CALGARY,
AB, Nov. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - (TSX: ARX)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Attachie Phase I was successfully commissioned in late October,
facilitating substantial production growth in the fourth quarter of
2024 and throughout 2025. Drilling operations for all start-up
wells have concluded and completions operations for the final
start-up pad will commence in mid-November.
- Current production at Attachie
is approximately 20,000(1) boe per day, and increasing
as planned towards productive capacity of 40,000 boe per day.
- Attachie is expected to
contribute to record fourth quarter average production of between
380,000 and 385,000 boe per day (62 per cent natural gas and 38 per
cent crude oil and liquids(2)).
- ARC's Board of Directors (the "Board") has approved a 12 per
cent increase to the quarterly dividend, from $0.17 per share to $0.19 per share ($0.68 per share to $0.76 per share, per annum). This reflects ARC's
commitment to grow the dividend with the profitability of the
business, and on a per share basis as the share count is
reduced.
Third Quarter Results
- ARC delivered third quarter 2024 average production of 326,768
boe per day (61 per cent natural gas and 39 per cent crude oil and
liquids), in line with the third quarter production guidance range
of 315,000 to 330,000 boe per day.
- Natural gas production at Sunrise was curtailed during the
third quarter by approximately 250 MMcf per day due to low natural
gas prices. Production was partially restored in mid-October once
natural gas prices recovered.
- ARC generated funds from operations of $592 million(3) ($0.99 per share(4)) and free funds
flow of $134 million(5)
($0.22 per share(6)),
while capital expenditures totalled $459
million(7). ARC recognized cash flow from
operating activities of $518 million
($0.87 per share) and net income of
$329 million ($0.55 per share).
- ARC realized a natural gas price of $1.78 per Mcf(4), $0.97 per Mcf or 120 per cent greater than the
AECO 7A Monthly Index price. Strong price realizations were driven
by market diversification into key demand regions in the US, along
with reduced exposure to western Canadian natural gas markets.
- ARC distributed $220 million
($0.37 per share) to shareholders
during the third quarter, representing 103 per cent of free funds
flow (net of proceeds from divestitures).
- As of September 30, 2024, ARC's
long-term debt balance was $1.4
billion and its net debt balance was $1.6 billion(3) or 0.6 times funds
from operations(3).
2025 Capital Budget
- The Board has approved a 2025 capital budget of between
$1.6 billion and $1.7 billion, at the low end of previous
disclosure of between $1.6 billion
and $1.8 billion. The 2025 capital
budget is expected to generate record annual average production of
between 380,000 and 395,000 boe per day (61 per cent natural gas
and 39 per cent crude oil and liquids).
- The capital budget implies approximately 10 per cent production
growth with a concurrent 10 per cent decrease in capital
expenditures compared to 2024. The enhancement in capital
efficiencies is attributed to a full year of production
contribution from Attachie, the
finalization of investments into Attachie Phase I infrastructure,
and improved capital efficiencies at Kakwa and Sunrise.
- For the third straight year, ARC intends to return essentially
all of its free funds flow to shareholders in 2025 through a
growing base dividend and share repurchases. At strip
prices(8), ARC estimates free funds flow of between
$1.4 and $1.6
billion in 2025 and expects to generate an 18 per cent
Return on Average Capital Employed(9).
ARC's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial
statements and notes (the "financial statements") and Management's
Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") as at and for the three months
and nine months ended September 30,
2024, are available on ARC's website at www.arcresources.com
and under ARC's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The disclosure
under the section entitled "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures"
in ARC's MD&A as at and for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2024 (the "Q3 2024
MD&A") is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
|
(1)
|
ARC has adopted the
standard six thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") of natural gas to one
barrel ("bbl") of crude oil ratio when converting natural gas to
barrels of oil equivalent ("boe"). Boe may be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6
Mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method
primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a
value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based
on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is
significantly different than the energy equivalency of the 6:1
conversion ratio, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be
misleading as an indication of value.
|
(2)
|
Throughout this news
release, crude oil ("crude oil") refers to light, medium, and heavy
crude oil product types as defined by National Instrument 51-101
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI
51-101"). Condensate is a natural gas liquid as defined by NI
51-101. Throughout this news release, natural gas liquids ("NGLs")
comprise all natural gas liquids as defined by NI 51-101 other than
condensate, which is disclosed separately. Throughout this news
release, crude oil and liquids ("crude oil and liquids") refers to
crude oil, condensate, and NGLs.
|
(3)
|
See Note 8 "Capital
Management" in the financial statements and "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for
information relating to this capital management measure, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
(4)
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for an
explanation of the composition of this supplementary financial
measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this
news release.
|
(5)
|
Non-GAAP financial
measure that is not a standardized financial measure under
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS Accounting
Standards") and may not be comparable to similar financial measures
disclosed by other issuers. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for information relating to
this non-GAAP financial measure, which information is incorporated
by reference into this news release. See "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" of this news release for the most directly
comparable financial measure disclosed in ARC's current financial
statements to which such non-GAAP financial measure relates and a
reconciliation to such comparable financial measure.
|
(6)
|
Non-GAAP ratio that is
not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting
Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial ratios
disclosed by other issuers. Free funds flow, a non-GAAP financial
measure, is used as a component of the non-GAAP ratio. See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024
MD&A for the non-GAAP ratio for the comparative period and
other information relating to this non-GAAP ratio, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
(7)
|
Refer to the section
entitled "About ARC Resources Ltd." contained within the Q3
2024 MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
(8)
|
Based on forward curve
as at October 24, 2024 (US$WTI $68.60 per barrel; C$2.40/Mcf AECO;
US$3.20/MMBtu Henry Hub).
|
(9)
|
Non-GAAP ratio that is
not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting
Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial ratios
disclosed by other issuers. Includes non-GAAP financial measure
components of adjusted EBIT and average capital employed. See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024
MD&A for an explanation of composition, which information is
incorporated by reference into this news release.
|
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
(Cdn$ millions, except
per share amounts(1), boe amounts,
|
Three Months
Ended
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
and common shares
outstanding)
|
June 30.
2024
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
FINANCIAL
RESULTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
239.5
|
328.9
|
236.4
|
753.8
|
1,090.2
|
Per share
|
0.40
|
0.55
|
0.39
|
1.26
|
1.78
|
Cash flow from
operating activities
|
543.0
|
518.4
|
604.2
|
1,697.7
|
1,695.4
|
Per
share(2)
|
0.91
|
0.87
|
0.99
|
2.84
|
2.76
|
Funds from
operations
|
502.8
|
592.4
|
662.2
|
1,702.1
|
1,940.4
|
Per share
|
0.84
|
0.99
|
1.09
|
2.85
|
3.16
|
Free funds
flow
|
(29.5)
|
133.8
|
260.8
|
206.6
|
635.1
|
Per share
|
(0.05)
|
0.22
|
0.43
|
0.35
|
1.04
|
Dividends
declared
|
101.6
|
100.8
|
103.0
|
304.0
|
298.6
|
Per share
|
0.17
|
0.17
|
0.17
|
0.51
|
0.49
|
Cash flow used in
investing activities
|
643.4
|
339.7
|
394.6
|
1,482.9
|
1,256.4
|
Capital
expenditures
|
532.3
|
458.6
|
401.4
|
1,495.5
|
1,305.3
|
Long-term
debt
|
1,379.5
|
1,440.1
|
1,108.9
|
1,440.1
|
1,108.9
|
Net debt
|
1,477.9
|
1,560.6
|
1,243.5
|
1,560.6
|
1,243.5
|
Common shares
outstanding, weighted average diluted
(millions)
|
598.2
|
596.4
|
609.0
|
597.8
|
613.2
|
Common shares
outstanding, end of period (millions)
|
596.7
|
591.7
|
605.0
|
591.7
|
605.0
|
OPERATIONAL
RESULTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil and
condensate (bbl/day)
|
74,713
|
88,517
|
87,098
|
81,991
|
83,232
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/day)
|
1,286
|
1,203
|
1,353
|
1,270
|
1,302
|
NGLs
(bbl/day)
|
40,994
|
37,797
|
47,557
|
42,716
|
47,182
|
Total
(boe/day)
|
330,046
|
326,768
|
360,177
|
336,346
|
347,475
|
Average realized
price
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil
($/bbl)(2)
|
100.28
|
92.22
|
104.91
|
91.46
|
95.65
|
Condensate
($/bbl)(2)
|
103.73
|
95.38
|
103.21
|
97.64
|
100.21
|
Natural gas
($/Mcf)(2)
|
1.86
|
1.78
|
3.16
|
2.29
|
3.93
|
NGLs
($/bbl)(2)
|
21.69
|
23.77
|
19.63
|
23.83
|
23.09
|
Average realized price
($/boe)(2)
|
33.35
|
35.07
|
39.47
|
35.35
|
41.75
|
Netback per
boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity sales from
production ($/boe)(3)
|
33.35
|
35.07
|
39.47
|
35.35
|
41.75
|
Royalties
($/boe)(3)
|
(4.19)
|
(4.09)
|
(4.68)
|
(4.14)
|
(5.63)
|
Operating expense
($/boe)(3)
|
(5.51)
|
(4.90)
|
(4.94)
|
(4.88)
|
(4.76)
|
Transportation expense
($/boe)(3)
|
(5.22)
|
(5.25)
|
(4.94)
|
(5.27)
|
(5.29)
|
Netback per boe
($/boe)(3)
|
18.43
|
20.83
|
24.91
|
21.06
|
26.07
|
TRADING
STATISTICS(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
High price
|
26.18
|
26.45
|
22.05
|
26.45
|
22.05
|
Low price
|
23.45
|
21.44
|
17.63
|
19.44
|
14.33
|
Close price
|
24.41
|
22.86
|
21.68
|
22.86
|
21.68
|
Average daily volume
(thousands of shares)
|
3,648
|
3,696
|
3,705
|
3,564
|
4,559
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Per share amounts, with
the exception of dividends, are based on weighted average diluted
common shares.
|
(2)
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for an
explanation of the composition of this supplementary financial
measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this
news release.
|
(3)
|
Non-GAAP ratio that is
not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting
Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial measures
disclosed by other issuers. Netback, a non-GAAP financial measure,
is used as a component of the non-GAAP ratio. See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for the
non-GAAP ratio for the comparative period and other information
relating to this non-GAAP ratio, which information is incorporated
by reference into this news release.
|
(4)
|
Trading prices are
stated in Canadian dollars on a per share basis and are based on
intra-day trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
|
2025 CAPITAL BUDGET
The 2025 capital program delivers on ARC's long-term strategy to
grow free funds flow per share through profitable investments in
the Montney while adhering to its
long-standing principles of safety, capital discipline, and
financial strength.
Consistent with its long-term plan introduced in 2023, ARC aims
to deliver a notable increase in profitability and per share growth
in 2025. Production from Attachie Phase I is projected to generate
10 per cent production growth, 20 per cent growth in condensate
production, with a concurrent 10 per cent reduction in capital
expenditures. The expected outcome is a material increase in
organic free funds flow per share and a high return on average
capital employed.
The 2025 capital program represents a milestone year for ARC.
The first phase of ARC's largest growth asset, Attachie, is expected to drive record
condensate and natural gas production and higher margins. At
forward strip pricing(1), ARC expects to generate
between $1.4 and $1.6 billion of free funds flow, re-investing
approximately 50 per cent of funds from operations. The 2025
capital program and dividend are expected to be fully funded by
funds from operations at US$50 per
barrel WTI and US$1.80 per MMBtu
Henry Hub, a reflection of ARC's low cost structure and a commodity
mix balanced between natural gas, condensate, and liquids.
Highlights
- ARC plans to invest between $1.6
billion and $1.7
billion(2) in capital expenditures in 2025 and
generate average production between 380,000 and 395,000 boe per day
(61 per cent natural gas and 39 per cent crude oil and
liquids).
- Higher margins are expected to accompany production growth in
2025. The increase in funds from operations per boe and free funds
flow per boe will be driven by a higher condensate-weighted
production mix with stable cash costs on a per boe basis.
- Well related capital investment activities account for
approximately 90 per cent of total planned capital expenditures.
The remainder is to be allocated to facility maintenance and
optimization, and includes all corporate capital. ARC plans to
drill approximately 130 wells in 2025, complete 154 wells, and
tie-in 166 wells.
The following table details ARC's 2025 budget planned well
activity by area.
Area
|
Drill
|
Complete
|
Tie-in
|
Kakwa
|
64
|
75
|
76
|
Attachie
|
26
|
36
|
44
|
Greater
Dawson
|
21
|
18
|
18
|
Sunrise
|
8
|
14
|
14
|
Ante Creek
|
11
|
11
|
14
|
Total
|
130
|
154
|
166
|
Attachie
- ARC plans to invest approximately $360
million at Phase I in 2025 and generate average production
of approximately 37,500 boe per day (60 per cent liquids and 40 per
cent natural gas).
- ARC plans to drill 26 wells and complete 36 wells in 2025 to
offset initial production declines. Capital expenditures to sustain
production for Attachie Phase I are expected to decrease in 2026
and stabilize at approximately $150
million per year thereafter.
- In alignment with ARC's long-term plan, the capital investment
for Attachie Phase II is expected to be included with the 2026
budget, targeting an on-stream date in 2028.
Kakwa
- ARC plans to invest approximately $800
million at Kakwa to sustain production between 170,000 and
175,000 boe per day.
- Enhancements in frac design during 2024 are partly responsible
for the production growth at Kakwa, which will be implemented again
in 2025.
Other Montney
- The remaining $500 million is
primarily allocated towards investments to sustain production at
ARC's northeast BC assets and its Ante Creek asset.
- At Sunrise, ARC's dry natural gas asset, ARC plans to invest
approximately $105 million in 2025 to
deliver average annual production of approximately 60,000 boe per
day.
- Capital investment to sustain production at Sunrise has
decreased 10 per cent following the changes in well design. ARC has
optimized development by moving from a three- layer development to
a two-layer development in the Upper Montney.
- At Greater Dawson, ARC plans
to invest approximately $195 million
and generate average production of approximately 95,000 boe per
day.
(1)
|
Based on forward curve
as at October 24, 2024 (US$WTI $68.60 per barrel;
C$2.40/Mcf AECO; US$3.20/MMBtu Henry Hub).
|
(2)
|
Refer to the section
entitled "About ARC Resources Ltd." contained within
the 2023 Annual MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
2025 Guidance
ARC's 2025 corporate guidance is based on various commodity
price scenarios and economic conditions; certain guidance estimates
may fluctuate with commodity price changes and regulatory changes.
ARC's guidance provides readers with the information relevant to
Management's expectations for financial and operational results for
2025. Readers are cautioned that the guidance estimates may not be
appropriate for any other purpose.
|
2025
Guidance
|
Crude oil and
condensate (bbl/day)
|
104,000 -
110,000
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/day)
|
1,400 -
1,420
|
NGLs
(bbl/day)
|
42,000 -
48,000
|
Total
(boe/day)
|
380,000 -
395,000
|
Expenses
($/boe)(1)
|
|
Operating
|
4.50 -
4.90
|
Transportation
|
5.00 -
5.50
|
General and
administrative ("G&A") expense before share-based compensation
expense
|
0.90 -
1.10
|
G&A - share-based
compensation expense
|
0.25 -
0.35
|
Interest and
financing(2)
|
0.70 -
0.80
|
Current income tax
expense as a per cent of funds from
operations(1)
|
10 -
15
|
Capital expenditures ($
billions)(3)
|
1.6 -
1.7
|
(1)
|
See "Non-GAAP
and Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for an
explanation of the composition of these supplementary financial
measures, which information is incorporated by reference into this
news release.
|
(2)
|
Excludes accretion of
ARC's asset retirement obligation.
|
(3)
|
Refer to the section
entitled "About ARC Resources Ltd." contained within the
2023 Annual MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
2024 Guidance
Full-year 2024 guidance remains unchanged. ARC expects to
generate average production at the bottom end of guidance,
reflecting the 250 MMcf per day of production curtailments at
Sunrise throughout the third quarter and beginning of the fourth
quarter. These curtailments are expected to impact full-year
production guidance by approximately 60 MMcf per day, or
approximately 10,000 boe per day, with no change to crude oil,
condensate, and liquids production guidance.
|
2024
Guidance
|
2024
YTD
Actual
|
% Variance
from
2024
Guidance
|
Crude oil and
condensate (bbl/day)
|
87,000 -
91,500
|
81,991
|
(6)
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/day)
|
1,325 -
1,340
|
1,270
|
(4)
|
NGLs
(bbl/day)
|
42,000 -
45,000
|
42,716
|
—
|
Total
(boe/day)
|
350,000 -
360,000
|
336,346
|
(4)
|
Expenses
($/boe)(1)
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
4.50 - 4.90
|
4.88
|
—
|
Transportation
|
5.50 - 6.00
|
5.27
|
(4)
|
General and
administrative ("G&A") expense before share-based compensation
expense
|
1.05 - 1.25
|
1.30
|
4
|
G&A - share-based
compensation expense
|
0.55 - 0.65
|
0.68
|
5
|
Interest and
financing(2)
|
0.90 - 1.00
|
0.95
|
—
|
Current income tax
expense as a per cent of funds from
operations(1)
|
10 - 15
|
8
|
(20)
|
Capital expenditures ($
billions)(3)
|
1.75 - 1.85
|
1.5
|
n/a
|
(1)
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in the Q3 2024 MD&A for an
explanation of the composition of these supplementary financial
measures, which information is incorporated by reference into this
news release.
|
(2)
|
Excludes accretion of
ARC's asset retirement obligation.
|
(3)
|
Refer to the section
entitled "About ARC Resources Ltd." contained within the
2023 Annual MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which
information is incorporated by reference into this news
release.
|
Refer to the section entitled "Annual Guidance" in ARC's
MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, available on ARC's website at
www.arcresources.com and under ARC's SEDAR+ profile at
www.sedarplus.ca.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Production
- ARC's production averaged 326,768 boe per day during the third
quarter of 2024 (61 per cent natural gas and 39 per cent crude oil
and liquids). Production decreased nine per cent year-over-year,
driven by the natural gas curtailments at Sunrise.
- Production registered near the high-end of the previously
announced third quarter production guidance range of 315,000 to
330,000 boe per day primarily due to higher-than-budgeted well
productivity at Kakwa.
- Kakwa production averaged approximately 180,000 boe per day in
the quarter (53 per cent crude oil and liquids and 47 per cent
natural gas).
- Natural gas production at Sunrise was partially restored in
mid-October following the curtailments during the third quarter due
to low western Canadian natural gas prices. ARC will continue to
manage its Sunrise production with long-term profitability in mind
and has the operational flexibility to increase or decrease volumes
in response to changes in natural gas prices.
- By curtailing production at Sunrise, ARC managed to conserve
volumes for periods when natural gas prices are higher, and defer
capital expenditures that were initially scheduled for 2025.
- Fourth quarter production is expected to average between
380,000 and 385,000 boe per day. The increase is to be driven by
initial production from Attachie,
and better well productivity at Kakwa.
Funds from Operations, Cash Flow from Operating Activities, and
Free Funds Flow
- Third quarter 2024 funds from operations was $592 million ($0.99
per share), representing an increase of $90
million ($0.15 per share)
compared to the second quarter of 2024. This increase was driven
primarily by an increase in condensate production. Third quarter
condensate revenue represented 68 per cent of ARC's total commodity
sales from production due to condensate production growth at
Kakwa.
- Cash flow from operating activities was $518 million ($0.87
per share), decreasing by $25 million
($0.04 per share) from the second
quarter of 2024.
- ARC generated free funds flow of $134
million or $0.22 per share
during the third quarter of 2024, of which essentially all was
returned to shareholders.
The following table details the change in funds from operations
for the third quarter of 2024 relative to the second quarter of
2024.
Funds from
Operations Reconciliation
|
$
millions
|
$/share(1)
|
Funds from operations
for the three months ended June 30, 2024
|
502.8
|
0.84
|
Production
volumes
|
|
|
Crude oil and
liquids
|
133.6
|
0.23
|
Natural gas
|
(11.9)
|
(0.02)
|
Commodity
prices
|
|
|
Crude oil and
liquids
|
(60.6)
|
(0.10)
|
Natural gas
|
(8.4)
|
(0.02)
|
Sales of commodities
purchased from third parties
|
6.0
|
0.01
|
Other income
|
6.6
|
0.01
|
Realized gain on risk
management contracts
|
(3.9)
|
(0.01)
|
Royalties
|
2.8
|
—
|
Expenses
|
|
|
Commodities purchased
from third parties
|
(4.4)
|
(0.01)
|
Operating
|
18.3
|
0.03
|
Transportation
|
(1.0)
|
—
|
G&A
|
10.6
|
0.02
|
Interest and
financing
|
(1.3)
|
—
|
Current income
tax
|
7.2
|
0.01
|
Realized loss on
foreign exchange
|
(2.9)
|
—
|
Other
|
(1.1)
|
—
|
Funds from operations
for the three months ended September 30, 2024
|
592.4
|
0.99
|
(1) Per share
amounts are based on weighted average diluted common
shares.
|
The following table details the change in funds from operations
for the third quarter of 2024 relative to the third quarter of
2023.
Funds from
Operations Reconciliation
|
$
millions
|
$/share(1)
|
Funds from operations
for the three months ended September 30, 2023
|
662.2
|
1.09
|
Production
volumes
|
|
|
Crude oil and
liquids
|
(4.6)
|
(0.01)
|
Natural gas
|
(43.7)
|
(0.07)
|
Commodity
prices
|
|
|
Crude oil and
liquids
|
(52.4)
|
(0.09)
|
Natural gas
|
(152.9)
|
(0.25)
|
Sales of commodities
purchased from third parties
|
32.7
|
0.05
|
Other income
|
5.3
|
0.01
|
Realized gain on risk
management contracts
|
81.8
|
0.13
|
Royalties
|
32.2
|
0.05
|
Expenses
|
|
|
Commodities purchased
from third parties
|
(32.0)
|
(0.05)
|
Operating
|
16.3
|
0.03
|
Transportation
|
6.2
|
0.01
|
G&A
|
22.6
|
0.04
|
Interest and
financing
|
(6.4)
|
(0.01)
|
Current income
tax
|
29.6
|
0.05
|
Realized loss on
foreign exchange
|
(2.9)
|
(0.01)
|
Other
|
(1.6)
|
—
|
Weighted average
shares, diluted
|
—
|
0.02
|
Funds from operations
for the three months ended September 30, 2024
|
592.4
|
0.99
|
(1) Per share
amounts are based on weighted average diluted common
shares.
|
Shareholder Returns
- During the third quarter, ARC distributed $220 million ($0.37
per share) to shareholders through a combination of dividends and
share repurchases under its normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). ARC
utilized free funds flow and $80
million of proceeds from a previously announced asset
disposition to fund the capital returned to shareholders.
- During the third quarter of 2024, ARC declared dividends of
$101 million ($0.17 per share).
- ARC repurchased 5.0 million common shares under its NCIB at a
weighted average price of $23.66 per
share.
- Through the first nine months of 2024, ARC has returned
$454 million or 220 per cent (158 per
cent net of proceeds from divestitures) of free funds flow to
shareholders.
- Since commencing its initial NCIB in September 2021, ARC has repurchased approximately
19 per cent of total outstanding shares or 137 million common
shares, at a weighted average price of $16.46 per share.
- ARC intends to continue to distribute essentially all of its
free funds flow to shareholders on a full-year basis.
Operating, Transportation, and General and Administrative
Expense
Operating Expense
- ARC's third quarter 2024 operating expense of $4.90 per boe was in line with Company guidance
and 11 per cent or $0.61 per boe
lower than the previous quarter due to scheduled maintenance
activities that were concentrated in the second quarter 2024.
- ARC's operating expense is expected to decrease in the fourth
quarter with planned maintenance activity largely complete.
Full-year 2024 operating expense is expected to be within the
guidance range.
Transportation Expense
- ARC's third quarter 2024 transportation expense per boe of
$5.25 was lower than ARC's guidance
range of $5.50 to $6.00 per boe primarily due to lower fuel gas
expense related to lower natural gas prices.
- ARC's full-year transportation expense is expected to register
at the bottom end of the Company guidance range.
General and Administrative Expense
- ARC's third quarter 2024 general and administrative expense per
boe of $1.50 decreased 19 per cent or
by $0.35 per boe from the second
quarter of 2024. General and administrative expense per boe for the
quarter was within Company guidance.
- General and administrative expense through the first nine
months of 2024 is $1.98 per boe,
slightly above Company guidance primarily due to share-based
compensation expense related to share price appreciation.
Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities and Capital
Expenditures
- Capital expenditures for the third quarter were $459 million. ARC drilled 48 wells and completed
44 wells during the third quarter, focused mainly at Attachie, Kakwa, and Greater Dawson.
- Cash flow used in investing activities was $340 million during the third quarter. During the
nine months ended September 30, 3024,
cash flow used in investing activities was $1.5 billion. Of this, ARC invested $1.5 billion in capital expenditures to drill 125
wells and complete 109 wells.
- Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2024 are expected
to be between $300 million and
$350 million.
The following table details the first nine months of ARC's 2024
drilling and completions activities by area.
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
|
Area
|
Wells
Drilled(1)
|
Wells
Completed
|
Attachie
|
41
|
19
|
Kakwa
|
40
|
50
|
Greater
Dawson
|
33
|
30
|
Sunrise
|
6
|
10
|
Ante Creek
|
5
|
—
|
Total
|
125
|
109
|
(1) Excludes disposal
wells.
|
Physical Natural Gas Marketing
- In the third quarter, ARC realized an average natural gas price
of $1.78 per Mcf, $0.97 or 120 per cent greater than the average
AECO 7A Monthly Index price for the period.
- During the third quarter, ARC elected to shut-in a portion of
its natural gas production at Sunrise due to low natural gas
prices. As a result, ARC was able to limit its exposure to local
western Canadian markets (AECO and Station 2) where natural gas
prices were weakest. ARC was able to leverage its dual-connected
infrastructure and transport capacity to re-direct condensate-rich
volumes to other end markets.
- Production at Sunrise was partially restored in mid-October as
natural gas prices at AECO recovered above levels required to
achieve sufficient full-cycle returns.
- ARC remains on track to execute a sale and purchase agreement
by year end 2024 with an investment-grade rated company for the
entirety of ARC's LNG delivered from the Cedar LNG Project.
- With the execution of the sale and purchase agreement, ARC
expects to achieve its long-term market diversification strategy,
of linking approximately 25 per cent of its future natural gas
production to international or LNG pricing.
Net Debt
- As at September 30, 2024, ARC's
long-term debt balance was $1.4
billion, and its net debt balance was $1.6 billion, or 0.6 times funds from operations.
- ARC targets its net debt to be less than 1.5 times funds from
operations and manages its capital structure to achieve that target
over the long-term.
- Long-term debt is comprised of $1.0
billion of senior notes outstanding and $445 million drawn on the syndicated credit
facilities.
- ARC holds an investment-grade credit rating, which allows the
Company to have access to capital and to manage a low-cost capital
structure. ARC is committed to maintaining its strong financial
position.
Net Income
- ARC recognized net income of $329
million ($0.55 per share)
during the third quarter of 2024, a 39 per cent increase compared
to the same period in 2023. The increase in net income compared to
the prior year was primarily due to an increase in realized gains
on risk management contracts in the third quarter of 2024 and a
gain on disposal of assets.
CONFERENCE CALL
ARC's senior leadership team will be hosting a conference call
to discuss the Company's third quarter 2024 results on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time ("MT").
Date
|
Thursday, November 7,
2024
|
Time
|
8:00 a.m. MT
|
Dial-in
Numbers
|
|
Calgary
|
403-910-0389
|
Toronto
|
437-900-0527
|
Toll-free
|
1-888-510-2154
|
Conference
ID
|
53238
|
Webcast URL
|
https://app.webinar.net/w2Br8J3Q7mG
|
|
|
Callers are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes before the start
time to register for the event. A replay will be available on ARC's
website at www.arcresources.com following the conference call.
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this news release and in other materials disclosed by
the Company, ARC employs certain measures to analyze its financial
performance, financial position, and cash flow. These non-GAAP and
other financial measures are not standardized financial measures
under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to
similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. The non-GAAP
and other financial measures should not be considered to be more
meaningful than generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS Accounting
Standards, such as net income, cash flow from operating activities,
and cash flow used in investing activities, as indicators of ARC's
performance.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Capital Expenditures
ARC uses capital expenditures to monitor its capital investments
relative to those budgeted by the Company on an annual basis. ARC's
capital budget excludes acquisition or disposition activities as
well as the accounting impact of any accrual changes and payments
under certain lease arrangements. The most directly comparable GAAP
measure to capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing
activities. The following table details the composition of capital
expenditures and its reconciliation to cash flow used in investing
activities.
Capital
Expenditures
|
Three Months
Ended
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
($ millions)
|
June 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
Cash flow used in
investing activities
|
643.4
|
339.7
|
394.6
|
1,482.9
|
1,256.4
|
Acquisition of crude
oil and natural gas assets
|
(5.0)
|
—
|
—
|
(5.1)
|
(0.5)
|
Disposal of crude oil
and natural gas assets
|
—
|
80.0
|
—
|
80.0
|
73.6
|
Long-term
investments
|
(1.3)
|
(0.6)
|
(0.7)
|
(4.7)
|
(5.1)
|
Change in non-cash
investing working capital
|
(109.6)
|
31.0
|
3.9
|
(75.6)
|
(24.9)
|
Other
(1)
|
4.8
|
8.5
|
3.6
|
18.0
|
5.8
|
Capital
expenditures
|
532.3
|
458.6
|
401.4
|
1,495.5
|
1,305.3
|
(1) Comprises
non-cash capitalized costs related to the Company's right-of-use
asset depreciation and share-based compensation.
|
Free Funds Flow
ARC uses free funds flow as an indicator of the efficiency and
liquidity of ARC's business, measuring its funds after capital
investment available to manage debt levels, pay dividends, and
return capital to shareholders through share repurchases. ARC
computes free funds flow as funds from operations generated during
the period less capital expenditures. Capital expenditures is a
non-GAAP financial measure. By removing the impact of current
period capital expenditures from funds from operations, Management
monitors its free funds flow to inform its capital allocation
decisions. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to free funds
flow is cash flow from operating activities. The following table
details the calculation of free funds flow and its reconciliation
to cash flow from operating activities.
Free Funds
Flow
|
Three Months
Ended
|
Nine Months
Ended
|
($ millions)
|
June 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
September 30,
2024
|
September 30,
2023
|
Cash flow from
operating activities
|
543.0
|
518.4
|
604.2
|
1,697.7
|
1,695.4
|
Net change in other
liabilities
|
(1.5)
|
17.9
|
7.9
|
23.1
|
7.7
|
Change in non-cash
operating working capital
|
(38.7)
|
56.1
|
50.1
|
(18.7)
|
237.3
|
Funds from
operations
|
502.8
|
592.4
|
662.2
|
1,702.1
|
1,940.4
|
Capital
expenditures(1)
|
(532.3)
|
(458.6)
|
(401.4)
|
(1,495.5)
|
(1,305.3)
|
Free funds
flow
|
(29.5)
|
133.8
|
260.8
|
206.6
|
635.1
|
(1)
|
Certain additional
disclosures for these specified financial measures have been
incorporated by reference. See "Cash Flow used in
Investing Activities, Capital Expenditures,
Acquisitions, and Dispositions" in the Q3 2024
MD&A.
|
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements
and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as
"forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable
securities legislation about current expectations regarding the
future based on certain assumptions made by ARC. Although ARC
believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking
information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such
expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information
in this news release is identified by words such as "anticipate",
"believe", "ongoing", "may", "expect", "estimate", "plan", "will",
"project", "continue", "target", "strategy", "upholding", or
similar expressions, and includes suggestions of future outcomes.
In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news
release contains forward-looking information with respect to: ARC's
intentions to return free funds flow to shareholders through the
base dividend and share repurchases and the anticipated amounts
thereof; ARC's 2024 capital budget and guidance including, among
others, planned capital expenditures, anticipated average annual
production and the components thereof and anticipated expenses and
the components thereof; expectations with respect to Attachie
Phase I, including anticipated production volumes, the components
thereof and the anticipated timing and benefits related thereto;
the timing for completion of the final start-up pad at Attachie
Phase I; ARC's planned investments at Attachie Phase I; the amount
and timing of investment in Attachie Phase II and anticipated
benefits therefrom; ARC's investment plans at Kakwa and the
anticipated benefits therefrom; ARC's investment plans at Sunrise
and the anticipated benefits therefrom; ARC's investment plans at
Greater Dawson and the anticipated
benefits therefrom; ARC's expectations regarding its ability to
generate free funds flow and ability to reinvest funds from
operations; ARC's drilling plans and the anticipated timing
thereof; ARC's expectations regarding production levels in Q4 2024;
ARC's 2025 capital budget and guidance including, among others,
planned capital expenditures, anticipated average annual production
and the components thereof, operating expenses, transportation
expenses, G&A expenses before share-based compensation expense,
G&A expenses, interest and financing expenses and current
income tax as a per cent of funds from operations; ARC's
expectations regarding transportation expense; the anticipated
benefits of the Cedar LNG agreements and timing thereof; ARC's
expectations regarding reaching its long-term market
diversification strategy and anticipated timing thereof;
anticipated benefits of well design changes at Kakwa and
anticipated timing of implementation thereof; anticipated fourth
quarter capital expenditures; anticipated fourth quarter
production, the components thereof and the rationale behind such
anticipated production and growth; ARC's 2024 and 2025 outlook, the
components thereof and the rationale behind such anticipated
production and growth; net debt targets; expectations regarding
operating expense per boe; and other statements. Further,
statements relating to reserves and resources are deemed to be
forward-looking information, as they involve the implied
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the
resources and reserves described can be profitably produced in the
future. In addition, forward-looking information may include
statements attributable to third-party industry sources. There can
be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon
which these forward-looking statements are based will occur.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking information as ARC's actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied. ARC undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information
except as required by law. Developing forward-looking information
involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of
certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to ARC
and others that apply to the industry generally. The material
assumptions on which the forward-looking information in this news
release are based, and the material risks and uncertainties
underlying such forward-looking information, include: ARC's ability
to successfully integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of
completed or future acquisitions and divestitures; access to
sufficient capital to pursue any development plans; forecast
commodity prices and other pricing assumptions with respect to
ARC's 2024 capital expenditure budget; assumptions with respect to
ARC's 2024 and 2025 guidance; ARC's ability to issue securities and
to repurchase its securities under the NCIB; ARC's ability to
continue purchasing under its NCIB; that conditions precedent to
the liquefaction tolling services agreement with Cedar LNG Partners
LP will be met; that the terms and conditions of the sale and
purchase agreement to be entered into will be as expected; that the
Cedar LNG project will be completed on the timelines anticipated;
that counterparties to ARC's various agreements will comply with
their contractual obligations; expectations and projections made in
light of ARC's historical experience; data contained in key
modeling statistics; the potential implementation of new
technologies and the cost thereof; continuing uncertainty of the
impact of the June 29, 2021 BC
Supreme Court ruling in Blueberry River First Nations (Yahey) v.
Province of British Columbia on BC
and/or federal laws or policies affecting resource development in
northeast BC and potential outcomes of the negotiations between
Blueberry River First Nations and the Government of BC; assumptions
with respect to global economic conditions and the accuracy of
ARC's market outlook expectations for 2024 and 2025; suspension of
or changes to guidance, and the associated impact to production;
forecast production volumes based on business and market
conditions; the accuracy of outlooks and projections contained
herein; that future business, regulatory, and industry conditions
will be within the parameters expected by ARC, including with
respect to prices, margins, demand, supply, product availability,
supplier agreements, availability, and cost of labour and interest,
exchange, and effective tax rates; projected capital investment
levels, the flexibility of capital spending plans, and associated
sources of funding; the ability of ARC to complete capital programs
and the flexibility of ARC's capital structure; applicable royalty
regimes, including expected royalty rates; future improvements in
availability of product transportation capacity; opportunity for
ARC to pay dividends and the approval and declaration of such
dividends by the Board; the existence of alternative uses for ARC's
cash resources which may be superior to payment of dividends or
effecting repurchases of outstanding common shares; cash flows,
cash balances on hand, and access to ARC's credit facility and
other long-term debt being sufficient to fund capital investments;
foreign exchange rates; near-term pricing and continued volatility
of the market; the ability of ARC's existing pipeline commitments
and financial risk management transactions to partially mitigate a
portion of ARC's risks against wider price differentials; business
interruption, property and casualty losses, or unexpected technical
difficulties; estimates of quantities of crude oil, natural gas,
and liquids from properties and other sources not currently
classified as proved; accounting estimates and judgments; future
use and development of technology and associated expected future
results; ARC's ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals
generally; potential regulatory and industry changes stemming from
the results of court actions affecting regions in which ARC holds
assets; risks and uncertainties related to oil and gas interests
and operations on Indigenous lands; the successful and timely
implementation of capital projects or stages thereof; the ability
to generate sufficient cash flow to meet current and future
obligations; estimated abandonment and reclamation costs, including
associated levies and regulations applicable thereto; ARC's ability
to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and
cost-efficient manner; ARC's ability to carry out transactions on
the desired terms and within the expected timelines; forecast
inflation and other assumptions inherent in the guidance of ARC;
the retention of key assets; the continuance of existing tax,
royalty, and regulatory regimes; GLJ's estimates with respect to
commodity pricing; ARC's ability to access and implement all
technology necessary to efficiently and effectively operate its
assets; and other assumptions, risks, and uncertainties described
from time to time in the filings made by ARC with securities
regulatory authorities, including those risks contained under the
heading "Risk Factors" in ARC's management's discussion and
analysis for the year ended December 31,
2023.
ARC's future shareholder distributions, including but not
limited to the payment of dividends, if any, and the level thereof
is uncertain. Any decision to pay dividends on ARC's shares
(including the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date
and the payment date in connection therewith and any special
dividends) will be subject to the discretion of the Board and may
depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation,
ARC's business performance, financial condition, financial
requirements, growth plans, expected capital requirements and other
conditions existing at such future time including, without
limitation, contractual restrictions and satisfaction of the
solvency tests imposed on ARC under applicable corporate law.
Further, the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date
and the payment date of any dividend are subject to the discretion
of the Board. There can be no assurance that ARC will pay dividends
in the future.
The forward-looking information contained herein are expressly
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The
forward-looking information included in this news release are made
as of the date of this news release and, except as required by
applicable securities laws, ARC undertakes no obligation to
publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new
information, subsequent events or otherwise.
The forward-looking information in this news release also
includes financial outlooks and other related forward-looking
information (including production and financial-related metrics)
relating to ARC, including, but not limited to: the expectations of
ARC regarding free funds flow, funds from operations, capital
expenditures, net debt, and production. Any financial outlook and
forward-looking information implied by such forward-looking
statements are described in ARC's Q3 2024 MD&A, and ARC's most
recent annual information form, which are available on ARC's
website at www.arcresources.com and under ARC's SEDAR+ profile
at www.sedarplus.ca and are incorporated by reference
herein.
About ARC
ARC Resources Ltd. is a pure-play Montney producer and one of Canada's largest dividend-paying energy
companies, featuring low-cost operations. ARC's investment-grade
credit profile is supported by commodity and geographic diversity
and robust risk management practices around all aspects of the
business. ARC's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol ARX.
ARC RESOURCES LTD.
Please visit ARC's website at
www.arcresources.com or contact Investor Relations:
E-mail: IR@arcresources.com
Telephone: (403) 503-8600
Fax: (403) 509-6427
Toll Free: 1-888-272-4900
ARC Resources Ltd.
Suite 1500, 308 - 4 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0H7
SOURCE ARC Resources Ltd.