CALGARY, AB, Nov. 9, 2020 /CNW/ - Crew Energy Inc. (TSX:
CR) ("Crew" or the "Company") today announces our operating and
financial results for the three and nine month periods ended
September 30, 2020. Crew's Financial
Statements and Notes, as well as Management's Discussion and
Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and nine month periods ended
September 30, 2020 are available on
Crew's website and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Q3 2020 HIGHLIGHTS
- Production Guidance Increased: Q3 production averaged
20,207 boe (121.2 mmcfe) per day, beating our quarterly guidance
range of 18,000 to 19,000 boe per day, while volumes for the first
nine months of 2020 averaged 22,052 boe per day, 4% lower than the
same period of 2019. Strong well performance has allowed the
Company to increase Q4/20 guidance from 19,500 to 20,500 boe per
day to 20,000 to 21,000 boe per day and refine annual production
guidance to 21,000 to 22,000 boe per day.
- Adjusted Funds Flow ("AFF")1 Improves From
Q2/20: AFF totaled $8.5 million
($0.06 per fully diluted share) in
Q3/20, an 85% improvement, sequentially, over Q2/20 due to improved
commodity pricing and operating cost reductions.
- Operating Costs Reduced: General and administrative
("G&A") costs per boe declined 42% and 36% in Q3/20 and
the first nine months of 2020 over the same periods of 2019,
respectively, averaging $0.79 per boe
in Q3, while net operating costs per boe declined 3% and 6%
compared to the same respective 2019 periods, averaging
$5.74 per boe in Q3. These efforts
have allowed the Company to reduce 2020 annual operating cost
guidance from $6.00 to $6.50 per boe to $5.75 to $6.00 per
boe.
- Capital Allocated to Drive Returns: Net capital
expenditures1 totaled $21.8
million, $13.4 million of
which was primarily directed to drilling activities, including the
drilling of the first six wells on the seven well West Septimus 9-5
pad, which is expected to be on production prior to year-end.
- Strong Drilling Performance: The Company realized
further cost and operational improvements on the West Septimus 9-5
pad, including reducing drill times by over 20% relative to our
performance on the previously drilled 3-32 pad, which is expected
to contribute to strong capital efficiencies and enhanced
returns.
- Retaining Financial Flexibility: Quarter end net
debt1 of $353.7 million
positions the Company well from a liquidity perspective, with 28%
drawn on our $150 million credit
facility, reconfirmed until June
2021, and an additional net $23
million of proceeds received during the fourth quarter
related to the strategic infrastructure transactions previously
disclosed in Q1/20. With $300 million
of senior notes termed out until 2024, Crew has no near-term
maturities or repayment requirements.
- Advancing Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")
Principles: With meaningful support received through various
provincial and federal government stimulus programs, Crew is
reducing our environmental footprint by directing capital to
ongoing abandonment, reclamation and restoration activities at
inactive well sites, pipelines and facilities, positively impacting
our asset decommissioning obligation liabilities and ESG
performance.
____________________________
|
(1)
|
Non-IFRS Measure.
"Adjusted funds flow", "net debt", and "net capital expenditures"
do not have standardized measures prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and therefore may not be
comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other
companies. See "Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas
Reserves, Operational Information and Non-IFRS Measures" within
this press release and the Company's MD&A for details including
reasons for use.
|
Financial & Operating Highlights:
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCIAL
($ thousands, except
per share amounts)
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Petroleum and
natural gas sales
|
32,344
|
41,597
|
95,327
|
148,591
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow (1)
|
8,549
|
16,664
|
25,582
|
64,948
|
Per share -
basic
|
0.06
|
0.11
|
0.17
|
0.43
|
- diluted
|
0.06
|
0.11
|
0.17
|
0.43
|
Net (loss)
income
|
(21,136)
|
(3,255)
|
(237,848)
|
18,306
|
Per share -
basic
|
(0.14)
|
(0.02)
|
(1.56)
|
0.12
|
- diluted
|
(0.14)
|
(0.02)
|
(1.56)
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration and
Development expenditures
|
21,876
|
18,466
|
45,253
|
87,704
|
Property
acquisitions (net of dispositions)
|
(35)
|
7
|
(34,931)
|
(19,166)
|
Net capital
expenditures
|
21,841
|
18,473
|
10,322
|
68,538
|
Capital
Structure ($
thousands)
|
|
|
As
at Sept. 30,
2020
|
As
at Dec. 31, 2019
|
Working capital
deficiency (surplus) (2)
|
|
|
14,998
|
(149)
|
Bank loan
|
|
|
42,137
|
52,136
|
|
|
|
57,135
|
51,987
|
Senior Unsecured
Notes
|
|
|
296,605
|
295,868
|
Total Net
Debt (3)
|
|
|
353,740
|
347,855
|
Common Shares
Outstanding (thousands)
|
|
|
151,742
|
151,534
|
|
Notes:
|
(1)
|
Non-IFRS Measure. AFF
is calculated as cash provided by operating activities, adding the
change in non-cash working capital, decommissioning obligation
expenditures, excluding grants, and accretion of deferred financing
costs on the senior unsecured notes. AFF does not have a
standardized measure prescribed by International Financial
Reporting Standards, ("IFRS") and therefore may not be comparable
with the calculations of similar measures for other companies. See
"Non-IFRS Measures" contained within Crew's MD&A for details
including a reconciliation of AFF to its most closely related IFRS
measure.
|
(2)
|
Non-IFRS Measure.
Working capital deficiency and surplus includes accounts receivable
and net assets held for sale; less accounts payable and accrued
liabilities. See "Non-IFRS Measures" contained within Crew's
MD&A.
|
(3)
|
Non-IFRS Measure. Net
debt is defined as outstanding long-term debt and net working
capital. See "Non-IFRS Measures" within the Company's
MD&A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Daily
production
|
|
|
|
|
Light crude oil
(bbl/d)
|
159
|
233
|
188
|
205
|
Heavy crude oil
(bbl/d)
|
1,464
|
1,627
|
1,389
|
1,653
|
Natural gas liquids
("ngl")(1) (bbl/d)
|
1,894
|
2,148
|
2,109
|
2,071
|
Condensate
(bbl/d)
|
2,247
|
2,575
|
2,739
|
2,773
|
Natural gas
(mcf/d)
|
86,658
|
97,443
|
93,763
|
97,608
|
Total (boe/d @
6:1)
|
20,207
|
22,824
|
22,052
|
22,970
|
Average prices
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
Light crude oil
($/bbl)
|
43.93
|
63.81
|
37.56
|
63.39
|
Heavy crude oil
($/bbl)
|
37.82
|
52.86
|
25.79
|
52.58
|
Natural gas liquids
($/bbl)
|
11.08
|
0.57
|
7.71
|
6.16
|
Condensate
($/bbl)
|
43.53
|
62.19
|
41.77
|
64.73
|
Natural gas
($/mcf)
|
1.97
|
1.95
|
1.86
|
2.58
|
Oil equivalent
($/boe)
|
17.40
|
19.81
|
15.78
|
23.70
|
|
Notes:
|
(1)
|
Throughout this news
release, natural gas liquids ("ngl") comprise all natural gas
liquids as defined by NI 51-101 other than condensate, which is
disclosed separately.
|
(2)
|
Average prices are
before deduction of transportation costs and do not include
realized gains and losses on derivative financial
instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30,
2020
|
Nine months
ended Sept. 30, 2019
|
Netback
($/boe)
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural
gas sales
|
17.40
|
19.81
|
15.78
|
23.70
|
Royalties
|
(0.76)
|
(1.49)
|
(0.74)
|
(1.70)
|
Realized commodity
hedging gain
|
1.90
|
1.38
|
2.33
|
0.12
|
Marketing
income(1)
|
(0.28)
|
1.33
|
(0.13)
|
1.32
|
Net operating
costs(2)
|
(5.74)
|
(5.94)
|
(5.72)
|
(6.06)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(3.89)
|
(2.80)
|
(3.49)
|
(2.69)
|
Operating
netbacks(3)
|
8.63
|
12.29
|
8.03
|
14.69
|
G&A
|
(0.79)
|
(1.36)
|
(0.91)
|
(1.42)
|
Other
revenue
|
0.12
|
-
|
0.04
|
-
|
Financing costs on
long-term debt
|
(3.25)
|
(2.99)
|
(2.88)
|
(2.90)
|
Adjusted funds
flow
|
4.71
|
7.94
|
4.28
|
10.37
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling
Activity
|
|
|
|
|
Gross wells
|
6
|
0
|
8
|
6
|
Working interest
wells
|
6.0
|
0.0
|
8.0
|
6.0
|
Success rate, net
wells (%)
|
100%
|
N/A
|
100%
|
100%
|
|
Notes:
|
(1)
|
Marketing income was
recognized from the monetization of forward natural gas sales
contracts offset by the cost of committed natural gas
transportation that was not available during the period.
|
(2)
|
Net operating costs
are calculated as gross operating costs less processing
revenue.
|
(3)
|
Non-IFRS Measure.
Operating netback equals petroleum and natural gas sales including
realized hedging gains and losses on commodity contracts, marketing
income, less royalties, net operating costs and transportation
costs calculated on a boe basis. Operating netback does not have a
standardized measure prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be
comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other
companies. See "Non-IFRS Measures" within Crew's
MD&A.
|
THE CREW ADVANTAGE
As the global economy continued to manage through the
broad-reaching effects of COVID-19 during Q3/20, the energy sector
began to see some optimism with improving commodity prices,
particularly for natural gas, and a slow return of industry
activity. These factors contributed to Crew exceeding our previous
quarterly production guidance range and delivering AFF per share
which improved as the quarter progressed. The stronger forward
curve for natural gas prices gave us an opportunity to continue
adding to the Company's robust 2020 and 2021 hedge positions, which
we have continued into the fourth quarter. Operationally, we
remained active in Q3/20, focusing on the drilling of the first six
wells on our seven-well 9-5 pad at West Septimus. With the
combination of improved natural gas prices, a solid hedge position
and favorable geology at West Septimus, Crew expects this project
to generate compelling returns, with capital cost recoveries in
approximately 12 to 14 months.
Crew's large proved plus probable reserve base of 2.46
TCFE1,2 provides low risk development and our uniquely
positioned Montney asset base
provides diversity of commodity types, as well as exposure to
market diversification opportunities. The Company's proactive
marketing strategy is centered on maintaining the flexibility to
react quickly when markets dictate, allowing the Company to enhance
AFF. This process has resulted in an active rebalancing of Crew's
marketing portfolio to align our transportation commitments and
processing capacity, while redirecting natural gas to markets that
support stronger price realizations.
Advancing Crew's ESG goals and conducting our operations to the
highest standards has always been part of our corporate identity.
Our team of employees and contractors remained safe during the
quarter, with zero recordable or lost time injuries and no reported
incidents of COVID-19. Our environmental performance was exemplary
as the Company had no reportable spills in Q3/20. The twinning and
start-up of a pipeline at West Septimus earlier in the year
continues to support production volumes, while reducing gas lift
compression requirements. This proactive initiative facilitates an
expected reduction of 1,550 tonnes of CO2 emissions
annually, having the equivalent impact of removing 337 cars from
the road each year3. In addition, a West Septimus water
disposal well that began operating in Q2/20 is expected to handle
all produced water from the West Septimus processing facility,
ultimately reducing annual costs by up to $6.0 million, while eliminating 2,800 tonnes of
CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 609 cars off the
road annually3.
______________________________
|
1
|
Reflects total
corporate reserves based on the Corporation's independent reserves
evaluation effective December 31, 2019
|
2
|
Oil equivalent
amounts have been calculated using a conversion rate of six
thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil
|
3
|
The average North
American car emits 4.6 tonnes of CO2 per year (Source:
EPA / Natural Resources Canada)
|
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Production Higher as Prices Improve
- Third quarter production averaged 20,207 boe per day, while
volumes for the nine months ended September
30, 2020 were 22,052 boe per day, in-line with Crew's
projected annual range of 20,000 to 22,000 boe per day for 2020.
Production for the period exceeded guidance, a result of gathering
system improvements in the ultra-condensate rich ("UCR") area and
better than expected well performance from both our 3-32 pad and
from our two new Lloydminster
heavy oil wells that were drilled in Q1/20. Production in Q3/20
reflects 41% lower exploration and development spending over the
past twelve months compared to the same period of 2019, the planned
ten-day turnaround at our Septimus processing facility which was
completed in five days, and a 29-day turnaround at the McMahon gas processing facility which was
completed on time.
- Production from Crew's Septimus and West Septimus areas
("Greater Septimus") averaged 17,119 boe per day in Q3/20, 13% and
8% lower than Q3/19 and Q2/20, respectively, reflecting reduced
exploration and development spending over the past 12 months and
production that was offline for the five day Septimus facility
turnaround during the quarter.
- Exploration and development expenditures in Q3/20 totaled
$21.8 million, within the previously
established guidance range of $20 to
$25 million. This amount included
$13.4 million that was directed
primarily to drilling activities, $6.6
million to well sites, facilities and pipelines and
$1.9 million to land, seismic and
other miscellaneous items.
Positive AFF
- Crew generated $8.5 million of
AFF in Q3/20 ($0.06 per fully diluted
share), an 85% increase over Q2/20 and a 49% decrease compared to
the same period of 2019, with AFF of $25.6
million ($0.17 per fully
diluted share) in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as AFF continued to be
impacted by a challenging commodity price environment.
- Commodity prices recovered through Q3/20 as benchmark prices
for all products increased quarter-over-quarter. Improved commodity
prices reflect increased global demand as restrictions related to
COVID-19 were eased. Despite this improvement, benchmark prices
remain below prior year levels due to the ongoing global impact of
COVID-19.
-
- Crew's realized light crude oil price was 83% higher than Q2/20
and 31% lower than in Q3/19, compared to an increase of 42% and a
decrease of 27% in the Canadian dollar denominated West Texas
Intermediate ("WTI") benchmark price over the same respective
periods. The Company's Q3/20 realized price improvement was more
pronounced than the WTI benchmark due to improved pricing
differentials between Canadian and US crude benchmark pricing as
egress to US markets was more abundant given lower production
moving out of Canada during the
third quarter.
- The Western Canada Select ("WCS") heavy crude oil benchmark
increased 89% from Q2/20 and decreased 27% from Q3/19, with Crew's
realized heavy crude oil price increasing 109% and decreasing 28%
relative to both periods, respectively. Crew's heavy crude oil
price outperformance relative to the Q2/20 benchmark was the result
of the above-mentioned improvement in Canadian oil
differentials.
- Pricing for the Company's ngl production in Q3/20 increased 43%
and 1,844% over Q2/20 and Q3/19, respectively, largely due to
increases in propane and butane pricing across North America. Higher ngl component prices can
have a significant impact on Crew's realized ngl price as the
increased component pricing disproportionately offsets the imbedded
cost of processing and fractionation netted into Crew's realized
price.
- Crew's realized condensate prices increased by 84% in Q3/20
compared to Q2/20, and decreased 30% from Q3/19, compared to an
increase of 63% and a decrease of 27% in the Canadian dollar
denominated Edmonton condensate
benchmark price over the same periods, with the relative difference
being the result of fixed transportation costs netted into the
price Crew receives for delivering condensate to market at our
plant gate.
- Crew's Q3/20 natural gas sales continued to be exposed to
diversified markets, a feature that has benefited the Company
significantly in the past, particularly our greater exposure to US
markets. During 2020, the Company, through legacy contracts,
continues to expose a large percentage of our natural gas
production to the Chicago City Gate market delivered at ATP. This
market has underperformed Canadian markets year-to-date, and has
impacted Crew's realized gas price. Based on this pricing exposure
in Q3/20, Crew's realized natural gas price increased 12% and 1%
relative to Q2/20 and Q3/19, respectively. As we move into Q4/20,
Crew expects improved pricing for our natural gas portfolio with a
greater percentage of production directed to Canada's AECO market, while the forward price
for Crew's US markets is forecasted to trade in-line or above
Canadian prices.
Costs Trending Lower
- A focused effort by the Company to reduce operating costs has
led to the lower realized charges. In Q3/20, net operating costs of
$5.74 per boe were 3% lower than
Q3/19, and were 6% lower for the first nine months of 2020 compared
to the same period of 2019. These efforts have allowed the Company
to reduce 2020 annual operating cost guidance from $6.00 to $6.50 per
boe to $5.75 to $6.00 per boe.
- G&A costs of $0.79 per boe in
Q3/20 and $0.91 per boe in the first
nine months of 2020 declined 42% and 36% from the comparable
periods in 2019, respectively, and were comparable to Q2/20,
reflecting administrative cost reductions, lower compensation
costs, lower head office operating costs and property
taxes, and the impact of government grants received under the
Canada Emergency Wage
Subsidy.
Liquidity Remains Strong
- Q3/20 ending net debt of $353.7
million was similar to the same period in 2019 and
approximately 4% higher than the previous quarter, reflecting
increased capital spending activities directed to drilling our 9-5
multi-well pad at West Septimus.
- Crew's debt is comprised of $300
million of senior unsecured term debt with no financial
maintenance covenants or repayment required until 2024, and a
$150 million credit facility drawn
28% at quarter-end. In early November, the facility's borrowing
base was reconfirmed at $150 million
until June 2021.
- The second phase of the previously disclosed infrastructure
transactions closed in early November, netting Crew approximately
$23 million of proceeds that have
been applied against the Company's outstanding bank debt. The
Company also has the option to transact on a further disposition of
Crew's ownership interest in the Greater Septimus gas processing
complex, which, if exercised, would generate up to an incremental
$37.5 million between January 2021 and June
2023.
TRANSPORTATION, MARKETING & HEDGING
Market Access Diversification and Increased Risk Management
Focus
- As natural gas prices have strengthened across sales hubs in
western Canada in 2020, Crew has
taken steps to rebalance the Company's marketing portfolio to
reduce transportation commitments and their associated costs, as
well as redirect our natural gas portfolio to those markets across
North American that offer the best prices to support stronger
netbacks.
- At the beginning of November
2020, Crew's commitments on the Alliance pipeline have been
reduced from 100 mmcf per day to 65 mmcf per day with the Company
retaining annual renewal rights.
- Crew's average natural gas sales exposure in Q3/20 was weighted
approximately 54% to Chicago (up
from 49% in Q2/20), 18% to Henry Hub (up from 16% in Q2/20), 22% to
Alliance 5A (down from 24% in Q2/20), 5% to Station 2 (down from 8%
in Q2/20) and 1% to AECO 5A (down from 3% in Q2/20).
- For Q4/20, the Company's sales portfolio is estimated to be
weighted 47% to Chicago, 6% to
Henry Hub, 17% to Alliance 5A, 9% to Station 2, and 21% to AECO
5A.
- Into 2021, based on current forward pricing, our estimated
natural gas market weighting is expected to shift to approximately
26% to Chicago, 15% to Alliance
5A, 50% to AECO 5A and 9% to Station 2.
- Stronger forward prices for natural gas have provided an
opportunity to add hedges for 2021 and 2022 to secure attractive
returns on our incremental gas production from our planned drilling
and completion program. Crew's Q3/20 MD&A contains a complete
list of all hedges in place as at September
30, 2020 along with contracts secured subsequent to quarter
end.
OPERATIONS & AREA OVERVIEW
Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
- The Company reported zero recordable or lost time injuries and
no reported incidents of COVID-19 through Q3/20 or the nine months
ending September 30, 2020. In
addition, no spills of significance were reported in either Q3/20
or year to date 2020, continuing Crew's strong track record of
minimizing our impact on the environment.
- In keeping with our continued efforts to enhance the Company's
long-term sustainability, Crew has planned the installation of a
waste heat recovery system for our West Septimus gas plant.
-
- This waste heat recovery system is expected to enable Crew to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 7,700 tonnes per
year, while expanding condensate stabilization capacity by
30%.
- Crew continues to successfully coordinate with three provincial
regulatory bodies to fund and coordinate site abandonment,
reclamation and restoration programs. The deployment and execution
of this important abandonment and reclamation work is currently
underway with a majority of Crew's work expected to be completed by
H1/21.
NE BC Montney - Greater
Septimus
- Through Q3/20, Crew's 3-32 UCR wells continued to meet
expectations for proved plus probable type wells derived from
Crew's independent reserves evaluation at year end 2019.
- The development of natural gas in Greater Septimus is supported
by favorable geology, a low operating cost structure, reduced
capital costs and an active hedging program.
-
- Drilling operations continued on the first six of seven wells
at the 9-5 pad at West Septimus.
- The development area benefits from the low variable operating
costs at West Septimus, which average approximately $1 per boe, as well as available capacity from
recent area plant and pipeline expansions.
Greater Septimus
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production &
Drilling
|
Q3
2020
|
Q2
2020
|
Q1
2020
|
Q4
2019
|
Q3
2019
|
Average daily
production (boe/d)
|
17,119
|
18,565
|
19,894
|
18,720
|
19,648
|
Wells drilled (gross
/ net)
|
6 / 6.0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Wells completed
(gross / net)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4 / 4.0
|
1 / 1.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Netback
($ per boe)
|
Q3
2020
|
Q2
2020
|
Q1
2020
|
Q4
2019
|
Q3
2019
|
Revenue
|
15.73
|
11.97
|
17.61
|
20.13
|
17.38
|
Royalties
|
(0.42)
|
(0.36)
|
(0.86)
|
(1.76)
|
(1.04)
|
Realized commodity
hedge gain
|
2.18
|
3.06
|
1.44
|
0.90
|
1.78
|
Marketing
income(1)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.31)
|
0.13
|
(0.02)
|
1.55
|
Net operating
costs(2)
|
(4.71)
|
(4.81)
|
(4.52)
|
(3.99)
|
(4.41)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(3.86)
|
(3.37)
|
(2.99)
|
(2.61)
|
(2.62)
|
Operating
netback(3)
|
8.59
|
6.18
|
10.81
|
12.65
|
12.64
|
|
Notes:
|
(1)
|
Marketing income was
recognized from the monetization of forward physical sales
contracts offset by the cost of committed natural gas
transportation that was not available during the period.
|
(2)
|
Net operating costs
are calculated as gross operating costs less processing
revenue.
|
(3)
|
Non-IFRS Measure.
Operating netback equals petroleum and natural gas sales including
realized hedging gains and losses on commodity contracts, marking
income, less royalties, net operating costs and transportation
costs calculated on a boe basis. Operating netback does not have a
standardized measure prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be
comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other
companies. See "Non-IFRS Measures" contained within Crew's
MD&A.
|
Other NE BC Montney
- Tower: Production averaged 627 boe per day in this area
during Q3/20, comprised of 159 bbls per day of oil, 18 bbls per day
of condensate, 46 bbls per day of ngl and 2,419 mcf per day of
natural gas. Crew continues to evaluate the potential in the Lower
Montney where development has experienced considerable
success.
- Attachie: This area
represents an attractive mid-to longer term development opportunity
with approximately 36 of our 76 net sections at Attachie situated within the liquids-rich
hydrocarbon window. Given the positive results generated by
offsetting operators, a lease retention well is planned to be
drilled in 2021 which would conclude the lease preservation program
in the area.
- Oak / Flatrock: In this
liquids-rich gas area, Crew has more than 60 (52 net) sections of
land. The Company plans to continue monitoring industry activity
and offsetting well results for potential future development.
- Groundbirch: This area is ideally situated for future
development with approximately 112 sections adjacent to acreage
planned to be developed for a west coast LNG project, and existing
pipeline infrastructure proximal to the Coastal GasLink pipeline
inlet.
AB / SK Heavy Oil Lloydminster
- During Q3/20, Crew continued to take steps for the preservation
of value and to minimize costs, including realizing benefits from
certain infrastructure capital investments during the downturn
which featured short-payouts and contributed to an improved heavy
oil operating cost structure, further advancing our long-term
sustainability.
- Production averaged 1,477 bbls per day of oil in Q3/20
reflecting the performance of two wells that were drilled in Q1/20
and completed in Q2/20, as well as the successful reactivation of
shut-in wells.
OUTLOOK
- Despite an unprecedented global pandemic collapsing demand for
oil and gas, and six years of low natural gas prices, Crew has been
conditioned to doing more with less and has significantly improved
operating, cost and capital efficiencies. We have continued to look
forward and plan for the future, with several strategic initiatives
designed to enhance our long-term financial and operational
sustainability. We believe a proactive strategy will help "right
size" the Company through optimizing processing and transportation
capacity leading to margin expansion and improved debt metrics in
an improved natural gas price environment.
- As our exposure to AECO 5A prices increases to over 45% in
2021, Crew has successfully protected a meaningful level of our
estimated 2021 gas production from the new 9-5 pad at West
Septimus, supporting our ability to generate attractive returns.
With the continued strength of natural gas prices in 2021 and 2022,
Crew is positioned to realize even greater returns on the capital
invested.
- Drilling and completion of the seven wells on the 9-5 pad will
continue through the fourth quarter of 2020 with production
anticipated to begin before year-end 2020.
- Crew forecasts annual 2020 exploration and development
expenditures of $85 to $90 million ($27 to
$37 million net of dispositions),
with Q4/20 capital spending projected to be $40 to $45 million
as the Company continues to advance our plan to improve margins by
increasing production to match processing and transportation
capacity, with the drilling of five wells at the West Septimus 3-32
UCR pad. As a result of our strong underlying production base, we
are pleased to be able to increase our forecasted Q4 2020 average
production guidance to 20,000 to 21,000 boe per day from 19,500 to
20,500 boe per day, and refine our 2020 annual average production
guidance to 21,000 to 22,000 boe per day from 20,000 to 22,000 boe
per day.
- The Company's liquidity remains strong with 28% drawn on our
$150 million credit facility at
quarter-end. We have received an additional net $23 million net cash proceeds in Q4/20 associated
with the previously disclosed strategic infrastructure
transactions, and have the option to convert another working
interest tranche for $37.5 million
beginning in January 2021, which, if
exercised, would be anticipated to be directed to further debt
repayment. Importantly, with $300
million of senior notes termed out until 2024, Crew does not
face any near-term maturities or repayment requirements which
affords financial flexibility to weather market weaknesses.
- Crew plans on releasing the Company's 2021 capital expenditure
budget and production guidance in December
2020.
Crew will continue to adhere to the highest safety standards in
the field and ensure the physical and mental health of our
employees, contractors and community is supported. From a value
creation perspective, we are relentlessly seeking to identify
opportunities to generate value for all stakeholders, over the
short and longer term. We commend the tireless efforts of Crew's
employees and directors whose commitment and dedication are
critical to our ongoing success. We thank all of our shareholders
and bondholders for your ongoing support and hope you and your
families remain safe.
Advisories
Information Regarding Disclosure on Operational
Information and Non-IFRS Measures
All amounts in this news release are stated in Canadian
dollars unless otherwise specified. This press release contains
financial and performance metrics that are not defined in IFRS and
do not have standardized meanings or standardized methods of
calculation, such as "adjusted funds flow", "operating netbacks",
"net capital expenditures", "working capital deficiency (surplus)"
and "net debt". As such, these terms may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should
not be used to make such comparisons. Such metrics have been
included herein to provide readers with additional information to
evaluate the Company's performance, however such metrics should not
be unduly relied upon. Management uses oil and gas metrics for its
own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with
measures to compare Crew's operations over time. Readers are
cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that
can be derived from the metrics presented in this press release,
should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes.
With respect to the use of terms used in this press release
identified as Non-IFRS Measures, see Non-IFRS Measures contained in
Crew's MD&A for applicable definitions, calculations, rationale
for use and, where applicable, reconciliations to the most directly
comparable measure under IFRS.
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 potential and uncertain impact of
COVID-19 on the Company's operations and results; as to the
execution of Crew's business plan including anticipated timing of
completions and on-stream dates, Q4 spending plans and Q4 and
annual 2020 production and operating cost guidance; capital
spending plans and budget estimates; the estimated volumes and
product mix of Crew's oil and gas production; commodity price
expectations including Crew's estimates of natural gas pricing
exposure; Crew's commodity risk management programs and future
hedging opportunities; marketing and transportation plans;
estimates of sales points weightings for 2020 and into 2021; future
liquidity and financial capacity; future results from operations
and operating metrics; potential for lower costs, strong capital
efficiencies and enhanced returns going forward; anticipated
reductions in transportation costs; estimated annual savings
associated with planned operations and streamlining efforts;
capital cost recovery targets; anticipated impact of our water
disposal well at West Septimus including associated reductions in
annual CO2 emissions; plans for the installation of a
waste heat recovery system at West Septimus and the potential
impact thereof; the potential impact of government programs
associated with COVID-19; world supply and demand projections and
anticipated reductions in industry spending as a result, and
long-term impact on pricing; future development, exploration,
acquisition and disposition activities (including drilling and
completion plans and associated timing and cost estimates);
infrastructure investment plans and associated production capacity;
the amount and timing of capital projects; and the anticipated
timing of release of our 2021 capital expenditure budget and
associated guidance.
In addition, forward-looking statements or information
are based on a number of material factors, expectations or
assumptions of Crew which have been used to develop such statements
and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Crew
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 Crew 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: that Crew will continue to conduct its operations in
a manner consistent with past operations; results from drilling and
development activities consistent with past operations; the quality
of the reservoirs in which Crew operates and continued performance
from existing wells; the continued and timely development of
infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the
estimates of Crew's reserve volumes; certain commodity price and
other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity
financing and cash flow to fund Crew's current and future plans and
expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the
general stability of the economic and political environment in
which Crew operates; the general continuance of current
industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required
regulatory approvals; the ability of Crew 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 Crew has an interest in to operate the field in a
safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Crew to obtain
financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline
rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas
reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the
timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and
expansion and the ability of Crew to secure adequate product
transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and
interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and
environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Crew operates;
and the ability of Crew to successfully market its oil and natural
gas products.
The forward-looking information and statements included in
this news release 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 and uncertain impact of
COVID-19; changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand
for or supply of Crew's products, the early stage of development of
some of the evaluated areas and zones the potential for
variation in the quality of the Montney formation; interruptions,
unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in
tax or environmental laws, royalty rates; climate change
regulations, or other regulatory matters; changes in development
plans of Crew or by third party operators of Crew's properties,
increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate
estimation of Crew's oil and gas reserve volumes; limited,
unfavourable 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
Crew's public disclosure documents (including, without limitation,
those risks identified in this news release and Crew's Annual
Information Form).
The internal projections, expectations or beliefs underlying
the Company's 2020 capital budget and corporate outlook for 2020
and beyond are subject to change in light of ongoing results,
prevailing economic circumstances, commodity prices and industry
conditions and regulations. Crew's outlook for 2020 and beyond
provides shareholders with relevant information on management's
expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential
acquisitions, dispositions or strategic transactions that may be
completed in 2020 and beyond. Accordingly, readers are cautioned
that events or circumstances could cause results to differ
materially from those predicted and Crew's 2020 guidance and
outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in
this news release speak only as of the date of this news release,
and Crew 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.
Supplemental Information Regarding Product Types
This news release includes references to average daily
production volumes by quarter at Greater Septimus. The following is
intended to provide the product type composition for each of the
production figures provided herein, where not already disclosed
within tables above:
|
Greater Septimus
Production Volume Breakdown
|
|
Natural gas
liquids(1)
|
Condensate
|
Natural
gas
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
Q3/20
|
11%
|
13%
|
76%
|
17,119
|
Q2/20
|
11%
|
14%
|
75%
|
18,565
|
Q1/20
|
11%
|
17%
|
72%
|
19,894
|
Q4/19
|
10%
|
13%
|
77%
|
18,720
|
Q3/19
|
11%
|
13%
|
76%
|
19,648
|
|
Notes:
|
(1)
|
Throughout this news
release, natural gas liquids ("ngl") comprise all natural gas
liquids as defined by NI 51-101 other than condensate, which is
disclosed separately.
|
Test Results and Initial Production Rates
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. Test results and initial
production rates disclosed herein, particularly those short in
duration, may not necessarily be indicative of long term
performance or of ultimate recovery.
BOE, MMCFE and TCFE Conversions
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 the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an
indication of value.
TCFe of gas is defined as Trillion Cubic Feet Equivalent, and
MMCFe of gas is defined as Million Cubic Feet Equivalent. Both
terms have been applied using the oil equivalent conversion ratio
of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas (6 mcf) to one barrel of
oil (1 bbl). TCFe and MMCFe amounts may be misleading, particularly
if used in isolation.
Crew is a growth-oriented oil and natural gas producer,
committed to pursuing sustainable per share growth through a
balanced mix of financially and socially responsible exploration
and development complemented by strategic acquisitions. The
Company's operations are primarily focused in the vast Montney resource, situated in northeast
British Columbia, and include a
large contiguous land base. Greater Septimus along with Groundbirch
and the light oil area at Tower in British Columbia offer significant development
potential over the long-term. The Company has access to diversified
markets with operated infrastructure and access to multiple
pipeline egress options. Crew's common shares are listed for
trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol
"CR".
Financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis
for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com and are available on the Company's website at
www.crewenergy.com.
SOURCE Crew Energy Inc.