Parex Resources Inc. (“Parex” or the “Company”) (TSX: PXT)
announced an operational update inclusive of crude oil discoveries.
Also announced is the completion of purchases under its current
normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) and an update on its balance
sheet. All amounts herein are in United States Dollars unless
otherwise stated.
Key Highlights
- Q3 2022
average production is estimated to be 51,100 boe/d(1), up
approximately 8% from Q3 2021.
- Current
production is approximately 55,000 boe/d(2), demonstrating strong
production growth to start Q4 2022.
- Expect FY
2022 production to average 52,000 to 53,000 boe/d(3), with a 2022
exit rate in excess of 60,000 boe/d.
-
Successful drilling efforts in the Llanos Basin year to date have
resulted in crude oil discoveries on the Cabrestero, Capachos and
LLA-40 blocks.
-
Encouraging well results in the Magdalena Basin at the VIM-1 Block
where Parex plans to begin reinjecting gas for enhanced oil
recovery (“EOR”) starting in Q4 2022.
- Completed
the current NCIB at the end of Q3 2022, marking the fourth
consecutive year where Parex has purchased the maximum allowable
shares under its NCIB programs, and equates to over C$1.1 billion
returned to shareholders through share repurchases since 2017.
Operational Update
Production – Q3 2022
- Q3 2022
average production is estimated to be 51,100 boe/d(1), up
approximately 8% from Q3 2021 and consistent with Q2 2022.
- Q3 2022
average production varied from Management’s guidance of 53,000 to
55,000 boe/d(4) due to delays from the unplanned testing of new
zones, operational and weather-related setbacks, as well as
temporary localized blockades.
- Temporary
localized blockades following the election are estimated to have
lowered total average production for Q3 2022 by approximately 1,500
boe/d, with potential future impacts anticipated to be lower and
incorporated into the Company’s long-term planning.
Production – Current & Guidance
- Current
production is approximately 55,000 boe/d(2), demonstrating strong
production growth to start Q4 2022.
- Q4 2022
production is expected to average 54,000 to 58,000 boe/d, with
incremental volume to come from already drilled wells at Capachos,
continued drilling at Block LLA-40 for short-cycle opportunistic
adds, and the VIM-1 Block gas reinjection project once online.
- FY 2022
revised production guidance to average 52,000 to 53,000 boe/d, with
the exit rate to still exceed 60,000 boe/d(3); FY 2021 average
production was 46,998 boe/d(5).
(1) |
Estimated production volume for the three months ended September
30, 2022 (light and medium crude oil: 6,906 bbl/d, heavy crude oil:
43,066 bbl/d, and conventional natural gas: 6,766 mcf/d). |
(2) |
Estimated total average production for the 12-day period of October
1, 2022 to October 12, 2022. |
(3) |
FY 2022 average production guidance, as originally announced May
11, 2022, was 54,000 to 56,000 boe/d. |
(4) |
As originally announced August 3, 2022. |
(5) |
Production volume for the year ended December 31, 2021 (light and
medium crude oil: 6,831 bbl/d, heavy crude oil: 38,449 bbl/d, and
conventional natural gas: 10,308 mcf/d). |
Llanos Basin – Capachos and Arauca Blocks (50% W.I.) – Positive
Drilling Results with Multi-Zone Wells Coming Online at Capachos
and Progressing Arauca for 2023
- Parex
drilled the first new well at the Capachos Block since 2019, which
encountered a new deeper zone resulting in a crude oil discovery.
Work is currently being completed on the well to commingle
production across the different zones and expected to be online in
Q4 2022.
- Also at
the Capachos Block, successfully recompleted an existing well that
is now producing out of a new shallower zone with comingled
production.
- As a
result of these successes at Capachos, Parex and its partner are
continuing development with a follow-up well that is currently
being drilled. Longer-term, Parex sees three proven zones on the
block, resulting in multiple recomplete and commingling
opportunities for both existing and planned new wells.
- At the
Arauca Block, civil works is completed for the first well and the
rig is expected to arrive in Q1 2023 as a result of delays from
testing at the Capachos Block. Further, Parex has added marketing
optionality through offloading a portion of Capachos Block
production to facilities at the Arauca Block.
Llanos Basin – Cabrestero Block (100% W.I.) –
Near-Field Exploration Success and Effective Waterflood
Expansion
- Executing
near-field exploration with a discovery in a new play that is now
producing approximately 1,800 bbl/d(1) of heavy oil. Building on
this success, the Company is evaluating potential follow-up
locations, including a horizontal development well, and is planning
to construct a new well pad in Q4 2022 to further delineate the
potential.
- The
acceleration of infill drilling as well as waterflood optimization
is proceeding as planned and has resulted in production gains.
Production has increased over 45% year-over-year from the block,
with Q3 2022 production of approximately 11,000 bbl/d of heavy
crude oil and current production of over 12,100 bbl/d(1) of heavy
crude oil.
Llanos Basin – Block LLA-40 and LLA-26 (100% W.I.) – Short-Cycle
Opportunistic Production Adds
- Performed
a successful recompletion in a new zone on Block LLA-40 that
resulted in a follow-up drilling campaign. The first follow-up well
was drilled near the end of Q3 2022, which has produced crude oil
and is expected to be on full production in early Q4 2022 following
facility upgrades. A second appraisal well is planned for Q4 2022
to further define the zone size as well as increase short-term
production.
- The Block
LLA-26 and LLA-40 drilling campaigns have experienced
weather-related setbacks, specifically a land slide that destroyed
the main road to the blocks, affected rig moves and delayed spud
timing. In response, the rig for the Block LLA-26 campaign was
diverted to drill an exploration well on Block LLA-94. The Block
LLA-26 drilling campaign will now begin in late Q4 2022 and is
expected to add production beginning in Q1 2023.
Magdalena Basin – VIM-1 Block (50% W.I.) –
Liquids-Rich Gas Developments
- A
horizontal development well has been drilled to its total depth
with encouraging results and the well is expected to be completed
in early Q4 2022. The existing vertical well on the block produced
approximately 1,400 bbl/d (light and medium crude oil) and 5,900
mcf/d (conventional natural gas) gross during Q3 2022. Once the
horizontal well is completed, the two wells will be used for gas
reinjection.
- Parex’s
strategy is to grow long-term liquids recovery by reinjecting gas
for EOR and the Company has identified several other opportunities
within its portfolio for this application. In this instance at
VIM-1, Parex estimates the potential to double the liquids recovery
factor.
(1) |
Estimated total average production for the 12-day period of October
1, 2022 to October 12, 2022. |
Magdalena Basin – Boranda (50% W.I.) and Fortuna
(100% W.I.) Blocks – Exploitation Potential
- Completed
the assessment of four prospective formations at the Fortuna Block,
which indicated non-economic results and ended the campaign.
Experience applying proven technologies on this block, such as
horizontal drilling, advanced stimulations, and synthetic drilling
fluid, is being utilized on other blocks across the Company’s
inventory
- Parex
drilled the first ever horizontal well on the Boranda Block, which
is currently producing roughly 500 bbl/d(1) of heavy oil on jet
pump. Based on this success, the Company is evaluating using
similar horizontal drilling techniques in the field and estimates
there are 10 to 15 potential follow-up locations on the block.
Return of Capital Update
Dividend
With the payment of the Q3 2022 regular dividend
of C$0.25 per share on September 30, 2022, Parex has paid over
C$130 million in dividends since Q3 2021.
Share Buybacks
As at September 30, 2022, Parex has completed
the maximum allowable share purchases under its current NCIB
through the purchase of 11.8 million shares, representing 10% of
the public float as at December 22, 2021. The share purchases under
the 2022 NCIB returned approximately C$285 million to
shareholders.
The completion of this year’s NCIB marks the
fourth consecutive year where Parex has purchased the maximum
allowable shares under its NCIB programs, reducing the fully
diluted share count by one third from approximately 164 million in
2017 to 110 million in 2022. Since 2017, Parex has returned over
C$1.1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases.
As at September 30, 2022, Parex had 109.3
million basic shares outstanding. In due course, the Company
expects that it will submit a notice of intention to make an NCIB
to the Toronto Stock Exchange for calendar 2023.
Capital Allocation Framework
Parex targets at least one third of annual funds
flow from operations (“FFO”)(2) and 100% of free funds flow
(“FFF”)(3) to be returned to shareholders through dividends and
share buybacks. Based on current Management estimates, Parex
expects to be able to meet this goal in 2022.
Balance Sheet Update
Parex estimates its working capital surplus(2)
to be approximately $225 million as at Q3 2022, a decrease of
roughly $85 million from Q2 2022. Cash on the balance sheet has
been reduced by the acceleration of share buybacks as noted above
and the purchase of long-lead items such as well casing to support
the 2023 capital expenditure program.
As at September 30, 2022, Parex continues to be
debt free and has an undrawn $200 million credit facility.
(1) |
Estimated total average production for the 12-day period of October
1, 2022 to October 12, 2022. |
(2) |
Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures Advisory.” |
(3) |
Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures Advisory.” |
Q3 2022 Results – Conference Call &
Webcast
We are holding a conference call and webcast for
investors, analysts and other interested parties on Friday,
November 4, 2022, at 9:30 am MT (11:30 am ET). To participate in
the conference call or webcast, please see access information
below:
Toll-free dial number (Canada/US): |
1-800-806-5484 |
International dial-in numbers: |
https://www.confsolutions.ca/ILT?oss=7P1R8008065484 |
Passcode: |
8312227# |
Webcast: |
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/babjejdv |
About Parex Resources Inc.
Parex is the largest independent oil and gas
company in Colombia, focusing on sustainable, conventional
production. The Company’s corporate headquarters are in Calgary,
Canada, with an operating office in Bogotá, Colombia. Parex is a
member of the S&P/TSX Composite ESG Index and its shares trade
on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PXT.
For more information, please contact:
Mike KruchtenSenior Vice President, Capital Markets &
Corporate PlanningParex Resources Inc.
403-517-1733investor.relations@parexresources.com
Steven EirichInvestor Relations & Communications
AdvisorParex Resources
Inc.587-293-3286investor.relations@parexresources.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION IN
THE UNITED STATES
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
Advisory
This press release uses various “non-GAAP
financial measures” and “capital management measures” (as such
terms are defined in NI 52-112), which are described in further
detail below. Such measures are not standardized financial measures
under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that
non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as alternatives
to or more meaningful than the most directly comparable GAAP
measures as indicators of Parex's performance.
These measures facilitate management’s
comparisons to the Company’s historical operating results in
assessing its results and strategic and operational decision-making
and may be used by financial analysts and others in the oil and
natural gas industry to evaluate the Company’s performance.
Further, management believes that such financial measures are
useful supplemental information to analyze operating performance
and provide an indication of the results generated by the Company's
principal business activities.
Set forth below is a description of the non-GAAP
financial measures and capital management measures used in this
press release.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Free funds flow, is a non-GAAP
financial measure that is determined by funds flow provided by
operations less capital expenditures. The Company considers free
funds flow to be a key measure as it demonstrates Parex's ability
to fund return of capital, such as the NCIB, without accessing
outside funds.
Capital Management Measures
Funds flow provided by
operations, is a capital management measure that includes
all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated
before changes in non-cash working capital.
Working capital surplus, is a
capital management measure that the Company uses to describe its
liquidity position and ability to meet its short-term liabilities.
Working capital surplus is defined as current assets less current
liabilities.
Oil & Gas Matters
Advisory
The term "Boe" means a barrel of oil equivalent
on the basis of 6 Mcf of natural gas to 1 barrel of oil ("bbl").
Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe
conversation 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: 1Bbl, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mcf:
1 Bbl may be misleading as an indication of value.
References in this press release to short-term
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 to produce and do not take into
account any future declines and are also not indicative of
long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Additionally, such
rates may also include recovered "load oil" fluids used in well
completion stimulation. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance
on such rates in calculating the aggregate production of Parex.
The following abbreviations used in this press release have the
meanings set forth below:
bbl |
one barrel |
bbls |
barrels |
bbls/d |
barrels per day |
boe |
barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas; one barrel of oil or NGLs
for six thousand cubic feet of natural gas |
boe/d |
barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas per day |
mcf |
thousand cubic feet |
mcf/d |
thousand cubic feet per day |
Distribution Advisory
The Company's future shareholder distributions,
including but not limited to the payment of dividends and the
acquisition by the Company of its shares pursuant to an NCIB, if
any, and the level thereof is uncertain. Any decision to pay
further dividends on the common shares (including the actual
amount, the declaration date, the record date and the payment date
in connection therewith and any special dividends) or acquire
shares of the Company will be subject to the discretion of the
Board of Directors of Parex 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. Further, 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 the Company will pay dividends or repurchase any
shares of the Company in the future.
Advisory on Forward-Looking
Statements
Certain information regarding Parex set forth in
this document 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”, "guidance", “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's 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,
environmental matters, 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 of expectations since such expectations
are inherently subject to significant business, operational,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and
contingencies. Many factors could cause Parex's actual results,
including without restriction, drilling and completion 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; Parex's fourth quarter 2022 and full-year 2022
production guidance; Parex's anticipated 2022 exit production rate;
Parex's plans to begin reinjecting gas for EOR starting in Q4 2022;
Parex's expectations that recently drilled wells, including those
that resulted in a discovery, will be able to successfully be
brought onto production and the anticipated timing thereof; the
Company expecting to have multiple recompletion and comingling
opportunities on the Capachos Block across up to three
stratigraphic zones for both existing and planned new wells; the
Company's plans to construct a new well pad on the Cabrestero Block
to further delineate the potential; the timing for the first follow
up well drilled on Block LLA-40 to be on production following
facility upgrades and the timing to drill a second appraisal well
on this Block to further define the size of the zone and, assuming
success, to increase short term production; the timing to begin the
Block LLA-26 drilling campaign and the timing for production from
such campaign to begin; the timing to complete the horizontal
development well drilled on the VIM-1 Block and for the two wells
on this Block to be used for a reinjection scheme; the Company's
strategy to grow long-term liquids recovery by reinjecting gas for
EOR and for the application of this strategy be expected to more
than double the liquids recovery factor at the VIM-1 Block; Parex's
target to return at least one third of FFO and 100% of FFF to
shareholders through dividends and share buybacks and the
expectation that Parex will meet this target; and the anticipated
timing for Parex's quarterly conference call and webcast.
These forward-looking statements are subject to
numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the
impact of general economic conditions in Canada and Colombia;
prolonged volatility in commodity prices; industry conditions
including changes in laws and regulations including adoption of new
environmental laws and regulations, and changes in how they are
interpreted and enforced in Canada and Colombia; 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; determinations by OPEC and other countries as to
production levels; competition; lack of availability of qualified
personnel; the results of exploration and development drilling and
related activities; obtaining required approvals of regulatory
authorities in Canada and Colombia; the risks associated with
negotiating with foreign governments as well as country risk
associated with conducting international activities; volatility in
market prices for oil; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest
rates; environmental risks; changes in income tax laws or changes
in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil industry;
changes to pipeline capacity; ability to access sufficient capital
from internal and external sources; failure of counterparties to
perform under contracts; the risk that Brent oil prices are lower
than anticipated; the risk that Parex's evaluation of its existing
portfolio of development and exploration opportunities is not
consistent with its expectations; risk that initial test or
drilling, completion or other operational results are not
indicative of future performance; risk that Parex does not have
sufficient financial resources in the future to provide
distributions to its shareholders; the risk that the Board does not
declare dividends in the future or that Parex's dividend policy
changes; the risk that Parex's increased short-cycle activity will
not be successful or maximize value for its shareholders; the risk
that Parex is unable to meet its fourth quarter 2022 or full-year
2022 production guidance or its anticipated 2022 exit production
rate; the risk that the wells Parex expects to have on production,
including wells that resulted in a discovery, will not ultimately
result in the production of commercial quantities of hydrocarbons
or are otherwise not able to be brought onto production, in whole
or in part; the risk that there are not multiple recompletion and
comingling opportunities on the Capachos Block; the risk that the
Company is unable to construct a new well pad on the Cabrestero
Block or is delayed in doing so; the risk that the wells Parex
plans to drill and/or complete on Block LLA-40, Block LLA-26 and
the VIM-1 Block are not drilled and/or completed or that such
operations are delayed or are unsuccessful, in whole or in part;
the risk that the Company's strategy to grow long-term liquids
recovery by reinjecting gas for EOR is unsuccessful, in whole or in
part; the risk that Parex is unable to achieve its target to return
at least one third of FFO and 100% of FFF to shareholders through
dividends and share buybacks, and other factors, many of which are
beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the
foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information
on these and other factors that could affect Parex's 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 the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the demand for crude oil
and natural gas, Parex's supply chain and Parex's ability to
produce, transport and sell Parex's 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's 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's conduct and results of
operations (including, without restriction, drilling and completion
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's 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's production 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; that Parex will have sufficient financial
resources to pay dividends and acquire shares pursuant to its NCIB
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's current and future operations
and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Parex's 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.
This press release contains information that may
be considered a financial outlook under applicable securities laws
about the Company's potential financial position, including, but
not limited to, the Company's target to return at least one third
of FFO and 100% of FFF to shareholders through dividends and share
buybacks; all of which are subject to numerous assumptions, risk
factors, limitations and qualifications, including those set forth
in the above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of the
Company and the resulting financial results will vary from the
amounts set forth in this press release and such variations may be
material. This information has been provided for illustration only
and with respect to future periods are based on budgets and
forecasts that are speculative and are subject to a variety of
contingencies and may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Accordingly, these estimates are not to be relied upon as
indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable
securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update
such financial outlook. The financial outlook contained in this
press release was made as of the date of this press release and was
provided for the purpose of providing further information about the
Company's potential future business operations. Readers are
cautioned that the financial outlook contained in this press
release is not conclusive and is subject to change.
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