NuVista Energy Ltd. ("
NuVista" or the
"
Company") (TSX:
NVA) is pleased
to announce record-setting reserves and strong financial and
operating results for the three months and year ended December 31,
2024. The repeatable, predictable and profitable nature of our
assets have once again underpinned significant growth in our
reserves. Continued success in the Lower Montney and sanctioning of
our Gold Creek area expansion have set the stage for continued
growth toward 125,000 Boe/d. We are entering 2025 in a strong
financial position with operational momentum and a commitment to
shareholder returns. We are pleased to reaffirm our annual capital
and production guidance for the year.
Operational and Financial
Highlights
During the fourth quarter and year ended December
31, 2024, NuVista:
- Produced an average of 85,635 Boe/d
in the fourth quarter, exceeding our guidance range of 83,000 –
84,000 Boe/d. We achieved our highest-ever annual average
production of 83,084 Boe/d, an 8% increase from 2023. Annual
production composition aligned with guidance, with a volume
weighting of 30% condensate, 9% NGLs and 61% natural gas;
- Successfully executed a capital
expenditure(2) program, investing $498.9 million in well and
facility activities, including the drilling of 43 wells and the
completion of 38 wells throughout the year. Fourth quarter, capital
expenditures totaled $71.1 million, with 9 wells drilled;
- Delivered annual adjusted funds
flow(1) of $552.2 million ($2.68/share, basic(3)), with adjusted
funds flow from the fourth quarter contributing $137.1 million
($0.67/share, basic);
- Generated free adjusted funds
flow(2) of $39.6 million for the year ($0.19/share, basic(3));
- Repurchased and cancelled 5.9
million common shares in 2024 at an average price of $12.52 per
common share, for a total cost of $74.4 million. Since the
inception of the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) in
2022, we have repurchased and cancelled 36.5 million common shares
for an aggregate cost of $438.3 million or $12.01 per share;
- Exited the year with $5.4 million
drawn on our $450 million credit facility and net debt(1) of $232.5
million, maintaining a favorable net debt to annualized fourth
quarter adjusted funds flow(1) ratio of 0.4x;
- Achieved annual net earnings of
$305.7 million ($1.48/share, basic), including $99.2 million
($0.48/share, basic) in the fourth quarter;
- Added LNG sales to our natural gas
diversification portfolio by gaining exposure to the Japan/Korea
marker (“JKM”) through a netback agreement with Trafigura based on
21,000 MMbtu/d of LNG for a period of up to thirteen years
commencing January 1, 2027; and
- Recognized as part of the TSX30 for
the third consecutive year. The TSX30 recognizes the thirty
top-performing companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) over
the prior three-year period (see www.tsx.com/tsx30). We ranked
a notable sixth place overall.
Notes:
(1) |
Each of “adjusted funds flow”, “net debt” and “net debt to
annualized fourth quarter adjusted funds flow” are capital
management measures. Reference should be made to the section
entitled “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in this press
release. |
(2) |
Each of “free adjusted funds flow” and “capital expenditures” are
non-GAAP financial measures that do not have any standardized
meanings under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where
similar terminology is used. Reference should be made to the
section entitled “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in this
press release. |
(3) |
Each of “adjusted funds flow per share” and “free adjusted funds
flow per share” are supplementary financial measures. Reference
should be made to the section entitled “Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures” in this press release. |
|
|
Significant Profitable and Repeatable
Reserves Growth
NuVista is pleased to announce the results of
our year end 2024 independent reserves evaluation conducted by GLJ
Ltd. (“GLJ”) effective as at December 31, 2024 (the “GLJ Report”).
NuVista’s proven track record of continuous improvement, along with
the substantial depth and quality of our undeveloped resources,
reinforces our ability to deliver sustained shareholder returns in
our journey to 125,000 Boe/d.
Our GLJ Report includes the following key
accomplishments:
- Reported Proved Developed Producing
(“PDP”) reserves of 177.3 MMBoe, a year-over-year increase of 9%,
or a 12% increase on a per share basis, driven by a successful 2024
development program and 2% positive technical revisions due to new
well outperformance;
- Recorded Total Proved plus Probable
(“TP+PA”) reserves of 779.7 MMBoe, a year-over-year increase of
21%, or a 24% increase on a per share basis, attributed to the
continued success in NuVista’s multi-layer Montney development in
Pipestone and successful Lower and Upper Montney delineation in
Wapiti;
- Replaced 150% and 550% of 2024
production on a PDP and TP+PA basis(1), respectively, reflecting
the success of our 2024 capital program and continued expansion of
our undeveloped location inventory;
- Delivered PDP Finding, Development
and Acquisition Cost (“FD&A”)(1) of $11.13/Boe that exceeded
our expectations due to well outperformance and cost
reductions;
- Achieved a PDP recycle ratio(1) of
1.8x based on our 2024 operating netback(1);
- TP+PA FD&A was $6.97/Boe,
driven by the planned expansion of our infrastructure to 125,000
Boe/d and a 26% increase in undeveloped TP+PA drilling
locations;
- Total developed wells increased by
42 to 395, while the total undeveloped drilling locations increased
by 9 to 1,189, which reflects over 25 years of development at the
current pace(3); and
- PDP, TP, and TP+PA before-tax net
present value, discounted at 10% (NPV10)(2), are $10.01, $20.56,
and $30.11 per share, respectively, at December 31, 2024,
reflecting the underlying value of our assets.
Notes:
(1) |
Each of “reserve replacement”, “FD&A costs”, “recycle ratio”
and “operating netback” are non-GAAP financial ratios. See “Oil and
Gas Advisories” and “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in this
press release for information relating to these specified financial
measures. |
(2) |
Reference to “net present value per share” is a supplementary
financial measure. Reference should be made to the section entitled
“Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in this press release. |
(3) |
Total undeveloped locations include 422 undeveloped proved plus
probable drilling locations and 767 undeveloped contingent resource
drilling locations. See “Oil and Gas Advisories”. |
|
|
The detailed summary of our year end 2024
reserves disclosure and other oil and gas information is included
below, and further information will be included in our Annual
Information Form which will be filed on or before March 28, 2025 on
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Return of Capital to Shareholders and
Balance Sheet Strength
NuVista’s approach to capital allocation is
focused on the compounding effect of absolute growth and a
reduction in our outstanding common shares to produce industry
leading total returns. We intend to allocate a minimum of $100
million in 2025, to the repurchase of the Company’s common shares
pursuant to our NCIB and will allocate at least 75% of any
incremental free adjusted funds flow towards additional share
repurchases.
We ended the year in a position of low debt and
significant financial flexibility. As at December 31, 2024, our net
debt was $232.5 million, well below our soft ceiling of
approximately $350 million. We were minimally drawn on our $450
million covenant-based credit facility, at $5.4 million, with a net
debt to annualized fourth quarter adjusted funds flow ratio of
0.4x. The net debt soft ceiling ensures that based on current
production levels, our net debt to adjusted funds flow ratio
remains at or below 1.0x in a stress test price environment of
US$45/Bbl WTI and US$2.00/MMBtu NYMEX.
We remain focused on our disciplined and
value-adding growth strategy, and providing significant shareholder
returns. We continue to view share repurchases as the most
effective initial method of returning capital to shareholders and
will reassess this approach as our growth plan progresses.
Operations and 2025 Guidance
Operations through the end of the year and into
the first quarter of 2025 have progressed well. Consistent
utilization of our two drilling rigs continues to pay dividends
with new spud to rig release records being set. Completion
operations kicked off again in January and despite extremely frigid
temperatures, pumping efficiency has come in better than planned.
With strong execution thus far in 2025 capital costs are trending
below budget and we are forecasting a well cost reduction of 3%
year-over-year.
In Wapiti, we brought on a 5-well pad in Bilbo
in January, which targeted three benches, including a Lower
Montney, initial results from the pad are encouraging and in-line
with expectations. We have finished drilling a 5-well pad in
Elmworth, which is slated to come on-stream during the second
quarter. In Gold Creek we are drilling a 4-well pad, including two
Lower Montney wells, which is expected to come on-stream later in
the second quarter. Notably, the 6-well pad between Gold Creek and
Elmworth, which was co-developed across the entire stack of 4
zones, has reached its IP90 milestone producing on average 1,500
Boe/d per well, including 33% condensate. Importantly, the Lower
Montney has performed in-line with the other benches. In Pipestone,
we are completing a 14-well pad that is expected to come on-stream
in the second quarter. Additionally, we are drilling an 8-well pad
that is expected to come on-stream in the third quarter.
Production in January and February has been
trending favorably, we forecast first quarter production to average
87,000 – 88,000 Boe/d. As exhibited above we have material
production additions slated to come on-line in the coming months.
As previously communicated, the majority of our 2025 growth will
come from the Pipestone area with the start-up of a third-party gas
plant (“Pipestone Plant”), which is expected to be online during
the second quarter. The Pipestone Plant will unlock approximately
8,000 – 10,000 Boe/d of additional productive capacity for NuVista.
Given the performance of our base assets and current outlook, we
anticipate our annual production to average approximately 92,000
Boe/d, assuming a second quarter start-up of the Pipestone Plant.
If this start-up is delayed into the fourth quarter of the year,
our expected annual average production will be approximately 88,000
Boe/d. Consequently, this range allows us to reiterate our annual
production guidance of approximately 90,000 Boe/d.
Further we reaffirm our annual capital
expenditure guidance target of approximately $450 million, which
will allow us to continue to prioritize at least a triple-digit
return of capital to shareholders through the repurchase of our
outstanding common shares.
We are fortunate that our business has the
flexibility, superior asset quality and underlying balance sheet
strength to afford this. We intend to continue our track record of
carefully directing free adjusted funds flow towards a prudent
balance of capital return to shareholders and debt reduction, while
investing in high return growth projects. NuVista’s top quality
asset base, deep inventory, and management’s relentless focus on
value maximization supports our medium-term plans for value-adding
growth to the plateau level of 125,000 Boe/d. We will continue to
closely monitor and adjust to the environment to maximize the value
of our asset base and ensure the long-term sustainability of our
business. We would like to thank our staff, contractors, and
suppliers for their continued dedication and delivery, and we thank
our Board of Directors and our shareholders for their continued
guidance and support.
The 2025 guidance does not include any potential
impact of tariffs or trade-related regulations that have been
announced by the U.S. and Canada, including the tariffs imposed by
the U.S. on Canada effective March 4, 2025. See “Advisory regarding
forward-looking information and statements”. Please note that our
corporate presentation will be available at www.nuvistaenergy.com
on March 5, 2025. NuVista’s audited financial statements, notes to
the financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis
for the year ended December 31, 2024, will be filed on SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca) on March 5, 2025 and can also be obtained at
www.nuvistaenergy.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS |
|
Three months ended December 31 |
Year ended December 31 |
($ thousands, except otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
% Change |
2024 |
2023 |
% Change |
FINANCIAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas revenues |
281,454 |
|
365,497 |
|
(23 |
) |
1,215,234 |
|
1,398,097 |
|
(13 |
) |
Cash provided by operating activities |
135,831 |
|
211,761 |
|
(36 |
) |
600,253 |
|
721,342 |
|
(17 |
) |
Adjusted funds flow (3)(7) |
137,059 |
|
201,987 |
|
(32 |
) |
552,196 |
|
756,943 |
|
(27 |
) |
Per share, basic (6) |
0.67 |
|
0.95 |
|
(29 |
) |
2.68 |
|
3.50 |
|
(23 |
) |
Per share, diluted (6) |
0.66 |
|
0.93 |
|
(29 |
) |
2.64 |
|
3.40 |
|
(22 |
) |
Net earnings |
99,152 |
|
89,513 |
|
11 |
|
305,718 |
|
367,678 |
|
(17 |
) |
Per share, basic |
0.48 |
|
0.42 |
|
14 |
|
1.48 |
|
1.70 |
|
(13 |
) |
Per share, diluted |
0.48 |
|
0.41 |
|
17 |
|
1.46 |
|
1.65 |
|
(12 |
) |
Total assets |
|
|
|
3,450,419 |
|
3,058,053 |
|
13 |
|
Net capital expenditures (1) |
71,090 |
|
113,258 |
|
(37 |
) |
498,876 |
|
518,294 |
|
(4 |
) |
Net debt (3) |
|
|
|
232,503 |
|
183,551 |
|
27 |
|
OPERATING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daily Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas (MMcf/d) |
327.1 |
|
310.5 |
|
5 |
|
304.3 |
|
276.0 |
|
10 |
|
Condensate (Bbls/d) |
22,657 |
|
26,889 |
|
(16 |
) |
24,709 |
|
24,633 |
|
— |
|
NGLs (Bbls/d) |
8,455 |
|
7,287 |
|
16 |
|
7,661 |
|
6,545 |
|
17 |
|
Total (Boe/d) |
85,635 |
|
85,924 |
|
— |
|
83,084 |
|
77,185 |
|
8 |
|
Condensate & NGLs weighting |
36 |
% |
40 |
% |
|
39 |
% |
40 |
% |
|
Condensate weighting (8) |
26 |
% |
31 |
% |
|
30 |
% |
32 |
% |
|
Average realized selling prices (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas ($/Mcf) |
2.78 |
|
3.45 |
|
(19 |
) |
2.51 |
|
4.19 |
|
(40 |
) |
Condensate ($/Bbl) |
83.58 |
|
99.20 |
|
(16 |
) |
94.83 |
|
100.02 |
|
(5 |
) |
NGLs ($/Bbl) (4) |
30.38 |
|
32.46 |
|
(6 |
) |
27.86 |
|
31.80 |
|
(12 |
) |
Netbacks ($/Boe) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas revenues (7) |
35.72 |
|
46.24 |
|
(23 |
) |
39.96 |
|
49.62 |
|
(19 |
) |
Realized gain on financial derivatives |
1.75 |
|
0.46 |
|
280 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.41 |
|
110 |
|
Other income |
0.01 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
0.11 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Royalties (7) |
(3.13 |
) |
(4.50 |
) |
(30 |
) |
(4.30 |
) |
(4.80 |
) |
(10 |
) |
Transportation expense |
(4.57 |
) |
(4.54 |
) |
1 |
|
(4.78 |
) |
(4.77 |
) |
— |
|
Net operating expense (2) |
(11.07 |
) |
(10.65 |
) |
4 |
|
(11.37 |
) |
(11.40 |
) |
— |
|
Operating netback (2) |
18.71 |
|
27.01 |
|
(31 |
) |
20.48 |
|
29.06 |
|
(30 |
) |
Corporate netback (2) |
17.40 |
|
25.55 |
|
(32 |
) |
18.15 |
|
26.86 |
|
(32 |
) |
SHARE TRADING STATISTICS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
High ($/share) |
14.18 |
|
13.72 |
|
3 |
|
14.86 |
|
13.72 |
|
8 |
|
Low ($/share) |
10.34 |
|
10.40 |
|
(1 |
) |
9.59 |
|
9.93 |
|
(3 |
) |
Close ($/share) |
13.82 |
|
11.04 |
|
25 |
|
13.82 |
|
11.04 |
|
25 |
|
Common shares outstanding (thousands of shares) |
|
|
|
203,701 |
|
207,584 |
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
(1) |
Non-GAAP financial measure that does not have any standardized
meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where
similar terminology is used. Reference should be made to the
section entitled “Specified Financial Measures”. |
(2) |
Non-GAAP ratio that does not have any standardized meaning under
IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies where similar
terminology is used. Reference should be made to the section
entitled “Specified Financial Measures”. |
(3) |
Capital management measure. Reference should be made to the section
entitled “Specified Financial Measures”. |
(4) |
Natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) includes butane, propane and ethane
revenue and sales volumes, and sulphur revenue. |
(5) |
Product prices exclude realized gains/losses on financial
derivatives. |
(6) |
Supplementary financial measure. Reference should be made to the
section entitled “Specified Financial Measures”. |
(7) |
Includes the impact of a facility allocation adjustment, which
impacted condensate revenues, royalties and transportation expense,
reducing adjusted funds flow by $23.1 million for the three months
and year ended December 31, 2024. |
(8) |
Includes the impact of a facility allocation adjustment. Excluding
this adjustment, NuVista’s condensate weighting for the three
months ended December 31, 2024 was 28%. |
|
|
DETAILED SUMMARY OF
CORPORATE RESERVES DATA
The following table provides summary reserve
information based upon the GLJ Report using the published 3
Consultants’ Average January 1, 2025 price forecast:
|
Natural Gas(2) |
|
Natural Gas Liquids(4) |
|
Oil(3) |
|
Total |
|
Reserves category(1)(5) |
Company Gross |
|
Company Gross |
|
Company Gross |
|
Company Gross |
|
|
(MMcf) |
|
(MBbls) |
|
(MBbls) |
|
(MBoe) |
|
Proved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Developed producing |
680,168 |
|
63,913 |
|
- |
|
177,275 |
|
Developed non‑producing |
93,825 |
|
10,140 |
|
- |
|
25,777 |
|
Undeveloped |
938,058 |
|
86,693 |
|
- |
|
243,036 |
|
Total proved |
1,712,051 |
|
160,747 |
|
- |
|
446,088 |
|
Total probable |
1,313,477 |
|
114,729 |
|
- |
|
333,642 |
|
Total proved plus probable |
3,025,528 |
|
275,475 |
|
- |
|
779,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
(1) |
Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
(2) |
Includes conventional natural gas and shale gas. |
(3) |
Includes light and medium crude oil. |
(4) |
NGLs includes ethane, propane, butane, condensate and pentane
plus. |
(5) |
Reserves have been presented on gross basis which are the Company’s
total working interest share before the deduction of any royalties
and without including any royalty interests of the Company. |
|
|
The following table is a summary reconciliation
of the year end working interest reserves for 2024, with the year
end working interest reserves for 2023:
Company Gross |
Natural Gas(1)(3) (MMcf) |
Natural Gas Liquids(1)(5) (MBbls) |
Oil(1)(4) (MBbls) |
Total Oil Equivalent(1) (MBoe) |
Total proved |
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
1,546,471 |
|
144,132 |
|
- |
|
401,877 |
|
Exploration and development(2) |
234,672 |
|
24,335 |
|
- |
|
63,447 |
|
Technical revisions |
30,118 |
|
2,912 |
|
11 |
|
7,942 |
|
Acquisitions |
18,123 |
|
1,720 |
|
- |
|
4,741 |
|
Dispositions |
(156 |
) |
(18 |
) |
- |
|
(44 |
) |
Economic Factors |
(5,809 |
) |
(498 |
) |
- |
|
(1,466 |
) |
Production |
(111,368 |
) |
(11,837 |
) |
(11 |
) |
(30,409 |
) |
Balance, December 31, 2024 |
1,712,051 |
|
160,747 |
|
- |
|
446,088 |
|
Total proved plus probable |
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2023 |
2,505,894 |
|
225,374 |
|
- |
|
643,023 |
|
Exploration and development(2) |
597,808 |
|
57,452 |
|
- |
|
157,087 |
|
Technical revisions |
12,434 |
|
2,496 |
|
11 |
|
4,579 |
|
Acquisitions |
22,817 |
|
2,161 |
|
- |
|
5,964 |
|
Dispositions |
(201 |
) |
(22 |
) |
- |
|
(56 |
) |
Economic Factors |
(1,857 |
) |
(148 |
) |
- |
|
(458 |
) |
Production |
(111,368 |
) |
(11,837 |
) |
(11 |
) |
(30,409 |
) |
Balance, December 31, 2024 |
3,025,528 |
|
275,475 |
|
- |
|
779,730 |
|
NOTES:
(1) |
Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
(2) |
Reserve additions for drilling extensions, infill drilling and
improved recovery. |
(3) |
Includes conventional natural gas and shale gas. |
(4) |
Includes light and medium crude oil. |
(5) |
NGLs includes ethane, propane, butane, condensate and pentane
plus. |
|
|
The following table summarizes the future
development capital required to bring undeveloped reserves and
proved plus probable undeveloped reserves on production:
($ thousands, undiscounted) |
Proved Producing(1) |
Proved(1) |
Proved plus Probable(1) |
|
2025 |
10,000 |
|
270,190 |
|
283,615 |
|
2026 |
- |
|
441,337 |
|
441,337 |
|
2027 |
- |
|
378,915 |
|
378,915 |
|
2028 |
- |
|
582,820 |
|
623,529 |
|
2029 |
- |
|
210,425 |
|
385,690 |
|
Remaining |
- |
|
- |
|
1,205,057 |
|
Total (undiscounted) |
10,000 |
|
1,883,686 |
|
3,318,141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE:
(1) |
Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
|
|
The following table outlines NuVista’s corporate
finding, development and acquisition (“FD&A”) costs in more
detail:
|
3 Year-Average (1) |
|
2024 (1) |
|
2023 (1) |
|
|
|
Proved plus |
|
|
|
Proved plus |
|
|
|
Proved plus |
|
|
Proved |
|
probable |
|
Proved |
|
probable |
|
Proved |
|
probable |
|
Finding and development costs ($/Boe) |
$ |
10.06 |
|
$ |
8.69 |
|
$ |
9.28 |
|
$ |
7.18 |
|
$ |
10.92 |
|
$ |
12.59 |
|
Finding, development and acquisition costs ($/Boe) |
$ |
9.95 |
|
$ |
8.60 |
|
$ |
8.79 |
|
$ |
6.97 |
|
$ |
11.12 |
|
$ |
12.86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE:
(1) |
F&D costs and FD&A are used as a measure of capital
efficiency. The calculation for F&D costs includes all
exploration and development capital for that period as outlined in
the Company’s year-end financial statements plus the change in
future development capital for that period. This total capital
including the change in the future development capital is then
divided by the change in reserves for that period including
revisions for that same period. The aggregate of the exploration
and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year
and the change during the year in estimated future development
costs generally will not reflect total finding and development
costs related to reserve additions for the year. FD&A costs are
calculated in the same manner except in addition to exploration and
development capital and the change in future development capital,
acquisition capital (net of any disposition proceeds) is also
included in the calculation. |
|
|
Summary of Corporate Net Present Value
Data of Future Net Revenue
The estimated net present values of future net
revenue before income taxes associated with NuVista’s reserves
effective December 31, 2024 and based on the published 3
Consultants’ Average price forecast as at January 1, 2025 as set
forth below, are summarized in the following table:
|
Before Income Taxes |
|
Discount Factor (%/year) |
Reserves category (1)(2) ($ thousands) |
0% |
|
5% |
|
10% |
|
15% |
|
20% |
|
Proved |
|
|
|
|
|
Developed producing |
3,311,450 |
|
2,531,022 |
|
2,038,337 |
|
1,715,462 |
|
1,491,640 |
|
Developed non‑producing |
589,610 |
|
437,020 |
|
350,631 |
|
295,990 |
|
258,256 |
|
Undeveloped |
4,450,580 |
|
2,705,801 |
|
1,798,236 |
|
1,270,234 |
|
934,810 |
|
Total proved |
8,351,651 |
|
5,673,843 |
|
4,187,204 |
|
3,281,686 |
|
2,684,706 |
|
Probable |
7,457,152 |
|
3,482,560 |
|
1,946,864 |
|
1,232,453 |
|
849,096 |
|
Total proved plus probable |
15,808,803 |
|
9,156,404 |
|
6,134,068 |
|
4,514,138 |
|
3,533,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
(1) |
Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
(2) |
All future net revenues are stated prior to the provision for
interest income and other general and administrative expenses and
after deduction of royalties, operating costs, estimated well and
facility abandonment and reclamation costs and estimated future
capital expenditures. |
(3) |
The estimated future net revenue contained in this press release
does not necessarily represent the fair market value of the
reserves. |
|
|
The following table is a summary of pricing and
inflation rate assumptions based on published 3 Consultants’
Average forecast prices and costs as at January 1, 2025:
Year |
|
AECO Gas ($Cdn/ MMBtu) |
|
NYMEX Gas ($US/ MMBtu) |
|
Midwest Gas at Chicago ($US/ MMBtu) |
|
Edmonton C5+ ($Cdn/Bbl) |
|
Edmonton Propane ($Cdn/Bbl) |
|
Edmonton Butane ($Cdn/Bbl) |
|
WTI Cushing Oklahoma ($US/Bbl) |
|
Edmonton Par Price 40 API ($Cdn/Bbl) |
|
Exchange Rate(2) ($US/$Cdn) |
|
Forecast |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
2.36 |
|
3.31 |
|
3.05 |
|
100.14 |
|
33.56 |
|
51.15 |
|
71.58 |
|
94.79 |
|
0.712 |
|
2026 |
|
3.33 |
|
3.73 |
|
3.53 |
|
100.72 |
|
32.78 |
|
49.98 |
|
74.48 |
|
97.04 |
|
0.728 |
|
2027 |
|
3.48 |
|
3.85 |
|
3.66 |
|
100.24 |
|
32.81 |
|
50.16 |
|
75.81 |
|
97.37 |
|
0.743 |
|
2028 |
|
3.69 |
|
3.93 |
|
3.73 |
|
102.73 |
|
33.63 |
|
51.41 |
|
77.66 |
|
99.80 |
|
0.743 |
|
2029 |
|
3.76 |
|
4.01 |
|
3.82 |
|
104.79 |
|
34.30 |
|
52.44 |
|
79.22 |
|
101.79 |
|
0.743 |
|
2030 |
|
3.83 |
|
4.09 |
|
3.89 |
|
106.86 |
|
34.99 |
|
53.49 |
|
80.80 |
|
103.83 |
|
0.743 |
|
2031 |
|
3.91 |
|
4.17 |
|
3.97 |
|
109.00 |
|
35.69 |
|
54.56 |
|
82.42 |
|
105.91 |
|
0.743 |
|
2032 |
|
3.99 |
|
4.26 |
|
4.05 |
|
111.19 |
|
36.40 |
|
55.65 |
|
84.06 |
|
108.02 |
|
0.743 |
|
2033 |
|
4.07 |
|
4.34 |
|
4.13 |
|
113.41 |
|
37.13 |
|
56.76 |
|
85.75 |
|
110.19 |
|
0.743 |
|
2034 |
|
4.15 |
|
4.43 |
|
4.21 |
|
115.69 |
|
37.87 |
|
57.90 |
|
87.46 |
|
112.39 |
|
0.743 |
|
2035 |
|
4.24 |
|
4.52 |
|
4.30 |
|
118.01 |
|
38.63 |
|
59.05 |
|
89.21 |
|
114.64 |
|
0.743 |
|
2036 |
|
4.32 |
|
4.61 |
|
4.39 |
|
120.37 |
|
39.40 |
|
60.24 |
|
90.99 |
|
116.93 |
|
0.743 |
|
2037 |
|
4.41 |
|
4.70 |
|
4.48 |
|
122.77 |
|
40.19 |
|
61.44 |
|
92.82 |
|
119.27 |
|
0.743 |
|
2038 |
|
4.49 |
|
4.79 |
|
4.56 |
|
125.23 |
|
41.00 |
|
62.67 |
|
94.67 |
|
121.65 |
|
0.743 |
|
2039 |
|
4.58 |
|
4.89 |
|
4.65 |
|
127.73 |
|
41.82 |
|
63.92 |
|
96.57 |
|
124.09 |
|
0.743 |
|
2040+ |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
+2.0%/yr |
|
0.743 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
(1) |
Costs were not inflated in 2025 and inflated at 2% per annum
thereafter. |
(2) |
Exchange rate used to generate the benchmark reference prices in
this table. |
(3) |
NuVista’s future realized gas prices are forecasted based on a
combination of various benchmark prices in addition to the AECO
benchmark in order to reflect the favorable price diversification
to other markets which NuVista has undertaken. Pricing at these
markets has been accounted for in the GLJ Report. Additional
information on NuVista’s gas marketing diversification will be
available in our corporate presentation. |
|
|
Advisories Regarding Oil and Gas
Information
The reserve data provided in this press release
presents only a portion of the disclosure required under National
Instrument 51-101. All required information will be contained in
the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December
31, 2024, on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in
estimating quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGL 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 crude oil,
natural gas and NGL 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
these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable crude oil,
NGL and natural gas 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.
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. 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.
This press release contains a number of oil and
gas metrics prepared by management, including F&D costs,
FD&A costs, PDP per share, TP+PA per share, recycle ratio,
operating netback, corporate netback and reserves replacement
costs, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods
of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to
similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics have been
included herein to provide readers with additional measures to
evaluate NuVista’s performance on a comparable basis with prior
periods; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the
future performance of NuVista, and future performance may not
compare to the performance in previous periods. Details of how
F&D costs, FD&A costs, operating netback, corporate netback
and recycle ratios are calculated are set forth under the heading
“Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures – Non-GAAP Ratios”. Reserves
replacement is calculated as the reserves category divided by
estimated production.
Any references in this press release to initial
production rates are useful in confirming the presence of
hydrocarbons, however, such rates are not determinative of the
rates at which such wells will continue production and decline
thereafter. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place
reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for
NuVista.
Any reference to capital efficiency has been
prepared by management and is used to measure
performance. NuVista calculates capital efficiency as the sum
of the capital expenditures divided by average first year
production rate for the applicable well(s). This term does not
have a standardized meaning or standard calculation and is not
comparable to similar measures used by other entities.
This press release discloses NuVista’s potential
drilling locations in two categories: (i) undeveloped proved plus
probable (TP+PA) drilling locations; and (ii) undeveloped
contingent resources (2C) drilling locations. Undeveloped TP+PA
drilling locations are derived the GLJ Report, and account for
undeveloped drilling locations that have associated proved and/or
probable reserves, as applicable. Undeveloped 2C drilling locations
are derived from a report prepared by GLJ evaluating NuVista’s
contingent resources as of December 31, 2024 (“GLJ Contingent
Resource Report”), and account for undeveloped drilling locations
that have associated contingent resources based on a best estimate
of such contingent resources. There is no certainty that we will
drill all drilling locations and if drilled, there is no certainty
that such locations will result in additional oil and gas
production. The drilling locations on which we actually drill wells
will ultimately depend upon the availability of capital, regulatory
approvals, seasonal restrictions, oil and natural gas prices,
costs, actual drilling results, additional reservoir information
that is obtained and other factors. Contingent resources are those
quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be
potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established
technology or technology under development, but which are not
currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or
more contingencies. Economic contingent resources are those
contingent resources that are currently economically recoverable.
The sub-classes included under economic contingent resources are
Development Pending CR, Development on Hold CR, and Development
Unclarified CR. Development Pending are resources where resolution
of the final conditions for development is being actively pursued
(high chance of development). Development on Hold are resources
where there is a reasonable chance of development but there are
major non-technical contingencies to be resolved that are usually
beyond the control of the operator. Development Unclarified are
resources where the evaluation is incomplete and there is ongoing
activity to resolve any risks or uncertainties. Development Not
Viable are resources that are not viable in the conditions
prevailing at the effective date of the evaluation, and where no
further data acquisition or evaluation is currently planned and
hence there is a low chance of development. In the case of the
contingent resources estimated in the GLJ Contingent Resource
Report, contingencies include: (i) further delineation of interest
lands; (ii) corporate commitment, and; (iii) final development
plan. To further delineate interest lands additional wells must be
drilled and tested to demonstrate commercial rates on the resource
lands. Reserves are only assigned in close proximity to
demonstrated productivity. As continued delineation drilling
occurs, a portion of the contingent resources are expected to be
reclassified as reserves. Confirmation of corporate intent to
proceed with remaining capital expenditures within a reasonable
timeframe is a requirement for the assessment of reserves.
Finalization of a development plan includes timing, infrastructure
spending and the commitment of capital.
Definitions of Oil and Gas
Reserves
Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of
crude oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be
recoverable from known accumulations, as of a given date, based on
the analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical, and engineering
data; the use of established technology; and specified economic
conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable.
Reserves are classified according to the degree of certainty
associated with the estimates as follows:
Proved Reserves are those reserves that can be
estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is
likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed
the estimated proved reserves.
Probable Reserves are those additional reserves
that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is
equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will
be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus
probable reserves.
PDP or Proved Developed Producing Reserves are
those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion
intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be
currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been
on production, and the date of resumption of production must be
known with reasonable certainty.
Basis of presentation
Unless otherwise noted, the financial data
presented in this press release has been prepared in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)
also known as International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”).
Natural gas liquids are defined by National
Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities" to include ethane, butane, propane, pentanes plus and
condensate. Unless explicitly stated in this press release,
references to “NGL” refers only to ethane, butane and propane and
references to "condensate" refers to only to condensate and
pentanes plus. NuVista has disclosed condensate and pentanes plus
values separately from ethane, butane and propane values as NuVista
believes it provides a more accurate description of NuVista’s
operations and results therefrom.
Production split for Boe/d amounts referenced in
the press release are as follows:
Reference |
Total Boe/d |
Natural Gas % |
Condensate % |
NGLs % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2024 production - actual |
85,635 |
|
64 |
% |
26 |
% |
10 |
% |
Q4 2024 production - guidance |
83,000 – 84,000 |
|
61 |
% |
30 |
% |
9 |
% |
2024 annual production - actual |
83,084 |
|
61 |
% |
30 |
% |
9 |
% |
2024 annual production - guidance |
83,500 – 86,000 |
|
61 |
% |
30 |
% |
9 |
% |
Q1 2025 production - guidance |
87,000 – 88,000 |
|
63 |
% |
28 |
% |
9 |
% |
2025 annual production - guidance |
~90,000 |
|
61 |
% |
30 |
% |
9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserves advisories
The GLJ Report was prepared in accordance with
National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and
Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook
("COGE Handbook") and is dated effective as of December 31, 2024.
The GLJ Report was based on 3 Consultants’ Average January 1, 2025
forecast pricing and foreign exchange rates at January 1, 2025. All
reserves information has been presented on a gross basis, which is
the Company’s working interest share before deduction of royalties
and without including any royalty interests of the Company. The
reserves have been categorized accordance with the reserves
definitions as set out in the COGE Handbook. The recovery and
reserve estimates contained herein are estimates only and there is
no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Also,
estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual
properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates
and future net revenue for all properties due to the effect of
aggregation. All required reserve information for the Company will
be contained in its Annual Information Form for the year ended
December 31, 2024, which will be accessible at
www.sedarplus.ca.
With respect to disclosure contained herein
regarding resources other than reserves, there is uncertainty that
it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the
resources and there is significant uncertainty regarding the
ultimate recoverability of such resources.
Advisory regarding forward-looking
information and statements
This press release contains forward-looking
statements and forward-looking information (collectively,
“forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable
securities laws. The use of any of the words “will”, “expects”,
“believe”, “plans”, “potential” and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly
and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking
statements, including but not limited to:
- our intention to allocate $100
million to repurchase our common shares in 2025, with at least 75%
of any incremental free adjusted funds flow also allocated to the
repurchase of our common share pursuant to our NCIB;
- that our soft ceiling net debt will allow our current
production levels to be sustainable and maintain an adjusted funds
flow ratio below 1.0x in a stress test price environment of
US$45/Bbl WTI and US$2.00/MMBtu NYMEX;
- NuVista’s ability to continue directing free adjusted funds
flow towards a prudent balance of return of capital to shareholders
and debt reduction, while investing in high return growth
projects;
- the anticipated allocation of free adjusted funds flow;
- our expectation that our capital efficiency will continue to be
strong in 2025, allowing us to realize a well cost reduction of 3%
year-over-year;
- our expectation that a 5-well pad in Elmworth, a 4-well pad in
Gold Creek, and a 14-well pad in Pipestone will be brought
on-stream during the second quarter;
- our expectation that an 8-welll pad in Pipestone will be
brought on-stream in the third quarter;
- our expectations regarding the consistency in deliverability of
inventory in the Elmworth and Gold Creek areas;
- guidance with respect to first quarter 2025 production and
production mix;
- our expectation that growth in 2025 will be largely supported
by the Pipestone area;
- the expected timing of start-up of a third-party gas plant in
the Pipestone area and the anticipated benefits thereof;
- our 2025 full year production, full year production mix and
capital expenditures guidance ranges;
- our plan to continue to maintain an efficient drilling program
by employing 2-drill-rig execution;
- our expectation that our value-adding growth plateau level will
be approximately 125,000 Boe/d;
- our future focus, strategy, plans, opportunities and
operations; and
- other such similar statements.
Statements relating to “reserves” are also
deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the
implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions,
that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or
estimated and that the reserves can be profitably produced in the
future.
The future acquisition of our common shares
pursuant to a share buyback (including through our normal course
issuer bid), if any, and the level thereof is uncertain. Any
decision to acquire common shares pursuant to a share buyback will
be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and may
depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the
Company’s business performance, financial condition, financial
requirements, growth plans, expected capital requirements and other
conditions existing at such future time including, without
limitation, contractual restrictions and satisfaction of the
solvency tests imposed on the Company under applicable corporate
law. There can be no assurance of the number of common shares that
the Company will acquire pursuant to a share buyback, if any, in
the future.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are
based upon certain assumptions and are subject to numerous risks
and uncertainties, some of which are beyond NuVista’s control,
including the impact of general economic conditions, industry
conditions, current and future commodity prices and inflation
rates; that other than the tariffs that have been announced and
implemented by the U.S. and Canadian governments on March 4, 2025,
neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such
tariffs, or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one
country to the other, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax,
restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from
one country to the other, the impact of ongoing global events,
including Middle East and European tensions, with respect to
commodity prices, currency and interest rates, anticipated
production rates, borrowing, operating and other costs and adjusted
funds flow; the timing, allocation and amount of capital
expenditures and the results therefrom; anticipated reserves and
the imprecision of reserve estimates; the performance of existing
wells; the success obtained in drilling new wells; the sufficiency
of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned
activities; access to infrastructure and markets; competition from
other industry participants; availability of qualified personnel or
services and drilling and related equipment; stock market
volatility; effects of regulation by governmental agencies
including changes in environmental regulations, tax laws and
royalties; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal
sources and bank and equity markets; that we will be able to
execute our 2025 drilling plans as expected; our ability to carry
out our 2025 production and capital guidance as expected; the risk
that (i) the U.S. or Canadian governments increases the rate or
scope of the currently implemented tariffs, or imposes new tariffs
on the import of goods from on the import or export of products
from one country to the other, and (ii) the tariffs imposed by the
U.S. on other countries and responses thereto could have a material
adverse effect on the Canadian, U.S. and global economies, and by
extension the oil and gas industry; and including, without
limitation, those risks considered under "Risk Factors" in our
Annual Information Form.
Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used
in the preparation of such information, although considered
reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise
and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements. NuVista’s actual results, performance
or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied by, these forward-looking statements, or if any of them do
so, what benefits NuVista will derive therefrom. NuVista has
included the forward-looking statements in this press release in
order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on
NuVista’s future operations and such information may not be
appropriate for other purposes. NuVista disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by law.
This press release also contains financial
outlook and future oriented financial information (together,
“FOFI”) relating to NuVista including, without limitation, capital
expenditures in 2025 and production which are based on, among other
things, the various assumptions disclosed in this press release
including under "Advisory regarding forward-looking information and
statements" and including assumptions regarding benchmark pricing
as it relates to the 2025 capital allocation framework.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the FOFI contained in this press
release does not include the potential impact of tariff or
trade-related regulation that have been announced by the U.S. and
Canada, including the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canada
effective March 4, 2025. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions
used in the preparation of such information, although considered
reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise
and the impact of the tariffs on NuVista’s business operations and
financial condition, while currently unknown, may be material and
adverse and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on FOFI.
NuVista’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these FOFI, or
if any of them do so, what benefits NuVista will derive therefrom.
NuVista has included the FOFI in order to provide readers with a
more complete perspective on NuVista’s future operations and such
information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
These forward-looking statements and FOFI are
made as of the date of this press release and NuVista disclaims any
intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements and
FOFI, whether as a result of new information, future events or
results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable
securities law.
Non-GAAP and other financial
measures
This press release uses various specified
financial measures (as such terms are defined in National
Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP Disclosure and Other Financial
Measures Disclosure (“NI 51-112”)) including
“non-GAAP financial measures”, “non-GAAP ratios”, “capital
management measures” and “supplementary financial measures” (as
such terms are defined in NI 51-112), which are described in
further detail below. Management believes that the presentation of
these non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors
and shareholders as the measures provide increased transparency and
the ability to better analyze performance against prior periods on
a comparable basis.
(1) Non-GAAP
financial measures
NI 52-112 defines a non-GAAP financial measure
as a financial measure that: (i) depicts the historical or expected
future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of an
entity; (ii) with respect to its composition, excludes an amount
that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from,
the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure
disclosed in the primary financial statements of the entity; (iii)
is not disclosed in the financial statements of the entity; and
(iv) is not a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar
representation.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not
standardized financial measures under IFRS Accounting Standards and
might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
companies where similar terminology is used. Investors are
cautioned that these measures should not be construed as
alternatives to or more meaningful than the most directly
comparable GAAP measures as indicators of NuVista’s performance.
Set forth below are descriptions of the non-GAAP financial measures
used in this press release.
Free adjusted funds flow is adjusted funds flow
less net capital expenditures, power generation expenditures, and
asset retirement expenditures. Each of the components of free
adjusted funds flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer
to disclosures under the headings “Capital management measures” and
“Capital expenditures” for a description of each component of free
adjusted funds flow. Management uses free adjusted funds flow as a
measure of the efficiency and liquidity of its business, measuring
its funds available for additional capital allocation to manage
debt levels and return capital to shareholders through its NCIB
program and/or dividend payments. By removing the impact of current
period net capital and asset retirement expenditures, management
believes this measure provides an indication of the funds NuVista
has available for future capital allocation decisions.
The following table sets out our free adjusted
funds flow compared to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of
cash provided by operating activities less cash used in investing
activities for the applicable periods:
|
Three months ended December 31 |
Year ended December 31 |
($ thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Cash provided by operating activities |
135,831 |
|
211,761 |
|
600,253 |
|
721,342 |
|
Cash used in investing activities |
(71,090 |
) |
(132,646 |
) |
(499,579 |
) |
(531,586 |
) |
Excess (deficit) cash provided by operating activities over cash
used in investing activities |
64,741 |
|
79,115 |
|
100,674 |
|
189,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted funds flow |
137,059 |
|
201,987 |
|
552,196 |
|
756,943 |
|
Net capital expenditures |
(71,090 |
) |
(113,258 |
) |
(498,876 |
) |
(518,294 |
) |
Power generation expenditures |
— |
|
(16,904 |
) |
(1,680 |
) |
(16,904 |
) |
Asset retirement expenditures |
(3,551 |
) |
(1,208 |
) |
(12,029 |
) |
(11,195 |
) |
Free adjusted funds flow |
62,418 |
|
70,617 |
|
39,611 |
|
210,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures are equal to cash used in
investing activities, excluding changes in non-cash working
capital, other asset expenditures, power generation expenditures,
proceeds on property dispositions and costs of acquisitions.
NuVista considers capital expenditures to represent its organic
capital program and a useful measure of cash flow used for capital
reinvestment.
The following table provides a reconciliation
between the non-GAAP measure of capital expenditures to the most
directly comparable GAAP measure of cash used in investing
activities for the applicable periods:
|
Three months ended December 31 |
Year ended December 31 |
($ thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Cash used in investing activities |
(71,090 |
) |
(132,646 |
) |
(499,579 |
) |
(531,586 |
) |
Changes in non-cash working capital |
— |
|
2,484 |
|
(977 |
) |
(13,112 |
) |
Other asset expenditures |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
9,500 |
|
Power generation expenditures |
— |
|
16,904 |
|
1,680 |
|
16,904 |
|
Property acquisition |
— |
|
44,000 |
|
— |
|
44,000 |
|
Proceeds on property disposition |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(26,000 |
) |
Capital expenditures |
(71,090 |
) |
(69,258 |
) |
(498,876 |
) |
(500,294 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net capital expenditures are equal to cash used
in investing activities, excluding changes in non-cash working
capital, other asset expenditures, and power generation
expenditures. The Company includes funds used for property
acquisitions or proceeds from property dispositions within net
capital expenditures as these transactions are part of its
development plans. NuVista considers net capital expenditures to
represent its organic capital program inclusive of capital spending
for acquisition and disposition proposes and a useful measure of
cash flow used for capital reinvestment.
The following table provides a reconciliation
between the non-GAAP measure of net capital expenditures to the
most directly comparable GAAP measure of cash used in investing
activities for the applicable periods:
|
Three months ended December 31 |
Year ended December 31 |
($ thousands) |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Cash used in investing activities |
(71,090 |
) |
(132,646 |
) |
(499,579 |
) |
(531,586 |
) |
Changes in non-cash working capital |
— |
|
2,484 |
|
(977 |
) |
(13,112 |
) |
Other asset expenditures |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
9,500 |
|
Power generation expenditures |
— |
|
16,904 |
|
1,680 |
|
16,904 |
|
Net capital expenditures |
(71,090 |
) |
(113,258 |
) |
(498,876 |
) |
(518,294 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table provides a breakdown of
capital expenditures, net capital expenditures and power generation
expenditures by category for the applicable periods:
|
Three months ended December 31 |
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
($ thousands, except % amounts) |
2024 |
|
% of total |
|
2023 |
|
% of total |
|
2024 |
|
% of total |
|
2023 |
|
% of total |
|
Land and retention costs |
— |
|
— |
|
15 |
|
— |
|
6,968 |
|
1 |
|
7,507 |
|
2 |
|
Geological and geophysical |
38 |
|
— |
|
249 |
|
— |
|
1,164 |
|
— |
|
691 |
|
— |
|
Drilling and completion |
43,915 |
|
62 |
|
51,413 |
|
74 |
|
353,583 |
|
72 |
|
392,663 |
|
78 |
|
Facilities and equipment |
25,508 |
|
36 |
|
16,193 |
|
24 |
|
130,628 |
|
26 |
|
93,252 |
|
19 |
|
Corporate and other |
1,629 |
|
2 |
|
1,388 |
|
2 |
|
6,533 |
|
1 |
|
6,181 |
|
1 |
|
Capital expenditures |
71,090 |
|
|
|
69,258 |
|
|
|
498,876 |
|
|
|
500,294 |
|
|
|
Property acquisitions |
— |
|
|
|
44,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
44,000 |
|
|
|
Proceeds on property disposition |
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(26,000 |
) |
|
|
Net capital expenditures |
71,090 |
|
|
|
113,258 |
|
|
|
498,876 |
|
|
|
518,294 |
|
|
|
Power generation expenditures |
— |
|
|
|
16,904 |
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
|
16,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NuVista considers that any incremental gross
costs incurred to process third party volumes at its facilities are
offset by the applicable fees charged to such third parties.
However, under IFRS Accounting Standards, NuVista is required to
reflect operating costs and processing fee income separately on its
statements of earnings. Management believes that net operating
expense, calculated as gross operating expense less processing
income and other recoveries, is a meaningful measure for investors
to understand the net impact of NuVista’s operating activities.
The following table sets out net operating
expense compared to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of
operating expenses for the applicable periods:
|
Three months ended December 31 |
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
($ thousands) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Operating expense |
88,891 |
|
85,207 |
|
354,253 |
|
324,196 |
|
Other income (1) |
(1,646 |
) |
(1,038 |
) |
(8,605 |
) |
(3,058 |
) |
Net operating expense |
87,245 |
|
84,169 |
|
345,648 |
|
321,138 |
|
(1) |
Processing income and other recoveries, included within Other
Income as presented in the table below: |
|
|
|
Three months ended December 31 |
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
($ thousands) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Other income |
57 |
|
— |
|
3,235 |
|
— |
|
Processing income and other recoveries |
1,646 |
|
1,038 |
|
8,605 |
|
3,058 |
|
Other Income |
1,703 |
|
1,038 |
|
11,840 |
|
3,058 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) Non-GAAP
ratios
NI 52-112 defines a non-GAAP ratio as a
financial measure that: (i) is in the form of a ratio, fraction,
percentage or similar representation; (ii) has a non-GAAP financial
measure as one or more of its components; and (iii) is not
disclosed in the financial statements of the entity. Set forth
below is a description of the non-GAAP ratios used in this
MD&A.
These non-GAAP ratios are not standardized
financial measures under IFRS Accounting Standards and might not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where
similar terminology is used. Investors are cautioned that these
ratios should not be construed as alternatives to or more
meaningful than the most directly comparable IFRS Accounting
Standards measures as indicators of NuVista's performance.
Per Boe disclosures for petroleum and natural
gas revenues, realized gains/losses on financial derivatives,
royalties, transportation expense, G&A expense, financing
costs, and DD&A expense are non-GAAP ratios that are calculated
by dividing each of these respective GAAP measures by NuVista’s
total production volumes for the period.
Non-GAAP ratios presented on a “per Boe” basis
may also be considered to be supplementary financial measures (as
such term is defined in NI 51-112).
- Operating netback and
corporate netback ("netbacks"), per BoeNuVista calculated
netbacks per Boe by dividing the netbacks by total production
volumes sold in the period. Each of operating netback and corporate
netback are non-GAAP financial measures. Operating netback is
calculated as petroleum and natural gas revenues, realized
financial derivative gains/losses and other income, less royalties,
transportation expense and net operating expense. Corporate netback
is operating netback less general and administrative expense, cash
share-based compensation expense (recovery), financing costs
excluding accretion expense, and current income tax expense
(recovery).Management believes both operating and corporate
netbacks are key industry benchmarks and measures of operating
performance for NuVista that assists management and investors in
assessing NuVista’s profitability, and are commonly used by other
petroleum and natural gas producers. The measurement on a Boe basis
assists management and investors with evaluating NuVista’s
operating performance on a comparable basis.
- Net operating expense, per
BoeNuVista calculated net operating expense per Boe by
dividing net operating expense by NuVista’s production volumes for
the period.Management believes that net operating expense,
calculated as gross operating expense less processing income and
other recoveries, which are included in NuVista’s statements of
earnings, is a meaningful measure for investors to understand the
net impact of the Company’s operating activities. The measurement
on a Boe basis assists management and investors with evaluating
NuVista's operating performance on a comparable basis.
Reference has been also been made to certain
terms that do not have standardized meanings or standard
calculations and therefore such measures may not be comparable to
similar measures used by other entities. These terms are used by
NuVista’s management to measure the success of replacing reserves
and to compare operating performance to previous periods on a
comparable basis.
- F&D
costsNuVista calculated F&D costs as the sum of
development costs plus the change in future development costs
(“FDC”) for the period when appropriate, divided by the change in
reserves within the applicable reserves category, excluding those
reserves acquired or disposed.NuVista calculated TP+PA 3-year
average F&D costs as the sum of development costs plus the sum
of the change in FDC over the last three completed financial years,
divided by the sum of the change in the total proved and probable
reserves over the last three completed financial years.
- FD&A costsNuVista calculated FD&A
costs are calculated as the sum of development costs plus
acquisition costs net of disposition proceeds plus the change in
FDC for the period when appropriate, divided by the change in
reserves within the applicable reserves category, inclusive of
changes due to acquisitions and dispositions.
- Recycle
RatioNuVista calculates recycle ratio as the operating
netback divided by F&D costs for the applicable period.
(3) Capital
management measures
NI 52-112 defines a capital management measure
as a financial measure that: (i) is intended to enable an
individual to evaluate an entity’s objectives, policies and
processes for managing the entity’s capital; (ii) is not a
component of a line item disclosed in the primary financial
statements of the entity; (iii) is disclosed in the notes to the
financial statements of the entity; and (iv) is not disclosed in
the primary financial statements of the entity.
NuVista has defined net debt, adjusted funds
flow, and net debt to annualized fourth quarter adjusted funds flow
ratio as capital management measures used by the Company in this
press release.
NuVista considers adjusted funds flow to be a
key measure that provides a more complete understanding of the
NuVista considers adjusted funds flow to be a key measure that
provides a more comprehensive view of the company’s ability to
generate cash flow necessary for financing capital expenditures,
meeting asset retirement obligations, and fulfilling its financial
commitments. Adjusted funds flow is calculated by adjusting cash
flow from operating activities to exclude changes in non-cash
working capital and asset retirement expenditures. Management
believes these elements are subject to timing variations in
collection, payment, and occurrence. By excluding them, management
is able to provide a more meaningful performance measure of
NuVista’s ongoing operations. Specifically, expenditures on asset
retirement obligations may fluctuate depending on the company’s
capital programs and the maturity of its operating areas, while
environmental remediation recovery is tied to an infrequent
incident that management does not expect to recur regularly. The
settlement of asset retirement obligations is managed through
NuVista’s capital budgeting process, which incorporates the
available adjusted funds flow.
A reconciliation of adjusted funds flow is
presented in the following table:
|
2024 |
2023 |
Cash provided by operating activities |
$ |
600,253 |
|
$ |
721,342 |
|
Asset retirement expenditures |
|
12,029 |
|
|
11,195 |
|
Change in non-cash working capital |
|
(60,086 |
) |
|
24,406 |
|
Adjusted funds flow |
$ |
552,196 |
|
$ |
756,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt is used by management to provide a more
comprehensive understanding of NuVista’s capital structure and to
assess the company’s liquidity. NuVista calculates net debt by
considering accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable
and accrued liabilities, long-term debt (the Credit Facility),
senior unsecured notes, and other liabilities. Management uses
total market capitalization and the ratio of net debt to annualized
adjusted funds flow for the current quarter to analyze balance
sheet strength and liquidity.
The following is a summary of total market
capitalization, net debt, annualized current quarter adjusted funds
flow, and net debt to annualized current quarter adjusted funds
flow:
|
2024 |
2023 |
Basic common shares outstanding (thousands of shares) |
|
203,701 |
|
|
207,584 |
|
Share price |
$ |
13.82 |
|
$ |
11.04 |
|
Total market capitalization |
$ |
2,815,148 |
|
$ |
2,291,727 |
|
Accounts receivable and other |
|
(132,538 |
) |
|
(139,451 |
) |
Prepaid expenses |
|
(45,584 |
) |
|
(45,241 |
) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
206,862 |
|
|
157,711 |
|
Current portion of other liabilities |
|
18,451 |
|
|
14,082 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
5,353 |
|
|
16,897 |
|
Senior unsecured notes |
|
163,258 |
|
|
162,195 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
16,701 |
|
|
17,358 |
|
Net debt |
$ |
232,503 |
|
$ |
183,551 |
|
Annualized current quarter adjusted funds flow |
$ |
548,236 |
|
$ |
807,948 |
|
Net debt to annualized current quarter adjusted funds flow |
|
0.4 |
|
|
0.2 |
|
Adjusted funds flow |
$ |
552,196 |
|
$ |
756,943 |
|
Net debt to adjusted funds flow |
|
0.4 |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) Supplementary financial
measures
This press release may contain certain
supplementary financial measures. NI 52-112 defines a supplementary
financial measure as a financial measure that: (i) is intended to
be disclosed on a periodic basis to depict the historical or
expected future financial performance, financial position or cash
flow of an entity; (ii) is not disclosed in the financial
statements of the entity; (iii) is not a non-GAAP financial
measure; and (iv) is not a non-GAAP ratio.
NuVista calculates: (i) “adjusted funds flow per
share” by dividing adjusted funds flow for a period by the number
of weighted average common shares of NuVista for the specified
period; (ii) “operating netback per share” by dividing operating
netback for a period by the number of weighted average common
shares of NuVista for the specified period; (iii) “corporate
netback per share” by dividing operating netback for a period by
the number of weighted average common shares of NuVista for the
specified period; (iv) “net debt to adjusted funds flow” by
dividing the net debt at the end of a period by the adjusted funds
flow for such period; and (v) “net present value per share” is the
net present value (discounted at 10%) in the reserve category
divided by the basic common shares outstanding at the end of the
period.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Mike
J. Lawford |
Ivan
J. Condic |
President and CEO |
VP, Finance and CFO |
(403) 538-1936 |
(403) 538-1945 |
|
|
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