly if used
in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl and an Mcfe
conversion ratio of 1 bbl:6 Mcf are based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and do not
represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value
ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to
natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency
of 6:1, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an
indication of value.
Non-IFRS and Other Financial
Measures
Throughout this press release and other
materials disclosed by the Company, Crew uses certain measures to
analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow.
These non-IFRS and other specified financial measures do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities.
The non-IFRS and other specified financial measures should not be
considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial
measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators
of Crew’s performance. Management believes that the presentation of
these non-IFRS and other specified financial measures provides
useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding
and evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating performance, and the
measures provide increased transparency and the ability to better
analyze Crew’s business performance against prior periods on a
comparable basis.
Capital Management Measures
a) Funds from
Operations and Adjusted Funds Flow (“AFF”)
Funds from operations represents cash provided
by operating activities before changes in operating non-cash
working capital, accretion of deferred financing charges and
transaction costs on property dispositions. Adjusted funds flow
represents funds from operations before decommissioning obligations
settled (recovered). The Company considers these metrics as key
measures that demonstrate the ability of the Company’s continuing
operations to generate the cash flow necessary to maintain
production at current levels and fund future growth through capital
investment and to service and repay debt. Management believes that
such measures provide an insightful assessment of the Company's
operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash
charges, actual settlements of decommissioning obligations and
transaction costs on property dispositions, the timing of which is
discretionary. Funds from operations and adjusted funds flow should
not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than cash
provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with
IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Crew’s
determination of funds from operations and adjusted funds flow may
not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Crew also
presents adjusted funds flow per share whereby per share amounts
are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent
with the calculation of income per share. The applicable
reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure, cash
provided by operating activities, is contained under “free adjusted
funds flow” below.
b) Net Debt and
Working Capital Surplus (Deficiency)
Crew closely monitors its capital structure with
a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future
growth of the Company. The Company monitors net debt as part of its
capital structure. The Company uses net debt (bank debt plus
working capital deficiency or surplus, excluding the current
portion of the fair value of financial instruments) as an
alternative measure of outstanding debt. Management considers net
debt and working capital deficiency (surplus) an important measure
to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures and
Ratios
a) Net Property
Acquisitions (Dispositions)
Net property acquisitions (dispositions) equals
property acquisitions less property dispositions and transaction
costs on property dispositions. Crew uses net property acquisitions
(dispositions) to measure its total capital investment compared to
the Company’s annual capital budgeted expenditures. The most
directly comparable IFRS measures to net property acquisitions
(dispositions) are property acquisitions and property
dispositions.
b) Net Capital
Expenditures
Net capital expenditures equals exploration and
development expenditures less net property acquisitions
(dispositions). Crew uses net capital expenditures to measure its
total capital investment compared to the Company’s annual capital
budgeted expenditures. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to
net capital expenditures is property, plant and equipment
expenditures.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
Property, plant and equipment expenditures |
22,161 |
60,639 |
55,361 |
Less: Net property
dispositions |
- |
(7) |
- |
Net capital expenditures |
22,161 |
60,632 |
55,361 |
|
|
|
|
c) EBITDA
EBITDA is calculated as consolidated net income
(loss) before interest and financing expenses, income taxes,
depletion, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain
non-cash, extraordinary and non-recurring items primarily relating
to unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments and
impairment losses. The Company considers this metric as key
measures that demonstrate the ability of the Company’s continuing
operations to generate the cash flow necessary to maintain
production at current levels and fund future growth through capital
investment and to service and repay debt. The most directly
comparable IFRS measure to EBITDA is cash provided by operating
activities.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
Adjusted funds flow |
74,517 |
74,994 |
77,660 |
Financing expenses on debt |
2,815 |
2,971 |
6,094 |
EBITDA |
77,332 |
77,965 |
83,754 |
|
|
|
|
d) Free Adjusted
Funds Flow
Free adjusted funds flow represents adjusted
funds flow less capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and
dispositions. The Company considers this metric a key measure that
demonstrates the ability of the Company’s continuing operations to
fund future growth through capital investment and to service and
repay debt. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to free
adjusted funds flow is cash provided by operating activities.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by operating activities |
66,644 |
62,570 |
55,082 |
Change in operating non-cash working capital |
4,520 |
7,565 |
19,675 |
Accretion of deferred financing charges |
(150) |
(149) |
(246) |
Funds from operations |
71,014 |
69,986 |
74,511 |
Decommissioning obligations settled excluding government
grants |
3,503 |
5,008 |
3,149 |
Adjusted funds flow |
74,517 |
74,994 |
77,660 |
Less: property, plant and equipment expenditures |
22,161 |
60,639 |
55,361 |
Free adjusted funds flow |
52,356 |
14,355 |
22,299 |
|
|
|
|
e) Net Operating
Costs
Net operating costs equals operating expenses
net of processing revenue. Management views net operating costs as
an important measure to evaluate its operational performance. The
most directly comparable IFRS measure for net operating costs is
operating expenses.
($ thousands, except per boe) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
12,558 |
11,115 |
11,359 |
Processing revenue |
(636) |
(616) |
(830) |
Net operating costs |
11,922 |
10,499 |
10,529 |
Per
boe |
4.02 |
3.47 |
3.50 |
|
|
|
|
f) Net Operating
Costs per boe
Net operating costs per boe equals net operating
costs divided by production. Management views net operating costs
per boe as an important measure to evaluate its operational
performance. The calculation of Crew’s net operating costs per boe
can be seen in the non-IFRS measure entitled “Net Operating Costs”
above.
g) Net
Transportation Costs
Net transportation costs equals transportation
expenses net of transportation revenue. Management views net
transportation costs as an important measure to evaluate its
operational performance. The most directly comparable IFRS measure
for net transportation costs is transportation expenses. The
calculation of Crew’s net transportation costs can be seen in the
section entitled “Net Transportation Costs” of this MD&A.
($ thousands, except per boe) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Transportation expenses |
11,288 |
10,701 |
10,845 |
Transportation revenue |
(1,520) |
(1,485) |
(1,453) |
Net transportation costs |
9,768 |
9,216 |
9,392 |
Per
boe |
3.29 |
3.05 |
3.12 |
|
|
|
|
h) Net
Transportation Costs per boe
Net transportation costs per boe equals net
transportation costs divided by production. Management views net
transportation costs per boe as an important measure to evaluate
its operational performance.
i) Operating
Netback per boe
Operating netback per boe equals petroleum and
natural gas sales including realized gains and losses on commodity
related derivative financial instruments, marketing income, less
royalties, net operating costs and transportation costs calculated
on a boe basis. Management considers operating netback per boe an
important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it
demonstrates its field level profitability relative to current
commodity prices.
($/boe) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
33.94 |
45.25 |
43.39 |
Royalties |
(4.13) |
(6.09) |
(2.78) |
Realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments |
4.72 |
(5.72) |
(5.16) |
Net operating costs |
(4.02) |
(3.47) |
(3.50) |
Net transportation costs |
(3.29) |
(3.05) |
(3.12) |
Operating netbacks |
27.22 |
26.92 |
28.83 |
Production (boe/d) |
32,963 |
32,893 |
33,399 |
|
|
|
|
j) Cash costs per
boe
Cash costs per boe is comprised of net
operating, transportation, general and administrative and financing
expenses on debt calculated on a boe basis. Management views cash
costs per boe as an important measure to evaluate its operational
performance.
($/boe) |
Three months endedMarch. 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember. 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch. 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Net operating costs |
4.02 |
3.47 |
3.50 |
Net transportation costs |
3.29 |
3.05 |
3.12 |
General and administrative
expenses |
1.14 |
1.17 |
0.96 |
Financing expenses on debt |
0.95 |
0.98 |
2.03 |
Cash costs |
9.40 |
8.67 |
9.61 |
|
|
|
|
k) Financing
expenses on debt per boe
Financing expenses on debt per boe is comprised
of the sum of interest on bank loan and other, interest on senior
notes and accretion of deferred financing charges, divided by
production. Management views financing expenses on debt per boe as
an important measure to evaluate its cost of debt financing.
($ thousands, except per boe) |
Three months endedMarch 31,
2023 |
Three months endedDecember 31, 2022 |
Three months endedMarch 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Interest on bank loan and
other |
(92) |
4 |
1,040 |
Interest on senior notes |
2,757 |
2,818 |
4,808 |
Accretion of deferred financing charges |
150 |
149 |
246 |
Financing expenses on debt |
2,815 |
2,971 |
6,094 |
Production (boe/d) |
32,963 |
32,893 |
33,399 |
Financing expenses on debt per boe |
0.95 |
0.98 |
2.03 |
|
|
|
|
Supplementary Financial
Measures
“Adjusted fund flow margin” is
comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by petroleum and natural
gas sales.
"Adjusted funds flow per basic
share" is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the
basic weighted average common shares.
"Adjusted funds flow per diluted
share" is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the
diluted weighted average common shares.
"Adjusted funds flow per boe"
is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by total
production.
"Average realized commodity
price" is comprised of commodity sales from production, as
determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's
production. Average prices are before deduction of net
transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on
financial instruments.
“Average realized light crude oil
price” is comprised of light crude oil commodity sales
from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by
the Company’s light crude oil production. Average prices are before
deduction of net transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized ngl price" is
comprised of ngl commodity sales from production, as determined in
accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's ngl production.
Average prices are before deduction of net transportation costs and
do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized condensate
price” is comprised of condensate commodity sales from
production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the
Company’s condensate production. Average prices are before
deduction of net transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized natural gas
price" is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from
production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the
Company's natural gas production. Average prices are before
deduction of net transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Net debt to last twelve months (“LTM”)
EBITDA" is calculated as net debt at a point in time
divided by EBITDA earned from that point back for the trailing
twelve months.
Supplemental Information Regarding
Product Types
References to gas or natural gas and NGLs in
this press release refer to conventional natural gas and natural
gas liquids product types, respectively, as defined in National
Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101"), except where specifically noted
otherwise.
The following is intended to provide the product
type composition for each of the production figures provided
herein, where not already disclosed within tables above:
|
Light & Medium Crude Oil |
Condensate |
Natural Gas Liquids1 |
ConventionalNatural Gas |
Total(boe/d) |
Q2 2023 Average |
0 |
% |
13 |
% |
7 |
% |
80 |
% |
28,000-30,000 |
2023 Annual
Average |
2 |
% |
13 |
% |
7 |
% |
78 |
% |
30,000-32,000 |
2023 Exit Rate |
6 |
% |
14 |
% |
7 |
% |
73 |
% |
32,000-34,000 |
Notes:1) Excludes condensate volumes which
have been reported separately.
Crew is a growth-oriented natural gas and
liquids producer, committed to pursuing sustainable per share
growth through a balanced mix of financially and socially
responsible exploration and development. The Company’s operations
are exclusively located in northeast British Columbia and feature a
vast Montney resource with a large contiguous land base in the
Greater Septimus, Tower and Groundbirch areas in British Columbia,
offering significant development potential over the long-term. Crew
has access to diversified markets with operated infrastructure and
access to multiple pipeline egress options. The Company’s common
shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)
under the symbol “CR” and on the OTCQB in the US under ticker
“CWEGF”.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT:
Dale Shwed, President and CEO |
Phone: (403) 266-2088 |
John Leach, Executive Vice
President and CFO |
Email:
investor@crewenergy.com |
___________________________
8 Crew’s plans, goals and targets for 2024 and beyond remain
preliminary in nature and do not, at this time, reflect a Board
approved capital expenditures budget. Accordingly, undue reliance
should not be placed on the same.
9 The actual results of operations of Crew and
the resulting financial results will likely vary from the estimates
and material underlying assumptions set forth in this guidance by
the Company and such variation may be material. The guidance and
material underlying assumptions have been prepared on a reasonable
basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments.
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