/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S. OR THROUGH
U.S. NEWSWIRES/
CALGARY,
AB, April 16, 2024 /CNW/ - Highwood Asset
Management Ltd. ("Highwood" or the "Company") (TSXV:
HAM) is pleased to announce financial and operating results for the
three and twelve months ended December 31,
2023 and to provide the results of its independent oil and
gas reserves evaluation as of December 31,
2023, prepared by GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd.
("GLJ"). The Company also announces that its audited
financial statements and associated Management's Discussion and
Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2023, are available on Highwood's
website at www.highwoodmgmt.com and on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
Highlights
- Achieved record corporate production of 4,035 boe/d in the
fourth quarter of 2023. As a result of an effective capital program
in the fourth quarter of 2023 and early 2024, first quarter 2024
production is expected to average approximately 4,900 boe/d and
current production is greater than 6,500 boe/d.
- During the first quarter of 2024, the Company executed a
successful capital program of approximately $24 million, which included five additional
wells, all of which were brought onstream in the first quarter.
These five wells consisted of three fracture stimulated wells at
Wilson Creek and two additional
multi-lateral open hole wells, one in Brazeau and one in the
Mannville horizon in eastern
Alberta.
- The Company is encouraged by the initial results on the capital
program executed to date in 2024, particularly with respect to the
Wilson Creek wells,
100/12-05-043-05 (the "12-05 well"), 100/13-05-043-05 (the
"13-05 well"), and the Brazeau well 02/08-33-047-14W5 (the
"08-33 well"). Trailing and current production for the five
wells drilled in the first quarter of 2024 are summarized
below:
|
|
|
Average Rate Since
Online
|
Current Rate
|
|
Well
|
Spud
|
Rig
Release
|
BOPD
|
BNGLD
|
MCFD
|
BOED
|
BOPD
|
BNGLD
|
MCFD
|
BOED
|
Days
Online
|
Brazeau 08-33
well
|
2024-02-18
|
2024-03-03
|
310
|
6
|
127
|
337
|
393
|
8
|
180
|
431
|
30
|
Wilson 13-05
well
|
2024-01-24
|
2024-02-02
|
262
|
15
|
172
|
306
|
611
|
41
|
470
|
731
|
13
|
Wilson 12-05
well
|
2024-02-03
|
2024-02-15
|
241
|
14
|
159
|
282
|
518
|
41
|
467
|
637
|
12
|
Wilson 16-33
well
|
2024-01-06
|
2024-01-13
|
187
|
37
|
314
|
276
|
242
|
55
|
472
|
376
|
54
|
Viking 14-29
well
|
2024-02-06
|
2024-02-20
|
28
|
0
|
0
|
28
|
37
|
0
|
0
|
36
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The test results are
not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate
recovery.
|
- The five wells had associated average cycles times of 45 days
and delivered capital efficiencies of less than $20,000 boe/d, an improvement of more than 20%
versus the previous forecast.
- Significant intrinsic value recognized in Year-End 2023
Reserves. Realized before-tax net present value, after debt, of
booked reserves(1):
- PDP BTNPV10 of $218.9 million
representing NAV $8.06/share and
$7.93/share fully diluted.
- Associated RLI of 10.8 years and delivered a recycle ratio
of 2.34
- 1P BTNPV10 of $463.6 million
representing NAV $24.25/share
and $21.07/share fully diluted.
- Associated RLI of 15.2 years and recycle ratio of 2.9
- 2P BTNPV10 of $746.9 million
representing NAV $43.00/share
and $36.28/share fully diluted.
- Associated RLI of 21.8 years and recycle ratio of 3.6
- At December 31, 2023, Highwood
had over $300 million in tax pools,
including more than $100 million in
non-capital losses. Highwood does not anticipate being cash taxable
for approximately three years.
- Highwood reiterates its 2024 production guidance of
approximately 5,200 boe/d. Representing year-over-year growth of
approximately 25%. Forecast capital expenditures are estimated to
be approximately $40–45 million. Further, the Company expects to
reduce Net Debt by approximately 25%, reducing Net Debt / 2024E
EBITDA to under 0.8x by the end of 2024.(1)(2).
The Company will continue to evaluate our capital program, market
conditions and associated guidance over the next 30 days.
Notes to
Highlights:
|
(1)
|
See "Caution
Respecting Reserves Information" and "Non-GAAP and other
Specified Financial Measures".
|
(2)
|
Based on
Management's projections (not Independent Qualified Reserves
Evaluators' forecasts) and applying the following pricing
assumptions: WTI: US$78.00/bbl; WCS Diff: US$14.00/bbl; MSW
Diff: US$4.00/bbl; AECO: C$1.90/GJ; 0.74 CAD/USD. Management
projections are used in place of Independent Qualified Reserves
Evaluators' forecasts as Management believes it provides
investors with valuable information concerning the liquidity of
the Company.
|
Summary of Financial & Operating Results
|
Three months
ended December 31,
|
|
Year ended December
31,
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
%
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
%
|
Financial (in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and
natural gas sales
|
$
23,633
|
$
|
$ 1,027
|
2,201
|
|
$
41,212
|
|
$ 4,438
|
829
|
Transportation
pipeline revenues
|
757
|
|
769
|
(2)
|
|
2,867
|
|
3,255
|
(12)
|
Total revenues,
net of royalties(1)
|
28,918
|
|
1,827
|
1,483
|
|
41,038
|
|
6,618
|
520
|
Income
|
47,785
|
|
62
|
76,973
|
|
46,144
|
|
2,246
|
1,954
|
Funds flow from
operations(5)
|
7,813
|
|
433
|
1,704
|
|
13,873
|
|
1,519
|
813
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(6)
|
10,261
|
|
322
|
3,087
|
|
17,667
|
|
1,608
|
999
|
Capital
expenditures
|
14,737
|
|
362
|
3,971
|
|
18,767
|
|
2,045
|
818
|
Net debt
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,051
|
|
(236)
|
-
|
Shareholder's
equity (end of period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
104,199
|
|
10,697
|
874
|
Shares
outstanding (end of period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,114
|
|
6,037
|
150
|
Weighted-average
basic shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,723
|
|
6,088
|
60
|
outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil
(bbls/d)
|
2,306
|
|
119
|
1,830
|
|
978
|
|
113
|
765
|
NGLs
(boe/d)
|
526
|
|
-
|
100
|
|
210
|
|
-
|
100
|
Natural
gas (mcf/d)
|
7,215
|
|
-
|
100
|
|
2,696
|
|
-
|
100
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
4,035
|
|
119
|
3,278
|
|
1,682
|
|
113
|
1,388
|
Average realized
prices (4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil
(Cdn$/bbl)
|
95.07
|
|
93.44
|
2
|
|
99.44
|
|
107.54
|
(8)
|
NGL
(Cdn$/boe)
|
36.22
|
|
-
|
100
|
|
37.52
|
|
-
|
100
|
Natural
gas (Cdn$/mcf)
|
2.57
|
|
-
|
100
|
|
2.63
|
|
-
|
100
|
Operating netback (per
BOE)
|
32.42
|
|
40.40
|
(20)
|
|
35.54
|
|
46.28
|
(23)
|
|
|
(1)
|
Includes unrealized
gain and losses on commodity contracts.
|
(2)
|
Net debt consists of
bank debt, promissory note, long-term accounts payable and accrued
liabilities and working capital surplus (deficit) excluding
commodity contract assets and/or liabilities, current portion of
decommissioning liabilities and lease liabilities.
|
(3)
|
For a description of
the boe conversion ratio, see "Basis of Barrel of Oil
Equivalent".
|
(4)
|
Before
hedging.
|
(5)
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Specified Financial Measures".
|
The operating results of the three month and year ended
December 31, 2023 include the impact
of the Acquisitions from the closing date of August 3, 2023.
2023 Reserves Summary
Highwood completed three acquisitions during 2023. The combined
assets were evaluated by GLJ effective December 31, 2023 using the 3 Consultants'
Average price forecast (the "Reserves Report"). GLJ is the
Company's independent qualified reserves evaluator.
Significant intrinsic value recognized in Year-End 2023
Reserves. Realized before-tax net present value of booked reserves
as follows:
- PDP BTNPV10 of $218.9 million
representing NAV $8.06/share and
$7.93/share fully diluted.
- 1P BTNPV10 of $463.6 million
representing NAV $24.25/share and
$21.07/share fully diluted.
- 2P BTNPV10 of $746.9 million
representing NAV $43.00/share and
$36.28/share fully diluted.
Key highlights of the Company's proved developed producing
(PDP), total proved (1P) and total proved plus probable (2P)
reserves from the Reserves Report are highlighted below:
- PDP reserves increased by 3,939 Mboe to 15,988 Mboe,
representing a 24% (30% net of production) increase to volume along
with a $32.8 million increase in
value when compared to YE2022 (inclusive of acquisitions) yielding
a RLI of 10.8 years
- 1P reserves increased by 8,861 Mboe to 31,847 Mboe,
representing a 34% increase to volume along with a $168.8 million increase in value when compared to
YE2022 (inclusive of acquisitions) yielding a RLI of 15.2
years
- 2P reserves increased by 11,805 Mboe to 52,699 Mboe,
representing a 27% increase to volume along with a $221.7 million increase in value when compared to
YE2022 (inclusive of acquisitions) yielding a RLI of 21.8
years
Strong Recycle Ratios — Highwood expects strong netbacks as a
result of its highly economic oil plays, which result in the
recycle ratios listed below:
- PDP reserves: converted reserves in 2023 at F&D of
$13.40 with associated recycle ratio
of 2.34 based on fourth quarter of 2023 netback
- 1P reserves: F&D of $14.10/boe with associated recycle ratio of
2.9.
- 2P reserves: F&D of $9.49/boe
with associated recycle ratio of 3.6.
Further recycle ratios are listed below:
|
F&D
|
FD&A
|
F&D
|
FD&A
|
Recycle
Ratio
|
(Excluding
FDC)
|
(Including
FDC)
|
1P Reserves
|
9.4
|
7.0
|
0.7
|
2.9
|
2P Reserves
|
17.1
|
11.4
|
0.8
|
3.6
|
The Company has achieved early success in implementing
multi-lateral open hole wells as well as higher frac intensity
within the Belly River Horizon. The Company expects to apply these
strategies to other areas of the asset base in 2024.
2023 Reserves by Category
The following table provides a summary of specific details from
the Reserves Report, which was created in accordance with the
procedures and standards contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas
Evaluation Handbook and the requirements of National Instruments
51-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities.
|
Mboe
|
BTNPV10
($M)
|
Proved Developed
Producing
|
15,988
|
218,888
|
Total Proved
|
31,847
|
463,636
|
Proved Plus
Probable
|
52,699
|
746,943
|
Company Reserves
|
|
Light & Medium
Oil
|
|
Conventional
Natural Gas
|
|
Shale
Gas
|
|
Natural Gas
Liquids
|
|
Oil
Equivalent
|
Reserves
Category
|
|
Company
Gross Mbbl
|
|
Company
Net
Mbbl
|
|
Company
Gross MMcf
|
|
Company
Net
MMcf
|
|
Company
Gross MMcf
|
|
Company
Gross MMcf
|
|
Company
Net
Mboe
|
|
Company
Gross Mboe
|
|
Company
Gross Mboe
|
|
Company
Net
Mboe
|
Proved
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Producing
|
|
5,554
|
|
4,445
|
|
47,274
|
|
39,183
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
2,555
|
|
1,960
|
|
15,988
|
|
12,936
|
Developed Non-
Producing
|
|
498
|
|
366
|
|
4,147
|
|
3,282
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
247
|
|
168
|
|
1,436
|
|
1,081
|
Undeveloped
|
|
9,168
|
|
7,467
|
|
19,026
|
|
17,302
|
|
2,087
|
|
1,870
|
|
1,737
|
|
1,391
|
|
14,423
|
|
12,053
|
Total Proved
|
|
15,219
|
|
12,278
|
|
70,447
|
|
59,767
|
|
2,087
|
|
1,870
|
|
4,539
|
|
3,519
|
|
31,847
|
|
26,069
|
Total
Probable
|
|
8,994
|
|
7,038
|
|
44,148
|
|
38,463
|
|
2,574
|
|
2,252
|
|
4,071
|
|
3,134
|
|
20,852
|
|
16,958
|
Total Proved Plus
Probable
|
|
24,213
|
|
19,316
|
|
114,595
|
|
98,230
|
|
4,661
|
|
4,122
|
|
8,610
|
|
6,653
|
|
52,699
|
|
43,028
|
Net Present Values for Future Net Revenues before Income
Taxes Discounted at (% per year)
|
Net Present Values
of Future Net Revenue
Before Income Taxes Discounted At (%/year)
|
Net Present Values
of Future Net Revenue
After Income Taxes Discounted At (%/year)
|
Unit Value
Before
Income Tax
Discounted at
10%/year
|
Reserves
Category
|
0%
M$
|
5%
M$
|
10%
M$
|
15%
M$
|
20%
M$
|
0%
M$
|
5%
M$
|
10%
M$
|
15%
M$
|
20%
M$
|
$/boe
|
$/Mcfe
|
Proved
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Producing
|
377,105
|
275,266
|
218,888
|
183,743
|
159,731
|
362,229
|
269,152
|
216,089
|
182,360
|
159,006
|
16.92
|
2.82
|
Developed
Non-Producing
|
34,717
|
22,970
|
16,695
|
12,956
|
10,506
|
26,711
|
18,609
|
14,186
|
11,446
|
9,564
|
15.44
|
2.57
|
Undeveloped
|
485,472
|
318,642
|
228,053
|
171,210
|
132,672
|
373,417
|
243,485
|
173,086
|
129,058
|
99,312
|
18.92
|
3.15
|
Total Proved
|
897,293
|
616,878
|
463,636
|
367,909
|
302,909
|
762,357
|
531,247
|
403,362
|
322,864
|
267,883
|
17.78
|
2.96
|
Total
Probable
|
700,972
|
417,843
|
283,307
|
207,273
|
159,319
|
539,009
|
319,231
|
214,830
|
156,002
|
119,078
|
16.71
|
2.78
|
Total Proved Plus
Probable
|
1,598,266
|
1,034,720
|
746,943
|
575,182
|
462,228
|
1,301,366
|
850,478
|
618,193
|
478,866
|
386,961
|
17.36
|
2.89
|
|
Note: Unit values
are based on Company Net Reserves.
|
Operational Update
With the continued strong commodity prices in the fourth quarter
and into 2024, the Company focused primarily on the execution of
its capital program. Highwood achieved record corporate production
in the fourth quarter of 2023 of 4,035 boe/d. Highwood is also
pleased to announce that first quarter 2024 production is expected
to average approximately 4,900 boe/d and current production is
greater than 6,500 boe/d. During the first quarter of 2024, the
Company executed a successful $24
million capital program which included five additional wells
all of which were brought onstream in the first quarter. These five
wells consisted of three fracture stimulated wells at Wilson Creek and two additional multi-lateral
open hole wells, one in Brazeau and one in the Mannville horizon in eastern Alberta.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company spud five additional
new wells. Three of these wells will infill the western side of the
Wilson Creek asset, the
103/16-33-042-05W5 (the "16-33 well"), the 12-05 well and
the 13-05 well. Further, the Company drilled two additional
multi-lateral open hole wells, one in Brazeau, the 8-33 well and
one in the Mannville horizon in
eastern Alberta,
100/14-29-048-08W4 (the "14-29 well"). The Company is
pleased with the early results of the program. The 14-29 well has
been online for approximately three weeks and is currently
producing slightly below the projected type curve.
The Company will continue to review and assess opportunities
which are accretive to the Company as Highwood seeks to grow this
segment of its operations. The Company will also assess land
offerings in strategic areas where the Company sees significant
growth opportunities.
Outlook
Highwood anticipates allocating its organic Free Cash Flow after
sustaining capital on a 50:50 basis to support organic production
growth of approximately 25% while also expecting to reduce Net Debt
by approximately 25%, achieving Net Debt / 2024E EBITDA of under
0.8x by the end of 2024. The Company will continue to evaluate our
capital program, market conditions and associated guidance over the
next 30 days.
The primary focus over the near-term is the execution of the
Company's capital program and growth strategy while reducing the
Company's Net Debt. At December 31,
2023, Highwood had over $300
million in tax pools, including more than $100 million in non-capital losses. Highwood does
not anticipate being cash taxable for approximately three
years.
Corporately, the Company is dedicated to building a growing
profile of Free Cash Flow, on a per share basis, while using
prudent leverage to provide it maximum flexibility for organic
growth and / or other strategic M&A opportunities, with a
longer-term goal to provide significant return of capital to
shareholders.
Highwood is continuing to evaluate its undeveloped lands for
drilling opportunities and is planning to continue its active
capital program while commodity prices remain strong.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain statements and
information, including forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of applicable securities
laws, and which are collectively referred to herein as
"forward-looking statements". The forward-looking statements
contained in this news release are based on Highwood's current
expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of
its experience and its perception of historical trends. When used
in this news release, the words "seek", "anticipate",
"plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project",
"predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could",
"might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions, as they
relate to Highwood or the Acquisitions, are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Actual operational
and financial results may differ materially from Highwood's
expectations contained in the forward-looking statements as a
result of various factors, many of which are beyond the control of
the Company.
Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking
statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions
or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By its
nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions,
known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and
specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions,
forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will
not occur and may cause actual results or events to differ
materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not
limited to, statements with respect to:
- the Company's expectations with respect to future
operational results, including, but not limited to, estimated or
anticipated production levels, exit rates, decline rates, recycle
ratios, netbacks, capital expenditures and sources of funding
thereof, drilling plans and other information discussed in this
news release;
- the quantity of the Company's oil and natural gas reserves
and anticipated future cash flows from such reserves;
- the Company's estimates of its drilling locations inventory,
tax pools, non-capital losses and its expectation that it will not
be cash taxable for approximately three
years;
- anticipated financial results of the Company, including but
not limited to, 2024E EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, and
net debt;
- the Company's expectations regarding capacity of
infrastructure associated with its business;
- the Company's expectations regarding commodity prices and
costs;
- the Company's expectations regarding supply and demand for
oil and natural gas;
- expectations regarding the Company's ability to raise
capital and to continually add to reserves through acquisitions and
development;
- treatment under governmental regulatory regimes and tax
laws;
- fluctuations in depletion, depreciation, and accretion
rates;
- expected changes in regulatory regimes in respect of royalty
curves and regulatory improvements and the effects of such changes;
and
- Highwood's business and acquisition strategy, the criteria
to be considered in connection therewith and the benefits to be
derived therefrom.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to
differ materially, including, but not limited to:
- operational risks and liabilities inherent in oil and
natural gas operations;
- the accuracy of oil and gas reserves estimates and estimated
production levels as they are affected by exploration and
development drilling and estimated decline rates;
- the uncertainties in regard to the timing of Highwood's
exploration and development program;
- failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions,
including corresponding results and/or synergies;
- unexpected costs or liabilities related to
acquisitions;
- volatility in market prices for oil and natural
gas;
- adverse general economic, political and market
conditions;
- incorrect assessments of the value of benefits to be
obtained from acquisitions and exploration and development
programs;
- unforeseen difficulties in integrating assets acquired
through acquisitions into the Company's operations;
- changes in royalty regimes;
- competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions
of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel;
- that the Company's ability to maintain strong business
relationships with its suppliers, service providers and other third
parties will be maintained;
- geological, technical, drilling and processing
problems;
- fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates and stock
market volatility;
- liquidity;
- fluctuations in the costs of borrowing;
- political or economic developments;
- uncertainty related to geopolitical conflict;
- ability to obtain regulatory approvals; and
- the results of litigation or regulatory proceedings that may
be brought against the Company; and
- changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws and
incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry.
In addition, statements relating to "reserves" are deemed to
be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the
reserves described can be profitably produced in the
future.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
quantities of oil and natural gas and the future cash flows
attributed to such reserves. The reserves and associated cash flow
information set forth herein are estimates only. In general,
estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas 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 reserves and resources
recovery, timing and amount of capital investments, 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 oil and natural gas 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 evaluators, or by
the same evaluators at different times, may vary. The actual
production, revenues, taxes and development and operating
expenditures of the Company with respect to its reserves will vary
from estimates thereof and such variations could be material. This
news release contains future-oriented financial information and
financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about
the Company's prospective Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net
Debt, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk
factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above
paragraphs. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the
date of this news release and was provided for the purpose of
describing the anticipated effects of the Company's anticipated
operational results on the Company's business operations.
Highwood's actual results, performance or achievement could differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such FOFI. The
Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any FOFI contained in this news release, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant
to applicable law. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in
this news release should not be used for purposes other than for
which it is disclosed herein.
Changes in forecast commodity prices, differences in the
timing of capital expenditures and variances in average production
estimates can have a significant impact on the key performance
metrics included in the Company's guidance for 2024 contained in
this news release. The Company's actual results may differ
materially from such estimates.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this
news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among
other things: the Company's future operational results, including,
but not limited to, estimated or anticipated production levels,
exit rates, decline rates, recycle ratios, netbacks, capital
expenditures and sources of funding thereof, drilling plans and
other information discussed in this news release; that commodity
prices will be consistent with the current forecasts of its
engineers; field netbacks; the accuracy of reserves estimates;
costs to drill, complete and tie-in wells; ultimate recovery of
reserves; that royalty regimes will not be subject to material
modification; that the Company will be able to obtain skilled
labour and other industry services at reasonable rates; the
performance of assets and equipment; that the timing and amount of
capital expenditures and the benefits therefrom will be consistent
with the Company's expectations; the impact of increasing
competition; that the conditions in general economic and financial
markets will not vary materially; that the Company will be able to
access capital, including debt, on acceptable terms; that drilling,
completion and other equipment will be available on acceptable
terms; that government regulations and laws will not change
materially; that royalty rates will not change in any material
respect; and that future operating costs will be consistent with
the Company's expectations.
Although Highwood believes the expectations and material
factors and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking
statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no
assurance that these expectations, factors and assumptions will
prove to be correct.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the
plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will
occur and the predictions, forecasts, projections and other
forward-looking statements may not occur, which may cause
Highwood's actual performance and financial results in future
periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of
future performance or results expressed or implied by this news
release.
A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties
facing Highwood is disclosed in Highwood's continuous disclosure
filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available
on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information
herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement,
and Highwood disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such
forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of
any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained
herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except
as required by law.
Caution Respecting Reserves Information
This news release contains oil and gas metrics commonly used
in the oil and gas industry, including "RLI", "NPV10", "F&D",
"netback" and "recycle ratio". These oil and gas metrics do not
have any standardized meaning and therefore they should not be used
to make comparisons and readers should not place undue reliance on
such metrics. Further, these metrics have not been independently
evaluated, audited or reviewed and are based on historical data,
extrapolations therefrom and management's professional judgement,
which involves a high degree of subjectivity. For these reasons,
actual metrics attributable to any particular group of properties
may differ from our estimates herein and the differences could be
significant.
"BT" means before tax.
"RLI" means reserves life index and is calculated as
total company interest reserves divided by annual production, for
the year indicated.
"NPV10" represents the anticipated net present value of the
future net revenue discounted at a rate of 10% associated with the
reserves associated with the acquired assets.
"F&D" is calculated as the sum of field capital
plus the change in FDC for the period divided by the change in
reserves that are characterized as development for the period is
calculated as the sum of field capital plus the change in FDC for
the period divided by the change in total reserves, other than from
production, for the period. Finding and development costs take into
account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The
aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the
financial year and changes during that year in estimated future
development costs generally will not reflect total finding and
development costs related to reserves additions for that year.
Management uses F&D costs as a measure of capital efficiency
for organic reserves development.
"NAV per fully diluted share" is calculated using the
respective net present values of PDP, 1P and 2P reserves, before
tax and discounted at 10% plus internally valued undeveloped land
& seismic and proceeds from warrants and stock options, less
net debt, and divided by fully diluted outstanding shares.
Management used NAV per share as a measure of the relative change
of Highwood's net asset value over its outstanding common shares
over a period of time.
"Netback" is used to evaluate potential operating
performance.. Netback is calculated as follows:
(Revenue – Royalties - Operating Expenses).
"Recycle Ratio" is measured by dividing the operating
netback for the applicable period by F&D cost per boe for the
year. The recycle ratio compares netback from existing reserves to
the cost of finding new reserves and may not accurately indicate
the investment success unless the replacement reserves are of
equivalent quality as the produced reserves.
"Proved Developed Producing" or "PDP" 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.
"Proved" or "1P" reserves are those 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. Reported reserves should target at least
a 90 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered
will equal or exceed the estimated proved reserves under a specific
set of economic conditions.
"Proved plus Probable" or "2P" reserves are those 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 plus probable reserves. Reported reserves
should target at least a 50 percent probability that the
probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or
exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves under
a specific set of economic conditions.
The net present value of future net revenues attributable to
reserves and resources included in this news release do not
represent the fair market value of such reserves and resources.
There is no assurance that the forecast prices and costs
assumptions will be attained, and variances could be material. The
recovery and reserve estimates of reserves and resources provided
in this news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee
that the estimated reserves or resources will be recovered. Actual
reserves and resources may be greater or less than the estimates
provided in this news release. The estimates of reserves and future
net revenue for individual properties in this news release may not
reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and
future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of
aggregation.
Basis of Barrels of Oil Equivalent — This news release
discloses certain production information on a barrels of oil
equivalent ("boe") basis with natural gas converted to barrels of
oil equivalent using a conversion factor of six thousand cubic feet
of gas (Mcf) to one barrel (bbl) of oil (6 Mcf:1 bbl). Condensate
and other NGLs are converted to boe at a ratio of 1 bbl:1 bbl. Boe
may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe
conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 bbl is based roughly on an energy
equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner
tip and does not represent a value equivalency at sales point.
Although the 6:1 conversion ratio is an industry-accepted norm, it
is not reflective of price or market value differentials between
product types. Based on current commodity prices, the value ratio
between crude oil, NGLs and natural gas is significantly different
from the 6:1 energy equivalency ratio. Accordingly, using a
conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 bbl may be misleading as an indication
of value.
Mcfe Conversions: Thousands of cubic feet of gas equivalent
("Mcfe") amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio
of one barrel of oil (1 bbl) to six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of
natural gas. Mcfe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used
in isolation. A conversion ratio of 1 bbl to 6 Mcf is based on an
energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the
burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the
wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of
natural gas as compared to oil is significantly different from the
energy equivalent of 1:6, utilizing a conversion on a 1:6 basis may
be misleading as an indication of value.
References to "liquids" in this news release refer to,
collectively, heavy crude oil, light crude oil and medium crude oil
combined, and natural gas liquids.
"BOPD" means barrels of oil per day
"BNGLD" means barrels of natural gas liquids per day
"MCFD" means thousand cubic feet per day
"BOED" means barrels of oil equivalent per day
Non-GAAP and other Specified Financial Measures
This news release may contain financial measures commonly
used in the oil and natural gas industry, including "Adjusted
EBITDA", "Free Cash Flow" and "Net Debt". These financial measures
do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Readers are cautioned that these non-IFRS measure should not be
construed as an alternative to other measures of financial
performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS
measures provides additional information that Management believes
is meaningful in describing the Company's operational
performance, liquidity and capacity to fund capital expenditures
and other activities. Management believes that the presentation
of these non-IFRS measures provide 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.
"Adjusted EBITDA" is calculated as cash flow from (used in)
operating activities, adding back changes in non-cash working
capital, decommissioning obligation expenditures, transaction
costs and interest expense. The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA
to be a key capital management measure as it is both used within
certain financial covenants anticipated to be prescribed under
the New Credit Facilities and demonstrates Highwood's standalone
profitability, operating and financial performance in terms of
cash flow generation, adjusting for interest related to its capital
structure. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is cash flow
from (used in) operating activities.
"EBITDA" is a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be
comparable with similar measures presented by other companies.
EBITDA is used as an alternative measure of profitability
and attempts to represent the cash profit generated by the
Company's operations. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is
cash flow from (used in) operating activities. EBITDA is calculated
as cash flow from (used in) operating activities, adding back
changes in non-cash working capital, decommissioning obligation
expenditures and interest expense.
"Free Cash Flow" or "FCF" is used as an indicator of the
efficiency and liquidity of the Company's business, measuring its
funds after capital expenditures available to manage debt levels,
pursue acquisitions and assess the optionality to pay dividends
and/or return capital to shareholders though activities such as
share repurchases. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is
cash flow from (used in) operating activities. Free Cash Flow is
calculated as cash flow from (used in) operating activities, less
interest, office lease expenses, cash taxes and capital
expenditures.
"Net Debt" represents the carrying value of the Company's
debt instruments, including outstanding deferred acquisition
payments, net of Adjusted working capital. The Company uses Net
Debt as an alternative to total outstanding debt as Management
believes it provides a more accurate measure in assessing the
liquidity of the Company. The Company believes that Net Debt can
provide useful information to investors and shareholders in
understanding the overall liquidity of the Company.
"Net Debt / 2024E EBITDA" is calculated as net debt at the
ending period of each financial quarter divided by the 2024E
Adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that Net Debt / 2024E
Adjusted EBITDA is useful information to investors and
shareholders in understanding the time frame, in years, it would
take to eliminate Net Debt based on 2024E Adjusted
EBITDA.
"Operating netback (per BOE)" is calculated as the realized
price per boe, less royalties associated with the sale of petroleum
and natural gas products on a per boe basis, less the operating
costs associated with the production on a per boe basis. The
Company believes that Operating netback (per BOE) is a useful
measure of the profit that is made from each barrel of
production.
All dollar figures included herein are presented in
Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.
SOURCE HIGHWOOD ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD.