CALGARY
AB, Nov. 8, 2023 /CNW/ - InPlay Oil Corp.
(TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) ("InPlay" or the "Company") announces its
financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2023. InPlay's
condensed unaudited interim financial statements and notes, as well
as Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three
and nine months ended September 30,
2023 will be available at "www.sedar.com" and our website at
"www.inplayoil.com".
Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operating
Highlights
- Realized average quarterly production of 9,003
boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs), a 6% increase
compared to 8,474 boe/d (57% light crude oil and NGLs) in the
second quarter of 2023 despite extended curtailments and unplanned
downtime experienced in the quarter of approximately 550
boe/d.
- Generated strong quarterly adjusted funds flow
("AFF")(2) of $25.2
million ($0.28 per basic
share(3)), an increase of 16% from the second quarter of
2023.
- Returned $4.0 million
($12.0 million in the first nine
months of 2023) directly to shareholders through our monthly base
dividend.
- Increased revenues by 17% to $46.7
million compared to $39.8
million in the second quarter of 2023.
- Improved field operating netbacks(3) by 8% compared
to the second quarter of 2023.
- Achieved net income of $7.5
million ($0.08 per basic
share; $0.08 per diluted share).
InPlay has now returned to a retained earnings position on the
balance sheet demonstrating that the Company has generated positive
earnings since inception (net of dividends paid).
- Invested $27.5 million to drill,
complete and equip three (2.9 net) Extended Reach Horizontal
("ERH") wells in Willesden Green, three (3.0 net) ERH wells in
Pembina and one (0.35 net) non-operated ERH well in Willesden
Green.
Fourth Quarter Operational Update:
- Drilled and completed two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden
Green which were recently put on production.
- The three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells brought on production
shortly before start of the quarter are producing at strong rates
of approximately 260 boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and
NGLs) per well.
- Brought online our second natural gas facility upgrade at
Leafland, which has increased operated facility capacity by 66%
while improving our liquids yield by 40%. Production benefits are
already being realized through reduced back pressure on wells,
lower declines and providing more consistent runtimes.
- Current production is 9,700 boe/d(1) (60% light
crude oil and NGLs) based on field estimates., excluding the impact
of the two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green showing strong
flowback rates in the early clean up stage.
Financial and Operating Results:
|
Three months
ended
September
30
|
Nine months
ended
September
30
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
Financial
(CDN) ($millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Oil and natural gas
sales
|
46.7
|
57.0
|
131.7
|
180.4
|
Adjusted funds
flow(2)
|
25.2
|
30.2
|
68.2
|
100.5
|
Per
share – basic(4)
|
0.28
|
0.35
|
0.77
|
1.16
|
Per
share – diluted(4)
|
0.28
|
0.33
|
0.76
|
1.10
|
Per
boe(4)
|
30.40
|
34.61
|
28.30
|
41.23
|
Comprehensive
income
|
7.5
|
15.4
|
21.1
|
63.2
|
Per share –
basic
|
0.08
|
0.18
|
0.24
|
0.73
|
Per share
–diluted
|
0.08
|
0.17
|
0.23
|
0.69
|
Capital expenditures –
PP&E and E&E
|
27.5
|
24.5
|
69.8
|
64.0
|
Property acquisitions
(dispositions)
|
-
|
-
|
0.3
|
-
|
Net Corporate
acquisitions(3)
|
-
|
0.1
|
-
|
0.5
|
Net
debt(2)
|
(48.8)
|
(45.6)
|
(48.8)
|
(45.6)
|
Shares
outstanding
|
90.3
|
87.2
|
90.3
|
87.2
|
Basic weighted-average
shares
|
89.3
|
87.1
|
88.7
|
86.8
|
Diluted
weighted-average shares
|
90.8
|
91.2
|
90.2
|
91.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operational
|
|
|
|
|
Daily production
volumes
|
|
|
|
|
Light and medium crude
oil (bbls/d)
|
3,697
|
3,717
|
3,714
|
3,718
|
Natural gas liquids
(bbls/d)
|
1,420
|
1,432
|
1,355
|
1,358
|
Conventional natural
gas (Mcf/d)
|
23,316
|
26,075
|
22,581
|
23,129
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
9,003
|
9,495
|
8,832
|
8,931
|
Realized
prices(4)
|
|
|
|
|
Light and medium crude
oil & NGLs ($/bbls)
|
86.28
|
96.98
|
82.09
|
103.89
|
Conventional natural
gas ($/Mcf)
|
2.82
|
4.60
|
2.94
|
5.77
|
Total
($/boe)
|
56.35
|
65.24
|
54.63
|
74.00
|
Operating netbacks
($/boe)(3)
|
|
|
|
|
Oil and natural gas
sales
|
56.35
|
65.24
|
54.63
|
74.00
|
Royalties
|
(6.50)
|
(12.14)
|
(6.71)
|
(11.49)
|
Transportation
expense
|
(0.85)
|
(1.02)
|
(0.90)
|
(1.15)
|
Operating
costs
|
(15.31)
|
(12.53)
|
(15.07)
|
(12.58)
|
Operating netback(3)
|
33.69
|
39.55
|
31.95
|
48.78
|
Realized (loss) on
derivative contracts
|
1.76
|
(0.59)
|
1.27
|
(2.75)
|
Operating netback (including realized derivative
contracts) (3)
|
35.45
|
38.96
|
33.22
|
46.03
|
Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operations
Overview:
The third quarter of 2023 was a capital intensive quarter for
the Company. InPlay invested $27.5
million drilling, completing and equipping three (2.9 net)
ERH wells in Willesden Green and three (3.0 net) ERH wells in
Pembina. The Company also participated in one (0.35 net)
non-operated ERH well in Willesden Green not previously
budgeted.
In addition to the upgrade of a natural gas facility in the
second quarter, the Company completed a second material upgrade of
a gas facility during the third quarter which was brought back
on-line in early October. This project modernized existing
infrastructure in the Leafland area of Willesden Green and has
resulted in an approximate 66% increase to the natural gas
processing capability of this facility. The addition of a
refrigeration plant to this facility has also improved NGL
recoveries by approximately 40%. This additional capacity has
lowered field pressures in the area which is expected to improve
production and reduce declines on existing wells and future
drilling locations. This upgrade is expected to accommodate
future development in Leafland and provide more consistent and
reliable processing capacity within the Company's operational
control.
The Company has been focused on a high oil weighted drilling
program. Three (2.9 net) Willesden Green ERH wells came on
production in August into high pressure pipeline systems with
average initial production ("IP") rates per well of 203
boe/d(1) (94% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first
30 days and 215 boe/d(1) (93% light crude oil and NGLs)
over their first 60 days. The impact of our facility
improvements has enabled these wells to have multiple weeks of flat
to improving production rates and after two months they continue to
produce at an average rate of approximately 280
boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well.
The production witnessed from the most recent six wells drilled in
Willesden Green have recently benefitted from reduced field
pressures and consistent facility runtimes resulting from our
operated natural gas facility expansions.
In addition, three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells came on
production at the end of September with average initial production
("IP") rates per well of 227 boe/d(1) (88% light crude
oil and NGLs) over their first 30 days. These wells have also
continued to clean up after completions and are currently producing
approximately 260 boe/d(1) (87% light crude oil and
NGLs) per well.
Production for the three months ended September 30, 2023 averaged 9,003
boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs), 6% higher
compared to the three months ended June
30, 2023. Third quarter production was impacted by
approximately 550 boe/d (52% light crude oil and NGLs) primarily
due to the continuation of multiple third-party natural gas
takeaway constraints on our operations and the commissioning of our
expanded gas facility that slightly exceeded the anticipated
startup timeline. The continued third-party facility outages forced
the redirection of associated natural gas to less favorable
third-party facilities impacting production through increased back
pressure on producing wells as well as higher operating costs.
InPlay generated AFF(2) of $25.2 million ($0.28 per basic share) an increase of 16% from
the second quarter of 2023. The Company achieved net income of
$7.5 million ($0.08 per basic share; $0.08 per diluted share) and has returned to a
retained earnings position on the balance sheet. This is evidence
of the long-term sustainability of the Company as positive earnings
have been generated since inception (net of dividends paid).
Outlook and Operations Update(5)
The majority of InPlay's capital program for the year has been
completed. The Company's drilling program for the fourth quarter is
underway with two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green having
been drilled to date. These two wells have been completed and are
in the early stages of production. In addition, a 1.0 net Belly
River well is now planned to be drilled in the fourth quarter and
anticipated to come online in December with its first full month of
production expected to commence in January
2024. This well replaces a previously planned one (0.8 net)
Willesden Green well.
The investments made in increasing natural gas takeaway capacity
through the two facility upgrades in Willesden Green will be
important in alleviating potential production issues from third
party facility outages going forward. These upgrades have
increased our natural gas processing and takeaway capacity in
Leafland from approximately 8,400 mcf/d to 17,300 mcf/d. These
projects have already shown their importance by reducing back
pressure on wells, lowering declines and providing more consistent
runtimes, and the reduction in field pressures has the added
benefit of improving our liquids weighting. Current production is
approximately 9,700 boe/d(1) (60% light crude oil and
NGLs) based on field estimates, excluding the impact of two (1.6
net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which are in early stage cleanup
and with only four days of production are showing strong flowback
rates.
As a result, the fourth quarter is forecasted to be our highest
production quarter of the year and given the strong crude oil
pricing environment and weak Canadian dollar, the fourth quarter is
also projected to be our highest AFF quarter for the year. As the
majority of the 2023 capital program was completed by the end of
the third quarter, significant free adjusted funds flow
("FAFF")(3) is expected to be generated in the fourth
quarter resulting in a sizeable reduction to net debt prior to
year-end.
The Company's updated 2023 drilling program will be more active
than previously planned by approximately 0.6 net wells consisting
of 21 (17.1 net) horizontal wells. The changes include an
additional one (0.35 net) non-op ERH Willesden Green well and a 1.0
net Belly River well instead of a previously planned one (0.8 net)
Willesden Green well. As a result, InPlay has revised its 2023
development capital expenditure guidance to approximately
$83 million(5). The timing
of the Belly River well will not materially add to 2023 production
but will pave the way for potentially an increased Belly River
program in 2024 given the high oil weighting and high netback
nature of this play. This area is defined by high light-oil
weightings that receive a premium to the Mixed Sweet Blend ("MSW"),
our pricing benchmark. Our two recent horizontal wells drilled in
the area came online in November 2022
and have had operating netbacks of approximately $71.25/boe since being brought on production, and
light oil and liquids weightings of approximately 94% to date.
These wells have had very low decline rates over this period with
average IP rates per well of 98 boe/d (97% light crude oil and
NGLs) and 115 boe/d (92% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first
90 and 335 days respectively.
The Company remains committed to providing strong returns to
shareholders. Our monthly base dividend of $0.015/share
represents approximately a 7% yield at the current share price. To
date, the Company has returned $16
million to shareholders through dividends since our
inaugural dividend was declared in November
2022, representing approximately 7% of our current market
capitalization while maintaining a strong financial position. The
generation of shareholder returns through significant FAFF,
top-tier production per share growth while maintaining low leverage
all remain top priorities of InPlay.
InPlay would like to thank our staff, contractors, and suppliers
for their continued dedication and execution, and thank the Board
of Directors and shareholders for their continued guidance and
support. We look forward to releasing our 2024 capital budget and
associated guidance in January.
For further information
please contact:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Doug Bartole
President and Chief Executive Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0632
|
|
Darren Dittmer
Chief Financial Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0634
|
Notes:
|
1.
|
See "Production
Breakdown by Product Type" at the end of this press
release.
|
2.
|
Capital management
measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" contained
within this press release.
|
3.
|
Non-GAAP financial
measure or ratio that does not have a standardized meaning under
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and GAAP and
therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar
measures for other companies. Please refer to "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" contained within this press
release.
|
4.
|
Supplementary
financial measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures"
contained within this press release.
|
5.
|
See "Reader
Advisories – Forward Looking Information and Statements" for key
budget and underlying assumptions related to our previous and
updated 2023 capital program and associated guidance.
|
Reader Advisories
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
Throughout this press release and other materials disclosed by
the Company, InPlay uses 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 GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and
other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to,
or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in
accordance with GAAP as indicators of the Company performance.
Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and
other financial measures provides useful information to
shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the
Company's ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide
increased transparency and the ability to better analyze InPlay's
business performance against prior periods on a comparable
basis.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios
Included in this document are references to the terms "free
adjusted funds flow", "operating income", "operating netback per
boe", "operating income profit margin", "Net Debt to EBITDA", "Net
Corporate Acquisitions", "Debt adjusted production per share" and
"EV / DAAFF". Management believes these measures and ratios are
helpful supplementary measures of financial and operating
performance and provide users with similar, but potentially not
comparable, information that is commonly used by other oil and
natural gas companies. These terms do not have any
standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be
considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than "profit
(loss) before taxes", "profit (loss) and comprehensive income
(loss)", "adjusted funds flow", "capital expenditures", "corporate
acquisitions, net of cash acquired", "net debt", "weighted average
number of common shares (basic)" or assets and liabilities as
determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of the Company's
performance and financial position.
Free Adjusted Funds Flow
Management considers FAFF an important measure to identify the
Company's ability to improve its financial condition through debt
repayment and its ability to provide returns to shareholders. FAFF
should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful
than AFF as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of
the Company's performance. FAFF is calculated by the Company as AFF
less exploration and development capital expenditures and property
dispositions (acquisitions) and is a measure of the cashflows
remaining after capital expenditures before corporate acquisitions
that can be used for additional capital activity, corporate
acquisitions, repayment of debt or decommissioning expenditures or
potentially return of capital to shareholders. Refer to the
"Forward Looking Information and Statements" section for a
calculation of forecast FAFF.
Operating Income/Operating Netback per boe/Operating Income
Profit Margin
InPlay uses "operating income", "operating netback per boe" and
"operating income profit margin" as key performance indicators.
Operating income is calculated by the Company as oil and natural
gas sales less royalties, operating expenses and transportation
expenses and is a measure of the profitability of operations before
administrative, share-based compensation, financing and other
non-cash items. Management considers operating income an important
measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates
its field level profitability. Operating income should not be
considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than net income
as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the
Company's performance. Operating netback per boe is calculated by
the Company as operating income divided by average production for
the respective period. Management considers operating netback per
boe an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as
it demonstrates its field level profitability per unit of
production. Operating income profit margin is calculated by the
Company as operating income as a percentage of oil and natural gas
sales. Management considers operating income profit margin an
important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it
demonstrates how efficiently the Company generates field level
profits from its sales revenue. Refer below for a calculation of
operating income, operating netback per boe and operating income
profit margin.
(thousands of
dollars)
|
Three Months
Ended
September
30
|
Nine Months
Ended
September
30
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
Revenue
|
46,672
|
56,985
|
131,735
|
180,429
|
Royalties
|
(5,387)
|
(10,607)
|
(16,178)
|
(28,017)
|
Operating
expenses
|
(12,677)
|
(10,946)
|
(36,343)
|
(30,660)
|
Transportation
expenses
|
(698)
|
(888)
|
(2,190)
|
(2,802)
|
Operating
income
|
27,910
|
34,544
|
77,024
|
118,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales volume
(Mboe)
|
828.3
|
873.5
|
2,411.2
|
2,438.1
|
Per
boe
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
56.35
|
65.24
|
54.63
|
74.00
|
Royalties
|
(6.50)
|
(12.14)
|
(6.71)
|
(11.49)
|
Operating
expenses
|
(15.31)
|
(12.53)
|
(15.07)
|
(12.58)
|
Transportation
expenses
|
(0.85)
|
(1.02)
|
(0.90)
|
(1.15)
|
Operating netback per
boe
|
33.69
|
39.55
|
31.95
|
48.78
|
Operating income profit
margin
|
60 %
|
61 %
|
58 %
|
66 %
|
Net Debt to EBITDA
Management considers Net Debt to EBITDA an important measure as
it is a key metric to identify the Company's ability to fund
financing expenses, net debt reductions and other obligations.
EBITDA is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow before
interest expense. When this measure is presented quarterly, EBITDA
is annualized by multiplying by four. When this measure is
presented on a trailing twelve month basis, EBITDA for the twelve
months preceding the net debt date is used in the calculation. This
measure is consistent with the EBITDA formula prescribed under the
Company's Senior Credit Facility. Net Debt to EBITDA is calculated
as Net Debt divided by EBITDA. Refer to the "Forward Looking
Information and Statements" section for a calculation of forecast
Net Debt to EBITDA.
Net Corporate Acquisitions
Management considers Net corporate acquisitions an important
measure as it is a key metric to evaluate the corporate acquisition
in comparison to other transactions using the negotiated
consideration value and ignoring changes to the fair value of the
share consideration between the signing of the definitive agreement
and the closing of the transaction. Net corporate acquisitions
should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful
than "Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired" as determined
in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company's
performance. Net corporate acquisitions is calculated as total
consideration with share consideration adjusted to the value
negotiated with the counterparty, less working capital balances
assumed on the corporate acquisition. Refer below for a calculation
of Net corporate acquisitions and reconciliation to the nearest
GAAP measure, "Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired".
(thousands of
dollars)
|
Three Months
Ended
September
30
|
Nine Months
Ended
September
30
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
Corporate acquisitions,
net of cash acquired
|
-
|
89
|
-
|
501
|
Share
consideration
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Non-cash working
capital acquired
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Derivative
contracts
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Net Corporate
acquisitions
|
-
|
89
|
-
|
501(1)
|
(1)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the acquired
amount of Property, plant and equipment was adjusted by $0.5
million as a result of adjustments relating to the acquisition of
Prairie Storm, with a corresponding increase in the recognized
amounts of Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
|
Production per Debt Adjusted Share
InPlay uses "Production per debt adjusted share" as a key
performance indicator. Debt adjusted shares should not be
considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than common
shares as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the
Company's performance. Debt adjusted shares is a non-GAAP measure
used in the calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and
is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the
change in net debt divided by the Company's current trading price
on the TSX, converting net debt to equity. Debt adjusted shares
should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful
than weighted average number of common shares (basic) as determined
in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company's
performance. Management considers Debt adjusted share to be a key
performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of capital
structure in relation to the Company's peers. Production per debt
adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided
by debt adjusted shares. Management considers Production per
debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts
for the effects of changes in annual production in relation to the
Company's capital structure. Refer to the "Forward Looking
Information and Statements" section for a calculation of forecast
Production per debt adjusted share.
EV / DAAFF
InPlay uses "enterprise value to debt adjusted AFF" or
"EV/DAAFF" as a key performance indicator. EV/DAAFF is calculated
by the Company as enterprise value divided by debt adjusted AFF for
the relevant period. Debt adjusted AFF ("DAAFF") is calculated by
the Company as adjusted funds flow plus financing costs. Enterprise
value is a capital management measure that is used in the
calculation of EV/DAAFF. Enterprise value is calculated as the
Company's market capitalization plus working capital (net debt).
Management considers enterprise value a key performance indicator
as it identifies the total capital structure of the Company.
Management considers EV/DAAFF a key performance indicator as it is
a key metric used to evaluate the sustainability of the Company
relative to other companies while incorporating the impact of
differing capital structures. Refer to the "Forward Looking
Information and Statements" section for a calculation of forecast
EV/DAAFF.
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted Funds Flow
Management considers adjusted funds flow to be an important
measure of InPlay's ability to generate the funds necessary to
finance capital expenditures. Adjusted funds flow is a GAAP measure
and is disclosed in the notes to the Company's financial statements
for the three months ended March 31,
2023. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this
MD&A are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning
expenditures and transaction and integration costs. Decommissioning
expenditures are adjusted from funds flow as they are incurred on a
discretionary and irregular basis and are primarily incurred on
previous operating assets. Transaction costs are non-recurring
costs for the purposes of an acquisition, making the exclusion of
these items relevant in Management's view to the reader in the
evaluation of InPlay's operating performance. The Company also
presents adjusted funds flow per share whereby per share amounts
are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent
with the calculation of profit per common share.
Net Debt / Working Capital
Net debt / working capital is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in
the notes to the Company's financial statements for three months
ended March 31, 2023. The Company
closely monitors its capital structure with the goal of maintaining
a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company.
The Company monitors net debt / working capital as part of its
capital structure. The Company uses net debt / working capital
(bank debt plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities less
accounts receivables and accrued receivables, prepaid expenses and
deposits and inventory) as an alternative measure of outstanding
debt. Management considers net debt / working capital an important
measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.
Supplementary Measures
"Average realized crude oil price" is comprised of crude
oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance
with IFRS, divided by the Company's crude oil production. Average
prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not
include gains and losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized NGL price" is comprised of NGL
commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with
IFRS, divided by the Company's NGL production. Average prices are
before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains
and losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized natural gas price" is comprised of
natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in
accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's natural gas
production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation
costs and do not include gains and losses on financial
instruments.
"Average realized commodity price" is comprised of
commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with
IFRS, divided by the Company's production. Average prices are
before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains
and losses on financial instruments.
"Adjusted funds flow per weighted average basic share" is
comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the basic weighted
average common shares.
"Adjusted funds flow per weighted average diluted share"
is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the diluted weighted
average common shares.
"Adjusted funds flow per boe" is comprised of
adjusted funds flow divided by total production.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This news release contains certain forward–looking information
and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue",
"estimate", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans",
"intends", "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular,
but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains
forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the
following: the Company's business strategy, milestones and
objectives; the Company's planned 2023 capital program including
wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; the
expectation that our Leafland gas facility upgrade will accommodate
full development, provide consistent and reliable processing
capacity, improve production on existing wells and future drilling
locations and reduce production declines; accommodate full
development in Leafland and provide consistent and reliable
processing capacity within the Company's operational control; 2023
guidance based on the planned capital program and all associated
underlying assumptions set forth in this press release including,
without limitation, forecasts of 2023 annual average production
levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free
adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit
margin, and Management's belief that the Company can grow some or
all of these attributes and specified measures; light crude oil and
NGLs weighting estimates; that the fourth quarter is forecasted to
be our highest production and AFF quarter of the year with
significant FAFF generated resulting in a sizeable reduction to net
debt and a material reduction to our leverage metrics; expectations
regarding future commodity prices; future oil and natural gas
prices; future liquidity and financial capacity; future results
from operations and operating metrics; future costs, expenses and
royalty rates; future interest costs; the exchange rate between the
$US and $Cdn; future development, exploration, acquisition,
development and infrastructure activities and related capital
expenditures, including our planned 2023 capital program; the
amount and timing of capital projects; forecasted spending on
decommissioning; expectations regarding third party processing
constraints and maintenance shut ins and the timing and impact of
the same; that the Company has the financial capability to deliver
consistent return to shareholders and the dividend is supportable
at a $55 WTI pricing environment
until 2025; the potential for an increased Belly River program in
2024; the timing of the release of the Company's 2024 capital
budget and associated guidance; and methods of funding our capital
program.
Without limitation of the foregoing, readers are cautioned that
the Company's future dividend payments to shareholders of the
Company, if any, and the level thereof will be subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors of InPlay. The Company's
dividend policy and funds available for the payment of dividends,
if any, from time to time, is dependent upon, among other things,
levels of FAFF, leverage ratios, financial requirements for the
Company's operations and execution of its growth strategy,
fluctuations in commodity prices and working capital, the timing
and amount of capital expenditures, credit facility availability
and limitations on distributions existing thereunder, and other
factors beyond the Company's control. Further, the ability of the
Company to pay dividends will be subject to applicable laws,
including satisfaction of solvency tests under the Business
Corporations Act (Alberta),
and satisfaction of certain applicable contractual restrictions
contained in the agreements governing the Company's outstanding
indebtedness.
Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number
of material factors, expectations or assumptions of InPlay which
have been used to develop such statements and information but which
may prove to be incorrect. Although InPlay believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or
information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements because InPlay can give no assurance
that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to
other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein,
assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the
impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the
economic and political environment in which InPlay operates; the
timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of
InPlay 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 InPlay has an interest in to
operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the
ability of InPlay to obtain debt financing on acceptable terms; the
anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; 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 the ability of InPlay to
secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices;
that various conditions to a shareholder return strategy can be
satisfied; the ongoing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; currency, exchange and interest
rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and
environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which InPlay
operates; and the ability of InPlay to successfully market its oil
and natural gas products.
The forward-looking information and statements included herein
are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly
relied upon. Such information and statements, including the
assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual
results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in
such forward-looking information or statements including, without
limitation: the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; inflation and the risk of a
global recession; changes in our planned 2023 capital program;
changes in our long range plan; changes in our approach to
shareholder returns; changes in commodity prices and other
assumptions outlined herein; the risk that dividend payments may be
reduced, suspended or cancelled; the potential for variation in the
quality of the reservoirs in which we operate; changes in the
demand for or supply of our products; unanticipated operating
results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental
laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in
development plans or strategies of InPlay or by third party
operators of our properties; changes in our credit structure,
increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate
estimation of our light crude oil and natural gas reserve and
resource volumes; limited, unfavorable or a lack of access to
capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance
coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks
detailed from time-to-time in InPlay's continuous disclosure
documents filed on SEDAR including our Annual Information Form and
our MD&A.
This press release contains future-oriented financial
information and financial outlook information (collectively,
"FOFI") about InPlay's financial and leverage targets and
objectives, InPlay's long-term forecast, and potential dividends,
all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors,
limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above
paragraphs. The actual results of operations of InPlay and the
resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set
forth in this press release and such variation may be material.
InPlay and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared
on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's reasonable estimates
and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and
subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as
necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by
applicable securities laws, InPlay undertakes no obligation to
update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as
of the date of this press release and was provided for the purpose
of providing further information about InPlay's anticipated future
business operations and strategy. Readers are cautioned
that the FOFI contained in this press release should not be used
for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying
our Board approved 2023 capital budget and associated guidance, as
well as management's preliminary estimates and targets in respect
of plans for 2024 and beyond (which are not based on Board approved
budgets at this time), are subject to change in light of, among
other factors, the impact of world events including the
Russia/Ukraine conflict, ongoing results, prevailing
economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and industry
conditions and regulations. InPlay's financial outlook and guidance
provides shareholders with relevant information on management's
expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential
acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based upon the
key assumptions outlined herein. In this document reference is made
to the Company's longer range 2024 and beyond internal plan and
associated economic model. Such information reflects internal
estimates and targets used by management for the purposes of making
capital investment decisions and for internal long-range planning
and budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or
circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to
differ materially from those predicted and InPlay's guidance for
2023, and more particularly 2024 and beyond, may not be appropriate
for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be
placed on same.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this
news release speak only as of the date hereof and InPlay does not
assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the
included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
may be required by applicable securities laws.
Risk Factors to FLI
Risk factors that could materially impact successful execution
and actual results of the Company's 2023 capital program and
associated guidance and long-term preliminary plans and estimates
include:
- volatility of petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent
difficulty in the accuracy of predictions related thereto;
- the extent of any unfavourable impacts of wildfires in the
province of Alberta.
- changes in Federal and Provincial regulations;
- the Company's ability to secure financing for the Board
approved 2023 capital program and longer-term capital plans sourced
from AFF, bank or other debt instruments, asset sales, equity
issuance, infrastructure financing or some combination thereof;
and
- those additional risk factors set forth in the Company's
MD&A and most recent Annual Information Form filed on
SEDAR
Key Budget and Underlying Material Assumptions to FLI
The Company's 2023 guidance remains the same as previously
released August 14, 2023, with
updated capital expenditures to $83
million. The 2023 guidance calculations which are impacted
by this change are outlined below.
|
|
|
Actuals
FY 2022
|
Updated
Guidance
FY 2023
|
Previous
Guidance
FY
2023(1)
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$131
|
$103 – $108
|
$103 – $108
|
Capital
Expenditures
|
$ millions
|
|
$77.6
|
$83
|
$75 – $80
|
Free Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$53
|
$20 – $25
|
$23 – $33
|
|
|
|
Actuals
FY 2022
|
Updated
Guidance
FY 2023
|
Previous
Guidance
FY
2023(1)
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$131
|
$103 – $108
|
$103 – $108
|
Interest
|
$/boe
|
|
1.49
|
1.00 – 1.50
|
1.00 – 1.50
|
EBITDA
|
$ millions
|
|
$136
|
$108 – $113
|
$108 – $113
|
Working Capital (Net
Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
($33)
|
($35) –
($30)
|
($31) –
($27)
|
Net
Debt/EBITDA
|
|
|
0.2
|
0.2 – 0.3
|
0.2 – 0.3
|
|
|
|
Actuals
FY 2022
|
Updated
Guidance
FY 2023
|
Previous
Guidance
FY
2023(1)
|
Production
|
Boe/d
|
|
9,105
|
9,100 –
9,500
|
9,100 –
9,500
|
Opening Working Cap.
(Net Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
($80.2)
|
($33)
|
($33)
|
Ending Working Cap.
(Net Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
($33)
|
($35) –
($30)
|
($31) –
($27)
|
Weighted avg.
outstanding shares
|
# millions
|
|
86.9
|
88.7
|
88.7
|
Assumed Share
price
|
$
|
|
3.39(4)
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
Prod. per debt adj.
share growth(3)
|
|
|
51 %
|
(3%) – 3%
|
0% – 5%
|
|
|
|
Actuals
FY 2022
|
Updated
Guidance
FY 2023
|
Previous
Guidance
FY
2023(1)
|
Share outstanding, end
of year
|
# millions
|
|
87.0
|
89.4
|
89.4
|
Assumed Share
price
|
$
|
|
3.03(5)
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
Market
capitalization
|
$ millions
|
|
$263
|
$246
|
$246
|
Working Capital (Net
Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
($33)
|
($35) –
($30)
|
($31) –
($27)
|
Enterprise
value
|
$millions
|
|
$296
|
$276 – $281
|
$273 – $277
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$131
|
$103 – $108
|
$103 – $108
|
Interest
|
$/boe
|
|
1.49
|
1.00 – 1.50
|
1.00 – 1.50
|
Debt Adjusted
AFF
|
$ millions
|
|
$136
|
$108 – $113
|
$108 – $113
|
EV/DAAFF
|
|
|
2.2
|
2.7 – 2.5
|
2.6 – 2.4
|
The Company's 2024 and 2025 preliminary plans remains the same
as previously released January 18,
2023, with net debt (working capital) updated to reflect the
updated forecast 2023 ending net debt. The 2024 and 2025
preliminary plan guidance calculations which are impacted by this
change are outlined below.
|
|
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(6)
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(2)(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(2)(6)
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
Interest
|
$/boe
|
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
EBITDA
|
$ millions
|
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
Working Capital (Net
Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
$2 – $14
|
$45 – $56
|
$5 – $17
|
$48 – $59
|
Net
Debt/EBITDA
|
|
|
(0.0) –
(0.1)
|
(0.3) –
(0.4)
|
(0.0) –
(0.2)
|
(0.3) –
(0.5)
|
|
|
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(6)
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(2)(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(2)(6)
|
Production
|
Boe/d
|
|
10,250 –
11,250
|
10,950 –
11,950
|
10,250 –
11,250
|
10,950 –
11,950
|
Opening Working Cap.
(Net Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
($35) –
($30)
|
$2 – $14
|
($31) –
($27)
|
$5 – $17
|
Ending Working Cap.
(Net Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
$2 – $14
|
$45 – $56
|
$5 – $17
|
$48 – $59
|
Weighted avg.
outstanding shares
|
# millions
|
|
89.1
|
89.1
|
89.1
|
89.1
|
Assumed Share
price
|
$
|
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
Prod. per debt adj.
share growth(3)
|
|
|
28% – 48%
|
21% – 39%
|
28% – 48%
|
21% – 39%
|
|
|
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(6)
|
Updated
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2024(2)(6)
|
Previous
Preliminary
Plan
FY
2025(2)(6)
|
Share outstanding, end
of year
|
# millions
|
|
89.4
|
89.4
|
89.4
|
89.4
|
Assumed Share
price
|
$
|
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
2.75
|
Market
capitalization
|
$ millions
|
|
$246
|
$246
|
$246
|
$246
|
Working Capital (Net
Debt)
|
$ millions
|
|
$2 – $14
|
$45 – $56
|
$5 – $17
|
$48 – $59
|
Enterprise
value
|
$millions
|
|
$232 – $244
|
$190 – $201
|
$229 – $241
|
$187 – $198
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
$ millions
|
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
Interest
|
$/boe
|
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
0.00 – 0.10
|
Debt Adjusted
AFF
|
$ millions
|
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
$138 – $150
|
$144 – $154
|
EV/DAAFF
|
|
|
1.8 – 1.5
|
1.4 – 1.2
|
1.8 – 1.5
|
1.4 – 1.2
|
(1)
|
As previously released
August 14, 2023.
|
(2)
|
As previously released
January 18, 2023.
|
(3)
|
Production per debt
adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided
by debt adjusted shares. Debt adjusted shares is calculated by the
Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in working
capital (net debt) divided by the Company's current trading price
on the TSX, converting working capital (net debt) to equity. Future
share prices are assumed to be consistent with the current share
price.
|
(4)
|
Weighted average share
price throughout 2022.
|
(5)
|
Ending share price at
December 31, 2022.
|
(6)
|
InPlay's estimates and
plans for 2024 and beyond remain preliminary in nature and do not,
at this time, reflect a Board approved capital expenditure
budget.
|
- See "Production Breakdown by Product Type" below
- Quality and pipeline transmission adjustments may impact
realized oil prices in addition to the MSW Differential provided
above
- Changes in working capital (net debt) are not assumed to have a
material impact between the years presented above.
Test Results and Initial Production Rates
Test results and initial production ("IP") rates disclosed
herein, particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily
be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. A
pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not
been carried out and thus certain of the test results provided
herein should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis
or interpretation has been completed.
Production Breakdown by Product Type
Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this press
release consists of the constituent product types as defined in
NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the
table below:
|
Light and
Medium Crude oil
(bbls/d)
|
NGLs
(boe/d)
|
Conventional Natural
gas
(Mcf/d)
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
Q1 2022 Average
Production
|
3,571
|
1,307
|
20,054
|
8,221
|
Q2 2022 Average
Production
|
3,865
|
1,333
|
23,191
|
9,063
|
Q3 2022 Average
Production
|
3,717
|
1,432
|
26,075
|
9,495
|
2022 Average
Production
|
3,766
|
1,402
|
23,623
|
9,105
|
Q1 2023 Average
Production
|
3,788
|
1,458
|
22,648
|
9,020
|
Q2 2023 Average
Production
|
3,658
|
1,187
|
21,772
|
8,474
|
Q3 2023 Average
Production
|
3,697
|
1,420
|
23,316
|
9,003
|
2023 Annual
Guidance
|
4,105
|
1,332
|
23,175
|
9,300(1)
|
2024 Annual Preliminary
Plan
|
4,655
|
1,565
|
27,180
|
10,750(2)
|
2025 Annual Preliminary
Plan
|
4,900
|
1,685
|
29,190
|
11,450(2)
|
Current
Production
|
4,365
|
1,455
|
23,280
|
9,700
|
Q3 Pembina Wells (per
well) – IP30
|
197
|
4
|
156
|
227
|
Q3 Pembina Wells (per
well) - Current
|
220
|
5
|
210
|
260
|
Q3 WG Wells (per well)
– IP30
|
188
|
3
|
72
|
203
|
Q3 WG Wells (per well)
– IP60
|
196
|
3
|
96
|
215
|
Q3 WG Wells (per well)
– Current
|
236
|
8
|
215
|
280
|
Notes:
|
|
1.
|
This reflects the
mid-point of the Company's 2023 production guidance range of 9,100
to 9,500 boe/d.
|
2.
|
This reflects the
midpoint of the Company's annual production preliminary estimate
range.
|
3.
|
With respect to
forward–looking production guidance, product type breakdown is
based upon management's expectations based on reasonable
assumptions but are subject to variability based on actual well
results.
|
References to crude oil, light oil, NGLs or natural gas
production in this press release refer to the light and medium
crude oil, natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas product
types, respectively, as defined in National Instrument 51-101,
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("Nl
51-101").
BOE equivalent
Barrel of oil equivalents or BOEs 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 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an
indication of value.
SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.