- 2022 adjusted funds flow from operations of $6.00/share, on record production growth
- Growth in all reserve categories of 18-27%
year-over-year
- Power plant regulatory approvals on 501 megawatt
(MW)
CALGARY,
AB, March 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Kiwetinohk
Energy Corp. (TSX: KEC) today reported its 2022 fourth quarter,
annual financial and operational results, and year-end reserves
evaluation. As companion documents to this news release, please
review the company's management discussion and analysis (MD&A),
financial statements and annual information form (AIF) (company
website or www.SEDAR.com) for additional financial and operational
details.
Financial and operating highlights
|
Q4
2022
|
Q3
2022
|
Q4
2021
|
2022
|
2021
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil & condensate
(bbl/d)
|
8,423
|
5,558
|
3,949
|
6,197
|
3,130
|
NGLs (bbl/d)
|
2,664
|
1,944
|
1,572
|
2,012
|
1,180
|
Natural gas
(Mcf/d)
|
81,949
|
53,912
|
41,410
|
57,859
|
32,942
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
24,745
|
16,487
|
12,422
|
17,852
|
9,801
|
Oil and condensate % of
production
|
34 %
|
34 %
|
32 %
|
35 %
|
32 %
|
NGL % of
production
|
11 %
|
12 %
|
13 %
|
11 %
|
12 %
|
Natural gas % of
production
|
55 %
|
54 %
|
55 %
|
54 %
|
56 %
|
Realized
prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil & condensate
($/bbl)
|
104.96
|
114.48
|
97.66
|
115.82
|
84.35
|
NGLs ($/bbl)
|
68.82
|
75.50
|
65.61
|
74.06
|
52.60
|
Natural gas
($/Mcf)
|
8.12
|
10.20
|
6.64
|
8.69
|
5.29
|
Total
($/boe)
|
70.04
|
80.86
|
61.48
|
76.72
|
51.06
|
Royalty expense
($/boe)
|
(5.72)
|
(12.51)
|
(6.80)
|
(6.78)
|
(5.46)
|
Operating expenses
($/boe)
|
(7.20)
|
(11.13)
|
(8.28)
|
(9.70)
|
(8.18)
|
Transportation expenses
($/boe)
|
(5.27)
|
(6.63)
|
(5.20)
|
(5.31)
|
(5.09)
|
Operating netback
1 ($/boe)
|
51.85
|
50.59
|
41.20
|
54.93
|
32.33
|
Realized loss on risk
management ($/boe) 2
|
(6.58)
|
(19.41)
|
(12.55)
|
(13.33)
|
(8.77)
|
Realized loss on risk
management – purchases ($/boe) 2
|
(2.36)
|
(16.92)
|
0.69
|
(5.23)
|
(1.38)
|
Net commodity sales
from purchases ($/boe) 1
|
3.16
|
21.64
|
2.50
|
7.07
|
1.91
|
Adjusted operating
netback 1
|
46.07
|
35.90
|
31.84
|
43.44
|
24.09
|
Financial
results ($000s, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity sales from
production
|
159,457
|
122,644
|
70,267
|
499,898
|
182,668
|
Net commodity sales
from purchases 1
|
7,174
|
32,813
|
2,854
|
46,069
|
6,831
|
Cash flow from
operating activities
|
87,023
|
91,710
|
25,509
|
242,850
|
35,820
|
Adjusted funds flow
from operations 1
|
101,506
|
49,342
|
30,763
|
264,082
|
69,829
|
Per share
basic
|
2.30
|
1.12
|
0.71
|
6.00
|
2.20
|
Per share
diluted
|
2.26
|
1.10
|
0.71
|
5.92
|
2.20
|
Net debt to annualized
adjusted funds flow from operations 1
|
0.46
|
0.65
|
0.74
|
0.46
|
0.74
|
Free funds flow
(deficiency) from operations (excluding
acquisitions/dispositions)
1
|
(1,202)
|
(11,119)
|
(1,195)
|
(5,647)
|
18,929
|
Net income
(loss)
|
115,308
|
55,379
|
44,306
|
190,989
|
(22,315)
|
Per share
basic
|
2.61
|
1.26
|
1.02
|
4.34
|
(0.70)
|
Per share
diluted
|
2.57
|
1.24
|
1.02
|
4.28
|
(0.70)
|
Capital expenditures
1
|
102,708
|
60,461
|
31,958
|
269,729
|
50,900
|
Net acquisitions
1
|
-
|
59,181
|
-
|
57,323
|
186,655
|
Capital expenditures
and net acquisitions 1
|
102,708
|
119,642
|
31,958
|
327,052
|
237,555
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance sheet
($000s, except share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
932,650
|
837,349
|
614,337
|
932,650
|
614,337
|
Long-term
liabilities
|
221,731
|
214,536
|
124,587
|
221,731
|
124,587
|
Net debt
1
|
122,304
|
125,263
|
51,512
|
122,304
|
51,512
|
Adjusted working
capital surplus (deficit) 1
|
(3,105)
|
(24,065)
|
18,644
|
(3,105)
|
18,644
|
Weighted average shares
outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
44,168,157
|
44,114,105
|
43,622,942
|
44,045,613
|
31,689,093
|
Diluted
|
44,887,920
|
44,795,079
|
43,622,942
|
44,593,528
|
31,689,093
|
Shares outstanding end
of period
|
44,176,710
|
44,117,187
|
43,674,583
|
44,176,710
|
43,674,583
|
Return on average
capital employed ("ROACE") 1
|
|
|
|
30 %
|
(10 %)
|
Reserves
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved reserves (MMboe)
3
|
|
|
|
125.5
|
106.1
|
Proved reserves per
share (boe) 3
|
|
|
|
2.9
|
2.4
|
Proved plus probable
reserves (MMboe) 3
|
|
|
|
214.5
|
180.2
|
Proved plus probable
reserves per share (boe) 3
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
4.2
|
|
1 – Non-GAAP and other
financial measure that does not have any standardized meaning under
IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section of the Company's MD&A
|
2 – Realized loss on
risk management contracts includes settlement of financial hedges
on production and foreign exchange, with losses on contracts
associated with purchases presented separately.
|
3 – Oil and natural gas
reserves are as determined by the Company's independent qualified
reserve evaluator with an effective date of December 31 for the
years shown in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation
Handbook and are shown as net working interest reserves before
royalties.
|
"Kiwetinohk delivered financial and operational results that
move us significantly along the path of realizing our
built-for-purpose energy transition company," said CEO Pat Carlson, "Kiwetinohk grew reserves in all
categories, doubled upstream production and more than tripled
adjusted funds flow in the fourth quarter year-over-year while
achieving Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) regulatory approval on
two power plants and advancing all seven power projects along the
regulatory process."
The upstream business posted strong growth in reserves,
production and cash flow while managing capital spending and debt
levels, preserving balance sheet strength and financial
resilience.
Kiwetinohk achieved regulatory approval on the first two power
plants, projects Homestead Solar and Opal Firm renewable, and
progressed each of its seven power projects along the regulatory
process. Progress continues towards a final investment decision on
the first two projects, Homestead Solar and Opal Firm Renewable,
with the earliest target date remaining the fourth quarter of
2023.
2022 results include production above the upper end of guidance
with capital spending below the low end of guidance resulting in
stronger Adjusted Funds Flow (AFF) and lower exit net debt than in
May 2022's original guidance (May 18,
2022, Kiwetinohk accelerates 2022 upstream development
program, increases 2022 guidance and provides 2023 outlook).
The MD&A provides a full comparison of 2022 results compared
with prior 2022 guidance.
Production from new Duvernay wells resulted in the Simonette gas
processing facilities reaching capacity during the fourth quarter,
driving operating costs lower per unit and accelerating plant
expansion plans (as previously communicated). The resulting 2022
capital efficiency of ~$13,500/boe/d1 demonstrates
Kiwetinohk's ability to sustain and grow production efficiently.
The company expects to be in a free cash flow position after its
production is capable of filling the Simonette gas plants, which
are currently being expanded to support corporate production rates
of approximately 40,000 boe/d.
___________________________________________
|
1 A total of
$206 million of DCET capital over exit 2021 to exit 2022 production
addition of ~15,300 boe/d (i.e. replaced production decline plus
new production net of production added from Placid consolidation).
Non-GAAP and other financial measure that does not have any
standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" section of the Company's
MD&A
|
Fourth quarter and 2022 financial & upstream
highlights:
- Fourth quarter AFF1 of $101.5
million, or $2.30/share
(basic), a 106% increase from third quarter.
- 2022 annual AFF1 was $264.1
million, or $6.00/share
(basic).
- Record quarterly production of 24,745 boe/d (45% liquids), a
50% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 99% increase over fourth
quarter 2021 production.
- Operating costs of $7.20/boe, a
35% reduction quarter-over-quarter, driven by the benefit of
filling company-owned gas processing facilities at Simonette.
- Operating netback1 of $51.85/boe, up 2% quarter-over-quarter and 26%
over fourth quarter 2021 driven by higher realized prices and lower
costs per boe.
- Adjusted operating netback1 of $46.07/boe, an increase of $10.17/boe quarter-over-quarter due to lower risk
management related losses.
- Full year capital expenditures of $269.7
million (before acquisitions/dispositions), was below the
guidance range of $280-$310 million set in May
2022.
- Year end net debt to AFF1 was 0.46x with remaining
credit capacity of $229.5
million.
2022 year-end reserves highlights:
- Proven developed producing (PDP)/Total proven (TP)/Total proven
and probable (TPP) reserves increased 27%/18%/19% from year-end
2021.
- PDP Net Present Value 10% Before Tax (NPV10 (BT)
increased 55% to $16.63/share
(basic).
- TP NPV10 (BT) increased 23% to $35.82/share (basic).
- TPP NPV10 (BT) increased 29% to $57.47/share (basic).
- PDP finding & development (F&D) costs1 of
$21.89/boe (excluding future
development costs (FDC)) drove a one-year PDP recycle ratio of
2.5x.
- Two-year PDP finding, development & acquisition (FD&A)
costs1 of $14.59/boe
(including FDC) for a 2-year recycle ratio of 3.2x.
Fourth quarter and 2022 Green Energy
highlights:
- In 2022, Kiwetinohk expanded its power development portfolio by
345 MW to ~2,150 MW.
- The Homestead Solar project obtained AUC power plant approval
and the Opal Firm Renewable project obtained AUC power plant
approval and Environmental Protection and Endangered Area (EPEA)
industrial approval.
- Four power plant development projects are in Alberta Energy
System Operator (AESO) stage 3 and three in stage 2, along the path
to securing grid capacity.
- Discussions with potential financing partners continue to
advance.
Fourth quarter sustainability highlights:
- Advanced carbon capture hubs, entering into two Carbon
Sequestration Evaluation Agreements with the Government of
Alberta and starting detailed
evaluations.
- On track to eliminate all inactive asset retirement obligations
in five to seven years, spending more than 10x the Alberta Energy
Regulator's mandatory spend in 2022.
- Published first annual ESG report in alignment with
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Taskforce for
Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) frameworks.
- Invested $100,000 in Indian
Business Corporation's microloan fund to support the success of
Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Welcomed first cohort of Indigenous operator trainees to
upstream operations team.
- Furthered engagement and consultation with landowners and
community stakeholders around Kiwetinohk's gas-fired and solar
renewable projects.
___________________________________________
|
1 Non-GAAP
and other financial measure that does not have any standardized
meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar
measures presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" section below and in the Company's
MD&A
|
Financial results
Kiwetinohk achieved record AFF1 during the
fourth quarter of $101.5 million, or
$2.30/share (basic). Strong
AFF1 was driven by record production levels
combined with reduced per unit operating costs, royalties and
transportation costs. The drop in realized commodity prices of
$10.82/boe in the fourth quarter
relative to the third quarter was more than offset by $12.08/boe in costs savings over the same time
period with lower royalties, operating and transportation
costs.
Kiwetinohk exited the year with $119.7
million of debt drawn against its $375 million bank syndicated revolving credit
facility. The next redetermination of the bank credit facility is
expected in May 2023. At year end,
the company maintained $229.5 million
of credit capacity. At the end of 2022, net debt to
AFF1 was 0.46x, at the lower end of the guidance
range of 0.4-0.6x.
Kiwetinohk remains committed to its established hedging program,
which is a risk management tool to protect the company's capital
spending program. The company's hedging summary can be found in the
accompanying MD&A.
As at year-end 2022, Kiwetinohk had $777
million of tax pools and does not expect to be cash taxable
in 2023.
The company initiated a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) on
Dec. 22, 2022 and purchased 6,471
shares of its stock prior to year end at an average price of
$14.69/share for a total cost of
approximately $95,000.
Kiwetinohk is reiterating previously stated 2023 guidance, which
can be found in the MD&A available on the company website or on
SEDAR.
______________________________________
|
1 Non-GAAP
and other financial measure that does not have any standardized
meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar
measures presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" section below and in the Company's
MD&A
|
Upstream operational results
Strong 2022 upstream operating performance was evidenced by
results including reserve additions across all categories,
production hitting the top end of guidance, capital spending near
the low end of guidance and improved per unit operating costs. Base
PDP production continues to perform well with a low decline rate
combined with robust performance from new wells.
Three additional Simonette
Duvernay wells on the 04-34 pad were completed and brought
on stream in late February and initial production rates are in-line
with expectations. Rates will be reported with first quarter
results on May 3, 2023. Kiwetinohk is
currently drilling four Montney
wells at Placid, which are expected to come onstream before the end
of the second quarter. Four additional Duvernay wells are also
being drilled at Simonette and are targeted to come onstream early
in the third quarter with additional Simonette drilling expected to
spud before year end.
Execution of both Simonette gas plant expansions continue with
new capacity tie-in scheduled to commence in the third quarter of
2023, resulting in approximately two weeks of scheduled facility
down time. One of the Simonette gas plants is also being
electrified as part of this expansion to lower its GHG emissions
footprint.
There are no changes to previously disclosed guidance, which can
be referenced in the fourth quarter MD&A and the Dec. 14, 2022 news release. The company's focus
remains on growing production to an average of 24.5-28.5 thousand
boe/d for calendar 2023 at a competitive capital efficiency,
reducing unit operating costs and rapidly growing production.
Kiwetinohk achieved strong capital efficiency of ~$13,500/boe/d1 during 2022,
which benefited from fourth quarter production additions from the
04-34 pad at Simonette. The company expects to achieve corporate
upstream capital efficiencies of $15,000-$18,000/boe2 going forward. This
capital efficiency range supports Kiwetinohk's stated estimate that
~$160 million of capital investment
should maintain targeted 2023 production rates of ~26.5 thousand
boe/d (mid-point of guidance) flat going forward.
___________________________
|
1 A total of
$206 million of Drill, complete, equip and tie-in (DCET) capital
over exit 2021 to exit 2022 production addition of ~15,300 boe/d
(ie. replaced production decline plus new production net of
production added from Placid consolidation. See "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" section below.
|
2 Using ~40%
corporate decline rates and estimated exit to exit production rates
(ie. derived from average 2023 production guidance of 26.5 thousand
boe/d and the average 2024 production outlook of 32 thousand
boe/d).
|
Reserves update
McDaniel & Associates conducted an independent reserves
evaluation and prepared the company's reserve report according to
National Instrument 51-101 standards as outlined by the Society of
Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE) and the Canadian Oil and Gas
Evaluation Handbook (COGEH). Additional details of Kiwetinohk's
2022 year end reserves can be found in the company's AIF available
on the company website and on sedar.com.
Kiwetinohk grew reserves 18%-27% after production and grew
NPV10/share by 23%-55% (including changes to FDC, based
on the reserve evaluator's price deck and year-end basic shares
outstanding) across all categories (PDP, TP and TPP). NPV
represents attractive valuation upside relative to share price.
The following reserve summary table details the company's 2022
volumetric and valuation reserve performance; detailing strong
growth across all categories.
Volumetric
Summary 1
|
|
2021
|
2022
|
Change
(%)
|
Reserves
|
|
|
|
|
PDP
|
(MMboe)
|
31.8
|
40.4
|
27 %
|
TP
|
(MMboe)
|
106.2
|
125.5
|
18 %
|
TPP
|
(MMboe)
|
180.2
|
214.5
|
19 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liquids
%
|
|
|
|
|
PDP
|
( %)
|
43 %
|
43 %
|
--
|
TP
|
( %)
|
49 %
|
44 %
|
(5 %)
|
TPP
|
( %)
|
47 %
|
43 %
|
(4 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category
Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
PDP / TPP
|
( %)
|
18 %
|
19 %
|
|
TP / TPP
|
( %)
|
59 %
|
59 %
|
|
|
1 McDaniel & Associates
evaluation as at year-end 2022, see "Oil and Gas Advisories"
sections below
|
Valuation
Summary
|
|
2021
|
2022
|
Change
(%)
|
NPV $MM (BTax)
1
|
|
|
|
|
PDP
(NPV10)
|
($MM)
|
$469
|
$735
|
57 %
|
TP
(NPV10)
|
($MM)
|
$1,273
|
$1,582
|
24 %
|
TPP
(NPV10)
|
($MM)
|
$1,945
|
$2,539
|
31 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
NPV / Share (basic)
(BTax) 2
|
|
|
|
|
PDP
(NPV10)
|
($/sh)
|
$10.74
|
$16.63
|
55 %
|
TP
(NPV10)
|
($/sh)
|
$29.14
|
$35.82
|
23 %
|
TPP
(NPV10)
|
($/sh)
|
$44.53
|
$57.47
|
29 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
NPV $/Boe (BTax)
1
|
|
|
|
|
PDP
(NPV10)
|
($/boe)
|
$14.73
|
$18.19
|
23 %
|
TP
(NPV10)
|
($/boe)
|
$11.99
|
$12.60
|
5 %
|
TPP
(NPV10)
|
($/boe)
|
$10.79
|
$11.84
|
10 %
|
|
|
1
|
McDaniel &
Associate evaluation as at year-end 2022, see "Forward Looking
Information – Reserves Data" section below
|
2
|
Based on McDaniel &
Associates evaluation as at year-end 2022; McDaniel's NPV divided
by shares outstanding (basic) at year-end
|
In 2021, the company acquired the Simonette assets which
continue to represent approximately 68% of the company's TPP
reserves (75% of the company's 2022 year-end TPP NPV10).
Considering the 2021 acquisition and the 2022 drill bit
performance, Kiwetinohk has a 2-year PDP FD&A cost (including
FDC) of $14.59/boe, resulting in a
3.2x corporate PDP recycle ratio4. This low-cost asset
base, combined with strong drill bit performance, sets the stage
for robust targeted economic returns for Kiwetinohk shareholders
going forward. The 2-year PDP FD&A cost (excluding FDC) was
$12.96/boe driving a recycle ratio of
3.6x.
|
Two-year
FD&A
(excl FDC) 1
|
Two-year
Recycle Ratio
(excl FDC) 2
|
Two-year
FD&A
(incl FDC) 3
|
Two-year
Recycle Ratio
(incl FDC) 4
|
PDP
|
$12.96
|
3.6
|
$14.59
|
3.2
|
TP
|
$6.11
|
7.7
|
$17.30
|
2.7
|
TPP
|
$3.64
|
12.9
|
$13.00
|
3.6
|
|
1 Based on
McDaniel & Associates evaluation as at year-end 2022; See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section below.
|
2 Based on
McDaniel & Associates evaluation as at year-end 2022; 2022
reported operating netback of $54.93/boe / 2-year FD&A costs
(before changes to FDC). See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section below.
|
3 Based on
McDaniel & Associates evaluation as at year-end 2022; See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section below.
|
4 Based on
McDaniel & Associates evaluation as at year-end 2022; 2022
reported operating netback of $54.93/boe / 2-year FD&A costs
(including changes to FDC). See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section below.
|
In 2022, Kiwetinohk posted 180%-433% reserve replacement across
all reserve categories with the drill bit while also achieving peer
group leading corporate production growth. Kiwetinohk has a strong
proven reserve RLI of ~14 years.
|
2022
F&D reserve
replacement
(excl A&D)
1
|
2022 F&D
Recycle Ratio
(excl FDC) 2
|
2022 F&D
Recycle Ratio
(incl FDC) 3
|
2022 year-end
RLI 4
|
PDP
|
180 %
|
2.5
|
1.9
|
4.5
|
TP
|
291 %
|
4.1
|
1.3
|
13.9
|
TPP
|
433 %
|
6.0
|
1.6
|
23.7
|
|
|
1 Based on McDaniel & Associates
evaluation as at year-end 2022; See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section below.
|
|
2 Based on McDaniel & Associates
evaluation as at year-end 2022; 2022 reported operating netback of
$54.93/boe / 1-year F&D costs (before changes to FDC). See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section below.
|
3 Based on McDaniel & Associates
evaluation as at year-end 2022; 2022 reported operating netback of
$54.93/boe / 1-year F&D costs (including changes to FDC). See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section below.
|
4 Based on McDaniel & Associates
evaluation as at year-end 2022; See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section below.
|
|
In 2022 the company posted a one-year PDP F&D cost of
$28.74/boe, including changes to FDC,
for a recycle ratio of 1.9x. Changes to the PDP FDC was
$80 million (undiscounted),
representing annual maintenance capital of $8 million over the next 10 years. Burdening 2022
reserve performance with the increased costs for the next 10 years
of operations (undiscounted) onto 2022 results is not
representative of 2022 economics. Kiwetinohk believes looking at
PDP F&D costs of $21.89/boe
before changes to FDC more accurately represents 2022 performance,
resulting in a 2.5x 2022 PDP recycle ratio.
Like the broader economy, the energy industry experienced
inflationary pressures during 2022. Kiwetinohk posted strong
economics on its reserve additions in 2022, notwithstanding changes
to FDC. However, burdening 2022 FD&A costs with the full effect
of inflation on the 131 future locations booked on TPP reserves, 10
years of undiscounted increased maintenance costs and increased
development costs associated with new facilities to support higher
production rates for the long-term may not be an accurate
representation of actual 2022 economic performance of the company's
capital investment program.
The Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (COGEH) notes the
need to match the impact of cost changes to changes in reserves
volumes. This can be achieved by looking at total FDC over all
booked undeveloped reserves, providing an indication of future
reserve economics. In the case of Kiwetinohk, total TPP FDC of
$2.137 billion over 164.7 MMboe of
booked undeveloped reserves (ie. Proven + Proven Undeveloped)
indicates attractive future development economics of $12.97/boe for the full future development of the
company's booked undeveloped reserves.
Green Energy update
In 2022, Kiwetinohk obtained key regulatory approvals, continued
to advance its power projects in the AESO queue, expanded its power
development portfolio by ~345 MW (170 MW at Phoenix, 124 MW at Firm Renewable 2 and 50 MW
at Granum) to approximately 2,150
MW, and completed engineering and cost reviews across its power
portfolio.
The Homestead Solar project and the Opal Firm Renewable project
obtained AUC power plant approvals in the third quarter and Opal
Firm Renewable received Environmental Protection and Enhancement
Act (EPEA) industrial approval in the fourth quarter. AUC
transmission line approval for is the key regulatory approval
remaining for both these projects and is expected to be received
in the fourth quarter of 2023. Kiwetinohk also submitted the
AUC power plant application for the Granum Solar project in
December 2022.
All power projects continue to advance along the path to
securing grid capacity. Homestead Solar, Opal Firm Renewable,
Phoenix Solar and NGCC 1 have all reached AESO Stage 3. Granum
Solar and Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) 2 achieved AESO Stage 2
in 2022 and Firm Renewable 2 in January
2023.
Kiwetinohk acquired the early-stage 170 MW Phoenix Solar project
with 130 MW expansion capacity in the second quarter, accelerated
development of a second natural gas-fired firm renewable (124 MW)
project and expanded capacity by 50 MW on the Granum Solar project
in the fourth quarter.
Kiwetinohk advanced pre-front end engineering and design (FEED)
studies, FEED reviews and engineering, procurement and construction
(EPC) evaluations on its power projects. The Company advanced EPC
bid evaluation for Homestead Solar, and EPC review and detailed
engineering for Opal in the fourth quarter of 2022. Kiwetinohk
evaluated carbon capture technologies for Opal and conducted
pre-FEED reviews for carbon capture technologies on Opal and the
NGCC power plants.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, Kiwetinohk invested
$8.1 million in Green Energy capital
across all power projects including consultation, regulatory
reviews, environmental studies, AESO review and engineering
analysis, EPC bid evaluation for Homestead and pre-FEED reviews for
NGCCs. The majority of the Green Energy capital spend ($4.9 million) was to advance detailed engineering
on Opal to confirm its EPC pricing by the second quarter of
2023.
Sustainability update
Kiwetinohk released its first annual ESG report in the fourth
quarter, in alignment with leading global frameworks, TCFD and
SASB, and including a limited assurance review of Kiwetinohk's 2021
greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
Kiwetinohk continues to advance its ESG strategy and plans,
achieving early milestones on its two carbon capture hubs, kicking
off Indigenous and stakeholder engagement and detailed geological
evaluation, which will continue through 2023. In 2022, Kiwetinohk
advanced its asset retirement program, achieving key milestones
toward elimination of all inactive asset retirement obligations in
five to seven years and spending appropriately 10x the Alberta
Energy Regulator's mandatory requirement.
The company continues direct engagement with Indigenous nations
in whose traditional territory it operates, working to reduce
impacts and benefits in line with community needs, economic and
cultural goals.
Kiwetinohk invested $100,000 in
Indian Business Corporation's microloan fund to support the success
of Indigenous entrepreneurs and welcomed the first cohort of
Indigenous Operator Trainees to its Upstream operations team.
Conference call, annual general meeting and first quarter
2023 report date
Management of Kiwetinohk will host a conference call on
March 8, 2023, at 8 AM MT (10 AM ET)
to discuss results and answer questions. Participants will be able
to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-394-8218
(North America toll free) or
647-794-4605 (Toronto and area). A
replay of the call will be available until March 15, 2023, at 1-888-203-1112 (North America toll free) or 647-436-0148
(Toronto and area) by using the
code 9236228.
Kiwetinohk plans to release its first quarter 2023 results prior
to TSX opening on May 3, 2023 and
hold its annual general meeting later that same day.
About Kiwetinohk
We, at Kiwetinohk, are passionate about addressing climate
change and the future of energy. Kiwetinohk's mission is to build a
profitable energy transition business providing clean, reliable,
dispatchable, affordable energy. Kiwetinohk develops and produces
natural gas and related products and is in the process of
developing renewable power, natural gas-fired power, carbon capture
and hydrogen clean energy projects. We view climate change with a
sense of urgency, and we want to make a difference. Kiwetinohk's
common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
KEC. Additional details are available within the year-end documents
available on Kiwetinohk's website at www.kiwetinohk.com and SEDAR
at www.sedar.com.
Oil and Gas Advisories
For the purpose of calculating unit costs, natural gas is
converted to a barrel of oil equivalent using six thousand cubic
feet of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil unless otherwise
stated. The term barrel of oil equivalent (boe) may be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio for gas
of 6 Mcf:1 boe is based on an energy equivalency conversion method
primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a
value equivalency at the wellhead.
This news release includes references to sales volumes of "Oils
and condensate", "NGLs" and "Natural gas" and revenues therefrom.
National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities, includes condensate within the NGLs product type. The
Company has disclosed condensate as combined with crude oil and
separately from other NGLs since the price of condensate as
compared to other NGLs is currently significantly higher, and the
Company believes that this crude oil and condensate presentation
provides a more accurate description of its operations and results
therefrom. Oil and condensate therefore refers to light oil, medium
oil, tight oil, and condensate. NGLs refers to ethane, propane,
butane, and pentane combined. Natural gas refers to conventional
natural gas and shale gas combined.
This news release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and
natural gas industry. Each of these metrics is determined by the
Company as set out below or elsewhere in this news release. The
metrics are F&D cost, FD&A cost, recycle ratio, reserves
replacement ratio (excl A&D), reserve life index, and capital
efficiency. These metrics do not have standardized meanings and may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
As such, they should not be used to make comparisons. Management
uses these oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements
and to provide shareholders with measures to compare the Company's
performance over time; however, such measures are not reliable
indicators of the Company's future performance and future
performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods
and therefore should not be unduly relied upon. Refer to the
"Non-GAAP Financial Ratios" section of this news release for a
description of the calculation and use of F&D cost, FD&A
cost, recycle ratio, and capital efficiency.
F&D reserve replacement (excl A&D) is calculated by
dividing: (i) the net changes to reserves in such reserves category
from the prior period from extensions & improved recovery,
technical revisions, economic factors, acquisitions, and
dispositions, expressed in boe; by (ii) the actual annual
production for the year. Reserves replacement ratio is a measure
commonly used by management and investors to assess the rate at
which reserves depleted by production are being replaced.
Reserve life index is calculated by dividing: (i) the reserves
by category, expressed in boe; by (ii) the annualized Q4 average
production rate, expressed in boe/d.
Reserves Data
Reserves data set forth in this news release is based upon an
evaluation of the Company's reserves prepared by McDaniel &
Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") dated March 7, 2023 and effective December 31, 2022 (the "McDaniel Report"). The
reserves referenced in this news release are gross reserves. The
price forecast used in the McDaniel Report is the three consultant
average forecast prices of McDaniel & Associates Consultants
Ltd., GLJ Ltd. and Sproule Associates Limited as of January 1, 2023 ("Jan
2023 Consultant Avg.") price forecast. The estimates of
reserves contained in the McDaniel Report and referenced in this
news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the
estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be
greater than or less than the estimates contained in the McDaniel
Report and referenced in this news release. There is no assurance
that the forecast prices and costs assumptions used in the McDaniel
Report will be attained, and variances could be material. Estimated
future net revenue does not represent fair market value. Readers
should refer to the Company's annual information form for the year
ended December 31, 2022, available on
Kiwetinohk's website at www.kiwetinohk.com and SEDAR at
www.sedar.com, for a complete description of the McDaniel Report
(including reserves by the specific product types of shale gas,
conventional natural gas, NGLs, tight oil and light and medium
crude oil) and the material assumptions, limitations and risk
factors pertaining thereto.
Forward looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release contains
forward-looking information and statements including, without
limitation, management's business strategy, management's assessment
of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or
information are provided for the purpose of providing information
about management's current expectations and plans relating to the
future. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain
statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect",
"plan", "intend", "estimate", "project", "potential", "may" or
similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding
future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that
assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove
to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results
to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of
which are beyond the control of the Company.
In particular, this news release contains forward-looking
statements pertaining to the following:
- drilling and completion activities on certain wells and
pads;
- timing of new capacity tie-in at expanded plants and related
facility downtime
- corporate upstream capital efficiencies;
- estimated annual amounts of capital expenditures to sustain
certain production rates;
- submission of applications and receipt of regulatory approvals
for the Company's green projects, and the timing thereof;
- the timing for the Company's Homestead Solar and Opal Firm
Renewable projects reaching FID;
- development, evaluation and permitting of the Company's solar
and gas-fired power portfolio;
- the Company's 2023 financial and operational guidance;
- asset retirement obligations and the timing for eliminating
inactive asset retirement obligations; and
- the Company's business strategies, objectives, focuses and
goals and expected or targeted performance and results.
Statements relating to reserves are also deemed to be forward
looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based
on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described
exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the
reserves can be profitably produced in the future.
In addition to other factors and assumptions that may be
identified in this news release, assumptions have been made
regarding, among other things:
- the timing and costs of the Company's capital projects,
including drilling and completion of certain wells;
- the impact of increasing competition;
- the general stability of the economic and political environment
in which the Company operates;
- general business, economic and market conditions;
- the ability of the Company to obtain qualified staff, equipment
and services in a timely and cost efficient manner;
- future commodity and power prices;
- currency, exchange and interest rates;
- the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes, power,
renewable and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which
the Company operates;
- the ability of the Company to obtain the required capital to
finance its exploration, development and other operations and meet
its commitments and financial obligations;
- the ability of the Company to secure adequate product
processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on
acceptable terms and the capacity and reliability of
facilities;
- the impact of war, hostilities, civil insurrection, pandemics
(including Covid-19), instability and political and economic
conditions (including the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict) on
the Company; and
- the ability of the Company to successfully market its
products.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all factors and assumptions that have been used. Although the
Company believes that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue
reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as the
Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to
be correct.
Forward-looking statements or information involve a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in
the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and
uncertainties include, among other things:
- those risks set out in the Annual Information Form (AIF) under
"Risk Factors";
- the ability of management to execute its business plan;
- general economic and business conditions;
- risks of war, hostilities, civil insurrection, pandemics
(including Covid-19), instability and political and economic
conditions in or affecting jurisdictions in which the Company
operates;
- the risks of the power and renewable industries;
- operational and construction risks associated with certain
projects;
- the possibility that government policies or laws may change or
governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld;
- risks relating to regulatory approvals and financing;
- uncertainty involving the forces that power certain renewable
projects;
- the Company's ability to enter into or renew leases;
- potential delays or changes in plans with respect to power and
solar projects or capital expenditures;
- risks associated with rising capital costs and timing of
project completion;
- fluctuations in commodity and power prices, foreign currency
exchange rates and interest rates;
- risks inherent in the Company's marketing operations, including
credit risk;
- health, safety, environmental and construction risks;
- the Covid-19 pandemic and the duration and impact thereof;
- risks associated with existing and potential future lawsuits
and regulatory actions against the Company;
- uncertainties as to the availability and cost of
financing;
- the ability to secure adequate processing, transportation,
fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms;
- processing, pipeline and fractionation infrastructure outages,
disruptions and constraints;
- financial risks affecting the value of the Company's
investments; and
- other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this
document and in Kiwetinohk's other filings with Canadian securities
authorities.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all possible risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking statements and information contained in this
news release speak only as of the date of this news release and the
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, except as expressly
required by applicable securities laws.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
This news release uses various specified financial measures
including "Non-GAAP financial measures" and "Non-GAAP financial
ratios", as defined in National Instrument 52 112 Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures Disclosure and explained in further detail
below. These non-GAAP and other financial measures presented in
this news release should not be considered in isolation or as a
substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with
IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements. Readers are cautioned that these non-GAAP measures do
not have any standardized meanings and should not be used to make
comparisons between Kiwetinohk and other companies without also
taking into account any differences in the method by which the
calculations are prepared.
Please refer to the Corporation's MD&A as at and for the
year ended December 31, 2022, under
the section "Non-GAAP and other financial measures" for a
description of these measures, the reason for their use and a
reconciliation to their closest GAAP measure where applicable. The
Corporation's MD&A is available on Kiwetinohk's SEDAR profile
at www.sedar.com
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios
Capital expenditures, capital expenditures and net acquisitions,
F&D cost, FD&A cost, recycle ratio, and capital efficiency,
presented on a $/boe basis are non-GAAP ratios as they each have a
non-GAAP financial measure as a component. These measures are not
standardized measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to
similar financial measures presented by other companies. These
measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as
alternatives to their most directly comparable measure disclosed in
the Company's primary financial statements or other measures of
financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS.
F&D costs are calculated by dividing: (i) capital
expenditures, excluding green energy projects (a non-GAAP financial
measure) for the applicable reserves category and period; by (ii)
the net changes to reserves in such reserves category from the
prior period from extensions & improved recovery, technical
revisions, and economic factors, expressed in boe. F&D costs
are a measure commonly used by management and investors to assess
the relationship between capital invested in oil and gas
exploration and development projects and reserve additions.
FD&A costs are calculated by dividing: (i) capital
expenditures and net acquisitions, excluding green energy
acquisitions (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the applicable
reserves category and period; by (ii) the net changes to reserves
in such reserves category from the prior period from extensions
& improved recovery, technical revisions, economic factors,
acquisitions, and dispositions, expressed in boe. FD&A costs
are a measure commonly used by management and investors to assess
the relationship between capital invested in oil and gas
exploration and development projects, acquisitions net of
dispositions, and reserve additions.
Recycle ratio is calculated by dividing the netback (a non-GAAP
financial measure) per boe for the period by the F&D costs or
the FD&A costs for the period. Recycle ratio is used by
investors and management to compare the cost of adding reserves to
the netback realized from production.
Capital Efficiency represents the capital spent to add new or
incremental production divided by the current rate of the new or
incremental production, expressed as a dollar amount per flowing
volume of a product ($/boe/d). The Company considers capital
efficiency a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it
demonstrates the efficiency of the Company's capital
investments.
Readers should refer to the information under the heading
"Statement of Reserves Data – Reserves Reconciliation" in the
Company's Annual Information Forms ("AIF") for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are
available on Kiwetinohk's website at www.kiwetinohk.com and SEDAR
at www.sedar.com, for a description of the net changes to reserves
in each reserves category from the prior year.
Future-Oriented Financial Information
Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information
referenced in this news release about prospective financial
performance, financial position or cash flows is based on
assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and
proposed courses of action, based on management's assessment of the
relevant information currently available. These projections contain
forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material
assumptions and factors set out above and are provided to give the
reader a better understanding of the potential future performance
of the Company in certain areas. Actual results may differ
significantly from the projections presented herein. These
projections may also be considered to contain future oriented
financial information or a financial outlook. The actual results of
the Company's operations for any period will likely vary from the
amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be
material. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's AIF published on the
Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a further
discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary.
The future oriented financial information and financial outlooks
contained in this news release have been approved by management as
of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned that any
such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information
contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those
for which it is disclosed herein.
Abbreviations
$M
|
thousand
dollars
|
$MM
|
million
dollars
|
$/bbl
|
dollars per
barrel
|
$/boe
|
dollars per barrel
equivalent
|
$/GJ
|
dollars per
gigajoule
|
$/Mcf
|
dollars per thousand
cubic feet
|
AECO
|
the daily average
benchmark price for natural gas at the physical storage and
trading hub for natural gas on the TransCanada Alberta transmission
system
which is the delivery point for various benchmark Alberta index
prices
|
AESO
|
Alberta Electric
Systems Operator
|
AEPA
|
Alberta Environment and
Protected Areas
|
AFF
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow
|
AIF
|
Annual Information
Form
|
AUC
|
Alberta Utilities
Commission
|
bbl(s)
|
barrel(s)
|
bbl/d
|
barrels per
day
|
boe
|
barrel of oil
equivalent, including crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids,
and
natural gas (converted on the basis of one boe per six Mcf of
natural gas)
|
boe/d
|
barrel of oil
equivalent per day
|
Btax
|
Before tax
|
CCUS
|
Carbon Capture
Utilization and Storage
|
DCET
|
Drill, Complete, Equip
and Tie-in
|
DI
|
daily index
|
EBITDA
|
earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, and
amortization
|
EPEA
|
Alberta Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Act
|
F&D
|
Finding &
Development
|
FD&A
|
Finding, Development
& Acquisition
|
FDC
|
Future Development
Costs
|
FEED
|
Front End Engineering
and Design
|
FID
|
Final Investment
Decision
|
GJ
|
gigajoule
|
GJ/d
|
gigajoule per
day
|
Henry Hub
|
the daily average
benchmark price for natural gas at the distribution hub
on the natural gas pipeline system in Erath, Louisiana
|
mbbls
|
thousand
barrels
|
MMboe
|
million barrels of oil
equivalent
|
Mcf
|
thousand cubic
feet
|
Mcf/d
|
thousand cubic standard
feet per day
|
MD&A
|
Management Discussion
& Analysis
|
MI
|
monthly
index
|
MMcf/d
|
million cubic feet per
day
|
MMBtu
|
one million British
Thermal Units (BTU) is a measure of the energy content in
gas
|
MMBtu/d
|
one million British
thermal units per day
|
MW
|
one million
watts
|
MWh
|
electrical energy of
one million watts acting for one hour
|
NGCC
|
Natural Gas Combined
Cycle
|
NGLs
|
natural gas liquids,
which includes butane, propane, and ethane
|
PDP
|
Proven Developed
Producing
|
RLI
|
Reserves Life
Index
|
ROACE
|
Return on Average
Capital Employed
|
SASB
|
Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board
|
TCFD
|
Taskforce on
Climate-related Financial Disclosure
|
TP
|
Total Proven
|
TPP
|
Total Proven and
Probable
|
US$/bbl
|
US Dollars per
barrel
|
US$/MMbtu
|
US Dollars per million
British thermal units
|
WTI
|
West Texas
Intermediate, the reference price paid for crude oil of standard
grade
in US dollars at Cushing, Oklahoma
|
For more information on Kiwetinohk, please contact:
Mark Friesen, Director, Investor
Relations
IR email: IR@kiwetinohk.com
Pat Carlson, CEO
Jakub Brogowski, CFO
SOURCE Kiwetinohk Energy