Prairie Provident Resources Inc. (“Prairie Provident”, “PPR” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce its 2022 capital budget,
corporate guidance and a Michichi operational update.
MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
Tony Berthelet, President & Chief Executive
Officer, commented: “The 2022 development plan builds on 2021’s
successful drilling programs and waterflood results in our core
assets. This budget continues to support our overall strategy of
increasing shareholder value through a combination of short cycle
drilling opportunities and long-term sustainable cash flow
generation and low-cost reserve development through waterflood
investment. 2022 will see the Company continue to expand waterflood
operations in Michichi and Evi and focus on inventory development
in all areas.”
2022 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
- Fully-funded
capital budget set at $18 million (before capitalized general and
administrative (“G&A”) expenses and asset retirement
obligations (“ARO”)), expected to generate average production
between 4,350 – 4,600 boe per day. Based on this capital budget and
production forecast, we anticipate achieving annual average
production growth of approximately 5% over 2021, while spending
within forecast adjusted EBITDAX.
- The Company
plans to invest in infrastructure upgrades in Michichi in support
of full field waterflood development, building on the previously
announced waterflood pilot success. The waterflood expansion will
include the conversion of 3 horizontal wells to injection in the
northern part of the field.
- 2022 adjusted
EBITDAX(1)(2) is forecast at $33.5 – 36.4 million, assuming average
WTI at US$70/bbl. This represents an increase of approximately 70%
over 2021. Increase in average WTI by US$1/bbl is expected to
increase adjusted EBITDAX by $0.6 million.
- 2022 operating
expenses are projected to be $34.2 million. This represents a 13%
reduction from 2021. Operational efficiency improvements identified
by management will drive cost reductions in four key areas of well
servicing, labour and vehicle, repair & maintenance and fuel
and power.
- Development
capital is expected to be evenly weighted to the first and third
quarters of 2022, with approximately 30% and 41% invested in the
first and third quarters, respectively.
Notes:
(1) Adjusted EBITDAX is a
non-GAAP financial measure that does not have a standardized
meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),
and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed
by other issuers. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more
information.
(2) Forecast price
assumptions: WTI – US$70/bbl; WCS differential – US$16.02/bbl; MSW
differential – $US5.27/bbl; AECO – C$3.90/mcf & CAD/USD
exchange rate – $0.79.
CAPITAL BUDGET OVERVIEW BY CORE
AREA (1)
Core Area |
Budget ($millions) |
% of Total |
Activity Description |
Michichi Area |
$7.7 |
33% |
• Drill 2.0 gross (2.0 net) wells• Per well DCE&T (1) costs of
$2.3 - 2.5 million• $1.8 million Michichi waterflood facility
expansion |
Princess Area |
$7.6 |
33% |
• Drill 3.0 gross (3.0 net) wells• Per well DCE&T (1) costs of
$2.2 - $2.4 million |
Evi Area |
$0.2 |
1% |
• Injector conversion |
Land, Seismic, ARO & Optimization |
$6.5 |
28% |
• $4 million ARO spending (3)• $2 million Optimization &
Maintenance capital |
Notes:
(1) See "Forward-looking statements" below.(2)
Drill, complete, equip and tie-in (“DCE&T”).(3) The $4.0
million of budgeted ARO expenditures are incremental to the
Company's capital budget (before ARO and capitalized G&A) of
$18 million. Budgeted ARO spending does not include spend expected
to be covered by grants under the government-sponsored site
rehabilitation program.
2022 BUDGET AND GUIDANCE SUMMARY
(1)
Production guidance |
4,350 - 4,600 boe/d |
Liquids weighting (2) |
65 - 69% |
Capital expenditures
(excluding ARO expenditures and capitalized G&A) |
$18 million |
Operating expense |
$20.50 - 22.50/boe |
Operating netback (3) |
$27.04 - 31.21/boe |
2022 year-end long-term debt
(net of cash collateralized for letters of credit) |
$121 - 124 million |
|
|
Financial
Assumptions |
|
Oil (WTI) |
US$70.00/bbl |
Oil (WCS) |
US$16.02/bbl |
Natural gas (AECO) |
C$3.90/mcf |
Edmonton Light/WTI
differential |
US$5.27 |
USD/CAD foreign exchange |
0.79 |
Notes:
(1) See "Forward-looking statements" below.(2)
Based on forecasted 2022 production of 2,000 bbl/d of light and
medium crude oil, 725 bbl/d of heavy crude oil, 125 bbl/d of
natural gas liquids and 9,000 Mcf/d of conventional natural gas.(3)
Operating netback is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not
have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and may not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other issuers. See "Non-GAAP Financial
Measures" below for more information.
MICHICHI OPERATIONAL UPDATE
The Company completed the drilling and
completions operations of the two gross (2.0 net) new Michichi Area
Banff Formation wells ahead of schedule. The wells are currently
being tied in and are expected to be brought on production in early
March. The wells were targeted in the Lower Banff to maximize
recovery. The program also saw the first 1.5 mile horizontal well
drilled in the Michichi Area for Prairie Provident.
NON-CORE DISPOSITION UPDATE
Prairie Provident has engaged Energy Advisors
Group (“EAG”) to market its Central Alberta assets in the producing
properties of Wheatland, Craigmyle East, Drumheller, Willdunn,
Provost, Hayter and Coutts. The assets are characterized by a large
acreage holding of ~93,000 net acres and over 1,070 boe/d,
underwritten by behind-pipe exploitation targets, waterflood
expansion and low risk development drilling. Historical base
production and cash flow growth has been driven by proven stacked
pay zones from the Sparky, Banff, Cummings, Detrital, Dina, Lloyd,
McLaren formations and more.
For additional information on the divestiture or
to ask questions about the process, please visit the EAG website
linked below. Evaluation materials are available, following the
signing of a Confidentiality Agreement. Offers are to be submitted
by March 23, 2022, with an effective date of April 1, 2022.
EAG Website:
https://www.energyadvisors.com/deal-details/45426/Prairie-Provident-Resources/CENTRAL-ALBERTA-SALE-PACKAGE
LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Effective March 31, 2022, Mimi Lai will be
retiring from Prairie Provident as EVP Finance & CFO and
Director to pursue new opportunities. We wish to extend our thanks
to Mimi for all her contributions to PPR and wish her the best in
her future endeavours. The Company is
currently underway with a CFO search process and is targeting early
Q2 2022 to have a replacement on seat.
ABOUT PRAIRIE PROVIDENT:
Prairie Provident is a Calgary-based company
engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas
properties in Alberta. The Company's strategy is to optimize cash
flow from our existing assets, grow a base waterflood business in
Evi (Slave Point Formation) and Michichi (Banff Formation)
providing stable low decline cash flow, and organically develop a
new complementary play to facilitate reserves and production
growth. The Princess area in Southern Alberta continues to provide
short cycle returns through successful development of the
Glauconite and Ellerslie Formations.
For further information, please contact:
Prairie Provident Resources Inc.Tony BertheletPresident and
Chief Executive OfficerTel: (403) 292-8125Email:
tberthelet@ppr.ca
READER ADVISORIES
Forward-looking statements
This news release contains certain statements
("forward-looking statements") that constitute forward-looking
information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future performance,
events or circumstances, and are based upon internal assumptions,
plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to
differ materially from those indicated or suggested therein. All
statements other than statements of current or historical fact are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
typically, but not always, identified by words such as "expect",
"anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "project",
"should", "believe", "plan", "intend", "budget", "potential",
"aim", "target" and similar words or expressions suggesting future
outcomes or events or statements regarding an outlook.
In particular, but without limiting the
foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements
pertaining to: budgeted capital expenditure amounts for 2022 and
the anticipated allocation and timing thereof; future anticipated
capital projects in 2022, including drilling, completion and
waterflood plans and proposed focus areas; forecast 2022 EBITDAX
(see also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below); forecast 2022
operating expenses and expected operational efficiency
improvements; estimated drill, complete, equip and tie-in
(DCE&T) costs per well; anticipated ARO spending for 2022;
future oil and gas production, including expected average 2022
production volumes, product type breakdown, liquids weighting and
year-over-year growth from 2021; forecast 2022 operating netback
(see also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below); forecast 2022
year-end long-term debt levels; benchmark commodity price and
foreign exchange rate assumptions for 2022, including oil price
differentials; and the timing for bringing on production from two
(2.0 net) new Michichi area wells.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number
of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Prairie
Provident which have been used to develop such statements but which
may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the
expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain and
depend upon the accuracy of such expectations and assumptions.
Prairie Provident can give no assurance that the forward-looking
statements contained herein will prove to be correct or that the
expectations and assumptions upon which they are based will occur
or be realized. Actual results or events will differ, and the
differences may be material and adverse to the Company. In addition
to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein,
assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: future
commodity prices and currency exchange rates, including consistency
of future prices with current price forecasts; the economic impacts
of the COVID-19 pandemic; results from drilling and development
activities, and their consistency with past operations; the quality
of the reservoirs in which Prairie Provident operates and continued
performance from existing wells, including production profile,
decline rate and product type mix; the continued and timely
development of infrastructure in areas of new production; the
accuracy of the estimates of Prairie Provident's reserves volumes;
operating and other costs, including the ability to achieve and
maintain cost improvements; continued availability of external
financing and cash flow to fund Prairie Provident's current and
future plans and expenditures, with external financing on
acceptable terms; the impact of competition; the general stability
of the economic and political environment in which Prairie
Provident operates; the general continuance of current industry
conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory
approvals; the ability of Prairie Provident 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 Prairie Provident has an interest in to operate
the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; 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
Prairie Provident to secure adequate product transportation; the
regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental
matters in the jurisdictions in which Prairie Provident operates;
and the ability of Prairie Provident to successfully market its oil
and natural gas products.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance or promises of future outcomes, and should not
be relied upon. Such 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 differ
materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements including, without limitation: changes in realized
commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Prairie
Provident's products, the early stage of development of some of the
evaluated areas and zones; the potential for variation in the
quality of the geologic formations targeted by Prairie Provident’s
operations; unanticipated operating results or production declines;
changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other
regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Prairie
Provident or by third party operators; increased debt levels or
debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Prairie
Provident's oil and gas reserves volumes; limited, unfavourable or
no access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate
insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and such other risks
as are detailed from time-to-time in Prairie Provident's public
disclosure documents (including, without limitation, those risks
identified in this news release and Prairie Provident's current
Annual Information Form).
The forward-looking statements contained in this
news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and
Prairie Provident assumes no obligation to publicly update or
revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, or otherwise,
except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws. All
forward-looking statements contained in this news release are
expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Barrels of oil equivalent
The oil and gas industry commonly expresses
production volumes and reserves on a “barrel of oil equivalent”
basis (“boe”) whereby natural gas volumes are converted at the
ratio of six thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil. The
intention is to sum oil and natural gas measurement units into one
basis for improved analysis of results and comparisons with other
industry participants. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic
feet to one barrel of oil is based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip. It does
not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead nor at the plant
gate, which is where Prairie Provident sells its production
volumes. Boes may therefore be a misleading measure, particularly
if used in isolation. Given that the value ratio based on the
current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is
significantly different from the energy equivalency ratio of 6:1,
utilizing a 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication
of value.
Non-GAAP financial measures
This news release discloses certain financial
measures, as described below, that are 'non-GAAP financial
measures' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws. Such measures do not have a standardized or prescribed
meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
and, accordingly, may not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other issuers. Non-GAAP financial measures
are provided as supplementary information by which readers may wish
to consider the Company's performance but should not be relied upon
for comparative or investment
purposes. Readers must not consider
non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as a substitute for
analysis of the Company’s financial results as reported under
IFRS.
Further information regarding non-GAAP measures
disclosed by the Company from time-to-time is also provided in the
Company's annual and interim MD&A for the relevant periods.
Adjusted EBITDAX – Adjusted EBITDAX (or "Bank
Adjusted EBITDAX") is a non-GAAP financial measure the calculation
of which is derived from a financial covenant in the Company’s debt
agreements. Adjusted EBITDAX means net earnings (loss) before
financing charges, foreign exchange gain (loss), exploration and
evaluation expenses, income taxes, depreciation, depletion,
amortization, other non-cash items of expense and non-recurring
items, adjusted for any major acquisitions and material
dispositions assuming that such transactions had occurred on the
first day of the applicable calculation period. Adjusted EBITDAX
excludes transaction costs related to business combinations as they
are non-recurring costs. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDAX
provides a useful measure of PPR’s operational performance on a
continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges and
charges that are non-recurring, and utilizes the measure to assess
its ability to finance capital expenditures and debt repayments
from operations. Adjusted EBITDAX does not represent, and is not an
alternative to, cash from operating activities, net earnings or
other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance
with IFRS.
Following is a reconciliation of historical
Adjusted EBITDAX for the year-ended December 31, 2020 to the most
directly comparable financial measure under IFRS, being net
earnings (loss) before income tax.
|
Year EndedDecember 31, |
|
($000s) |
2020 |
|
Net loss before income tax |
(90,851 |
) |
Add (deduct): |
|
|
Interest |
15,209 |
|
Depletion and depreciation |
27,887 |
|
Depreciation on right-of-use asset |
2,170 |
|
Exploration and evaluation expense |
4,183 |
|
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments |
(4,780 |
) |
Impairment loss |
78,459 |
|
Accretion |
2,786 |
|
Gain on foreign exchange |
(1,425 |
) |
Change in other liabilities |
1,361 |
|
Modification of financial liabilities |
(15,874 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
225 |
|
Gain on sale of properties |
(375 |
) |
Gain on warrant liability |
260 |
|
Transaction, reorganization and other costs |
238 |
|
Adjusted EBITDAX |
19,473 |
|
Operating Netback – Operating netback is a
non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in the oil and gas
industry, which the Company believes provides a useful measure to
assist management and investors to evaluate operating performance
at the oil and gas lease level. Operating netbacks included in this
news release are determined as oil and natural gas revenue less
royalties less operating costs. Operating netback may be expressed
in absolute dollar terms or a per boe basis. Per boe amounts are
determined by dividing the absolute value by gross working interest
production. Operating Netback per boe is a non-GAAP financial
ratio.
A reconciliation of historical Operating Netback
for the year-ended December 31, 2020 is presented below:
|
Year EndedDecember 31, |
|
($000s) |
2020 |
|
Revenue |
51,720 |
|
Royalties |
(5,027 |
) |
Operating costs |
(37,271 |
) |
Operating netback |
9,422 |
|
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