CALGARY, AB, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Crew Energy Inc. (TSX:
CR) ("Crew" or the "Company") today announces our operating and
financial results for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2020. Crew's Financial
Statements and Notes, as well as Management's Discussion and
Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2020 are available on Crew's
website and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Q2 2020 HIGHLIGHTS
- Production Increased as Pricing Improved in June: Q2
production averaged 22,074 boe per day, while first half 2020
volumes averaged 22,985 boe per day, in-line with the same period
the prior year, as an average of approximately 2,100 boe per day
was shut-in during Q2/20 for value preservation due to the
unprecedented decline in commodity prices.
- Adjusted Funds Flow Supported by Lower Costs
("AFF")1: AFF totaled $4.6
million and $17.0 million
($0.03 and $0.11 per fully diluted share) in Q2/20 and first
half 2020 ("H1/20"), respectively, indicative of weak global
commodity prices stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Crew's AFF
benefited from lower royalties, net operating costs and general and
administrative ("G&A") costs, along with strong realized
hedging gains in Q2/20 which helped partially offset the impact of
challenging commodity prices.
- Focus on Cost Reductions: G&A costs per boe declined
45% and 34% in Q2/20 and H1/20 over the same periods of 2019,
respectively, and averaged $0.76 per
boe in Q2, while net operating costs per boe declined 5% and 7%
compared to the same periods in 2019 and averaged $5.68 per boe in Q2, reflecting Crew's efforts to
streamline administrative expenses and optimize field
operations.
- Strong Liquidity Profile: Quarter end net
debt1 of $339.2 million
gives Crew ample financial flexibility and includes $300 million of senior unsecured term debt due in
2024 with no financial maintenance covenants and a draw of 24% on
the Company's $150 million bank
facility which was extended to June
2021 and has a contractual maturity in 2022 if not extended
further.
- Modest Capital Expenditures: Net capital
expenditures1 in Q2/20 totaled $5.4 million, $2.7
million of which was directed to drilling and completion
activities including preparations for pad development at West
Septimus that is planned for the second half of 2020.
- Active Hedging Underpins Increased Activity: With
structural improvements in the forward curve for natural gas
prices, Crew has hedged a meaningful portion of production through
2021, which further enhances the robust well economics and
underpins support for the drilling of a seven-well pad planned at
West Septimus.
____________________
|
(1)
|
Non-IFRS Measure.
"adjusted funds flow", "net debt", and "net capital expenditures"
do not have standardized measures prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), and therefore may not be
comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other
companies. See "Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas
Reserves, Operational Information and Non-IFRS Measures" within
this press release and the Company's MD&A for details including
reasons for use.
|
FINANCIAL &
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS:
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCIAL
($ thousands, except
per share amounts)
|
Three months
ended June 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Six months
ended June 30,
2020
|
Six months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Petroleum and
natural gas sales
|
24,889
|
51,543
|
62,983
|
106,994
|
Adjusted Funds
Flow (1)
|
4,633
|
22,513
|
17,033
|
48,284
|
Per
share - basic
|
0.03
|
0.15
|
0.11
|
0.32
|
- diluted
|
0.03
|
0.15
|
0.11
|
0.32
|
Net (loss)
income
|
(24,803)
|
15,375
|
(216,712)
|
21,561
|
Per
share - basic
|
(0.16)
|
0.10
|
(1.42)
|
0.14
|
- diluted
|
(0.16)
|
0.10
|
(1.42)
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration and
Development expenditures
|
5,348
|
13,997
|
23,377
|
69,238
|
Property
acquisitions (net of dispositions)
|
44
|
(3,249)
|
(34,896)
|
(19,173)
|
Net capital
expenditures
|
5,392
|
10,748
|
(11,519)
|
50,065
|
Capital
Structure
($
thousands)
|
|
|
As
at June 30,
2020
|
As at
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Working capital
deficiency (surplus) (2)
|
|
|
7,380
|
(149)
|
Bank loan
|
|
|
35,466
|
52,136
|
|
|
|
42,846
|
51,987
|
Senior Unsecured
Notes
|
|
|
296,360
|
295,868
|
Total Net
Debt (3)
|
|
|
339,206
|
347,855
|
Common Shares
Outstanding (thousands)
|
|
|
153,081
|
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 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 June 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Six months
ended June 30,
2020
|
Six months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Daily
production
|
|
|
|
|
Light crude oil
(bbl/d)
|
191
|
155
|
203
|
190
|
Heavy crude oil
(bbl/d)
|
1,175
|
1,722
|
1,351
|
1,666
|
Natural gas liquids
("ngl")(1) (bbl/d)
|
2,147
|
2,049
|
2,218
|
2,031
|
Condensate
(bbl/d)
|
2,634
|
3,127
|
2,987
|
2,873
|
Natural gas
(mcf/d)
|
95,564
|
94,873
|
97,354
|
97,692
|
Total (boe/d @
6:1)
|
22,074
|
22,865
|
22,985
|
23,042
|
Average prices
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
Light crude oil
($/bbl)
|
24.04
|
66.15
|
35.05
|
63.14
|
Heavy crude oil
($/bbl)
|
18.08
|
60.00
|
19.20
|
52.44
|
Natural gas liquids
($/bbl)
|
7.74
|
7.50
|
6.26
|
9.17
|
Condensate
($/bbl)
|
23.69
|
68.96
|
41.10
|
65.88
|
Natural gas
($/mcf)
|
1.76
|
2.34
|
1.81
|
2.91
|
Oil equivalent
($/boe)
|
12.39
|
24.77
|
15.06
|
25.65
|
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 June 30,
2020
|
Three months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Six months
ended June 30,
2020
|
Six months
ended June 30, 2019
|
Netback
($/boe)
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas
sales
|
12.39
|
24.77
|
15.06
|
25.65
|
Royalties
|
(0.46)
|
(1.77)
|
(0.74)
|
(1.81)
|
Realized commodity hedging
gain/(loss)
|
3.34
|
(0.16)
|
2.51
|
(0.52)
|
Marketing
income(1)
|
(0.26)
|
1.23
|
(0.07)
|
1.31
|
Net operating
costs(2)
|
(5.68)
|
(6.00)
|
(5.70)
|
(6.12)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(3.42)
|
(3.01)
|
(3.31)
|
(2.63)
|
Operating
netbacks(3)
|
5.91
|
15.06
|
7.75
|
15.88
|
G&A
|
(0.76)
|
(1.39)
|
(0.96)
|
(1.45)
|
Financing costs on long-term
debt
|
(2.85)
|
(2.84)
|
(2.71)
|
(2.85)
|
Adjusted funds
flow
|
2.30
|
10.83
|
4.08
|
11.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling
Activity
|
|
|
|
|
Gross wells
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
8
|
Working interest
wells
|
0.00
|
1.00
|
2.00
|
8.00
|
Success rate, net wells
(%)
|
-
|
100%
|
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" contained within Crew's
MD&A.
|
THE CREW ADVANTAGE
While the second quarter of 2020 continued to present challenges
for the broader energy industry, Crew maintained our focus on both
value preservation and value creation opportunities. This was
achieved while prioritizing the ongoing health and safety of our
team, partners and community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To
preserve asset value given extremely weak oil and liquids prices
through Q2, Crew chose to shut-in a portion of the high-quality,
high-margin production from our ultra-condensate rich
("UCR")1 area, along with some higher-cost heavy oil
production at Lloydminster. As prices improved in June, we
were able to respond quickly and start bringing some production
back on-line, capturing value within a strengthening price
environment with no negative impacts to well or reservoir
performance. We will continue to monitor pricing and
economics and can pivot quickly to further support AFF and control
costs.
We are encouraged to see a more constructive futures market for
natural gas and have taken the opportunity to significantly
increase our hedge protection while actively targeting
higher-priced sales hubs to continue benefitting from market
diversification. Part of our longer-term planning includes
the ongoing evaluation of our forecast AFF for the next few years
based on targeted capital spending, future prices and fixed and
variable costs. Based on this analysis, it became clear that
Crew could benefit by capturing the opportunity to hedge gas and
condensate volumes at attractive prices for 2021 to underpin a
natural gas drilling program which is expected to keep production
levels in 2021 comparable to 2020 while improving leverage metrics.
These factors, coupled with our strong liquidity position,
contributed to the decision to increase our planned capital
spending in the last half of 2020 to provide for the drilling,
completion and tie-in of a seven-well pad at West Septimus.
This project features attractive economics with the Company
budgeting, based on current forward commodity prices, a recovery of
associated capital costs within approximately 12 to 14 months.
Within the current challenging yet opportunity-rich landscape,
Crew remains very well positioned to create long-term value for
stakeholders. We have assembled a large, contiguous Montney asset base that offers diverse
exposure to natural gas, oil, condensate and ngl, and have
structured our balance sheet with the majority of our debt termed
out to 2024. The Company has ample liquidity to be opportunistic in
the current environment and has seen an improvement in
sustainability with the base decline rate falling at its
liquids-rich Septimus and West Septimus areas ("Greater Septimus"),
a result of Extended Reach Horizontal ("ERH") drilling and lower
activity. While addressing the ongoing challenges presented by
COVID-19, we have maintained our unwavering commitment to health
and safety and are pleased to report no recordable or lost-time
injuries or spills in Q2/20.
Our core ESG principles also remain a high priority for Crew.
The successful twinning and start-up of a pipeline at West Septimus
in Q1/20 reduced line pressure in our UCR area. This has supported
production and reduced gas lift compression requirements from
high-value wells and is expected to lead to a reduction of 1,550
tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent of 337
cars per year2. In addition, a water disposal well
in West Septimus that was drilled in Q1/20 began operation ahead of
schedule early in the second quarter. Based on current performance,
it is expected that the well will be able to handle all of the
produced water from the West Septimus facility, ultimately reducing
costs by $6.0 million annually and
eliminating 2,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the
equivalent of 609 cars per year.
____________________
|
1
|
Ultra-Condensate
Rich" or "UCR" is not defined in NI 51-101 and means a fairway of
land at Crew's Greater Septimus area of operations where productive
zones have high condensate rates (initial 30-day condensate / gas
ratio rates of greater than 75 bbls per mmcf).
|
2
|
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
- Second quarter production averaged 22,074 boe per day, while
volumes for the six months ended June 30,
2020 were 22,985 boe per day, both in-line with Crew's
projected range of 22,000 to 23,000 boe per day for the first half
of 2020. With approximately 2,100 boe per day shut-in through
Q2/20, production for the period exceeded internal forecasts as we
were able to bring volumes back on-line in June given price
improvements.
- Production from the Greater Septimus area averaged 18,565 boe
per day in Q2/20, 5% and 7% lower than Q2/19 and Q1/20,
respectively, reflecting minimal capital investment given
prevailing commodity prices and an average of approximately 1,700
boe per day of shut-in production for the quarter.
- Crew's Q2/20 exploration and development expenditures totaled
$5.3 million, slightly lower than
guidance of $6.0 to $8.0 million, with $2.7
million directed to drilling and completion activities,
including certain preparations for the drilling of a seven-well pad
in West Septimus and the completion of two heavy oil wells drilled
in Q1/20. In addition, $0.9 million
was allocated to well sites, facilities and pipelines and
$1.8 million to land, seismic and
other miscellaneous items.
Positive AFF
- Crew generated $4.6 million of
AFF in Q2/20 ($0.03 per fully diluted
share) and $17.0 million
($0.11 per fully diluted share) in
the first half of 2020, 79% and 65% lower than the comparable
periods of 2019 and 63% less than Q1/20, primarily due to the
impact of severely depressed commodity prices.
- Petroleum and natural gas sales totaled $24.9 million in Q2/20, 35% lower than Q1/20 and
52% lower than Q2/19 and were $63.0
million for the first half of the year, 41% lower than the
same period of 2019. This reflects a decline in Crew's Q2/20 per
boe realized price of 29% and 50% over Q1/20 and Q2/19, and the
impact of lower production.
- Commodity prices remained under pressure through Q2/20 as
benchmark prices for all products declined quarter-over-quarter and
year-over-year. In particular, oil and condensate prices decreased
significantly in the last half of March in response to events on
the global stage, including a price war between OPEC+ members and
the demand destruction caused by the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic.
- The benchmarks for Crew's realized pricing declined relative to
the same period in 2019 and to the previous quarter:
-
- Crew's realized light crude oil price was 64% and 46% lower
than in Q2/19 and Q1/20, respectively, compared to declines of 52%
and 38% in the Canadian dollar denominated West Texas Intermediate
("WTI") benchmark price over the same respective periods. The
Company's Q2/20 realized price decline was more pronounced than the
WTI benchmark due to wider pricing differentials between Canadian
and US crude benchmarks stemming from a continued lack of Canadian
egress.
- The Western Canada Select ("WCS") heavy crude oil benchmark
declined 66% from Q2/19 and 34% from Q1/20, with Crew's realized
heavy crude oil price declining 70% and 10% relative to both
periods.
- Pricing for the Company's ngl production in Q2/20 increased 3%
and 59% over Q2/19 and Q1/20, respectively, largely due to
increases in component pricing across North America, particularly increased realized
prices for ethane.
- Relative to the condensate at Edmonton benchmark price, which declined 59%
and 50% over Q2/19 and Q1/20, Crew's realized condensate prices
over the same respective periods decreased 66% and 57%,
directionally in-line with benchmarks with the relative difference
being the result of fixed transportation costs.
- Crew's Q2/20 natural gas sales continued to be exposed to
diversified markets, a feature that has benefited the Company
significantly in the past, particularly our higher exposure to US
markets. Consistent with Q1/20, the Chicago City Gate net at ATP
average quarterly benchmark price again traded below prices at AECO
5A or Alliance, impacting Crew's realized natural gas price, which
declined 25% and 5% relative to Q2/19 and Q1/20, respectively.
Through 2020 and into 2021, the Company's relative exposure to
Canadian AECO and Alliance pricing will increase, with a
proportionate decrease in US price exposure.
Focus on Cost Control
- Our focus remains on controlling and reducing costs throughout
the organization. Net operating costs in Q2/20 of
$5.68 per boe declined 5% and 1%
relative to the same period in 2019 and to the preceding
quarter.
- G&A costs of $0.76 per boe in
Q2/20 were 45% and 34% lower than Q2/19 and Q1/20, respectively.
This reflects Crew's continued focus on administrative cost
reductions, lower compensation costs, lower head office operating
costs and property taxes stemming from a condensed office
footprint, and the impact of government grants received under
the Canada Emergency Wage
Subsidy.
Strong Liquidity Position
- Net debt of $339.2 million at
June 30, 2020 was 4% lower than
June 30, 2019, 2% lower than year end
2019 and in line with the previous quarter. During Q1/20, Crew
announced strategic debt and infrastructure transactions, with
$35 million of proceeds from the
first closing applied to outstanding draws on our credit facility,
which totaled $35.5 million at
June 30, 2020.
- As a result of the previously disclosed infrastructure
transactions, Crew expects to capture efficiencies through 2020
with net proceeds totaling $58.3
million, and an anticipated annual net savings of processing
fees and interest of approximately $3.0
million following the second closing in Q4/20. In addition,
commencing in 2021, Crew can elect to exercise an option for a
further disposition of the facility working interests which would
result in additional cash consideration of up to $37.5 million, providing incremental
liquidity.
- 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 that was
24% drawn at quarter-end. The Company's facility was reviewed and
extended for another 365 days to June
2021 and has a contractual maturity in 2022 if not extended.
The amended borrowing base of $150
million is reflective of the severe decline in commodity
prices due to COVID-19 and other macro market factors. The revised
facility is structured to better align with the Company's
anticipated capital spending plans and to control the overall cost
of the facility to the Company.
TRANSPORTATION, MARKETING & HEDGING
Market Access Diversification and Risk Management
- Over the past several years, Crew has focused on diversifying
the Company's sales portfolio, which has resulted in significant
exposure to US sales hubs and has offered more attractive pricing
for the last four and a half years. As a result of certain sales
contracts expiring, Crew is in an advantageous position to
materially re-position our natural gas sales portfolio over the
next 18 months.
- In Q3/19, TC Energy's service protocol change caused Canadian
natural gas prices to increase to levels more aligned with US sales
hubs, muting Crew's premium natural gas pricing advantage. To
offset this, we are actively rebalancing the Company's marketing
portfolio to reduce transportation commitments and redirect our
natural gas portfolio to those North American markets that offer
optimal natural gas netbacks.
- Crew's average natural gas sales exposure in Q2/20 was weighted
approximately 49% to Chicago (down
from 58% in Q1/20), 16% to Henry Hub (on par with Q1/20), 24% to
Alliance 5A (up from 19% in Q1/20), 8% to Station 2 (up from 7% in
Q1/20) and 3% to AECO 5A (up from 0% in Q1/20).
- For 2020, the Company's sales portfolio is estimated to be
weighted 57% to Chicago, 15% to
Henry Hub, 14% to Alliance 5A, 9% to Station 2, and 5% to AECO
5A.
- Into 2021, based on current forward pricing, our estimated
weighting is expected to shift to approximately 32% to Chicago, 15% to Alliance 5A, 46% to AECO 5A
and 7% to Station 2.
- Crew's Q2/20 MD&A contains a complete list of all hedges in
place as at June 30, 2020 along with
incremental contracts secured subsequent to quarter end.
- Crew was able to utilize part of the 20,000 bbls installed
storage capacity to help improve oil netbacks in Q2/20.
OPERATIONS & AREA OVERVIEW
NE BC Montney - Greater
Septimus
- All four of Crew's 3-32 wells were shut-in during May and
produced at restricted rates for most of the quarter. The wells
continue to meet expectations for type wells derived from Crew's
independent reserves evaluation at year end 2019.
- The development of natural gas in West Septimus is supported by
Crew's low variable operating cost structure, reduced capital costs
and hedging completed into favorable forward strip pricing.
-
- Drilling operations have commenced on the first of seven wells
at the 9-5 pad at West Septimus.
- The development area benefits from the low variable operating
costs inherent at West Septimus, which average approximately
$1 per boe, as well as available
capacity from recent area plant and pipeline expansions.
- Successful experience in ERH drilling and completions will be
employed to enhance the efficiency of this program.
Greater
Septimus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production &
Drilling
|
Q2
2020
|
Q1
2020
|
Q4
2019
|
Q3
2019
|
Q2
2019
|
Average daily
production (boe/d)
|
18,565
|
19,894
|
18,720
|
19,648
|
19,594
|
Wells drilled
(gross / net)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1 / 1.0
|
Wells
completed (gross / net)
|
0
|
0
|
4 / 4.0
|
1 / 1.0
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
Netback
($ per boe)
|
Q2
2020
|
Q1
2020
|
Q4
2019
|
Q3
2019
|
Q2
2019
|
Revenue
|
11.97
|
17.61
|
20.13
|
17.38
|
22.20
|
Royalties
|
(0.36)
|
(0.86)
|
(1.76)
|
(1.04)
|
(1.27)
|
Realized
commodity hedge gain / (loss)
|
3.06
|
1.44
|
0.90
|
1.78
|
0.28
|
Marketing
income(1)
|
(0.31)
|
0.13
|
(0.02)
|
1.55
|
1.43
|
Net operating
costs(2)
|
(4.81)
|
(4.52)
|
(3.99)
|
(4.41)
|
(4.46)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(3.37)
|
(2.99)
|
(2.61)
|
(2.62)
|
(2.81)
|
Operating
netback(3)
|
6.18
|
10.81
|
12.65
|
12.64
|
15.37
|
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 694 boe per day in this area
during Q2/20, comprised of 183 bbls per day of oil, 21 bbls per day
of condensate, 60 bbls per day of ngl and 2,577 mcf per day of
natural gas. Crew continues to evaluate options to reduce operating
costs and improve netbacks through the optimization of existing
pipeline infrastructure and tankage.
- Attachie: Approximately
36 of the Company's 76 net sections in this area are situated
within the liquids-rich hydrocarbon window. Given the positive
results generated by offsetting operators, a lease retention well
is currently planned in 2021 and would conclude the lease
preservation program at Attachie.
- Oak / Flatrock: In this
liquids-rich gas area, Crew has more than 60 (52 net) sections of
land, and the Company plans to continue monitoring industry
activity and offsetting well results which have been
encouraging.
- Groundbirch: 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, this area is ideally situated for future
development. Crew anticipates drilling three lease retention wells
in this area in 2021.
AB / SK Heavy Oil Lloydminster
- In light of deteriorating oil prices through April and May,
Crew reduced capital directed to heavy crude oil opportunities at
Lloydminster and continued to
scale back operations and production in Q2/20 in order to preserve
value and minimize costs. Two lease retention wells drilled in
Q1/20 were completed and equipped and brought on production when
prices improved.
- Production averaged 1,180 bbls per day in Q2/20 reflecting the
shut-in of approximately 400 bbls of oil per day in Q2/20, the
impact of natural declines and limited capital investment. Crew
began reactivating shut-in wells in June to capture value from
narrow differentials, with June production averaging 1,354 bbls per
day, and will continue to adjust production levels as prices
dictate.
OUTLOOK
- We are very pleased to see a more constructive market for AECO
natural gas and have taken the opportunity to significantly
increase our hedge protection while actively targeting
higher-priced sales hubs to continue to benefit from marketing
diversification.
- To underpin a natural gas drilling program planned to improve
leverage metrics and maintain 2021 production levels and unit costs
comparable with 2020, Crew has proactively hedged natural gas and
condensate volumes in 2021 at attractive prices. Our decision to
increase planned investment in the last half of 2020 including the
drilling and completion of a seven-well pad at West Septimus, along
with associated infrastructure, was supported by:
-
- Crew's strong liquidity position;
- Focus on improving leverage metrics;
- Reduced drilling and completion costs;
- Ability to add natural gas volumes into a low variable cost
structure;
- Sustainability improving as base decline rates decrease in
Greater Septimus, a function of maturing production and the
adoption of ERH wells;
- Timing of our capital investment to bring new production
volumes on-stream into higher priced markets;
- Access to, and takeaway capacity on, multiple natural gas
takeaway pipelines providing flexibility to direct sales to the
highest priced markets; and
- Strong projected returns.
- With our exposure to AECO 5A prices increasing from 5% in 2020
to 46% in 2021, we have hedged a portion of the estimated forecast
2021 gas production from the new wells to minimize commodity risk
and contribute to compelling returns with quick potential well pay
outs. Should the very recent improvement in natural gas future
prices in 2021 be realized, the returns on this investment would be
enhanced.
- Drilling of the first of seven wells commenced in late July,
with production from all seven wells anticipated to come on-stream
by Q1/21.
- With the new pad development, Crew's annual exploration and
development expenditure budget range has been increased to
$75 to $85
million ($17 to $27 million net of dispositions), with Q3/20
capital spending projected to be $20
to $25 million and Q3 average
production forecasted to be 18,000 to 19,000 boe per day reflecting
an anticipated ten day turnaround at our Septimus processing
facility and a 30-day turnaround at the McMahon gas processing facility. We are
forecasting fourth quarter average production of 19,500 to 20,500
boe per day and are pleased to maintain our annual average
production guidance of 20,000 to 22,000 boe per day.
- Crew has continued to participate in the various government
incentive programs that have been offered and submitted
applications for the various provincial reclamation and remediation
stimulus programs. Crew has been awarded funding and will be
initiating field work as outlined within the program.
- The Company remains well positioned from a liquidity
perspective with 24% drawn on our $150
million credit facility at quarter-end, and an additional
net $23 million cash payment expected
to be realized during Q4/20 associated with the previously
disclosed strategic infrastructure transactions. 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.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause negative repercussions
throughout the global economy. While Crew's focus remains on
the health and safety of our staff and community, we are striving
to capture opportunities to generate meaningful long-term value for
all stakeholders and appreciate the trust you have placed in our
Company. 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 Q3, Q4 and annual 2020
production guidance, capital spending plans and budget estimates;
the anticipated receipt of additional net cash proceeds of
$23 million upon remaining closings
of the Company's previously announced strategic transactions; as to
the Company's ongoing goal of increasing the overall weighting of
condensate in its production mix; the estimated volumes, including
planned production shut-ins, and product mix of Crew's oil and gas
production; production estimates including targeted production
levels in 2021 to be comparable to 2020 volumes; commodity price
expectations including Crew's estimates of natural gas pricing
exposure; Crew's commodity risk management programs; 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 and efficiencies going forward including forecasted
reductions in G&A for 2020; reductions in transportation costs;
and estimated annual savings associated with shut-ins and planned
operations and streamlining efforts; anticipated reductions in
annual CO2 emissions; 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;
and the amount and timing of capital projects.
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)
|
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
|
Q2/19
|
10%
|
16%
|
74%
|
19,594
|
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 equivalent
Barrel of oil equivalents or BOEs may be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 mcf:
1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily
applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value
equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on
the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is
significantly different than the energy equivalency of 6:1,
utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an
indication of value.
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. Crew's ultra-condensate-rich Septimus
and West Septimus areas ("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 six month periods ended June 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.