Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. ("Peyto" or the
"Company") is pleased to report its operating and financial results
for the third quarter of 2024 and a preliminary capital plan for
2025.
Highlights:
- Delivered $154.3
million in funds from operations1,2 ("FFO"), or $0.78/diluted
share, generated earnings of $51.0 million, or $0.26/diluted share,
and returned $64.7 million of dividends to shareholders.
- Production
volumes averaged 120,031 boe/d (638.4 MMcf/d of natural gas, 13,626
bbls/d of NGLs), a 23% increase year over year, mainly due to the
Repsol Canada Energy Partnership acquisition that closed in the
fourth quarter of 2023 (the "Repsol Acquisition" or "Repsol
Assets").
- The 2024
drilling program on the Repsol Assets continued to deliver strong
well results in the quarter including sustained increases to
average well productivity of approximately 40% above Peyto's recent
annual drilling programs. Production from the Repsol Assets has
doubled from 23,000 to 46,000 Boe/d since the acquisition.
- The Company's
disciplined hedging and diversification program protected third
quarter revenues from the continued decline in AECO natural gas
prices. Peyto's realized natural gas price for the quarter of
$2.95/Mcf (or $2.57/GJ) was nearly 4 times the average AECO daily
price of $0.65/GJ.
- The Company
exited the quarter with a strong hedge position, which currently
protects approximately 436 MMcf/d, 455 MMcf/d and 273 MMcf/d of gas
production for the fourth quarter of 2024, calendar 2025, and
calendar 2026, respectively, at an average gas price near $4/Mcf.
The securing of future revenues supports the sustainability of the
Company's capital program, dividends, and continued strengthening
of the balance sheet. Currently Peyto’s fixed revenue for 2025 is
approximately $790 million.
- Quarterly cash
costs3 totaled $1.44/Mcfe, including royalties of $0.18/Mcfe,
operating costs of $0.54/Mcfe, transportation of $0.31/Mcfe,
G&A of $0.03/Mcfe and interest expense of $0.38/Mcfe. Peyto's
operating costs increased 4% from the second quarter of 2024 due to
curtailed production volumes in the quarter and turnaround expenses
but are on target to achieve a 10% reduction in the fourth quarter
of 2024 from $0.55/Mcfe in the first quarter of 2024. Peyto
continues to have the lowest cash costs of producers in the
Canadian oil and natural gas industry.
- Total capital
expenditures were $125.9 million in the quarter. Peyto drilled 21
wells (21.0 net), completed 19 wells (18.8 net), and brought 21
wells (19.3 net) on production. Facilities and pipeline projects
totaled $26.1 million in the quarter, which included $7.5 million
of turnaround costs, and multiple plant and gathering system
optimization projects.
- Peyto delivered
a 64% operating margin4 and a 19% profit margin5, resulting in a 9%
return on capital employed6 ("ROCE") and an 11% return on equity8
("ROE"), on a trailing 12-month basis.
- The Company has
set preliminary plans to spend $450 to $500 million in capital for
2025 and expects to add between 43,000 to 48,000 Boe/d of new
production from the development program to offset base production
decline estimated between 26–28%.
Third Quarter 2024 in Review
Peyto maintained a steady drilling and
completion program through the third quarter but managed its
production levels in response to weak natural gas prices by
curtailing new production and shutting in base production at times
when prices were weakest. While this resulted in a total payout
ratio7 greater than 100%, Peyto believes running a consistent
program is an important factor that drives lower costs and improved
capital efficiencies. Early in the quarter, the Company shut down
the sour gas processing and Sulphur recovery units at the Edson Gas
Plant ("EGP") which is expected to yield lower plant operating
costs and increased reliability. Peyto also successfully completed
a major turnaround at the EGP on the remaining sweet gas processing
facilities to improve the life of this strategic asset. During the
quarter, Peyto realized a natural gas price of $2.57/GJ, nearly 4
times the AECO daily average benchmark price of $0.65/GJ. Peyto's
operating costs of $0.54/Mcfe were slightly higher in the third
quarter due to the curtailment of production and non-capitalized
costs associated with the EGP turnaround. The Company remains
committed to its goal of reducing operating costs by 10% from first
quarter levels by the end of 2024. Peyto’s disciplined hedging
strategy, natural gas market diversification and low cash costs
combined to deliver FFO of $154.3 million and earnings of $51.0
million in the quarter.
|
Three Months Ended Sep 30 |
% |
Nine Months Ended Sep 30 |
% |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Change |
2024 |
2023 |
Change |
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
638,433 |
|
520,504 |
|
23 |
% |
642,791 |
|
530,418 |
|
21 |
% |
NGLs (bbl/d) |
13,626 |
|
11,231 |
|
21 |
% |
15,309 |
|
11,471 |
|
33 |
% |
Thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe/d @ 1:6) |
720,186 |
|
587,888 |
|
23 |
% |
734,643 |
|
599,245 |
|
23 |
% |
Barrels of oil equivalent (boe/d @ 6:1) |
120,031 |
|
97,981 |
|
23 |
% |
122,441 |
|
99,874 |
|
23 |
% |
Production per million common shares (boe/d) |
612 |
|
558 |
|
10 |
% |
627 |
|
570 |
|
10 |
% |
Product prices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized natural gas price – after hedging and diversification
($/Mcf) |
2.95 |
|
3.33 |
|
-11 |
% |
3.29 |
|
3.46 |
|
-5 |
% |
Realized NGL price – after hedging ($/bbl) |
69.61 |
|
70.25 |
|
-1 |
% |
66.11 |
|
73.02 |
|
-9 |
% |
Net Sales Price ($/Mcfe) |
3.93 |
|
4.29 |
|
-8 |
% |
4.25 |
|
4.46 |
|
-5 |
% |
Royalties ($/Mcfe) |
0.18 |
|
0.29 |
|
-38 |
% |
0.23 |
|
0.33 |
|
-30 |
% |
Operating expenses ($/Mcfe) |
0.54 |
|
0.44 |
|
23 |
% |
0.54 |
|
0.47 |
|
15 |
% |
Transportation ($/Mcfe) |
0.31 |
|
0.29 |
|
7 |
% |
0.30 |
|
0.27 |
|
11 |
% |
Field netback(1) ($/Mcfe) |
2.96 |
|
3.29 |
|
-10 |
% |
3.22 |
|
3.42 |
|
-6 |
% |
General & administrative expenses ($/Mcfe) |
0.03 |
|
0.04 |
|
-25 |
% |
0.05 |
|
0.04 |
|
25 |
% |
Interest expense ($/Mcfe) |
0.38 |
|
0.28 |
|
36 |
% |
0.37 |
|
0.24 |
|
54 |
% |
Financial ($000, except per share) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas and NGL sales including realized hedging gains
(losses)(2) |
260,608 |
|
231,938 |
|
12 |
% |
856,982 |
|
729,679 |
|
17 |
% |
Funds from operations(1) |
154,343 |
|
147,980 |
|
4 |
% |
513,802 |
|
470,152 |
|
9 |
% |
Funds from operations per share - basic(1) |
0.79 |
|
0.84 |
|
-6 |
% |
2.63 |
|
2.69 |
|
-2 |
% |
Funds from operations per share - diluted(1) |
0.78 |
|
0.84 |
|
-7 |
% |
2.62 |
|
2.66 |
|
-2 |
% |
Total dividends |
64,707 |
|
59,802 |
|
8 |
% |
193,229 |
|
175,195 |
|
10 |
% |
Total dividends per share |
0.33 |
|
0.33 |
|
0 |
% |
0.99 |
|
0.99 |
|
0 |
% |
Earnings |
51,029 |
|
57,444 |
|
-11 |
% |
202,341 |
|
204,840 |
|
-1 |
% |
Earnings per share – basic |
0.26 |
|
0.33 |
|
-21 |
% |
1.04 |
|
1.17 |
|
-11 |
% |
Earnings per share – diluted |
0.26 |
|
0.33 |
|
-21 |
% |
1.03 |
|
1.16 |
|
-11 |
% |
Total capital expenditures(1) |
125,869 |
|
93,579 |
|
35 |
% |
340,082 |
|
297,701 |
|
14 |
% |
Decommissioning expenditures |
2,013 |
|
1,026 |
|
96 |
% |
6,610 |
|
1,026 |
|
544 |
% |
Total payout ratio(1) |
125% |
|
104% |
|
20 |
% |
105% |
|
101% |
|
4 |
% |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic |
196,077,193 |
|
175,573,752 |
|
12 |
% |
195,183,132 |
|
175,085,253 |
|
11 |
% |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted |
197,051,764 |
|
176,732,946 |
|
11 |
% |
196,395,465 |
|
176,589,394 |
|
11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt(1) |
|
|
|
1,362,947 |
|
877,011 |
|
55 |
% |
Shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
2,735,586 |
|
2,290,511 |
|
19 |
% |
Total assets |
|
|
|
5,589,573 |
|
4,325,691 |
|
29 |
% |
(1) This is a Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio.
See "non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release
and in the Q3 2024 MD&A(2) Excludes revenue
from sale of third-party volumes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures
Peyto drilled 21 wells (21.0 net), completed 19
wells (18.8 net) and brought 21 wells (19.3 net) on production for
total drilling, completion, equipping and tie-in costs of $99.9
million in the quarter. Facilities and pipeline projects totaled
$26.1 million in the quarter, which included $7.5 million for the
second and final phase of the Edson Gas Plant turnaround, and
several pipeline and plant debottlenecking projects across Peyto’s
core areas. Peyto's drilling program featured 13 Notikewin (62%), 3
Wilrich (14%), 3 Dunvegan (14%) and 2 Falher (10%) wells including
10 wells (48%) drilled on the acquired Repsol lands. The results of
the overall drilling program in 2024 show an average 25% sustained
production improvement over recent past years. The improvement of
productivity outcomes is partially attributable to the continued
successful drilling program on the acquired Repsol lands which
exhibit an average 40% increase over average legacy results.
Production from the Repsol Assets has doubled from an initial
23,000 to 46,000 boe/d, the result of an active drilling program,
despite the shut-in of approximately 2,000 net boe/d of low value
Ethane recovery in the second quarter and the recent shut-in of
1,500 net boe/d of uneconomic sour gas production processed at the
EGP. The Company’s focus on the more prolific Notikewin formation
in the quarter led to a 10% reduction in overall well lengths. This
lowered total average drilling costs per well by 3% but increased
the average per meter costs by 8%. The better reservoir quality of
the Notikewin allows for reduced stimulation requirements, lowering
average well completion costs by 11% and average unit costs per
horizontal meter by 6%. Drilling and completion cost history is
summarized in the following table.
|
|
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
2022 |
|
2023 |
|
2023Q1 |
|
2023Q2 |
|
2023Q3 |
|
2023Q4 |
|
2024Q1 |
|
2024Q2 |
|
2024Q3(1) |
Gross Hz Spuds |
|
135 |
|
70 |
|
61 |
|
64 |
|
95 |
|
95 |
|
72 |
|
19 |
|
15 |
|
19 |
|
19 |
|
18 |
|
20 |
|
21 |
Measured Depth (m) |
|
4,229 |
|
4,020 |
|
3,848 |
|
4,247 |
|
4,453 |
|
4,611 |
|
4,891 |
|
5,198 |
|
4,768 |
|
4,728 |
|
4,868 |
|
5,220 |
|
5,364 |
|
4,804 |
Drilling ($MM/well) |
|
$1.90 |
|
$1.71 |
|
$1.62 |
|
$1.68 |
|
$1.89 |
|
$2.56 |
|
$2.85 |
|
$3.05 |
|
$2.74 |
|
$2.64 |
|
$2.94 |
|
$3.05 |
|
$2.89 |
|
$2.81 |
$ per meter |
|
$450 |
|
$425 |
|
$420 |
|
$396 |
|
$424 |
|
$555 |
|
$582 |
|
$587 |
|
$574 |
|
$559 |
|
$603 |
|
$585 |
|
$539 |
|
$585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Completion ($MM/well) |
|
$1.00 |
|
$1.13 |
|
$1.01(2) |
|
$0.94 |
|
$1.00 |
|
$1.35 |
|
$1.54 |
|
$1.73 |
|
$1.64 |
|
$1.38 |
|
$1.48 |
|
$1.80 |
|
$1.75 |
|
$1.56 |
Hz Length (m) |
|
1,241 |
|
1,348 |
|
1,484 |
|
1,682 |
|
1,612 |
|
1,661 |
|
1,969 |
|
1,947 |
|
2,140 |
|
1,853 |
|
1,949 |
|
2,223 |
|
2,350 |
|
2,224 |
$ per Hz Length (m) |
|
$803 |
|
$751 |
|
$679 |
|
$560 |
|
$620 |
|
$813 |
|
$781 |
|
$888 |
|
$776 |
|
$743 |
|
$759 |
|
$809 |
|
$744 |
|
$703 |
$ ‘000 per Stage |
|
$81 |
|
$51 |
|
$38 |
|
$36 |
|
$37 |
|
$47 |
|
$52 |
|
$59 |
|
$50 |
|
$46 |
|
$53 |
|
$55 |
|
$49 |
|
$48 |
(1) Based on
field estimates and may be subject to minor adjustments going
forward. (2) Peyto’s Montney well is excluded from drilling and
completion cost
comparison. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition to the capital program, Peyto
incurred $2.0 million on decommissioning expenditures in the
quarter as part of the Company's responsible 2024 asset retirement
plan, bringing the total to $6.6 million for the year to date. The
Company also divested non-core land in Saskatchewan, which was
acquired in the Repsol acquisition, for $1.0 million.
Commodity Prices and
Realizations
In the third quarter, Peyto realized a natural
gas price after hedging and diversification of $2.95/Mcf, or
$2.57/GJ, 3.95 times higher than the average AECO daily benchmark
of $0.65/GJ. Peyto’s natural gas hedging activity resulted in a
realized gain of $1.31/Mcf ($76.8 million) in the quarter, due to
the low-price environment at AECO and Henry Hub.
Condensate and pentanes averaged $101.18/bbl in
the quarter, up 1% year over year, while Canadian dollar WTI ("WTI
CAD") decreased 7% to $102.45/bbl over the same period. The Q3 2024
condensate and pentanes price included an adjustment for component
balancing on shipped volumes in 2024, which increased the realized
price in the quarter by approximately $4.50/bbl. Butane, and
propane volumes were sold in combination at an average price of
$28.73/bbl, or 28% of WTI CAD, down 12% from $32.47/bbl in Q3 2023.
Peyto's combined realized NGL price in the quarter was $69.60/bbl
before hedging, and $69.61/bbl including a hedging gain of
$0.01/bbl.
Netbacks
The Company’s realized natural gas and NGL sales
yielded a combined revenue stream of $2.77/Mcfe before hedging
gains of $1.16/Mcfe, resulting in a quarterly net sales price of
$3.93/Mcfe. Peyto's net sales price was 8% lower than the
$4.29/Mcfe realized in Q3 2023 due to the continued decline in
natural gas prices, partially offset by increased realized hedging
gains. Cash costs totaled $1.44/Mcfe in the quarter, 4% lower than
the $1.50/Mcfe in Q2 2024 due to lower royalties and G&A, which
offset higher operating, transportation and interest costs.
Operating and transportation costs increased to $0.54/Mcfe and
$0.31/Mcfe in the quarter, respectively, from $0.52/Mcfe and
$0.30/Mcfe in the second quarter of 2024, mainly due to Peyto
curtailing production volumes in response to low natural gas
prices. Peyto's cash netback (net sales price including other
income, third-party sales net of purchases, realized gain on
foreign exchange, less total cash costs), in a quarter with
extremely weak natural gas prices, was $2.55/Mcfe resulting in a
strong 64% operating margin. Historical cash costs and operating
margins are shown in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
($/Mcfe) |
Q1 |
|
Q2 |
|
Q3 |
|
Q4 |
|
Q1 |
|
Q2 |
|
Q3 |
|
Q4 |
|
Q1 |
|
Q2 |
|
Q3 |
|
Q4 |
|
Q1 |
|
Q2 |
|
Q3 |
|
Revenue (1) |
3.70 |
|
2.92 |
|
3.33 |
|
4.42 |
|
5.25 |
|
5.48 |
|
5.01 |
|
5.74 |
|
5.10 |
|
4.07 |
|
4.32 |
|
4.83 |
|
4.92 |
|
3.97 |
|
3.99 |
|
Royalties |
0.29 |
|
0.26 |
|
0.36 |
|
0.53 |
|
0.60 |
|
0.95 |
|
0.70 |
|
0.72 |
|
0.53 |
|
0.18 |
|
0.29 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.24 |
|
0.26 |
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Op Costs |
0.36 |
|
0.35 |
|
0.35 |
|
0.32 |
|
0.41 |
|
0.39 |
|
0.38 |
|
0.41 |
|
0.50 |
|
0.47 |
|
0.44 |
|
0.55 |
|
0.55 |
|
0.52 |
|
0.54 |
|
Transportation |
0.17 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.28 |
|
0.27 |
|
0.26 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.24 |
|
0.29 |
|
0.29 |
|
0.26 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.30 |
|
0.31 |
|
G&A |
0.04 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.03 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.03 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.04 |
|
0.06 |
|
0.06 |
|
0.06 |
|
0.03 |
|
Interest |
0.38 |
|
0.33 |
|
0.26 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.21 |
|
0.20 |
|
0.21 |
|
0.21 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.28 |
|
0.40 |
|
0.36 |
|
0.36 |
|
0.38 |
|
Cash cost pre-royalty |
0.95 |
|
0.95 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.79 |
|
0.93 |
|
0.88 |
|
0.87 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.99 |
|
1.03 |
|
1.05 |
|
1.27 |
|
1.27 |
|
1.24 |
|
1.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Cash Costs8 |
1.24 |
|
1.21 |
|
1.22 |
|
1.32 |
|
1.53 |
|
1.83 |
|
1.57 |
|
1.58 |
|
1.52 |
|
1.21 |
|
1.34 |
|
1.57 |
|
1.51 |
|
1.50 |
|
1.44 |
|
Cash Netback9 |
2.46 |
|
1.71 |
|
2.11 |
|
3.10 |
|
3.72 |
|
3.65 |
|
3.44 |
|
4.16 |
|
3.58 |
|
2.86 |
|
2.98 |
|
3.26 |
|
3.41 |
|
2.47 |
|
2.55 |
|
Operating Margin |
67% |
|
59% |
|
63% |
|
70% |
|
71% |
|
67% |
|
69% |
|
72% |
|
71% |
|
70% |
|
69% |
|
67% |
|
69% |
|
62% |
|
64% |
|
(1) Revenue includes other income, net third
party sales and realized gains on foreign exchange. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization charges of $1.40/Mcfe,
along with provisions for current tax, deferred tax and stock-based
compensation payments resulted in earnings of $0.77/Mcfe, or a 19%
profit margin. Dividends to shareholders totaled $0.98/Mcfe.
Hedging and Marketing
The Company has been active in hedging future
production with financial and physical fixed price contracts to
protect a portion of its future revenue from commodity price and
foreign exchange volatility. The following table summarizes Peyto's
hedge position for the fourth quarter of 2024, calendar 2025, and
calendar 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Natural Gas |
|
|
|
Volume (MMcf/d) |
436 |
455 |
273 |
Average Fixed Price ($/Mcf) |
4.09 |
4.14 |
3.99 |
WTI Swaps |
|
|
|
Volume (bbls/d) |
4,350 |
2,466 |
197 |
Average Fixed Price ($/bbl) |
101.11 |
97.91 |
92.59 |
WTI Collars |
|
|
|
Volume (bbls/d) |
750 |
623 |
123 |
Put–Call ($/bbl) |
90.00–103.05 |
88.75–103.34 |
85.00–100.00 |
Propane |
|
|
|
Volume (bbls/d) |
500 |
123 |
- |
Average Fixed Price (US$/bbl) |
33.86 |
33.86 |
- |
USD FX Contracts |
|
|
|
Amount sold (USD 000s) |
62,000 |
245,000 |
116,000 |
Rate (CAD/USD) |
1.3421 |
1.3509 |
1.355 |
|
In the third quarter, Peyto commenced its
15-year, 60,000 GJ/day gas supply agreement with the Cascade Power
Plant and added 50,000 GJ/day of firm transportation service on the
TC Energy mainline from Empress to Union Parkway Belt ("Parkway")
in Ontario. This additional service uses a portion of Peyto’s
existing Empress service and provides market exposure to a strong
demand region. The service commenced on November 1, 2024 and has a
10 year term. The additional cost to access the Parkway market is
approximately $1.00/GJ.
The Company's fixed price contracts combined
with its diversification to the Cascade power plant and other
premium market hubs in North America allow for revenue security and
support Peyto's capital expenditure program, continued shareholder
returns through dividends and debt reduction. Details of Peyto’s
ongoing marketing and diversification efforts are available on
Peyto’s website at https://www.peyto.com/Marketing.aspx.
Activity Update
Since the start of the fourth quarter, Peyto has
continued with an active drilling program across all core areas
with 9 wells (9.0 net) drilled, 8 wells (8.0 net) completed, and 12
wells (12.0 net) brought on production. The Company believes a
steady capital program is a key factor in running efficient
operations and reducing costs rather than starting and stopping
activity during low commodity periods. Peyto reached a new monthly
milestone of 130,000 boe/d for the month of October and continues
to have minimal exposure to the AECO market with increased volumes
diversified to other markets. The Company will continue, if prices
weaken, to manage production and avoid exposure to low natural gas
prices by restricting new well rates or delaying onstream
timing.
In October, Peyto completed a second well in a
newly discovered Falher channel that has recently been mapped
across the Company’s legacy land position. The results to date from
these wells have been excellent and the team has identified at
least another 20 locations on Peyto lands. The discovery of this
exciting new trend in the heart of an established development area
serves as a reminder of the value of the stacked potential found in
the Deep Basin and across Peyto’s lands.
Private Placement Issuance of Senior
Secured Notes
Peyto is pleased to announce that it issued $75
million of senior secured notes on October 17, 2024. The notes have
a coupon rate of 5.638% and mature on October 17, 2034. The notes
were issued by way of a private placement pursuant to a note
purchase agreement and rank equally with Peyto's obligations under
its credit facilities and existing note purchase and private shelf
agreement. Interest will be paid semi-annually in arrears. Proceeds
from the notes have been used to repay the $65 million, 4.26% notes
that were due May 1, 2025.
2025 Preliminary Budget and
Plans
Peyto’s preliminary capital budget for 2025
includes a lower-risk development program targeting multiple
formations across all core areas but with a larger portion expected
in the Greater Sundance area. Peyto will continue to leverage
successful drilling results in 2024 and pursue a balanced program
between Peyto’s legacy lands and acquired Repsol lands. The Company
expects to utilize an average of 4 drilling rigs for this capital
program and drill between 70–80 horizontal wells, with well-related
costs representing approximately 80% of the 2025 budget.
Major facility spending planned for 2025
includes a field compressor project in the greater Sundance area to
direct low pressure liquids rich gas to the EGP for better liquids
recovery while freeing up space in existing pipelines for new
development. Other facility projects include a turnaround at the
Oldman plant and multiple pipeline optimization and debottlenecking
initiatives to take advantage of Peyto’s operated 1.4 Bcf/d net gas
processing capacity. Additionally, the Company plans to spend
approximately $10 million on closure related activities to
proactively reduce abandonment retirement obligations.
While specific details of the 2025 budget are
still being finalized, a capital program between $450–$500 million
is anticipated and is estimated to add approximately 43,000 to
48,000 boe/d of new production by the end of the year. This volume
addition would be more than sufficient to offset the annual
forecast decline of between 26–28% on anticipated 2024 exit
production of 135,000 boe/d. The slight increase in expected annual
decline is due to a large portion of production being brought on at
the end of this year, but is offset by improved expected capital
efficiencies, based on Peyto’s recent results. The program will be
designed to add production in the back half of 2025, timed with
expected improved market fundamentals as LNG projects and other
demand sources mature. As always, Peyto will ensure any capital
plans will be nimble with the ability to react to changes in
commodity prices, service costs and the global economic
environment.
Outlook
The Company remains on track to execute a 2024
capital program targeting the lower end of Peyto's guidance of $450
- 500 million and exit at production volumes at or greater than
135,000 boe/d. The Company's disciplined hedging program has
secured revenue of approximately $790 million for 2025 which
supports the capital program and future dividends while Peyto’s
industry leading cash costs provide insulation from low prices and
allows for continued strengthening of the balance sheet. Over the
balance of 2024, the Company expects to reduce net debt despite a
challenging natural gas price environment.
Peyto remains bullish on the outlook for natural
gas as significant LNG egress is completed in North America and the
continued increase in power demand for further electrification,
coal to gas switching for power generation and new technologies
including data centers. Peyto’s market diversification to Eastern
Canada, US Midwest, the Gulf Coast, and the Alberta power market is
well positioned to provide multiple sources of revenue and reduce
risk of relying on a single market.
Conference Call and Webcast
A conference call will be held with senior
management of Peyto to answer questions with respect to the
Company’s Q3 2024 results on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 9:00
a.m. Mountain Time (MT), or 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Access to the webcast can be found at:
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mtgecffi.
To participate in the call, please register for the event at:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI57a7ba327099493696f40a53f273c7a7.
Participants will be issued a dial in number and PIN to join the
conference call and ask questions. Alternatively, questions can be
submitted prior to the call at info@peyto.com. The conference call
will be available on the Peyto Exploration & Development
website at www.peyto.com.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
A copy of the third quarter report to shareholders, including
the MD&A, unaudited consolidated financial statements and
related notes, is available at
http://www.peyto.com/Files/Financials/2024/Q32024FS.pdf and at
http://www.peyto.com/Files/Financials/2024/Q32024MDA.pdf and will
be filed at SEDAR+, www.sedarplus.com at a later date.
Jean-Paul LachancePresident & Chief Executive
OfficerNovember 12, 2024
Cautionary Statements
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain
forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking
statements") as defined by applicable securities laws that involve
substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond Peyto's control. These statements relate to future
events or the Company's future performance. All statements other
than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking
statements. The use of any of the words "plan", "expect",
"prospective", "project", "intend", "believe", "should",
"anticipate", "estimate", or other similar words or statements that
certain events "may" or "will" occur are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. The projections, estimates and beliefs
contained in such forward-looking statements are based on
management's estimates, opinions, and assumptions at the time the
statements were made, including assumptions relating to:
macro-economic conditions, including public health concerns and
other geopolitical risks, the condition of the global economy and,
specifically, the condition of the crude oil and natural gas
industry, and the ongoing significant volatility in world markets;
other industry conditions; changes in laws and regulations
including, without limitation, the adoption of new environmental
laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and
enforced; increased competition; the availability of qualified
operating or management personnel; fluctuations in other commodity
prices, foreign exchange or interest rates; stock market volatility
and fluctuations in market valuations of companies with respect to
announced transactions and the final valuations thereof; results of
exploration and testing activities; and the ability to obtain
required approvals and extensions from regulatory authorities.
Management of the Company believes the expectations reflected in
those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurances
can be given that any of the events anticipated by the
forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of
them do so, what benefits that Peyto will derive from them. As
such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein include,
but are not limited to, statements regarding: management's
assessment of Peyto's future plans and operations, including the
2024 and 2025 capital expenditure programs; Peyto's expectation to
add between 43,000 to 48,000 Boe/d of new production from the 2025
development program and the volume addition will be more than
sufficient to offset the annual forecast decline of between 26–28%
on anticipated 2024 exit production of 135,000 boe/d; the
sustainability of the Company's dividend; the Company's target of
at least a 10% reduction in per unit operating costs by the end of
2024; the Company's expectation to reduce net debt over the balance
of 2024; Peyto's outlook on natural gas as significant LNG egress
is completed in North America and the continued increase in power
demand; and the Company's overall strategy and focus.
The forward-looking statements contained herein
are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties
that may cause Peyto's actual financial results, performance or
achievement in future periods to differ materially from those
expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements,
including but not limited to, risks associated with: continued
changes and volatility in general global economic conditions
including, without limitations, the economic conditions in North
America and public health concerns; continued fluctuations and
volatility in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates;
continued stock market volatility; imprecision of reserves
estimates; competition from other industry participants; failure to
secure required equipment; increased competition; the lack of
availability of qualified operating or management personnel;
environmental risks; changes in laws and regulations including,
without limitation, the adoption of new environmental and tax laws
and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and
enforced; the results of exploration and development drilling and
related activities; and the ability to access sufficient capital
from internal and external sources. In addition, to the extent that
any forward-looking statements presented herein constitutes
future-oriented financial information or financial outlook, as
defined by applicable securities legislation, such information has
been approved by management of Peyto and has been presented to
provide management's expectations used for budgeting and planning
purposes and for providing clarity with respect to Peyto's
strategic direction based on the assumptions presented herein and
readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate
for any other purpose. Readers are encouraged to review the
material risks discussed in Peyto's latest annual information form
under the heading "Risk Factors" and in Peyto's annual management's
discussion and analysis under the heading "Risk Management".
The Company cautions that the foregoing list of
assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. Readers 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. Peyto's actual
results, performance or achievement could differ materially from
those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements
and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events
anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or
occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Peyto will derive
there from. The forward-looking statements, including any
future-oriented financial information or financial outlook,
contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and
Peyto does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise
them to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or
otherwise, except as may be required pursuant to applicable
securities laws.
Barrels of Oil Equivalent
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).
Peyto uses 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 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.
Thousand Cubic Feet Equivalent
(Mcfe)
Natural gas volumes recorded in thousand cubic
feet (mcf) are converted to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) using
the ratio of six (6) thousand cubic feet to one (1) barrel of oil
(bbl). Natural gas liquids and oil volumes in barrel of oil (bbl)
are converted to thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe) using a
ratio of one (1) barrel of oil to six (6) thousand cubic feet. This
could be misleading, particularly if used in isolation as it is
based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applied
at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the
wellhead.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures
Throughout this press release, Peyto employs
certain measures to analyze financial performance, financial
position, and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other 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-GAAP and other financial measures should
not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures which
are determined in accordance with IFRS, such as net income (loss),
cash flow from operating activities, and cash flow used in
investing activities, as indicators of Peyto’s performance.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Funds from Operations"Funds
from operations" is a non-GAAP measure which represents cash flows
from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating
working capital, decommissioning expenditure, provision for future
performance-based compensation and transaction costs. Management
considers funds from operations and per share calculations of funds
from operations to be key measures as they demonstrate the
Company’s ability to generate the cash necessary to pay dividends,
repay debt and make capital investments. Management believes that
by excluding the temporary impact of changes in non-cash operating
working capital, funds from operations provides a useful measure of
Peyto’s ability to generate cash that is not subject to short-term
movements in operating working capital. The most directly
comparable GAAP measure is cash flows from operating
activities.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($000) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
147,485 |
|
139,406 |
|
486,250 |
|
471,621 |
|
Change in non-cash working capital |
2,345 |
|
6,352 |
|
15,942 |
|
(3,691) |
|
Decommissioning expenditures |
2,013 |
|
1,026 |
|
6,610 |
|
1,026 |
|
Performance based compensation |
2,500 |
|
- |
|
5,000 |
|
- |
|
Transaction costs |
- |
|
1,196 |
|
- |
|
1,196 |
|
Funds from operations |
154,343 |
|
147,980 |
|
513,802 |
|
470,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free Funds Flow
Peyto uses "free funds flow" as an indicator of
the efficiency and liquidity of Peyto’s business, measuring its
funds after capital investment available to manage debt levels, pay
dividends, and return capital to shareholders through activities
such as share repurchases. In reporting for prior periods,
decommissioning expenditures incurred were excluded from the
Company's free funds flow non-GAAP financial measure as they were
insignificant. Peyto has changed the reporting of free funds flow
to no longer exclude decommissioning expenditures in the non-GAAP
financial measure as the Company expects an increase in abandonment
and reclamation projects going forward associated with the Repsol
Assets. Peyto calculates free funds flow as cash flows from
operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working
capital less total capital expenditures, allowing Management to
monitor its free funds flow to inform its capital allocation
decisions. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to free funds
flow is cash from operating activities. The following table details
the calculation of free funds flow and the reconciliation from cash
flow from operating activities to free funds flow.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($000) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
147,485 |
|
139,406 |
|
486,250 |
|
471,621 |
|
Change in non-cash working capital |
2,345 |
|
6,352 |
|
15,942 |
|
(3,691) |
|
Performance-based compensation |
2,500 |
|
- |
|
5,000 |
|
- |
|
Transaction costs |
- |
|
1,196 |
|
- |
|
1,196 |
|
Total capital expenditures |
(125,869) |
|
(93,579) |
|
(340,082) |
|
(297,701) |
|
Free funds flow |
26,461 |
|
53,375 |
|
167,110 |
|
171,425 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capital Expenditures
Peyto uses the term "total capital expenditures"
as a measure of capital investment in exploration and production
activity, as well as property acquisitions and divestitures, and
such spending is compared to the Company's annual budgeted capital
expenditures. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for total
capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing activities. The
following table details the calculation of cash flow used in
investing activities to total capital expenditures.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($000) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Cash flows used in investing activities |
119,439 |
|
350,780 |
|
297,974 |
|
579,104 |
|
Change in prepaid capital |
2,612 |
|
(4,051) |
|
3,470 |
|
(664) |
|
Deposit for acquisition |
- |
|
(63,303) |
|
- |
|
(63,303) |
|
Subscription receipt funds in escrow |
- |
|
(201,307) |
|
- |
|
(201,307) |
|
Corporate acquisitions |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Change in non-cash working capital relating to investing
activities |
3,818 |
|
11,460 |
|
38,638 |
|
(16,129) |
|
Total capital expenditures |
125,869 |
|
93,579 |
|
340,082 |
|
297,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Debt "Net debt" is a
non-GAAP financial measure that is the sum of long-term debt and
working capital excluding the current financial derivative
instruments, current portion of lease obligations and current
portion of decommissioning provision. It is used by management to
analyze the financial position and leverage of the Company. Net
debt is reconciled to long-term debt which is the most directly
comparable GAAP measure.
($000) |
As atSeptember 30, 2024 |
|
As atDecember 31, 2023 |
|
As atSeptember 30, 2023 |
|
Long-term debt |
1,235,275 |
|
1,340,881 |
|
818,080 |
|
Current assets |
(423,803) |
|
(490,936) |
|
(481,090) |
|
Current liabilities |
330,049 |
|
279,903 |
|
449,048 |
|
Financial derivative instruments - current |
231,266 |
|
238,865 |
|
94,213 |
|
Current portion of lease obligation |
(900) |
|
(1,310) |
|
(1,300) |
|
Decommissioning provision - current |
(8,940) |
|
(4,626) |
|
(1,940) |
|
Net debt |
1,362,947 |
|
1,362,777 |
|
877,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third-Party Sales Net of
PurchasesPeyto uses the term "third-party sales net of
purchases" to evaluate the profitability of natural gas and NGLs
purchased from third parties. Third-party sales net of purchases is
calculated as sales of natural gas and NGLs from third parties less
natural gas and NGLs purchased from third parties.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($000) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Sales of natural gas and NGLs from third parties |
8,729 |
|
- |
|
42,984 |
|
- |
|
Natural gas and NGLs purchased from third parties |
(6,925) |
|
- |
|
(41,016) |
|
- |
|
Third-party sales net of purchases |
1,804 |
|
- |
|
1,968 |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third party sales net of purchases per
Mcfe"Third party sales net of purchases per Mcfe" is
comprised of sales of natural gas from third parties less natural
gas purchased from third parties, as determined in accordance with
IFRS, divided by the Company's total production.
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios
Funds from Operations per
SharePeyto presents funds from operations per share by
dividing funds from operations by the Company's diluted or basic
weighted average common shares outstanding. "Funds from operations"
is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that funds
from operations per share provides investors an indicator of funds
generated from the business that could be allocated to each
shareholder's equity position.
Netback per MCFE and BOE"Netback" is a non-GAAP
measure that represents the profit margin associated with the
production and sale of petroleum and natural gas. Peyto computes
"field netback per Mcfe" as commodity sales from production, plus
third party sales net of purchases, if any, plus other income, less
royalties, operating, and transportation expense divided by
production. "Cash netback" is calculated as "field netback" less
interest, less general and administration expense and plus or minus
realized gain on foreign exchange, divided by production. Netbacks
are before tax, per unit of production measures used to assess
Peyto’s performance and efficiency. The primary factors that
produce Peyto’s strong netbacks and high margins are a low-cost
structure and the high heat content of its natural gas that results
in higher commodity prices.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($/Mcfe) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Gross Sale Price |
2.77 |
|
3.67 |
|
3.07 |
|
4.37 |
|
Realized hedging gain (loss) |
1.16 |
|
0.62 |
|
1.18 |
|
0.09 |
|
Net Sale Price |
3.93 |
|
4.29 |
|
4.25 |
|
4.46 |
|
Third party sales net of purchases |
0.03 |
|
- |
|
0.01 |
|
- |
|
Other income |
0.03 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.03 |
|
0.03 |
|
Royalties |
(0.18) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.23) |
|
(0.33) |
|
Operating costs |
(0.54) |
|
(0.44) |
|
(0.54) |
|
(0.47) |
|
Transportation |
(0.31) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.30) |
|
(0.27) |
|
Field netback(1) |
2.96 |
|
3.29 |
|
3.22 |
|
3.42 |
|
Net general and administrative |
(0.03) |
|
(0.04) |
|
(0.05) |
|
(0.04) |
|
Interest on long-term debt |
(0.38) |
|
(0.28) |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.24) |
|
Realized loss on foreign exchange |
0.00 |
|
(0.01) |
|
0.00 |
|
- |
|
Cash netback(1) ($/Mcfe) |
2.55 |
|
2.96 |
|
2.80 |
|
3.14 |
|
Cash netback(1) ($/boe) |
15.26 |
|
17.85 |
|
16.90 |
|
18.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Payout Ratio
"Total payout ratio" is a non-GAAP measure which
is calculated as the sum of dividends declared plus total capital
expenditures and decommissioning expenditures, divided by funds
from operations. In reporting for prior periods, decommissioning
expenditures incurred were excluded from the Company's total payout
ratio as they were insignificant. Peyto has changed the reporting
of total payout ratio to no longer exclude decommissioning
expenditures in the non-GAAP financial ratio as the Company expects
an increase in abandonment and reclamation projects going forward
associated with the Repsol Assets. This ratio represents the
percentage of the capital expenditures, decommissioning
expenditures and dividends that is funded by cashflow. Management
uses this measure, among others, to assess the sustainability of
Peyto’s dividend and capital program.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30 |
Nine Months Ended September 30 |
($000, except total payout ratio) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Total dividends declared |
64,707 |
|
59,802 |
|
193,229 |
|
175,195 |
|
Total capital
expenditures |
125,869 |
|
93,579 |
|
340,082 |
|
297,701 |
|
Decommissioning
expenditures |
2,013 |
|
1,026 |
|
6,610 |
|
1,026 |
|
Total payout |
192,589 |
|
154,407 |
|
539,921 |
|
473,922 |
|
Funds
from operations |
154,343 |
|
147,980 |
|
513,802 |
|
470,152 |
|
Total payout ratio (%) |
125% |
|
104% |
|
105% |
|
101% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Margin Operating
Margin is a non-GAAP financial ratio defined as funds from
operations, before current tax, divided by revenue before royalties
but including realized hedging gains/losses and third-party sales
net of purchases.
Profit Margin Profit Margin is
a non-GAAP financial ratio defined as net earnings divided by
revenue before royalties but including realized hedging
gains/losses and third-party sales net of purchases.
Cash CostsCash costs is a
non-GAAP financial ratio defined as the sum of royalties, operating
expenses, transportation expenses, G&A and interest, on a per
Mcfe basis. Peyto uses total cash costs to assess operating margin
and profit margin.
1 This press release contains certain non-GAAP
and other financial measures to analyze financial performance,
financial position, and cash flow including, but not limited to
"operating margin", "profit margin", "return on capital", "return
on equity", "netback", "funds from operations", "free funds flow",
"total cash costs", and "net debt". These non-GAAP and other
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-GAAP and other financial
measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP
measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS, such as
earnings, cash flow from operating activities, and cash flow used
in investing activities, as indicators of Peyto’s performance. See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" included at the end of this
press release and in Peyto's most recently filed MD&A for an
explanation of these financial measures and reconciliation to the
most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS.2 Funds from
operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" in this news release and in the Q3 2024
MD&A.3 Cash costs is a non-GAAP financial measure. See
"non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release.4
Operating Margin is a non-GAAP financial ratio. See "non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in this news release.5 Profit Margin is a
non-GAAP financial ratio. See "non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" in this news release.6 Return on capital employed and
return on equity are non-GAAP financial ratios. See "non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in this news release and in the Q3 2024
MD&A.7Total Payout Ratio is a non-GAAP financial ratio. See
"non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release.8
Total Cash costs is a non-GAAP financial ratio. See "non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in this news release.9 Cash netback is a
non-GAAP financial ratio. See "non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" in this news release and in the Q3 2024 MD&A.
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