Crew Energy Inc. (TSX: CR, OTCQB: CWEGF) (“Crew” or the “Company”)
is a growth-oriented natural gas weighted producer operating
exclusively in the world-class Montney play in northeast British
Columbia (“NEBC”). The Company is pleased to announce our operating
and financial results for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2022. Crew’s Financial Statements and Notes, as well as
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) are available on
Crew’s website and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
“The success of our two-year asset development
plan (the “Two-Year Plan”) is clearly demonstrated by Crew’s Q2/22
performance, during which we significantly reduced bank debt,
resulting in a net debt to annualized Q2/22 EBITDA1 measure of just
0.6 times. With production volumes of 35,044 boe per day
outperforming internal forecasts by 10% and Adjusted Funds Flow2
(“AFF”) of $115 million up 48% over the previous quarter, we have
set another corporate record,” said Dale Shwed, President and CEO
of Crew. “Our standout performance in the first half of the year
has led to increases in annual guidance for production, AFF2, Free
AFF6, and investment while continuing to responsibly develop our
world-class Montney assets, reduce per unit costs and grow natural
gas and condensate production – all of which support our long-term
sustainability goals.”
HIGHLIGHTS
-
35,044 boe per day3 (210 mmcfe) average production
in Q2/22 was another new corporate record and 10% higher than
Crew’s internal forecasts, representing a 31% increase over Q2/21
and a 5% increase sequentially from Q1/22. First half 2022 volumes
averaged 34,225 boe per day3 (205 mmcfe), 29% above the same period
in 2021.
-
Natural gas production in the quarter increased 33% over Q2/21 to
158 mmcf per day.
-
Condensate production increased 84% in the quarter to 5,570
bbls per day and natural gas liquids4,5 (“NGLs”) increased
16% to 3,108 bbls per day over Q2/21.
-
$115.3 million of AFF2 ($0.76 per basic share and
$0.71 per fully diluted share) was generated in Q2/22, a company
record, a 48% increase from Q1/22 and a 352% increase over Q2/21,
driven by significant production growth and robust operating
netbacks6 of $38.92 per boe. First half 2022 AFF2 of $192.9 million
was 224% higher than the first half of 2021.
-
$108.2 million of Free AFF6 was generated in
Q2/22, enabling Crew to accelerate deleveraging and significantly
strengthen our financial flexibility.
-
89% reduction in bank debt relative to year end
2021, with only $8.1 million drawn on a $185
million credit facility at the end of June.
-
$288.2 million of net debt2 at
quarter-end, a 29% reduction from year-end 2021.
-
0.6 times net debt2 to annualized Q2/22 EBITDA
measure1 at quarter-end.
-
22% reduction in cash costs per boe6 to $9.63 per
boe in Q2/22 from $12.33 in Q2/21, with net operating costs6
declining 27% over Q2/21 to $3.52 per
boe.
-
$7.1 million of net capital expenditures6 in Q2/22
were limited, as no wells were drilled or completed in the period,
and Crew remained focused on bolstering our financial position
during spring break-up.
-
Exceeded corporate forecasts on the following
wells:
-
Five Upper Montney “B” zone ultra-condensate rich (“UCR”) wells at
Septimus with average (IP60) rates of 1,323 mcf per day of natural
gas and 915 bbls per day of condensate;
-
Three Upper Montney “B” zone UCR wells at Septimus with average
(IP120) rates of 8,614 mcf per day of natural gas and 574 bbls per
day of condensate;
-
Crew’s best upper Montney “C” zone UCR well to date with average
(IP60) rates of 1,896 mcf per day of natural gas and 607 bbls per
day of condensate; and
-
One exploration well at Monias, which tested 1,197 mcf per day of
natural gas and 405 bbls per day of condensate, proving the
development potential of another area and enhancing corporate
sustainability.
-
Sustainability and ESG Report released today
updating Crew’s performance and initiatives, which is accessible
from our website.
FINANCIAL & OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL($ thousands, except per share
amounts) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
198,329 |
68,550 |
|
328,671 |
154,067 |
|
Cash provided by
operating activities |
117,363 |
24,890 |
|
172,445 |
55,337 |
|
Adjusted funds
flow2 |
115,274 |
25,530 |
|
192,934 |
59,525 |
|
Per share1 – basic |
0.76 |
0.17 |
|
1.27 |
0.39 |
|
- diluted |
0.71 |
0.16 |
|
1.19 |
0.37 |
|
Net income
(loss) |
88,695 |
(23,138 |
) |
87,318 |
(21,785 |
) |
Per share – basic |
0.58 |
(0.15 |
) |
0.57 |
(0.14 |
) |
- diluted |
0.55 |
(0.15 |
) |
0.54 |
(0.14 |
) |
Property, plant and
equipment expenditures |
7,061 |
21,198 |
|
62,422 |
71,288 |
|
Net property dispositions6 |
- |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
Net capital expenditures6 |
7,061 |
21,198 |
|
62,422 |
71,288 |
|
Capital Structure($ thousands) |
As atJune 30, 2022 |
|
As atDec. 31, 2021 |
|
Working capital surplus (deficiency)2 |
18,222 |
|
(33,068 |
) |
Bank
loan |
(8,101 |
) |
(75,067 |
) |
|
10,121 |
|
(108,135 |
) |
Senior
unsecured notes |
(298,325 |
) |
(297,834 |
) |
Net debt2 |
(288,204 |
) |
(405,969 |
) |
Common shares outstanding (thousands) |
152,807 |
|
152,480 |
|
OPERATIONAL |
|
|
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Daily production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil
(bbl/d)7 |
|
|
108 |
1,324 |
112 |
1,267 |
Condensate
(bbl/d) |
|
|
5,570 |
3,019 |
4,752 |
2,864 |
Natural gas liquids
(“ngl”)4,5 (bbl/d) |
|
|
3,108 |
2,687 |
2,982 |
2,545 |
Conventional
natural gas (mcf/d) |
|
|
157,547 |
118,089 |
158,273 |
118,858 |
Total (boe/d @
6:1) |
|
|
35,044 |
26,712 |
34,225 |
26,486 |
Average
realized1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Light crude oil
price ($/bbl) |
|
|
130.66 |
71.65 |
118.68 |
68.02 |
Heavy crude oil
price ($/bbl) |
|
|
- |
60.03 |
- |
56.54 |
Natural gas liquids
price ($/bbl) |
|
|
49.09 |
11.85 |
48.91 |
12.65 |
Condensate price
($/bbl) |
|
|
130.07 |
75.36 |
124.40 |
72.72 |
Natural gas price
($/mcf) |
|
|
8.17 |
3.49 |
6.73 |
4.52 |
Commodity price
($/boe) |
|
|
62.16 |
28.20 |
53.06 |
32.14 |
|
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Netback ($/boe) |
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and
natural gas sales |
62.16 |
|
28.20 |
|
53.06 |
|
32.14 |
|
Royalties |
(3.98 |
) |
(1.91 |
) |
(3.40 |
) |
(2.06 |
) |
Realized loss on
derivative financial instruments |
(12.41 |
) |
(3.46 |
) |
(8.89 |
) |
(5.37 |
) |
Net operating
costs6 |
(3.52 |
) |
(4.79 |
) |
(3.51 |
) |
(4.72 |
) |
Transportation
costs |
(3.33 |
) |
(4.10 |
) |
(3.23 |
) |
(4.13 |
) |
Operating
netback6 |
38.92 |
|
13.94 |
|
34.03 |
|
15.86 |
|
General and
administrative (“G&A”) |
(0.83 |
) |
(0.93 |
) |
(0.89 |
) |
(0.93 |
) |
Financing costs on
debt6 |
(1.95 |
) |
(2.51 |
) |
(1.99 |
) |
(2.51 |
) |
Adjusted funds
flow2 |
36.14 |
|
10.50 |
|
31.15 |
|
12.42 |
|
1 Supplementary financial measure that does not
have any standardized meaning as prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable
with the calculations of similar measures for other entities. See
“Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release.
2 Capital management measure that does not have
any standardized meaning as prescribed by International Financial
Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable with the
calculations of similar measures for other entities. See
“Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release.
3 See table in the Advisories for production
breakdown by product type as detailed in NI 51-101.
4 Throughout this news release, NGLs comprise
all natural gas liquids as defined in National Instrument 51-101,
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”),
other than condensate, which is disclosed separately, and natural
gas means conventional natural gas by NI 51-101 product type.
5 Excludes condensate volumes which have been
reported separately.
6 Non-IFRS financial measure or ratio that does
not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by International
Financial Reporting Standards, and therefore, may not be comparable
with calculations of similar measures or ratios for other entities.
See “Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” contained
within this press release and in our most recently filed MD&A,
available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
7 Throughout this news release,
crude oil refers to light, medium and heavy crude oil product type
as defined by National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure
for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101").
SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF TWO-YEAR
PLAN
Crew is proud to showcase the successful
execution of our Two-Year Plan, both to date in 2022 and since its
launch in late 2020 and remains committed to furthering these
efforts through the second half of this year. To date, we have
realized the following accomplishments associated with our Two-Year
Plan:
- Significant
Deleveraging – Crew had an 89% reduction in outstanding
bank debt quarter-over-quarter, which totaled $8.1 million at June
30, 2022, contributing to net debt2 of $288.2 million, 27% lower
than the previous quarter end. With our deleveraging strategy in
action, we are on track to achieve our target net debt2 to last
twelve month (“LTM”) EBITDA1 ratio of under 1.0 times by the end of
2022, based on the forecast commodity prices referenced in the
Outlook section, representing a significant improvement from 5.5
times at the end of 2020.
-
Material Production Expansion – Average Q2/22
production of 35,044 boe per day3 (210 mmcfe per day) represents
the highest quarterly production in Crew’s history, driven largely
by strong well results from Septimus ultra condensate rich wells
added in Q1/22 and the continued outperformance of the Groundbirch
dry gas wells added in Q4/21. Condensate production increased 42%
over the prior quarter, averaging 5,570 bbls per day, contributing
to the Company’s strong financial performance for the quarter.
-
Record AFF2 and Free AFF6
Levels – AFF2 of $115.3 million and Free AFF6 of
$108.2 million in Q2/22 were supported by reduced cash costs per
boe6, improved operating netbacks6 and higher production.
-
Margin Enhancement Through Reduced Per Unit Cash
Costs – Cash costs per boe6 associated with operating,
transportation, G&A and interest expense totaled $9.63 per boe
in Q2/22, a 22% decrease from $12.33 per boe in Q2/21, contributing
to a 179% increase in operating netback6 to $38.92 in Q2/22 over
Q2/21, aligning with the goals in our Two-Year Plan to decrease
cash costs per boe6 by increasing production to match committed
transportation and processing capacity, ultimately improving
margins.
-
2022 Guidance Revised Upward - Given Crew’s
outperformance through the first half of 2022, we are pleased to be
revising full year 2022 guidance and assumptions across all
metrics; notably AFF2 guidance is increased to between $300 and
$320 million, Free AFF6 guidance is now between $160 to $190
million, with net capital expenditures increasing to $130 to $140
million and the bottom end of Crew’s production forecast increasing
to 32,000 to 33,000 boe per day. See the Outlook section below for
commodity prices, capital allocation and other material
assumptions.
-
Returns-Focused Capital Program – For the
remainder of 2022, Crew’s expanded capital program will continue to
be directed to high-return projects supported by a continued focus
on technical efficiency improvements to help offset inflationary
factors being experienced globally.
OPERATIONS & AREA
OVERVIEW
NEBC Montney (Greater
Septimus)
-
Capital expenditures were focused on the equip and tie-in of the
4-14 pad during Q2/22, along with expansion of the infrastructure
interconnectivity between Crew’s Septimus and West Septimus gas
plants. These infrastructure enhancements have enabled the optimal
utilization of the liquids handling component of our infrastructure
at the West Septimus gas plant, allowing Crew to achieve the
highest quarterly condensate production in our history, averaging
5,570 bbls per day.
-
Supported by greater facility utilization, the five (5.0 net)
extended reach horizontal (“ERH”) UCR wells drilled to the east in
the Upper Montney “B” zone on our 4-14 pad produced IP60 volumes
that exceeded internal expectations, with average wellhead rates of
1,323 mcf per day of natural gas and 915 bbls per day of
condensate.
-
The three (3.0 net) ERH UCR wells drilled to the west in the Upper
Montney “B” zone on our 4-14 pad produced IP120 volumes that
exceeded internal expectations, with average wellhead rates of
8,614 mcf per day of natural gas and 574 bbls per day of
condensate.
-
Successfully tested the new Upper Montney “C” zone on the 4-14 pad,
with average wellhead IP60 rates of 1,896 mcf per day of natural
gas and 607 bbls per day of condensate.
-
Successfully tested the A14-34 exploration well in Q2/22 which
flowed hydrocarbons for 187 hours (or 7.8 days) and at the end of
the production test was producing at a wellhead rate of 1,197 mcf
per day of natural gas and 405 bbls per day of condensate for a
condensate to gas ratio (“CGR”) of 338 bbls per mmcf. This well is
strategically important as it is two miles northwest of the Monias
fault, is within the Fort St. John graben and provides support for
another liquids-rich hydrocarbon development window on Crew’s
acreage, further demonstrating the sustainable and high-quality
nature of our asset base.
Groundbirch
-
Early in 2022, Crew drilled five (5.0 net) wells that are expected
to evaluate two additional zones on the Groundbirch 4-17 pad in the
second half of the year, building on the success of our initial
three wells previously established in the area. Completion
operations have begun on these wells with testing to begin later in
August.
-
The initial three (3.0 net) wells drilled at Groundbirch are
exceeding the Proved plus Probable area type curve forecasts
reflected in Crew’s year-end 2021 independent reserves evaluation8,
with an average per well raw gas production rate after 270 days
(“IP270”) of 7,706 mcf per day.
-
Crew owns over 70,000 net acres of contiguous land in the Greater
Groundbirch area. The Upper Montney at Groundbirch is approximately
470 feet in thickness and has four prospective zones, two of which
have been tested on the initial three well pad. Two additional
zones are expected to be evaluated in the last half of 2022 with
the completion of our five well pad.
Other NE BC Montney
-
We continue to evaluate encouraging offset operator activity in the
Tower, Attachie and Oak/Flatrock areas.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG INITIATIVES WITH
NEW REPORT RELEASED TODAY
Crew's commitment to progressing our ESG
initiatives remained a focus in the quarter as we continue to
invest in developing sustainable solutions to complement our
corporate growth. Crew is proud to launch our second annual digital
ESG report today, which builds on the Company’s 2020 ESG report and
features a new and streamlined structure. Please visit us at
www.crewenergy.com to learn more and to read about our new
sustainable solutions.
Our Q2/22 ESG highlights include:
- The Company continued to
demonstrate our strong commitment to safety with no recordable
injuries in Q2/22.
-
The Company continued to participate in provincially-funded dormant
well programs, having abandoned 20 wells to date in 2022. We expect
to abandon a total of 39 wells, or approximately 30% of the
Company’s remaining idle wells in 2022.
-
A total of $4.5 million was directed to abandonment and reclamation
activities during the first six months of 2022, allocated across
well work, reclamation, facilities removal and remediation.
OUTLOOK
- Full Year
2022 Guidance
-
As a result of the strong commodity price environment, better than
forecasted well performance and AFF, combined with our deleveraging
goal of exiting the year with a net debt2 to LTM EBITDA1 ratio of
less than 1.0 times being on track, the Company has increased our
2022 AFF2, Free AFF6, production and capital investment guidance.
We plan to invest between $130 and $140 million of net capital
expenditures6, resulting in average annual production guidance of
32,000 to 33,000 boe per day3.
- The increase in
planned annual capital investment will now include:
- the drilling of six
ERH UCR wells at the Septimus 11-27 pad, following up on our highly
successful 4-14 pad;
- a condensate
stabilization infrastructure project at the Septimus gas plant to
increase condensate capacity from 1,000 bbls per day to 4,700 bbls
per day;
- pipeline
infrastructure to tie-in the 11-27 pad, which is currently not
expected to be on production until late Q1/23; and
- placing deposits on
long lead items for our 2023 program.
-
This program is expected to optimize condensate production through
both gas plants while adding six ERH UCR drilled and uncompleted
wells to our inventory. For additional information, an updated
corporate presentation has been posted to our website at
crewenergy.com. Guidance for 2022 annual AFF, Free AFF and EBITDA
have also increased as outlined in the table below:
|
Previous 2022 Guidance and Material Assumptions |
Updated 2022 Guidance and Material
Assumptions9 |
Net capital expenditures6 ($MM) |
80-95 |
130-140 |
Annual average production (boe/d) |
31,000-33,000 |
32,000-33,000 |
AFF2 ($MM) |
245-265 |
300-320 |
Free AFF6 ($MM) |
150-185 |
160-190 |
EBITDA6 ($MM) |
269-289 |
324-344 |
Oil price (WTI)($US per bbl) |
85.00 |
93.00 |
Natural gas price (NYMEX) ($US per mmbtu) |
5.10 |
6.15 |
Natural gas price (AECO 5A) ($C per mcf) |
4.50 |
5.45 |
Natural gas price (Crew est. wellhead) ($C per mcf) |
5.10 |
6.25 |
Foreign exchange ($US/$CAD) |
0.78 |
0.78 |
Royalties |
5-7% |
8-9% |
Net operating costs6 ($ per boe) |
3.50-4.00 |
3.50-4.00 |
Transportation ($ per boe) |
2.75-3.25 |
3.00-3.50 |
G&A ($ per boe) |
0.80-1.00 |
0.80-1.00 |
Effective interest rate on long-term debt |
6.0-6.5% |
6.0-6.5% |
Updated 2022 guidance and material assumptions in the table above
reflect actuals for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and
forecasts for the six months ended December 31, 2022. Selected
forecasts for the six months ended December 31, 2022 are as
follows: |
Oil price (WTI)($US per bbl) |
85.00 |
|
Natural gas price (NYMEX) ($US per mmbtu) |
6.25 |
|
Natural gas price (AECO 5A) ($C per mcf) |
4.95 |
|
Natural gas price (Crew est. wellhead) ($C per mcf) |
5.80 |
|
8 Complete details of Crew’s year-end 2021
independent reserves evaluation are contained within our Annual
Information Form, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
9 The actual results of operations of Crew and
the resulting financial results will likely vary from the estimates
and material underlying assumptions set forth in this guidance by
the Company and such variation may be material. The guidance and
material underlying assumptions have been prepared on a reasonable
basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments.
-
Q3/22 Capital Program – Crew’s Q3/22 capital
program is expected to range between $56 and $64 million, with
quarterly production volumes expected to average between 30,000 and
32,000 boe per day3 as the three Groundbirch wells, which were
producing approximately 2,800 boe per day, have been shut-in for
offsetting completion operations.
-
Near Term Initiatives
-
Continue directing forecasted Free AFF6 to further reduce debt and
improve leverage metrics;
-
Advance the evaluation of refinancing options for the Company’s
$300 million, 6.5% senior unsecured notes due March 14, 2024 (the
“2024 Notes”), to further strengthen the balance sheet and position
Crew for long-term sustainability;
-
Invest in capital projects with strong rates of return and payouts
expected in under 12 months, which can be supported by an active
hedging program;
-
Continue to optimize transportation and facilities throughput to
sustain lower per unit costs; and
-
Actively monitor service industry efficiencies, costs, supply chain
trends and commodity prices to assess potential budget adjustments
as market conditions change throughout the year.
Our ‘Crew’ remains eager to continue advancing
our momentum and strategic direction, driving our Two-Year Plan to
completion in the second half of 2022 by further improving the
balance sheet, maintaining a focus on increasing AFF5, and
prioritizing our ongoing ESG initiatives. Through the balance of
this year, Crew’s Board of Directors and management will be working
to develop an updated strategic plan to build on the success of our
initial Two-Year Plan and anticipate sharing details about our plan
in the fourth quarter of 2022. We thank all stakeholders, including
employees, directors, partners, communities, bond holders and
shareholders, for their contribution and dedication to the success
of Crew.
ADVISORIES
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 ability to execute on its Two-Year
Plan and underlying strategy and targets as described herein; as to
our plan to optimize and increase production and infrastructure
utilization in 2022, reduce unit costs, materially improve leverage
metrics and generate increasing Adjusted Funds Flow and meaningful
Free Adjusted Funds Flow; our 2022 annual capital budget range,
associated drilling and completion plans and all associated near
term initiatives and targets, and guidance and underlying
assumptions in the Outlook section of this press release;
production estimates including forecast production per share
growth, 2022 annual averages and Q3 2022 production estimates;
forecast 2022 AFF estimates and targeted 2022 Free AFF and
improvement in debt and leverage metrics; commodity price
expectations including Crew’s estimates of natural gas pricing
exposure; Crew's commodity risk management programs and future
hedging opportunities; well abandonment plans; marketing and
transportation and processing plans and requirements; estimates of
processing capacity and requirements; anticipated reductions in GHG
emissions and decommissioning obligations; future liquidity and
financial capacity; future results from operations and operating
and leverage metrics; expected well payouts under 12 months; our
deleveraging strategy including targeted Net Debt to LTM EBITDA
ratio of below 1.0x by the end of 2022; world supply and demand
projections and long-term impact on pricing; future development,
exploration, acquisition and disposition activities (including
drilling and completion plans, anticipated on-stream dates and
associated development timing and cost estimates); the potential
for another liquids-rich hydrocarbon window on Crew’s acreage at
Greater Septimus; the potential of our Groundbirch area to be a
core area of future development and the number of potential
prospective zones to be drilled and the anticipated timing of
evaluation of the various zones; infrastructure investment plans;
the successful implementation of our ESG initiatives, and
significant emissions intensity improvements going forward; the
amount and timing of capital projects; and anticipated improvement
in our long-term sustainability and the expected positive
attributes discussed herein attributable to our Two-Year Plan.
The internal projections, expectations, or
beliefs underlying our Board approved 2022 capital budget and
associated guidance are subject to change in light of the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia / Ukraine conflict and any
related actions taken by businesses and governments, ongoing
results, prevailing economic circumstances, commodity prices, and
industry conditions and regulations. Crew's financial outlook and
guidance provides shareholders with relevant information on
management's expectations for results of operations, excluding any
potential acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based
upon the key assumptions outlined herein. Such information reflects
internal targets used by management for the purposes of making
capital investment decisions and for internal long-range planning
and budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or
circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to
differ materially from those predicted and Crew's guidance for 2022
and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue
reliance should not be placed on same.
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; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions
will be within the parameters expected by Crew; 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,
environmental and indigenous matters in the jurisdictions in which
Crew operates; that regulatory authorities in British Columbia will
resume granting approvals for oil and gas activities on time
frames, and on terms and conditions, consistent with past
practices; 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 and the Russia / Ukraine conflict; 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
and 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 MD&A and Annual Information Form).
This press release contains future-oriented
financial information and financial outlook information
(collectively, "FOFI") about Crew's prospective capital
expenditures, all of which are subject to the same assumptions,
risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the
above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of Crew and the
resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set
forth in this press release and such variation may be material.
Crew and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on
a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and
judgments. However, because this information is subjective and
subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as
necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by
applicable securities laws, Crew undertakes no obligation to update
such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as of the
date of this press release and was provided for the purpose of
providing further information about Crew's anticipated future
business operations. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained
in this press release should not be used for purposes other than
for which it is disclosed herein.
The 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.
Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil
and Gas Reserves and Operational Information
All amounts in this news release are stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. This press release
contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry.
Each of these metrics are determined by Crew as specifically set
forth in this news release. These terms do not have standardized
meanings or standardized methods of calculation and therefore 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 to provide readers with additional
information to evaluate the Company’s performance however, such
metrics are not reliable indicators of future performance and
therefore should not be unduly relied upon for investment or other
purposes. See "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" below for
additional disclosures.
BOE 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.
Non-IFRS and Other Financial
Measures
Throughout this press release and other
materials disclosed by the Company, Crew uses certain measures to
analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow.
These non-IFRS and other specified financial measures do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities.
The non-IFRS and other specified financial measures should not be
considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial
measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators
of Crew’s performance. Management believes that the presentation of
these non-IFRS and other specified financial measures provides
useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding
and evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating performance, and the
measures provide increased transparency and the ability to better
analyze Crew’s business performance against prior periods on a
comparable basis.
Capital Management
Measuresa) Funds from Operations and Adjusted
Funds Flow (“AFF”)
Funds from operations represents cash provided by operating
activities before changes in operating non-cash working capital,
accretion of deferred financing costs and transaction costs on
property dispositions. Adjusted funds flow represents funds from
operations before decommissioning obligations settled (recovered).
The Company considers these metrics as key measures that
demonstrate the ability of the Company’s continuing operations to
generate the cash flow necessary to maintain production at current
levels and fund future growth through capital investment and to
service and repay debt. Management believes that such measures
provide an insightful assessment of the Company's operations on a
continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges, actual
settlements of decommissioning obligations and transaction costs on
property dispositions, the timing of which is discretionary. Funds
from operations and adjusted funds flow should not be considered as
an alternative to or more meaningful than cash provided by
operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an
indicator of the Company’s performance. Crew’s determination of
funds from operations and adjusted funds flow may not be comparable
to that reported by other companies. Crew also presents adjusted
funds flow per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using
weighted average shares outstanding consistent with the calculation
of income per share. The applicable reconciliation to the most
directly comparable measure, cash provided by operating activities,
is contained under “free adjusted funds flow” below.
b) Net Debt and Working Capital Surplus
(Deficiency)
Crew closely monitors its capital structure with a goal of
maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the
Company. The Company monitors net debt as part of its capital
structure. The Company uses net debt (bank debt plus working
capital deficiency or surplus, excluding the current portion of the
fair value of financial instruments) as an alternative measure of
outstanding debt. Management considers net debt and working capital
deficiency (surplus) an important measure to assist in assessing
the liquidity of the Company.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures and
Ratios
a) Net Property Acquisitions
(Dispositions)
Net property acquisitions (dispositions) equals property
acquisitions less property dispositions and transaction costs on
property dispositions. Crew uses net property acquisitions
(dispositions) to measure its total capital investment compared to
the Company’s annual capital budgeted expenditures. The most
directly comparable IFRS measures to net property acquisitions
(dispositions) are property acquisitions and property
dispositions.
b) Net Capital Expenditures
Net capital expenditures equals exploration and development
expenditures less net property acquisitions (dispositions). Crew
uses net capital expenditures to measure its total capital
investment compared to the Company’s annual capital budgeted
expenditures. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to net
capital expenditures is property, plant and equipment
expenditures.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Property, plant and equipment expenditures |
7,061 |
55,361 |
21,198 |
62,422 |
71,288 |
Less: Net property
dispositions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Net capital expenditures |
7,061 |
55,361 |
21,198 |
62,422 |
71,288 |
c) EBITDA
EBITDA is calculated as consolidated net income (loss) before
interest and financing expenses, income taxes, depletion,
depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain non-cash,
extraordinary and non-recurring items primarily relating to
unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments and impairment
losses. The Company considers this metric as key measures that
demonstrate the ability of the Company’s continuing operations to
generate the cash flow necessary to maintain production at current
levels and fund future growth through capital investment and to
service and repay debt. The most directly comparable IFRS measure
to EBITDA is cash provided by operating activities.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
|
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by operating
activities |
117,363 |
|
55,082 |
|
24,890 |
|
172,445 |
|
55,337 |
|
Change in operating non-cash
working capital |
(2,666 |
) |
19,675 |
|
1,097 |
|
17,009 |
|
3,805 |
|
Accretion of deferred
financing costs |
(245 |
) |
(246 |
) |
(246 |
) |
(491 |
) |
(492 |
) |
Funds from operations |
114,452 |
|
74,511 |
|
25,741 |
|
188,963 |
|
58,650 |
|
Decommissioning obligations settled
(recovered)
excluding government grants |
822 |
|
3,149 |
|
(211 |
) |
3,971 |
|
875 |
|
Adjusted funds flow |
115,274 |
|
77,660 |
|
25,530 |
|
192,934 |
|
59,525 |
|
Interest |
6,230 |
|
6,094 |
|
6,102 |
|
12,324 |
|
12,017 |
|
EBITDA |
121,504 |
|
83,754 |
|
31,632 |
|
205,258 |
|
71,542 |
|
d) Free Adjusted Funds
Flow
Free adjusted funds flow represents adjusted
funds flow less capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and
dispositions. The Company considers this metric a key measure that
demonstrates the ability of the Company’s continuing operations to
fund future growth through capital investment and to service and
repay debt. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to free
adjusted funds flow is cash provided by operating activities.
($ thousands) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
|
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
|
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by operating
activities |
117,363 |
|
55,082 |
|
24,890 |
|
172,445 |
|
55,337 |
|
Change in operating non-cash
working capital |
(2,666 |
) |
19,675 |
|
1,097 |
|
17,009 |
|
3,805 |
|
Accretion of deferred
financing costs |
(245 |
) |
(246 |
) |
(246 |
) |
(491 |
) |
(492 |
) |
Funds from operations |
114,452 |
|
74,511 |
|
25,741 |
|
188,963 |
|
58,650 |
|
Decommissioning obligations settled (recovered) excluding
government grants |
822 |
|
3,149 |
|
(211 |
) |
3,971 |
|
875 |
|
Adjusted funds flow |
115,274 |
|
77,660 |
|
25,530 |
|
192,934 |
|
59,525 |
|
Less:
property, plant and equipment expenditures |
7,061 |
|
55,361 |
|
21,198 |
|
62,422 |
|
71,288 |
|
Free adjusted funds flow |
108,213 |
|
22,299 |
|
4,332 |
|
130,512 |
|
(11,763 |
) |
e) Net Operating Costs
Net operating costs equals operating costs net
of processing revenue. Management views net operating costs as an
important measure to evaluate its operational performance. The most
directly comparable IFRS measure for net operating costs is
operating costs.
($ thousands, except per boe) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs |
12,705 |
|
11,359 |
|
12,136 |
|
24,064 |
|
23,675 |
|
Processing revenue |
(1,475 |
) |
(830 |
) |
(482 |
) |
(2,305 |
) |
(1,036 |
) |
Net operating costs |
11,230 |
|
10,529 |
|
11,654 |
|
21,759 |
|
22,639 |
|
Per
boe |
3.52 |
|
3.50 |
|
4.79 |
|
3.51 |
|
4.72 |
|
f) Net Operating Costs per
boeNet operating costs per boe equals net operating costs
divided by production. Management views net operating costs per boe
as an important measure to evaluate its operational performance.
The calculation of Crew’s net operating costs per boe can be seen
in the non-IFRS measure entitled “Net Operating Costs” above.
g) Operating Netback per
boeOperating netback per boe equals petroleum and natural
gas sales including realized gains and losses on commodity related
derivative financial instruments, marketing income, less royalties,
net operating costs and transportation costs calculated on a boe
basis. Management considers operating netback per boe an important
measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates
its field level profitability relative to current commodity
prices.
($/boe) |
|
|
Three monthsended June
30, 2022 |
|
Three monthsendedMar 31, 2022 |
|
Three monthsendedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
|
|
62.16 |
|
43.39 |
|
28.20 |
|
Royalties |
|
|
(3.98 |
) |
(2.78 |
) |
(1.91 |
) |
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments |
|
|
(12.41 |
) |
(5.16 |
) |
(3.46 |
) |
Net operating costs(1) |
|
|
(3.52 |
) |
(3.50 |
) |
(4.79 |
) |
Transportation costs |
|
|
(3.33 |
) |
(3.12 |
) |
(4.10 |
) |
Operating netbacks(1) |
|
|
38.92 |
|
28.83 |
|
13.94 |
|
Production (boe/d) |
|
|
35,044 |
|
33,399 |
|
26,712 |
|
h) Cash costs per boe
Cash costs per boe is comprised of net
operating, transportation, general and administrative and financing
costs on debt calculated on a boe basis. Management views cash
costs per boe as an important measure to evaluate its operational
performance.
($/boe) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating costs |
3.52 |
3.50 |
4.79 |
3.51 |
4.72 |
Transportation costs |
3.33 |
3.12 |
4.10 |
3.23 |
4.13 |
General and administrative
expenses |
0.83 |
0.96 |
0.93 |
0.89 |
0.93 |
Financing costs on debt |
1.95 |
2.03 |
2.51 |
1.99 |
2.51 |
Cash costs |
9.63 |
9.61 |
12.33 |
9.62 |
12.29 |
i) Financing costs on debt per
boeFinancing costs on debt per boe is comprised of the sum
of interest on bank loan and other, interest on senior notes and
accretion of deferred financing charges, divided by production.
Management views financing costs on debt per boe as an important
measure to evaluate its cost of debt financing.
($ thousands, except per boe) |
Three months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Three months endedMar 31, 2022 |
Three months endedJune 30, 2021 |
Six months endedJune 30,
2022 |
Six months endedJune 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on bank loan and
other |
1,123 |
1,040 |
994 |
2,163 |
1,855 |
Interest on senior notes |
4,862 |
4,808 |
4,862 |
9,670 |
9,670 |
Accretion of deferred financing charges |
245 |
246 |
246 |
491 |
492 |
Financing costs on debt |
6,230 |
6,094 |
6,102 |
12,324 |
12,017 |
Production (boe/d) |
35,044 |
33,399 |
26,712 |
34,225 |
26,486 |
Financing costs on debt per boe |
1.95 |
2.03 |
2.51 |
1.99 |
2.51 |
Supplementary Financial
Measures
"Adjusted funds flow per basic
share" is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the
basic weighted average common shares.
"Adjusted funds flow per diluted
share" is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the
diluted weighted average common shares.
"Average realized commodity
price" is comprised of commodity sales from production, as
determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's
production. Average prices are before deduction of transportation
costs and do not include gains and losses on financial
instruments.
"Average realized light crude oil
price" is comprised of light crude oil commodity sales
from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by
the Company's light crude oil production. Average prices are before
deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized heavy crude oil
price" is comprised of heavy crude oil commodity sales
from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by
the Company's heavy crude oil production. Average prices are before
deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized ngl price" is
comprised of ngl commodity sales from production, as determined in
accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's ngl production.
Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do
not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized condensate
price" is comprised of condensate commodity sales from
production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the
Company's condensate production. Average prices are before
deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Average realized natural gas
price" is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from
production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the
Company's natural gas production. Average prices are before
deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and
losses on financial instruments.
"Net debt to annualized quarterly
EBITDA" is calculated as net debt at a point in time
divided by the annualized quarterly EBITDA.
"Net debt to last twelve months (“LTM”)
EBITDA" is calculated as net debt at a point in time
divided by EBITDA earned from that point back for the trailing
twelve months.
Supplemental Information Regarding
Product Types
References to gas or natural gas and NGLs in
this press release refer to conventional natural gas and natural
gas liquids product types, respectively, as defined in National
Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101"), except where specifically noted
otherwise.
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:
|
Crude Oil |
Condensate |
Natural Gas Liquids1 |
Conventional Natural Gas |
Total(boe/d) |
Q2 2021 Average |
1,324 bbls/d |
3,019 bbls/d |
2,687 bbls/d |
118,089 mcf/d |
26,712 |
Q1 2022
Average |
116 bbls/d |
3,926 bbls/d |
2,856 bbls/d |
159,007 mcf/d |
33,399 |
Q2 2022
Average |
108 bbls/d |
5,570 bbls/d |
3,108 bbls/d |
157,547 mcf/d |
35,044 |
H1 2022
Average |
112 bbls/d |
4,752 bbls/d |
2,982 bbls/d |
158,273 mcf/d |
34,225 |
Q3 2022
Average |
- |
12% |
10% |
78% |
30,000-32,000 |
2022 Annual Average |
- |
12% |
9% |
79% |
32,000-33,000 |
Notes: 1) Excludes
condensate volumes which have been reported 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 (“IP”) rates disclosed herein,
particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be
indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery.
Crew is a growth-oriented natural gas and
liquids producer, committed to pursuing sustainable per share
growth through a balanced mix of financially and socially
responsible exploration and development. The Company’s operations
are exclusively 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”
and on the OTCQB in the US under ticker “CWEGF”.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT:
Dale Shwed, President and
CEO |
Phone: (403)
266-2088Email: investor@crewenergy.com |
John Leach, Executive Vice
President and CFO |
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