Parex Resources Inc. (“Parex” or the “Company”) (TSX:PXT) is a
company headquartered in Calgary that focuses on sustainable,
profitable, and conventional oil and gas production. All amounts
herein are in United States dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise
stated.
Strategic Partnership Agreements with
Ecopetrol in Colombia’s Arauca Province: Accessing High Quality
Llanos Basin Development & Exploration
Opportunities
Parex is pleased to be expanding its strategic
partnership with Ecopetrol S.A. (“Ecopetrol”), Colombia’s premier,
integrated oil and gas producer. Parex and Ecopetrol have executed
agreements whereby Parex will earn an operated, 50% interest in two
blocks, the Arauca and LLA-38 blocks (the “Blocks”), located in the
proven and highly prolific Llanos basin in the Arauca province of
north-eastern Colombia. Collectively, the Blocks contain proved
reserves along with development and drill ready exploration
prospects.
The agreements are consistent with Parex’
corporate strategy of acquiring assets with near term development
potential, industry leading netbacks and significant exploration
and appraisal opportunities in the Llanos Basin where Parex has a
proven track record of success.
The Blocks are situated approximately 40
kilometers north of Parex’ operated, Capachos producing block
(Ecopetrol partnered). In developing the Blocks, Parex expects to
be able to leverage its proven operating capabilities at Capachos
and replicate similar partnerships and mutual benefits with the
nearby communities.
The Arauca block is a production reactivation
opportunity. Parex plans to immediately commence working with local
authorities and communities with the objective of initiating
operations in late 2021.
On the adjacent LLA-38 exploration block,
initial activity will focus on the drill ready, 3D seismic defined,
Califa-1 exploration prospect. Further, Parex will acquire
additional 3D seismic to evaluate multiple exploration leads on the
block. Parex intends to commence drilling of the Califa-1
exploration prospect in 2022.
Parex’ independent qualified reserve evaluator,
GLJ Ltd. ("GLJ"), has recognized Company interest proved plus
probable reserves of 7.8 million barrels of light & medium
crude oil and future development capital of approximately $70
million associated with the Arauca block as of January 1, 2021. The
foregoing reserves information is obtained from information
contained in the independent reserves report prepared by GLJ dated
January 20, 2021 with an effective date of December 31, 2020. Such
report was prepared in accordance with definitions, standards and
procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation
Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure
for Oil and Gas Activities. The reserves presented in this press
release are based on GLJ's forecast pricing effective January 1,
2021. The report did not include the LLA-38 block.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2f0366a-ff57-45c8-9c20-65a218a077f4
Arauca Block Oil Field
History
The Arauca block is a proven, shut-in oil field
which has undergone partial development dating back to the 1980s,
with cumulative light oil (34-41° API) production of approximately
10 million barrels from the Mirador formation. Peak production
rates from the Arauca block exceeded 4,000 bbl/d under restricted
rates associated with infrastructure limitations. (Source: IHS
Markit).
Existing pads, facilities, and infrastructure
along with oil export optionality support a broad range of both
development and exploration opportunities on the Arauca block.
Arauca & LLA-38 Blocks Initial Work
Plan
Parex and Ecopetrol have agreed to an initial
work plan for the Blocks, funded solely by Parex, that consists of
the drilling of 2 development wells, 1 exploration well and a
further capital program of $75.8 million. The overall timing and
activities of the capital program, across both the Blocks, will be
determined based on partner consultation, customary regulatory
approvals, surface access and exploration success, among other
factors.
Parex’ Ongoing Dedication and Integrated
ESG Strategy
As part of Parex’ ongoing dedication to its ESG
strategy, Parex will continue to investigate opportunities to
integrate and complement its growing operations with carbon
reduction initiatives. Although preliminary in nature, Parex
recognized the high subsurface reservoir temperatures in the region
that may be amenable to geothermal power generation in the future.
Parex, along with its partner Ecopetrol, will continue to evaluate
the Arauca Block going forward for technical and economic viability
for geothermal power while leveraging the expertise and findings
from its inaugural pilot and South America’s first geothermal power
generation project in the Las Maracas field in Casanare,
Colombia.
Production Update
Parex released a production update dated May 17,
2021 regarding production curtailments due to transportation
blockades throughout Colombia and withdrawing Q2 2021 guidance and
updating H2 2021 production guidance. Most of the civil
disturbances have been resolved and the transportation blockades
have been lifted, and Parex expects Q2 2021 production will average
approximately 43,975 boe/d. Currently, production is approximately
47,000 boe/d (see disclaimers at the end of this press release for
the breakdown of production into its constituent product types).
Parex is updating its H2 2021 production guidance set forth in the
press release dated May 17, 2021 at 44,000-50,000 boe/d, with Parex
expecting H2 2021 production to average 46,000-50,000 boe/d. The
lower end of the range incorporates the possibility of additional
disturbances.
Operational Update – Upcoming
Activity
Parex has resumed its drilling activities
following the transportation blockades being lifted, and provides
the below update on our exploration and growth activities:
Block |
Activity Description |
Cabrestero |
4-6 well program – drilling commenced June 2021. |
VIM-1 |
The Basilea-1 well has been drilled to a depth of 10,864 feet
encountering gas shows through the shallower Porquero Formation and
has now been temporarily suspended. The drilling rig will mobilize
to the Planadas pad to spud the Planadas nearfield exploration well
which is approximately 7 km west from La Belleza discovery,
targeting cienaga de oro limestones. The Company is
accelerating development for the La Belleza discovery drilled in
2019, including the production of compressed natural gas (“CNG”).
Subject to timing, partner and regulatory approval, the Joint
Venture anticipates preliminary production of approximately 7
million cubic feet/day plus liquids, for a total equivalent
production of 2,700 boe/d (gross) in Q4 2021. |
Capachos |
Since Parex’ drilling of the first earning well in 2017, over 5
million (gross) barrels of light oil has been produced from the
Parex operated (50% WI) Capachos Block, which at current Brent
pricing delivers approximately $50/bbl operating netbacks.
Following the re-processing of 3D seismic and generally strong
production performance to date in 2021, Parex plans to begin, in
late 2021, a high-impact 6 well program consisting of 3 appraisal
wells and 3 exploration wells, subject to partner definition and
approval process. |
VMM-46 |
Commenced acquisition of 215 square km of 3D seismic – completion
expected mid-October |
Environmental, Social and Governance
(“ESG”) Update
Over the last 3 years, Parex has made
significant progress to advance ESG disclosure and integrate
relevant ESG factors into the Company’s governance and management
structure, enterprise risk management, and compensation programs.
In particular, since 2018 Parex has transparently disclosed its
practices and performance related to greenhouse gas (“GHG”)
emissions through its response to the annual CDP (formerly Carbon
Disclosure Project) climate change questionnaire. The Company’s
sustainability performance is reflected in its above industry
average ESG ratings with CDP (B score) and other rating agencies
such as Sustainalytics (ranked 6th percentile or 9 out 172 among
oil and gas E&Ps)1.
Parex has taken substantial steps to reduce its
carbon footprint, investing in initiatives such as the construction
of pipelines to displace oil trucking, gas plants to limit flaring
volumes, and a geothermal power generation unit to replace carbon
intensive fuels. In 2020, the Company’s operational scopes 1 and 2
GHG emissions intensity per boe declined by 23.9% to 22.8 kg
CO2e/boe from 30.0 kg CO2e/boe in 2019. Building upon this
achievement, and in support of the Paris Agreement’s goals to
address climate change and to align with key stakeholders’ calls
for corporate climate action, Parex is dedicated to continue
lowering GHG emissions intensity per boe from operated assets. As a
result, the Company is dedicated to:
- Near-Term Goal: Eliminate routine flaring by
the end of 2025, supporting the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring
by 2030 initiative,
- Medium-Term
Target: Reduce scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by
50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, and
- Long-Term
Ambition: As an aspirational goal, achieve net-zero scopes
1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2050.
Parex’ emission reduction strategy, in the
short- to mid-term, will focus on optimizing carbon footprint,
displacing carbon intensive power sources, and increasing power
generation from renewable sources. The Company’s long-term
low-carbon strategy will gradually emerge as Parex evaluates the
uncertainties it could face during the energy transition and
outlines sustainable pathways to achieving its net-zero ambition.
Parex will remain transparent, providing regular disclosure on
performance related to GHG emissions intensity targets and updates
on the evolving climate strategy. It is Parex’ aspiration to be
among the least carbon intensive oil and gas E&P companies
while continuing to deliver shareholder value and meet ongoing
global energy demand.
For more information on Parex’ performance on
ESG matters, visit the corporate sustainability webpage, with the
Company’s next annual sustainability report being expected in
August 2021.
Initiation of Quarterly
Dividend
Parex is pleased to announce the implementation
of a quarterly dividend program with respect to its common shares
(the “Common Shares”). The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has
approved the initiation of a dividend program pursuant to which the
Company expects to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend. If
declared, the quarterly dividend is expected to be paid in each of
March, June, September and December of each year. The Board has
approved the payment of a dividend for the third quarter of 2021 in
the amount of CAD$0.125 per Common Share, which will be payable on
September 30, 2021 to shareholders of record as of September 15,
2021. The dividend is designated as an “eligible dividend” for the
purpose of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
The decision to declare any quarterly dividend
and the amount of such dividend, if any, will be subject to the
discretion and determined by the Board taking into account, among
other things, business performance, financial condition, growth
plans and expected capital requirements as well as any contractual
restrictions and compliance with applicable law. There can be no
assurance that dividends will be paid at the intended rate or at
any rate in the future.
“The decision by the Board to initiate a
dividend represents a meaningful milestone in Parex’ history and
demonstrates confidence in our strong operating performance,
significant free cash flow and earnings generation, attractive cash
balance and positive long-term financial outlook,” said Imad
Mohsen, Parex’ Chief Executive Officer and President.
2021 Share Buy-Back Program – 60%
Complete – CAD$165 Million Repurchased
Parex will continue to maximize shareholder
value through its normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) program, in
which the Company plans to purchase the maximum allowable 12.9
million Common Shares, prior to the NCIB’s expiry on December 22,
2021. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has repurchased for
cancellation 7.7 million Common Shares (for an aggregate purchase
price of approximately CAD$165 million) under its current NCIB,
which commenced on December 23, 2020. As of June 30, 2021, Parex
has approximately 124.9 million basic Common Shares outstanding.
The aggregate 2021 budgeted amount for Common Share purchases under
the current NCIB is approximately CAD$275 million (of which
approximately CAD$165 million has been incurred) or approximately
12% of Parex’ current enterprise value. Parex continues to have no
commodity price hedges in place such that any increases in Brent
oil prices would contribute to increases in Parex’ 2021 funds flow
provided by operations.
For more information, please
contact:
Mike KruchtenSenior
Vice-President Capital Markets & Corporate PlanningParex
Resources Inc.Phone: (403)
517-1733investor.relations@parexresources.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Advisory on Forward Looking
Statements
Certain information regarding Parex set forth in
this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of
any of the words "plan", "expect", “prospective”, "project",
"intend", "believe", "should", "anticipate", "estimate",
"forecast", "budget" or other similar words, or statements that
certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. Such statements represent
Parex' internal projections, estimates or beliefs concerning, among
other things, future growth, results of operations, production,
future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature
and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, plans for
and results of drilling activity, business prospects and
opportunities. These statements are only predictions and actual
events or results may differ materially. Although the Company’s
management believes that the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee
future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement
since such expectations are inherently subject to significant
business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties
and contingencies. Many factors could cause Parex' actual results
to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Parex.
In particular, forward-looking statements
contained in this document include, but are not limited to,
statements with respect to the Company's focus, plans, priorities
and strategies; terms of the contracts with Ecopetrol; expectation
that Parex will be able to leverage its proven operating
capabilities at Capachos and replicate similar partnerships and
mutual benefits with the nearby communities of the Blocks; the
benefits of the Blocks; timing of work commencement and operations
at the Blocks; expected activities and work plan on the Blocks and
the timing thereof; capital program on the Blocks; exploration
opportunities on the Arauca block; continued plan to evaluate the
Arauca Block going forward for technical and economic viability for
geothermal power; expected Q2 2021 production; H2 2021 production
range, with the lower end reflecting the possibility of additional
disturbances; H2 2021 production average; Parex' exploration and
growth activities following the transportation blockades being
lifted; Parex dedication to continue lowering GHG emissions
intensity per boe from operated assets; eliminating routine flaring
by the end of 2025; reducing scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions
intensity; achieving net zero scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2050;
the Company's dividend policy; and Parex' expectation that it will
purchase the maximum allowable number of common shares under its
NCIB; the aggregate 2021 budgeted amount for Common Share purchases
under the NCIB; and anticipated funding of dividend payments. In
addition, statements relating to "reserves" are by their nature
forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment,
based on certain estimates and assumptions that the resources
described can be profitably produced in the future. The recovery
and reserve estimates of Parex' reserves provided herein are
estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated
reserves will be recovered.
These forward-looking statements are subject to
numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the
impact of general economic conditions in Colombia; industry
conditions including changes in laws and regulations, and changes
in how they are interpreted and enforced in Canada and Colombia;
lack of availability of qualified personnel; impact of the COVID-19
pandemic and the ability of the Company to carry on its operations
as currently contemplated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; the
results of exploration and development drilling and related
activities; risks associated with negotiating with foreign
governments as well as country risk associated with conducting
international activities; environmental risks; ability to access
sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure of
counterparties to perform under contracts; risk that Brent oil
prices are lower than anticipated; risk that Parex' evaluation of
its existing portfolio of development and exploration opportunities
is not consistent with its expectations; inability to lower GHG
emissions intensity per boe from operated assets and eliminate
routine flaring on the timeline anticipated or at all; risk that
Parex is unable to reduce scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions in the
amount and timelines anticipated or achieve net zero scopes 1 and 2
GHG emissions on the timeline anticipated or at all; risk that
Parex does not have sufficient financial resources in the future to
pay a dividend; risk that the Board does not declare dividends in
the future or that Parex' dividend policy changes; and other
factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.
Depending on these and other factors, many of which will be beyond
the control of Parex, the dividend policy of Parex may change from
time to time and, as a result, future cash dividends could be
reduced or suspended entirely. Readers are cautioned that the
foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information
on these and other factors that could affect Parex' operations and
financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the
SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).
Although the forward-looking statements
contained in this document are based upon assumptions which
Management believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure
investors that actual results will be consistent with these
forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking
statements contained in this document, Parex has made assumptions
regarding, among other things: current and anticipated commodity
prices and royalty regimes; the impact (and the duration thereof)
that COVID-19 pandemic will have on the demand for crude oil and
natural gas, Parex’ supply chain and Parex’ ability to produce,
transport and sell Parex’ crude oil and natural gas; availability
of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures;
future exchange rates; the price of oil, including the anticipated
Brent oil price; the impact of increasing competition; conditions
in general economic and financial markets; availability of drilling
and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental
agencies; receipt of partner, regulatory and community approvals;
royalty rates; future operating costs; uninterrupted access to
areas of Parex' operations and infrastructure; recoverability of
reserves and future production rates; the status of litigation;
timing of drilling and completion of wells; on-stream timing of
production from successful exploration wells; operational
performance of non-operated producing fields; pipeline capacity;
that Parex will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources
or other financial resources required to fund its capital and
operating expenditures and requirements as needed; that Parex'
conduct and results of operations will be consistent with its
expectations; that Parex will have the ability to develop its oil
and gas properties in the manner currently contemplated; that
Parex' evaluation of its existing portfolio of development and
exploration opportunities is consistent with its expectations;
current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws
and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as
described herein; that the estimates of Parex' production and
reserves volumes and the assumptions related thereto (including
commodity prices and development costs) are accurate in all
material respects; that Parex will be able to obtain contract
extensions or fulfill the contractual obligations required to
retain its rights to explore, develop and exploit any of its
undeveloped properties; ability to achieve reductions in GHG
emissions intensity per boe from operated assets; ability to
eliminate routine flaring and reduce scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions
on the timeline anticipated; ability to achieve zero scopes 1 and 2
GHG emissions on the timeline anticipated; that Parex will have
sufficient financial resources to pay dividends in the future; and
other matters.
Management has included the above summary of
assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information
provided in this document in order to provide shareholders with a
more complete perspective on Parex' current and future operations
and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Parex' actual results, performance or achievement could differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be
given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking
statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what
benefits Parex will derive. These forward-looking statements are
made as of the date of this document and Parex disclaims any intent
or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or results or
otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities
laws.
Dividend Advisory
Future dividend payments, if any, and the level
thereof is uncertain. The Company's dividend policy and any
decision to pay further dividends on the Common Shares will be
subject to the discretion of the Board 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. The actual amount, the
declaration date, the record date and the payment date of any
dividend are subject to the discretion of the Board. There can be
no assurance that dividends will be paid at the intended rate or at
any rate in the future.
Oil and Gas Advisory
Current production of approximately 47,000 boe/d
consists of approximately 8,169 bbls/d of light crude oil and
medium crude oil, 37,123 bbls/d of heavy crude oil and 10,248 mcf/d
of conventional natural gas (96% crude oil).
The term "Boe" means a barrel of oil equivalent
on the basis of 6 thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") of natural gas to 1
bbl. Boe 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 the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as
compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy
equivalency of 6 Mcf: 1 Bbl, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mcf:
1 Bbl may be misleading as an indication of value.
This press release contains a number of oil and
gas metrics, including operating netbacks. These oil and gas
metrics have been prepared by management and 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 and should not be used to make comparisons.
Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with
additional measures to evaluate the Company's performance; however,
such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance
of the Company and future performance may not compare to the
performance in previous periods and therefore such metrics should
not be unduly relied upon. Management uses these oil and gas
metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide
security holders with measures to compare the Company's operations
over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by
these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in
this news release, should not be relied upon for investment or
other purposes.
Non-GAAP Terms
The Company discloses financial measures
("non-GAAP Measures") herein that do not have any standardized
meaning prescribed under International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS"). These financial measures are operating netback
and funds flow provided by operations. Management uses these
non-GAAP measures for its own performance measurement and to
provide shareholders and investors with additional measurements of
the Company’s efficiency and its ability to fund a portion of its
future capital expenditures.
The Company considers operating netback to be a
key measure as it demonstrates Parex' profitability relative to
current commodity prices. The following is a description of each
component of the Company's operating netback and how it is
determined:
- Oil and
natural gas sales per boe is determined by sales revenue excluding
risk management contracts divided by total equivalent sales volume
including purchased oil volume;
- Royalties
per boe is determined by dividing royalty expense by the total
equivalent sales volume and excludes purchased oil volumes;
-
Production expense per boe is determined by dividing production
expense by total equivalent sales volume and excludes purchased oil
volumes; and
-
Transportation expense per boe is determined by dividing
transportation expense by the total equivalent sales volumes
including purchased oil volumes.
Funds flow provided by operations is a non-GAAP
measure that includes all cash generated from operating activities
and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital. In Q2
2019, the Company changed how it presents funds flow provided by
operations to present a more comparable basis to industry
presentation.
Shareholders and investors should be cautioned
that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to
net income or other measures of financial performance as determined
in accordance with IFRS. Parex' method of calculating these
measures may differ from other companies, and accordingly, they may
not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.
Please see the Company's most recent Management’s Discussion and
Analysis, which is available at www.sedar.com for additional
information about this financial measure.
1 Source: Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating Report on Parex
Resources Inc. dated May 28, 2021
PDF
available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/35c3898a-0bf8-44ea-b6c2-270466c35580
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