Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”)
is pleased to report its 2022 first quarter results with record
Free Cash Flow and material deleveraging. Athabasca is uniquely
positioned as a low leveraged company generating significant Free
Cash Flow through its low-decline, oil weighted asset base.
Q1 Corporate Highlights
-
Production above Guidance: 34,679 boe/d (92%
Liquids) consisting of 27,909 bbl/d in Thermal Oil and 6,770 boe/d
(57% Liquids) in Light Oil, ahead year-to-date of annual guidance
of 33-34,000 boe/d.
-
Capital Expenditures: $31 million focused on
sustaining operations in Thermal Oil and three Duvernay well
completions.
-
Record Cash Flow: Record Adjusted Funds Flow ~$75
million and record Free Cash Flow ~$44 million. Continued cash flow
expansion expected through 2023 as described below.
-
Record Operating Netbacks: $48.79/bbl at Leismer,
$43.48/bbl at Hangingstone and $48.92/boe in Light Oil.
-
Significant Deleveraging: Redeemed $110 million in
Term Debt year-to-date (inclusive of outstanding redemption
notices), achieving ~50% of US$175 million debt reduction target
which is anticipated to be reached in H1 2023. Low current Net Debt
of ~$127 million.
-
Unlocking Shareholder Value: Committed to further
enhance shareholder returns by utilizing Free Cash Flow and cash
balances for share buy-backs or dividends once debt target is
achieved.
Operational Highlights
-
Focus on Leismer: The Leismer Pad L8 (5 well
pairs) ramp-up is exceeding the Company’s expectations and is
currently producing in excess of 2,500 bbl/d. The pad is expected
to reach ~5,400 bbl/d in H2 2022 and will support a ~21,000 bbl/d
exit rate this year. Beginning in June, the Company anticipates
spudding an additional two infill wells at Pad L6, followed by five
additional well pairs at Pad L8, with new production expected in
2023. The Leismer asset is forecasted to grow to ~24,000 bbl/d over
the next three years within corporate capital guidance.
-
High Margin Duvernay: During the quarter three
Duvernay wells at Two Creeks were completed with IP30’s between 650
– 1,000 boe/d (averaging 840 boe/d per well, 94% Liquids),
exceeding internal type curve expectations and screening as top oil
wells in Alberta. The Company has a flexible development portfolio
of ~850 de-risked Montney and Duvernay locations along with
strategic ownership and operatorship of liquids and gas
infrastructure in Greater Kaybob. These assets provide a natural
hedge for the Thermal Oil division through their production of
diluent and natural gas.
-
Record Netbacks: Athabasca’s oil weighted
portfolio is benefiting from strong commodity prices and low cost
structures. This rate of change is reflected in the Company’s March
netbacks: Kaybob Duvernay ~$72.25/boe, Placid Montney ~$44.25/boe,
Leismer ~$61.50/bbl and Hangingstone ~$58.50/bbl.
Strategic Update and Corporate Outlook
-
Maintaining 2022 Guidance. The Company reiterates
its 33,000 – 34,000 boe/d (92% Liquids) annual production guidance
along with Capital Expenditure guidance of $128 million. The
Company’s modest 2022 capital program is indicative of long term
sustaining capital that benefits from a low decline, large resource
asset base.
-
Managing for Free Cash Flow. For 2022, Athabasca
forecasts Adjusted EBITDA of ~$350 million, Adjusted Funds Flow of
~$300 million and Free Cash Flow of ~$180 million (US$85 WTI,
US$13.50 Western Canadian Select “WCS” heavy differential). The
Company further expects to generate ~$900 million in Free Cash Flow
during the three year timeframe of 2022-24 (US$85 WTI, US$12.50 WCS
differential flat pricing). Every $5 WTI impacts Free Cash Flow by
~$45 million annually (unhedged). The Company’s strong margins and
Free Cash Flow profile is supported by $3.1 billion in tax pools
and a pre-payout Crown royalty structure for its Thermal Oil
assets.
-
Executing Significant Deleveraging with Clear
Targets: The Company is planning to utilize 100% of
near‐term Free Cash Flow to reduce its Term Debt and is
anticipating being in a net cash position by year end 2022 at
current commodity prices. Year-to-date the Company has redeemed a
total of C$57 million (US$45 million) through open market
purchases. The Company has also provided redemption notices to
noteholders for an additional C$53 million (US$41 million) from
warrant proceeds and the Free Cash Flow payment feature within the
indenture. These redemptions are expected to be completed by
mid-May. Pro forma, the Company will have redeemed and retired a
total of C$110 million (US$86 million) in its Term Debt. This
achieves approximately ~50% of its US$175 million debt reduction
target which is anticipated to be reached in H1 2023.
-
Excellent Exposure to Commodity Price Upside:
Athabasca has retained excellent exposure to upside in commodity
prices with 50% of its 2022 sales volumes unhedged, 20% of its
sales hedged through collars with upside to US$115 WTI, and 30% of
its sales hedged through fixed swaps at an implied US$67.50 WTI.
The Company has minimal hedging in 2023 and expects lower future
hedge levels to protect its base capital program as debt targets
are achieved.
-
Thermal Oil Differentiation: Athabasca’s Thermal
assets operate in a pre-payout Crown royalty structure, with
royalty rates between 5 - 9%, and is anticipated to last beyond
2028 (US$85 WTI, US$12.50 WCS differential flat pricing). This
results in maximum cash flow at current commodity prices and
creates a significant advantage over the majority of Industry oil
sands projects. The Company’s low decline, long reserve life
Thermal Oil assets are forecasted to generate ~$400 million in
Operating Income in 2022 (US$85 WTI, US$13.50 WCS differential flat
pricing). At current commodity prices, these assets compete
exceptionally well on all cash flow metrics against top plays in
North America with capital investments generating double-digit
Recycle and Profit-to-Investment Ratios.
-
Unlocking Shareholder Value: The transition of
enterprise value to equity holders is materializing and is expected
to unlock significant shareholder value. Athabasca is committed to
further enhancing shareholder returns by utilizing Free Cash Flow
and cash balances for share buy-backs or dividends once its debt
target is achieved. The Company sees tremendous intrinsic value not
reflected in the current share price. Additional guidance on the
Company’s return of capital strategy will be provided in H2
2022.
Environmental, Social and Governance
(“ESG”) Update
-
Annual Report. Athabasca is proud to publish its
second ESG report, aligning to leading ESG standards and frameworks
including Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”), Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) and Task Force for Climate
Disclosure (“TCFD”) guidelines. The report is available on the
Company’s website (https://www.atha.com/responsibility.html) and
SEDAR (https://www.sedar.com).
-
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Athabasca has
advanced its partnership with Entropy Inc. to develop and implement
a carbon capture and storage project at Leismer using Entropy’s
proprietary CCS technology. The partnership is progressing detailed
engineering plans and has developed a commercial model for
investment that aligns with reducing carbon emissions and supports
the Company’s future aspiration of producing a net-zero oil sands
barrel.
-
Environment. The Company has a strong track record
of utilizing new technology to improve environmental performance,
having invested over $60 million in technology designed to mitigate
GHG emissions since 2015. By 2025, Athabasca has a goal to reduce
Scope 1 emissions intensity by 30% from its 2015 baseline.
-
Social. Athabasca’s safety culture is deeply
embedded and the Company’s total recordable injury frequency has
averaged 0.2 per 200,000 man-hours over the last three years, well
below industry average. The Company has also had zero reportable
hydrocarbon spills for three consecutive years.
-
Governance. Independent Board with established and
robust corporate policies. The Company’s ESG strategy and
performance is reviewed, considered, and fully integrated at the
Board level.
Annual General MeetingAthabasca
is pleased to announce that Mr. Marty Proctor and Ms. Angela Avery
will stand for election as directors to the Company’s Board of
Directors at the upcoming virtual Annual General Meeting
(“Meeting”) on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 9:00 am (MT). Mr. Proctor
has held several senior executive positions, including most
recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Seven
Generations Energy, and currently serves in various board
capacities across the energy sector. He has significant expertise
in operations, engineering and business strategy, and was on the
management team of North American Oilsands, an original owner of
lands in Athabasca’s Leismer and Corner areas.Ms. Avery is
currently the Executive Vice President, External Affairs and
General Counsel at WestJet and has more than 25 years’ legal and
business experience, and an extensive regulatory and compliance
background. She served as General Counsel and VP Business
Development at Athabasca from 2017 to 2020 and prior to that held
senior executive roles at ConocoPhillips.The Board would like to
extend its sincere thanks to Mr. Carlos Fierro and Ms. Anne Downey
who are retiring from the Board on May 4, 2022, for their years of
dedicated service to Athabasca and our shareholders. Mr. Fierro and
Ms. Downey have made significant contributions to the Board and its
committees, including chairing the Audit Committee and Reserves
Committee, respectively.
Shareholders and guests can listen to the
Meeting via live webcast at:
https://web.lumiagm.com/430317815
with additional details available at:
https://www.atha.com/investors/presentation-events.html.
An archived recording of the webcast will be
available on the Company’s website for those unable to listen live.
Financial and Operational Highlights
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
($ Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
CONSOLIDATED |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas production (boe/d)(1) |
|
34,679 |
|
|
|
34,401 |
|
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
389,424 |
|
|
$ |
211,656 |
|
|
Operating Income (Loss)(1) |
$ |
150,640 |
|
|
$ |
65,928 |
|
|
Operating Income (Loss) Net of Realized Hedging(1)(2) |
$ |
102,994 |
|
|
$ |
44,815 |
|
|
Operating Netback ($/boe)(1) |
$ |
47.40 |
|
|
$ |
21.12 |
|
|
Operating Netback Net of Realized Hedging ($/boe)(1)(2) |
$ |
32.41 |
|
|
$ |
14.36 |
|
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
30,929 |
|
|
$ |
35,554 |
|
|
Free Cash Flow(1) |
$ |
43,832 |
|
|
$ |
(16,593 |
) |
|
THERMAL OIL DIVISION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitumen production (bbl/d) |
|
27,909 |
|
|
|
25,949 |
|
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
360,281 |
|
|
$ |
186,710 |
|
|
Operating Income (Loss)(1) |
$ |
120,837 |
|
|
$ |
42,168 |
|
|
Operating Netback ($/bbl)(1) |
$ |
47.04 |
|
|
$ |
17.85 |
|
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
21,182 |
|
|
$ |
33,014 |
|
|
LIGHT OIL DIVISION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas production (boe/d)(1) |
|
6,770 |
|
|
|
8,452 |
|
|
Percentage Liquids (%)(1) |
57 |
% |
|
57 |
% |
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
45,108 |
|
|
$ |
34,572 |
|
|
Operating Income (Loss)(1) |
$ |
29,803 |
|
|
$ |
23,760 |
|
|
Operating Netback ($/boe)(1) |
$ |
48.92 |
|
|
$ |
31.24 |
|
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
7,987 |
|
|
$ |
968 |
|
|
CASH FLOW AND FUNDS FLOW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
$ |
59,862 |
|
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
|
per share - basic |
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
Adjusted Funds Flow(1) |
$ |
74,761 |
|
|
$ |
18,961 |
|
|
per share - basic |
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) |
$ |
(119,601 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,472 |
) |
|
per share - basic |
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
per share - diluted |
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic |
|
531,091,102 |
|
|
|
530,675,391 |
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted |
|
531,091,102 |
|
|
|
530,675,391 |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
As at ($ Thousands) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
LIQUIDITY AND BALANCE SHEET |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
213,534 |
|
$ |
223,056 |
|
Available credit facilities(3) |
$ |
77,838 |
|
$ |
77,844 |
|
Face value of term debt(4) |
$ |
396,123 |
|
$ |
443,730 |
|
(1) Refer to the “Reader
Advisory” section within this news release for additional
information on Non-GAAP Financial Measures and production
disclosure.(2) Includes realized commodity risk
management loss of $47.6 million for the three months ended March
31, 2022 (three months ended March 31, 2021 - $21.1 million
loss).(3) Includes available credit under
Athabasca's Credit Facility and Unsecured Letter of Credit
Facility.(4) The face value of the term debt at
March 31, 2022 was US$317 million (December 31, 2021 – US$350
million) translated into Canadian dollars at the March 31, 2022
exchange rate of US$1.00 =C$1.2496 (December 31, 2021 –
C$1.2678).
Operations Update
Thermal Oil
Bitumen production for Q1 2022 averaged 27,909
bbl/d. The Thermal Oil division generated record Operating Income
of $121 million. Q1 2022 Operating Netbacks for Leismer and
Hangingstone were a record $48.79/bbl and $43.48/bbl, respectively.
Capital expenditures were $21 million.
For 2022 the Company has fully hedged its
Thermal Oil gas input costs through its Light Oil gas production
with the balance financially hedged at C$4/mcf AECO.
Leismer
Bitumen production for Q1 2022 averaged 18,966
bbl/d and ~20,000 bbl/d in April. Leismer has a scheduled two week
plant turnaround in May which is completed every four years.
At Pad L8, three wells were converted to
production in January, with the remaining wells to be placed on
production in early Q2. Volumes are forecasted to grow through the
year as Pad L8 ramps-up to its expected plateau rate of ~5,400
bbl/d (five well pairs). Leismer is expected to exit 2022 at
~21,000 bbl/d and grow to ~24,000 bbl/d over the next three years
within corporate capital guidance.
The existing L8 gathering pipeline and
infrastructure will support future development for a total of 14
well pairs on Pad L8. In June the Company will spud two additional
infill wells at Pad L6 followed by five additional well pairs at
Pad L8. These wells will support production in 2023 and have
unparalleled Profit-to-Investment Ratios (NPV/Investment) of ~10x
and double-digit Recycle Ratios at current commodity prices.
The Company has expanded non-condensable gas
(“NCG”) co-injection across the field on mature pads supporting
lower energy intensity with a current project steam oil ratio
(“SOR”) of ~3.2x (March 2022).
Leismer has a significant Unrecovered Capital
Balance of $1.6 billion which ensures a low Crown royalty framework
as the asset is forecasted to remain pre-payout until 2028 (US$85
WTI, US$12.50 WCS differential).
Hangingstone
Bitumen production for Q1 2022 averaged 8,943
bbl/d. Production during the quarter was impacted by a delay in
getting service rigs for routine pump repairs. Full production has
since been re-established above 9,000 bbl/d in April. NCG
co-injection is aiding in pressure support and reduced energy usage
and the project achieved a record low SOR of ~3.7x in February
2022.
In 2022, Hangingstone will have no capital
allocation other than routine pump replacements. Strong operational
performance, cost enhancements and improved commodity prices are
driving competitive margins. The Hangingstone asset is expected to
generate ~$130 million Operating Income in 2022 (April 4th strip
pricing: US$94 WTI, US$13 WCS differential).
Light Oil
Production averaged 6,770 boe/d (57% Liquids) in
Q1 2022. The business division generated Operating Income of $30
million with a record Operating Netback of$48.92/boe. Athabasca’s
Light Oil Netbacks continue to be top quartile when compared to
Alberta’s other liquids-rich Montney and Duvernay resource
producers and are supported by a high liquids weighting. Capital
expenditures were $8 million during the quarter.
Placid Montney
At Greater Placid, production averaged 3,565
boe/d (43% Liquids) in Q1 2022 with an Operating Netback of
$38.86/boe. Placid is positioned for flexible future development
with an inventory of ~150 gross drilling locations and minimal
near-term land retention requirements.
Kaybob Duvernay
At Greater Kaybob, production averaged 3,205
boe/d (72% Liquids) in Q1 2022 with an Operating Netback of
$60.11/boe.
Three Duvernay wells in the oil window at Two
Creeks were recently completed. IP30’s for the wells were between
650 – 1,000 boe/d (averaging 840 boe/d, 94% Liquids). Athabasca’s
prior 12 wells at Kaybob East and Two Creeks have averaged IP180s
of ~725 boe/d (85% Liquids) and IP365s of ~550 boe/d (83% Liquids).
Strong well results coupled with a large well inventory (~700 gross
drilling locations) and flexible development timing indicate
significant value to Athabasca.
The Kaybob area is supported by a strong Joint
Development Agreement, established operated infrastructure and
minimal near-term land retention requirements. The Company remains
encouraged by competitor activity and recent new entrants into the
play.
About Athabasca Oil
Corporation
Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy
company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and
light oil assets. Situated in Alberta’s Western Canadian
Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base
of extensive, high quality resources. Athabasca’s common shares
trade on the TSX under the symbol “ATH”. For more information,
visit www.atha.com.
For more information, please contact:
Matthew TaylorChief Financial
Officer1-403-817-9104mtaylor@atha.com
Robert BroenPresident and
CEO1-403-817-9190 rbroen@atha.com Reader
Advisory:
This News Release contains forward-looking
information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other
factors. All information other than statements of historical fact
is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words
“anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”,
“will”, “target”, “forecast”, “goal”, “aspiration”, “commit” and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
information. The forward-looking information is not historical
fact, but rather is based on the Company’s current plans,
objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and
projections about the Company’s industry, business and future
operating and financial results. This information involves known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can
be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such
forward-looking information included in this News Release should
not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the
date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release
contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited
to, the following: our strategic plans; future debt levels and
repayment plans; the allocation of future capital; timing for
shareholder returns including share buybacks and dividends, our
drilling plans in Leismer; Leismer ramp-up to expected production
rates; timing of Leismer’s pre-payout royalty status; the frequency
of plant turnarounds at Leismer; expected operating results at
Hangingstone; Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash
Flow in 2022; the impact of lower future hedge levels; type well
economic metrics; forecasted daily production and the composition
of production; our ESG goals; and other matters.
In addition, information and statements in this
News Release relating to "Reserves" and “Resources” are deemed to
be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the
reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted
or estimated, and that the reserves and resources described can be
profitably produced in the future. With respect to forward-looking
information contained in this News Release, assumptions have been
made regarding, among other things: commodity prices; the
regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental
matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will
conduct business and the effects that such regulatory framework
will have on the Company, including on the Company’s financial
condition and results of operations; the Company’s financial and
operational flexibility; the Company’s financial sustainability;
Athabasca's cash flow break-even commodity price; the Company’s
ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and
cost-efficient manner; the applicability of technologies for the
recovery and production of the Company’s reserves and resources;
future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; future
sources of funding for the Company’s capital programs; the
Company’s future debt levels; future production levels; the
Company’s ability to obtain financing and/or enter into joint
venture arrangements, on acceptable terms; operating costs;
compliance of counterparties with the terms of contractual
arrangements; impact of increasing competition globally; collection
risk of outstanding accounts receivable from third parties;
geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company’s
reserves and resources; recoverability of reserves and resources;
the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting
exploration and development activities and the quality of its
assets. Certain other assumptions related to the Company’s Reserves
and Resources are contained in the report of McDaniel &
Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) evaluating Athabasca’s
Proved Reserves, Probable Reserves and Contingent Resources as at
December 31, 2021 (which is respectively referred to herein as the
"McDaniel Report”).
Actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result
of the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Information
Form (“AIF”) dated March 2, 2022 available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com, including, but not limited to: weakness in the oil
and gas industry; exploration, development and production risks;
prices, markets and marketing; market conditions; climate change
and carbon pricing risk; statutes and regulations regarding the
environment; regulatory environment and changes in applicable law;
gathering and processing facilities, pipeline systems and rail;
reputation and public perception of the oil and gas sector;
environment, social and governance goals; political uncertainty;
continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; state of capital
markets; ability to finance capital requirements; access to capital
and insurance; abandonment and reclamation costs; changing demand
for oil and natural gas products; anticipated benefits of
acquisitions and dispositions; royalty regimes; foreign exchange
rates and interest rates; reserves; hedging; operational
dependence; operating costs; project risks; supply chain
disruption; financial assurances; diluent supply; third party
credit risk; indigenous claims; reliance on key personnel and
operators; income tax; cybersecurity; advanced technologies;
hydraulic fracturing; liability management; seasonality and weather
conditions; unexpected events; internal controls; limitations of
insurance; litigation; natural gas overlying bitumen resources;
competition; chain of title and expiration of licenses and leases;
breaches of confidentiality; new industry related activities or new
geographical areas; and risks related to our debt and
securities.
Also included in this News Release are estimates
of Athabasca's 2022 Outlook which are based on the various
assumptions as to production levels, commodity prices, currency
exchange rates and other assumptions disclosed in this News
Release. To the extent any such estimate constitutes a financial
outlook, it was approved by management and the Board of Directors
of Athabasca, and is included to provide readers with an
understanding of the Company’s outlook. Management does not have
firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or
other financial assumptions used to prepare the financial outlook
or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and,
accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs,
expenditures, prices and operating results are not objectively
determinable. The actual results of operations of the Company and
the resulting financial results may vary from the amounts set forth
herein, and such variations may be material. The financial outlook
contained in this New Release was made as of the date of this News
release and the Company disclaims any intention or obligations to
update or revise such financial outlook, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant
to applicable law.
Oil and Gas Information
“BOEs" may be misleading, particularly if used
in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of
natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (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. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil
based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is
significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1,
utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an
indication of value.
Initial Production Rates
Test Results and Initial Production Rates: The
well test results and initial production rates provided in this
presentation should be considered to be preliminary, except as
otherwise indicated. Test results and initial production rates
disclosed herein may not necessarily be indicative of long-term
performance or of ultimate recovery.
Reserves Information
The McDaniel Report was prepared using the
assumptions and methodology guidelines outlined in the COGE
Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, effective
December 31, 2021. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in
estimating quantities of bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude
oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas
liquids reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such
reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set
forth above are estimates only. In general, estimates of
economically recoverable reserves and the future net cash flows
therefrom are based upon a number of variable factors and
assumptions, such as historical production from the properties,
production rates, ultimate reserve recovery, timing and amount of
capital expenditures, marketability of oil and natural gas, royalty
rates, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies
and future operating costs, all of which may vary materially. For
those reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable reserves
attributable to any particular group of properties, classification
of such reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future
net revenues associated with reserves prepared by different
engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary.
The Company's actual production, revenues, taxes and development
and operating expenditures with respect to its reserves will vary
from estimates thereof and such variations could be material.
Reserves figures described herein have been rounded to the nearest
MMbbl or MMboe. For additional information regarding the
consolidated reserves and information concerning the resources of
the Company as evaluated by McDaniel in the McDaniel Report, please
refer to the Company’s AIF.
Reserve Values (i.e. Net Asset Value) is
calculated using the estimated net present value of all future net
revenue from our reserves, before income taxes discounted at 10%,
as estimated by McDaniel effective December 31, 2021 and based on
average pricing of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ as of January 1,
2022.
The 700 Duvernay drilling locations referenced
include: 7 proved undeveloped locations and 78 probable undeveloped
locations for a total of 85 booked locations with the balance being
unbooked locations. The 150 Montney drilling locations referenced
include: 39 proved undeveloped locations and 59 probable
undeveloped locations for a total of 98 booked locations with the
balance being unbooked locations. Proved undeveloped locations and
probable undeveloped locations are booked and derived from the
Company's most recent independent reserves evaluation as prepared
by McDaniel as of December 31, 2021 and account for drilling
locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as
applicable. Unbooked locations are internal management estimates.
Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources
(including contingent or prospective). Unbooked locations have been
identified by management as an estimation of Athabasca’s multi-year
drilling activities expected to occur over the next two decades
based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering,
production and reserves information. There is no certainty that the
Company will drill all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled
there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional
oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling
locations on which the Company will actually drill wells, including
the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the
availability of funding, commodity prices, provincial fiscal and
royalty policies, costs, actual drilling results, additional
reservoir information that is obtained and other factors.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures,
and Production Disclosure
The "Adjusted Funds Flow", “Adjusted Funds Flow
per Share”, “Free Cash Flow”, "Light Oil Operating Income", "Light
Oil Operating Netback", "Thermal Oil Operating Income", "Thermal
Oil Operating Netback", “Consolidated Operating Income",
"Consolidated Operating Netback", "Consolidated Operating Income
Net of Realized Hedging", "Consolidated Operating Netback Net of
Realized Hedging", “Cash Transportation & Marketing Expenses”,
“Adjusted EBITDA” and “Net Debt” financial measures contained in
this News Release do not have standardized meanings which are
prescribed by IFRS and they are considered to be non-GAAP financial
measures or ratios. These measures may not be comparable to similar
measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered in
isolation with measures that are prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The Leismer and Hangingstone operating results are a supplementary
financial measure that when aggregated, combine to the Thermal Oil
segment results and the Greater Placid and Greater Kaybob operating
results are a supplementary financial measure that when aggregated,
combine to the Light Oil segment results.
Adjusted Funds Flow, Adjusted Funds Flow Per
Share and Free Cash Flow
Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow are
non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to represent cash
flow from operating activities, net earnings or other measures of
financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. The
Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow measures allow management
and others to evaluate the Company’s ability to fund its capital
programs and meet its ongoing financial obligations using cash flow
internally generated from ongoing operating related activities.
Adjusted Funds Flow per share is a non-GAAP financial ratio
calculated as Adjusted Funds Flow divided by the applicable number
of weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted Funds Flow and
Free Cash Flow are calculated as follows:
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
($ Thousands) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
$ |
59,862 |
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
Changes in non-cash working capital |
|
14,353 |
|
|
16,520 |
|
Settlement of provisions |
|
546 |
|
|
1,303 |
|
ADJUSTED FUNDS FLOW |
|
74,761 |
|
|
18,961 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
(30,929 |
) |
|
(35,554 |
) |
FREE CASH FLOW |
$ |
43,832 |
|
$ |
(16,593 |
) |
Light Oil Operating Income and Operating
Netback
The non-GAAP measure Light Oil Operating Income
in this News Release is calculated by subtracting the Light Oil
Segments royalties, operating expenses and transportation &
marketing expenses from petroleum and natural gas sales which is
the most directly comparable GAAP measure. The Light Oil Operating
Netback per boe is a non-GAAP financial ratio calculated by
dividing the Light Oil Operating Income by the Light Oil
production. The Light Oil Operating Income and the Light Oil
Operating Netback measures allow management and others to evaluate
the production results from the Company’s Light Oil assets. The
Light Oil Operating Income is calculated using the Light Oil
Segments GAAP results, as follows:
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
($ Thousands) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
$ |
45,108 |
|
$ |
34,572 |
|
Royalties |
|
(5,869 |
) |
|
(1,853 |
) |
Operating expenses |
|
(6,979 |
) |
|
(6,712 |
) |
Transportation and marketing |
|
(2,457 |
) |
|
(2,247 |
) |
LIGHT OIL OPERATING INCOME |
$ |
29,803 |
|
$ |
23,760 |
|
Thermal Oil Operating Income and Operating Netback
The non-GAAP measure Thermal Oil Operating
Income in this News Release is calculated by subtracting the
Thermal Oil segments cost of diluent blending, royalties, operating
expenses and cash transportation & marketing expenses from
heavy oil (blended bitumen) and midstream sales which is the most
directly comparable GAAP measure. The Thermal Oil Operating Netback
per boe is a non-GAAP financial ratio calculated by dividing the
respective projects Operating Income by its respective bitumen
sales volumes. The Thermal Oil Operating Income and the Thermal Oil
Operating Netback measures allow management and others to evaluate
the production results from the Company’s Thermal Oil assets.
The Thermal Oil Operating Income is calculated
using the Thermal Oil Segments GAAP results, as follows:
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
($ Thousands) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Heavy oil (blended bitumen) and midstream sales |
$ |
360,281 |
|
$ |
186,710 |
|
Cost of diluent |
|
(139,911 |
) |
|
(83,194 |
) |
Total bitumen and midstream sales |
|
220,370 |
|
|
103,516 |
|
Royalties |
|
(32,496 |
) |
|
(2,172 |
) |
Operating expenses |
|
(45,496 |
) |
|
(37,804 |
) |
Cash transportation and marketing(1) |
|
(21,541 |
) |
|
(21,372 |
) |
THERMAL OIL OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) |
$ |
120,837 |
|
$ |
42,168 |
|
(1) Cash
transportation and marketing excludes non-cash costs of $0.6
million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Consolidated Operating Income and Consolidated
Operating Income Net of Realized Hedging and Operating Netbacks
The non-GAAP measure Consolidated Operating
Income in this News Release is calculated by adding or subtracting
realized gains (losses) on commodity risk management contracts,
royalties, the cost of diluent blending, operating expenses and
cash transportation & marketing expenses from petroleum,
natural gas and midstream sales which is the most directly
comparable GAAP measure. The Consolidated Operating Netback per boe
is a non-GAAP ratio calculated by dividing Consolidated Operating
Income by the total sales volumes and is presented on a per boe
basis. The Consolidated Operating Income and the Consolidated
Operating Netback measures allow management and others to evaluate
the production results from the Company’s Light Oil and Thermal Oil
assets combined together including the impact of realized commodity
risk management gains or losses.
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
($ Thousands) |
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales(1) |
$ |
405,389 |
|
$ |
221,282 |
|
Royalties |
|
(38,365 |
) |
|
(4,025 |
) |
Cost of diluent(1) |
|
(139,911 |
) |
|
(83,194 |
) |
Operating expenses |
|
(52,475 |
) |
|
(44,516 |
) |
Cash transportation and marketing(2) |
|
(23,998 |
) |
|
(23,619 |
) |
Operating Income |
|
150,640 |
|
|
65,928 |
|
Realized gain (loss) on commodity risk management contracts |
|
(47,646 |
) |
|
(21,113 |
) |
OPERATING INCOME NET OF REALIZED HEDGING |
$ |
102,994 |
|
$ |
44,815 |
|
(1) Non-GAAP
measure includes intercompany NGLs (i.e. condensate) sold by the
Light Oil segment to the Thermal Oil segment for use as diluent
that is eliminated on consolidation.
(2) Cash
transportation and marketing excludes non-cash costs of $0.6
million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Cash Transportation & Marketing Expenses
The Cash Transportation & Marketing Expense
financial measure contained in this News Release is calculated by
subtracting the non-cash Transportation & Marketing Expense as
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from the
Transportation & Marketing Expense as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and is considered to be a
non-GAAP financial measure.
Net Debt
Net Debt is defined as the face value of term
debt, plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities, plus current
portion of provisions and other liabilities less current assets,
and excluding risk management contracts. Current Net Debt is Net
Debt as at March 31, 2022 adjusted for $29 million of warrant
proceeds received in April.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined as
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) before financing
and interest expense, depletion and depreciation, impairment
(reversal) and taxation (recovery) expense adjusted for unrealized
foreign exchange gain (loss), realized foreign exchange gain (loss)
on repayment of US dollar debt, unrealized gain (loss) on risk
management contracts, gain (loss) on revaluation of provisions and
other, gain (loss) on sale of assets, non-cash transportation and
marketing and non‐cash stock‐based compensation.
Production volumes details
|
|
Three months
endedMarch 31, |
|
Production |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
Greater Placid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Condensate NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
1,100 |
|
|
1,540 |
|
Other NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
436 |
|
|
460 |
|
Natural gas(1) |
mcf/d |
|
12,168 |
|
|
15,599 |
|
Total Greater Placid |
boe/d |
|
3,565 |
|
|
4,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Kaybob: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil(2) |
bbl/d |
|
1,971 |
|
|
2,511 |
|
Other NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
324 |
|
|
327 |
|
Natural gas(1) |
mcf/d |
|
5,463 |
|
|
6,083 |
|
Total Greater Kaybob |
boe/d |
|
3,205 |
|
|
3,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Light Oil: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil(2) |
bbl/d |
|
1,971 |
|
|
2,511 |
|
Condensate NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
1,100 |
|
|
1,540 |
|
Oil and condensate NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
3,071 |
|
|
4,051 |
|
Other NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
760 |
|
|
787 |
|
Natural gas(1) |
mcf/d |
|
17,631 |
|
|
21,682 |
|
Total Light Oil division |
boe/d |
|
6,770 |
|
|
8,452 |
|
Total Thermal Oil division bitumen |
bbl/d |
|
27,909 |
|
|
25,949 |
|
Total Company production |
boe/d |
|
34,679 |
|
|
34,401 |
|
(1) Comprised of 99% or greater of
shale gas, with the remaining being conventional natural gas.
(2) Comprised of 99% or greater of tight oil, with
the remaining being light and medium crude oil.
This News Release also makes reference to
Athabasca's forecasted total average daily production of 33,000 -
34,000 boe/d for 2022. Athabasca expects that approximately 82% of
that production will be comprised of bitumen, 8% shale gas, 5%
tight oil, 3% condensate natural gas liquids and 2% other natural
gas liquids.
This News Release makes reference to Athabasca's
three well results in Two Creeks that have seen average
productivity of ~839 boe /d IP30s (95% Liquids), which is comprised
of ~94% tight oil, ~5% shale gas and ~1% NGLs. Additionally, the 12
prior Two Creeks and Kaybob East wells have seen average
productivity of ~725 boe /d IP180s (85% Liquids), which is
comprised of ~80% tight oil, ~15% shale gas and ~5% NGLs and 547
boe/d, and IP360’s (83% Liquids), which is comprised of ~78% tight
oil, ~17% shale gas and ~5% NGLs.
Liquids is defined as bitumen, light crude oil,
medium crude oil and natural gas liquids.
Recycle ratio is calculated by dividing
estimated project operating netbacks by finding and development
costs per boe. Profit-to-Investment Ratio is a measure of a
projects net value relative to its capital investment and is
calculated by dividing a project's NPV10 value by its Capital.
Reserve life is calculated by dividing year-end reserves with
management’s forecasted production guidance.
Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jan 2025 to Feb 2025
Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2024 to Feb 2025