Freehold Royalties Ltd. (Freehold or the Company) (TSX:FRU)
announces fourth quarter and 2022 results for the period ended
December 31, 2022.
President’s Message
2022 was a year of records for Freehold, the
result of the significant work done over the last three years to
establish the Company as a premier North American energy royalty
company. Our expansion and optimization efforts have resulted in a
“new look” Freehold, with the scale and asset base that will enable
sustainable, long-term value creation for our shareholders. By
targeting plays across North America, our asset base, development
inventory and revenue generation is underpinned by exceptionally
high-quality payors in many of the top tier operating areas across
North America. Freehold’s fourth quarter and full year 2022 results
reflect this quality.
Our record revenue, funds from operations and
production performance in 2022 was due in part to the record level
of industry activity that occurred on our lands in 2022. Despite
commodity prices being lower in the second half of the year,
drilling on our lands remained strong, especially within our U.S.
acreage, highlighting the quality of both our portfolio and payors.
The enhancement to the scale of our business is illustrated by the
record level of dividends paid to our shareholders, while
maintaining our core strategies of low leverage and sustainability
along with patient and opportunistic portfolio
reinvestment. In 2022, in the absence of acquisitions, proved
reserve replacement was 115%.
A snapshot of our record setting
achievements in 2022 are as follows:
- $393 million in
revenue
- $316 million in
funds from operations
- $142 million in
dividends paid
- 14,101 boe/d
average production
- 1,057 gross
wells drilled
- $75.14/boe
average realized price ($68.12/boe in Canada and $90.64/boe in the
U.S.)
After incorporating the capital programs of our
top drillers, we are forecasting 2023 royalty production to average
between 14,500 and 15,500 boe/d. Based on this production guidance
and our underlying commodity and exchange rate assumptions for
2023, funds from operations is expected to be between $250 and $280
million. We will continue to position our dividend at approximately
60% of forward-looking funds from operations. With the improvement
to our underlying asset base, payor quality and financial
flexibility, we can maintain our current monthly dividend level
through prolonged periods of lower pricing, should those conditions
exist in the future.
Early in 2023, we announced the release of our
Sustainability Report, highlighting the Company’s focus on
responsibly growing and enhancing our business through
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. As a
publicly traded energy royalty company with assets both in Canada
and the U.S., Freehold strives to generate shareholder value by
maintaining a strong balance sheet, focusing on the long-term
sustainability of our business and partnering with high quality
operators across North America who are aligned with our views on
the importance of sustainability and ESG performance. The report
can be found on our website at www.freeholdroyalties.com
2022 represented a very successful year for
Freehold as the Company moved forward with a measured advancement
of our North American strategy. I would like to thank our
employees, shareholders, Board of Directors, and all those who have
supported Freehold through 2022.
David M. Spyker, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Dividend Announcement
The Board of Directors of Freehold has declared
a monthly dividend of $0.09 per share to be paid on April 17, 2023,
to shareholders of record on March 31, 2023. The dividend is
designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax
purposes.
Operating and Financial Highlights
|
Three Months Ended |
Twelve Months Ended December 31 |
|
December 31 |
September 30 |
|
|
|
|
FINANCIAL ($ millions, except as noted) |
2022 |
2022 |
Change |
2022 |
2021 |
Change |
Funds from operations |
80.0 |
80.8 |
-% |
316.5 |
189.6 |
67% |
Funds from operations per
share, basic ($) (1) |
0.53 |
0.54 |
(2%) |
2.10 |
1.39 |
51% |
Acquisitions and related
expenditures |
7.2 |
161.7 |
(96%) |
190.8 |
377.0 |
(49%) |
Dividends paid per share
($) (2) |
0.27 |
0.25 |
8% |
0.94 |
0.45 |
109% |
Dividend payout ratio
(%) (3) |
51% |
47% |
9% |
45% |
33% |
36% |
Net debt (3) |
127.9 |
159.9 |
(20%) |
127.9 |
101.2 |
26% |
OPERATING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total production (boe/d) (4) |
15,041 |
14,219 |
6% |
14,101 |
11,844 |
19% |
Oil and NGL (%) |
63% |
62% |
2% |
62% |
57% |
5% |
Petroleum and natural gas
realized price ($/boe) (4) |
69.76 |
74.31 |
(6%) |
75.14 |
47.73 |
57% |
Cash costs ($/boe) (3)
(4) |
5.17 |
3.62 |
42% |
5.19 |
3.71 |
40% |
Netback ($/boe) (3)
(4) |
63.92 |
69.77 |
(8%) |
69.48 |
43.99 |
58% |
ROYALTY INTEREST DRILLING(gross / net) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
137/ 6.2 |
147/ 5.8 |
(7%) / 7% |
503/ 20.1 |
440/16.3 |
14% / 23% |
U.S. |
156/ 0.9 |
157/ 0.9 |
-%/-% |
554/ 2.9 |
215/1.2 |
157%/ 142% |
(1) Weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period, basic (2) Based on the number of
shares issued and outstanding at each record date(3) See Non-GAAP
Financial Ratios and Other Financial Measures(4) See Conversion of
Natural Gas to Barrels of Oil Equivalent (boe)
Fourth Quarter Highlights
- Funds from operations in Q4-2022 totalled $80.0 million
($0.53/share), which compares to $68.8 million ($0.46/share) in
Q4-2021 and $80.8 million ($0.54/share) in Q3-2022. The increase
versus the same period in 2021 reflects stronger pricing and an
increase in production levels from acquisitions and from higher
overall levels of activity on our lands.
- Dividends declared for Q4-2022 totaled $40.7 million ($0.27 per
share), up 59% versus the same period in 2021 when Freehold
declared dividends of $25.6 million ($0.17 per share). Freehold’s
dividend payout ratio(1) for Q4-2022 was 51% versus 35% during the
same period in 2021. Freehold has increased its dividend 500% since
the COVID related lows and continues to target its payout at
approximately 60% of forward-looking funds from operations, with
the ability to weather a higher payout in the event of a pullback
in commodity prices.
- Realized price of $69.76/boe in Q4-2022, up 21% versus the same
period last year and down 6% versus the previous quarter. Freehold
benefited from more favourable U.S. realized pricing of $88.17/boe,
47% higher than Canada ($59.85/boe).
- Recorded a netback(1) of $63.92/boe in Q4-2022, up 19% over
Q4-2021 but down 8% versus Q3-2022 on lower commodity prices.
- Achieved record production for the second straight quarter
averaging 15,041 boe/d in Q4-2022, an increase of 7% over Q4-2021
and 6% over Q3-2022. Volumes were aided by strong activity levels
and higher net interest in wells drilled within the Viking, Eagle
Ford and Clearwater portfolios.
- Q4-2022 Canadian oil and gas royalty volumes were up 2% over
Q3-2022, averaging 9,777 boe/d. This quarterly organic growth was
driven by production additions in the Viking, Clearwater, Deep
Basin, and Cardium. Freehold has realized early success associated
with the development of the southern and northwestern parts of the
Clearwater as higher growth E&P’s develop the more exploratory
parts of that play.
- U.S. oil and gas royalty production averaged 5,264 boe/d, up
13% from 4,653 boe/d in Q3-2022. Q4-2022 volumes reflected the
first full quarter of volumes from the Howard County Midland (up
more than 50% since closing) and Eagle Ford acquisitions which
closed in August 2022.
- Within Freehold’s Diversified Royalties team, we have seen a
robust opportunity set since the team’s inception in January 2022.
The group is advancing the technical due diligence on several
modest sized development stage opportunities, including potash,
while also continuing to refine the long-term investment
strategy.
- Net debt(1) of $127.9 million at Q4-2022, represents 0.4 times
trailing funds from operations and well within our leverage
strategy of less than 1.5 times funds from operations.
- Cash costs(1) for the quarter totalled $5.17/boe, up 45% versus
the same period in 2021. This increase was driven by a material
increase in interest costs (up 145% versus Q4-2021), and broad
inflationary pressures.
(1) See Non-GAAP Financial
Ratios and Other Financial Measures
2022 Highlights
- Royalty and other revenue totalled $393.0 million, up 88% over
2021 with higher production volumes and a strong commodity price
environment driving the strong performance. Revenue from the U.S.
accounted for 37% of the total. Oil and NGLs represented 82% of
revenue for the year.
- Record funds from operations in 2022 of $316.5 million
($2.10/share). This compares to $189.6 million ($1.39/share) in
2021. The increase reflects significant increases in third-party
drilling on our lands, strength in commodity prices, and additions
from acquisitions completed through 2022.
- Production volumes averaged 14,101 boe/d for 2022, an increase
of 19% over 2021. Canadian volumes of 9,706 boe/d were
approximately flat to 2021 and U.S. volumes of 4,395 boe/d were up
over 100% due to acquisition activity and an increase in drilling
activity.
- Dividends paid for the year totaled $141.6 million
($0.94/share), an increase of 128% over 2021. Freehold’s dividend
payout ratio of 45% for 2022 was an increase from 33% in 2021.
- During 2022, $190.8 million was allocated to portfolio
reinvestment via acquisitions as Freehold continued to execute on
our North American strategy. The focus of the 2022 acquisitions was
on the continued enhancement of our U.S. portfolio, with
transactions completed in the Permian and Eagle Ford as well as
targeted Canadian growth areas such as the early-stage Clearwater
opportunity that is expected to support Canadian volumes in 2023
and beyond.
- Proved and probable oil and natural gas reserves totalled 54.5
MMboe as at December 31, 2022, up from 49.8 MMboe as at December
31, 2021. Freehold replaced 160% of proved reserves and 190% of
proved plus probable reserves. In the absence of acquisitions,
proved reserve replacement was 115%.
- Proved developed producing reserves totalled 25.6 MMboe as of
year-end 2022, a 12% improvement versus 2021. Increased reserve
additions were the result of acquisitions, infill drilling and
improved recovery within Freehold’s portfolio.
Drilling and Leasing
Activity
In total, 1,057 gross wells were drilled on
Freehold’s royalty lands in 2022, a 61% increase versus 2021.
Overall, Freehold saw increased drilling activity associated with
the expansion of its North American portfolio along with broad
increases in capital spending and efficiencies associated with our
royalty payors. In total, we estimate approximately $4 billion of
industry capital was spent on Freehold’s royalty lands in 2022,
approximately $1 billion ($40 million net) in Canada and $3 billion
($16 million net) in the U.S.
In 2022, approximately 24% of gross wells on
Freehold royalty lands targeted prospects in Alberta, 21% in
Saskatchewan and 47% in Texas with the balance spread across other
regions. Producers continue to remain focused on oil prospects with
94% of wells drilled targeting oil. Of the gross wells drilled in
2022, approximately 34% were drilled on Freehold’s gross overriding
royalty (GORR) prospects in Canada, 8% targeted mineral title
prospects in Canada and 52% were drilled on Freehold’s U.S. royalty
acreage (83% mineral title) with the remainder drilled on Unit
acreage. The Viking in southwest Saskatchewan, Mississippian in
southeast Saskatchewan, Clearwater and Cardium in central Alberta,
Eagle Ford and Permian in Texas and North Dakota continue to be the
areas of focus within Freehold’s portfolio.
Royalty Interest Drilling
|
Three Months Ended December 31 |
Twelve Months Ended December |
|
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
Gross |
Net(1) |
Gross |
Net(1) |
Gross |
Net(1) |
Gross |
Net(1) |
Canada |
137 |
6.2 |
149 |
5.2 |
503 |
20.1 |
440 |
16.3 |
United States |
156 |
0.9 |
101 |
0.5 |
554 |
2.9 |
215 |
1.2 |
Total |
293 |
7.1 |
250 |
5.7 |
1,057 |
23.0 |
655 |
17.5 |
(1) Equivalent net wells are the aggregate of
the numbers obtained by multiplying each gross well by our royalty
interest percentage
CanadaCanadian drilling
rebounded to 2018 levels with 503 gross wells drilled in 2022.
Drilling in Canada was led by the Viking where 128 gross wells were
spud in 2022, up 16% versus 2021. Operators on our southeast
Saskatchewan acreage were also very active in 2022 with 84 gross
wells drilled. During the year we saw an increased production
contribution from some impactful areas such as the Deep Basin and
Spirit River, in addition to an increase in Cardium wells drilled.
Notably, Clearwater was the fourth most active region in our
Canadian portfolio with 62 wells, up 9% over 2021. During the year,
Freehold entered into 80 new leases, bringing 2022 bonus and lease
rental revenue to $2.1 million. This represented almost a 165%
increase over leasing activity in 2021.
The 503 gross locations drilled within our
Canadian portfolio in 2022 compared to 440 gross locations during
the same period in 2021. For Q4-2022, 137 gross locations were
drilled on Freehold’s Canadian land representing a 8% decrease over
the same period in 2021 although was up 19% on a net basis, as the
average royalty rate per well drilled was higher in 2022.
U.S.Activity on our U.S. assets
was very strong in the back half of the year, driven by a pickup in
activity in Eagle Ford and mineral title drilling in the Midland in
addition to benefitting from a higher average net royalty interest
on wells drilled in H2-2022. 90% of activity on our lands in 2022
came from the Permian and Eagle Ford, the two highest productivity
oil basins in the U.S. In Midland, 302 wells were spud in 2022, up
substantially over 2021 given the increase in industry activity
year over year. We also added to our Midland mineral title acreage
in 2022 and saw strong activity in Howard County, one of the
fastest growing areas within the Midland basin. Third-party
activity on our Eagle Ford acreage was very strong throughout 2022,
with 160 gross wells spud.
Approximately 83% of wells drilled on our U.S.
lands were on mineral title lands with the remaining 17% targeting
GORR lands in 2022.
Although Freehold’s U.S. net well additions were
lower than in Canada, U.S. wells are significantly more prolific as
they generally come on production at approximately ten times that
of an average Canadian well in our portfolio. We also note that we
are seeing upwards of six to nine months from initial license to
first production within our U.S. royalty assets (compared to three
to four months in Canada, on average).
2023 Guidance
After incorporating our commodity and operating assumptions for
2023 along with our expectation for third-party development amongst
our royalty payors, we are introducing our 2023 guidance. The
following table summarizes our key operating assumptions for 2023,
where production is expected to be weighted approximately 64% oil
and NGLs and 36% natural gas:
2023 Guidance |
Guidance Dated March 1, 2023 |
Average production (boe/d) (1) |
14,500-15,500 |
Funds from operations ($, millions) |
$250-$280 |
West Texas Intermediate crude oil (US$/bbl) |
$80.00 |
AECO natural gas (Cdn$/Mcf) |
$3.00 |
NYMEX natural gas (US$/Mcf) |
$3.00 |
Exchange rate (US$/Cdn$) |
0.75 |
(1) 2023 production is expected
to consist of 8% heavy oil, 45% light and medium oil, 11% NGL’s and
36% natural gas
Conference Call Details
A conference call to discuss financial and operational results
for the period ended December 31, 2022, will be held for the
investment community on Thursday March 2, 2023, beginning at 7:00
AM MST (9:00 AM EST). To participate in the conference call,
approximately 10 minutes prior to the call, please dial
1-800-898-3989 (toll-free in North America) participant passcode is
7121948#.
For further information, contact
Freehold Royalties Ltd.
Matt Donohue
Manager, Investor Relations & Capital Markets
t. 403.221.0833
e. mdonohue@freeholdroyalties.com
w. www.freeholdroyalties.com
Select Quarterly
Information
|
2022 |
2021 |
Financial ($000s, except as noted) |
Q4 |
Q3 |
Q2 |
Q1 |
Q4 |
Q3 |
Q2 |
Q1 |
Royalty and other revenue |
98,502 |
98,418 |
108,495 |
87,605 |
75,202 |
51,423 |
45,353 |
37,014 |
Net Income (loss) |
40,744 |
63,175 |
66,875 |
38,395 |
31,178 |
22,726 |
12,545 |
5,635 |
Per share, basic ($) (1) |
$0.27 |
$0.42 |
$0.44 |
$0.25 |
$0.21 |
$0.17 |
$0.10 |
$0.04 |
Cash flows from operations |
82,675 |
99,931 |
75,443 |
69,300 |
59,700 |
43,911 |
33,420 |
24,990 |
Funds from operations |
79,973 |
80,783 |
83,846 |
71,893 |
68,773 |
48,247 |
40,208 |
32,421 |
Per share, basic ($) (1) |
0.53 |
$0.54 |
$0.56 |
$0.48 |
$0.46 |
$0.36 |
$0.31 |
$0.25 |
Acquisitions and related expenditures |
7,160 |
161,679 |
20,661 |
1,294 |
67,906 |
228,382 |
930 |
79,782 |
Dividends paid |
40,677 |
37,658 |
36,150 |
27,112 |
24,094 |
17,095 |
13,147 |
7,633 |
Per share ($) (2) |
$0.27 |
$0.25 |
$0.24 |
$0.18 |
$0.16 |
$0.13 |
$0.10 |
$0.06 |
Dividends declared |
40,678 |
39,167 |
36,151 |
30,124 |
25,599 |
19,364 |
14,464 |
9,201 |
Per share ($) (2) |
$0.27 |
$0.26 |
$0.24 |
$0.20 |
$0.17 |
$0.14 |
$0.11 |
$0.07 |
Dividend payout ratio (%) (3) |
51% |
47% |
43% |
38% |
35% |
35% |
33% |
24% |
Long term debt |
156,560 |
196,947 |
86,000 |
105,000 |
146,000 |
126,000 |
78,000 |
96,000 |
Net debt |
127,904 |
159,872 |
33,095 |
62,578 |
101,229 |
75,278 |
40,751 |
64,797 |
Shares outstanding, period end (000s) |
150,667 |
150,654 |
150,640 |
150,626 |
150,612 |
150,585 |
131,490 |
131,463 |
Average shares outstanding (000s) (1) |
150,654 |
150,640 |
150,626 |
150,612 |
150,585 |
132,941 |
131,463 |
130,874 |
Operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Light and medium oil (bbl/d) |
6,418 |
5,935 |
5,378 |
5,234 |
5,401 |
4,025 |
4,048 |
3,784 |
Heavy oil (bbl/d) |
1,218 |
1,190 |
1,239 |
1,210 |
1,254 |
1,249 |
1,253 |
1,072 |
NGL (bbl/d) |
1,781 |
1,708 |
1,613 |
1,757 |
1,564 |
1,125 |
1,107 |
1,065 |
Total liquids (bbl/d) |
9,417 |
8,833 |
8,230 |
8,201 |
8,219 |
6,399 |
6,408 |
5,921 |
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
33,744 |
32,319 |
31,336 |
32,845 |
34,700 |
29,203 |
28,376 |
30,132 |
Total production (boe/d) (4) |
15,041 |
14,219 |
13,453 |
13,676 |
14,005 |
11,265 |
11,137 |
10,944 |
Oil and NGL (%) |
63% |
62% |
61% |
60% |
59% |
57% |
58% |
54% |
Petroleum and natural gas realized price ($/boe) (4) |
69.76 |
74.31 |
87.55 |
69.71 |
57.44 |
49.17 |
44.22 |
37.31 |
Cash costs ($/boe) (3)(4) |
5.17 |
3.62 |
8.38 |
3.70 |
3.57 |
2.49 |
4.48 |
4.37 |
Netback ($/boe) (3)(4) |
63.92 |
69.77 |
78.80 |
66.17 |
53.58 |
46.60 |
39.83 |
32.94 |
Benchmark Prices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West Texas Intermediate crude oil (US$/bbl) |
82.64 |
91.56 |
108.41 |
94.29 |
77.19 |
70.55 |
66.07 |
57.81 |
Exchange rate (Cdn$/US$) |
0.74 |
0.77 |
0.78 |
0.79 |
0.79 |
0.79 |
0.81 |
0.79 |
Edmonton Light Sweet crude oil (Cdn$/bbl) |
109.83 |
116.85 |
137.79 |
115.67 |
93.28 |
83.77 |
77.12 |
66.76 |
Western Canadian Select crude oil (Cdn$/bbl) |
77.08 |
93.49 |
122.09 |
101.02 |
78.71 |
71.79 |
66.90 |
57.55 |
Nymex natural gas (US$/mcf) |
6.03 |
8.20 |
7.17 |
4.64 |
4.75 |
4.35 |
2.95 |
3.50 |
AECO 7A Monthly Index (Cdn$/Mcf) |
5.58 |
5.50 |
6.27 |
4.58 |
4.93 |
3.36 |
2.80 |
2.92 |
(1) Weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period, basic(2) Based on the number
of shares issued and outstanding at each record date(3) See
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios and Other Financial Measures(4) See
Conversion of Natural Gas to Barrels of Oil Equivalent (boe)
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release offers our assessment of Freehold’s future
plans and operations as of March 1, 2023 and contains
forward-looking statements that we believe allow readers to better
understand our business and prospects. These forward-looking
statements include our expectations for the following:
- our expectation that our asset base will enable sustainable,
long-term value creation for our shareholders for many years down
the road;
- our core business strategies of low leverage along with patient
and opportunistic portfolio reinvestment;
- our expectation that we can maintain our currently monthly
dividend through prolonged periods of lower pricing, should those
conditions exist in the future;
- forecast 2023 production;
- Freehold’s 2023 guidance, including production guidance,
underlying commodity and exchange rate assumptions and funds from
operations;
- our expectation that our asset base and cash flow generation is
underpinned by exceptional quality payors in the top tier operating
areas
- our expectation that we will continue to position our dividend
at approximately 60% of forward-looking funds from operations with
the ability to withstand periods of lower pricing; and
- our expectation that we will continue to deliver a consistent
return profile, for many years to come.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are
subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are
beyond our control, including general economic conditions,
inflation and supply chain issues, the impacts of the
Russian-Ukrainian war on commodity prices and the world economy,
industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency
fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, royalties,
environmental risks, taxation, regulation, changes in tax or other
legislation, competition from other industry participants, the
failure to complete acquisitions on the timing and terms expected,
the failure to satisfy conditions of closing for any acquisitions,
the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management,
stock market volatility, our inability to come to agreement with
third parties on prospective opportunities and the results of any
such agreement and our ability to access sufficient capital from
internal and external sources. Risks are described in more detail
in our Annual Information Form for the year-ended December 31, 2022
available at www.sedar.com.
With respect to forward-looking statements
contained in this news release, we have made assumptions regarding,
among other things, future commodity prices, future capital
expenditure levels, future production levels, future exchange
rates, future tax rates, future legislation, the cost of developing
and producing our assets, our ability and the ability of our
lessees to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out
development activities, our ability to market our oil and gas
successfully to current and new customers, the performance of
current wells and future wells drilled by our royalty payors, our
expectation for the consumption of crude oil and natural gas, our
expectation for industry drilling levels, our ability to obtain
financing on acceptable terms, shut-in production, production
additions from our audit function, our ability to execute on
prospective opportunities and our ability to add production and
reserves through development and acquisition activities. Additional
operating assumptions with respect to the forward-looking
statements referred to above are detailed in the body of this news
release.
You are cautioned that the assumptions used in
the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable
at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such,
undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Our actual results, performance, or achievement could differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of
the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them
do, what benefits we will derive from them. The forward-looking
information contained in this document is expressly qualified by
this cautionary statement. To the extent any guidance or
forward-looking statements herein constitute a financial outlook,
they are included herein to provide readers with an understanding
of management's plans and assumptions for budgeting purposes and
readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate
for other purposes. Our policy for updating forward-looking
statements is to update our key operating assumptions quarterly
and, except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any
other forward-looking statements.
You are further cautioned that the preparation
of financial statements in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are the Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for publicly accountable
enterprises, requires management to make certain judgments and
estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues, and expenses. These estimates may change, having either a
positive or negative effect on net income, as further information
becomes available and as the economic environment changes.
To the extent any guidance or forward-looking
statements herein constitutes a financial outlook, they are
included herein to provide readers with an understanding of
management's plans and assumptions for budgeting purposes and
readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate
for other purposes. You are further cautioned that the preparation
of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management
to make certain judgments and estimates that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. These
estimates may change, having either a positive or negative effect
on net income, as further information becomes available and as the
economic environment changes.
Conversion of Natural Gas to Barrels of Oil Equivalent
(BOE)
To provide a single unit of production for
analytical purposes, natural gas production and reserves volumes
are converted mathematically to equivalent barrels of oil (boe). We
use the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic
feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). The 6:1
boe ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method
primarily applicable at the burner tip. It does not represent a
value equivalency at the wellhead and is not based on either energy
content or current prices. While the boe ratio is useful for
comparative measures and observing trends, it does not accurately
reflect individual product values and might be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. As well, given that the value
ratio, based on the current price of crude oil to natural gas, is
significantly different from the 6:1 energy equivalency ratio,
using a 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of
value.
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios and Other Financial
Measures
Within this news release, references are made to
terms commonly used as key performance indicators in the oil and
gas industry. We believe that net revenue,
netback, dividend payout ratio,
funds from operations per share and cash costs are
useful supplemental measures for management and investors to
analyze operating performance, financial leverage, and liquidity,
and we use these terms to facilitate the understanding and
comparability of our results of operations. However, these terms do
not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and therefore
may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for
other entities. This news also contains the capital management
measure net debt, as defined in note 15 to the December 31, 2022
consolidated financial statements.
Net revenue, which is
calculated as revenues less ad valorem and production taxes (as
incurred in the U.S. at the state level, largely Texas, which do
not charge corporate income taxes but do assess flat tax rates on
commodity revenues in addition to property tax assessments) details
the net amount Freehold receives from its royalty payors, largely
after state withholdings.
The netback, which is also
calculated on a boe basis, as average realized price less
production and ad valorem taxes, operating expenses, general and
administrative and cash interest charges and share-based payouts,
represents the per boe netback amount which allows us to benchmark
how changes in commodity pricing, net of production and ad valorem
taxes, and our cash-based cost structure compare against prior
periods.
Cash costs, which is calculated
on a boe basis, is comprised by the recurring cash based costs,
excluding taxes, reported on the statements of operations. For
Freehold, cash costs are identified as operating expense, general
and administrative expense, cash-based interest, financing and
share-based compensation payouts. Cash costs allow Freehold to
benchmark how changes in its manageable cash-based cost structure
compare against prior periods.
The following table presents the computation of Cash
Costs and the Netback:
|
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended December 31, |
$/boe |
December 31,2022 |
September 30,2022 |
Change |
2022 |
2021 |
Change |
Royalty and other revenue |
$71.17 |
$75.24 |
(5%) |
$76.36 |
$48.34 |
58% |
Production and ad valorem taxes |
(2.08) |
(1.85) |
12% |
(1.69) |
(0.64) |
164% |
Net revenue |
$69.09 |
$73.39 |
(6%) |
$74.67 |
$47.70 |
57% |
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expense |
(3.08) |
(2.17) |
42% |
(2.72) |
(2.48) |
10% |
Operating expense |
(0.18) |
(0.15) |
20% |
(0.19) |
(0.15) |
27% |
Interest and financing cash expense |
(1.91) |
(1.30) |
47% |
(1.15) |
(0.76) |
51% |
Cash payout on share-based compensation |
- |
- |
- |
(1.13) |
(0.32) |
253% |
Cash costs |
(5.17) |
(3.62) |
43% |
(5.19) |
(3.71) |
40% |
Netback |
$63.92 |
$69.77 |
(8%) |
$69.48 |
$43.99 |
58% |
Dividend payout ratios are
often used for dividend paying companies in the oil and gas
industry to identify dividend levels in relation to funds from
operations that are also used to finance debt repayments and/or
acquisition opportunities. Dividend payout ratio is calculated as
dividends paid as a percentage of funds from operations.
|
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended December 31 |
(000s) |
December 31,2022 |
September 30,2022 |
Change |
2022 |
2021 |
Change |
Dividends paid |
$40,677 |
$37,658 |
4% |
$141,597 |
$61,969 |
128% |
Funds from operations |
$79,973 |
$80,783 |
(4%) |
$316,494 |
$189,649 |
67% |
Dividend payout ratio |
51% |
47% |
9% |
45% |
33% |
36% |
Funds from operations per share, which is
calculated as funds from operations divided by the weighted average
shares outstanding, provides direction if changes in commodity
prices, cash costs, and/or acquisitions were accretive on a per
share basis.
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